Strathcona in Hamilton, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Semmens, Ward and Evel Casket Company

Photographed by Tim Boyd, April 4, 2023

1. Semmens, Ward and Evel Casket Company Marker

Inscription.
Quick Facts: Family business started in 1868 - Employed 100 - Demolished in 1972

In 1868, Semmens and Sons was a family-owned building firm, located on the east side of Sophia Street (Strathcona Avenue North), north of Florence Street. By the late 1870s, the company was producing undertaker's supplies.

- 1885-1887 Semmens joined with James J. Evel and Alfred J. Ward to form Semmens, Ward, and Evel Coffin Manufacturers, employing 50 people.
- Fire in late 1890s resulted in a new three storey brick factory, employing 100 people.
- During World War I a casket with handles cost around $17.00.
- Local girls used the scraps from the satin and velvet casket lining for doll clothes.

By 1950, Semmens and Evel was sharing its space with Dominion Manufacturers. In 1972, all operations ceased and the site was cleared. In December 1979 the 13-storey senior citizen apartment building known as Strathcona Gardens opened its doors on the site.

Erected 2019 by City of Hamilton.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.

Location. 43° 15.861′ N, 79° 52.989′ W. Marker is in Hamilton, Ontario. It is in Strathcona. It is at the intersection

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of Florence street and Inchbury Street, on the left when traveling west on Florence street. Marker is at the north end of Victoria Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hamilton ON L8R L8R, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe,

in the Hamilton-Halton-Brant Area,

and specifically in the Toronto Metropolitan Area.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: St. George’s Anglican Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Iroquois Sand and Gravel Bar (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Strathcona School (about 120 meters away); Hamilton Normal School (about 150 meters away); Zion United Church (about 180 meters away); Crystal Palace and Grounds (about 210 meters away); Strathcona Avenue Fire Hall (about 240 meters away); Early West End Hotels (approx. 0.2 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hamilton.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, July 28, 2023

2. Semmens, Ward and Evel Casket Company Marker

Semmens, Ward and Evel Casket Company Marker detail image. Click for full size.

Hamilton Public Library Local History & Archives

3. Semmens, Ward and Evel Casket Company Marker detail

1911

4. Semmens and Evel Casket Company in 1911

Fire insurance Map of Hamilton Source: McMaster University Archives

Credits. This page was last revised on July 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 1,481 times since then and 110 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 29, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.