The AVRO Arrow
"I was just so happy to get this job"
For many it was the first time they had benefits such as insurance, pension and health care.
AVRO employee handbook, 1956. RPA/Albert Seaman collection.
In some households, both husband and wife worked at AVRO, in others, siblings all worked in the same plant.
Allengame brothers, employed at AVRO & Orenda 1952. RPA/Private collection.
Outside of work, the Recreation Committee directed some 30 clubs and activities such as baseball, skiing, bowling, hockey, tennis, golf, badminton, choir, pipe band and rugby. The sheer number of employees meant picnics and Christmas parties were massive events. In addition, the company sponsored minor hockey teams in the area.
AVRO Aircraft novice All Stars, 1958. RPA.
At the plants, injuries were treated by nurses and a medical director in fully-equipped facilities. Mobile food carts brought meals from the commissary to the plant to save time and steps. Outside the plants, a security force larger than the police force of many small towns patrolled and directed over 5,000 cars in and out of parking lots every day.
The weekly payroll of over one million dollars was paid in cash. Armoured trucks and armed Brinks guards delivered thousands of pay envelopes for distribution every Friday night.
The girls of the mailing department - Avro Canada News.
Across southern Ontario, the 1950s were years of prosperity for AVRO workers. Credit was easily available to AVRO employees and many bought homes, furniture, and cars. AVRO employees were proud of their accomplishments and earnings. No one could see an end to the prosperity - but an end was coming...
Main St., Brampton
[ Mouse over image to enlarge ]
AVRO and Orenda Engines employment offices were always full of hopeful candidates. Peel residents who remembered the lean times of the depression and postwar years saw working at AVRO as a dream come true.
Revised: Monday March 01 2010
