Jews Who Perished In 1950 Factory Fire Memorialized By Toronto

Historical records indicate the blaze started as a result of a short-circuit in a cloth-cutting machine; the fire ignited the layers of highly flammable cloth, and adjoining racks of finished suits, dresses, and other merchandise.

The details that emerged following the tragedy were disturbing. The workers had attempted to climb through a window, but it was securely barred. The back door exit was blocked off by a plywood partition, and sealed shut by heavy iron bars and padlocks. An inquiry into the tragedy was ordered, as well as a survey of fire hazards in the entire garment district.

During the inquiry, Ontario’s Chief Coroner Dr. Smirle Lawson, called the Phillips factory “a death trap of the worst kind,” and expressed shock that humans were working in such conditions.

Toronto’s mayor at the time, Hiram McCallum, immediately ordered an inquiry into the tragedy and a survey of fire hazards in the garment district. Subsequently, more voices began to arise about similar working conditions in other factories.

Last month Pasternak put forward a condolence motion in Council chambers.

“These victims are now recognized as part of the public record in the City of Toronto. It seemed to be an important part of Jewish Toronto’s shared history and experience,” he said.

“This rarely known event has implications to this day. New measures for workplace safety and worker protection were introduced, which transformed the way manufacturing operated in the city and helped save many lives in the future.”

-with files from Toronto city council