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Thursday, March 23, 2023
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P10642- Sterling
Construction Company Ltd. Courtesy of Richard Merlo |
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In 1913,
Louis A. Merlo, Paul Merlo and John Ray (Re in Italian) founded
Merlo, Merlo and Ray Construction Company. Although the company
and subsidiaries folded during the Depression, these individuals
later founded other construction companies in the area including
River Sand Brick Company and Sterling Construction (incorporated
by Louis A. Merlo) which lasted until 1981. Other companies such
as Ready Mix (started by Louis Merlo Junior) and Ray and Sons
Cement Contracting (sub-contracted to build Highway 401) were
founded after Merlo, Merlo and Ray declared bankcruptcy in the
1930s.
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P10643- Merlo, Merlo and Ray paving Albert Road in Windsor,
1920. Sterling Construction was founded by them as well, after
the Depression. The company lasted until 1981. Courtesy of
Richard Merlo
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P10677a&b - Sterling Ready Mix. Courtesy of Richard Merlo |
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Louis A. Merlo (Senior),
wanting to fit into Canadian society, never stressed his Italian
heritage. His son, Louis Merlo junior, did not speak Italian (although
he probably understood it). The same desire to be part of the whole
of Canadian society led to the change of "Re" (the
Italian spelling) to "Ray". |
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The
opinions and interpretations in this publication are those of the author
and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada. |
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