Edward Frowde Seagram Biography

B. 1873 D. 1937
Married: Edna Irvine McLaughlin, Clara Lee Watt

Edward Seagram was the eldest son of distillery owner Joseph E. Seagram. As would be expected, his main interest was the Seagram Distillery. He joined the management staff in 1894 and after his father’s death became president in 1920. Edward continued his father’s interest in horse racing, serving as President of Seagram Stables and amassing more racing trophies. Pres. Of Jockey Club followed Father. In 1920 the Seagram family, led by Edward, purchased the Mueller Cooperage across Erb St from the distillery and named it Canada Barrels and Kegs (later Canbar Products). About 1910, Edward Seagram bought the Globe Furniture Company of Walkerville and brought it to Waterloo. For 50 years this company became the world leader in ecclesiastical furniture and religious carvings. Edward served as vice-president of Dominion Life Assurance Co. and was one of the founders and Pres of the Waterloo Trust and Saving Co. In 1924 a new insurance co – the Merchants’ Casualty was formed with Ed S. as pres. He continued the Seagram support of the Wat. Musical Society and the Waterloo Band with their distinctive black and gold uniforms (Seagram colours). In 1920 a new bandshell in Waterloo Park was gifts from Ed and Tom Seagram in memory of father. In 1920 Ed Seagram moved into Bratton House, his father’s 65 room mansion on Willow St. The Seagram family, with Edward taking the lead supported local sports. They were instrumental in establishing the Westmount Golf and Country Club and the Kitchener Granite Club. The Seagram Cup was donated by them to be presented to the winner of the Canadian Open Golf Championship. Other contributions were to the Waterloo Lawn Bowling Club and the tennis courts behind the Anglican Church. The Church of the Holy Saviour (first called St Saviour) received special consideration from the Seagrams who were church members.

In 1928 Ed and the rest of Seagram family, in memory of Father had church tower built, donated new organ and redecorated the interior with new furniture and religious carvings made in Globe Furniture Factory.

He was active in local politics and was mayor in 1906 - ?

In late 1936 Edward became ill and in February 1937 went to Toronto Hospital for an operation but did not recover. After his death the Seagram mansion was sold to the K-W Orphanage Society and the Seagram Farm was sold to J.M. Schneider.

Sources:
1. J.E. Seagram Biography, Seagram Collection, City of Waterloo.
2. Marg Rowell et al, Welcome to Waterloo.
3. Obituary, Waterloo Chronicle, February 5, 1937.
4. Ellis Little and Allen Miloff, The Kitchener-Waterloo Orphanage Society, Waterloo Historical Society, Vol. 86, 1998
5. Waterloo Chronicle, Souvenier Supplement, The Seagram Museum, May 9, 1984
6. Waterloo Chronicle, July 22, 1920, April 2, 1937, June 3, 1938, August 12, 1992.
7. The Town of Waterloo, J.P. Jaffray