Looking northeast along Lombard St, between Church St and Jarvis St in the Old Town, St Lawrence neighbourhood of Toronto.
The archive photo shows snow removal in front of the Lombard Street City Morgue. This facility was the city’s third morgue, operating from 1908 until 1975. After its closure, the building served as a cultural centre and, more recently, a women’s hostel until 2021.
Notice the sign for “Marshall Ventilated Mattress Co Ltd” on the building next to the morgue. This mattress company occupied the neighbouring building starting in 1919; however, by the time the vintage photo was taken, it had already vacated the premises. The company’s founder, Canadian-born James Marshall, invented the pocket-coil spring mattress, which he patented in 1900. His “Marshall coil” invention became the industry standard for mattress construction and upholstery seating. Today, Marshall Mattress still exists and is based in the USA.
Plans are underway to construct a mixed-use development at the site known as 100 Lombard. The proposal includes relocating the old morgue building approximately 35 metres east directly next to the former Fire Hall No. 5 at 110 Lombard Street. Additionally, the south façade of the building that previously housed a mattress company will be incorporated into the proposed development.
Then and Now
SOURCE
- City of Toronto Heritage Register: 86 Lombard St
- Ontario Heritage Trust: 86 Lombard St
- Marshall Mattress: Our History (100 Lombard St)
- Photo: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
- Vintage Photo: City of Toronto Archives
- City of Toronto: Maps
- Toronto City Directory courtesy of Toronto Public Library
