Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Mosley Street

Aurora Cenotaph 2012, Remembering 1944 & 1945 Remembrance Days

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 06:00:23 +0000

History notes today …

The Aurora Cenotaph (located at the Aurora War Memorial and Peace Park), Aurora only’s memorial tower built in 1925 which stands 73 feet high, recognizes the local soldiers from Aurora, King and Whitchurch (Ontario) who served and fell (77 local men) in the Great War. The Altar of Sacrifice located at the base of the Cenotaph was dedicated 1960 to those who died (55 local men) in World War II.

The Cenotaph is constructed on the land once owned by the millitary leader William Graham. William Graham fought in the American Revolution and in the War 1812.

Aurora Cenotaph, Town of Aurora, Ontario

1944 Remembrance Day, Town of Aurora, Ontario

SERVICE WILL HONOR ALL DEAD ON SATURDAY, AURORA, ONTARIO, NOVEMBER 9TH, 1944

“Remembrance Day will be celebrated in Aurora on Saturday with a parade to the Aurora War Memorial where a brief service will be held, The parade, consisting of a detachment from No. 23 B.T.C, under Lieut. F. J. White, C.W.A.C. personnel, war veterans, Aurora fire brigade, Boy Scouts and school children, will fall in at the town park at 9.45 a.m.

The parade will leave at 10.15 and will travel to the cenotaph by way of Wells, Wellington and Yonge Sts. Hon W. P. Mulock will take the salute in front of the post office. Wreaths will be laid by the municipalities of Aurora, King and Whitchurch, as well as lodges and schools.”

Aurora Cenotaph, Town of Aurora, Ontario

Remembrance Day 1945, Town of Aurora, Ontario

VETERANS OF BOTH WARS WILL PARADE ON NOV. 11, THE NEWMARKET ERA AND EXPRESS, THURSDAY NOVEMBER 8TH, 1945

“On Sunday, Nov. 11, war veterans of both wars will honor the memory of those who paid the supreme sacrifice. At 10.30 a.m. wreaths will be placed at the cenotaph on behalf of the town of Aurora, province of Ontario, Aurora war veterans and by any other organizations so desiring.

At the same hour, veterans will fall in on Mosley St. opposite the Aurora United church and proceed to Aurora United church for divine service. The parade will be seated in the church by 10.50 a.m. when the service will begin.

At 11 a.m. two minutes silence will be observed, with Last Post and Reveille being sounded. A wreath will be placed in the church by representatives of the three armed services.

Following the service, the parade will form on Mosley St. and will parade north on Yonge St. to Wellington St., south on Vicotria St. to Mosley St., and along Mosley St. to the town hall. Mayor Ross Linton will take the salute in front of the post office.

President George Duffield and the executive of the Aurora War Veterans Association request as many veterans and servicemen as possible to be present. The regulation uniform sanctioned by the D.O.C. of M.D. 2 for World War II veterans, and berets, medals, armbands, will be worn by the last war veterans.”

Aurora Cenotaph, Town of Aurora, Ontario

Victoria Hall, What Came First Mosley Or Victoria Street?

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 21:58:43 +0000

After our visit to the library to return books and pick up some more we got sidetracked. We crossed a parking lot behind the library and somehow landed on Mosley Street.

It was a nice little historic walk with Matthew walking on the side.

Victoria Hall, Front Entrance

Victoria Hall, Built 1883

We passed by few heritage places, but one that left most impression on me was the Victoria Hall, a simple Gothic church of the late 19th century (1883) that was once a home to the local congregation of the Disciples of Christ Church.

For a small Gothic building, I was surprised to read and learn that it was also a ‘Health Hall‘ and a Public Library in the past.

Victoria Hall, West Side

So that morning I started with the newest library for regular stop, then I ran into the site of the oldest one, and then I found Aurora library from 1963 on Victoria Street. I gave myself a pat on the shoulder for such interesting ‘finding‘ that day.

Victoria Hall is located at the intersection of Mosley Street and Victoria Street, to be exact 27 Mosley Street, Aurora.

Victoria Hall, East Side

When I was photographing Victoria Hall I knew nothing about it. The name was obvious. The age was obvious – engraved in stone above.

What I did not know that day if it was located on the Mosley Street or Victoria Street?

The church is facing Mosley Street, then must be located on the Mosley Street. I thought.

But then I thought, may be I was wrong, but I wasn’t. So why then the church is called Victoria Hall now?

Victoria Hall, Arched Windows

The only logic I can apply is that Victoria Street came after the church was re-named to Victoria Hall. That is the street Victoria Street was named after the Victoria Hall.

Am I right? I don’t know.

A Walk Downtown Aurora, Second Mural Discovered

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 19:57:42 +0000

We discovered second mural that can be seen when travelling North on Yonge Street, West side. We spotted the artwork on our way to pick up a book at The Auroran office located in the old post office on Yonge Street. I thought that the Larter mural on the intersection of Yonge Street and Wellington Street was the only one. Obviously not.

Both murals are really nice addition to the downtown core of Aurora. There were some rumors that the Larter mural supposed to be replaced with other mural. Will that happen anytime soon? We don’t know.

Discovered Mural

As we walked from the Aurora Library parking we never reached the intersection of Yonge Street and Wellington Street. However, we enjoyed some really nice downtown architecture and paint work.

Downtown Aurora, Yonge Street

A new building is emerging, and it is nice to see that the architecture will be in line with the downtown buildings. Okay, this one is a little taller. Is this a recent trend? I think so. If ever space permitted beside this new building, I bet it would be much taller.

New Downtown

Other Side

Our walk that day reminded me other downtown places I visited in Greece, Italy and Germany in the past. I cannot say it was better or worst, but definitely had the same feel. Unfortunately, no gift shop in our downtown of Aurora. Well the era of printed postcards is fading away.

Downtown Aurora

We been regular visitors to the Aurora Public Library now. I cannot emphasize again how fortunate we are to have this great resource in our town.

Aurora Public Library

That day the library flags were half mast paying respect to former NDP leader Jack Layton (August 23, 2011).

And some things are built to last, Aurora United Church.

Aurora United Church

We come a long way, from a street car to this blue colored Viva bus. One day we are planning to take this bus around, just for fun.

Viva Bus

Mosley Street, Aurora