Hello, I’m happy to send to you some historical post cards. I received them by chance and therefore I am no relation to the person they are addressed to. Much of my youth was spent in the north…. Timmins. Pleased to see that we still have historical societies. Continued success SMR

Dear SMR

A quick note to let you know that your letter arrived last week. Thanks so much for thinking of us!

Some of the postcards are new and/or better quality than those we have in the collection, so that’s exciting. I’m sharing them here for our readers.

Six cards were sent on the same day in September 1906. Dave Harvey mailed an assortment of local Northern Ontario tourist scenes to his younger sister Helen at 804 Talbot Street, London. Each was sent separately – some with a personal note. Now, if Helen was like me as a young teen, getting mail was a VERY BIG DEAL. I like to think that she cherished these mementos of her big brother.

At the time, 19 year-old Dave was at University of Toronto, studying civil engineering. It’s possible that his trip was a holiday. According to one of the messages, he arrived in New Liskeard in the morning and was returning south the next day. 

The Harvey Family

Of course, I wanted to know more about the Harvey family. After a day of researching the news records and other online resources, all I can say is, “… wow!” 

There is DEFINTELY more to the story here! I followed only a couple of threads — David William and his father Alexander Harvey — before I decided that these are chapters best assigned to London Ontario or Toronto Transit specialists. 

But in case you are curious – or are familiar with the Talbot Street neighbourhood near Gibbons Park in London, check out this 2016 Heritage Conservation study published by the City of London. Here I learned that Harvey was born in Ireland and settled in London in 1855 by way of New York City. He was a member of the Metropolitan United Church and for many years was a member of the London and Middlesex Historical Society. His obituary in 1927 noted that he was one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens in London.

He had two sons who both had successful careers of their own. His son, Alex Harvey, was the former president of the Hobb’s Hardware Co. Ltd. and later lived down the road at 825 Talbot Street. David W. Harvey, his other son was a distinguished engineer who served as the General Manager of the Toronto Transit Commission beginning in 1924. 

The newspapers followed Dave’s career from his graduation from the U of T to his 1921 appointment as assistant manager at the Toronto Transit Commission and 1924 promotion to manager. 

From David William Harvey entry on Findagrave:

Harvey was a well-liked and effective manager, who had excellent knowledge of the technical aspects of operating and maintaining a transit system. He personally held several patents for transit equipment, including the design of a three-door trailer, pulled by Peter Witt-type motor cars, that significantly speeded up boarding times, compared to the two-door trailers that were previously operated. He introduced motor buses on lightly-travelled feeder routes, and presided over the creation and expansion of Gray Coach Lines, the TTC’s intercity motor coach operator. The main shop facility at the TTC Hillcrest Complex on Bathurst Street, which opened in 1924, was renamed D.W. Harvey Shops in his honour.

He was only 51 when he died in 1938 – a loss that was felt deeply judging by the several tributes in the newspaper. The Globe and Mail described how he worked non-stop, day or night. He never took a holiday, apparently.

Which makes me wonder – was his 1906 trip north a holiday or was he reconnoitring for work opportunities?

Thanks again

Preserving local history depends on people like you, SMR, who recognize that old photographs, postcards and family papers are worth saving—and  finding the time to ensure they find a good home.

Please know that your gift is appreciated.