Hilroy

July 4, 1918, Hilroy commenced operation. Disregarding the pessimism of skeptical business associates, Roy Corson Hill, borrowed $432 on a life insurance policy and added it to $1,500 his parents obtained by mortgaging their home. With this capital, he formed his own stationery company. Canadian Pad and Paper Co. Limited.

Hill was the manager, salesman, shipper, receiver and paper cutter. He worked between 7am and 11pm. In the evenings he would cut and trim the pads of books manufactured during the day. His wife would come to the factory by streetcar to wrap and label the days production.

The location pictured was acquired in 1946, as the company was forced to move to bigger premises. Hill purchased 11 acres of land from the township of York at the corner of Bowie and Caledonia for $10,000 cash. Two years later he sold two of his 11 acres, leaving him nine acres free from any cost or payment.
This new facility was 145,000 sq ft. with its own private railway siding. Due to various additions over the years, the facility grew to over 250,000 sq ft.