My father performed several jobs during his working career. He worked at a flag manufacturer, he worked at a piano factory (at Richmond and Peter Street, in Toronto - which he discovered, upon visiting me at work one day, was kitty corner to where I worked at the time). He was also a Auxiliary Policeman (he trained people how to ride motor-bikes), and he worked as a custodian for the Toronto Board of Education.
The last school he worked at was called West Park Secondary. It is now known as Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton Catholic Secondary School. It sits at the corner of Bloor Street West and Dundas Street West. I would often come in to work with him when I could (usually during the summer). He would arrive at least at 7:30 for his 8am shift and we would let me punch the time on his card. (It felt so official!)
This is where I saw a freight elevator for the first time (he was the designated operator for this - no one else could use it without his supervision). This was also when I learned just how physically demanding his job could be. This is also where I learned how to swim. I would often head off to the pool during his shift, and take lessons.
On days like this, he would tell me that he would not raise the flag of the school, because it would be disrespectful, as the flag could not fly freely, and it would just stick to the pole. He was in charge of raising and lowering it every day. (People knew who he was, as we were THE family on Caledonia Road who had the flag pole. This pole still stands today, and does fly a flag. The people who purchased the house, lived in the neighbourhood, and promised that they would not take it down.
I only wish that it was a size or two larger. My father was not a large man, (he was only 5'9"), and this is accentuated by how this looks on me (I'm 6', and I outweigh him by at least 50 pounds from the day he last wore it.)
I am offering the accompanying picture as an option for future Jeopardy broadcasts, as I doubt it has been used before. Take it away Alex.
Have a great day everyone.
#StayHome #StaySafe #TShirtADay