Naming of London Streets

Read Before the London and Middlesex Historical Society, May 16, 1905.
Revised and Corrected up to date, January 9, 1909.
By Harriet Priddis,
Brook Farm, London

This very long article was published in the Centennial Review 1967, by the London and Middlesex Historical Society and is reprinted here in its entirety. It is easy to become slightly confused as you read the article, just remember that it was updated by Harriet in 1909 so many of the streets have since disappeared or been renamed.
Tip:  If you are looking for a particular street, go the Edit Menu and choose Find.


The Naming of London Streets

The first name on record that can be applied to the Forty-third degree North Latitude and Eighty-first West Longitude, where the City of London now stands is of Italian origin, America for Americo Vespucci, a Florentine navigator.

Then comes Canada from the Iroquois word Kanata, literally a collection of huts; but used by the Indians to designate any town or settlement, applied by the French voyageurs to the land extending from the Ohio River north to the Hudson.

Henry of Navarre tried changing the name to "Nouvelle France" but Canada finally prevailed. The voyageurs continued their explorations westward along the shores of the Erie or Cat lake, and about the middle of the seventeenth century reported the existence of a forked river in the favourite hunting ground of the neutrals, which the natives called Askunesipi antlered river; but to which they gave the name La Tranchee, from the even depth and uniform flow of water of the part near the mouth.

The next name that appears in our distant horizon is the German Hesse, applied to the most westerly of four districts into which Lord Dorchester, Governor General, in 1788 divided the newly settled country north of the Great lakes, intending to establish a permanent aristocracy with a Grand Duchy element. The district of Hesse covered the entire peninsula from Long Point to the St. Claire, including Detroit and it was the Province of Quebec. The following year an order in Council granted 200 acres of land to all children of Loyal Subjects during the late war, with the honorable distinction that they and their descendants should add the letters U.E. to their name for all time.

In 1791, Pitt's Canada Act, separating the Provinces, was passed; and the beaver, the bear, the wolf and the deer on the banks of La Tranchee, and their Indian hunters, became Upper Canadians, with John Graves Simcoe for the first Lieutenant -Governor of Upper Canada.

Immediately after his appointment, the new Governor wrote to friend: "I mean to establish a Capital in the very heart of the country, upon the river La Tranchee; the Capital I shall call Georgina."

Simcoe was British or nothing, so his democratic Parliament, which first met in 1792, promptly changed the high-sounding German names to plain English, and Hesse became the Western District. It also divided the county into nineteen counties, half of them with English namesakes, and the north and south branches of La Tranchee joined waters in the Country of Suffolk. On the 16th of July of the same year, Governor Simcoe officially announced that the river La Tranchee should be called the Thames. In February of 1793, he started on his memorable overland trip to Detroit with Major Littlehales and Lieutenant Talbot in his train, for which we are devotedly thankful, as one of them kept a diary which he afterwards published, and the other came back to colonize the land.

Dr. Scadding, in Toronto of Old, tells an interesting incident of the visit. General Simcoe, in jocose mood, ordered a grand parade of ten men (all he had) and a formal discharge of musketry as a ceremony of inauguration for the Capital, which order was solemnly obeyed by Lieutenant Givins, who also returned to settle.

On 17th of September 1793, the Governor, in writing to the Honorable Henry Dundas, after explaining his idea about the roadways etc., continued:

"They lead to the propriety of establishing a Capital of Upper Canada, which may be somewhat distant from the centre of the present colony. The Capital I propose to establish at New London." (What happened to poor Georgina?) However, he did not carry out his proposal as York became the Capital, but evidently not with Simcoe's approval for as late as 1796, at the very end of his Canadian career, in a dispatch to Lord Portland, he suggested that in the event of the seat of Government being transplanted to the Thames, "the proper place", the buildings and grounds at York where he was placing the seat of government "for the present" could be sold to lessen or liquidate the debt of its construction.

In 1798, the districts were subdivided, the eastern half of Western District taking the name of London.

In 1800 the number of counties was increased to twenty-five. As the District already had a river Thames and purposed having a London town, the politicians, with an unusual display of sentiment, decided that they had better make the imitation complete, and have a Middlesex County, in order that the expected inflow of immigrants might feel quite at home. At that time the county included an area of about one thousand square miles, extending from Lake Erie to Huron; so that the Middlesex Historical Society can legitimately include in its pioneer research the fascinating records of the Talbot settlement.

In 1826 the District Courthouse at Vittoria was destroyed by fire. The authorities thought a more central position better for the new buildings, and London was chosen, though not without a fight for the honor from St. Thomas and Delaware. By the first of June Mahlon Burwell, with Freeman Talbot and Benjamin Stringer for chain-bearers surveyed four acres of the government appropriation for the site. A temporary courthouse was erected, and twenty years after he lay at rest in the quiet Devonshire churchyard, Simcoe's dream of a London on the Thames in the wilderness became a prosaic fact. But it was still many years before London was anything more than an official name. To the villagers and surrounding farmers it was simply The Forks.

Colonel Burwell's town survey extended from the River north to North Street and east to Wellington Street.

North Street of course, tells its own story. The narrower width of North Street West and its more southerly position was the result of a quagmire, which interfered with satisfactory street-making even up to the standard for that early day in Canada. In 1869 this section was renamed Carling Street in honour of the Hon. John Carling, then Commissioner of Public Works in John Sandfield MacDonald's Ontario Government, and North Street continued along William Street. North Street was one of the first to benefit by the impetus given to street-decorating through the completion of the waterworks system, and the new name Queen's Avenue, given in honour of Queen Victoria by the Council of 1876, is most appropriate. There are finer vistas on the continent than Queen's Avenue, looking east from the Post Office steps.

Dundas Street was named for Henry Dundas, first Lord Melville, Secretary of State under Pitt, who must have been a favourite with Simcoe and other pioneer settlers; as his name and title and those of his family connection constantly appear in county, township, town, river, island, straits and roads throughout British North America.

King Street so named for King - George IV.

York Street named for Frederick, Duke of York, second son of George III, a favourite with the military settlers of the new Province, as well as with his doting father. He was commander-in-chief of the British army in these settlement days. Standing at the corner of York and Richmond Streets, one recalls another meeting of the two names when Charles Lennox and Prince Frederick met in mortal combat, but no damage was done. It is said that the Prince, an excellent shot, fired in the air; at all events, he stood ready for more shooting, saying he had come to give Lennox satisfaction and he was ready to give him all he wanted. With all their faults, they were brave men and good soldiers, these stalwart sons of George III.

Bathurst Street, for Henry, second Earl of Bathurst. As Colonial Secretary at the time, his name appears in most correspondence connected with the settlement of London Township.

Horton Street. This name is generally credited to Recorder William Horton, who with his brother Edward was among the first lawyers in the District. But Mr. Samuel McBride says "Not so, I found Horton Street here when I came to London in 1835, and the Horton boys did not come until a year later. The street was named for an English politician R. J. Wilmot Horton, who at the time took an active interest in the immigration question, especially as directed to Canada." He must have had considerable prominence in his day, for his name is joined with those Grey, Peel and Wilberforce in one of Hood's satirical poems.

Grey Street. This name appears so constantly in our records that we are beginning to look upon it as distinctly Canadian. The Grey for whom this street was named is George, Second Earl Grey, political friend of Fox and opponent of Wellington and Prime Minister of England. His grandson, the fourth Earl, is our popular Governor General.

Hill Street, from the family name Duke of Wellington's mother; though an old resident informed me, that if I had ridden down that street in the old days I would know why it was so named. "It was the hilliest road you ever saw, not enough level ground for two wheels of a wagon to stand on at one time."

Wellington Street, for Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, the hero of Waterloo, and in his youth the personal friend of Colonel Talbot.

Priddis Lane runs back from 256 Dundas Street to property of the late Charles Trump Priddis.

Clarence Street, named for the heir apparent, sailor Prince Henry Duke of Clarence, third son of George III. In the old days this street was the scene of a hot contest between citizens and soldiers, when the latter extended the pine stump fence across the street and enclosed the gore in their barracks ground. What the soldiers placed in their day, the citizens removed at night. Of course, law and order won in the end, and the street has remained open ever since, though subject to many changes of name. The northern part was opened up as Church Street. It was afterwards all included in Clarence Street from the River to Central Avenue. In 18 81 the Council decided that the part north of Dundas Street should be known as Park Avenue.

Richmond Street, named for Charles Lennox, fourth Duke of Richmond, who was Governor-General of Canada in 1818. He died a horrible death from hydrophobia, caused by the bite of a tame fox. His wife, Lady Charlotte Gordon, was hostess at the historic ball in Brussels the night before Waterloo. She was the mother of fourteen children; two of her daughters married men who have been makers of Canadian history - Lord Bathurst and Sir Peregrine Maitland.

Talbot Street, named for Colonel Thomas Talbot, the Lieutenant who accompanied General Simcoe on his western trip in 1793. He returned to the wilderness in 1803, received a grant of 5,000 acres in Yarmouth County, and ultimately became veritable dictator of London District. In the new survey, north of Oxford Street, where the road widens, it was called Great Talbot Street.

Ridout Street, named after Surveyor-General Thomas Ridout, who had much to do with planning of roads and streets in the Home and London Districts. Being a practical professional man, he found many difficulties in controlling Colonel Talbot's high-handed, independent mode of settling a country and mapping out roads.

Thames Street. A short street in low land on the bank of the river from which it takes its names.

Now that London is properly christened, we may leave her to find her feet, while we make some enquiry about the naming of the highways that have led her to growth and prosperity.

It is told of Governor Simcoe, that when he stood at the Forks of the River Thames he drew his sword and said' "This will be the chief military deport of the west and the seat of the district. From this spot," pointing his sword to the east, "I will have a line for a road run as straight as the crow can fly to the head of little lake." This boast was made good, though not in his day, by the building of the Governor's Road. It was entirely a municipal work, graded, graveled, planked or only tided over with "corduroy," as the various townships through which it passed felt disposed to treat it at the time. One of the first acts of the new legislature of Upper Canada was to pass a bill for laying out and keeping repair public highways and roads.

Yonge Street was built by the Governor's Regiment of Queen's Rangers, from Lake Ontario to Lake Simcoe. The man of infinite hope began a great military road which he named Dundas Street, and intended to have completed from one extremity of the Province to the other. In London District the Grand Trunk of the wilderness follows the same straight line as the Governor's Road for some distance beyond Woodstock; then branches off to the south and east, through Brantford, becoming one with Hamilton Road to Ancaster; there for a short distance, then goes its independent way straight to Toronto. Distinctively "the street" of Halton County, east of Toronto it becomes the "Kingston Road." So, in reality, none of the ambitious schemes of the people's Governor were altogether fruitless.

"The Longwoods Road" may be said to have existed in the closing years of the eighteenth century, though it was then little more than a blazed trail from Delaware to McGregor's Creek (Chatham). It was named for the dense forest of hard oak, with a sprinkling of walnut, through which it passed in the townships of Caradoc and Ekfrid, and is the road taken by Proctor in his retreat from Moraviantown when he left the Indian hero, Tecumseh, on the battlefield. It was somewhat improved for military transport during the disturbances of 1812 and 1837, but was not graded beyond Delaware till 1848, and not graveled for some years later. Col. Talbot, claiming authority over it from the settlement, always spoke of it as "The Talbot Road long woods."

Commissioners' Road was built by a Commission appointed by the Government for the conveyance of troops, artillery, etc., from Dundas Street to Longwoods. It is quite familiar to Londoners of the present day as the (south) high road to Springbank park. It was originally surveyed in 1709 by Zealots Watson, Col. Talbot's old enemy.

Wharncliff Road is one of the converging group of roads that makes Lambeth, in Westminster, emphatically "the Junction." Though it was surveyed in 1831, and Beverly's Ferry, at the point where it intersects the south branch, showed that the early settlers thought this was the most convenient place for crossing to the Forks there has never been a Beverly Bridge; but there may be some day. The naming of the Wharncliff and Wortley Roads takes us back to the Old London life of Col. Talbot, when the "gay Tom Talbot," with his friends Stewart Wortley and Lord Wharncliff, discovered the genius of Fanny Kemble as mentioned in a private letter of George MacBeth, quoted in "The Talbot Regime." Mrs. Jamison, in her account of the Talbot Settlement says: "A visit from Labouchere, Lord Stanley, and Mr. Stewart Wortley was the great event of the long life in the bush." We have them here in a group, Port Stanley Road," "Wharncliff Road," "Wortley Road," and "Talbot Street," Did the Colonel leave out "Labouchere" because it was not sufficiently British?

In 1809 Thomas Talbot petitioned Governor Gore for a road through the Talbot Settlement on the same plane as Yonge Street, which, if carried through to the western boundary of the Province would fulfill Gen. Simcoe's original intention. His petition was granted, and on his recommendation the post surveyor was offered to Mahlon Burwell, with orders to begin immediately. Mr. Burwell spent that year and most of the following one at work on Talbot Street East, usually called "Col. Talbot's Road." In 1810 he began the survey of the southern part of London Township. Concerning this work, he wrote to Surveyor-General Thomas Ridout: "I kept a proof line in the centre of the township that my survey might be as correct as possible, on which I proved every concession line that I ran by, measuring on the said proof line, and can safely say that operation is very correct." There is no disputing the origin of the name of London's great northern thoroughfare.

It was a fortunate day for London when H. H. Killaley became its representative in the first Union Parliament. He received the appointment of Commissioner of Public Works in the Sydenham Council, and used the most of his appropriation, £ 100,000 currency, all paid through Mr. Monserratt, of the Gore Bank, in the much needed improvement to the roads of London District. Convinced of the wealth of the land and desirability of the locality for settlement, if it were more accessible, he planned four great thoroughfares leading to ports of entry. The Hamilton Road he graded and bridged throughout, turning with Dundas Street to take in the important settlements of Woodstock and Brantford; it was graveled in many places, and planked through the pine forest as far as Dorchester. The Port Stanley Road he planked from start at Westminster Bridge to finish at the mouth of Kettle Creek. In the old days this was emphatically "The Planked Road." He graded and bridged the "Longwoods Road" as far as Chatham, but could not carry the planking beyond Delaware. He graded and bridged Sarnia Road. Starting from the corner of Richmond and Fullarton Streets, he avoided the detour of the old Proof Line over Blackfriars Bridge by taking a straight course over quagmire and hill, though not due north, to the point where Colonel Burwell's line intersects the Fifth Concession road, then, turning to the west, continued through an unrivaled country to the River St. Clair.

Behold London with a daily stage to Hamilton, Chatham, Port Stanley, Sarnia and Goderich; the old rockaways, swung on leather straps drawn by four horses, started from the Robinson Hall, at the corner of Dundas and Ridout Streets. By varying steps of improvement and repair the roads have reached a state of perfection and beauty that have made the London District the paradise of wheelsman and motorist. Where I called upon to name the three greatest factors in the building of London, I should say Simcoe, Talbot and Killaley; yet H. H. Killaley's name does not exist among us except in the middle-aged men's boyish memories of "Killaley's Flats," referring to a part of the farm he occupied for some years northeast of Adelaide and Huron Streets.

In 1849 Freeman Talbot organized a company with a capital of 8,000 currency, to be known as the "Proof Line Road Joint Stock Co." Its right of way ran from the corner of Dundas and Richmond Streets, using Killaley's Sarnia Road to the fifth concession of London Township, and then the old Proof Line Road to Ryan's Corners on the London and Biddulph town line. For many years it was a most profitable investment; but railroads have introduced a new era in travel, and the toll-bar across the road is a sore trial to twentieth century humanity. The company slowly and regretfully abandoned the road piecemeal; at first as far north as Oxford Street, on account of the expense of keeping up the culvert over Carling's Creek; lately to Glenmore Kennels, rather than build the necessary new Brough's Bridge. The old gatehouse at the gore is a picturesque sight, but travelers on the road would be willing to admire its artistic effect in a picture and let the gate itself disappear with the past to which it belongs, as all except the three on the fourth, ninth and fifteenth concessions have done. In 1882 the County Council made a bargain with the City Council to remove all tollgates under its control in exchange for the abolition of the obnoxious market fees. Since writing the above, the Proof Line Road has been purchased, after long negotiation, by an agreement between the City, Township and County Councils, with a subsidy from the Ontario Government, and has passed under the direction of the County of Middlesex. On the night of July 26th, 1907, following much speaking and congratulation delivered from the Arva Hotel balcony, by local magnates, a huge bonfire gladdened the hearts of the assembled crowd, and the medieval tollgate passed forever from the County of Middlesex.

Contemporary with the Proof Line Road is the Goderich Road built by the Canada Company from London to Lake Huron, in order to open up their immense domain of one million acres en bloc.

The Wellington Road, often erroneously styled the Port Stanley Road, from its running almost parallel with the Port Stanley Railway was originally planned to connect with Waterloo Street; but the irregular flow of the river at that point made it necessary to cross at Wellington Street.

Improved roads naturally suggest bridges. The first way of crossing over the "Forks" after Beverly's Ferry, was by means of York Street Bridge, properly named Westminster Bridge. In christening its bridges the "Forest City" first showed tendency, which subsequently became a mania, for reproducing the nomenclature of the old metropolis on the Thames. The survivors of rebellion days tell funny tales about the blockading and manning of Westminster Bridge; though a few strong men could have carried the structure away bodily, and an invading army might have crossed the stream at either side without bothering about bridges at all. There is a pathetic story told by an old resident relative to Blackfriars Bridge, the building of which followed very soon after that of Westminster. In the sad cholera times of 1832 the Rev. Edward Boswell, first resident Church of England Clergyman in London , met on the bridge every traveler coming towards the town, warned him of the danger of infection, and supplied his wants - generally medical at that time - and also gave him instruction for treatment in case he should be brought in contact with the scourge. Besides Westminster and Blackfriars Bridges, Victoria on Ridout Street, Vauxhall on Egerton Street, Kensington on Dundas Street, undoubtedly have cockney sponsors; but the names of Cove Bridge, Adelaide Street Bridge, Oxford Street Bridge and King Street Bridge come from natural consequence of position, and certainly the remaining two are all our town.

Brough's Bridge, on the Proof Line Road, was named for the popular "Parson Brough," Rector of St. John's and, on the formation of the diocese, Archdeacon of Huron, whose rectory was situated on the hill overlooking the bridge, later the site of the Ladies' Hellmuth College. An interesting story is told of Mr. Casimer Gzowski, Killaley's engineer in the construction of Brough's bridge. A suspension bridge was a curiosity in those days, and, like most departures from the established order of things, it was viewed with distrust. Gzowski declared that it would carry a regiment of marching soldiers, the severest test known to mechanics, without danger. "Will you risk standing under the bridge while they pass over?" was asked. "Certainly." Colonel Weatherall, of the 1st Royals, Commandant of the Barracks at that time, marched his men over at a steady tramp, and Brough's Bridge stood the test to the satisfaction of the most skeptical. Then, to show the grit and training of his men, the Colonel marched them, artillery and all, along the Fourth Concession line, down the steep bank of the "Medway" (so named by the English mill-owner, William Turville), and up to the opposite bank, and turning, came back to town by the same road.

Clarke's Bridge was named for the Rev. William Clarke, Congregational Missionary to the London Settlement, who was undoubtedly, a man of originality and enterprise, adapted to the requirements of a new country. Before he succeeded in getting a church building, he gathered his congregation in the old grammar school in Odell's Schoolhouse. The first church was situated on Richmond Street, about where the Free Press Office now stands. To the surprise of his people, Mr. Clarke secured property and built himself a house on the high land on the south bank of the Thames, overlooking Wellington Street. "How impractical! How like a parson!" was the general verdict. How did he expect to reach his congregation? His reasons satisfied himself, at all events. He said the walk around the banks of the river to the bridge would be a pleasure, and for a short cut there was always the ferry at the foot of the hill. The view was fine , and the high land healthy; so he went on improving his grounds and getting his house in order, not interrupted too much by idle callers. When everything was settled to his satisfaction , and people had ceased to discuss his eccentricities, he canvassed the town for funds to build a very necessary bridge at the foot of Wellington Street. He got the money with little trouble; the necessity of the bridge was so apparent - and who had right to it, name and all, if not the impractical Parson!

During all this time the settlement was part of the London Township municipality, the Council meeting by previous arrangement at the homes of its members. According to the first minutebook, which, by the way cost £1, and is still to be seen in the Arva Town Hall, and the principal duties of the Council were to attend to the branding of cattle and regulating the height of fences. As regards individual liberty, it is wonderful how pioneers discriminate in favor of the pig. In 1838 Mr. George Goodhue entered the Council, apparently with a definite purpose. No doubt with increased wealth and leisure there arose a desire to beautify home surroundings - somewhat thankless effort with Sir Hog at liberty; so in 1840 we find London village separated from the Township and governed by a Board of Police, consisting of a president (Mr. Goodhue, the first to fill the office), a clerk and five members, - one for each of the four wards, with a fifth member who seems to have had no special constituency. The boundaries of the wards were: St. George's Ward Huron Street, the northern limit of the new survey, to Duke Street; it is still with us in the name of St. George's School. St. Patrick's Ward, from Duke Street South to King Street. St. Andrew's Ward from King Street to the river. The village now extended from the river east to Adelaide.

For some time after the government survey of 1826, London grew by the disposal of private survey. Up to 1830 Kent's farm flourished in all its rural beauty of forest and grain, corn and pumpkin close up to North Street's back door. In that year Mr. Goodhue purchased from Mr. John Kent 30 acres, which he surveyed into streets.

Fullarton Street - the family name of his child wife who died at the age of 18 years. Mr. Samuel McBride says that when he first remembers the street it bent at an angle towards the north, and that he paid one shilling for the removal of a curly hickory tree which interfered with the surveyor in straightening it. Sir John Carling says he will answer for Fullarton Street being perfectly straight from Richmond to Talbot Street, as he drove the team himself while it was being graded. He recalls being witness of a free fight in the Council Chamber at the corner of Talbot and Fullarton Streets, between Dr. Cornish and William Balkwill.

Hitchcock Street, at first named Unity Street, then Hitchcock for an American connection of the Goodhue family. One member, Mrs. Hitchcock, of Westminster, is intimately connected with the romantic escape of Dr. Duncombe in petticoats after the disturbance of '37. It has finally become maple Street, a name well sustained by the beauty of its shade trees. Mr. Goodhue sold in one lot the block between North and Fullarton Streets to Rev. John Bailey, who ran a street through the centre which he named William, after his son, then lately dead. The Burwell survey carried Richmond Street up to North Street east. The Kent survey brought Mark lane from Lichfield Street down to North Street west, leaving an apparent useless gore; so the Rev. John just enclosed the street appropriation left over from Mark Lane in his survey. This little transaction caused some confusion at the time, but it was amicably settled and Richmond Street carried north to Fullarton Street, the increased space showing the Post Office, the Custom House and St. Paul's Cathedral to advantage. When Gzowski drew the line for the Sarnia Road he found that the street appropriation came a few feet west of Church Street, so he graded Sarnia Street till he struck the correct line at Burlington Street. Church Street, running through the Church grant, used at one time to stop abruptly at the old skating rink near Lake Horn. It was finally closed by Council, and the land absorbed in the surrounding lots.

There are sure to be complications in the carving of a beautiful city out of a trackless forest. The wonder is there have been so few .

It is most interesting to trace the evolution through its various stages. In 1869 the Council passed a By-law to the effect that Richmond Street, Mark Lane, Sarnia Street and Burlington Street should together form one street known as Richmond Street. John Kent himself surveyed and named Kent Street, Market Street (a continuation of Great Market Street), now Albert Street, in the memory of the Prince Consort, and Lichfield Street, so named for Lichfield, a town in Staffordshire, the English home of Mr. And Mrs. Kent. Nothing irritated Mr. Kent more than to have the name spelt in the American form, with a "t." The street is now a continuation of Central Avenue.

The next block was purchased and surveyed by a syndicate comprising seven of out leading citizens, who found great difficulty in raising the $7,000 among them. Mr. Wm. Barker, Mr. Elijah Leonard, Mr. Henry Dalton, Dr. Anderson, Mr. John Dymond, Mr. John Wilson and Mr. John Carling. The three streets they cut through the lot were named John Street, for John Kent, the original owner of the land. Mill Street for Water's Mill, and old landmark that stood on the bank of the Thames to the west. It was run by power for English's Creek, so called from its source being in English's Bush to the east. During the military regime in the late thirties the men of the 20th Regiment, under the direction of their Colonel (for whom it was named), made Lake Horn by cutting down a thirty foot hill to the south, and with the earth so obtained damming up the creek and building a wall for the lake. It was at one time drained or flooded at will, to assist in decorating for some special occasion. The stream was later named Carling's Creek, in honor of Sir John Carling, as it ran through the grounds of his late home on Waterloo Street and entered the Thames at the Carling Brewery.

Ann Street, so named for Ann McLaughlin, wife of William Barker, one of the moneyed syndicate which surveyed the street. He afterwards purchased from John Styles the property between Oxford and Grosvenor Streets and built the original house of the Mount Hope Orphanage, which he sold to the Ladies of the Sacred Heart. They called their academy "Mount Hope" and the name has become identified with the hill.

Sydenham Street, a private street running through his property, named by Mr. Barker for Lord Sydenham, first General Governor of the United Provinces. When Governor of Canada West he had been a strong advocate of the Union.

St. James Street, formerly James Street, after James McLaughlin, brother of Mrs. William Barker.

St. George Street, after Mr. George Barker, younger son of William and Ann Barker. Its southern terminus, running through the Kent property, was named Raglan Street, in honor of Lord Raglan, the favorite hero of story and romance to the early Victorian youth. Lord Fitzroy Somerset, first Baron Raglan, was Military Secretary to Wellington, whose niece he married. He lost his right arm at Waterloo but when peace was restored he learned to write with his left hand and continued his work as Secretary. He died from cholera at the siege of Sebastapol. The street in its full length is now called St. George.

Kent Lane, a thoroughfare running through property still owned by the Kent Family.

Comfort Place, The Talbot Street entrance to the property of the late Jesse Comfort.

Barton Street, also off Talbot Street, named by Mr. Kent after a small town in Staffordshire.

Picadilly, Pall Mall, Oxford, Grosvenor, Bond, Great Market, Cheapside and Regent Streets are undoubtedly named for the leading thoroughfares in the Modern Babylon, and afforded much satirical amusement to Harry Furness, the Cartoonist of Punch, on the occasion of his visit to the Forest City in 1897.

Huron Street, our northern boundary, is happily Canadian and dignified.

The property owned by the late J. B. Strathy, north of Grosvenor Street, often called "Strathy's Grove," though that name was properly applied to "The Pines," his residence on Dundas Street, was a delightfully cool resting place on a hot summer's day, and in the winter the site of more frost-bitten members than any other spot on the long drive to Goderich.

Louisa Street, running through the property, was named for Mr. Strathy's eldest daughter.

Sherwood Avenue, being truly rural, was named by the father Paul Peel after the home of the knights in green.

Cromwell Street, a continuation of Louisa Street to the east, owned by Mr. Richard Evans, an admirer of the Lord Protector.

Alma Street, after Alma's Heights in the Crimea.

College Avenue, leading to Huron College, was formerly named Thomas Street, after the Surveyor-General Thomas Ridout, till "rough Park," the residence of the Late Lionel Ridout was purchased by the Diocese Huron for a Divinity College, and became the nucleus of the Western University.

Hellmuth Avenue runs through the grounds of the old Hellmuth Boy's College; which after a struggling existence, changing its name to Dufferin College, with a new Board of Management, was finally razed to the ground, and the land sold for building purposes.

Christie Street, named in honor of Mr. John Christie, a prominent builder and property owner in the northern part of the town. The street was formerly named "Grafton" by Mr. Hevey, one of a colony of Irishmen in the early days who clung to everything that savored of the old sod,

Gordon Street, south from Cheapside, has been lately surveyed and named for the Rev. Jason Gordon, owner of the property.

John Street's name will probably soon be changed to avoid confusion. It was chosen by Mr. Benjamin Nash for his son John.

Anderson Street, after the former owner of the property.

Partridge Street, named for the father of Alderman Partridge, who when the district was common, lived in the midst of a beautiful garden on this spot.

Shoebottom Street, named by Mr. William Shoebottom, a retired farmer from Ballymote, who invested in a block of land here which he sold off in building lots.

Thornton Avenue, after Mr. Sam Thornton, builder, who owned the property, and lived there for years.

Miles Street, named by Captain John Williams, keeper of military stores in the City, for his wife's maiden name. The Captain is also responsible for Waverly Place, off Central Avenue, being an ardent admirer of the wizard of the north.

Hope Street, off Colborne Street, This is one of a few blind streets in our modern built city. It is part of the old Presbyterian Cemetery, and as Adam Hope, Esq. Was an active member of the Board of Management, his name was given to the street. The burying ground usually known as Proudfoot's Cemetery was moved out Oxford Street, west of Mount Pleasant.

Arthur and Alfred Streets, part of Salter Estate, named for the two sons of London's pioneer druggist, one of its best known personalities in the "old days."

Carlton Avenue, after Gen. Sir Guy Carlton, Lieutenant- Governor of Canada, and Commander-in-Chief of the Colonial forces from 1766 to 1777. There are few settlements in the history of the Dominion unmarked by his name. Carlton is also the family name of Lord Dorchester.

Bridport Street, a local transportation from England by Charles Jones, the Surveyor.

Regina Street, formerly Queen Street, but changed to Regina when North Street took the name of Queen's Avenue.

Prospect Avenue, through another block of the Salter estate. It seems a pity that the residents thought it necessary to change the original name, Salter Street. It would add so much to the individual character of a town if the names of prominent pioneers and distinguished citizens adorned its streets.

Peter Street, for Samuel Peters - the "s" dropped for euphony The father of Petersville, now London West, was the original owner of the property.

Palace Street, surveyed in 1851, when the world was ringing with the success of the Prince Consort's first great World's Fair, and the glories of the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park. The small street was given this rather ambitious name by the owner John Hillyard Cameron.

Cartwright Street, for John Cartwright, of Cartwright's mill of Dorchester; our sportsmen will say of "Cartwright's Pond," also. The water power was first used for a sawmill, and the owner held pine land where Cartwright Street now stands.

Picton Street, named for Sir Thomas Picton, a favourite General of the Duke of Wellington who was killed at Waterloo. The block of land was a grant to the London District council, and when the short cross street was cut between Wellington and Waterloo Streets, it was most appropriately named Picton.

Wolfe Street, for General James Wolfe, hero of the Heights of Abraham.

Hyman Street, one of the new streets cut through the old Fair Grounds, named for London's popular member, whose tannery is near at hand.

When in 1835 the Crown Lands Department made its new survey adopting the private surveys that had gone on in the meantime, it was accepted as a matter of course that Waterloo Street should follow Wellington.

Colborne Street, named for Sir John Colborne, Governor of Canada West during the troublesome times that preceded the Rebellion. He established the Crown rectories throughout the Province. Colborne succeeded the Earl of Durham as Governor general, so to his hands fell the difficult task of awarding punishment to the rebels. He was a thorough soldier and strict disciplinarian.

Burwell Street, named for Colonel Mahlon Burwell, of U.E. Loyalist descent, chief supporter of Colonel Talbot in the settling of London District. A surveyor by profession, he obtained by Colonel Talbot's valuable collection in the Crown lands Department. He took an active part in the war of 1812 and the disturbance of '37. He several times represented Middlesex in the Parliament of Upper Canada, and was the first member for London town. The street was originally surveyed through North Street, but the late Laurence Lawrason had sufficient influence to prevent its cutting through his handsome grounds, the present site of the Sacred Heart Convent.

Maitland Street, named for Sir Peregrine Maitland, Lieutenant Governor of Canada West. Having fought under Wellington in the Peninsula war, he acquired a fancy for Spanish names and scattered them with a free hand throughout Canada - Lobo, Zora, Mona, etc. His wife, Lady Sarah Lennox, daughter of the Duke of Richmond, was a woman of strong personality and seems to have entered more fully than most grand dames of the period into the unconventional freedom of colonial life. King George IV was dead, his poor wife forgotten, and William and Adelaide were reigning at Whitehall when the new survey was made in London, Canada; so their names were given to two leading thoroughfares.

It behooves road contractors and syndicates to put their best foot foremost, for a powerful rival has appeared on the scene. The first sod of the Great Western Railway was turned, amid much pomp, by Colonel Talbot, very near the present C.P.R. station, in 1847, and in the last month of 1853 the first train drawn by an engine steamed into London, Canada West.

These streets and various surveys, rapidly filling with prosperous settlers, London soon outgrew the primitive form of police government, and in 1848 became a town with a Mayor (Mr. Simeon Morrill first filling the chair) and eight Councilor's. Two years afterwards the Councilors increased to three for each ward, with Reeve and Deputy Reeve to take the place of the homeless fifth member.

On the 21st day of September, 1854, the Royal command went forth to all our loving subjects and all others to whom it doth or may concern, that, as the town of London was proved to have more than ten thousand inhabitants at the last census, it was to be incorporated as a City, with all the privileges and responsibilities attached thereto. The said City to be divided into seven wards: the first six south of Oxford Street, divided by Dundas Street, and subdivided by Richmond and Waterloo Streets; the seventh ward all of the City north of oxford Street, facetiously called the ward near Goderich.

The election took place the first Monday in January, 1855. James Earl, of Elgin and Kincardin, was Governor-General, and Murray Anderson, Esq., was elected to be the first Mayor of the City of London. For some years the Council Chamber must have been full to overflowing, for each of seven wards was represented by two aldermen and two councilmen. In 1865 the position of councilman was abolished, and an extra alderman elected for each ward.

Now London, for the last time, acquires a new name. No longer "London, C.W." but "London, Ontario, Canada." The Hon. John A. MacDonald, who worked hard for consummation of what Lord Durham had foreseen to be the only hope for peace to the Colonies, was anxious that the new-born nation should be called the "Kingdom of Canada," but was overruled by the caution of Lord Monck, Governor-General;; and on the 1st July, 1867, our country became the "Dominion of Canada," and the name "New Dominion" flourished on magazines, hotels, cigars - even girls.

In 1882 the number of wards was once more reduced to four divided by Richmond and Dundas Street. In 1885, London East, built on the old Rectory Glebe lands to the south, and English's Bush to the north of Dundas Street, as the fifth ward, was annexed to the city. Its original post office address had been "Lilley's Corners," so named for Alderman Charles Lilley, who kept a general store on the corner of Adelaide and Dundas Streets.

After much discussion, London South, which had never had a separate municipality, but was part of Westminster Township, though in reality a suburb of London, came into line, tempted by the advantage of city improvements. There was an effort made at one time to call this suburb "St. James Park," and at another time "New Brighton"; but as London South it was generally known till it became the sixth ward in 1890. When, in 1898, the city spread her arms to London West, it was found necessary to readjust many of the names and conditions. There are, once more, four wards pretty evenly divided by Dundas and Wellington Streets: No 1, from Dundas and Wellington Streets, S.-W corner to base line, including London South; No. 2, Dundas and Wellington Streets, N.-W. corner, including London West, No. 3, Dundas and Wellington Streets, S.-E. corner including Queen's Park, the car shops, refineries and foundries, etc.; No. 4, N.-E. corner of Dundas and Wellington Streets. I would suggest that the old patriotic names be restored to the wards, and St. David's, St. Patrick's St. Andrew's and St. George's again bear the banners.

Without regard to the wishes of the homesick settlers, the city fathers of 1876 dropped many of the Old London names, so Great Market Street is Central Avenue, from its position equidistant between Huron and South Streets. Bond Street became Princess Avenue, in honor of Princess Louise; and Timothy Street, a small street to the east was changed to Lorne Avenue for her husband, then Governor-General of Canada.

Duke Street, named for Wellington, "the Duke" par excellence of that day, was changed to Dufferin Avenue at the request of Colonel Renwick, and residents of the street. Lord Dufferin, the very popular Governor-General, and his friendly lady, made the tour of the Province a year or so before, and their names and praise were in everybody's mouth.

A by-law, passed by the Council of 1892, and another in 1898, by which names of certain streets should be changed at the reception of London South and London West into the city, brought many names which were already registered.

Queen Street, south of Victoria Bridge, being a continuation of Ridout Street, became Ridout Street South. Carfrae Street, named for Robert Carfrae, one of the earliest residents of London, she helped to build the old Courthouse. He in connection with Mr. John Beattie, invested in a block of land along the bank of the river and built his home on the street. "Carfrae Crescent," registered in 1906, continues from Carfrae Street around the bend of the river to Grand Avenue.

Grand Avenue, being a very smart place, has had some difficulty in settling on a name. At first Hamilton Row, after Sheriff Hamilton, who lived first on the north and then on the south side of the street. Hamilton's Bush was an ideal picnic ground before the railways brought excursions into vogue. As Hamilton Row was often mistaken for Hamilton Road, the name was changed to Maple Avenue; but that again conflicted with Maple Street. It was finally settled on Grand Avenue. Any traveler taking this road on a bright moonlight night will quite understand how it got still another name among the young people, that of "Lovers' Lane."

Ferguson Avenue, named for James Ferguson, County Registrar, residing at "The Beeches," in the neighbourhood.

Madiver Lane, named for the family who originally occupied the lane.

Front Street, on the bank of the river, I should say so named because it had no back. It is altogether a very picturesque little one-sided street, formerly called Bridge Street.

Clarke Street, from the bridge to which it leads, or what is practically the same, the Rev. William Clarke, whose cottage overlooked the river.

High Street, changed from Hamilton Street, which was named for Sheriff Hamilton, leads to the high land south.

Watson Street, named for George Watson, a very old resident, still alive at the age of 84. He says he sits in his chair now, and laughs to think what a reckless lad he was when at the age of 21 he married a wife and started for the new country without a penny in his pocket, and no knowledge of the world, because a friend, Mr. Edward Matthew, wrote that there was plenty of fish and game here to be had for the catching. The friend said nothing about fever and mosquitoes, which were also free in those days. However, the young Staffordshireman was a good carpenter, and his wife was a good dressmaker, so they were just the class of settlers the country wanted. In the list of officials, George Watson is mentioned at one time as town carpenter. With board sidewalks and plank roads, this was, no doubt an important position. Watson Street was originally called Turley Tooloo Street, the name of Renold's and Shaw's sawmills on the river near by, then Mill Street.

Weston Street, named for the well known market gardener who lived in the neighbourhood.

McClary Avenue, for Mr. John McClary, head of the McClary Manufacturing Company, whose residence commands a fine position on the corner.

Maryboro Place was surveyed by Colonel Gartshore, and named for his father's home near Glasgow, in Scotland; it is a new and handsome street, with all the modern improvements, running through the block from High Street to Wellington Road.

Emery Street, named for Arthur Southgate Emery.

Southgate and Windsor Streets adjoin the Emery survey.

Methuen Street, for the ill-starred South African General.

Chester Street, named for the old English town, by its English owner, George Tambling.

Tecumseh Avenue, named for the celebrated Shawnee Chief who fell at Moraviantown, fighting the British cause. This street was originally planned to have continued west, through Ridout Street and Wortley Road to join the street of the same name in the Parke survey. When this plan is followed out, it will form one of the finest avenues on London.

Garfield Avenue, named for one of the murdered Presidents of the United States of America.

Elmwood Avenue, named for the forest trees that grew there in abundance when the district was first surveyed. Elmwood Avenue, east, was first called James Street, for James Bruce, Earl of Elgin, till the amalgamation with the City.

Marley Place, originally Henry Street, after Henry Hamilton, Town Clerk before London was a city. When changing the name, after some discussion, the Council chose that given to his home on the corner of James and henry Street, by Mr. Henry Shields Robinson, in memory of his father's place in Ireland.

Bruce Street, from the family name of the Earl of Elgin, Governor-General of Canada in the late forties, when it became the fashion for London's wealthy residents to move "over the river."

Elgin Terrace was changed to Craig Street, in honor of Thomas Craig, one of the first stationers and booksellers in London, who built a handsome residence known as "Craig Castle", now occupied by R.C. Macfie. The name recalls to old citizens pictures of Little Dorrit and the Marshalsea, as Mr. Craig was one of the last men in Canada to suffer from the old law of imprisonment for debt.

Stanley Street, named for H.C.R. Becher, who, with Messrs. George MacBeth, George Horn and Lionel Ridout, surveyed the block between Wharncliff Road and the river, naming the streets for the members of the syndicate. Ridout Street gave place to Perry Street, named for Samuel Perry, an old resident, and Mr. Ed Weld on purchasing the property changed MacBeth Street to The Ridgeway, so named for the thoroughfare in England which leads to Ealing, past a family estate.

Horn Street retains the name of one of the syndicate.

The names of Riverview and Evergreen Avenues, formerly Centre Street, are suggested by their position.

O'Brien keeps alive the name of Dennis O'Brien, than which there was none more popular in the old days of London. The O'Brien house now the Rescue Home, is on Riverview Avenue.

Beaconsfield Avenue, named by a Tory admirer of the immortal D'Israeli.

Victor Street, called after Victor Bayley, grandson of Judge Wilson, is cut through the old Wilson estate.

Euclid Avenue, substituted for Maple Street. Our national tree seems constantly to be getting in the way and must be moved.

Birch Street took the place of Beech Street, leaving that tree for London West, while London West changed its Birch Street for the aristocratic Cavendish.

Byron Avenue, more likely suggested by the village beyond Springbank than by the poet's name, replaced Alma Street, which was already in the north end.

Askin Street, for Col. J. B. Askin, who moved to London as Clerk of the Court, from Vittoria, in 1828, and retained his position till his death, November 15th, 1869. He built the first substantial home in the settlement, on the Wortley Road.

Cynthia and Theresa Street were named for his daughters.

Brighton Street, remnant of the effort once made to name London South New Brighton. When Lorne Avenue was changed to Duke Street, Victoria Avenue became Duchess Avenue in honor of the Duke and Duchess of Argyle, she once again being apportioned the lion's share.

Edward Street and Dean Street on the Parke survey, were named for Edward Dean Parke.

Cathcart Street, on the Macfie survey, for Robert Cathcart Macfie. Briscoe Street, Langarth Street and Wrey Street, were named by the late Charles Hutchinson, Crown Attorney, after estates occupied by the late Hutchinson family in Cumberland County, England.

The property from Wharncliff Road to the city limits was part of the Kent property, and when surveyed by Mr. John Kent was named Kensal Park, after Kensal Green in Old London.

Kensal Avenue was changed, somewhat to the family's disgust, by a too practical Council to Pipe Line Road naturally drawing one's thoughts to a rough iron pipe under the ground, instead of to the beautiful grass and trees above.

Cove Road, the road through the cove, and Center Street, the street through the center of the cove.

South Street, the southern extremity of the cove.

Cove Lane, leading to the cove from Wharncliff Road. All wisely marking the spot where Simcoe first dreamed of his Forest City.

Greenside Avenue, formerly Dufferin Avenue.

Orchard Street, named for John G. Orchard, the coal merchant, one of the oldest residents in the neighbourhood; was Kent Avenue in the original survey.

Johnston Street, after James Johnston, who owned a brickyard on the site; took the place of Hill Street.

Railway Street faces the GTR track.

MacAlpine Street, named for Dr. MacAlpine, a son-in-law of Mr. Kent's; and Malcolm Street, for his son. The names of Brookfield, Forest Hill, Woodward, Riverview, Greenwood Avenues, named by Mr. Kent are all thoroughly keeping with the rural character of Kensal park. Chelsea and Chessington Avenues were imported from England by Mr. Kent.

The new streets added to No. 1 Ward since 1905, besides Carfrae Crescent are: Ingleside Avenue, east from Ridout Street near Victoria Bridge, the name of the residence of the late Ephraim Park, Baker Avenue, south of Grand Avenue, after Thos. Baker, owner of the property; Erie Avenue, south of the Cove Road; Mackinon Place, after Mrs. John Mackinon, owner, daughter of the pioneer who enticed his friend over by writing that game could be had for the catching; MacKenzie Avenue, running through the property of Mr. Philip MacKenzie.

In crossing Kensington Bridge, we come to the site of the old Kensington suburb surveyed by Mr. Charles Hutchinson, on what was known as Nixon's Flats, where Applegarth tried to grow flax even before Peter MacGregor built his tavern at the Forks. North of that was the village of Petersville, on the original Kent Flats, built by Samuel Peters, pioneer butcher of London, who bought and surveyed land, building his home, Grosvenor Lodge on the hill overlooking his domain, proclaiming his Devonshire origin by the name chosen.

When the Council of 1898 undertook the arduous task of renaming the streets in London West, it was impossible to please everybody; so they cut the Gordian knot by fastening their own names right and let. So we have, first of all, Wilson Avenue, for the Mayor, Dr. John Wilson, instead of the oft-repeated Center Street; Belton Street, for Ann Street South; Carrothers Avenue, for Peter Street; Cooper Street for Bryan Street; Wyatt Street, for Maple Street; Meredith Avenue, T.G. Meredith being City Solicitor, for Elm Street; Douglas Street, for Ash Street. Irwin Street and Gunn Street were pioneer names, as the block had been lately surveyed, divided by Center Street; renamed Saunby Street for the proprietor. When it was proposed to name one street Jolly Row, in honor of Mr. George Jolly, the worthy alderman objected, as it was too suggestive of a street fight; and the irrepressible small boy will say things. Alderman Dreany preferred that his name should embellish East London (where he won his spurs), so Dreany Avenue took the place of Alma Street East.

When one of the residents objected to St. Patrick Street taking the place of Queen Street, Alderman O'Mara silenced the opposition with the characteristic remark: " Faith, I doubt if there will ever be a dacenter man on the street than the same St. Patrick!" St. Patrick is evidently too decent for the neighborhood, as they are advocating changing the name.

When St. Andrew Street took the name of William Street, it was unchallenged and naturally suggested that of Argyle Street to replace John Street; Beaufort Street to take the place of Mill Street; Euston Street that of Dufferin Street; Guelph Street that of Pine Street; and Cavendish Street that of Birch Street. These are all high-sounding names that pleased the civic ear, and were considered suitable for such an English town. The memory of the white cliffs of Albion was not disturbed.

Empress Avenue replaced Ann Street North and Forward Avenue, named after an old resident on the street, replaced Oak Street.

Fernley Avenue, at the end of the survey, is a name suggesting woods and wild flowers.

Alicia Street, for the wife of Cameron MacDonald, who made the survey.

Agnes Street, for the daughter of Thomas Green, who lived on the property.

Grace Street, for a well known character of London West, Dickey Grace, who lived for years in this neighbourhood.

Napier Street must have been suggested by the aspect of the river at high-water, when there was something to fight.

Leslie Street and Alexander Street, both named for Alexander Leslie, who had a market garden in this block.

Lackey Street, named for a well-known old resident.

Charles Street, named for C.P. Smith formerly well known as "Uncle Charley" of the firm of Smith and Chapman, hardware merchants in the city.

Edith Street, named for Mr. Chapman's daughter.

Caroline Street, after Mrs. Caroline Rich, who owned the property.

Paul Street, named by Dr. Farrar, who owned the property, for his old friend and partner in the grocery business, Anson Paul.

Oxford Street, naturally suggests Cambridge Street, just south of it; and then why not Edinborough Avenue?

Mount Pleasant Avenue leading to Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

Surrey Avenue suggests the Surrey side over the Thames in Old London.

Cherry Street, Walnut Street, Hickory Street, Chestnut Street, Hazel Street, all express the rural character of the neighborhood, which has had no commercial or manufacturing center to start from.

Delmige Avenue, on the property of Dr. James Wilson, was lately surveyed and named for his mother.

As London East was built on the pioneer farm of Noble English, it is natural that the family names should appear in the first survey till replaced by others more convenient or more suitable for the purpose. The first Street after Adelaide Street, the eastern boundary of the Crown lands surveyed is Elizabeth Street, named for Elizabeth Forsythe, wife of Mr. Noble English. English Street takes the family name. Ontario and Quebec Streets, named for the two most important provinces of the new Dominion. Woodman Avenue, the family name of Robert Quick's mother. Lyman Street and John Street, changed to a continuation of Princess Avenue; Timothy Street changed to Lorne Avenue; Franklin Street to a continuation of Dufferin Avenue, and Elias Street, were all named for sons of Mr. English.

Salisbury, for Lord Salisbury, Premier of England, the successor of D'Israeli in the Tory party.

Wolseley Avenue has been lately added.

Rattle Street, named for the pioneer, Dan Rattle, who kept a well-known hostelry on Adelaide Street in the old days.

Keyburn Street, named for a family who held property in the neighborhood.

Middleton Avenue, after General Middleton, who led the forces to quell the Riel rebellion in the N.W.T.

Nightingale Avenue, so named by Mr. James Montford, an ardent admirer of Florence Nightingale, the mother of all trained nurses.

Charlotte and Dorinda Streets, on the Abbott Survey, named for the daughters of A. S. Abbott.

The little group of names on the Glass, Walker and Hutchenson surveys called forth a good deal of discussion as to who is who. Mary Street, for Mrs. Samuel Glass. Laura Street, for Miss Walker. Florence Street for Mrs. Walker. The Colonel facetiously remarking "We had better put the daughter between two ladies to keep peace." Eva Street for Miss Glass. Francis Street, named for Mr. Frank Hutchenson's son; Mabel Street and Ethel Street for daughters of Mr. Charles Hutchenson.

Wilton Avenue, after a residential street in Toronto.

Brydges Street, Swinyard Street, Muir Street, Childers Street named in honor of the G. T> Railway magnates.

Gore Street, a short street in the gore formed by the junction of Brydges Street and Wilton Avenue.

Ash Street, Elm Street and Oak Street, still seem delightfully fresh; but will no doubt soon have their names changed when business crowds in.

Egerton Street, named for Egerton Ryerson, the foremost educationalist of Canada.

Ormsby Street, Hackett Street, Dame Street, names in the Graydon family, who owned this block.

Grafton Street and Sackville Street, named for the two main streets in Dublin.

Campbell Street, named for John Campbell, ex-mayor of London, and a popular citizen of London for many years.

Kitchener Avenue and Roberts Avenue, a reminder of the South African heroes, by A. A. Campbell, of the People Loan Company. Cabel Avenue, Mr. Campbell's cable word, compounded from his name.

Lovett Street, on the Park Survey, named for a son-in-law of Mr. Samuel Park, Governor of the Gaol.

Stedwell Street, an active oil an, a son-in-law of Mr. Park.

Lewis Street, formerly Oak Street, renamed in honor of the late Col. Lewis, a prominent citizen and former mayor of London.

Anderson Avenue, changed from Chester Street, in honor of Murray Anderson, first mayor of London.

Pegler Street, for an old resident in the neighbourhood.

Walker Street, in honour of Col. John Walker, at one time registrar for London.

Carson Lane, named for the popular school inspector.

Marmora Street, Mamalon Street, Inkerman Street, and Redan Street in the Hammond Survey, named for some of the battles of Wellington and of the Russian War.

Lansdowne Avenue, named for Lord Lansdowne, Governor-General of Canada during the time of the Northwest Rebellion.

Pearl Street, a favourite name given by one of the residents, with no special significance.

South Street, a continuation of the southern terminus of Colonel Burwell's original survey; since changed, but not registered, as Ottaway Avenue, a corruption of the maiden name of Mrs. Adam Beck, who is an earnest worker for the Hospital on South Street.

Nelson Street and Trafalger Street call to mind on Englishman who had done his duty.

Rectory Street, eastern boundary of the original Crown lands to St. Paul's Rectory by the Act of Governor Colborne.

Glebe Street, formerly called Hewitt Street, after Alderman Hewitt, changed to Glebe Street, as it was in St. Paul's Glebe or endowment lands.

Marshall Street, named for an old resident on the street. Lyle Street, surveyed by the Rev. W.F. Clarke, son of the hero of Clarke's Bridge, who after many years returned to preach to the congregation his father had gathered together. He married Miss Mary Ann Soper Lyle, and with commendable taste chose the last and prettiest name to designate his street. It was at first only one block, but the City some time ago purchased land and carried it through to York Street.

Philip Street, on the Scanlan Survey, for Philip Evans, an old servant of the Scanlan family.

Elanor and Patrick Street were named for Scanlan's father and wife.

Streets opened since 1905 are Hyatt named for owner of property, runs from Grey to Hill Street and Hamilton Road, and Webb Street, after Thomas Webb, landlord of the old Wellington Hotel, runs south of South Street.

It is a wise city that provides for its parks before it needs them, when land can be had for the asking; but one cannot always tell just where the city will center itself, and London had two grants, which were afterwards turned into building lots - one in the north end, northeast of Lake Horn, and the other in the south, between Stanley Street and the Railway track, extending from Wortley to Wharncliff Roads. Col. Mahlon Burwell deeded this land to the city for all time to be called St. James Park. The name can still be traced in St. James Park P.O., the original name for London South, and in St. James Episcopal Church. The land deeded by the Crown for exhibition purposes, the old cricket square, formerly the barrack ground, with its historic stump fence, was purchased for a park by the City and formerly dedicated with the name of Her Most Gracious Majesty Victoria by Governor-General Lord Dufferin in 1874. Salter's Grove was purchased and held for some time, while the City Council discussed the desirability of locating a park. In 1879 it was enclosed and named Queen's Park, and a special committee appointed to attend its improvement and preservation. The completion of the waterworks system, in 1877, gave birth to Springbank Park, and the building of the London and Port Stanley Traction Road laid the foundation for Alexandra Park, near Lambeth, in 1906.

While her splendid road and railway system, her commercial enterprise, and her educational advantages have fulfilled Simcoe's prophecy of the Metropolis of the West, London is even more proud of her wide and shaded streets, her grassy lawns and boulevards, and her splendid parks, which make good the claim to her favourite title

The Forest City

First posted September 29, 1996