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Eaton's: Nostalgia for a Canadian institution

T. Eaton Company was formed shortly after Canadian Confederation and soon became rooted in the country's cultural landscape. The department store was part of Canadian life. The Eaton's mail-order catalogue was called the "Family Bible" and the company's lavish Santa Claus parade launched the Christmas season. When the last Eaton's store closed its doors on Feb. 26, 2002 many Canadians mourned its death. It wasn't the business empire they would miss, but the loss of a national institution.

With the death of T. Eaton Company, Canadians take time to reminisce about a bygone era. As a business, Eaton's may have become obsolete to Canadian consumers but as a cultural icon it will be missed. Two elderly sisters tour the empty shell of the downtown Eaton's store in Winnipeg. They grew up with Eaton's but are now forced to say goodbye to their old friend.
.In 1904 John Craig Eaton turned the sod for construction of the Winnipeg Eaton's store at the corner of Portage and Donald. The store officially opened for business on Monday, July 17, 1905. The store employed 1,250 black-and-white uniformed employees.
.In 1919 the Winnipeg store's delivery department used 187 horses, 90 wagons and 23 motor trucks. There was no minimum sale required for delivery; customers could order a spool of thread and have it delivered free of charge. If chores were requested by customers, delivery drivers were instructed to undertake them cheerfully.

.During the 1930s and 1940s shoppers could leave their children with two attendants on a rooftop playground which included sandpiles, swings and slides.
Medium: Television
Program: The National Magazine
Broadcast Date: Oct. 26, 1999
Guest(s): Anna Kidd, Charlotte Winslow
Host: Brian Stewart
Reporter: Ross Rutherford
Duration: 6:52

Last updated: January 27, 2012

Page consulted on April 8, 2013

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Eaton's: A Canadian Institution

T. Eaton Company was formed shortly after Canadian Confederation and soon became rooted in the...