Strathcona in Hamilton, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Hand Fireworks
Photographed By Tim Boyd, April 4, 2023
1. Hand Fireworks Marker
Quick Facts: Family business 1875-1963 - George R. Allan School, Westdale testing grounds
The name "Hand" is synonymous with fireworks in Canada and North America. In 1872 William Hand arrived in Newark, New Jersey from Hereford, England. Soon after, he journeyed to Thorold, Ontario where he began manufacturing the first fireworks in Canada. By 1875 he had moved to Hamilton's developing West End community.
- Located between King Street and Head Street, west of Sophia Street (Strathcona Avenue).
- Part of exciting displays at Dundurn Castle and Crystal Palace Grounds.
- William's son, Thomas W. Hand, with partner Walter Teale, bought the business in 1888.
Explosions in 1878, 1879 and 1900 prompted relocation of a portion of the business to future George R. Allan School site in Westdale, (now Cootes Paradise Elementary School). Hand & Co. left Hamilton in the early 1930s to a new site in Cooksville. It remained a family enterprise until 1963.
Erected 2019 by City of Hamilton.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1875.
Location. 43° 15.723′ N, 79° 53.093′ W. Marker is in Hamilton, Ontario
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The First Royal Visit to Hamilton (within shouting distance of this marker); Strathcona Avenue Fire Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Baseball at Victoria Park (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Crystal Palace and Grounds (about 120 meters away); Erskine Presbyterian Church (about 150 meters away); The Nine-hour Movement/ Les Mouvement des Neuf Heures (about 150 meters away); Early West End Hotels (about 150 meters away); Zion United Church (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hamilton.
Photographed By Tim Boyd, July 28, 2023
2. Hand Fireworks Marker
Hamilton Public Library Local History & Archives
3. Hand Fireworks Marker detail
Photographed By Hand Fireworks Company
4. Hand Fireworks Marker detail
1872
5. Hand Fireworks founder, William T. Hand in 1872
Source: Handsfireworks.com
Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 217 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 31, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
