No.27

Porter-Milady

PERM_Ring

Location: Winnipeg, MB
Date illuminated: July 29, 2017
Permanent launch: September 22, 2023
Layers: 2

Visit the other permanent Winnipeg installation:

PERM_No26

Location & Viewing Hours

On display nightly: Sunset 'til late!

Generously supported by:

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027_Animated_Wide

Layered History

This is a palimpsest - a ghost sign showing multiple worn ads painted on each other. This specific sign - nicknamed 'Porter-Milady' - has two discernable layers we were able to revive. Learn more below about the businesses and brands that called this building home.

Layer 1

Painted 1906

Porter & Co.

027_Light 027_Porter_Projection

James Porter started Porter and Company in 1902 as a wholesale crockery and china firm, selling repackaged goods to retailers across Western Canada. In 1906, he built 165 McDermot Avenue to support his growing business and operated out of the location until the company ceased operations in 1943. This sign on the west side of the building is a listing of the products the company sold.

Porter-Milady_c.-1969_York-University-Archives
L.-Galpern-Candy-Company-Newspaper-Ad-Jun-2-1948-The-Winnipeg-Tribune
Galperns-Candy-Factory-Workers-1918

Layer 2

Painted in 1945

Milady Chocolates

027_Light 027_Milady_Projection

The L. Galpern Candy Company was founded in 1907 by Louis Galpern and is best known for its Fine Candy brand and as a manufacturers’ agent for Milady Chocolates. The third oldest candy manufacturer in Winnipeg, their confectionery caught on and the family company grew into a large operation, moving from their Jarvis Street operation to 165 McDermot Avenue in 1943. The business ceased operations 30 years later in 1973.

About the collaborators

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Craig Winslow

Light Artist & Experiential Director

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Matt Cohen

Urban Archaeologist, Founder ghostsigns.ca