Burns & Bapty (1881-1889)

Image of Burns & Bapty, c. 1890. Ivey Family London Room, London Public Library, London, Ontario, Canada.

Men’s clothing Burns & Bapty opened in 1881 at 154 Dundas Street. The company, owned by George F. Burns and Harry Bapty, offered “clothing and men’s furnishing” at their shop. Some of their popular products included suits and kilts for boys. In addition, they promoted their services in an 1888 advertisement that there were “Three A 1 Cutters Always Employed.” The business stayed open at its Dundas Street address until 1889. The image above shows the store’s interior with the company’s expansive fabric selection for customers. The store was full of employees that day, ready to aid the customer with their fashion needs. Owner George F. Burns continued his work in the fashion field, opening George F. Burns Clothing the following year.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.