Originally published on February 22, 2012
I have two tattoos, both of which I got as a teenager at Sailor Pete’s at the Warwick Hotel, in the ’60s.
The night of my first tattoo was also a night of other weird and memorable ‘firsts.’
However, some historical background information for the evening would be helpful.
I was fifteen years old (1965) at the time and hanging out with several friends who were a few years older.
We hung out at a small plaza in front of the Hortop Variety Store in Oshawa, Ontario.
We were not a gang, but we referred to ourselves as the Hortop Boys.
We rarely broke the law – our only exception was drinking underage, which was twenty-one at the time.
And we broke this law almost every weekend – but seldom got caught by the police or our parents.
The leader of our group was Ron Cannon – but we called him Boss.
He was the only one not in high school, which is good because he was twenty-one.
Boss worked full-time and drove an old 1957 Chevy Bel Air.
Most of our drinking was in the ‘country,’ north of the Oshawa city limits.
We would all chip in money for the liquor and gas for the Boss’s car.
In those days, gas was about 35 cents a gallon – so $2.00 worth of gas was usually good enough for the whole weekend.
We seldom drank beer – it took too long to get drunk on beer.
Typically, we would share a 26er bottle (or two) of rye whiskey and get plastered within an hour.
We would then head back into the city—6 or 7 crammed into the Boss’s car—and tour downtown.
And then again to the north end of Oshawa, to the A&W Drive-In on Simcoe Street.
We also used to cruise through the Big M burger joint at Taunton Road and Simcoe Street.
That was before any McDonald’s opened in Oshawa.
Ironically, Big M became a McDonald’s, which is still there today.
I don’t recall what led to our decision to head to Toronto for the weekend – but I know it was my first trip there without my parents.
I remember telling my Mom that I was going to a friend’s cottage for Saturday night and would be back on Sunday afternoon.
Our destination in Toronto was the Warwick Hotel, on the corner of Dundas and Jarvis Streets.
It was a seedy hotel – known as a hangout for the many prostitutes that worked in the area.
I remember the marquee sign over the hotel entrance – it read:
$3.50 single or $5.00 double room – Free Coloured TV!
We hung out outside the hotel while Boss checked into the hotel and got a room with two beds.
However, he didn’t tell the desk clerk that six of us would be staying in the same room.
Boss returned to the street, told us to go into the hotel—one at a time—and gave us the room number.
He then took the alcohol from the car and returned to the hotel.
While I was waiting, I noticed that there was a tattoo shop in the basement of the hotel.
The sign read Sailor Pete’s Tattoo Shop.
I remember thinking:
So, this is where you get a tattoo!
It was quite a revelation because my hometown in Oshawa didn’t have a tattoo shop.
And here I was – standing in front of a tattoo shop in Toronto.
How cool is that?
As we sat in the hotel room drinking, I had a flash of brilliance:
I would get a tattoo as a souvenir, commemorating my first solo trip to Toronto.
Until then, I did not know anyone with a tattoo – none of the Hortop Boys or my fellow students at OCVI.
The only people with tattoos in those days were sailors or bikers – and I was neither.
But the thought of having a tattoo was exciting for a 15-year-old.
When I told the guys I was leaving the hotel to get a tattoo, they all laughed and told me I would never do it.
I was doomed.
Now, I would have to go through with it – or be branded a ‘wussy’, forever!
As I staggered down the outside steps and into Sailor Pete’s Tattoo Shop, I noticed a 40ish-looking lady seated at the counter – and a guy on the other side of the table, holding her left boob in his hand – yes, her bare boob in his hand!
WOW!
The lady was a ‘hooker.‘
When she noticed me staring at her boob, she asked me if I liked the bluebird she was getting tattooed.
I nodded but was more interested in seeing an actual naked boob for the first time ever!
She then bared her other boob and showed me her other tattoos.
OMG! Toronto is a great city!
It turned out that the guy behind the counter was Sailor Pete himself.
He showed me a binder containing all kinds of tattoos and asked how much money I wanted to spend.
I told him I had $5.00 but did not want anything too large.
As drunk as I was then, I was sober enough to know I would need to conceal the tattoo from my parents’ probing eyes.
The next morning, I awoke on the hotel bed with burning pain in my right arm.
It then came back to me – I now had a tattoo.
The tattoo was a red heart with two banners running through it – one read MOM, and the other read DAD.
The 2” x 1” tattoo is between my elbow and shoulder – so it isn’t visible – even when I wear a short-sleeve shirt.
Thank you, Sailor Pete, for your discretion!
I also started thinking about the hooker with the bluebird tattoo – was she still working the street?
Not that it mattered – because I was now tattooed and broke!
A couple of years after getting the tattoo, my Mom saw it on my arm and told me to go to the washroom and wash it off.
When I tried to explain that it was a permanent tattoo, she started wailing like a banshee!
I got a second tattoo when I was 17 years old.
Glenn Hahn, a buddy, and his girlfriend, Gloria Trewin, were with Eleanor Kirkpatrick, my girlfriend at the time, and we all went to Sailor Pete’s.
Glenn was getting his first tattoo, and I could not resist getting another tattoo.
Eleanor helped me choose the tattoo.
It was a red rose with a banner under it.
Eleanor asked me to put her name in the blank space in the banner, but Sailor Pete told her to wait until we got married, and then she could have her name put in the tattoo.
Boy, I owed him big time because I had several girlfriends after Eleanor and two wives.
They demolished the Warwick Hotel in 1980.
A year later, I moved to Vancouver, BC.
In subsequent years, I was transferred and lived in Halifax (1989-92), Moncton (1992-97), and then back to Vancouver (1997-Present).
But I’ve always missed my hometown.
I guess it is true what they say:
You can take the boy from Oshawa, but you can’t take the Oshawa, from the boy!
I am unsure what happened to Sailor Pete’s Tattoo Shop – maybe he relocated or retired?
UPDATE: September 4, 2020:
I decided to get a name tattooed in the blank space today, but the name will be a secret until I see you again.
I hope it doesn’t hurt to get it, because I will be sober this time!
UPDATE: September 6, 2020:
Most tattoo shops in town were closed for the long weekend or were fully booked until Tuesday.
I will update this page and include a photo of my updated tattoo.
The name might surprise you!
UPDATE: December 10, 2020:
I am getting the tattoo refreshed today at 3:30 p.m., and Mike, the tattoo artist, agreed to let me take a video of him doing the tattoo! I am so happy to finally put a name in the blank banner!
I will update this story later today.
I just got home (6:45 PM) from the White Rock Tattoo shop, on Marine Drive, in White Rock.
Yesterday, when I spoke to Mike, I learned that he is from the same city as me – Oshawa, Ontario!
I knew I would like him and was happy he agreed to do the tattoo for me.
I arrived a few minutes early and was greeted by Mike at the door.
He introduced me to a lovely young lady, who assisted me in filling out the forms (I forgot my glasses) while Mike prepared the chair.
They were conscious of sanitizing everything repeatedly, and I felt safe and comfortable.
Mike’s daughter, Cass, also works in the shop. Like her dad, she is a talented artist.
Travis was also in the shop, who was very friendly and professional.
They played some fantastic blues music the whole time I was there.
I liked the atmosphere – a nice vibe.
I will write more about my time there, but I need to close for now.
However, let me at least show you the before-and-after tattoos and the name I chose to put in the blank banner.
I would put my Mom’s first name (Beulah), but there would not be room for Dad’s name.
And the small one on my other arm already says Mom and Dad – but it’s not legible, so I’m going to get Mike to fix that tattoo as well, which will be with my parents’ names.
Original tattoo 1964 – Sailor Pete’s in Toronto
White Rock Tattoo – a masterpiece! – December 10, 2020
It doesn’t even look close to the original – it is so awesome!
A tribute to my Holly Golightly!
I’ve got an early day tomorrow. I’m taking my buddy Robert to Burnaby Hospital for his eye surgery, and I need to pick him up at his place in Port Moody at 6:00 AM.
UPDATE: On December 16th, I wrote a new story about getting the second tattoo redone.
Here’s the link: A Beaver Tale In The Land Of Beavers
UPDATE: June 12, 2022 – 2:00 PM
During my recent health problem, I edited my older stories and noticed that this story had 156 comments – under my old URL (DanielStAndrews.com).
However, when I changed my website’s hosting a year ago, many of my older stories were not moved to the new URL (dannystandrews.com).
So, I copied and pasted the comments from the old page and placed them in the comments section of this page, although I lost some of the formatting.
I have never had so many comments on a story before, and I am thrilled that this particular story resonated with so many of my readers.
To review the comments, go to the top of this page and click on the Comments icon.
And thanks to everyone who commented – you have made my day!
Dedicated to Glenn Hahn and Eleanor Kirkpatrick.
I hope my stories are a gift to your head and heart.
Hugs,
Danny
Today’s tune from Danny’s library (purchased):
If you want something to play with
Go and find yourself a toy
Baby, my time is too expensive
And I’m not a little boy
If you are serious
Don’t play with my heart, it makes me furious
But if you want me to love you
Then baby, I will, girl, you know I will
Tell it like it is
Don’t be ashamed, let your conscience be your guide
But I know deep down inside of me
I believe you love me, forget your foolish pride
Life is too short to have sorrow
You may be here today and gone tomorrow
You might as well get what you want
So go on and live, baby, go on and live
Tell it like it is
I’m nothing to play with. Go and find yourself a toy
But I’ll tell it like it is
My time is too expensive, and I’m not your little boy
Mm, tell it like it is
Songwriters: George Davis & Lee Diamond
Here are other songs I’m listening to: These Songs Will Make You Smile Today.
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NOTE: I updated this story on September 18, 2025.
It was first published on February 22, 2012, and then republished on July 22, 2013. I also updated it several times over the past few years.
My readers’ comments were the most I had ever received for a single story.
There are quite a few comments. I don’t expect you to read them, because they were submitted twelve years ago.
However, I welcome your comments based on the latest updated version.
Never give up on your dreams!
Hugs, Danny
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26 responses to “When I Got My First Tattoo From Sailor Pete”
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Hey Daniel
I remember a staircase going down from the sidewalk beside the Warwick around 68 or so a Chinese guy put an eagle on my fat little forearm.
Returned a few years later and he took me up to his apt above and watched
Saturday afternoon wrestling while he sat behind me putting Tom and Jerry
Tats on my shoulders is that sailor pete or a different guy and location.?
Anyway your story made me laugh like hell
Tks
KD-
The staircase did lead to Sailor Pete’s but he wasn’t an Asian – maybe somebody else ran the joint in ’68.
Thanks for your comment.
Danny
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I was there in that tattoo parlor in the basement in 1981 with a friend of mine and there was an Asian man running the place at that time. The yellow painted sign outside at that time read something like ‘Harper J Tattoo”. Think people called him Paul. Had a German shepherd dog in the studio, which was still down the stairs.
The Warwick had just been torn down. The tattoo place was still there around 1986/87 or so.
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[…] the story he referenced – The Warwick Hotel, Hookers and Tattoos was written eight years ago, and I had not read it […]
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[…] February 22nd – The Warwick Hotel, Hookers, & Tattoos […]
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[…] all began shortly after my friend Terry Hill (one of the ‘Hortop Boys‘ I hung around with) mentioned that he was going away for the summer to work on the tobacco […]
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there was a tattoo joint in oshawa near the bus station I remember looking in the window when I was downtown with my mom, i was really young this was probably late 50
s early 60s…got my tattoos in toronto from the chinaman..first time down the steps 2nd time upstairs in his living room while the rest of the family was eating dinner…-
We’ve traveled similar paths, Tony. I wasn’t aware that the man lived upstairs. I can barely remember being there the first night but I was totally sober when I got my other tattoo a few years later. Best regards, Danny
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Thats the same place that I got mine early in the 70’s, 2 ladies ahead of me, one on her boob, the other on her very upper thigh. No booths back then, as soon as you walked in the door, thats where it was done.
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[…] Eleanor Kirkpatrick, the girlfriend I left behind in Oshawa. You might remember Eleanor, from my The Warwick Hotel, Hookers and Tattoos […]
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[…] week, I got one of my tattoos completely redone and updated my The Warwick Hotel, Hookers & Tattoos […]
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What a great story and very similar to mine. I was also 15 at the time of my first tattoo. I went to “The Chinaman” on Dundas for my first and drank Vodka stolen from my mom’ s supply. I filled a baby food jar and waited until I was downtown and found the store before I chugged it down. I grew up in West Hill at the bottom of Morningside
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Thanks, James! I smiled, reading your comments because it confirmed that I wasn’t the only teenager who enjoyed being in the fast lane. You should consider capturing those memories and putting them on paper. I am not a writer but I enjoy writing, so it’s nice to hear a compliment. Hugs, Danny
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I had my eagle done there, about ’72. Grew up a bit east, in South Regent. I am glad that my kids all grew up in Richmond Hill, then Newmarket, that area was a little rough in the 70’s and 80’s,lol, bad enough in the late 60’s.
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I loved growing up in my hometown but I cringe whenever I visit there now. Nothing stays the same, I guess. Good that you were able to have a souvenir of your youth, too! Happy New Year, and best regards! Hugs, Danny
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Danny
Great reading how the youth of today missed adventures we all had. There are a lot of us Huckelberry Finns still out there thanks for the trip down memory lane.-
Thank you, Tony, for the kind words. I totally agree with you. Hugs, Danny
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[…] might remember Eleanor from my The Warwick Hotel, Hookers, and Tattoos […]
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[…] updated The Warwick Hotel, Hookers & Tattoos story accordingly. It would be best if you read that story before continuing with this […]
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Micheal Moroz
Nice story.
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Thank you, Micheal! Hugs
Reply1yScott Clare
Great story..thanks for sharing Danny👍😁
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Thanks, Scott – I’m glad you enjoyed reading my story. HugsSteven Snider
Thanks for sharing! Still planning my first tattoo at 64. Thought of getting a red maple leaf on my calf for ID when traveling abroad.
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. AndrewsOne of my friends has a red maple leaf on his arm and it looks good. Europeans love Canadians, as well as other countries – so, it’s good to show the red leaf. Hugs
Reply1yValerie Soloduik-Jones
I was 14 years old back then and grew up in South Regent Park. I was about 6 years old when we moved there. Love the wonderful memories I have of growing up there. But I was to chicken to get a tattoo.
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Valerie Soloduik-Jones That’s what the beer is for – to dull the pain. lol Hugs
Reply1yShelagh Leitch
Loved your tattoo story, thank you🥰
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Thank you, Shelagh. 💕
Reply1yDenny Williams
A good read.. it was so familiar to my experience. 16 yrs old from Trenton area, same type of friends and activities. Went to TO, Dundas St East in 68’ with an older crew and got tatted by a little Asian fella. I think that he had a Chiquita banana sti… See more
Reply1yDanny St. Andrews
Thanks, Denny! We have some memories that never fade with time… and there’s still time to create a few more memories to leave behind. Hugs
Reply1yThomas Weber
If you had a tattoo in the 60’s ,you had to be a drunken sailor or in jail.
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
I was neither Thomas, but I guess it depends on where you lived. I was the only kid at school who had one in 1965 – so there was at least one exception.
Reply1y
Anne D’Amours
Thanks for sharing! 😊😘☺️
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Glad you enjoyed the read, Anne! Hugs
Reply1yMary Jowett
I love your story!
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Thank you, Mary! Hugs
Reply1yJennifer Black
Nice story
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Thank you, Jennifer. Hugs
Reply1yMarg McElroy
I like the one where he got Rose’s name tattoo and then Rose broke up with him.😁😁
GIF may contain Bear, Blow A Kiss, Love, Hearts and kissing
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
That must have been a different person…
Reply1yMarilyn Cockburn
Sounds like my teen years minus the tattoo
Reply1yFrank Fitzgerald
Ya,got mine from sailor Joe,1964 on weekend pass from Petwawa,my name with a heart and rifle..$5:00! Pretty faded over the years!
No photo description available.
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
I think my younger brother was stationed in Petawawa in the late ’70s. Yeah, and my tattoos are all faded and the color is almost gone. Still trying to get a name put in the blank but none of the local shops are interested or at least, none have replied to my emails.
Reply1yShela Breau
Rough part of town….actually sleazy
Reply1y
Most Relevant is selected, so some replies may have been filtered out.Author
Danny St. Andrews
One of the companies that I represented in the textile business was Morgan Uster and they were at 260 Spadina. Much of the garment industry was situated around the Spadina Avenue area and then everything migrated to north of the 401. Geeze, I feel li… See more
Reply1yCindy Patrice Twiner Gray
Great memories, thanks for sharing!
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Thanks, for reading my story, Cindy! Hugs
Reply1yShirley Sedore
The Warwick was quite a spot and Sean Auterson echoed a comment I have heard a few times about the strippers.
Reply1yEditedAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
It was my one and only time at the Warwick Hotel but it was an experience I’ll never forget. Unfortunately, I wasn’t old enough to go into the bar – if they had strippers. But at least I got to see my first boob and hooker at the same time. That lad… See more
Reply1yRalph N Angelika Gardeski
Good story! There is a Hotel California close to downtown Palm Springs.
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Thanks, Ralph and Angelika! I have friends in Palm Springs and I hope to one day visit them (after the pandemic ends and the border reopens). Hugs
Reply1yRay Brakas
I bet it was next to the Warwick. Downstairs. Got my first one there as well
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Yes, Ray, it was outside and down the steps to the tattoo shop but it was part of the hotel building. Great memories.
Reply1ySusan Davison Osborne
I was at the Warwick 1974ish with my friend and her two big brothers.The stripper was giving us the finger from behind and the music was an old guy playing drums.Hilarious
Reply1yPeter Wm Richardson
Oshawa is also my hometown. We are about the same age, but I went to MCVI. Great story!
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Thanks, Peter. I went to MCVI for one year. We used to smoke in Mr. Hiltz’s woodshop over the paint shop. Mr. Mundy was the science teacher and Don Mundy, his nephew, was in my class that year. Bobby Orr was going there that year. Wow, the flashba… See more
Reply1yPeter Wm Richardson
Danny St. Andrews My pleasure, I certainly remember Mr. Hiltz and Mr. Mundy, I had them both. We were at MCVI at the same time, I remember Bobby too.
Reply1yBetty Froese
Love the way you wrote this. Good luck!
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Thank you, Betty! Hugs
Reply1yJohanna Ernyes Wolmarans
I enjoyed reading your story.
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Thanks, Johanna! Hugs
Reply1yDonna Gretzinger
These are all great stories. Thanks for sharing.
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Thanks for reading them, Donna! Hugs
Reply1ySally Firth
Great story liked it, wish there was more.
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
There are 210+ more, just like it. Check out the Index in the Menu to see the complete listing of stories dating back to 2012. Hope you enjoy the reads. Hugs
Reply1ySean Auterson
Went by the Warwick with buddies on 80 just before she was torn down, some of the older gals looked like they had started working when the place originally opened😳, sad to see the loss of some of these old buildings (progress)
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
I agree, Sean. The old buildings had character and now they are built with glass and no character. Hugs,
Reply1yValerie Orgera
I was 14 in 65. Got my first tat when I was 40. Second at 50.
I sure love these old wonderful memories. We should share more.
I remember putting $1.25 worth of gas ⛽️ in the car. Got me home. Funny thing was my dad had a Texaco Station at Bay and Charles. Lol 😆
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Many of my 210+ stories are based on my growing up in the 60s – and they’re based on actual events. Hugs
Reply1yValerie Orgera
Danny St. Andrews I love them all. What precious memories we all have.!
Reply1yBill Coe
Great story. I got my first tattoo, a stylized cross on my shin. Not drunk enough to let him tattoo my arm. Tattooist living in a boarding house learned his trade in jail. Tattoo needle was 2 straight pins melted into a tooth brush handle. That was 1… See more
Reply1yEditedAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
What a beautiful and loving tribute to your daughter, Bill. And yes, a few people I’ve met over the years, got their homemade tattoos in prison or from their friends who were. You’re five years older than me – but I’m sure we share similar life experiences. Hugs
Reply1yMary Feltmate
Great story. Ah to be so young and innocent.
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Thanks, Mary. Yes, or at least young… lol Hugs
Reply1yKen Howlett
I also got a tattoo from Sailor Joe on Dundas street in 1964!!!!!!
Reply1yDiana Lanctot
Liked your story. Probably typical for a lot of guys in the 60s.
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Actually, Diana, I was the only kid in my high school with a tattoo, so they were very rare in my hometown of Oshawa. Hugs
Reply1yCarolyn Morrison
Remember that it was great to be 20 in the 70s than it is to 70 in the 20s
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Yes, Carolyn, but some 70 yr old people act like they are still in their 20s. Our bodies age but our minds remain young.
Reply1yCarolyn Morrison
Danny St. Andrews Remember you are only as old as you feel
Reply1yCal Adey
Danny St. Andrews -Soo True 👍
Reply1yHelen Hickey
Great memories.
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Yes, Helen, it’s scary sometimes thinking back to the days of our youth, but I have few regrets. Hugs
Reply1yAvis Naike
I enjoyed reading your story ❗ I am over fifty and has never had a tattoo. I always thought tattoos were for really tough guys ❗ Now, so many young people have a lot of tattoos all over their body . I guess it is very trendy ❗😊
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Thank you, Avis. I never know if and when anyone reads my stuff, so it’s always nice to hear from readers. Although I don’t regret getting the tattoos, at the time I definitely wasn’t following the crowd. I took a lot of teasing but that’s part of life. Hugs
Reply1yKarl Edmison
I think there was a Belmont house in every city
Reply1yMary Mcdonald
Love that story
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Thanks, Mary! Hugs
Reply1yEdna Flint
A friend went to get a tat got his girlfriend s name with Rose’s showed her
She broke up with him as soon as she seen it hope he found a wife with some name poor guy
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
LOL – that was my biggest fear – even at 15! Hugs
Reply1yAngus Sean
Where is this photo
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
On the corner of Dundas and Jarvis streets in Toronto
Reply1yAngus Sean
Danny St. Andrews LoL I just crossed that intersection
Reply1yElia Lourenço
Great story!
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Thanks, Elia!
Reply1yTerry McNamara
I did the same 14 years old looks like the same place, never got another one.
Reply1yBarbara Pasquill Crosby
I love this story. I grew up in a small town in Manitoba. No parlours there! I was 18 in ‘65. A few of the ‘ bad boys’ from town got tattoos when they joined the armed forces. None of the girls, of course- much too racy for that time. Fast forward to 2… See more
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Barbara – what a great story! I believe that we seniors, all still young in our minds – and despite our bodies’ physical appearance, we never stop chasing our dreams. Good for you for crossing the river of dreams. Hugs, Danny
Reply1yMike Coffey
Great story….also 15 in “65………lots of Friday and Saturday nights having a few…then heading for the “City”…checking out the bars and sites…..quite a few cronies acquired tats during those inebriated visits….and time spent in the followin… See more
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Thanks, Mike. A few years ago, I was talking to a young man, whose arms were both covered in tattoos and I asked him how much he had spent in total and I was shocked at how many thousands of dollars he had invested. Unfortunately, I don’t remember th… See more
Reply1yMike Hosier
That’s where I got my tattoo in the late 60’s as well, same type of deal, 4 or 5 of us hanging around Ted’s restaurant in Highland Creek and we all decide to go down there and get a tattoo, very memorable experience for sure, your story brought back tho… See more
Reply1y
Most Relevant is selected, so some replies may have been filtered out.Author
Danny St. Andrews
Thanks, Mike. My story seems to have touched the memories of many readers. I wish that we had the tech devices like cellphone cameras back in the day. Photos and videos add so much to a story. Cheers!
Reply1yAllan Graham
Loved this post, God bless!
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Thanks, Allan. Blessings to you, too!
Reply1yEbby Ruffolo
Sailor joe had a pickup truck n camper of sorts n did tattoos anywhere maybe it was sailor Fred lol
Reply1yCarol Brennan
I lived in this area when I was younger than 11yrd old and remember the Warwick used to go to Mutual Arena dollar skating on Mutual Street I was raised in the downtown area before I came to Collingwood
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
A nice memory, Carol! Hugs
Reply1yCatherine Udvarhelyi
Nice story. I remember the $2. for gasoline . We did same, all chipped in to ride around all weekend. No tattoos.
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
It’s never too late for getting a tattoo Catherine. Hugs
Reply1yCatherine Udvarhelyi
Danny St. Andrews
I planned on getting one on my 75th birthday but didn’t work out because of Covid
Just a small one on my ankle.
Reply1yDon Langdon
I to went to Toronto in 1965 and ended up at Warwick hotel at age18 went to young and guld and got two tattoos from sailer joe one map of nfld other one a mare maid sitting on an anchor two pretty big tattoo for that time
Reply1yHelene Courteau
Nice souvenirs I started to work at Sears the building was at the back of the hotel Warwick ,I saw the hotel being demolished
Reply1yKaren Phillips Young
Did you get the Name put on your Tattoo?
Reply1yAuthor
Danny St. Andrews
Not yet, Karen. I hope to get it next week. The tattoo shops in Langley are either all booked until mid-October or not open during the pandemic. Hugs
Reply1yWendy Poirier
I live near Toronto. But my heart is still in Wigan.❤️
Reply1y
Jayne Logan HudlinGot my first tattoo at 47. But not there.
Reply1yAngie Carbone Gonzalez
Wow this picture brings back memories
Reply1yBill Curtis
So typical of life back then
Reply1ySusie Devoe
One toooooo many ,,happens often,,,lol,,,
Reply1yAlice Gillespie
Neat story, we did many “not so good” things when we were young, but had fun! 😛😛
Reply1yDon Mclellan
Zips tattoo and Museum Edmonton Alberta
Reply1yMary Sennett
Used to go there from Windsor to see Gino Vanneli!!!
Reply1yPauline Verriere
Well show the bloody tattoo….ooops in personal area…don’t bother
Reply1yGigi Gigi
WoW in “65… I was eight (😎
Reply1yTwila McLaughlin
Very nice picture
Reply1yMal Rice
Hugs Danny
Reply1yBrent MacLeod
Interesting story thanks for sharing
Reply1yJim Walsh
What a loss
Reply1yMaureen Henderson
I loved this story.
Reply1yRoberta Dupont
Love it!
Happy I Like It GIF by swerk
Reply1yGraham Macleod Parker
What a fabulous story!👍
Reply1yBlair Bowman
Good story
Reply1yEleanor Chumko
Felt like I was reading a similar story in my own life … 15 yrs old, 1971 Toronto w friends , tattoo shop, $7.50 , top right hip to hide it from my mother
I picked a Bird a free bird actually because of Lenard
Reply1yMarvin Maronda
I ended up in Starvin’ Marvin’s with a couple of gals who said their names were Magdelana Eden and Octavia London. My friend said “Do you think those are their REAL names”! (Obviously we rolled into town on The Turnip Truck!)
Reply1yDiana Clarke
Why parents hair goes gray.
Reply1yBee RT
I was 14 when I got my first tat. $6 at “The Chinaman’s”. Queen Street I believe … Toronto 1976.
Reply1yEditedPaul Fitzpatrick Sr
We’re almost the same age. I was 16 at that time !! 🤔🤪
Reply1yWayne McDonald
First one on my 13th birthday at my brother’s shop
Reply1yGail Pollett
I worked for the company that build the electronics for these street cars.
Reply1yRon Goffic
CT
Reply1yPat Jardine
I ❤️ love this story. My era.
Reply1yThomas Weber
Reply1yAlice Cayer
Like your story
Reply1yJeff McTavish
The old wari
Reply1y -
[…] Open Air meeting at the corner of Dundas and Jarvis streets in a parking lot across from the Warwick Hotel, which was notorious as a whorehouse. (The link will tell you the kind of neighbourhood we were in). […]
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[…] About Jarvis Street’ title came to me recently, but not the one about the Warwick Hotel on Jarvis Street in Toronto, which I wrote about in […]
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[…] the story he referenced – The Warwick Hotel, Hookers, and Tattoos was written eight years ago, and I had not read it […]
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[…] might remember Eleanor from my The Warwick Hotel, Hookers, and Tattoos […]
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Hi Dan as I was reading your story brought back so many good memories of the 60’s best times ever! Billy and I use to cruise up and down Mountain Rd and stop at A&W and get a Teen Burger. The servers came out on roller skates and delivered your order on a tray that fit on your window. I also knew when I was reading about your tattoo that Holly would be the name you chose. Hope you have a good day today and will be thinking of you tomorrow. Love n hugs
- Micheal MorozNice story.
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AuthorDanny St. AndrewsThank you, Micheal! Hugs- Like
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Reply to Micheal Moroz… - AuthorDanny St. AndrewsUPDATE: December 10th – I am getting the tattoo refreshed and finally getting the name in the blank banner. Mike, the artist, agreed to let me take a video of him doing the tattoo. Any guess what the name is? I’ll be updating this story later tonig… See more
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- Scott ClareGreat story..thanks for sharing Danny
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsThanks, Scott – I’m glad you enjoyed reading my story. Hugs
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- Steven SniderThanks for sharing! Still planning my first tattoo at 64. Thought of getting a red maple leaf on my calf for ID when traveling abroad.
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsOne of my friends has a red maple leaf on his arm and it looks good. Europeans love Canadians, as well as other countries – so, it’s good to show the red leaf. Hugs
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- Valerie Soloduik-JonesI was 14 years old back then and grew up in South Regent Park. I was about 6 years old when we moved there. Love the wonderful memories I have of growing up there. But I was to chicken to get a tattoo.
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsValerie Soloduik-Jones That’s what the beer is for – to dull the pain. lol Hugs
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- Shelagh LeitchLoved your tattoo story, thank you
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsThank you, Shelagh.
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- Denny WilliamsA good read.. it was so familiar to my experience. 16 yrs old from Trenton area, same type of friends and activities. Went to TO, Dundas St East in 68’ with an older crew and got tatted by a little Asian fella. I think that he had a Chiquita banana sti… See more
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsThanks, Denny! We have some memories that never fade with time… and there’s still time to create a few more memories to leave behind. Hugs
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- Thomas WeberIf you had a tattoo in the 60’s ,you had to be a drunken sailor or in jail.
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsI was neither Thomas, but I guess it depends on where you lived. I was the only kid at school who had one in 1965 – so there was at least one exception.
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- Anne D’AmoursThanks for sharing!
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsGlad you enjoyed the read, Anne! Hugs
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- Mary JowettI love your story!
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsThank you, Mary! Hugs
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- Jennifer BlackNice story
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsThank you, Jennifer. Hugs
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- Marg McElroyI like the one where he got Rose’s name tattoo and then Rose broke up with him.
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsThat must have been a different person…
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- Marilyn CockburnSounds like my teen years minus the tattoo
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- Frank FitzgeraldYa,got mine from sailor Joe,1964 on weekend pass from Petwawa,my name with a heart and rifle..$5:00! Pretty faded over the years!
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsI think my younger brother was stationed in Petawawa in the late ’70s. Yeah, and my tattoos are all faded and the color is almost gone. Still trying to get a name put in the blank but none of the local shops are interested or at least, none have replied to my emails.
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- Shela BreauRough part of town….actually sleazy
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsOne of the companies that I represented in the textile business was Morgan Uster and they were at 260 Spadina. Much of the garment industry was situated around the Spadina Avenue area and then everything migrated to north of the 401. Geeze, I feel li… See more
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- Cindy Patrice Twiner GrayGreat memories, thanks for sharing!
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsThanks, for reading my story, Cindy! Hugs
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- Shirley SedoreThe Warwick was quite a spot and Sean Auterson echoed a comment I have heard a few times about the strippers.
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsIt was my one and only time at the Warwick Hotel but it was an experience I’ll never forget. Unfortunately, I wasn’t old enough to go into the bar – if they had strippers. But at least I got to see my first boob and hooker at the same time. That lad… See more
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- Ralph N Angelika GardeskiGood story! There is a Hotel California close to downtown Palm Springs.
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsThanks, Ralph and Angelika! I have friends in Palm Springs and I hope to one day visit them (after the pandemic ends and the border reopens). Hugs
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- Ray BrakasI bet it was next to the Warwick. Downstairs. Got my first one there as well
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsYes, Ray, it was outside and down the steps to the tattoo shop but it was part of the hotel building. Great memories.
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- Susan Davison OsborneI was at the Warwick 1974ish with my friend and her two big brothers.The stipper was giving us the finger from behind and the music was an old guy playing drums.Halarious
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- Peter Wm RichardsonOshawa is also my home town. We are about the same age, but I went to MCVI. Great story!
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsThanks, Peter. I went to MCVI for one year. We used to smoke in Mr. Hiltz’s woodshop over the paint shop. Mr. Mundy was the science teacher and Don Mundy, his nephew, was in my class that year. Bobby Orr was going there that year. Wow, the flashba… See more
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- Peter Wm RichardsonDanny St. Andrews My pleasure, I certainly remember Mr. Hiltz and Mr. Mundy, I had them both. We were at MCVI at the same time, I remember Bobby too.
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Reply to Danny St. Andrews…
- Betty FroeseLove the way you wrote this. Good luck!
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsThank you, Betty! Hugs
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- Johanna Ernyes WolmaransI enjoyed reading your story.
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsThanks, Johanna! Hugs
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- Donna GretzingerThese are all great stories. Thanks for sharing.
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsThanks for reading them, Donna! Hugs
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- Sally FirthGreat story liked it, wish there was more.
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsThere are 210+ more, just like it. Check out the Index in the Menu to see the complete listing of stories dating back to 2012. Hope you enjoy the reads. Hugs
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- Sean AutersonWent by the Warwick with buddies on 80 just before she was torn down, some of the older gals looked like they had started working when the place originally opened
, sad to see the loss of some of these old buildings (progress)3
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsI agree, Sean. The old buildings had character and now they are built with glass and no character. Hugs,
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- Valerie OrgeraI was 14 in 65. Got my first tat when I was 40. Second at 50.I sure love these old wonderful memories. We should share more.I remember putting $1.25 worth of gas
in the car. Got me home. Funny thing was my dad had a Texaco Station at Bay and Charles. Lol 
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsMany of my 210+ stories are based on my growing up in the 60s – and they’re based on actual events. Hugs
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- Valerie OrgeraDanny St. Andrews I love them all. What precious memories we all have.!
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Reply to Danny St. Andrews…
- Bill CoeGreat story. I got my first tattoo, a stylized cross on my shin. Not drunk enough to let him tattoo my arm. Tattooist living in a boarding house learned his trade in jail. Tattoo needle was 2 straight pins melted into a tooth brush handle. That was 1… See more
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsWhat a beautiful and loving tribute to your daughter, Bill. And yes, a few people I’ve met over the years, got their homemade tattoos in prison or from their friends who were. You’re five years older than me – but I’m sure we share similar life experiences. Hugs
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- Mary FeltmateGreat story. Ah to be so young and innocent.
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsThanks, Mary. Yes, or at least young… lol Hugs
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- Ken HowlettI also got a tattoo from Sailor Joe on Dundas street in 1964!!!!!!
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- Diana LanctotLiked your story. Probably typical for a lot of guys in the 60s.
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsActually, Diana, I was the only kid in my high school with a tattoo, so they were very rare in my hometown of Oshawa. Hugs
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- Carolyn MorrisonRemember that it was great to be 20 in the 70s than it is to 70 in the 20s
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsYes, Carolyn, but some 70 yr old people act like they are still in their 20s. Our bodies age but our minds remain young.
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- Carolyn MorrisonDanny St. Andrews Remember you are only as old as you feel
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- Cal AdeyDanny St. Andrews -Soo True
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- Helen HickeyGreat memories.
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsYes, Helen, it’s scary sometimes thinking back to the days of our youth, but I have few regrets. Hugs
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- Avis NaikeI enjoyed reading your story
I am over fifty and has never had a tattoo. I always thought tattoos were for really tough guys Now, so many young people have a lot of tattoos all over their body . I guess it is very trendy 2
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsThank you, Avis. I never know if and when anyone reads my stuff, so it’s always nice to hear from readers. Although I don’t regret getting the tattoos, at the time I definitely wasn’t following the crowd. I took a lot of teasing but that’s part of life. Hugs
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- Karl EdmisonI think there was a Belmont house in every city
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- Mary McdonaldLove that story
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsThanks, Mary! Hugs
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- Edna FlintFriend went to get a tat got his girlfriend s name with Rose’s showed herShe broke up with him as soon as she seen it hope he found a wife with some name poor guy
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsLOL – that was my biggest fear – even at 15! Hugs
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- Angus SeanWhere is this photo
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsOn the corner of Dundas and Jarvis streets in Toronto
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- Angus SeanDanny St. Andrews LoL I just crossed that intersection
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Reply to Danny St. Andrews…
- Elia LourençoGreat story!
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsThanks, Elia!
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- Terry McNamaraI did the same 14 years old looks like the same place , never got another one.
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- Barbara Pasquill CrosbyI love this story. I grew up in a small town in Manitoba. No parlours there! I was 18 in ‘65. A few of the ‘ bad boys’ from town got tattoos when they joined the armed forces. None of the girls, of course- much too racy for that time. Fast forward to 2… See more
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsBarbara – what a great story! I believe that we seniors, all still young in our minds – and despite our bodies’ physical appearance, we never stop chasing our dreams. Good for you for crossing the river of dreams. Hugs, Danny
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- Mike CoffeyGreat story….also 15 in “65………lots of Friday and Saturday nights having a few…then heading for the “City”…checking out the bars and sites…..quite a few cronies acquired tats during those inebriated visits….and time spent in the followin… See more
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsThanks, Mike. A few years ago, I was talking to a young man, whose arms were both covered in tattoos and I asked him how much he had spent in total and I was shocked at how many thousands of dollars he had invested. Unfortunately, I don’t remember th… See more
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- Mike HosierThat’s where I got my tattoo in the late 60’s as well, same type of deal, 4 or 5 of us hanging around Ted’s restaurant in Highland Creek and we all decide to go down there an get a tattoo, very memorable experience for sure, your story brought back tho… See more
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsThanks, Mike. My story seems to have touched the memories of many readers. I wish that we had the tech devices like cell phones cameras back in the day. Photos and videos add so much to a story. Cheers!
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- Allan GrahamLoved this post, God bless!
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsThanks, Allan. Blessings to you, too!
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- Ebby RuffoloSailor joe had a pickup truck n camper of sorts n did tattoos anywhere maybe it was sailor fred lol
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- Carol BrennanI lived in this area when I was younger than 11yrd old and remember the Warwick used to go to Mutual Arena dollar skating on Mutual Street I was raised in the downtown area before I came to Collingwood
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsA nice memory, Carol! Hugs
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- Catherine UdvarhelyiNice story. I remember the $2. for gasoline . We did same, all chipped in to ride around all weekend. No tattoos.
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsIt’s never too late for getting a tattoo Catherine. Hugs
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- Catherine UdvarhelyiDanny St. AndrewsI planned on getting one on my 75th birthday but didn’t work out because of CovidJust a small one on my ankle.
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Reply to Danny St. Andrews…
- Don LangdonI to went to Toronto in 1965 and ended up at Warwick hotel at age18 went to young and guld and got two tattoos from sailer joe one map of nfld other one a mare maid sitting on an anchor two pretty big tattoo for that time
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- Helene CourteauNice souvenirs I started to work at Sears the building was at the back of the hotel Warwick ,I saw the hotel being demolished
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- Karen Phillips YoungDid you get the Name put on your Tattoo?
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- AuthorDanny St. AndrewsNot yet, Karen. I hope to get it next week. The tattoo shops in Langley are either all booked until mid-October or not open during the pandemic. Hugs
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- Wendy PoirierI live near Toronto. But my heart is still in Wigan.
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- Jayne Logan HudlinGot my first tattoo at 47. But not there.
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- Angie Carbone GonzalezWow this picture brings back memories
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- Bill CurtisSo typical of life back then
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- Susie DevoeOne toooooo many ,,happens often,,,lol,,,
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- Alice GillespieNeat story, we did many “not so good” things when we were young, but had fun!
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- Don MclellanZips tattoo and Museum Edmonton Alberta
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- Mary SennettUsed to go there from Windsor to see Gino Vanneli!!!
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- Pauline VerriereWell show the bloody tattoo….ooops in personal area…don’t bother
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- Gigi GigiWoW in “65… I was eight (
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- Twila McLaughlinVery nice picture
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- Mal RiceHugs Danny
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- Brent MacLeodInteresting story thanks for sharing
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- Jim WalshWhat a loss
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- Maureen HendersonI loved this story.
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- Roberta DupontLove it!
GIPHY- Like
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- Graham Macleod ParkerWhat a fabulous story!
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- Blair BowmanGood story
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- Dianne E Splude Leblanc
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- Eleanor ChumkoFelt like I was reading a similar story in my own life … 15 yrs old , 1971 Toronto w friends , tattoo shop, $7.50 , top right hip to hide it from my motherI picked a Bird a free bird actually because of Lenard
3
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- Marvin MarondaI ended up in Starvin’ Marvin’s with a couple of gals who said their names were Magdelana Eden and Octavia London. My friend said “Do you think those are their REAL names”! (Obviously we rolled into town on The Turnip Truck!)
- Love
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- Diana ClarkeWhy parents hair goes gray.
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- Bee RTI was 14 when I got my first tat. $6 at “The Chinaman’s”. Queen Street I believe … Toronto 1976.
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- Edited
- Paul Fitzpatrick SrWe’re almost the same age. I was 16 at that time !!
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- Wayne McDonaldFirst one on my 13th birthday at my brother’s shop
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- Gail PollettI worked for the company that build the electronics for thease street cars.
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- Ron GofficCT
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- Pat JardineI love this story. My era.
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- Thomas Weber
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- Alice CayerLike your story
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- Jeff McTavishThe oldwari
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