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26. WILLIAM PROUDFOOT’S WINES AND SPIRITS |
| A clever merchant with his wits about him could quickly become a wealthy man in York. William Proudfoot, who arrived in Upper Canada from Scotland after the War of 1812, aimed to do just that(1). D’Arcy Boulton Jr. owned and operated a store on the southwest corner of King and Frederick(2). With an establishment already in place, Proudfoot got himself employed there and worked his way up to partner. The partnership dissolved in 1825, with Proudfoot becoming sole proprietor(3). The building was a large frame structure, made of white painted brick(4). It was valuable real estate because of its size and central location in the mercantile district. Proudfoot prospered by selling desirable merchandise such as ostrich feathers, Italian lute strings, black crepe, copper tea kettles, silk and cotton umbrellas and beaver caps for children(5). Proudfoot devoted ten years to building up a prosperous business, but decided to retire in 1835 to pursue public life(6). In that same year he became the president of the Bank of Upper Canada and held that position until 1861, living at the glamorous Kearnsey House for most of those years(7). |
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