Discover Toronto's history as told through its plaques

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"Ned" Hanlan 1855-1908

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted May, 2004

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted June, 2014

So why is there a monument to "Ned" Hanlan on Hanlan's Point at the ferry dock on Toronto Island? What is he holding in his right hand? To find out, let's read the text of the Ontario Heritage Trust plaque erected a short distance from the statue:

Coordinates: 43.627595 -79.389449

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One of Canada's greatest oarsmen, Edward Hanlan was born in Toronto. As a child he took up rowing when his family settled in this vicinity, now named Hanlan's Point. Although standing only 175 cm and rarely heavier than 68 kg, he became a leading international sculler. In 1873 Hanlan won the amateur rowing championship of Toronto Bay. Becoming a professional in 1876, he defeated all opponents in the Philadelphia Races of that year. He overcame all leading North American competitors and in 1880 won the world single sculls championship in England. Hanlan retained his title until 1884. A popular Toronto figure, he was elected Alderman for this area in 1898 and 1899.

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted September, 2006

Here's the text on the back of the monument:

Edward Hanlan's outstanding victories date from the Centennial Regatta Philadelphia Sept.6.1876 when he defeated all competitors including many of the greatest oarsmen of the world.
Victor in three hundred consecutive races his achievements are all the more worthy of commemoration by his display of that spirit of true sportsmanship which is held in honour in all fields of sport.
Championship of Ontario 1874.1875.1876
Championship of Maritime Provinces 1878
Championship of America 1878
Championship of England 1879
Championship of of the World 1880

Related webpages
Ned Hanlan
rowing

Related Toronto plaque
Edward Hanlan 1855-1908

Related Ontario plaque
"Jake" Gaudaur 1858-1937

Other plaques at Stanley Barracks
Royal Canadian Mounted Police 1873-1973
Stanley Barracks
Ukrainian Internments at Stanley Barracks

More plaques found on Toronto Island
Allan A. Lamport Regatta Course
Babe Ruth at Hanlan's Point
English's Boathouse
Gibraltar Point
Gibraltar Point Lighthouse
Island Filtration Plant
Island Water Treatment Plant
The Lake Light
Manitou Road
Milton Acorn and Gwendolyn MacEwen
Queen City Yacht Club
Residents or Parks? Remaking Toronto Island
The Royal Canadian Yacht Club
St. Andrew-by-the-Lake
Toronto Island

More
Sports

Here are the visitors' comments for this page.

> Posted November 10, 2008
I grew up on Alvin Ave at Yonge & St. Clair and went to Deer Park PS. Just near the school off Heath St. East on the edge of the ravine there were two big houses and the story was that Ned Hanlan had lived there. I am sure that the two houses are gone now and replaced by something else.

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