Walking? Even if it matters? In this weather? Stop! All right, so I will introduce one of my favourite restored home and boutique museums in Toronto that speaks to a strong culture prior to Confederation. Close to the Eaton’s Centre downtown, is the historic Mackenzie House. William Lyon Mackenzie, Toronto’s first mayor, a rebel of the small but lively “Rebellion of 1837 (alternatively known as the “Farmer’s Revolt”—ask me about my role in that play in High School) against the elitist British and an owner of a couch made out of horse hair!
Get off at Dundas St. on the Yonge-University Line, take a 10 minute walk, and get a docent led tour of this quaint historic home. A couple of nice rooms, some history about this strong and unusual leader in early Toronto (mid-19th century) also has a printing press in the basement. Learn about the origin of “upper and lower caps”, how difficult and tedious it was to print newspapers, and even get to stamp out some words on newsprint. The Xerox machine will appear golden compared to this primitive, but effective, means of reproduction.
Estimated time for tour: 45 minutes/30 minutes for printing press fun
Address: 82 BOND ST Toronto ON
M5B 1X2
Phone: (416) 392-6915
Contact: machouse@toronto.ca
Admission:
Adults: $6.19/Seniors (65 +): $3.54/Youth (13-18 yrs.): $3.54/Children (5-12 yrs.): $2.65
Children (4 and under): Free
Hours of operation:
January - April
Saturday - Sunday
Noon - 5 p.m.
March Break
Monday - Friday
Noon - 4 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday
Noon - 5 p.m.
May - Labour Day
Tuesday - Sunday
Noon - 5 p.m.
September - December
Tuesday - Friday
Noon - 4 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday
Noon - 5 p.m.
Christmas Eve, New Years Eve Day
Noon - 3 p.m
Mondays, Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day
Closed
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