- Part Of
- Sylvia Schwartz fonds
- Family series
- Level
- Series
- Fonds
- 80
- Series
- 5
- Material Format
- graphic material
- Date
- 1936-[ca.1960]
- Physical Description
- 107 photographs : b&w and col. (88 negatives) ; 18 x 12 cm or smaller
- Admin History/Bio
- Sylvia Schwartz's parents were Joseph and Gertrude Schwartz. She had three sisters; Fanny, Helen and Ruth. Fanny married Alex Solway and had two children, Carol and Herbert. Helen married Dr. Isaac Shleser, a doctor of internal medicine, and had two daughters, Jill and Jan. Sylvia was a part of a large extended family that remained close throughout her life as they shared many similar interests and a family cottage in Bobcaygeon.
- Many members of her family were and are prominent individuals of the Jewish community in Toronto. Faye Halbert was Sylvia's cousin on her mother's side whose children, Ralph and Gerald, went on to become prominent doctors and members of the Jewish community. Jack Schwartz, Sylvia's uncle, was also in the fur business and was married to Minnie Schwartz. Their daughter was Jewell, who owned an art gallery in Yorkville for many years.
- Other related families include the Haussers and the Wintrobs.
- Scope and Content
- This series consists of negatives and proofs created by Sylvia Schwartz of members of her family. Images are primarily of the Schwartz, Solway, Shlesser and Halbert families. Types of photographs include formal portraits in the studio and home and informal and candid portraits of the family at leisure and at events.
- This series has been divided into three sub-series. Sub-series 1 contains formal portraits, Sub-series 2 contains images of the family at recreation and Sub-series 3 contains images of the family at events.
- Sub-series 1 consists of negatives and proofs of formal portraits done by Sylvia of her immediate family. They were taken both in her studio and in her family home. Those done in the home date from an earlier time. Generally, they are images of the head and upper body of the sitter. Some images feature full body shots of the sitter and some interior views of the Schwartz family home. Those photographed include Gerald, Ralph and Rhoda Halbert, Gertrude, Joseph, Ruth, Jack and Jewell Schwartz, Isaac, Jill and Jan Shleser, and Fanny, Alex, Herbert, Carol and Gary Solway. There are multiple portraits of Ruth Schwartz, the majority of them showcasing Sylvia's early experimentation with portraiture. There are also six self-portraits of Sylvia.
- Sub-series 2 consists of thirty-nine negatives and five prints taken by Sylvia Schwartz of the family at recreation. The majority of the images are of the family relaxing at their cottage in Bobcaygeon. There is one print of Herbert Solway reading the newspaper with his son Gary that may or may not have been taken at the cottage. Images consist of photographs of the family on the lawn, in the cottage and at the lake. There are both candid and staged photographs. Family members featured include Gertrude, Joseph, Ruth, Jack and Jewell Schwartz, Helen, Isaac, Jill and Jan Shleser, Fanny, Alex, Herbert, Carol and Gary Solway. Also pictured are members of the Hausser, Halbert and Wintrob families. Friends of the family also appear in these images, such as, Judith Wolfson, Frances and David Gruber and David Rotenberg and his brothers. Sylvia Schwartz is in some images. There is one print that is a view of the cottage from the lake.
- Sub-series 3 consists of thirty-one negatives taken by Sylvia Schwartz of family related events that she attended. These include a Pidyon Ha'Ben ceremony for Gary Solway, the first born son of Herbert, Sylvia's nephew and an opening at the Park Plaza Hotel. Images of the Pidyon Ha'Ben include Gertrude, Joseph, Ruth, Jack, Minnie and Jewell Schwartz, Helen, Jill and Jan Shleser, and Fanny, Alex, Herbert, Elaine and Carol Solway. Also included is David Rotenberg who acted as the Kohen at the ceremony. Images from the Park Plaza Hotel include views of the ballroom, the entertainers and family members. The Wintrob, Halbert and Yolles families are also present. Sylvia Schwartz is in two images.
- Subjects
- Families
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Sylvia Schwartz fonds
- Family series
- Portraits sub-series
- Level
- Sub-series
- Fonds
- 80
- Series
- 5-1
- Material Format
- graphic material
- Date
- 1936-1958
- Physical Description
- 43 photographs : b&w (28 negatives) ; 18 x 12 cm or smaller
- Scope and Content
- Sub-series consists of negatives and proofs of portraits taken by Sylvia Schwartz. Portraits were taken both in her studio and in her family home. Images taken in earlier years show the full body of the sitter in the interior of the family home. Later images are studio portraits, showing just the head and upper body of the subject.
- The earliest portraits taken are of Ruth Schwartz, Sylvia's sister. They are interesting in their use of props and lighting. Other early portraits are of Gertrude and Joseph Schwartz and Fanny Solway (née Schwartz).
- Other portraits include images of Gerald, Ralph and Rhoda Halbert (the children of Sylvia's cousin Faye Halbert), Jack and Jewell Schwartz (her uncle and cousin), Isaac, Jill and Jan Shleser (her brother-in-law and nieces) and Alex, Carol and Herbert Solway (her brother-in-law, niece and nephew).
- Also included in the sub-series are three self-portraits of Sylvia each taken in a different session.
- Subjects
- Portraits
- Arrangement
- Every negative does not have a corresponding print.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Sylvia Schwartz fonds
- Family series
- Recreation sub-series
- Level
- Sub-series
- Fonds
- 80
- Series
- 5-2
- Material Format
- graphic material
- Date
- 1941-[ca.1960]
- Physical Description
- 40 photographs : b&w and col. (36 negatives) ; 18 x 12 cm and smaller
- Scope and Content
- This sub-series consists of thirty-six negatives and four prints taken by Sylvia Schwartz of the family at leisure. It is made up of seven files. The majority of the images are of the family relaxing at their cottage in Bobcaygeon. Images consist of photographs of the family on the lawn, in the cottage and on the lake. There are both candid and staged photographs.
- Images from the cottage consist of staged family photographs on the lawn from 1941, candid and staged photographs from ca. 1955 and images of little girls (Jan Shleser and Judith Wolfson) playing outside from ca. 1955.
- Family members featured include Gertrude, Joseph, Ruth, Jack and Jewell Schwartz, Helen, Isaac, Jill and Jan Shleser and Fanny, Alex, Herbert, Carol and Gary Solway. As well as, the Hausser, Halbert and Wintrob families. Family friends are also in the images. Individuals include Judith Wolfson, Frances and David Gruber and David Rotenberg and his brothers. Sylvia Schwartz is in some images.
- There is one print that is a view of the cottage from the lake and one print of Herbert Solway reading the newspaper in bed with his son Gary that may or may not have been taken at the cottage. Sub-series is arranged at the file level. Files are organized chronologically by date.
- Subjects
- Recreation
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Sylvia Schwartz fonds
- Family series
- Events sub-series
- Level
- Sub-series
- Fonds
- 80
- Series
- 5-3
- Material Format
- graphic material
- Date
- 1946-1957
- Physical Description
- 24 photographs : b&w (24 negatives) ; 12.5 x 10 cm and smaller
- Scope and Content
- This sub-series consists of two files. The two events are an opening at the Park Plaza Hotel and a Pidyon Ha'Ben ceremony for Herbert Solway's son Gary.
- Images from the Park Plaza Hotel consist of views of the ballroom, the entertainers, and friends and family enjoying the party. Family members identified are from the Schwartz, Halbert and Wintrob families. Non-family members identified are from the Yolles and Rotenberg families. There are 12 negatives in this file.
- Images from file 2 consist of partygoers for the Pidyon Ha'Ben ceremony in Alex Solway's apartment. Those in attendance were from the Schwartz, Shleser, Solway and Rotenberg families. There are 12 negatives in this file.
- Name Access
- Schwartz, Sylvia, 1914-1998 (creator)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Sylvia Schwartz fonds
- Family series
- Recreation sub-series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 80
- Series
- 5-2
- File
- 1
- Material Format
- graphic material
- Date
- July 1941
- Physical Description
- 11 photographs : b&w (9 negatives) ; 18 x 12 cm
- Scope and Content
- File consists of 9 negatives and 2 proofs taken at the Schwartz family cottage at Bobcaygeon in July, 1941. Images are informal portraits of family and friends taken on the lawn of the cottage.
- Those pictured include Helen Shleser (née Schwartz), Ruth Schwartz, Fanny Solway (née Schwartz), Joseph Schwartz, Gertrude Schwartz, Carol Solway, Sylvia Schwartz, Herbert Solway, David Rotenberg and his brothers, Isaac Shleser and Leonard Hausser
- Notes
- David Rotenberg pictured in Image 3 went on to become a Member of Parliament for the Conservative party.
- Subjects
- Cottages
- Places
- Bobcaygeon (Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Sylvia Schwartz fonds
- Family series
- Recreation sub-series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 80
- Series
- 5-2
- File
- 2
- Material Format
- graphic material
- Date
- [ca.1945]
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w
- Scope and Content
- File consists of one print that features the Schwartz family cottage at Bobcaygeon. It is a view from the lake of the cottage and surrounding land.
- Subjects
- Cottages
- Places
- Bobcaygeon (Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Sylvia Schwartz fonds
- Family series
- Recreation sub-series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 80
- Series
- 5-2
- File
- 3
- Material Format
- graphic material
- Date
- [ca.1955]
- Physical Description
- 11 photographs : b&w (11 negatives) ; 13 x 7 cm or smaller
- Scope and Content
- File consists of 11 negatives taken at the Schwartz family cottage at Bobcaygeon, circa 1955. Images feature young girls dressed up in costume and relaxing in and around the cottage.
- Images include Jan Shleser, Judith Wolfson and an unknown girl.
- Notes
- General: Judith Wolfson went on to become the vice-president of university relations at the University of Toronto. She is the daughter of Harry Wolfson, a prominent economist. They often stayed at the Gelber’s cottage across the lake.
- Subjects
- Cottages
- Places
- Bobcaygeon (Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Sylvia Schwartz fonds
- Family series
- Recreation sub-series
- 1955 Family Gathering at the Cottage in Bobcaygeon file
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 80
- Series
- 5-2
- File
- 4
- Material Format
- graphic material
- Date
- [ca.1955]
- Physical Description
- 8 photographs : b&w (8 negatives) ; 11.5 x 7 cm
- Scope and Content
- File consists of 8 negatives taken at the Schwartz family cottage at Bobcaygeon, circa 1955. They consist of informal portraits taken on the lawn and in the cottage of family and friends.
- Those pictured include Jan Shleser, Joseph Schwartz, Gertrude Schwartz, Ruth Schwartz, Alex Solway, Helen Shleser, Fanny Solway, Carol Solway, Sylvia Schwartz, Ida Schwartz, Minnie Schwartz, Jewell Schwartz, Isaac Shleser, Bev Ragal, Herbert Solway and Jack Schwartz
- Notes
- Frances Gruber was Sylvia Schwartz’s closest friend
- Subjects
- Cottages
- Places
- Bobcaygeon (Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Sylvia Schwartz fonds
- Family series
- Recreation sub-series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 80
- Series
- 5-2
- File
- 5
- Material Format
- graphic material
- Date
- [ca.1955]
- Physical Description
- 4 photographs : b&w (4 negatives) ; 6 x 6 cm
- Scope and Content
- File consists of 4 negatives taken at the Schwartz family cottage at Bobcaygeon, circa 1955. They consist of candid images of family and friends relaxing at the cottage.
- Individuals pictured include Joseph and Gertrude Schwartz and Herbert and Carol Solway.
- Subjects
- Cottages
- Places
- Bobcaygeon (Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Sylvia Schwartz fonds
- Family series
- Recreation sub-series
- Level
- Item
- Fonds
- 80
- Series
- 5-2
- File
- 6
- Material Format
- graphic material
- Date
- 1958
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 12 x 17 cm
- Admin History/Bio
- Herbert Solway received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto in 1953 and a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1955. He was called to the Bar in 1957. Herbert was a founding member of Goodmans LLP, joining the firm in 1955. He has played a significant role in helping build the foundation of the firm, serving as its chair from 1980 to 1992. He served as a Chariman until 1994 and Partner until 1998. He continues to serve as Counsel to Goodmans. He was appointed to the Queen's Counsel in 1968.
- Herbert has also been a Director of Gluskin Sheff and Associates Inc. since May 2006. He is a Director of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and a Founding director of the Tarragon Theatre Company. He was a Founding director of Sun Media Corporation, as well as a Director of John Labatt Ltd.
- Gary Solway was born in 1957 and is the eldest son of Herbert Solway and Elaine Solway (née Basin) and the great-nephew of Sylvia Schwartz. He began his Bachelor of Commerce at Queen's University in 1976, completeing three years there and then finishing the degree in 1981, after doing his first year of a Bachelor of Laws at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University in 1979-1980. He completed his Bachelor of Laws at the University of Toronto in 1983.
- Gary was a Partner with Torys LLP firm from 1983 to 2006 until becoming the Co-Head of the Bennett Jones LLP firm's Private Equity Group and Managing Partner of the Technology, Media and Entertainment Group.
- Gary speaks frequently at conferences on topics related to financing of technology businesses. A regular writer, he contributed a number of chapters to Directors' Duties in Canada, 5th Edition, published in Canada by CCH Canadian Limited in 2012, and the Ontario Corporations Law Guide, published in Canada by CCH Canadian Limited. Gary is also the secretary of the CVCA, Canada's venture capital and private equity association.
- Scope and Content
- This item is a portrait of Herbert and Gary Solway.
- Notes
- This item has no negative.
- Subjects
- Fathers and sons
- Repro Restriction
- Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
- Related Material
- See Fonds 80, series 5 for more information and photographs on the Solway family.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Sylvia Schwartz fonds
- Family series
- Recreation sub-series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 80
- Series
- 5-2
- File
- 7
- Material Format
- graphic material
- Date
- [ca.1960]
- Physical Description
- 5 photographs : col. (5 negatives) ; 6 x 6 cm
- Admin History/Bio
- Harry L. Wolfson, economist and community leader, was born in Toronto, the son of Hyman and Rebecca (Tranbetsky) Wolfson. He received his education at the University of Toronto and King's College, Cambridge University 1932-1934 where he studied under John M. Keynes.
- He was the director and officer of various organizations including the general manager of the Palestine Jewish Colonization Association (1934-1950); executive secretary of the Economic Stabilization Commission in Palestine (1942-1948); economic co-coordinator of the State of Israel (1948-1950); financial councilor for the Canadian Embassy in Washington (1951-1952); and alternate director of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank (1951-1952). He was affiliated with the Zionist Organization of Canada, the Canadian Jewish Congress, the United Jewish Welfare Fund, the Jewish Home for the Aged and Baycrest Hospital and the Y-Arts Council of the YM-YWHA.
- Harry L. Wolfson was married to Rose Chrom and had four children: Sheila, Alan, Judith and Laurence.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of 5 colour negatives of the Wolfson Family at the Schwartz family cottage at Bobcaygeon, circa 1960. They feature informal portraits of the family on the lawn and one image of a dam near Bobcaygeon. Also pictured is Ruthie Solway, Fanny Solway’s niece by marriage who had been adopted by Alex Solway’s brother.
- Individuals pictured include Ruthie Solway, Sheila Wolfson, Harry L. Wolfson, Rose Wolfson, Laurence Wolfson, Alan Wolfson and David Gruber.
- Also pictured is the bridge in Bobcaygeon.
- Subjects
- Cottages
- Places
- Bobcaygeon (Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Sylvia Schwartz fonds
- Family series
- Events sub-series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 80
- Series
- 5-3
- File
- 2
- Material Format
- graphic material
- Date
- March 1957
- Physical Description
- 12 photographs : b&w (12 negatives) ; 6 x 6 cm
- Admin History/Bio
- Pidyon Ha'Ben in Hebrew means redemption of the first born son. In this ceremony it refers to the first born son. The Pidyon Ha'Ben ceremony allows the father of his first born son to buy back his child from service to the priesthood. On the 31st day following the birth, the father brings the firstborn male to the Kohen (someone of priestly descent) and informs the Kohen that the child is the firstborn of the mother. The Kohen then asks if the father is giving the son to him, or does he wish to redeem him. The father then indicates that he wishes to redeem him. The father then gives the Kohen five silver coins (or its equivalent value) and recites a short prayer acknowledging the commandment of redemption of the firstborn male. The Kohen then passes the money over the child’s head, releasing the child from his service to the priesthood, and says the priestly benediction.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of images taken of the Schwartz family at the Pidyon Ha'Ben ceremony for Gary Solway Images consist of photographs of family members taking part in this ceremony or mingling at the home of Alex Solway and of the ceremony itself with David Rotenberg acting as the Kohen.
- Subjects
- Redemption of the first-born
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Sylvia Schwartz fonds
- Family series
- Events sub-series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 80
- Series
- 5-3
- File
- 1
- Material Format
- graphic material
- Date
- 1946
- Physical Description
- 12 photographs : b&w (12 negatives) ; 13 x 10 cm
- Admin History/Bio
- The Park Plaza Hotel, originally called the Queen's Park Plaza, began construction in 1928. However, because of financial problems in the Depression it was not completed until 1936. Prior to its completion it was bought by the Park Plaza Company, a group of investors including Harry Rotenberg of Yolles and Rotenberg and Joseph Schwartz, Sylvia Schwartz's father. It was originally used as a hotel, residences and office space. Through the 1940s and 1950s it was a popular hot spot, acting as a venue for entertainers such as Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington. In the 1960s it became a popular location with the literary crowd, including Margaret Atwood and Mordecai Richler.
- It was eventually bought by the Hyatt chain and re-named the Park Hyatt Toronto.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of images of a party in the ballroom at the Park Plaza Hotel. Those pictured include members of the Schwartz, Yolles, Halbert and Wintrob families. Also included are images of Sylvia Schwartz, the singer Phyllis Marshall and musicians.
- It is unknown what the party was for, but the original envelope indicated that it was an opening of some kind.
- Subjects
- Parties
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Sylvia Schwartz fonds
- Family series
- Portraits sub-series
- Level
- Item
- Fonds
- 80
- Series
- 5-1
- Item
- 1
- Material Format
- graphic material
- Date
- 5 Apr. 1945
- Physical Description
- 2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 13 x 10 cm and 11 x 9 cm
- Admin History/Bio
- Gerald Halbert was born in 1935 to Hyman and Faye Halbert in Toronto. He is the brother of Dr. Ralph Halbert and Mrs. Rhoda Brown (née Halbert). Gerald's mother Faye was Sylvia Schwartz's cousin on her mother's side.
- Gerald Halbert received his medical degree in 1960 from the University of Toronto. Around that time he became very involved in the Jewish community, first volunteering for the UJA in 1960 and then traveling to Israel on a UJA Young Leadership Mission in 1962. Inspired and awed by the country, his lifelong commitment to the community was solidified. Since that time he has held many volunteer leadership roles within the Toronto community, including: chair and/or co-chair for three UJA Federation Campaigns and president of United Israel Appeal of Canada and of Canadian Friends of Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He has also been active in the development of the Wolfond Centre for Jewish Campus Life at the University of Toronto.
- Outside of the Jewish community, he has helped to raise funds for and establish several research chairs at the University of Toronto and University Health Network and is a member of the Mount Sinai Hospital Board of Governors. He is a member of the Toronto General and Western Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, where he has volunteered significant time to a number of fundraising initiatives including the Spark of Life and Neurosurgery Chair Campaigns. He is also Board Champion for the Krembil Neuroscience Centre’s Krembil Discovery Tower and Krembil Neuro Program.
- In 2002 he was awarded the Order of Canada for his lifelong commitment and contributions to his community.
- He was married in 1960 to Sandra ("Tootsie") (née Sukerman) and they have two daughters: Wendy and Michelle.
- Scope and Content
- Item is a portrait of Gerald Halbert as a child.
- Repro Restriction
- Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Sylvia Schwartz fonds
- Family series
- Portraits sub-series
- Level
- Item
- Fonds
- 80
- Series
- 5-1
- Item
- 2
- Material Format
- graphic material
- Date
- Apr. 1943
- Physical Description
- 2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 13 x 10 cm and 11 x 8 cm
- Admin History/Bio
- Ralph Halbert was born in 1930 to Hyman and Faye Halbert. He is eldest brother to Dr. Gerald Halbert and Mrs. Rhoda Brown (née Halbert). His mother, Faye, was Sylvia Schwartz's cousin on her mother's side.
- Ralph Halbert graduated from North Toronto Collegiate in 1948 and went on to attain his medical degree from the University of Toronto.
- Since the early 1960s, he has been actively involved and supportive of the UJA and the Jewish community both in Toronto and Israel. In 1977, as the president of the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University, Ralph and his wife Rosyln established the Programme of Canadian Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. In 1995 it was renamed the Halbert Centre for Canadian Studies. The centre fosters research and promotes the understanding and knowledge of Canadian civilization in all its aspects among Israeli academics and the public at large. The Halbert Centre for Canadian Studies' activities focus on research, publications, public lectures, visiting professors program, courses in Canadian studies, library resources, and conferences.
- Scope and Content
- Item is a portrait of Ralph Halbert.
- Repro Restriction
- Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Zionist Organization of Canada fonds
- National Administrative Council and Executive Board series
- Minutes of meetings sub-series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 28
- Series
- 1-1
- File
- 1
- Material Format
- textual record
- Date
- 1919-1928
- Physical Description
- 6 cm of textual records
- Scope and Content
- The file consists of a volume of minutes of meetings of the Executive Committee of the Federation of Zionist Societies of Canada, and, as of 7 February 1921, of the National Administrative Council and the Executive Board of the Zionist Organization of Canada.
- Physical Condition
- Records are in good condition; spine of minutes book brittle and damaged.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions