York Pioneer Journal Launch 2025
What: Launch of the 2025 York Pioneer Journal and Re-Dedication of Scarborough Firehall #1 Cornerstone 1925-2025
When: Sun Nov 2, 2025; 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: 351 Birchmount Rd, Scarborough (Birchmount Rd. and Highview Ave. -- north of Danforth Ave.)
Street parking is available in adjacent neighbourhood.
Schedule of Events
10:00 AM: Arrival
10:30 AM: Welcome Addresses, Re-Dedication of Cornerstone
11:30 AM: Museum Exhibits, Mix & Mingle, BBQ, Distribution & Sales of Journals
***
“READ ALL ABOUT IT!”
It is May 19, 1925, and you are waiting patiently for the radial car on Kingston Road at Birchmount. The corner paper boy continues...
“CONTRACT LET FOR CONSTRUCTION OF BIG FIRE HALL IN SCARBOROUGH.”
The fellow standing beside you grumbles: "It's about time!"
“READ ALL ABOUT IT! WELL-KNOWN BUILDER GETS THE JOB. $17,500.”
A lady adds: "Discussion and arguing at Township Council has been going on for years!"
Another guy asks, "Did it have to take several cases of arson to get moving on this?"
“REEVE MCCOWAN DONATING THE FIREHALL CORNER-STONE. READ ALL ABOUT IT!”
Getting agitated, you point out: "McCowan has to walk a fine line -- the farmers north of us want to separate from Scarborough"
“CONSTRUCTION OF SCARBOROUGH'S FIRST FIREHALL STARTS JUNE 1, 1925. READ ALL ABOUT IT!”
***
And you, too, can read all about it in the 2025 issue of the York Pioneer, one of Canada's longest-running local history journals. The Journal will be available, at the event, for distribution to YPHS 2025 members in good standing and for purchase by the general public.
Enjoy speeches and presentations, refreshments, tours of the Scarborough Firefighting Museum, the launch of the 2025 issue of the York Pioneer Journal, and mingling with friends and neighbours.
It was reported in the Globe that about 500 people attended the 1925 laying of the Cornerstone.
The event is a collaboration of the Toronto Fire Historical Society and the York Pioneer and Historical Society.
