Yorkville in Toronto, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Penny Farthing
Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 1, 2025
1. The Penny Farthing Marker
In 1963, John and Marilyn McHugh, owners of one of Yorkville's first coffee houses, the Half Beat, opened the Penny Farthing in this Victorian house. For the next seven years, the venue hosted folk, blues, and jazz performances.
Inside, patrons heard such Canadian musicians as Malka & Joso, The Allen-Ward Trio, and The Dirty Shames, as well as international stars including Josι Feliciano, John Lee Hooker, and Josh White. Jazz artist Jim McHarg and his Metro Stompers recorded the album Stompin' at the Penny (1965) here with the legendary Lonnie Johnson. The coffee house also featured a backyard patio with a swimming pool.
The Penny Farthing gave two prominent Canadian artists their starts. A young Canadian folksinger-songwriter, Joan Anderson, who performed here in 1965, went on to international acclaim as Joni Mitchell. One year later, the Stormy Clovers debuted the songs of poet and songwriter Leonard Cohen.
Erected 2016 by Heritage Toronto.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Toronto Heritage series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1963.
Location. 43° 40.252′ N, 79° 23.573′
this page online
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 Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mount Sinai Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); Budd Sugarman (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Public Transit in Yorkville (about 120 meters away); Heliconian Hall (about 120 meters away); Toronto Heliconian Club (about 120 meters away); John Daniels House (about 120 meters away); Church of the Redeemer (about 240 meters away); The Lillian Massey Laboratory of Household Science (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toronto.
Also see . . . What Yorkville was like in the 1960s (BlogTO).
The 60s were a vibrant era in Toronto's history. The spirit of revolution was celebrated through nonconformity, creativity, drug and sexual exploration. Yorkville was at the heart of it all.(Submitted on June 5, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)
By the late 60s a network of up to 40 clubs and coffee houses dotted the Yorkville scene. Talent was expressed in all forms; poetry readings, art showings, fashion boutiques, and above all, live music. People from all over North America traveled to experience the bustle of the neighbourhood.
Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 1, 2025
2. The Penny Farthing Marker
courtesy John McHugh, 1966
3. The Penny Farthing marker photos and captions and caption detail
Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 1, 2025
4. The Penny Farthing marker photos and captions detail (right)
Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 1, 2025
5. The Penny Farthing Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 192 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 5, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
