The massive factory that once stood at Lakeshore and Hwy 10 in Mississauga

Incorporated in 1889, St. Lawrence Starch Company built a corn wet milling factory at the foot of Centre Road (now Hurontario Street) in Port Credit. Cornstarch production began in April of 1890.

The name St. Lawrence was chosen because it was readily identifiable with Canada but not associated with a particular area or province.

The founding partners were John Gray and Archibald Hutchison, and John Gray quickly established himself as one of the pre-eminent starch production men in North America, while Archie Hutchison excelled in sales and marketing.

St. Lawrence Starch ceased operations in March of 1990, one hundred years after the first steep of corn was ground, starch dried, and shipped by horse and wagon to the rail siding. At its peak, the St. Lawrence Starch Company was the largest employer in historic Mississauga.

Gray Family House, Port Credit, c1905.
This house also became a restaurant in the early 90s and stood until it was demolished for condos.

St Lawrence Starch Company Letterhead

St Lawrence Starch Company workers, c1900

St Lawrence Starch Company, c1950

St Lawrence Starch Company, factory interior, c1910

St Lawrence Starch Company, Packard Shipping Truck

St Lawrence Starch Company, Port Credit, 1935

St Lawrence Starch Company, Port Credit, c1952

St Lawrence Starch company transport truck, c1950

Bee Hive Corn Syrup

All images are courtesy of Heritage Mississauga.