Own a Piece of Toronto History

Yes, you can own a piece of Toronto History !

We still have a precious few authentic, one of a kind, Don Jail [in] famous bricks for those seeking a unique weapon for beating back the crowds, or making a colourful centrepiece or a fabulous and unexpected Christmas / Holiday gift no one else would think of.  Send a note to  info@torontohistory.net  and order yours today !!!

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(From the heritage plaque.)
 
The Don Jail
1859-1864

The Don Jail is one of Toronto's most important mid-nineteenth-century public buildings. Located on a hill then outside City boundaries, it was constructed with exacting craftsmanship according to the plans of William Thomas, Toronto architect and designer of other landmarks such as St Lawrence Hall and St. Michael's Cathedral. Even though some cells measured only 1 by 3 metres, the Don Jail embodied  progressive ideas of penal reform. It was  once the largest prison of its kind in North America, and included a farm (now largely  Riverdale Park) worked by prisoners. The building's Renaissance Revival style made the jail suitably intimidating. Seventy executions took place on its gallows, including the last in Canada on December 11, 1962. After 113 years, the  old Don Jail building was  closed as a prison in 1977 - the east wing, completed in  1958, continued to serve as the Toronto Jail. This plaque was erected with the support of the Riverdale Historical Society.
Designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, 2000
HERITAGE TORONTO 2006