Centennial of the City of Toronto

Organization

Along with a General Centennial Committee, Toronto had at least sixteen Special Committees. They were the Music and Pagentry, Permanent Memorial, Flying, The "Toronto's Hundred Years" Publication, Travel Promotion, Veteran Reunion, Pictures, Religious Services, Stamp Exhibition, Sports, Street Decorations, Flower Show, Song Judging, Public Address, National Groups, and the Drills Corps Display Committee (which included a Mailing List Committee).

General Centennial Committee

Special Committees

It is possible more Committees existed, as it was published "It is greatly regretted that the names of the members of other committees which are being formed are not available for this edition."

Events and ceremonies

While events occurred throughout the year, many were scheduled to happen in one of three three-day periods. The first began on Victoria Day, the second after Dominion Day (now Canada Day), and the third at the end of summer, but before the Canadian National Exhibition's annual opening.

Victoria Day Weekend, May 24, 25, 26

Of note, Toronto first proclaimed Victoria Day in 1848. Soon recognised by the federal government, Canada became the first country to declare it a national holiday. By the time of Toronto's centennial, the movement had spread to the entire British Empire.

Re-opening of Fort York

Victoria Day (the 24th) was dedicated to the re-opening of Fort York, originally erected in the "virgin woods hereabouts in 1793". "At the touch of a Royal hand", the fort's gates were to be opened,

The guide to the centennial entices American readers by repeatedly highlighting General Zebulon Pike, encouraging them to "stand just as reverently here while the guide points out the exact spot on the battlements of Toronto's ancient citadel were Pike met death in his hour of victory."

The Empire Pageant

Running all three nights of the period was an "inspiring historic" Empire Pageant. Held a night, the outdoor performances looked at the history of the city from the establishments of Natives and M. de la Galissoniere, to then present day educational, industrial, and social developments.

It was noted in promotional materials that:

The show included an Exhibition Chorus of 2,000 "trained voices" conducted by Dr. H. A. Fricker. Fricker was at that point leading the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. Promotional materials billed Toronto as the "Choral Capital of America." Also performing was the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, under Dr. Ernest MacMillan. Both organizations still operate.

Canadian Corps Reunion, August 4, 5, 6

The first ever reunion of the Canadian Corps was held in Toronto, over a three-day period. While there was mischief reported, for the most part the soldier's celebration went off smoothly.

While original plans called for German and Austrian veterans to be included in the parade, but they were scratched at the day of. Corps reunion officials said, "They will not parade with the corps. Beyond that we do not wish to comment."

During the reunion

After two days of hospitalisation in Neudeck, East Prussia, President Paul Von Hindenburg of Germany died of uremia poisoning on 2 August 1934. Shortly after news of the 86-year-old's passing made Berlin, Chancellor Adolf Hitler was named President by Constitutional amendment. By the start of Toronto event for Great War veterans, German Minister of Propaganda Joseph Goebbels was reported to be working on a "high-pressure drive to bring Germans in mass to the polls Aug. 19 to vote Adolf Hitler into office as... "Fuehrer and Reich Chancellor"."

The host city itself was busy dealing with the Ontario Hunger Marchers. Marchers were holding meeting in Toronto parks without permits. While the hunger marchers had walked the highways down to the event, they were sent home via capacity-loaded trucks, as ordered by Premier Mitchell Hepburn, to remove them from the city. These Marchers were so prominent that some children mistook a veteran with a red beret for one.

Other notes

Some residents complained that "our largest hotels lack decorations of any description, and especially this week," when the veterans were in town.

Marketing of the Centennial

Part of the promotions included a pamphlet "Toronto Centennial 1834 1934: Within a night's ride for fifty million people of the U.S. and Canada". While including the locations of Sault Ste Marie, Niagara Falls, Montreal, and Quebec, the map focuses on American cities. This focus on the United States in highlighted in the second page text "To the Question---"WHERE WILL WE GO THIS YEAR?"/All America in 1934 can cheerfully answer/"TORONTO"". At the time, fifty million people were "[w]ithin an overnight trip" from the city. The pamphlet was of a significant gloss and weight, with a full-colour cover.

At the time, the City's marketing slogan was "The Citizens are the City".