Montgomery's Inn and Village of Islington Murals

I love history.

I love how so much can change in such a short time and how things seem to stay the same.

Visiting heritage buildings is the one top attraction that we must visit whenever we are in an area. To see how people lived, worked, celebrated or even died, is fascinating.  It shows us how hard life must have been at times, with the amount of physical effort and time to do tasks that we can get done with a push of a button today.  There are the lost arts and how they enjoyed each other's time.  The differences and similarities can be striking.

Montgomery's Inn on Dundas Street in Toronto is one heritage building that is worth visiting. This multi-purpose building became an important part of the community in its day. We booked ourselves a tour. Some places offer self-guided tours, and some places have tour guides to show and explain the site we are visiting. If there is an option to have a tour guide, we always do this. Guides can provide so much more information than going out on our own and reading signs, and guessing what we are seeing. Guides answer questions. I like to ask many questions, and the guides are more than happy to answer my inquiries.

Always take a guided tour, even if it costs a bit extra.

Our guide showed us a map of the region back in Montgomery's day. The map showed Dundas Street meandering through Toronto since it followed an old trade route that predated European settlers. The tour started on how the land was given and how to keep it; it had to be cleared and a road placed around it. Another map showed all treaties with the First Nations.

From there, we entered the kitchen and learned how Mrs. Montgomery was in charge of the domestic affairs of the Inn, and Mr. Montgomery was in charge of all the other aspects. We have seen many kitchens from this period, and it was very similar to every other.  In this period, the number one cause of premature death in women (besides childbirth) was getting her dress on fire when cooking by the hearth.

Adjacent to the kitchen is the tavern. This was a unique experience for us since so many other places did not have this business in their establishments.  The tavern was the centre of society for many people in the local community. Business relations, job opportunities, and other items of note would be done in a tavern. It was the place to be to make connections. At the time, laws forbade Natives from entering a tavern. Under the guise that it was for their “own good,” it really was a means to segregate society and exclude the Natives from advancing their social standing. Montogomery ignored this law and welcomed anyone into his bar.

In stark contrast to the liberal and welcoming views of the Montgomery’s was Henry Dundas. The street that the Inn is located on is named after Henry Dundas, who had advocated for the phased approach to ending slavery instead of an immediate end. It meant that some enslaved people would be trapped for decades, and others would go free immediately.  This part of the tour was enlightening because I never understood the controversy surrounding the name Dundas.

This tour includes other rooms that could be rented as a social gathering place and even a meeting hall. The final part of the tour included the small area that gave the site the name "Inn." Just three small rooms and if you were lucky, you might only have to share with one or two other people.

Not my thing.

No way would I share a room or even a bed with a bunch of strangers!

The tour usually is one hour long, but we had the tour extended by 30 minutes because I kept asking questions. I was thoroughly impressed with the tour and thanked our guide.

Visiting Montgomery's Inn is an excellent lesson in local history.  There was so much that we discovered on this tour and I would hate to give away all of its secrets.  It is was truly one of the best guided tours we have ever had.

If you want to continue exploring history, it is literally around the corner from Montgomery’s Inn.  

Village of Islington Murals

Street art is a growing trend that I welcome very much. It is thought that placing street art, murals, or even graffiti art significantly reduces the vandalism in the area. It must be working because more and more murals are made each year, and more towns and cities are funding these projects.

Starting at the intersection of Dundas Street and Islington Avenue, where Montgomery's Inn is located, is a collection of murals of exceptional quality. The Village of Islington Murals each has a description by it detailing what it represents and the history behind the image. All along Dundas until Renown Road are 28 murals. Other than the river valley by the Inn, the walk is relatively flat and easy. Montgomery's Inn takes you back to the 1830s. These murals can bring you closer to modern times.

This is a must-view when in the area, and you will not be disappointed with this heritage display.

I have created a MAP that features these murals and many others in various locations. 

This map is constantly being updated, so make sure you check it frequently.