Manufactory.

Details of Site Location: 626-628 Yonge, southwest corner of Charles.

Boundary History: According to assessment rolls, two lots were involved, each 33 by 300 feet, which ran west from Yonge on the south side of Charles. Two buildings were joined: a single-storey building of 24 by 25 feet, and a second single-storey building 20 by 20 feet. The assessment rolls report that both were assessed together and had two resident horses and a dog.

Current Use of Property: A later building with commercial tenants.

Historical Description: William Mellis Christie (1829-1899) was born in Huntley, Scotland, where he trained as a baker. He came to Toronto in 1847 and in 1849 he was employed by Mathers and Brown, biscuit makers, in their establishment “on Yonge near Yorkville” – meaning the village. When Mathers retired, Christie became a partner with Alexander Brown; then Brown retired in 1853 and Christie bought the business. In 1858, Christie won the best biscuit contest in the Agricultural Association of Upper Canada. In 1868, Brown rejoined the firm, now named Christie Brown and Company, and the business continued on a more extensive scale. By this date, the bakery was producing 4,300 boxes of biscuits every year, and by 1864 the company was selling primarily wholesale. Also in 1868, the company started to make biscuits using a steam-powered machine. By 1874, the company needed far more space and bought the entire block at Adelaide and Frederick Streets, where they remained for the next 25 years, enlarging the plant at intervals. Christie bought out his partner again but kept the name Christie Brown. Christie died in 1899. His son sold the company in 1920 to Nabisco Brands.

Relative Importance: The origin of one of the world’s largest biscuit producers was humble and deserving of full recognition.

Planning Implications: The Christie Brown buildings have been replaced by later ones, but these too are historic. It is recommended that the present Christie Brown Company be invited to develop a plaque for mounting on the exterior of the existing building. The City would have to arrange for the cooperation of the present owners and occupants: Shoppers Drug Mart.

Reference Sources: G. Mercer Adam, Toronto Old and New (1891); History of Toronto and the County of York (1885); City of Toronto Archives.

Acknowledgements: Maps Project; Community History Project; Cabbagetown Preservation Association.