Tiny House, Big Hearts
After immigrating to Toronto, Charles and Elizabeth Hasted found a tiny house they could afford near Jane St. and St. Clair Ave. Their granddaughter Joan Belford tells the story.
In this video, Joan Belford shares memories of her grandparents, Charles and Elizabeth Hasted, offering a glimpse into everyday life in Toronto decades ago — from frugal habits to unexpected houseguests.
Joan describes how Charles used to walk to his job at the Otto Higel Co. — which made piano actions for Heintzman & Co. — to save trolley fare. Unemployed men riding the rails would come to their house, asking for food. Toronto Maple Leafs players sometimes stayed with them. And Joan’s parents met at a Donland’s Dairy Christmas party.
Charles Hasted (Photo courtesy of the family.)
Men riding the trains during the depression (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.)