The Timothy Eaton Statue

Timothy Eaton Statue at the MTS Centre

The imposing 3,500 lb Timothy Eaton statue was unveiled in Eaton's Winnipeg store on December 11, 1919. It, and an identical one at the Toronto store unveiled three days earlier, were a gift from Eaton's employees to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the retail empire.

The sculptor was Welsh immigrant, Eaton's manager and eventually Eaton's director Ivor Lewis. An accomplished artist and singer, Lewis is noted for his contributions to Toronto's arts and theatre scene.

Timothy's son and company president Sir John C. Eaton came from Toronto for the unveiling that was attended by "thousands of employees. It began on the main floor at 8:00 a.m., a half-hour before store opening. After the singing of O Canada H. McGee, an Eaton's vice-president and oldest serving employee, made the presentation. He noted that the Winnipeg store was known as "J.C.'s Baby" as it was Sir John who was instrumental in having the store and mail order catalogue house built in Winnipeg - even personally selecting the site.

Sir John C. Eaton (source)

Eaton was in attendance but suffering from a severe cold and his response read on his behalf:

"to me it is most gratifying....that the deeds of my father still live and will be perpetuated for all time by the erection of this magnificent memorial".

As a return gift, Eaton announced that beginning January 2, 1920 the store would close at 5 pm, a half hour earlier, to lighten the hours of employees. It was noted that the store was already closed Saturdays in July and August as a thank-you to staff who had worked hard to get the Winnipeg location up and running.

Eaton's ad Dec. 11,1919 (source)

That evening a gala dinner was held in honour of the Golden Jubilee.

During its 80 years presence at Eaton's the statue became a landmark for people to meet at when visiting downtown. A superstition developed that rubbing the toe of Eaton's left foot would bring you good luck.

In 1999 the retail chain collapsed and the fate of the statue was in question. It had a brief stint at Polo Park Shopping Centre when Sears Canada tried unsuccessfully to revive the chain. After the second collapse in 2002, the Eaton family announced that the statue would go to St. Mary's, Ontario, the Eaton family home town. That prompted negotiations between the family and heritage advocates that ended in a compromise: the statue would become a provincial heritage object; ownership would go to the Province and it would be placed in a 'site of significance''.

Above: Eaton on the move (source)

In 2003 The Bay took over the former Eaton's retail space in Polo Park and the statue was removed by arena builders True North Entertainment. After a brief time in storage, Timothy Eaton was unveiled in 2004 at almost the exact spot, one floor up, where he sat for 80 years. Also unveiled were the bronze war service commemorative panels.

Toronto's Eaton statue is now at the Royal Ontario Museum . The Eaton family were long-time benefactors of the institution.

Related:

Eaton's Online Exhibit Archives of Ontario
Eaton's Seeks Bankruptcy Protection Maclean's Mar. 10, 1999
Eaton's Statue to Stay Put on the Prairies CBC May 19, 2002
Eaton Statue Declared a Provincial Heritage Object Manitoba Press Release Oct. 22, 2002
Famed Timothy Eaton Statue moves to its new home Royal Ontario Museum Press Release
True North relocates Timothy Eaton statue and other artifacts to MTS Centre to preserve Eaton's downtown history - True North Press Release & Photos April 21, 2004