From a simple boathouse to a legendary dance hall, the Palais Royale’s story is as captivating as a swing dance. The Palais Royale sits right here on Lake Shore Boulevard. It has witnessed a century of Toronto’s history.
The Palais Royale first opened its doors in 1922, not as a dance hall, but as Dean’s Sunnyside Pleasure Boats. Imagine canoes being built where we now stand. The architects, Chapman, Oxley & Bishop, also designed the nearby Sunnyside Bathing Pavilion. The boathouse occupied the basement and part of the first floor. The second floor, at ground level from the front, became a dance hall. While the boat business thrived initially, it eventually faded, leaving the Palais to find its rhythm as a dance hall.
The 1930s ushered in the Palais Royale’s golden age, under the management of Bill Cuthbert and George Deller. They transformed the space into a haven for big band music. Legends like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and the Dorsey Brothers graced its stage, drawing crowds of up to 3,000 people eager to dance the night away. Can you imagine the energy in this place with Eddie Duchin’s Park Central Orchestra filling the air? Admission was a mere 10 cents, plus another nickel for each dance. Only soft drinks were served, and certain dances, like the jitterbug, deemed too risqué, were forbidden. Even with these restrictions, six nights a week, the Palais Royale pulsed with life.
The Palais Royale’s story isn’t just about music and dancing. It’s also a story of social change. In 1955, after the demolition of Sunnyside Amusement Park for the Gardiner Expressway, an incident of racial segregation at the Palais Royale sparked protests and activism. This led to the desegregation of the dance hall, marking a significant moment in Toronto’s history.
The Palais Royale has survived fires, near-demolition, and extensive renovations. It has hosted a diverse range of artists, from Stan Kenton and Benny Goodman to The Rolling Stones. The building even had a cameo in the 1990 film “Queen of Mean”. Today, the Palais Royale stands as a testament to its resilient past. It continues to host events, weddings, and the occasional big band dance, keeping the spirit of its vibrant history alive. So next time you pass by the Palais Royale, remember the echoes of jazz, the swing of dancers, and the stories it holds within its art deco walls.