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L.J. McGuinness Distillers

Photos by Alan L Brown - Posted September, 2008

On the northwest corner of Manitoba Street and Legion Road North stands the former L.J. McGuinness Distillers building. This Toronto Culture plaque on the corner has this to say:

Coordinates: 43.624201 -79.489131

Click here for a larger map

L.J. McGuinness Distillers operated on this site from 1938 to 1988. Lawrence J. McGuinness started in the wholesale liquor business in Toronto in 1905. In the 1920s, McGuinness formed a partnership with brothers H.W. "Harry" and Herbert Hatch to acquire distilleries, starting with Gooderham and Worts.
In 1933 McGuinness sold his shares in Hiram Walker-Gooderham and Worts, and founded a new distillery. The success of this business led to construction of the Mimico operation, on this site, where the distilling, blending, bottling and warehousing of liquor was done.
His son, L.J. (Larry) McGuinness Jr. took over the family business in 1951 and ran it until it was sold to Standard Brands in the 1970s. Cory Distilleries Ltd. bought the company in 1987, and the distillery operation was closed soon after.

Related Toronto plaques
Gooderham and Worts Distillery Complex
Dominion Square

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Here are the visitors' comments for this page.

> Posted December 9, 2017
Hello! My name is Ben Conley. I recently acquired a bottle of McGuinness rye due to my grandmother's passing. It is a really neat bottle and there is in fact liquor still in the bottle. Does anyone know anyone that would be interested in a bottle such as this?
Benjamin Conley [email protected]

> Posted April 1, 2015
My grandfather, Frank (Red) Gallagher was good friends with the McGuinness family. They lived next door to my mother's family on Withrow Avenue. Mrs. McGuinness was fond of my mother ... I only ever heard her called Ma McGuinness. I have wedding gifts they gave my parents ... a rosary blessed by the pope of the day. My folks were married in 1952. As well as a tray from Italy and two tea cups, we have some photos from those days. When the McGuinness family left Withrow, they would send their driver every Christmas with a bottle of everything they made. Mom said it was to thank Papa for all his help and friendship. My grandfather use to sneak Mr.McGuinness across the border during prohibition when he was taking fighters to the USA. he would have Mr. McGuinness down as a helper ... he would go do his booze business, then come back after the fight. the memories my mom had were wonderful ... she felt she and Toronto grew up together. Thanks for your time.

> Posted August 16, 2013
I live in a small coastal town of Powell River, BC. When out boating a couple of years ago I found a L.J. McGuinness & Co. LTD. Distillers bottle completely intact. It also has Army & Navy Brands in the glass under the McGuinness name. What would be the approximate date this bottle was in use?
Lori [email protected]

> Posted August 5, 2013
I'm trying to trace an uncle of mine who worked for this company from the 1950's until he retired in the 80's. His name was David Hutton. He was an engineer and lived in Etobicoke but spent the summers in Florida after his retirement. If anyone knows what has happened to him then please email me at [email protected]

> Posted June 30, 2013
Hello. I'm very interested to find out more information about the McGuinness family. I know they used to reside in a mansion house on Lake Shore Blvd east of Royal York Rd. in south Etobicoke. My Grandmother was a domestic employee of theirs. I would like to know if anyone could direct me to someone who could assist me in further research. My email is: [email protected]
Thank you

> Posted March 5, 2011
In 1993 McGuinness sold his shares in Hiram Walker-Gooderham and Worts, and founded a new distillery. I think it should read 1933?? [Editor's Response: Thanks. You're right. I've made the change.]

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