News & Events

Tucked behind the cornerstone of one of Canada’s most storied buildings was an object that few knew about – until now. Today, Ryerson University and Loblaw Companies Limited revealed the contents of a 1931 time capsule found inside the walls of Maple Leaf Gardens.

They are asking for your help in determining the meaning behind a mysterious ivory elephant, and what items could go into a new time capsule to be housed at the Peter Gilgan Athletic Centre at the Gardens.

“Maple Leaf Gardens holds a lot of special memories for millions of Canadians and, it turns out, it also held a few surprises from 1931 that were just waiting to be found,” said Sheldon Levy, president of Ryerson University. “We are thrilled to share the contents of the time capsule with all Canadians.”

The time capsule, a copper box measuring 30 centimeters by 20 centimeters by 20 centimeters, has no external markings or writing. The inside of the lid is hand-engraved, “M.B. Campbell 124 Lindsay Ave 21/9/31”.

Once opened, the time capsule revealed a dozen items that were included on September 21, 1931, including:

• A four-page, typed letter from the directors of Maple Leaf Gardens describing the design and construction details of the new arena;
• A stock prospectus for Maple Leaf Gardens;
•  Four newspapers from September 21, 1931 including the Toronto Daily Star, The Globe, The Mail and Empire and The Evening Telegram;
• Three official hockey rule books, one each for the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association, the Ontario Hockey Association and the National Hockey League;
•  A Red Ensign flag; and
• A small ivory elephant with fragments of a blue ribbon.

Loblaw, which opened its new urban supermarket model, Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens on November 30, 2011, is equally excited about the discovery.

“The historic Maple Leaf Gardens holds a special place in the hearts of many here in Canada and around the world.  With the opening of Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens we are happy to have the opportunity to breathe life back into this historic landmark,” said Jane Marshall, executive, vice president, Loblaw Properties and Business Strategy, Loblaw Companies, Limited. ”We are curious to hear Canadians’ ideas for the new time capsule.”

Ryerson and Loblaw are asking the public for insight into the mysterious ivory elephant and for suggestions as to what to include in a time capsule that will be placed inside The Peter Gilgan Athletic Centre at the Gardens later this summer. The public can make suggestions by tweeting @RyersonNews or visiting Ryerson’s Facebook page.

The capsule, now jointly owned by Ryerson University and Loblaw, will be kept in a safe storage facility until a permanent display is created.

Ryerson University is Canada's leader in innovative, career-oriented education and a university clearly on the move. With a mission to serve societal need, and a long-standing commitment to engaging its community, Ryerson offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. Distinctly urban, culturally diverse and inclusive, the university is home to more than 28,000 students, including 2,300 master's and PhD students, nearly 2,700 faculty and staff, and more than 140,000 alumni worldwide. Research at Ryerson is on a trajectory of success and growth: externally funded research has doubled in the past four years. The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education is Canada's leading provider of university-based adult education. For more information, visit www.ryerson.ca

- 30 -

MEDIA CONTACT:

Michael Forbes                                                                      
Public Affairs | Ryerson University                          
416-979-5000 x 4282 | michael1.forbes@ryerson.ca
Twitter: @RyersonNews

If you require this in another format, please contact Ryerson University Public Affairs at 416-979-5000 x 7134.