The Ontario Association of Architects 1890-1950

This small volume by Raymond Card (1893-1969) is an historical account not only of the history of the Ontario Association of Architects, but also of the history of architecture as a profession in general. Card began his career as an architect, before becoming a playwright. He wrote historical plays especially, many of which were presented at the Hart House Theatre at the University of Toronto. He was also regional Director of the National Housing Corporation and later Regional Architect to Central Mortgage Housing Corp. in Toronto.

This volume has an interesting provenance, as well, having belonged to D.G.W. McRae, as indicated by his name and address written on the front flyleaf. Author of The Arts and Crafts of Canada, he was one of the early instructors at what would go on to be the Ryerson Institute of Technology, intended to provide vocational training for soldiers returning from the Second World War. This institution would go on to become Ryerson University, now Toronto Metropolitan University. He was the Director of the School of Architectural Drafting at Ryerson, as well as registrar at Ryerson from 1956-1958. He was also principal of the Western Ontario Institute of Technology.

A fascinating history of architecture in Ontario, as well as having a significant connection to the origins of one of Toronto's main universities, this small volume may be described as being in Fair condition. There is significant damage to the spine, and the back cover near the spine. However the binding remains tight, and the pages are all present, with bright, clear text.