What people in Mississauga did for fun 100 years ago

Recreational and leisure activities have always played an important role in Mississauga.

One of the few things that brought people together, regardless of background or geographical location, were sporting activities, recreation and leisure pursuits and fairs.

As early as 1836, fairs were organized in township, with roots in Cooksville, Malton and Streetsville. Although essentially agricultural, the fairs were also organized around competitions and entertainment, such as Auto Polo in Cooksville and Donkey Baseball in Streetsville.

The late 19th Century saw horse races on Queen Street (in Streetsville) and on the frozen Credit River in the winter. Streetsville also had a reputation for excelling with both baseball and lacrosse and the Streetsville Thistles brought lacrosse honours to the village with repeated championships in the 1890s.

Also popular were skating, hockey and lawn bowling. For many, a “Sunday finest” excursion saw people embark from the Cooksville Train Station on the old radial railway for community picnics up at Eldorado Park in Brampton.

Others might enjoy a visit to the zoo at Miles Park Farm near Erindale. The opening of movie theatres in the 1930s brought a new outlet for leisure activities, and the Vogue Theatre in Port Credit and the Roxy Theatre in Cooksville became community favourites in short order.

At Miles Park Farm, Erindale, c1950

At the Streetsville Fair, c1910

Auto Polo at the Cooksville Fair, c1910

Cooksville Agricultural Fair, fairgrounds and Township Hall, c1930

Cooksville Rod and Gun Club, Cooksville, c1910

Cooksville Train Station, c1920 – For many, a “Sunday finest” excursion saw people embark from the Cooksville Train Station on the old radial railway for community picnics up at Eldorado Park in Brampton.

Dutch Kitchen Tavern and Vogue Theatre, Port Credit, c1950

Opening Game, Puck Drop by Premier Leslie Frost, Dixie Arena Gardens, Dec 16, 1949

Opening of the Vogue Theatre, Port Credit, 1937

School Parade, Streetsville Fair, c1920

All images are courtesy of Heritage Mississauga.