Industrial manufacturing site.
Details of Site Location: 42 King Street West.
Boundary History: The site occupied approximately one to two acres, depending upon the period.
Current Use of Property: Commercial buildings.
Historical Description: Born at the beginning of the 19th century, both John Jacques and Robert Hay were of Scottish origin. By the 1830s, both were in Toronto, and with two apprentices began their furniture-making business at 223 King Street West, on the south side in the second building west of Bay Street (then Teraulay). From this beginning, the company was to grow to become one of the finest furniture-makers in the history of the province. By 1846 they had moved to the southeast corner of King and Bay and were listed as cabinet-makers. In 1850 their cabinet and furniture warehouse was at the same address, 42 King West, and their factory was listed at Front Street on the Bay shore. The factory building was on the south side of Front west of Bay Street and extended south to the Esplanade. Built in 1853, it was five storeys in red brick. A tragic fire that broke out in 1854 destroyed the factory, but it was rebuilt quickly only to be totally destroyed by a second fire in July 1856. That disaster took the lives of nine employees and levelled the homes of John Jacques and employees George Craig and Charles Rogers, as well as the brewery next door. In 1867, the firm built a four-storey warehouse on the southwest corner of King and Jordan; this was demolished in 1890 and a Bank of Commerce built on the site. John Jacques retired in 1870 and sold his share of the company to Robert Hay, who reorganized the company as R. Hay and Company, with partners Charles Rogers and George Craig. Robert Hay retired in 1885, and the company was reorganized again as Charles Rogers and Sons Company at 97 Yonge Street. The end of the business came in 1922 when Charles Rogers and Sons ceased operations. The Jacques and Hay firm made high-quality furniture for an extensive clientele including Government House, the Queen’s Hotel, and Spadina House. Today, their furniture is highly valued by collectors and museums.
Relative Importance: In Ontario’s and Toronto’s history, Jacques and Hay rank near the top of the list of fine furniture manufacturers.
Planning Implications: A plaque at either the King Street or Front Street sites is most appropriate.
Reference Sources: Ruth Cathcart, Jacques and Hay – 19th Century Toronto Furniture Makers (1986).
Acknowledgements: Maps Project.