#OnThisDay in 1890, Otto von Bismarck died. One of the most prominent figures in 19th century world and European history, Bismarck was the architect of the unification of Germany, and served as its first chancellor from 1870 to 1891. His connection to Toronto is practically non-existent; however, there is one document in the Toronto Archives’ collection that bears his signature. In 1883 Toronto City Council passed By-Law 1319, changing the name of Jarvis Street (not THE Jarvis Street) to Bismarck Avenue. The item in our collection is a letter written from the Chancellor thanking Council. However, with the outbreak of the First World War, things German lost their popularity, and in 1915 Council passed By-Law 7525, renaming Bismarck’s street after the British Prime Minister, Herbert Asquith. Asquith Avenue runs east from Yonge Street, just north of Bloor. Bismarck’s letter is a wonderful example of a most insignificant document from a most significant man. Fonds 2, Series 89, File ...