About Hilroy

July 4, 1918, Hilroy commenced operation.

Disregarding the pessimism of skeptical business associates, Roy Corson Hill, borrowed a large amount on a life insurance policy and added it to a separate amount, which his parents obtained by mortgaging their home. With this capital, he formed his own stationery company – Canadian Pad and Paper Co. Limited.

Operations commenced on the second floor of a re-modeled residence situated at 255 Wellington Street in Toronto using rented second-hand equipment and employing six people including himself.

Hill was the manager, salesman, shipper, receiver and paper cutter. He worked between 7am and 11pm. In the evenings he would cut and trim the pads of books manufactured during the day. His wife would come to the factory by streetcar to wrap and label the days production.

In 1919, Roy Hill invested an additional cost to keep pace with the growth of the company.

Additional Information