NEWS

May 17: Garment industry chronicled at S. Walter Stewart

S. Walter Stewart Library presents A Common Thread: A History of Toronto’s Garment Industry.

This lecture talks about the exhibition A Common Thread which chronicled the history of the garment industry in
Toronto, that began well over 100 years ago, centred in and around Spadina Avenue. The Jewish community was an integral part of the industry’s development and still identifies closely with the trade.

The stories include immigrant opportunities; Spadina Avenue and its role in the industry; working conditions and unions; ready-to-wear vs. made-to-measure; corporate successes and individual stories of those who worked in the industry.

Vintage clothing, documents, photographs and tools of the trade provide a colourful backdrop.

The speaker, Dorion Liebgott, has been the curator of the Beth Tzedec Reuben and Helene Dennis Museum since 1992.

The event on May 17, 6:30–7:30 p.m. is free, no registration required.

S. Walter Stewart Library is at 170 Memorial Park Ave. Call 416-396- 3975 for more information.