168 Bannatyne Avenue

The ghost signs on the west side of the building feature fading ads from at least four businesses who called the location home.

Franklin Press

The Franklin Press Printing Company was founded in 1900 as a printer and publisher. They provided stationery, book binding services and office supply to the general public and built 168 Bannatyne Avenue in 1904 to support their growing business. However, with competition from the growing print industry, including upwards of 80 local firms, the business shut its doors in 1926.

Empire Wholesale

In 1927, 168 Bannatyne Avenue was taken over by Empire Wholesale, a tobacconist and confectionery wholesaler, who operated out of the location for the next decade. 

Canadian Office Supply and Specialty Company

In the 1940s, the Canadian Office Supply and Specialty Company moved into 168 Bannatyne Avenue, using the location as office and warehouse space until 1967 when Chatfield Distributors took over the building.