R.J. Young & Co (1884-1962)

RJ Young & Co Ltd, 1918. AFC 341-S3-I52, Hines Studio Collection. Archives and Special Collections, Western Libraries, Western University.

R.J. Young & Co was a men’s retailer in London from 1884-1962. The company was owned by R.J. Young and located at 142-144 Dundas Street. The luxury retailer sold suiting pieces for men and a selection of accessories, including hats. The store promoted its products in a 1938 advertisement, selling “Mens High-Class 2-Pants Suits,” which were made of “genuine English and Irish Twists of Finest Qualities” at a sale price of $25, (nearly $500 in 2023!). During its 78 years of business, the company offered a reliable place to purchase quality men’s clothing for any special occasion.

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.