Originally Posted: October 19, 2017

SOURCE : Facebook Imperial Lofts Page

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In 1861, English-born machinist John Fensom (1829-1908) first appeared in Toronto city directories. He and Charles Levey set up shop on Colborne Street and began making lathes. By 1864 the Fensom and Levey partnership had dissolved, and John Fensom was in business for himself. He set up shop on Adelaide Street West in 1867. There he remained for 15 years, first as John Fensom Iron Works, then in a venture called Gurney & Co. Central Iron Works from 1874 to 1878, then as the sole proprietor of Central Iron Works.

Around this time John Fensom began experimenting with steam- and hand-powered elevators. A local store owner, Timothy Eaton, became a loyal customer when Fensom's elevating devices reduced Eaton's store construction and expansion costs.

In 1882, the mansion of the late Sir William Campbell came up for sale on Duke Street at the top of Frederick Street. John Fensom bought it. There he relocated his large family, and began building a new factory. Over the next two decades, Fensom Elevator Works enjoyed tremendous success.