toronto plaque

Here's why Toronto is getting a new plaque entirely dedicated to fake farts

You can learn a lot about Toronto's heritage by scanning the various plaques installed in front of our significant buildings and other sites, but the city has also acquired a handful of commemorative plates in recent weeks that are more humourous than historical in nature.

One new sign is a mix of both, as it honours a true piece of T.O.'s past, though on a rather silly subject.

The plaque will be for the humble whoopee cushion — yes, the rubber device that emits a loud farting noise from under whichever unfortunate target sits on it — and explain Toronto's perhaps little-known connection to the invention.

For locals who are unaware, the JEM Rubber Company near Dundas Street West and Scarlett Road was the first-ever factory to manufacture the toy in the 1930s, which Heritage Toronto, in partnership with Monologue Slam Canada, has now decided to formally recognize.

"Fart jokes are as old as flatulence, but did you know the modern whoopee cushion was invented right here in Toronto by the Jem Rubber Co.?," a news release about the forthcoming addition reads.

"Their toy — two pieces of rubber fixed together — debuted in 1931 and was an explosive success, making about half a million dollars (the equivalent of more than $10 million today) its first year alone. Many rivals copied the product, but Jem's original name for the product — 'whoopee' — has survived."

toronto plaque

What the final plaque from Heritage Toronto will look like.

Blake Pyne, who won the Monologue Slam Championships held in the city in December, will be part of the team who will get to unveil the plaque when it is finally erected.

Heritage Toronto says they hope the ceremony will take place sometime next year after an unrelated construction project in the area is complete.

Lead photo by

Zoenie/Shutterstock


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