Introduction
CENTRAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL,
in the heart of Toronto, Ontario, first opened its doors to students
in 1915 and this year will be the celebration of its 100th
anniversary. The CTS Alumni Association
is working hard to publish a book, titled “Central Tech, 100 Years of Excellence”,
summarizing the rich history of this school and the surrounding community.
We, the members of the Alumni Association, are looking to
raise the funds necessary to cover the costs of printing the book in Canada. This book has been our goal since the
association was revived in 2007, and we’ve been volunteering our time researching
and writing to make it a reality.
All contributions will
first and foremost go towards the printing and distribution of the desired
number of copies of the book. All books
will be printed in full colour and with hard cover. Should we
exceed our goal, excess funds will go towards providing bursaries to deserving
students at CTS.
In appreciation of any contributions, we’ve prepared an
assortment of interesting perks related to CTS and our 100th anniversary
celebration. This includes commemorative
items such as decals, pins and, of course, copies of the book itself, “Central
Tech, 100 Years of Excellence”.
See our list of perks for details about these and other related offers.
Besides your contribution, spreading the word about our
campaign and the 100th anniversary celebrations will greatly help in
ensuring their success. For more
information about our association and our ongoing efforts, please visit our
website using the website link provided below.
History
Central
Technical School
is a school that could be described as a one of a kind. It began as a concept for training people in
needed trade skills in the last decade of the 1800’s. Originally called the Toronto Technical
School, it had a humble
beginning in scattered temporary locations. Within ten years, a building was acquired from
the struggling Toronto Athletic Club at 149 College Street called the Stewart Building. This building still stands as a testimony to
the school’s history. Although this new
home consolidated most of the school in one location it proved to be inadequate. Before the dust had settled on the
renovations to their new home it was evident that larger and more permanent
facilities were required. In 1912 a
worldwide competition was held for the design of a bigger and better structure
to house all activities in one location. The design submitted by Ross and MacFarlane
(Architects of Montreal) was chosen and construction commenced. On September 3, of 1913 the cornerstone was
laid by then Prime Minister of Canada, Robert Borden. Within two years, on August 31, 1915 the
ribbon was cut to commence classes in the present structure.
Because the City of Toronto
recognized that such a school had been absolutely necessary, the school was
honoured by having the Coat of Arms of the city displayed over its main
entrance. It is the only school in the
system that bears this honour.
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Image: The front entrance of Central Tech with the City of Toronto coat of arms set above.
Central Tech. (CTS) was opened in the midst of the first
great war. This was important as it
immediately provided Canada
a place to train the hundreds of machinists, technicians, and servicemen
required for the war effort. Its
importance was so great that immediately following the conflict, French General
Paul Pau paid a visit to the school to thank everyone responsible for their contribution
to victory.
A little better than twenty years later, the school again
took up the challenge and provided the facilities for training for another world
conflict. During the next six years, the
school was a 24 hour-a-day hive of activity.
Just about every skill required for the military was taught; machinists,
radio operators, aircraft technicians, and seamstresses filled the classrooms
throughout the day and night.
Following World War
II, Canada
had a tremendous influx of immigrants all seeking employment. CTS again took up the challenge and assisted
our newcomers by providing a first class training ground for the much needed
skills in our growing society. With this
influx, the school was again running out of room. In 1951, work began on another expansion that
would provide quality space for the teaching of automotive service skills as
well as skills for a growing aircraft industry.
In 1962, it was recognized that the existing building could
not provide adequate space for the growing number of students who wished to
pursue a career in various fields of visual arts. Therefore, steps were taken and a building
dedicated to the arts was constructed just north of the main building. This building went on to be awarded a Massey
Medal for Architecture in 1964. Only 30
such medals were ever awarded in the 20 years they were handed out.
Shortly following the opening of the art building, new
facilities for additional trades classes were built at the north west corner of the campus. These facilities would also house an Olympic
sized swimming pool as well as other gymnastic facilities.
From the day the lands were first assembled in 1912, the
school grounds were continually being crowded by new construction. As a result, additional land was acquired to
a point that the school and grounds now occupy an area that once was four
individual city blocks; it is now one.
Central Tech was and still is not just a trades school. Many persons who have passed through the
doors of CTS have gone on to fame and recognition. Some are quite recognizable while others are
not so, even though the work they have left behind is well known. Those that may be recognized include Ed
Mirvish, Johnny Lombardi, and A. J. Casson to name but three. But how many appreciate that the images on some
of the Canadian coins they have in their pockets as well as a monument on University Avenue were
designed by a student who studied at CTS.
How many understand that the monuments atop the Princes Gates at the CNE
were the creation of another CTS student?
Emanuel Hahn and Charles D. McKechnie respectively are their names. How many would be surprised to learn that as
many as eight attendees of CTS went on to receive the Order of Canada? One of those went to CTS to train to become
an electrician, but changed course, became a physicist and was awarded the honour
in 1974. His name was Leon Katz. AND who in Canada
is not familiar with the prestigious memorial to Canada’s
war dead called the Canadian National
Vimy Memorial in France. That most glorious monument was designed by a
young man who took classes at the school which became CTS back in the mid
1890’s. His name was Walter Seymour
Allward. There are many interesting
stories behind many other interesting people all of whom were touched in some
way by CTS.
Even though there are many more stories of those who are no
longer with us, there are those still in our midst that can also be mentioned. The names of at least three former students graced
the programme of the 1988 Olympic Games; one bringing home a silver medal in
boxing. One athlete, who was also at
those 1988 Games is currently a faculty member at CTS.
Central Tech. has left a legacy in football as well. At least six can be found on the rosters of a
number of Canadian Football League teams of years gone by.
The entertainment world has also been blessed by CTS
graduates.
The lead singer of a popular
vocal group in the 1950’s was a CTS grad. There is also a CTS grad who is currently
making the rounds of the reggae and soul music scene. A couple of former students have even gone on
to receive an Academy Award.
It is now 2015, one hundred years following the opening day
ceremonies, and we are approaching the day on which we will be celebrating the
end of a fabulous century of learning.
One hundred years of a school’s existence carries a lot of history.
As outlined above, it is the intention of the current Alumni
Association to summarize those hundred years in a commemorative book. This crowdfunding appeal was created to assist in this effort. Besides
the general population, we hope that former students and faculty will find us
on this site and assist us in achieving our goal. Perhaps you may also wish to attend our Gala
weekend, October 16 to 18, with a dinner and dance held on October 17. More details can be found on our website
which can be accessed by the website button below.
As a means of recognizing the many who have and are
continuing to support the Alumni’s efforts, a panel has been installed in the
main hallway of the school where plaques, purchased by generous individuals and
corporations are being displayed.