The Town of York Historical Society

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EDUCATION PROGRAMS AT TORONTO’S FIRST POST OFFICE

Originally opened in 1833, this building served as the only post office in the city – then one of about 9,000 people – until 1839. Every single piece of communication that was not face to face passed over its postmaster’s desk in one direction or another. A British colonial institution, it was witness to an era of great political excitement and change in Upper Canada.

With so many ways to communicate, few young people living today have ever sent or received anything through the post. Here they will have the opportunity to write letters using quill pens and black walnut ink on cotton paper, then fold and seal them as was done in the 1830s. If they wish to do so, they can also mail the letters to themselves and thereby enter living history.

Prior to the hands-on activity of creating an old-fashioned letter, visitors learn about life in and around the town of York and early Toronto. Special attention is given not only to the central importance of the postal service, but to the urban environment then and now, and the links between the post office and the 1837 rebellion, including the dismissal of Postmaster James Scott Howard for suspected collaboration.

The program is ninety minutes in length and costs $4.50 per participant (or only $4.00 without postage). At its conclusion the letters are hand-cancelled by the postmaster using a reproduction of the 1834 circle, and are mailed from the oldest working post office in Canada. While especially appropriate to the curriculums of grades three and seven, it can be adapted for groups of all ages and interests, including seniors, ESL students and Girl Guides. All visitors have the opportunity to explore the streets of the early city by examining a topographical model of Toronto in 1837. It shows the area between Queen, Parliament, Front and Yonge Streets and gives valuable insight into the nature of the old town.

For further information or to book a tour, contact the post office at 416-865-1833.

History Squared

Enoch Turner Schoolhouse, in collaboration with Toronto’s First Post Office, is pleased to offer a special all-day program, “History Squared,” in which students get the chance to experience both museums, eat their bag lunches at the schoolhouse and enjoy a self-guided walking tour (10-15 minutes) between the two venues.

History Squared is designed to accommodate two classes at once – or a full busload – as the groups can switch places between the morning and afternoon programs. To learn more or to register you classes, simply contact the schoolhouse by phone at 416-863-0010 or by e-mail at schools@enochturnerschoolhouse.ca.