Warwick Hotel (Toronto)

The Warwick Hotel, located at the corner of Dundas Street East and Jarvis Street in Toronto, was a prominent venue for dance band performances until the 1960s, after which it transitioned to burlesque entertainment. Originally built in 1910 as the Royal Cecil Apartments, it became a higher-end hotel known for hosting notable dance bands of the 1940s and 1950s. The hotel was owned by millionaire contractor James Franceschini, who was interned during World War II due to alleged ties with Mussolini. In the 1950s, it was renamed by Harry Sniderman, a former semi-professional athlete. The hotel also served as a residence for author Hugh Garner, who used the name Jarvis Warwick in his writings. By 1960, the Warwick Hotel became famous for its burlesque shows, featuring early crossdressing personalities like Allan Maloney, known as Brandee.