Welcome to the Midway Historical Society.

I founded the Midway Historical Society in a leap of faith this week in the hope that others will join me as we explore the history of our neighbourhood. Clearly, those living east of Greenwood Avenue and east to the old Town of East Toronto do not consider themselves to be part of Leslieville, but neither are they part of The Beach (or Beaches if you prefer). I have been researching, compiling an archives, writing and talking about the history of the area for decades. However, no one is immortal and time passes. When I die, all that research and history dies with me. I’ve always said that, “History belongs to everybody”. Whatever you call the neighbourhood you live in, the history of your street, your schools, your local stores, your history matters. Joanne Doucette, local historian, admin@midwayhistory.com

Our Mission

The Midway Historical Society’s mission is to research, study, and share the diverse multicultural history of Midway. This area spans from Greenwood Avenue to East Toronto and south to Queen Street, covering its history up to 1974.

How We Will Do This?

We engage residents, visitors, and history enthusiasts in exploring our neighbourhood’s unique identity through our website, walking tours, publications, events, exhibits, and collaborations with other local history groups.

Why Midway?

We chose “Midway” for our historical society because it was the name of this neighbourhood from 1905 until World War One. The area includes Monarch Park, Shacktown (between Greenwood and Coxwell), the old Toronto Golf Club course, Beach Hill, and the subdivision north of the tracks and east of Coxwell. While there were other names, we picked Midway to define the area we research and share historical information about.

Does that mean that today’s residents should call the area Midway. Absolutely not. What you call your neighbourhood today is your choice.

We Need Your Support

We are a new non-profit organization established in January 2025. Although we are not currently a registered charity and cannot provide receipts for tax purposes, we appreciate your donations to help us start and continue our operations.

We invite you to join us and look forward to seeing you at a public talk, a guided tour or another event in the future.

You can contact us at: admin@midwayhistory.com