Downtown Yonge East in Toronto, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

The Toronto Normal School

Photographed by Tim Boyd, October 24, 2024

1. The Toronto Normal School Marker

Inscription. The Toronto Normal School, the first provincial institution for the systematic traming of elementary school-teachers, was established in 1847 through the initiative of the Reverend Egerton Ryerson, Chief Superintendent of Schools for Canada West. In 1852 the School was located in Classical Revival style buildings designed for this site by F. W Cumberland and Thomas Ridout. At first the Normal School had to provide academic instruction for some poorly educated student-teachers, but, increasingly, emphasis was placed on professional training. As a result the Toronto Normal School contributed significantly to the gradual improvement of teaching standards throughout Ontario and it became a leading centre for teacher training. In 1941 the Normal School was moved to a different site and renamed Toronto Teachers' College in 1953

Erected by Ontario Heritage Foundation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.

Location. 43° 39.483′ N, 79° 22.732′ W. Marker is in Toronto, Ontario. It is in Downtown Yonge East. It is on Gould Street 0.3 kilometers east of Yonge Street, on the left when traveling

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east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 50 Gould Street, Toronto ON M5B 1Y2, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto

and on the Golden Horseshoe.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ryerson Polytechnical Institue (a few steps from this marker); The Toronto Normal and Model School (within shouting distance of this marker); Toronto Normal School Coat of Arms (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Ontario College of Pharmacy (about 210 meters away); Layers of Change (about 210 meters away); Le Coq d’Or Tavern (about 210 meters away); International Union of Operating Engineers Local 793 (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); The Athenaeum Club (1891) (approx. half a kilometer away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toronto.

Also see . . . Toronto Normal School (Wikipedia).

On July 2, 1851, the cornerstone for a new building was laid by Governor General Lord Elgin, and the Normal (and Model) School building opened in May 1852. The new building was designed to accommodate two hundred teachers-in-training and six hundred pupils. It was situated on a 3.2 hectare (8 acres) site, bounded by Gerrard, Church, Gould and Victoria streets, which Ryerson had acquired for the Normal School at a cost of 4500 pounds. The site was described in 1858 as follows:
Photographed by Tim Boyd, October 24, 2024

2. The Toronto Normal School Marker
"The situation is a very beautiful one, being considerably elevated above the business parts of the city, and commanding a fine view of the bay, peninsula and lake."

(Submitted on October 31, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)

Photographed by Tim Boyd, October 24, 2024

3. The Toronto Normal School Marker

Bottom of right of the photo

The Toronto Normal School in 1890 image. Click for full size.

4. The Toronto Normal School in 1890

Source: Archives of Ontario (public domain)

Toronto Normal School facade image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, October 24, 2024

5. Toronto Normal School facade

Preserved on the grounds of Toronto Metropolitan University

Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 332 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 31, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.