Oliphant's Gym

Oliphant's Gym, also known as Oliphant's Academy of Physical Culture, is a historic gym in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1913 by William Oliphant Sr. It is claimed to be one of the oldest continually operating gyms in North America. Run by William Oliphant Sr.'s son Buster Oliphant Jr. until the heir's death in 1996, the gym has a long history in Toronto's Annex neighbourhood and its character has been preserved through the decades. Since 1996, the gym has been operated by its members on a non-profit and volunteer basis.[1]

Oliphant's Gym
TypePrivate
GenreFitness, Health Clubs
Founded1913
FounderWilliam Oliphant, Sr.
Headquarters
Toronto, Ontario
,
Canada
Number of locations
1 (May 2012)
Key people
Buster Oliphant (d. 1996)
Websitewww.oliphantsgym.com

History

Oliphant's Gym was founded in 1913 as Oliphant's Academy of Physical Culture and operated out of the basement of St. Andrew's Church in Toronto's downtown area. It has operated at its current Dupont Street location in Toronto's Annex neighbourhood since the 1980s.[2]

Beginning with its founder, the gym established a tradition of contributing to the "advancement of weight lifting and body building".[3] William Oliphant developed the Oliphant System, "which his advertising said was also good for round shoulders and constipation".[4] The gym features many pictures on the wall of Toronto's "distinguished lawyers, doctors, architects and businessmen" who were patrons.[4]

The gym celebrated its 100th anniversary on November 24, 2013.[5] In celebration of the anniversary, a motion was made to the Toronto and East York Community Council to rename a street as "William Oliphant Lane" to honor the gym's founder, William Oliphant, Sr.[6] The motion was supported by Toronto city Councillor for Ward 20, Adam Vaughan.[7]

Notable alumni

References
  1. "Oliphant's Gym". oliphantsgym.
  2. "History of Oliphant's Gym" (PDF). Government of Toronto, Canada. 2013. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  3. Smith, Wilbur J (June 1946). "The Most Muscular Physique In America Contest". Strength & Health: 12. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  4. Gray, Grattan (November 1, 1968). "Muscular Testimonials". Maclean's. Vol. 81, no. 11. pp. 99–100.
  5. "Seaton Village Residents Association (SVRA) Meeting Minutes" (PDF). 10 October 2013. Retrieved 12 January 2014.
  6. Proposed Naming of Laneway Located North of Bloor Street West and Extending East and West Between Manning Avenue and Euclid Avenue, Toronto and East York Community Council, TE28.80, November 19, 2013
  7. TE28.80 - letter from Councillor Vaughan, November 15, 2013

43.67252°N 79.41587°W / 43.67252; -79.41587

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