Record of the Week: Saturday Night Shopping

With holiday shopping really gearing up, it can be hard to remember a time when there was no Sunday shopping or 24-hour superstores or Cyber Monday sales.

Well, here's a historical reality check for you!

In this letter, dated 18 January 1887, Archbishop Lynch is petitioned by 248 "girls engaged in the different dry goods stores" in Toronto.  They would like his aid and influence in shortening their hours of labour on Saturday nights.  The shop girls hope the archbishop will support them "by asking the Ladies to do their purchasing early in the day."

Archbishop Lynch fonds, LAH32.06