London, Ont. has thousands of streets, each with its own name and story to tell.
A group of over 50 locals has come together to create a new version of London Street Names, a book that explores the histories behind more than 130 streets, from Agathos Street to Zenia Green.
Two of the contributors, Michael Baker and Hilary Bates Neary, who also edited the book, joined London Morning’s Andrew Brown on Friday to discuss the new edition, their selection process for the streets featured, and why understanding this local history matters.
An official launch event will take place on Saturday at the Central branch of the London Public Library.
This transcript has been edited for clarity and length.
London Morning7:50How much do you know about your street name in London?
More than 50 historians from London have put together a book about street names in London, Ont. Two authors, Michael Baker and Hilary Bates Neary, spoke with London Morning about it before the book’s release.
Andrew Brown: Hilary, let’s start with you. What made you want to create a book about street names in London?
Hilary Bates Neary: The publisher invited us to do it. We released the first edition in 2003 and he reached out last spring wanting an updated version that included 30 new street names. Mike and I were excited to help out along with our recruited authors who wrote up these stories.
AB: Mike, what interests you so much about this topic?
Michael Baker: The cool thing about street names is there’s usually an interesting piece of London’s history behind each one. You can use them to explain different points or people related to our city’s past while sharing some fun local lore.
AB: With so many streets in London, how did you choose just 130 for this book?
MB: We literally took a close look at the map using magnifying glasses this time around and searched for intriguing names or streets we thought had some historical significance behind them. We also considered potential authors who could connect well with those particular streets based on their knowledge.
The book cover of the latest edition of London Street Names. (James Lorimer & Co. Publisher)
AB: Hilary, how did you find your contributing authors?
HBN: Many writers weren’t historians but rather curious individuals skilled at research who could write engaging stories once they got started.
AB: Do any specific stories stand out as favorites for you?
HBN: I’m really fascinated by Kingsway Avenue-a short road connecting Wonderland to Oakridge Acres that ends at Oakridge Drive. My family lived in Oakridge Acres.. When we found Alan Noon to write this story-he lives on Kingsway-he encountered someone who previously owned one of the first houses built there. That owner discovered bullet holes during renovations! It’s amazing what lies beneath a simple street name like that!
AB: Did you figure out where those bullet holes came from?
HBN: Not completely yet! But we dug into it quite a bit; we suspect something happened because that house was under court order closure for two months back in 1944.. We think maybe there was an illegal poker game going on that went wrong or something similar! We’re still piecing it all together though.
AB: How about you Mike? Any stories particularly resonate with you?
MB: Definitely-but it’s hard not be intrigued by gunfights happening nearby!
AB: Good point-I should’ve asked you first!
MB : There’s this area just north of Southdale between Nixon and Wellington that’s part of Veterans’ Land Act housing built after World War II specifically for veterans returning home. Ottawa’s planners decided all streets would be named after generals , like Churchill , Montgomery , Eden , Roosevelt , Mac Arthur. However , veterans living there didn’t want constant reminders from war so they changed those street names themselves. One became Creston , another Winblest ; my favorite was Montgomery changed simply too Easy Street ! Who wouldn’t want an address on Easy Street?!
AB : Absolutely love knowing we’ve got an Easy Street here !
MB : Westminster Township tried taking them court over changing names but thankfully judges sided with veterans.
AB : Hilary , what insights do think people can gain regarding city through books such as yours ?
HBN : They’ll definitely learn layers upon layers regarding community histories as Mike pointed out earlier. Starting off simplistic then uncovering relations tied into original property developers leading connections towards other significant events occurred within our shared spaces. While doing this examining natural areas tied closely reflection demonstrating Forest City moniker reminding residents importance greener community initiatives being developed today !
AB : Why is knowing these pieces local history important according view point ?
MB : Well it offers bite-sized portions helping appreciate past ; revealing significance attached familiar roads they might have traveled often without realizing why named thus originally!
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