Image of a woman drinking coffee at a patio table at The Penny Farthing
1 2017-03-25T14:15:45-07:00 Michael Primiani 44449e594f627232836d68453830fcbcd2b15fc3 15722 2 The wall beside her is the same wall that the 17 year old jumped off of. plain 2017-03-25T14:17:26-07:00 Toronto Telegram 1966-08-04 This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from: ascproj@yorku.ca Clara Thomas Archives and Special Collections, York University Leo Harrison Michael Primiani 44449e594f627232836d68453830fcbcd2b15fc3This page is referenced by:
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His Two Cents: John McHugh and the City
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John McHugh was an outspoken protector of Yorkville from forces that wanted to interfere with the neighborhood's operations. Seen in the audience of the Penny Farthing on June 11, 1965 was Mayor of Toronto Phillip Givens and distinguished author Pierre Berton. According to Globe and Mail author Scott Young, the father of Neil, quoted the mayor as saying "this was great, this was the new Toronto and that there was nothing wrong with this at all".
However, this attitude changed in 1967 as legislation was introduced that charged many popular coffee houses with operating public halls without a license - getting this designation because although they were not serving alcohol, they were charging for entertainment. McHugh along with help from Pierre Berton argued that this was unlawful and they ended up winning the case. McHugh and his employees also condemned riots and drunken behavior. When 2,000 youths caused a riot in Yorkville in April of 1965, employee Brian Walker stated that "the people who listen to our folk music and jazz are not the hoodlums who take part in street riots".
Tragedy struck the Penny Farthing on May 11th 1967 while during a confrontation, a 17 year old jumped up on a half wall outside the venue and kicked a 37 year old man in the chin who then fell back, hit his head on the curb and died. The youth was jailed and later sentenced to manslaughter.
