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. It was the city’s third morgue and was in use from 1908 until 1975. The building was later a cultural centre and, more recently, a women’s hostel until 2021.
Also, notice the sign “Marshall Ventilated Mattress Co Ltd” on the building next to the morgue. The mattress company occupied the neighbouring building starting in 1919; however, by the time the vintage photo was taken, the company had vacated it. The company’s founder, Canadian-born James Marshall, invented the pocket-coil spring mattress, patenting it in 1900. His “Marshall coil” invention became the industry standard for mattress construction and upholstery seating. Marshall Mattress still exists today and is based in the USA.
There are plans to build a mixed-use development at the site called 100 Lombard. In the proposal, the old morgue building would be relocated about 35 m east to be directly next to the former Lombard Street Fire Hall at 110 Lombard St. The south façade of the building, which was once home to the mattress company, would be integrated into the proposed development, too.
Then and Now
SOURCE
- Photo: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
- Vintage Photo: City of Toronto Archives
