In the lower level of Massey Hall you’ll find Centuries, a fully-stocked bar you can visit pre-show and at intermission of most performances. The room is filled with artefacts illustrating the admirable history of Massey Hall, perhaps most notably the “Decade Panels” that line the entrance corridor to Centuries. Starting with 1894-1904, a panel is present for each decade since Massey Hall opened. The panels feature news articles, photographs, programmes and other paraphernalia that aim to give a slice of life at Massey Hall from that period in history. In this column, we look at each decade and highlight some of the items included in these panels. Of course, for a more in-depth look, next time you’re at Massey for a show, head on over to Centuries and check them out. This week, we take a look at 1924 – 1933, the fourth in a series of eleven tributes to Massey Hall’s glorious history.
MASSEY HALL 1924 – 1933
This decade panel includes artefacts from both Massey Hall’s history specifically as well as from the highs and lows of the goings on in Toronto and the world. At the top of the panel, a Toronto Daily Star headline proclaims “Stock Prices Crash” and explains further, “millions of shares valued in billions sold in stock break.”
By December 1931, it would seem that people were keen for philosophical guidance. There was, evidently, a great deal of press coverage surrounding Bertrand Russell’s speaking engagement at Massey Hall. In advance of the event, the presentation was included in the local listings with tickets available for 50c, 75c, $1.00, and $1.50 (the notice was alongside a listing for a “Musicomedy” at Shea’s and the Jack Holt and Ralph Graves film “A Dangerous Affair” at the Uptown Theatre.) Advance coverage noted that the “famous mathematician, scientist, and author” would be lecturing on “The Sins of Civilization.” Reviews declared that the “Progress of Human Wisdom Lags, Says Bertrand Russell[.] Happiness Submerged Under Will Power, Philosopher Tells Packed House.”
Once again, in addition to lectures by prominent thinkers of the day, Massey Hall also saw on its stage performances such as The Freiburg Passion Play, The Royal Belgian Guards Band, and Operatic Soprano, Rosa Ponselle.
Massey Hall was also a venue for a typing contest during this time in which “Miss Louise Marchese Writing 104 Words Per Minute” won the title of “Amateur Champion.” The article regarding the contest also notes that none other than “H. Northrop Frye” won second place in novice typewriting with 63 words per minute (losing first place to Miss Agnes MacClennan who typed “69 words per minute for 15 minutes.”)
We know that it was in 1933 that a major Massey Hall renovation occurred: seating was reduced from 3,500 to 2,765 creating new spaces for a lounge behind the first gallery and an enlarged ground floor entrance area. A new Art Deco look and colour scheme adorned the Hall.To this end, the Simpson’s advertisement that directs readers to “Look Your Loveliest At Massey Hall Tonight…” is delightfully appropriate. The ad reads:
“Gone are the days when you could slip into Massey Hall in your last season’s evening dress and wrap. In the grand new foyer you are going to see and be seen. The new setting has something of the atmosphere of a Continental opera house where fashionables promenade wearing supremely smart frocks and wraps. The re-opening to-night will be one of the dazzling affairs of the Winter season. It will call forth elegant, glamorous clothes—brilliant as the memorable occasion itself.”
Stefania Paterak is the Programming Coordinator for Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall.
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