Vancouver’s Toy-Making Co-operative for Women
Published: October 29, 2018
Authors: BC Labour Heritage Centre
The 1912 recession was difficult for all BC workers, but it was especially hard on women. Suffragist and tailor Helena Gutteridge, head of the Women’s Employment League and executive member of the Vancouver Trades & Labor Council, organized a toy making co-operative to help women earn money. At the same time, she pushed the government for more assistance.
Helena Gutteridge, ca. 1911. City of Vancouver Archives, 371-2693.
The toy-making co-operative opened at Carvell Hall, 1027 Robson Street in October 1914, just in time for the Christmas shopping season. By December, more than 150 women were working at this site. Part of the space was used as housing for unemployed women as well. It was a 33-room building, and by November 9, 60 girls and women were working for $3.50 per day, three days per week making dolls and toys. Very quickly, they added cooking and dressmaking services so that by Christmas, 150 women were employed, occupying six more rooms in the building.
Carvall Hall, 1027 Robson Street, 1896. City of Vancouver Archives, SGN 1078
By the time the co-op closed in February 1915, it had found jobs for almost 500 women, and helped another 700 obtain meal tickets. It had expanded to include a retail outlet at the 700 Block of Granville Street, White Sewing Machines.
View of the west side of the 700 Block of Granville Street, c. 1920. City of Vancouver Archives, 371-820
Despite its short life, it was an impressive example of early organizing for working women. Gutteridge went on to ensure that equal pay for women and men was included in the Vancouver Trades and Labor Council’s constitution and organized the Minimum Wage League in 1917. This led to the Minimum Wage Bill for Women, which achieved Royal Assent on April 23, 1918. In 1937, she became the first woman elected to Vancouver City Council.
Gutteridge’s advice to women: “Take an interest in public affairs. Keep yourself informed and express your opinions. Above all, be active. No matter how busy they may be with their families and homes, women are part of the larger community. They owe it to themselves to develop their abilities and to work for a better, peaceful world. There is still a lot to be done!”