George Johnston

George Arthur Johnston (1892-1982) provides a comprehensive account of his legal career and contributions to Canadian legal institutions. Born on a farm near Greenwood, Ontario, Johnston attended Whitby High School before studying Political Science at University College (1911-1914) and law at Osgoode Hall (1914-1916). His legal education was interrupted by military service in World War I, where he served with the 67th (University of Toronto) Battery and was gassed at the Battle of Hill 70, resulting in temporary blindness and early discharge.

After completing his legal studies, Johnston practiced law in partnership with John Frank Dales on Danforth Avenue from 1919 to 1939, specializing in real estate law during Toronto’s post-war expansion. Their practice thrived in the 1920s but struggled during the Depression, when they handled foreclosures and Powers of Sale. In 1939, Johnston transitioned to become Chief Librarian at Osgoode Hall, a position he held until 1965. During his tenure, he systematically reorganized the Great Library, established better cataloguing systems, and oversaw the extensive network of county law libraries across Ontario.

Following his retirement as librarian, Johnston continued his public service through various roles including Secretary of the Royal Commission on Workmen’s Compensation (1965-1966), Secretary of the Ontario Branch of the Canadian Bar Association (1967-1972), and interviewer with the Ontario Legal Aid Office (1972-1975). He concluded his career by indexing the Law Society’s historical minutes. Johnston’s memoir provides valuable insights into the evolution of legal practice, library science, and professional legal institutions in twentieth-century Ontario.

This description was written by AI and may contain some inaccuracies.