Toronto’s Hidden WWI Memorial Book Demands Public Display NOW

UPDATE: A stunning tribute to Toronto’s World War I heroes is locked away, and advocates say it must be displayed for all to see. The Toronto Police Department’s 1921 memorial photo album, featuring images of 155 constables who served and the 27 who perished, has been largely inaccessible to the public and is urgently calling for restoration to public view.

This leather-bound album, weighing approximately 15 kilograms and measuring 45 cm by 60 cm, is not just a collection of photographs; it is a poignant reminder of duty and sacrifice. Each striking black-and-white portrait captures the faces of these brave men in military attire, accompanied by detailed records of their service, including enlistment dates and honors received.

A recent investigation into this hidden artifact revealed significant concerns about public access. Despite its historical importance, the memorial book is rarely displayed and is only shown during internal commemorative events. A representative from the Toronto Police Museum confirmed that the album is currently stored in on-site archives and not available for public viewing.

The album, originally gifted to the Toronto Police Department, was first displayed at the Toronto Reference Library decades ago, but records of its transition to the police museum remain unclear. This situation raises alarms about the preservation of history and the urgency of public access.

In a recent encounter at the police headquarters, the emotional weight of the memorial book became strikingly clear. “Looking into the faces of these young constables, the sacrifice of the 27 who never returned resonates on a deeper level,” shared a researcher who had the rare opportunity to examine the book under strict conditions. After navigating a three-hour access window, it was evident that this artifact must not remain hidden any longer.

The album was produced at a staggering cost of $1,200 in 1921—equivalent to around $20,000 today—demonstrating the commitment to honoring those who served. Edith E. Shaw, a renowned illustrator of her time, meticulously documented each constable’s military journey in breathtaking calligraphy, emphasizing the need for future generations to connect with this vital piece of history.

Public calls are mounting for the album to be displayed prominently at the Toronto Police Service’s College Street headquarters or in a larger museum dedicated to Toronto’s rich history. Advocates argue that such a display would not only honor the fallen but also educate the community about the sacrifices made by its local heroes.

As the city prepares for Remembrance Day, the urgency to restore and showcase the Toronto Police Book of Remembrance grows. The memorial’s intended purpose—to celebrate “duty well and gallantly performed”—must be fulfilled, allowing the legacy of these heroic constables to shine brightly in the community they served.

The time to act is now. The Toronto Police Department and museum officials must work together to ensure that this vital piece of history is accessible to all. The faces and stories of 155 of Toronto’s Finest should not be relegated to the shadows of a storage room any longer.