Your Hoskin Memories are Part of the Trinity Story
As we celebrate the centennial of 6 Hoskin Avenue, we know its walls have witnessed countless moments — classes, dinners, friendships, traditions. Share your Hoskin story and help us capture the memories that make this building our home. Share your Hoskin Memory
Caroline Ross ’12
It was incredibly special to get married in a place that has played an important part in my family’s history. I am the fifth person across three generations to attend Trinity, I was baptized in the Chapel, and I sang in the Chapel choir for four years.
Donald Allen ’65
Nice story [Helen McFadden’s]: I have fond memories as well! I met my wife of 57 years [at Trinity]. I had just transferred from Sydney University and was a little lost, but had a great time and learning experience! At this age a large number of my friends are no longer living but that is life!
Hélène Emorine ’18
“As soon we were engaged, we knew without a doubt that we wanted to celebrate our wedding at Trinity College, where we first met 10 years ago…” (Read the wedding story)
Norah (Foot) Bolton ’59
The 70th anniversary of the consecration of the Trinity Chapel is of particular interest because as a first-year undergraduate head of year at St. Hilda’s, I was allowed to attend [the consecration] in person. My recollection was that eight male and female heads of year in total attended — but it would be interesting to know whether any of the rest of us are still alive.
There was a real sense that this was important and a real privilege to be part of history as it was happening. I believe that the event was televised by CBC but you would have to check that out. [Editor’s note: The Chapel consecration was indeed televised. A copy of that broadcast is available for viewing in the Trinity Archives.]
George Shepherd ’48
I am in my 99th year so it would be a formidable challenge for me to {get to campus].
I was born on January 15, 1927, less than two years after the opening [of the Hoskin building], and on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the College, which coincided with the installation of Francis Herbert Cosgrave as the sixth provost and vice-chancellor. I entered Trinity as an undergraduate in September 1944 in the final year of his provostship.
I joined the staff of the College in June of 1959 as the Executive Secretary of Convocation, and became the ninth bursar and secretary two years later, serving in that capacity until I retired in 1991. I was honoured to be awarded the degree of Doctor of Sacred Letters (honoris causa) on January 15, 1992 — my 65th birthday.
Obviously, Trinity was a large part of my life! Much of that life was centred around the very building that is about to be commemorated, and I greet the ceremony with the greatest of affection.
Carolyn Purden ’63
I was not a dedicated student of academics my first year at Trinity, but I was a dedicated student of bridge. And so a large part of my time in 1959-60 was spent in the so-called Music Room in the basement. I say so-called because there may have been a piano, but little else in the way of instruments that I can recall. What attracted me, and many others – was the virtually 24-hour bridge game that took place there, students swapping in and out as the day went on. The room was dim and fusty, a single window high up on the wall, and dusty old maroon velvet theatre curtains that hung from ceiling to floor. The old Buttery was just down the hall so you could literally spend all day in the Music Room! For most of us, it was a great place to hang out, smoke, drink coffee and play a few hands between lectures. Sadly – but perhaps not, for the sake of our grades – the Music Room disappeared along with the old Buttery when the Larkin building opened the next year. My bridge game has never been the same since.
Peter Nicoll ’65
I spent five great years at Trinity from 1960 to 1965 as a non-resident. In my last three years I had a secret space all to myself.
It was in the stacks of the Trinity Library. It was at the end of one of the aisles in the stacks. My space had a comfortable wooden armchair and it was under a basement window. I occupied this space nearly every day for most of the three school years. Rarely did anyone come into my part of the library. I sat between two lines of bookshelves. By my chair there were two empty shelves and I found I could leave my books and notes there completely undisturbed. Fortunately, the library had the majority of my reading lists available to me.
I came to know that I could go there every day and evening and did not need to search out another study place. It is my belief that the quiet and solitude of my study place contributed to my graduation.
Helen McFadden ’61
From 1951 to 1953, my father, J.W. Scrivin, was asked to be Dean of Residence for the College and we moved into the Dean of Residence’s apartment on the second and third floors of Trinity itself. He coached soccer, was on the board of both the Lit and Salterrae, acted in College and varsity stage productions, and both my parents were involved in the Earl Grey Players’ Shakespeare productions in the Quad each summer. What a wonderful childhood that was for my brother, John, and me, one whose memory I cherish even as I pinch myself to be sure it ever happened! (Read Helen’s story)
Geoff Seaborn ’73, former Trinity Bursar
“Strachan [Hall] is the heart of the College for many alumni, particularly those who attended after the 1970s when everyone started eating together there.” (Read Geoff’s story)
John Tory ’76 in an interview with John Allemang ’74
“But when I say I have fond memories, it’s of sitting in the Buttery playing cards rather than putting on a gown and going to Strachan Hall.” (Read John’s story)
Darcey Lazerte ’93, MDiv ’96, DMin ’13
“After Dawn said yes to my proposal in the Trinity Quad, there was no doubt as to where our wedding would take place. In fact, the College meant so much to us that we named our first child together Trinity.” (Read their story)
Susan Hinton Moziar ’62
I loved the Chapel—its architecture, the acoustics and the feeling you had when you were inside. Being married in the Chapel seemed like a wonderful way to conclude my time at Trinity and start my new life. Read Susan’s story
Caroline Ross ’12
[on the wedding of her parents, Katherine Spencer ’80 and David Ross, in the Trinity Chapel] As Katherine was an architectural historian, being married in the architectural gem designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott was a thrill. Read The Spencer-Ross Family’s Story
Do you have a memory of Hoskin to share?
Submit your Hoskin Memory
