The 1937 Toronto Orange Parade
On Monday July 12th, 1937 the Orange community in Toronto celebrated the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, parading for the 117th consecutive occasion. Following a rainy Sunday the procession stepped out in glorious sunshine from Queen’s Park at 9:00 AM and paraded via Wellesley, Yonge, Albert, James, Queen and Dufferin Streets into the grounds of the CNE.At the City Hall Cenotaph spectators were ten deep to witness wreaths being laid to honour veterans of the great war.
Ninety men’s lodges, many Ladies and Junior Lodges along with fifty bands contributed to the over 5,700 on parade. The procession was led by County Master William Goddard and Mayor (Brother) W.D.Robbins.
The keynote speaker at the Exhibition grounds was Leopold MacAuley, MPP York South who warned that” we as a country must face the growing dangers of Nazism and Communism”. Prophetic words indeed in 1937. Other speakers included; Hon.J.Earl Lawson MP, York South; Rev.David P. Rowland, York Presbyterian Church (a future GM of Ontario West); and Alderman Don McGregor all Brother Orangemen.
Toronto’s first Orange Lodge Nassau L.O.L. #4 was on parade and flourishing after 106 years. Brother Sam McAllister a patrol officer at City Hall was making his 55th Toronto Parade. Another notable marcher was Brother Fred Hubbard, TTC Commissioner.
County Marshall Wm.Harper rode at the head of the parade for the 39th time. The TTC did not mind having to reroute cars as parade day brought in an additional 20,000 paying customers above the daily average.
Today we recall with gratitude the work of the men and women of Toronto’s Orange Community and their invaluable contributions to the city. Their unselfish efforts have made it possible for us to celebrate the Battle of the Boyne in this North America’s longest consecutively held parade.
John Wells
County Secretary
Note: This article appeared in the 2007 Parade programme
Ninety men’s lodges, many Ladies and Junior Lodges along with fifty bands contributed to the over 5,700 on parade. The procession was led by County Master William Goddard and Mayor (Brother) W.D.Robbins.
The keynote speaker at the Exhibition grounds was Leopold MacAuley, MPP York South who warned that” we as a country must face the growing dangers of Nazism and Communism”. Prophetic words indeed in 1937. Other speakers included; Hon.J.Earl Lawson MP, York South; Rev.David P. Rowland, York Presbyterian Church (a future GM of Ontario West); and Alderman Don McGregor all Brother Orangemen.
Toronto’s first Orange Lodge Nassau L.O.L. #4 was on parade and flourishing after 106 years. Brother Sam McAllister a patrol officer at City Hall was making his 55th Toronto Parade. Another notable marcher was Brother Fred Hubbard, TTC Commissioner.
County Marshall Wm.Harper rode at the head of the parade for the 39th time. The TTC did not mind having to reroute cars as parade day brought in an additional 20,000 paying customers above the daily average.
Today we recall with gratitude the work of the men and women of Toronto’s Orange Community and their invaluable contributions to the city. Their unselfish efforts have made it possible for us to celebrate the Battle of the Boyne in this North America’s longest consecutively held parade.
John Wells
County Secretary
Note: This article appeared in the 2007 Parade programme