A New Look in One of Toronto’s Oldest Buildings

The Canteen, which is both museum store and entrance to Fort York National Historic Site, has been undergoing a transformation. Two young women who love a good challenge are on a campaign to update the merchandise in the charming atmosphere of a soldiers’ barracks.

The gift shop, as it was called, was understaffed in recent years and its potential handicapped. Dusty metal shelves held lacklustre displays of the obligatory plastic soldiers, mugs, postcards, booklets, and candy. All that has changed. After extended vacancies, the key positions responsible for the Canteen were filled by two people who care about the Fort’s history, love what they do, and work well together.

Today, the Canteen sparkles with elegant displays that make the most of the 1815 brick building. Kelly Nesbitt, Administrative Coordinator, and Cheryl Dilisi, the new Museum Store Coordinator, took on the task of refurbishing the shop with enthusiasm. Taking advantage of the historic atmosphere of the barracks, and using antique display cases culled from the City of Toronto’s own collection, they have created imaginative displays of new products. They insist on excellent quality reproductions: vintage blue and white transferware china and glass, beautiful Italian writing implements and leather journals, and replicas of wooden and brass compasses and telescopes, as well as naval and military instruments in wooden cases. The book selection has been enlarged to include many titles on the War of 1812 and Canadian history, cookery, and military life. The Canteen also features delicious goodies from the Fort’s historic kitchen prepared according to 18th and 19th century recipes. There are crafts made by Native People and good quality games and wooden and brass toys for the kids. Whenever possible the products are Canadian-made.

Chip Cummins, Canada Bureau Chief for the Wall Street Journal, wrote of his visit: “I ended up buying gifts for the kids and made a note to come back … it was great. Fort York probably has the best gift shop of any historical site I’ve ever been to.”