Photos by Barry Wallace
Founder of Jack Fraser Menswear
lived in Temperanceville at one time?
When I was a young man back in the 1960s, Jack Fraser Mens Wear was a well-known chain for buying men's clothing. The business was founded in 1926 by Jack Fraser in Toronto's east-end and the chain of stores was purchased in 1967 by Grafton & Co. Eventually Jack Fraser stores numbered 80 and were found in every Canadian province. In 2005, the decision was taken to retire the Jack Fraser name and all stores became known as Tip Top Tailors stores. Today Grafton Fraser Inc. includes 150 stores under four different retail business names.
I've lived in King for about 65 years and had been told that the property on the west side of Temperanceville, about a 1/4 mile north of the King Road was owned by the Jack Fraser family. The photos herewith are of the noteworthy gateway to the large, longtime residence, in the style of centuries-old English black and white timber/construction.
I have no idea who lives here in 2020. Moreover, I can't say for sure that any of the Jack Fraser family ever did live here. Nevertheless, it is a King Township landmark of note and I stand to be corrected by anyone with historical reference.
Please comment if you wish.
Barry Wallace