The following is an excerpt from the soon to be released ebook- The Portuguese Immigrant: Atlantic Heritage Story – Now Available!
This is from the “Eastbound and Down” chapter:
“From there, he hailed a ride using his broken English from the Diamond Taxicab Association. The fare was split between some of the other men that joined in the carpool. He asked to be driven into the city, nearly an hour away. Sections of the newly constructed Gardiner Expressway yielded quick thoroughfare into the downtown core, casting them out at a central off-ramp. Riding north on Bay Street, his neck stretched out to look at the tallest buildings he had ever laid eyes on. It was fascinating for all the newcomers on board. Art Deco skyscrapers like the Sterling Tower and Commerce Court North penetrated the skyline.
“Welcome to Hogtown,” the driver said, observing their bewilderment in the rear-view mirror.
Toronto acquired many monikers, but one thing was for sure, the Big Smoke was undoubtedly a remarkable sight, like a bolt from the blue.
The driver dropped him off at a taxicab stand near the entrance of Union Station. Stepping out onto the wide sidewalk on Front Street with his baggage in hand, he was received by a row of columns that bestrode the facade of the station building. The Royal York Hotel emanated grandeur across the street. He paused for a smoke break to take in the moment as pedestrians scrambled about in every direction. The fast pace of life was plain to see, but he moved in his leisurely fashion.
He had mapped out an itinerary of interviews with prospects for housing, and had circled classified ads tailored for immigrants in a newspaper. He aimed to meet a landlord whose property was in Kensington Market. The partly outdoor market was home to vendors of all nations and became a legendary neighbourhood in the city. At that time, there was a large Jewish population, and the neighbourhood was receiving many Azoreans. The islanders moved into the area and further along Dundas Street West. They claimed mid-century homes and opened shops along the strip. A stretch of the road was later dubbed “Rua Azores,” and the area became known as Portugal Village. It sat adjacent to Little Italy on College Street.”
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