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I just remembered Honest Ed's is going to be closing forever on Dec 31st 2016. I went in last week just to be sort of take on last look at the historic site. I am going to miss that bright shining sign while I walk past Bloor and Bathurst. It was sad when the Sam the Record Man sign was removed.... but this will be a bigger blow. I got the say I love the lights when walking around downtown. This is sort why I really like Young and Dundas Square... along Young you have all the big flashing signs. I was there on Tuesday to what a show and the lights especailly around the holidays are really really nice. I got some cool photos. I actually wish they could incorporate the sign in to the new condos they are building there... but doubt that will happen.
Bye bye Honest Eds... you will be missed ( at least by me)!
KLM, as a Torontonian, you should know that it's "Yonge." Yes, pronounced "young," but it's spelled "Y O N G E." Sorry, but I've seen you make the mistake a few times, and me being an ex-Torontonian, it kind of bugs me to see that. No hard feelings?
With that being said, the death of Honest Ed's is the end of a Toronto institution. Ed's sayings, printed in his newspaper ads and prominently posted on the outside of the store (for example, "Come In and Get Lost!") are part of Toronto lore. His door-crasher specials (nickel turkeys at Christmas, for example) were brash enough to get press coverage every year.
I shopped there a few times. The store was a delightful bazaar, with colorful signs enticing you to buy whatever they were advertising. I don't think anybody could go into Honest Ed's without buying something; you didn't know you needed something until you went into Honest Ed's. Then, you realized you needed a lot.
I met "Honest Ed" Mirvish on many occasions. I worked near King and John back in the 1980s, and I would see him on King Street, as I was coming from the subway in the mornings. He'd be looking at his restaurant properties and the Royal Alex, when I was walking along King on my way to work. One day, I decided to meet him. I saw him on King, as usual, and I walked up with my hand outstretched and said, "Ed, good morning! My name is Chevy, and I see you every day when I go to work, and I just want to meet you and say hello."
He was very nice. He shook my hand, and we exchanged pleasantries. He never forgot my name, and after that, when I saw Ed on King Street in the mornings, I'd get a friendly "Hello, Chevy! How's it going today?" I'd greet him, and we'd make a little small talk, and off I'd go to work.
A gentleman to the core. Pity Honest Ed's is closing.
PS--I've got stories about Sam the Record Man too.
Man whats up with all these Toronto icons shutting down. First, the original sam the record man shut down now this? I wish they would have kept those flashing records.
KLM, as a Torontonian, you should know that it's "Yonge." Yes, pronounced "young," but it's spelled "Y O N G E." Sorry, but I've seen you make the mistake a few times, and me being an ex-Torontonian, it kind of bugs me to see that. No hard feelings?
With that being said, the death of Honest Ed's is the end of a Toronto institution. Ed's sayings, printed in his newspaper ads and prominently posted on the outside of the store (for example, "Come In and Get Lost!") are part of Toronto lore. His door-crasher specials (nickel turkeys at Christmas, for example) were brash enough to get press coverage every year.
I shopped there a few times. The store was a delightful bazaar, with colorful signs enticing you to buy whatever they were advertising. I don't think anybody could go into Honest Ed's without buying something; you didn't know you needed something until you went into Honest Ed's. Then, you realized you needed a lot.
I met "Honest Ed" Mirvish on many occasions. I worked near King and John back in the 1980s, and I would see him on King Street, as I was coming from the subway in the mornings. He'd be looking at his restaurant properties and the Royal Alex, when I was walking along King on my way to work. One day, I decided to meet him. I saw him on King, as usual, and I walked up with my hand outstretched and said, "Ed, good morning! My name is Chevy, and I see you every day when I go to work, and I just want to meet you and say hello."
He was very nice. He shook my hand, and we exchanged pleasantries. He never forgot my name, and after that, when I saw Ed on King Street in the mornings, I'd get a friendly "Hello, Chevy! How's it going today?" I'd greet him, and we'd make a little small talk, and off I'd go to work.
A gentleman to the core. Pity Honest Ed's is closing.
PS--I've got stories about Sam the Record Man too.
Many of my spelling errors are related to carelessness/ a lack of effort to edit what I am writing... but that spelling mishap is related to auto correct on my smart phone ! Most of what I do post is done while either waiting for people or while travelling.
I've never been in there, but I do know the sign. Shame such an institution is leaving forever. Maybe the sign can.......remain lit?
There are few iconic signs in the city that I really think should be deemed hertiage and new construction should have to incorportate it. Ex the Honest Ed's one.
Man whats up with all these Toronto icons shutting down. First, the original sam the record man shut down now this? I wish they would have kept those flashing records.
I was in University the Eaton's Department Store at the Eaton's Centre closed now. I was under the impression that the status of T Eaton that stat outside the Eaton Cetnre got put in the ROM ... but I have never noticed it when I have visted the ROM. Not exactly sure where they are keeping it?
Just for the record, the Honest Ed's site will become a new community of rental apartments, not condos, and the old houses in Mirvish Village will be retained and incorporated into the new development. Also, Markham street will become a new pedestrian promenade -- so this new development has the potential to be a great thing for the neighbourhood.
Man whats up with all these Toronto icons shutting down. First, the original sam the record man shut down now this? I wish they would have kept those flashing records.
The Sam's spinning neon records sign will be reinstalled at the top of the public health building on Victoria street facing Dundas Square.
I only care about the sign.... the store itself was a waste of space in recent years.
It would have been an excellent theatre location. It will be interesting to see how the area changes if it is going to be apartment rentals.
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....
! Most of what I do post is done while either waiting for people or while travelling.
