When construction workers uncovered a time capsule back in October during renovations to Maple Leaf Gardens, many speculated that its contents would be of great historical significance. Taken possession of by Ryerson University and Loblaws, the time capsule was unveiled today at a press event, and though its contents are not earth-shattering, they do provide some insight into Toronto in the early 1930s, including headlines and advertisements from the era of the Great Depression, the original architect’s thoughts on Maple Leaf Gardens and a document revealing former Leaf’s owner Conn Symthe’s trepidation over the future of hockey in this city.
Found behind the 1931 cornerstone at the corner of Church and Carlton, the time capsule is a small, rusted tin box that contains:
- Four local newspapers from September 21, 1931 (The Evening Telegram, The Toronto Daily Star, The Globe, The Mail and Empire)
- A four-page, typed letter from the directors of Maple Leaf Gardens describing the original design and constructions details
- A stock prospectus for the Gardens
- A 1931 Toronto Municipal Handbook
- Three official hockey rulebooks (Canadian Amateur Hockey Association, the Ontario Hockey Association and the National Hockey League)
- A Canadian Red Ensign flag
- A stock prospectus for the Gardens
- A small ivory elephant
Click on the gallery below for a glimpse of the time capsule’s contents:
On display for the public today at Ryerson, the box’s contents will eventually find a permanent home back at Maple Leaf Gardens. And while most of what was found is largely explanatory, there are a few mysteries surrounding the time capsule.
The first is an inscription etched into the box signed “M.B. Campbell September 21, 1931.” Identified as a resident of 124 Lindsey Ave., Campbell’s life, origins and connection with the Gardens are largely unknown. Moreover, the significance of the ivory elephant is causing many to draw a blank. “It could be speculated that it was a good luck charm, no different than the loonie buried below centre ice at the Salt Lake City Olympics,” said Ryerson President Sheldon Levy. “But it’s not possible to know its origins or the reason it was buried.” Presently, both Ryerson and Loblaws are looking for anyone who can shed light on these two mysteries.
