Toronto Vintage Society

Once upon a time a strike at Eaton’s was as unlikely as a union at Eaton’s, a season without an Eaton’s catalogue, or a Christmas without a Santa Claus Parade.... -Toronto Star, November 30, 1984. With Labour Day approaching, we look back at the 1984/85 Eaton’s strike. On Nov 30, 1984, 1500 Eaton’s workers from six-stores took to the picket line. While they were offered a 7% pay increase earlier that month, many felt it wasn’t enough. The strikers, who were made up of 80% women wanted better pay, pensions and job security. One employee told CBC at the time, They were known as a family store, and I keep still saying that they forgot their family. They’re just not worried about the ordinary worker anymore, it’s just like we are a piece of the furniture there. It’s not like it used to be. The strike, organized by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union would last almost six months, but Eaton’s refused to budge, showing little sympathy. The general public on the other hand, felt different. With help of Canadian Labour Congress, strikers organized a boycott of Eaton’s, gaining public support along the way with a variety of tactics. One tactic was working with, The Red Berets; a feminist musical group who sang about social issues. They worked w/ workers to remix traditional Christmas carols to get their message across: Jingle Bells/no more sales/Eaton’s is on strike/Oh how hard it is to get decent workers’ rights. As public perception of Eaton’s declined, the retail giant remained stubborn. Frustrated but motivated, strikers would try and try again. The next few months would see them organize a fundraising show at Massey Hall, storm and picket in various retail locations, take centre-stage at the International Women’s Day rally and even picket on the lawn of Fredrik Eaton’s Forest Hill Mansion. Time however, wasn’t on their side. Under Ontario law, workers weren’t guaranteed their jobs if the strike lasted more than six months. With that, many had no choice but to return to work, accepting the original 7% increase that was offered. The following year they voted in favour of decertification. While workers demands weren’t met, the strike showed a level of creativity and resolve that was rarely seen. Today, the strike stands as an important example of women’s labour activism. . 1: Active History. 2&3: @torontostarchives . 4: @riseupfeministarchive .

Throwback Thursday to our VERY FIRST Tiki Party at the Cadillac Lounge. Who was there?!

Toronto is one stylish town (but all of you already knew that )

http://inmagazine.ca//a-history-of-the-toronto-pride-para/

This coming Saturday my radio show will be a special. 2 hours of Black Rock'n'Roll covering rock'n'roll, rhythm n blues, doo wop and even a bit of rockabilly. Y...ou will hear many of my favorites, songs that influenced other singers and a few of the more recent acts. As always , requests are welcome for this special show so please email them to [email protected] The show will be this Saturday June 20th. 2pm UK, 3pm EU, 6am USA Pacific, 9am USA Eastern, 11pm Australia I am really looking forward to doing this show so I hope that you get a chance to listen.

Today is the 75th Anniversary of V-E Day! Check out how Canadians near and far celebrated with this blog post from The Vintage Inn! Had we not been quarantined - TVS would have been 1945 civilian dressed and hanging out at City Hall to assist with the planned celebrations So, if you are FROCKING UP for FriYAY, consider doing a nod to those times and have a little socially distanced celebration at home for us!... http://www.vintageinn.ca//canada-celebrates-v-e-day-victo/

This Saturday! Collect your crew, get dressed up and be ready have a virtual bop and stroll!!! #quarantineandchill #rockabilly #1950s #virtualvintagedanceparty #bloodshotbill #slimsandy #djpatwhite #djhideki #djeldedo

#beautyoutsideinside is a challenge created by Toronto vintage darling @steffi_kay of the The Sentimentalists We are all staring at our vintage closets and longing for a day where we can wear our pieces again and many were doing that even before the quarantine! I have no where to wear it....I’m saving it for an event! So here is your chance and some themes for motivation! This hasn’t been an easy time for many and finding the energy is definitely tough for most...but aren...’t we all inspired by vintage? Don’t we always feel sharp wearing it? Participate in full or in part! New pics...or OLD pics too! Don’t forget to use the hashtag so we can see you!!! Also PLEASE tag the small businesses where you found your treasures so we can give them a boost too! Thanks again Steffi! Stay safe, stay inside xo TVS #torontovintage #vintagetoronto #vintageclothing #vintagestyle #quarantinestyle #beautyoutsideinside

TODAY! Wear your best...or tbh whatever you have on hand! Get creative and post your pics using the hashtag: #torontovintageeasterparade https://facebook.com/events/s/toronto-vintage-easter-parade-/1319822248200299/

http://www.vintageinn.ca//vintage-easter-a-collection-of-/

Much of our vintage community operates as small businesses. Find alternate ways to support - order/watch/join in on online events/check-in with shop owners/repost/promote/show some online love. We will be searching for ways to help our vintage community and reposting anything we find to our stories. #vintagecommunity . If you you are a vintage affiliate business and have an special offering happening during these trying times - please forward or tag us on your posts!