Learn a little of Toronto's history as told through its plaques.
Lionel Conacher 1900-1954
Photo by Alan L Brown - March 2004
This Ontario Heritage Trust plaque can be found at the south-west corner of Davenport Road and Yonge Street. Here's the text:
Reputedly the greatest all-round athlete Canada has ever produced, Conacher was born near here. As a child he was seized by the desire to excel in sports and, taking up football, lacrosse, wrestling, hockey and baseball, he developed remarkable endurance and superb physical skills. In 1920 Conacher won the Canadian light-heavyweight boxing championship and the following year he led the Toronto Argonauts to a Grey Cup victory. "The Big Train" then devoted himself to professional hockey. A defenseman for National Hockey League teams in Pittsburgh, New York, Montreal and Chicago, he gained a reputation as an aggressive player and a brilliant tactician. In 1937 Conacher retired from professional sports. Thirteen years later he was named the outstanding Canadian male athlete of the half-century.
Plaque Location Co-ordinates: 43.672722 -79.388001
Related Toronto plaque pages
Lionel Conacher Park
Lionel Pretoria Conacher (1900-1954)
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Posted May 14, 2008
Lionel Conacher was an amazing person. I find it amazing how one man could excell in so many sports. He is truly Canada's greatest athlete.
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