Last fall, a masonry company working on the new Loblaws flagship at Maple Leaf Gardens unearthed a gift for local historians (and Loblaws public relations managers): a time capsule. A small copper box had been placed behind the cornerstone on September 21, 1931, and yesterday, Loblaws and Ryerson University finally revealed what was inside. Among the dozen items is a miniature Red Ensign flag (Canada’s national flag at the time), three hockey rulebooks and four newspapers containing stories about Japan invading Manchuria and the financial crisis (i.e. the Great Depression). Yes, 80-odd years ago Torontonians were obsessed with hockey and worried about a global economic slowdown. Sound familiar?
The best-kept secret in Toronto, a small (20 cm x 12 cm x 12 cm) copper box sat in the masonry of Maple Leaf Gardens for nearly 80 years, unbeknownst to all
The best-kept secret in Toronto, a small (20 cm x 12 cm x 12 cm) copper box sat in the masonry of Maple Leaf Gardens for nearly 80 years, unbeknownst to all
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The reason for including this hand-carved ivory elephant is a mystery. A good luck charm for the hometown team, perhaps?
A stock prospectus for Maple Leaf Gardens gives information about the building’s construction and prospective earnings
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The National Hockey League’s Official Rule Book. Apparently, hockey players were fitter in the ’30s; only 10 players per team were allowed to dress, including two goalies, compared with today’s 23-player rosters
The National Hockey League’s Official Rule Book. Apparently, hockey players were fitter in the ’30s; only 10 players per team were allowed to dress, including two goalies, compared with today’s 23-player rosters
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The Canadian Amateur Hockey Association’s 1931 Official Hockey Rules handbook. One of three (three!) hockey rule books in the capsule
The Red Ensign was still Canada’s national flag in 1931 (the Maple Leaf we know and love wouldn’t be unfurled for another 34 years)
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A stock prospectus for Maple Leaf Gardens tells us that the gate receipts for the 1929-30 season totalled $186,251.30. Small potatoes compared with the $91 million netted during the 2009-10 season, according to <em>Forbes</em>
A stock prospectus for Maple Leaf Gardens tells us that the gate receipts for the 1929-30 season totalled $186,251.30. Small potatoes compared with the $91 million netted during the 2009-10 season, according to Forbes
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<em>The Globe</em> was considered a left-leaning daily in 1931. Headlines on September 21, 1931 included “Young Hunter Perishes” and “New York Markets Remain Open Today to Face New Crisis”
The Globe was considered a left-leaning daily in 1931. Headlines on September 21, 1931 included “Young Hunter Perishes” and “New York Markets Remain Open Today to Face New Crisis”
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Five years after this September 21, 1931 issue of the <em>Mail and Empire,</em> the paper merged with <em>The Globe</em> to become the <em>Globe and Mail</em>
The ivory (white) elephant is very rare and their appearance today is still considered a phenomenon of the gods in many parts of continental Asia. That being said the traditional symbol for luck is ALWAYS with the trunk up. Perhaps since the trunk on the charm is down it has been bad luck for the Leafs, which would be a good (and interesting) excuse as to why they’ve historically sucked terribly. Maybe we can consider it a good omen now that it has been unearthed.