Summer Romance at Bond Lake Park

Boating

Howard Park Methodist Church, Toronto, Sunday School Picnic at Bond Lake, 1914. Pictured are Martha Fortune Irwin, John C. W. Irwin, Archie Blakely, Agnes Larimer

We were somewhat frightened of this lake because "it has no bottom." I remember going for a ride in a rowboat - properly attired in my white dress with a blue sash around the middle, white stockings, probably black buttoned boots, and a straw hat. No one needed to tell me to sit very still in the middle of the boat. I did not want to go for a ride because I was scared skinny, but since everyone else was daring to go I could not let on how frightened I was. I enjoyed it but was mighty glad to disembark at the boat house.

Vera Clarke,"Memories Regarding the Metropolitan Railway," typescript, Aurora Museum

Dancing

In June 1910 arrangements were made and advertised for dancing in Bond Lake Park each Wednesday and Saturday evening, beginning at 8:30 p.m. and continuing until 11.45. We had a four-piece orchestra and our charge was ladies 25 cents and gentlemen 50 cents, but must be together and not strangers.

We were very successful in having a good attendance and our orchestra used good judgment in playing some of the old time dances which, owing to the character of the visitors, was much enjoyed and appreciated. We closed the dance each night in time for dancers to get the last car either way from Bond Lake.

Charles Wilson,"The Metropolitan Street Railway," typescript, Toronto Transit Commission Archives

Riding Home

Grinding merrily up Yonge Street, the Metropolitan trolleys took dancers to Bond Lake. Couples swung gracefully around the floor until the last car left. They spooned decorously in the straightback seats as the car trundled down the slopes. Their romances were quite as exciting and stimulating as those of the rubber-tired, internal combustion generation.

E.E. Ball,"Memories of E.E. Ball," typescript, North York Historical Society Collection, North York Public Library