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:

Joel said...

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

Unknown said...

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

Mister G said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Mister G said...

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