Eaton’s stereo cards c1902
Toronto. I hope you enjoyed the airshow ending today (Monday Sep 1st). It has been running annually at the CNE for over 70 years!
Years ago, a major department store chain in Canada was Eaton’s. When stereo hit one of its peaks (early 1900s), views and equipment were offered by T Eaton & Co in their catalogues. In issue 25-2, the late Dr Robert Wilson (one of our then stereo gurus) wrote this lengthy well illustrated article titled, “Buying Stereo from the Eaton’s Catalogue”.
The article begins with this précis, “For years, people living in remote and rural areas of Canada lacked convenient access to retail stores to purchase clothing, home furnishings, farm implements and items for entertainment. They relied upon mail order catalogues to make their purchases.
“One of the leaders in catalogue sales in Canada was The T. Eaton Co. Limited, a retail store that became Canada’s largest privately owned department store chain. Included in these catalogues, as their popularity warranted it, were stereoscopic items.
“Most commonly seen today are the litho-printed stereo views showing the Eaton’s operations. But Eaton’s offering of stereo was much more extensive that just this store set. Included, at various times were cameras, viewers and a wide assortment of stereo views.”
The article can be viewed in the issue 25-2 pdf file on the ‘free’ members-only DVD/thumb drive. See ‘Membership’ above or at left to join. Email any membership questions to Lilianne at member@phsc.ca. Visit our 2025 Events to see stereo gear and views to add to your collection (lots of other stuff too). Up next is our famous fall fair. Details are in PHSC News 25-7.
