Toronto has a wonderful piece of history sitting on its waterfront called the “Sunnyside Beach Pavilion” that has been around since 1922. I have seen this structure at least a million times in my few short years living in Toronto and never ceases to amaze me on how beautiful it is. I even looked at is at a potential wedding venue 2 years ago that is how much I’m enamored with this structure.
1920’s Sunnyside
Sunnyside Bathing Pavilion – A Grand Piece of Toronto History
The name “Sunnyside” had been used to denote a beach and its surrounding area for 70-plus years before the amusement park and beach pavilion opened. The name may have been coined by George Howard, a prominent citizen whom in 1848 had built a home overlooking the shore on the sunny side of a hill (source).
By the 1920s, swimming at the foot of Roncesvalles Avenue had been popular for over thirty years, as there was a swimming area near a pumping station. This changed in 1913 when the pumping station was demolished to make way for the bridge connecting Lakeshore Road and the King/Queen/Roncesvalles intersection. A staircase was built for pedestrians to walk down to the shoreline. A slide was installed for bathers to slide down into the water (COOL!).
1912 Sunnyside Beach Source: Toronto Archives
By 1920, this area was filled in and the beach was moved farther to the south. For the year 1921, the beach was recorded as having over 302,525 visitors (Source).
This influx of bathers to the area meant that there was a space needed where they could change, so on June 28th, 1922 the “Sunnyside Bathing Pavilion” was born.
Sunnyside Pavilion-Today
Sunnyside bathing pavilion-1922.
1920s vintage photo of a large amount of people enjoying the water and beach at Sunnyside Beach and Pavilion.
Sunnyside Beach 1924.
Information about the Beach building
The building, constructed of concrete, cost $300,000. Each wing held an outdoor changing area, lockers and showers, the women’s side on the east, and men’s side on the west. It offered over 7,700 lockers for patrons, a roof garden for 400. Admission fees were 25¢ for adults and 15¢ for children, and bathing suits and towels could be rented. In the center was a staircase leading to an upper terrace which overlooked the change areas leading to a rear terrace which ran the full length of the building and overlooked the beach.
The “Tank”
If you have ever been to Ontario and attempted to swim in the waters you would quickly realize that they are not the most ideal for swimming..cold! And so in 1925 a giant swimming pool called the “Tank” was built and could accommodate up to 2000 swimmers. It was considered at that time the largest swimming pool in the world and you can still go swimming in this pool today.
1940s Sunnyside Pool. Look how big it is in this image..HUGE!
Bathing Pavilion Today
In 1980 the Bathing Pavilion was renovated with the outdoor lockers and changing areas being demolished and new changing rooms were built.
Front of the Pavilion
Currently under construction to bring it back to former glory
The pool was rededicated as the ‘Gus Ryder Pool’, named after Marilyn Bell’s coach, the founder and coach of the Lakeshore Swim Club of New Toronto. I also just happened to find a plaque about Marilyn Bells near by as seen below…
And that my friends is a brief history on the Sunnyside Bathing Pavilion.
As a lover of history in Toronto it thrills me to the bone that Toronto has taken the time to preserve this piece of history. I sometimes find our city is so preoccupied with putting up millions of condos that us regular folks can’t afford that they forget that we don’t have tons of places like the Sunnyside Pavilion still standing that they should not so quickly discard.
I look forward to sitting by this structure for many more years to come.
Do you have something like this in your home town? Or a structure that has lots of history that your city takes pride in preserving it? Let me know!
I’m about to share below a great post created by the Toronto Vintage Society about the amazing and fantastic “Tatyana Designs” (formally known as Bettie Page) that is opening in Toronto ASAP!
But before I do this I want to quickly share my own story about this brand.
I have been wearing Tatyana clothing for many years now. In fact the Bettie Page brand (as it was called originally at start-up) was my first entry into the world of “Vintage reproduction clothing”. I was in Las Vegas and was wandering lost in Planet Hollywood when all of a sudden I saw the iconic image of Bettie Page staring back at me with racks of beautiful garments just begging to be tried on behind her. I purchased 2 dresses (which I still wear today) and have not stopped buying since.
Now every time I visit Vegas I go to the store in the forum shops and buy something and catch up with the shop girls that have now become our friends. My husband is also noted as the “guy who gave a mini swing dancing lesson in the store” to the Tatyana staff 🙂 I have also gotten my mom addicted to the brand and she sports many wonderful pieces in her closet too.
To show you the love here is a picture of my collection!
My collection
NOW for the post I promised you….Toronto Vintage Society’s Sneak Peak Post:
Toronto has been buzzing for months around rumours of getting the golden-era inspired dress company behind the Bettie Page brand – Tatyana!
Vintage and retro style lovers – from swing dancers to rockabilly fans – have been dying to get their hands on the full range of clothing since they were dreamed up in 2006. The Tatyana company has chosen Toronto to be it’s 20th location AND it’s first international store….and we couldn’t be more thrilled!
“Our newest Tatyana boutique is situated in the heart of Toronto,” notes Tatyana Designs co-CEO Jan Glaser. “We continue to be gratified by the enthusiastic acceptance of Tatyana’s designs by women from all walks of life. This is especially true as we have an enormous Canadian following with thousands wearing our dresses representing a disproportionate percentage of our customers. Now we have the opportunity to honor their patronage with our first Canadian outlet in an amazing location.”
The Toronto Vintage Society are huge supporters of any new company that wants to join our ranks in bringing the retro inspired lifestyle to this city…and there is room for everyone!!! To find out more we reached out to the company. The lovely Hayley from the NYC Boutique and new Toronto Store Manager Martha made time to let the Toronto Vintage Society have a sneak peek at what’s in store.
The first thing we found out is that the SOFT OPENING event will be THIS SATURDAY starting at 2pm! The FIRST 10 people through the door will receive a goody bag, there will be bubbly drinks and tasty treats…more importantly there will a 20% discount to anyone who mentions “TORONTO VINTAGE LOVES TATYANA“
Despite busily setting up for their opening weekend soft opening, they still managed to take the time to answer some questions for us!
What is the company history of Tatyana?
Tatyana Designs is named after the founder and lead designer (Tatyana Khomyakova) who began designing retro inspired dresses when she founded her first clothing line, Bettie Page Clothing, in 2006. Born in northern Russia, Tatyana loved the arts and fashion from her earliest memories. After excelling at the University of Culture with degrees in theater and fashion, she began her modeling, Tatyana, after becoming a high fashion couture model, studied fashion design in France and London which led to her expertise in unique women’s vintage style design. Dismissing the “frivolous trends of the moment,” the high fashion model decided to bring into being a line that reflects the beauty and mystery of women without being vulgar or “Trendy.” Bettie Page Clothing was born.
In 2006, we opened our first boutique at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino on the strip in Las Vegas, NV. Soon thereafter, we opened Hollywood, Forum Shops in Las Vegas, San Francisco, San Diego, Boston, New York, Nashville and more so that we now have twenty Boutiques.
In 2014, Tatyana emerged from the Bettie Page Clothing line to unveil her new company: Tatyana. The future of the line is as varied as women themselves. The nature of the dresses appeal to all demographics. Young people like the dresses because they are unusual and a “little crazy” so they can stand out in a crowd. Middle aged clients enjoy the elegance and “mystery” the dresses convey. Moreover, the older generation appreciates the nostalgia which reminds them of their youth. Everything from fabric content and design to the silhouettes themselves undergo constant change and evolution to meet the demands of clients.
Tatyana has found her place in the fashion world, which is fortunate not only for her, but for women everywhere.
I feel you two are the main players in making this store come to life…tell us about yourselves!
Martha (Boutique Manager TO) and Hayley (Boutique Manger NY)
Hayley– Well I am just here in Toronto helping Miss Martha out, I actually live in Brooklyn and manage our Manhattan store at 303 Bowery. (Come say hi if you are ever in town!) I started with the company about four years ago when I opened our San Francisco location on Haight Street. It was a fantastic time to join the team, because the company was really taking off. We started opening boutiques all over the country, and I was fortunate enough to be involved in opening quite a few of them. When the decision to open in New York City was made, I had to jump on it. Obviously. I am a die hard vintage fan, and even more so just a fashion enthusiast. I love all things beautiful and retro.
Martha– I am from Prince Edward Island and new to Toronto! Simply pleased and tickled to be the store manager for Tatyana Boutique first International location. I have a background in retail & customer service that has allowed me to collect passport stamps from also being a retail buyer. I feel like fashion is in my blood since my ‘Granny’ wore dresses everyday and taught me you can never be over dressed!.
Why did the Tatyana company decide to open its next store on Toronto?
H-Martha, how many people did you say live here? Toronto is fabulous city and full of energy. Where else would we want to open our first international store?
M- 2.5 Million!
The line has vintage/retro inspired feel…are your clients only vintage / rockabilly / swing fans?
H- Not at all. Of course we have tons of clients that are into the scene (and we adore you!) but we also cater to a wide a range of clients, we literally have something for everyone. In NYC I have a great mix of rockabilly pin up gals, professionals, and just girls into fashion. Our clients are women from all backgrounds that just want to feel beautiful in what they wear.
M- I am just learning about all the vintage styles. I have more of a classic or lady-like look so I appreciate the cut and style that Tatyana Boutique offers to suit a real women’s body. I plan to mix in circle skirts and get a few make-up lessons so that I fit right in here.
Tell us about the most iconic Tatyana dress and how it was inspired and designed.
H- That is a tough one! I would have to say the Brigit, the Alika and the Captain are our most iconic dresses. All three of these have been in to many magazines and tv shows to name. My personal favorite at the moment though is the Shirlee Tegee! We had a “bring it back contest” last year where clients sent in photos of their mothers and grandmothers in beautiful garments. One of the winners was this little number, a dress that the first Miss USA wore in 1947. I am obsessed with the fabric, cut, and the print was so ahead of its time! Oh, and it has pockets!!
M- I have my eye on a few! I think that Annie’s Garden with a bow belt is the new one I will purchase!
Shirley Tegge Dress
The Stunning Creator of TVS-Jacquie at the recent “Hats and Horseshoes” event
What do you hope to happen for Tatyana in Toronto specifically? Do you see it as a simple walk-in Queen St W business or do you seeing it having an impact on the community?
H- If this city falls in love with Tatyana the way we have fallen in love with you, we hope to make this Boutique a destination shopping location. Yes, tourists will shop with us… but we really want to get involved. The city has so much to offer and we are thrilled to be apart of it.
M- Toronto has been patiently waiting for these dresses with the correct mixture of bright, fun, and flirty…we are all going to look like ladies!
What else will Tatyana have to offer in Toronto other than great clothes and accessories?
H- Exceptional customer service. We pride ourselves in taking client satisfaction to the next level. Our prices may not be that of a high-end designer store, but our mentality is. Oh, and we are also having a fabulous party mid September! Have you heard of Tempest Storm? We have something killer in the works…stay tuned!
One that note, we will be helping out Hayley and Martha to make their Grand Opening happen in true Toronto Vintage style! A little bit of everything should do the trick! You DO truly want to stay tuned!
Here are some fun sneak peek pictures of what to expect from Tayana’s Toronto Boutique:
Lines ups…inside and out!
Some studio lighting…perhaps for some in-store pin-up shoots??!! The “Archie” Dress in Diamond Blue
Martha with the “Sweet Berries” dress
Stairs to the upper levels which may include “community space”!
Colour…and lots of it!
Steaming the “Captain’s Circle” in Navy
Hayley looking glamorous no matter the task in the “Ping Pong” dress!
Nautical Playsuit!
Vintage lamps picked up at Courage my Love in Kensington Market!
Almost ready to go!
Don’t Forget! SATURDAY, AUGUST 2nd at 2pm
Location: 322 Queen St. West- Goody Bag for the first 10 people through the door
– bubbly drinks and tasty treats for everyone
– 20% off if you remember to tell them that…. “TORONTO VINTAGE LOVES TATYANA”Stay tuned for news about their Grand Opening Event in September!Toronto Vintage Society Team!
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On a side note…I think I want to buy this dress and channel my inner urge to be Anita from West Side Story. -Liz-
