Ever wonder about the story behind this small green space? This is Ed & Anne Mirvish Parkette. It honors the couple who brought Honest Ed’s to Toronto.
Ed Mirvish was the store’s proprietor. He opened it in 1948. Ed oversaw its operations for almost 60 years. He continued until his death in 2007. The store closed permanently on December 31, 2016.
Ed and Anne Mirvish Parkette has a plaque. It was erected in 2008. This plaque honors the founders of Honest Ed’s. It mentions two popular annual store events. Ed’s birthday party was one. The turkey giveaway was another.
Honest Ed’s was a landmark discount store. It stood at Bloor and Bathurst Streets. The store extended west to Markham Street. Its exterior was eye-catching. Huge red and yellow signs advertised the store. It was lit up like a theatre marquee. The sign used 23000 light bulbs. The facade was covered with puns and slogans. “Come in and get lost” was one. “Only the floors are crooked” was another.
The store had a west building on Markham Street. A walkway connected it to an east building. This east building was on Bathurst Street. The interior was modest. Simple displays showcased low-priced merchandise. Vacuum cleaners and winter coats were sold here. Kitchenware, toys and grocery items were also available.
The decor included posters and photos. These were from old films and stage productions. They came from Mirvish’s theatres. These theatres were in Toronto and London. Many photos were inscribed to Ed Mirvish. Every piece of store signage was hand-painted.
Ed and Anne Mirvish opened a clothing store in 1943. It was near Bloor and Bathurst Streets. They rented a property. It was five metres wide. The store was popular. In 1946, the Mirvishes expanded. They acquired several buildings along Bloor. They renamed the store “Anne & Eddie’s”. After further expansion, Mirvish re-established the store. He named it “Honest Ed’s Bargain House” in 1948. He added general household goods to the inventory.
In 1952, the Mirvishes acquired their first property on Markham Street. Eventually they acquired several more homes on the street. They intended to build a parking lot. Instead, this evolved into Mirvish Village in the 1960s. The city turned down the store’s application to raze the buildings. Anne Mirvish persuaded her husband to rent the houses to artists.
Honest Ed’s gained fame for its marketing stunts. He did loss leader specials. By 1968, the store was grossing $14 million annually. Mirvish’s annual turkey giveaway always received media attention. This event continued even after his death. Mirvish also threw birthday parties for himself. These parties continued as anniversary parties for the store. There were free cakes, meals, hot dogs and candy. Torontonians stood in long lines to receive these handouts. The event was accompanied by live bands and balloons.
The Honest Ed’s sign will be restored. It will be moved to the Ed Mirvish Theatre. This theatre is at Yonge and Dundas.
The store appeared in several films and television shows. Honest Ed’s was featured in the film The Long Kiss Goodnight. It can be seen in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
The Toronto Transit Commission created a temporary display at Bathurst station. It was a tribute to Honest Ed’s. The display included hand-painted signs. There were photos and store memorabilia. On the subway platform walls were signs providing facts. The commemorative display was removed after the store’s closing. The TTC later installed a permanent tribute. It consists of five vertical panels with images and memorabilia. These panels are on the concourse level of Bathurst station.
A new park is being designed at the former Honest Ed’s site. This new park will be part of a mixed-use residential development project. The park will front Markham Street. It will include bird-friendly gardens and trees. There will also be a children’s water feature. Sitting and picnic opportunities will be available.
So, as you relax here at the Ed & Anne Mirvish Parkette, remember the history of Honest Ed’s. It was a Toronto landmark. It brought joy and bargains to generations.