Friday, June 29, 2012

We used to make things in this country. #79: Canada Varnish Ltd., Leaside Ontario



Canada Varnish Ltd. made paints and varnishes in a factory in Leaside, Ontario.  Leaside was once a hub of manufacturing.  For a brief overview of the range of this industrial history, visit the East York Historical Society.

I can't find much information about the company itself.  However, Rupert E. Edwards was the proprietor when in 1944 he purchased an 11-hectare property called the Milne Homestead.  Over the next twelve years, he created a garden, large rockery, ponds, rustic bridges, flower beds and a 9-hole golf course.  He wanted to see the gardens become a public park, and this happened in 1955 when the estate was purchased by the City of Toronto.  It's now known as Edwards Gardens.

5 comments:

  1. I have an old C-V Quality Products tin can, still with some varnish remover inside.

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  2. I worked for Canada Varnish and Penfound Paints in the office in approximately 1977.

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  3. Thanks for the note! Do you have any info on the company you could share?

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  4. At least Goudey Manufacturing is still around since 1943!!! Something still made in Toronto.

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  5. Hmm, a local company! Good to see...

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