Urban decoder

History

An older friend told me that in the 1930s they would burn ships in the harbour off Sunnyside. Is it true? If so, why? —Michael Draper, Roncesvalles

At the bottom of the Lake Shore exit off the Gardiner is a large, dramatically lit statue with a proud lion at its base. What does it commemorate? —Mary Luz Mejia, High Park

I recently noticed a sign for the Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto, on Yonge Street in Thornhill. I’ve never heard of a women-only golf club before. Is it a response to recently criticized men-only clubs like the Augusta National? —Roger Langfield, Etobicoke

Why are some 905 numbers long distance (you have to dial 1 first) while others aren’t? And what’s with this 647 business? Why is our area code system so complicated? —Jim Barber, Mississauga

In Amsterdam, there is a bridge over the river Amstel called the Torontobrug. I’m wondering if there is a connection to our city. —Paul Gardner, The Annex

There’s something creepy about the Ontario legislature building at Queen’s Park, even now that the Tories are out of office. Could it be…haunted? —Siobhan Mahowny, The Annex

Toronto is often described as la ville reine (the Queen City) by newscasters on Radio- Canada. Where does the expression come from, and why don’t we use it ourselves? —Jacques Marcil, The Beach

I live at Richmond East and Sherbourne. Why is my neighbourhood called Corktown? —Terri Thomas, Corktown

What ever happened to the 20 Minute Workout women who were on Citytv in the ’80s? I remember seeing Bess in a small role in The Terminator.