Ever wonder how Carlaw Avenue got its name?
Named for Major John Anderson Carlaw, cashier (comptroller) of the Grand Trunk Railway for more than thirty years, property owner and major in the Railway’s own military force, which was set up to defend its extensive holdings. His mother was Isabella Bain from Scotland, possibly connected to the Bain families in Toronto. John owned property near the from Scotland, possibly connected to the Bain families in Toronto. John owned property near the Leslies and when he subdivided his property, he ran a north-south street through it, naming it Carlaw Avenue. The parents of the great operatic singer Teresa Stratas lived on Carlaw Avenue, although her father had a coffee shop at Bay Street north of Dundas.
This is an excerpt from Elizabeth Muirs fantastic recently published book: Riverdale : East Of The Don
It is used with the authors permission. Please buy a copy to find out the history of your street (and neighbourhood) and at the same time support a great local author!
