A. D. 1931

"In the hope and expectation that Maple Leaf Gardens will play well its part in the development of good and clean athletic sports I hereby declare its cornerstone to be well and truly laid."
-W.D. Ross, Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario - September 21, 1931.

Today marks the 87th anniversary of the cornerstone ceremony at 60 Carlton Street, the address of Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. The cornerstone was placed near the corner of Carlton and Church. In what seems almost impossible by current standards, the hockey palace was constructed in approximately 5 months with workers applying their skills around the clock.

One of the speakers at the event was Maple Leaf Gardens president J.P. Bickell. And Bickell recognized the unique financial agreement between the unions and MLG Ltd. in his speech. "Various trades employed are becoming part-owners of the enterprise by accepting a substantial portion of their remuneration in stock. There is I believe no precedent in any similar project for this happy situation."

Bickell continued on this theme in his address to the assembled crowd. "The first benefits from this work [the construction] have already been experienced through the distribution of a very considerable amount in wages, the purchase in Canada of large quantities of materials and supplies, and the profitable employment of some 800 men. Upon completion, the land and building will represent an expenditure in excess of $1,500,000 and will accommodate approximately 13,000 for hockey games and 17,000 for concerts, wrestling, boxing or other sports not requiring the entire large rink area."

It is important to note, taking into consideration Bickell's words, that all this was happening during the depression that followed the 1929 crash. The payment of the workers in stock became necessary to complete the job. Although there may have been an initial financial hardship imposed on some union members by taking stock, those that retained their certificates reaped a huge reward. As Maple Leaf Gardens Ltd. enjoyed box office success, so did the value of the stock. The longer a worker could retain the investment, his acceptance of the deal looked brighter. But for most, a lack of cash and the punishing affects of the depression resulted in them cashing in their stocks.

On November 12, 1931, the doors of Maple Leaf Gardens were opened for the public to witness the first hockey game in the new building. Hockey fans moved from Arena Gardens on Mutual Street uptown to the rink built by Conn Smythe and his associates.

As Bickell declared of the massive effort to build Maple Leaf Gardens, "it represents the combined efforts of all sections of the community." A community that enjoyed attending events, in particular Toronto Maple Leaf hockey games, from 1931 to 1999.