Sep

Grocery giant Theodore P. Loblaw commemorated by provincial plaque

September 20, 2008
For immediate release

ALLISTON – Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust, the Simcoe County Historical Association, Stevenson Farms and the Essa Historical Society unveiled a provincial plaque to commemorate Theodore P. Loblaw.

Loblaw – whose name is synonymous with a grocery store chain in Canada – was a pioneer in the industry. Born in 1872 at Elmgrove in Essa Township, Loblaw became an orphan as a teenager and was adopted by his maternal grandparents, William Stevenson and Elizabeth Pringle. He went to live with them on their farm near Alliston.

Loblaw eventually moved to Toronto where he quickly developed what would become a lifelong partnership with J. Milton Cork. Together, the men established a unique new grocery retail experience. Loblaw, having become the manager of the United Farmers of Ontario Co-operative, discovered the self-serve grocery concept during his visits to the United States and was determined to see if this system would work in Ontario.

"Loblaw will be remembered not only for his innovative merchandising methods, but also for his philanthropy," said The Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust. "The Ontario Heritage Trust has unveiled nearly 400 plaques to innovative and remarkable people over the years. Commemorating Theodore P. Loblaw in this way is a fitting tribute."

The first Loblaw Groceteria opened in Toronto in 1919. Within 15 years, the chain had grown to include over 100 stores throughout Ontario and over 50 in the United States. Yet, Loblaw never forgot his roots. In 1926, he donated money to the Town of Alliston to build the Stevenson Memorial Hospital, named in honour of his grandparents. He also gave money for the town to pave its streets.

"This new provincial plaque celebrates Theodore Loblaw's business leadership and generosity, which helped build stronger communities across Ontario," said Culture Minister Aileen Carroll.

Loblaw died in 1933. In addition to his pioneering methods that have altered the way we shop, he is also remembered for his charity. As well as the donations he made to the Town of Alliston, Loblaw gave generously to the Toronto Kiwanis Club, and – with his business partner, J.M. Cork – donated $1 million to support the construction of Toronto Western Hospital.

"The Simcoe County Historical Association (SCHS) is delighted to be a partner in recognizing Loblaw and his accomplishments," said Dr. B.E.S. Rudachyk, President of the SCHS. "We are particularly delighted that the plaque will be erected on the grounds of Stevenson Farms, the homestead of Loblaw's grandparents."

The Ontario Heritage Trust is an agency of the Government of Ontario, dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage.

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