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Central Technical School 100th Anniversary Book

Help publish a book to commemorate 100 years of CTS in Toronto, one of Canada's great schools.

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Central Technical School 100th Anniversary Book

Central Technical School 100th Anniversary Book

Central Technical School 100th Anniversary Book

Central Technical School 100th Anniversary Book

Central Technical School 100th Anniversary Book

Help publish a book to commemorate 100 years of CTS in Toronto, one of Canada's great schools.

Help publish a book to commemorate 100 years of CTS in Toronto, one of Canada's great schools.

Help publish a book to commemorate 100 years of CTS in Toronto, one of Canada's great schools.

Help publish a book to commemorate 100 years of CTS in Toronto, one of Canada's great schools.

Leo Darmitz
Leo Darmitz
Leo Darmitz
Leo Darmitz
1 Campaign |
Toronto, Canada
$1,065 USD $1,065 USD 11 backers
15% of $7,052 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal

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.

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.

The Present

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. 

Image; Alumni and corporate donor plaques mounted in the main hallway of the school.
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Choose your Perk

Thank You!

Currency Conversion $4 USD
$5 CAD
In thanks for your contribution, you will receive an anniversary decal as it appears on the opening page of this appeal. Help promote our anniversary by applying it somewhere visible!
Estimated Shipping
July 2015
1 claimed

Souvenir Pin

Currency Conversion $11 USD
$15 CAD
For this contribution, we will send you a beautiful enamel anniversary pin showing the same image as that of the decal. Show off your pin to help promote our anniversary!
Estimated Shipping
July 2015
0 out of 60 of claimed

Souvenir Pin and Decal

Currency Conversion $14 USD
$20 CAD
For this contribution, we will send you both a decal and an anniversary enamel pin. Keep these on display to help promote our celebrations!
Estimated Shipping
July 2015
0 out of 60 of claimed

Hard Cover Copy of the Book

Currency Conversion $35 USD
$50 CAD
You will receive a hard cover copy of the commemorative book, “Central Tech, 100 Years of Excellence”, which you helped to fund with your generous contribution. Shipping is included to anywhere in Canada and the Continental U.S.
Estimated Shipping
September 2015
3 out of 100 of claimed

Hard Cover Book, Pin, Decal

Currency Conversion $42 USD
$60 CAD
You will receive a hard cover copy of the commemorative book, “Central Tech, 100 Years of Excellence”, which you helped to fund with your generous contribution. In addition, you will also receive the souvenir enamel pin and decal. Shipping is included to anywhere in Canada and the Continental U.S.
Estimated Shipping
September 2015
0 out of 50 of claimed

Engraved Plaque Recognition

Currency Conversion $71 USD
$100 CAD
Have your name, or the name of a loved one, engraved on a plaque mounted in the main hallway of the school (see photo below the history section). This may be mounted under the STUDENTS, FACULTY, IN MEMORIUM, or SUPPORTER headings. We will contact you to make arrangements. You will also receive a decal.
Estimated Shipping
July 2015
0 out of 30 of claimed

Wine and Dine

Currency Conversion $88 USD
$125 CAD
We will be hosting a dinner and dance in Toronto on October 17, 2015 and we will send you one ticket to this event. It will be a great night for a great cause, and it even includes an open bar! For additional details visit the alumni website at ctsalumni.com.
Estimated Shipping
July 2015
0 out of 30 of claimed

Plaque, Book, Pin, and Decal

Currency Conversion $113 USD
$160 CAD
Have your name, or the name of a loved one, engraved on a plaque mounted in the main hallway of the school (see photo below the history section). This may be mounted under the STUDENTS, FACULTY, IN MEMORIUM, or SUPPORTER headings. We will contact you to make arrangements. We will also send you a hard cover copy of the book, a decal and an enamel pin.
Estimated Shipping
September 2015
2 out of 20 of claimed

Become Part of the Book

Currency Conversion $247 USD
$350 CAD
You or your corporation will be allotted a 1-1/2” by 3-5/8” area in the book to offer your congratulations for Central Tech's 100th anniversary. You will also receive a copy of the book when published. The donor shall supply the artwork, and we will work with you to finalize it.
Estimated Shipping
September 2015
0 out of 20 of claimed

Corporate Plaque

Currency Conversion $353 USD
$500 CAD
This perk is intended for corporations. We will engrave your corporation's name on a plaque and mount it under the CORPORATIONS heading of our Legend Wall in the main hallway of the school. We will also send you a copy of the book, a decal and an enamel pin.
Estimated Shipping
September 2015
0 out of 10 of claimed

Corporate Combo

Currency Conversion $529 USD
$750 CAD
Have the name of your corporation engraved on a plaque as described in the $500 perk, and receive recognition in the congratulations section of the commemorative book as described in the $350 perk. You will receive everything included in both the $500 and $350 perks.
Estimated Shipping
September 2015
1 out of 5 of claimed

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