Hello,
We are researching the Toronto business, of our ancestor, Dennis Nealon O'Connor, Hatter and Furrier, 1839-1891. The store was located at 160 Yonge Street, at the corner of Yonge and Richmond, where the Bay store is presently located. We have found a picture of the store, from The Ontario Archives, when it was operated as "R.Reilly Hats", in the late 1800's. We have found a reference to the business in a "lookback" article, published in Toronto, in 1925. In this article,O'Connor's sign is described as a well known Toronto landmark, a big black bear, upright against a pole, welcoming people to the business. Does anyone have any further information regarding this corner, or perhaps a reference to this unique business sign?
Many Thanks