1946-1990
After the Second World War, industries began to move to the suburbs and the area hollowed out.
The Toy Factory
43 Hanna Avenue was built in 1912 as a paper factory owned by Hinde and Dauch, Toronto’s largest paper manufacturers. They sold to Irwin Toys, one of Canada’s legendary toy companies in 1940.
The Irwin Toy Factory became well-known for making some of the coolest toys around, including hula-hoops, The Slinky, yo-yos, board games and action figures. My personal favourite were the red, white and blue rubber balls used to play burby or French, a version of baseball against a wall.
The factory embraced its role as Canada’s leading toy factory for the next 50 years. In 2004 the property was sold and the Toy Factory lofts became one of the first residential developments in the Village.
Brunswick Billiards
This building was built in 1890 of post and beam construction. In 1905 the Brunswick Balke Collender Company used this site to manufacture floors for bowling alleys.
In 1910 they bought Canada's oldest and largest manufacturer of billiard tables, the Samuel May Company, where tables, cues, balls and all manner of billiards accessories were made until 1959.
In 1991, the Academy of Spherical Arts opened as a unique and upscale billiards and dining establishment. In 2013 the Academy closed and we await news of the new tenants.