W. Leff & Co. Pencil

Datec. 1920-1950s

Credit LineGift of Mora Ann Gregg, London, Ontario, 2017.

Object number2017.014.001

Label TextWilliam (Victor) Leff and his father spent time collecting rags, paper, bottles, and metal in a horse and buggy. In 1898 he established a scrap metal, waste paper and salvage firm, W. Leff & Company. The business supported 'junk' collectors in London and the surrounding area. Leff, and other employees were Jewish and observed the Sabbath on Saturdays, continuing work on Sunday, which violated the Sunday Labor Law. Leff was fined $10 but continued to respect and observe their religious traditions. Profitable, in 1920 the company constructed a large three-story plant at 555 Bathurst Street. The company stayed in the family, with William's sons and son-in-law running it until it was sold in 1972.

NamePencil