Then. 214 King Street West, circa 1919. (Image sourced by wwwebster) "Canadian General Electric Co. Automobile Accessories. Electrical Supplies."

King Street, east and west, in the downtown core had a "jobber"/industrial supplier commercial aspect to it until the late 1980s. This existed side by side with the various Mirvish enterprises of the live entertainment and culinary sort (I won't mention the roast beef at Ed's Warehouse restaurant). I'm reminded of Safety Supply Company that existed at 214 King Street East, where I purchased several fire extinquishers in the early '80s. These were made by the General Fire Extinguisher Corp. (now defunct) in the USA. These units still guard my home and my daughter's homes — they still pass a pressure test and refill. All the valve parts are machined forgings — these were the Rolex of fire extinquishers. To pick one up is to realize the heft and construction of goods before the days when manufacturers "raced to the bottom" seeking lower wages and tax rates offshore.  The instructions on the Mexican-made fire extinquishers sold at Canadian Tire direct you to "discard" when the pressure gauge falls below minimum, which will happen in one year. My Generals stay charged for five years.

Anyway, I'm just telling a parable why they don't sell some types of things on King Street anymore.

Pub bore mode over.  :)

Now. June 2011. Notice anything about the building?  :) 

Swiss Chalet. Their chicken wings are somewhat unappreciated by the public. I think they are very good.