The Chinese in Early 20th Century Toronto: 153 Church Street, Toronto
153 Church Street appears on the Goad’s insurance map dating back to 1880 when it was the last address on Church Street before Shuter. However, more addresses were added to the map in 1890 and 153 Church Street became 151-3, suggesting that the building was split to allow for more tenants. That the building had multiple tenants is evidenced in the City of Toronto Directory, as in 1899 153 Church Street was not only occupied by a Chinese Laundry run by Lew Mokee, but also listed as occupants of the residence were Wm Brown and Mrs. Melinda Taylor. Listed on the assessment rolls for the same year, the only name that appears is that of Lew Mokee who leased the building from someone named Gilmore. However, this changed in 1900, as the building was then owned by A. Welles and was still occupied by a Chinese Laundry, but the laundry was run by Sam Hing. Also listed as tenants of the building in the City of Toronto Directory for 1900 were Wm Allen, Michal Mcnab, and Mrs. Melinda Taylor, none of whom are listed in the Assessment Rolls for the same year. In 2014, the site of 151-3 Church Street has become “The Gold Lobby” and “The Fire Star Exchange,” both of which are jewellery trading businesses.
Works Citedd
Assessment Roll: Ward 3 Division 2 1900 (1899 for tax year 1900). Toronto Archives.
Assessment Roll: Ward 3 Division 2 1901 (1900 for tax year 1901). Toronto Archives.
Toronto Directory (1899, 1900). Toronto Archives. Goads Fire Insurance Plan (1880, 1890, 1899, 1903). Toronto Archives.
