Robert J. Reid and Sons Limited

James Reid's furniture factory was founded in 1854 in a building which once housed a saloon. Here James Reid (1829-1900), who had come from Ireland, started to manufacture and upholster furniture. A few years later he added caskets to his line as was the custom in those days with cabinet makers. By 1875 he employed a staff of twelve in his shops which were run by steam. When he died in 1900, his eldest son Robert J. Reid became manager of the business. In 1901, Robert founded his own furniture and undertaking business at 222 Princess St., later moving to 230-232 Princess St. James Reid Furniture would then be operated by his siblings Samuel, Francis C., and Frederick C. Reid.