By permission of Irma Coucill

Leslie Frost, lawyer, politician, premier of Ontario 1949-61. Born in Orillia, Ontario on the 20th of September 1895, died in Lindsay, Ontario, on May 4th, 1973. After service in World War I and convalescence from a severe wound, he graduated from Osgoode Hall in 1921. With his brother he purchased a law practice in Lindsay and became an active member of the Conservative Party. Elected to the legislature in 1937, he was appointed provincial treasurer and minister of Mines in the cabinet of George Drew in 1943. Six years later he became Conservative leader, inheriting the premiership. A genial master of pragmatic politics who personified the values of small-town Ontario, he led his party to 3 sweeping electoral victories. His governments initiated progressive legislation in health, education and human rights, and encouraged growth in the private economic sector through fiscal policy and public investment. He resigned as leader and premier in 1961.

Roger Graham
Canadian Encyclopedia

• 1960 Official opening of York University in Falconer Hall, University of Toronto, by Ontario Premier Leslie Frost (12 September). Seventy-six students are enrolled.
• 1963 Leslie Frost Library is opened at Glendon Hall (9 October).