Until the opening of the Toronto Zoo in 1975, this was the site of the Riverdale Zoo. Here are some photos of it from BlogTo:

Some of the old zoo buildings were still standing the last time I was here complete with jungle scenes painted on the walls of the old monkey area.

Now this lower area with these buildings and a pond are closed to the public.

These days it is a farm and it attracts many parents and grandparents with their toddlers. I frequently heard the “moos” and “baas” that the young ones have learned from picture books.

Some botany:

Other sights:

Some history:

Riverdale farm is next to St. James Cemetery.

I had the good fortune of meeting Jack Layton several times when he held meetings at the east end church where I was organist.

I was last here on a blustery March day searching for the grave of my grandparents. I didn’t find it but did find that of my great grandparents.

Today I found that of my grandparents.

Murray died in 2001.

Also nearby is a tribute to a popular radio and TV personality who died in 1984.

The former St. Enoch’s Presbyterian Church had as its minister, for a time, the father of celebrated organist, composer and conductor Sir Ernest MacMillan.

Sir Ernest learned to play the organ here.

NATURE POETRY

The Summer looks out from her brazen tower,
Through the flashing bars of July.                           – Francis Thompson (1859–1907)

Miles Hearn