Editor’s Note: The Following is an abridged version of a story written as part of a collaboration with The Globe and Mail. The story originally appeared in print on May 7, 2016.

My wife and I used to shop here in the late ‘60s. We always shopped at Honest Ed’s. Clothing, food, and everything else we needed. It was all we could afford at the time. 

I always loved the uniqueness of the street. It’s full of old buildings and artists’ studios.

When a chance came up to rent a studio on Markham Street a number of years ago, my son and I grabbed it.

The studio we share is just above Butler’s Pantry. To get inside, I have to walk up an old fire escape. Very carefully!

Thanks to Hooley for sharing his story. Check out his visual art portfolio at hooley.ca.

And thanks to Tahnee Reyes for joining us!

Hogtown Stories is a project by Jeremy Korn. Follow Hogtown Stories on Facebook and Instagram!