- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 15
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1935-1936
- Physical Description
- 4 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 46 cm length or smaller and 3 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- Mr. Morris Spring was a Jewish real-estate agent and developer. In 1932-33, Mr. Spring purchased and developed several properties in the Hillcrest and Casa Loma areas, as well as the Bloor-Landsdowne area.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of three connected buildings containing stores and dwellings commissioned by Mr. Morris Spring. They were located at 1248-1252 Bloor St. West. The buildings were all two storeys high and had shops on the ground floor and dwellings on the second floor. Floor plans, sections and elevation drawings are included.
- Notes
- Originally was separated into two projects - Commission no.XXII and XXXII - according to Speisman's finding aid.
- Physical Condition
- Material is fragile.
- Related Material
- See File 49-2-3 for the plans of a residence for Mr. Spring at 43 Hillcrest Drive.
- See File 49-2-10 for the plans of a residence for Mr. Spring at 19 Austin Crescent.
- Places
- Bloor Street West (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- File
- 10
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1932
- Physical Description
- 1 architectural drawing : blueprint ; 43 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- Mr. Morris Spring was a Jewish real-estate agent and developer. In 1932-33, Mr. Spring purchased and developed several properties in the Hillcrest and Casa Loma areas, as well as the Bloor-Landsdowne area.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of a two storey home for Mr. Morris Spring at 19 Austin Crescent. The property was one of two that he purchased and developed on Austin Crescent in 1932, at a cost of $9000 each. A floor plan and an elevation drawing are included.
- Notes
- Formerly listed as Commission IV.
- Related Material
- See File 49-3-15 for the plans of stores and residences for Mr. Spring at 1248-1252 Bloor St. West.
- See File 49-2-10 for the plans of a residence for Mr. Spring at 43 Hillcrest Drive.
- Places
- Austin Crescent (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- File
- 14
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca.1925]
- Physical Description
- 3 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 51 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- Mr. Irving Stone was the president of Stone Clothing Company Limited.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of a four bedroom, two storey house and a garage for Mr. Irving Stone at 10 Admiral Road. Floor plans, a cross section and elevation drawings are included.
- Notes
- Formerly listed as Commission XVI.
- Places
- Admiral Road (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- File
- 15
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca.1930]
- Physical Description
- 3 architectural drawings : 2 pencil on tracing paper , 1 pencil and hand col., pencil crayon and watercolour, on verso of blueprint ; 66 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- Henry Greisman was a real estate developer and the owner of the King Suspender and Neckwear Company at 240 Richmond Street West. He lived at 104 Admiral Road.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of three houses for Mr. H. Greisman, two of which were on Van Horne Street. The first house is two storeys with three bedrooms and the second and third houses are two storey duplexes containing two, three bedroom residences. Floor plans and elevations are included.
- Notes
- Formerly listed as Commission XXI.
- Related Material
- See File 49-3-40 for architectural drawings of The Spadina Building at 129 Spadina Avenue for Mr. H. Greisman.
- Places
- Van Horne Street (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- File
- 4
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca. 1928]
- Physical Description
- 2 architectural drawings : pencil, 1 hand col., watercolour ; 51 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- Mr. Abraham M. Schiffer along with his partner, Mr. William Leibel, were the co-owners of Empire Clothing Co., and Cornell Tailored Clothing Ltd. Both businesses were located at 197/199 Spadina Avenue in the Empire Clothing Building, which was named after their company.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of a private garage for Mr. Abraham M. Schiffer located at 82 Admiral Road. Sections, a floor plan and two front elevation drawings are included, one of which is in colour.
- Physical Condition
- Material is fragile.
- Related Material
- See File 49-3-94 for plans of additions and alterations to the office headquarters of the Empire Clothing Company at 197/199 Spadina Avenue.
- See File 49-3-69 for plans of a building for Empire Clothing at Spadina Avenue and Adelaide Street.
- See File 49-2-6 for plans of alterations to home of Mr. William Leibel.
- Places
- Admiral Road (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- File
- 19
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca.1924]
- Physical Description
- 1 architectural drawing : pencil and hand col. watercolour on cardboard ; 39 x 46 cm
- Admin History/Bio
- Mrs. Harry Farber lived at 45 Sullivan Street.
- Scope and Content
- File contains a watercolour drawing of a proposed residence for Mrs. Harry Farber.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- File
- 20
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca.1930]
- Physical Description
- 1 architectural drawing : pencil on tracing paper ; 34 cm length and 4 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of a floor plan and elevation drawings of a double garage for Mr. Harry Baum on Lytton Boulevard.
- Physical Condition
- Drawings are wrinkled and slightly torn.
- Places
- Lytton Boulevard (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- File
- 6
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1922
- Physical Description
- 4 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 45 cm length or smaller and 6 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- Mr. Abraham M. Schiffer along with his partner Mr. William Leibel were the co-owners of the Empire Clothing Co., and Cornell Tailored Clothing Ltd. Both businesses were located at 197/199 Spadina Avenue in the Empire Clothing Building, which was named after their company.
- Scope and Content
- File contains architectural drawings of alterations to the home of Mr. William Leibel at 90 Admiral Road. A block plan, sections and an elevation drawing are included.
- Related Material
- See File 49-2-4 for plans of private garage for Mr. Abraham M. Schiffer.
- See File 49-3-94 for plans of additions and alterations to the office headquarters of the Empire Clothing Company at 197/199 Spadina Avenue.
- See File 49-3-69 for plans of a building for Empire Clothing at Spadina Avenue and Adelaide Street.
- Places
- Admiral Road (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 62
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca.1935]
- Physical Description
- 4 architectural drawings : pencil ; 38 cm length or smaller and 3 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of floor plans, a section and an elevation drawing of a public garage for Mr. M. Rumack at 167-169 Ontario Street.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 77
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1935
- Physical Description
- 2 architectural drawings : 1 blueprint, 1 pencil on tracing paper ; 55 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- Henry Adelberg was the president of H. Adelberg Ltd., a cloak manufacturing company.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of floor plans, a section and detailing of a public garage for Mr. Henry Adelberg at 33 Dundas St. West.
- Related Material
- See File 49-3-38 for architectural drawings of additions and alterations to store and dwelling for Mr. Henry Adelberg at Queen and Brookfield.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 29
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1926
- Physical Description
- 4 architectural drawings : pencil ; 62 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- Mr. Sol Wilks was the owner of a stationary store and two commercial/residential buildings. One building was located at the corner of Robina and St. Clair and the other at 1034 St. Clair, where he also resided.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings for stores and an apartment building located on the N.W. corner of Robina and St. Clair for Mr. Sol Wilks. The building was three stories high and contained one, two bedroom suite and four, one bedroom suites. Floor plans and elevations are included.
- Places
- Robina Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)
- Saint Clair Avenue West (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- File
- 1
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1922
- Physical Description
- 9 architectural and technical drawings : 8 blueprints, 1 pencil on tracing paper ; 53 cm length or smaller and 7 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of a four bedroom, two storey home for Mr. Ira Levy at 30 Dunvegan Road. The home also contained a sun room and an attached garage. Floor plans, elevations and a basement heating plan are included.
- Places
- Dunvegan Road (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- File
- 17
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1935
- Physical Description
- 2 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 61 cm length or smaller and 3 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File contains architectural drawings of alterations to the two storey residence of Mr. Nicholas Rico at 1819 Davenport Road. Floor plans, a section, a lot plan and detail of footings are included.
- Places
- Davenport Road (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- File
- 18
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1935
- Physical Description
- 2 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 37 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of a two storey residence at Briar Hill and Tugwell for Mr. S. N. Johnston. An elevation drawing and a lot plan are included.
- Physical Condition
- One drawing is badly torn.
- Places
- Briar Hill Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- File
- 21
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1921
- Physical Description
- 24 architectural drawings : 1 blueprint, 23 pencil on tracing paper ; 89 cm length or smaller and 9 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- Born in 1883, David Dunkelman was the founder of Tip Top Tailors, a high end men's clothing store, which currently has about one hundred branches nationwide. The business was sold to Dylex who subsequently sold it to Grafton-Fraser in 2000. David, and his wife Rose had six children; Joseph, a movie executive; Ernest, a manufacturer; Zelda; Veronica; Theodora; and Benjamin, who fought in both the Second World War and the Israeli War of Independence. David Dunkelman died in 1978.
- Scope and Content
- File contains architectural drawings of alterations to the residence of Mr. David Dunkelman. Contained within are sections, elevation drawings and a floor plan. Several sketches of the interior of the residence as well as detailing of windows, a mantle and the entrance are included.
- Notes
- Drawings are in three rolls.
- Repro Restriction
- Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
- Physical Condition
- In need of conservation. Some drawings are badly torn.
- Places
- Rowanwood Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 45
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca.1920]
- Physical Description
- 3 architectural drawings : ink on linen weave ; 59 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- Mr. Mooney Mirochnick was a Jewish druggist who owned several drugstores in Toronto at various times. Stores were located at 472 College Street, 267 Queen Street West, 162 Palmerston Avenue and 50 Arthur Street. Mr. Mirochnick died in November 1945.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of a new garage for Mr. Mirochnick at 50 Arthur street. Drawings were completed by Benjamin Brown and Robert McConnell, whom at the time were partners. Floor plans, a section, elevation drawings and a foundation plan are included.
- Related Material
- See File 49-3-43 for the architectural drawings of additions and alterations to the store located at 162 Palmerston Avenue.
- See File 49-3-44 for drawings of additions and alterations to the Arthur Street building.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- File
- 5
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1923
- Physical Description
- 5 architectural drawings : pencil, 1 hand col., watercolour, 2 on tracing paper ; 46 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File contains architectural drawings of alterations to the two storey house, and a new garage for Mr. Frank S. Hutner. It is unknown whether the new garage was completed, since similar plans exist for a new garage to be shared by Mr. Hutner and Mr. Doidge at about the same time. Elevation drawings, a section, a block plan and watercolour drawings of windows and stairs are included.
- Related Material
- See File 49-2-12 for plans of garage to be shared by Mr. Hutner and Mr. Doidge.
- Places
- Brunswick Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 50
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1933
- Physical Description
- 1 architectural drawing : blueprint ; 54 cm length and 4 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of alterations to the rear of a confectionery store at 809 Dundas West for Mr. Morris Alter. Floor plans and elevation drawings are included.
- Notes
- Formerly listed as Commission XVII.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 87
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1940
- Physical Description
- 17 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 71 cm length or smaller and 7 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- Mr. Morris Alspector was a Jewish real estate agent and developer.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of sections, elevations, detailing, floor plans, a foundation plan and a section of a two storey hotel for Mr. Morris Alspector on Lakeshore Road at Jackson Point on the south side of Lake Simcoe.
- Repro Restriction
- Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- File
- 23
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1930
- Physical Description
- 58 architectural and technical drawings : 6 blueprints, 51 pencil and 1 pen. some on tracing paper ; 102 cm length or smaller
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural and technical drawings of a proposed house for Benjamin Brown at 37 Castle Frank Crescent. The house was completed and Brown lived in it from 1931-1932. The plans contain drawings of a two storey, three bedroom home that included servant quarters. Floor plans, lot plans, sections, elevation drawings, interior sketches, detailing and technical drawings of structural elements of the building are included.
- Notes
- An elevation drawing is on the verso of the ground floor plan.
- Formerly listed as Commission XXVIII.
- Repro Restriction
- Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
- Physical Condition
- Drawings are fragile, some are torn.
- 6/16/2015: Records were sent out for conservation treatments.
- Places
- Castle Frank Crescent (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- File
- 8
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1934
- Physical Description
- 13 architectural drawings : 8 pencil on tracing paper, some hand col., pencil crayon and watercolour, 5 on verso of blueprints ; 55 cm length or smaller and 6 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of the two storey, three bedroom home of Mr. Bernard Weinberg at 1593 Bathurst Street. Floor plans, sections, elevation drawings, a drawing of the detailing on the main entrance, and a high quality colour drawing of a mantelpiece are included.
- Notes
- 5 drawings are on the verso of discarded blueprints.
- Physical Condition
- Some materials are slightly torn.
- Places
- Bathurst Street (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 8
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1936
- Physical Description
- 1 architectural drawing : pencil on tracing paper ; 42 cm length and 2 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- Toronto Macaroni was an Italian owned company, located at 2738 Dundas West. One of the owners was Domenico Viggiani, who sold his wife's spaghetti sauce under the Mamma Bravo label. In the 1960s, Toronto Macaroni was bought by General Mills. The Mamma Bravo label was later sold to Heinz.
- Scope and Content
- File contains the plans of a four gate garage at the rear of a building on Hook Avenue for the Toronto Macaroni Company. Floor plans, a block plan, elevation views and sections are included.
- Places
- Hook Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 68
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1923
- Physical Description
- 27 architectural and technical drawings : 1 blueprint, 26 pencil, some hand col., pencil crayon ; 74 cm length or smaller and 11 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- The Gelber Brothers, Louis and Moses, were born in what is now Austria in the late nineteenth century. Together they founded the Imperial Clothing Company, which later became Gelber Brothers Woollens. Their head office was located in the Gelber Building at 217-225 Richmond Street West. Although selling woollens was their main business, the brothers had other investments, including ownership of a service station at Simcoe and Richmond streets, and a public garage at 287 Spadina Avenue. After the brothers died, the family sold the woollen business and invested in real estate.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural and technical drawings of a public garage for the Gelber Brothers at 287 Spadina Avenue. Included are elevation and section drawings, floor plans and a roof plan. Technical drawings of the windows and door frame are also included.
- Related Material
- See File 49-2-7 for the architectural drawings of alterations and additions to the house of Mr. Louis Gelber as well as his biography.
- See File 49-3-46 for architectural drawings and plans of a service station for the Gelber Brothers at the corner of Richmond and Simcoe streets.
- See File 49-3-91 for architectural drawings of the New Textile Building for the Gelber Brothers at 205 Richmond Street West.
- See File 49-3-90 for the architectural drawings of a woolens warehouse for the Gelber Brothers at 355-359 Adelaide Street West.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 20
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca. 1930]
- Physical Description
- 2 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper, 1 hand col. pencil crayon ; 39 cm length and 4 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- Located at 605 Danforth (Danforth and Gough), the Iola Theatre operated as a movie theatre until closing in 1954.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of floor plans and elevations of the Iola Theatre, located at 605 Danforth. These drawings are probably related to a proposed renovation. An incomplete elevation of the Iola Theatre drawn by A. A. Abraham is also included.
- Physical Condition
- Material is fragile and torn.
- Related Material
- See File 49-5-11 for architectural plans designed by Herbert G. Duerr of a theatre on Kingston Road.
- Places
- Danforth Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Jewish community building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 1
- File
- 7
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca. 1920]
- Physical Description
- 6 architectural drawings : pencil, 3 hand col. watercolour ; 32 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of preliminary plans for a synagogue that was never completed. The designs were likely created before the congregation had purchased land or secured an architect. The congregation did not end up using Benjamin Brown as the architect. Sections, floor plans and elevation drawings are included.
- Subjects
- Synagogues
- Physical Condition
- The six drawings are glued together on one side.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 33
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1936
- Physical Description
- 1 architectural drawing : pencil on tracing paper ; 60 cm length and 4 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of floor plans, sections and elevations of a laundry building for Mr. Peter Kin at 71 Queen St. West.
- Places
- Queen Street West (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 6
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1934
- Physical Description
- 1 architectural drawing : blueprint ; 54 cm length and 4 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- Mr. Morris Rubinoff was the owner of a drygoods store.
- Scope and Content
- File contains architectural drawings of additions and alterations to a store and dwelling for Mr. Morris Rubinoff at 510 Queen St. West. Sections, floor plans and an elevation drawing are included.
- Notes
- Formerly listed as Commission VIII.
- Places
- Queen Street West (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 76
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1934
- Physical Description
- 1 architectural drawing : blueprint ; 62 cm length and 5 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of a garage and service station for Jack Chaban at 628 Annette Street. A section and elevation drawings are included.
- Repro Restriction
- Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- Series
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1919-[1935]
- Physical Description
- 327 architectural and technical drawings
- Scope and Content
- Series consists of Benjamin Brown’s architectural drawings of personal residences that were either designed or renovated for real estate developers, landlords or the occupants themselves. The majority of the buildings were designed for a Jewish clientele, many of whom were prominent citizens, including Louis Gelber and Mendel Granatstein. Brown also created designs for his own personal residence on Castle Frank Crescent, however the home was never completed. Most of the houses he designed or renovated were located in the Annex, Forest Hill, Casa Loma or Hillcrest neighborhoods. Many were designed with elements of Georgian, Craftman, Colonial Revival and/or Tudor architectural styles. They ranged from three storey mansions to small duplexes and single story homes. The vast majority of his commissions were standard three or four bedroom two storey homes.
- The majority of these drawings are on tracing or drafting paper, several of which are in colour and the remainder are either blueprints or drawn on cardboard. Plans, sketches, elevations, sections, detailing and technical drawings of the residences are included.
- Subjects
- Dwellings
- Physical Condition
- Several drawings are in poor condition. See file level descriptions for further details.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- Series
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- graphic material
- textual record
- Date
- 1919-1949
- Physical Description
- ca. 1000 architectural and technical drawings
- 2 photographs : b&w ; 38 x 30 cm or smaller
- 1 cm of textual records
- Scope and Content
- Series consists of architectural and technical drawings of commercial buildings that Benjamin Brown either designed or altered. Most of Brown’s clients were Jewish owned businesses, several of which were run by prominent members of the community. These businesses included Imperial Optical, Gelber Brothers Woolens, the City Dye Works, Schipper Brothers Furs, and the Empire Clothing Company.
- Architectural plans of apartments, warehouses, theatres, service stations, banks, restaurants, stores, office towers, a bakery and a laundry are included. Several of these buildings are now designated as Toronto heritage buildings. These include the Balfour Building, the Hermant Building (eastern tower), the Hermant Annex, the Commodore Building and the Standard Theatre. Also included are plans of the headquarters of Famous Players Canada, which later became a subsidiary of Cineplex Odeon.
- The majority of the drawings are either blueprints or pencil drawings on tracing or drafting paper, several of which are also in colour. Some are on linen weave or cardboard. Plans, elevations, sections, sketches, detailing, photographs of building exteriors, building specifications, and technical drawings of the buildings are included.
- Physical Condition
- Several drawings are in poor condition. See file level descriptions for further details.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Jewish community building plans and drawings series
- Level
- Series
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 1
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [1915]-1940
- Physical Description
- 174 architectural drawings
- Scope and Content
- Series consists of Benjamin Brown’s architectural plans and drawings of significant buildings designed or renovated for Toronto‘s Jewish community, including proposals that were never implemented. Contained within are renovation plans of the Beach Hebrew Institute synagogue, an ark design for the McCaul Street Synagogue, and the complete designs of the Henry Street Synagogue. The last of these projects is of particular significance, because it was the first synagogue in Toronto designed by a Jewish architect and was one of Brown‘s largest commissions. Drawings of the Primrose Club (a Jewish men’s club) and the Brunswick Talmud Torah Day School, as well as plans of Camp Yungvelt (a Jewish summer camp) are also included. Additionally, several preliminary sketches of synagogue facades are contained within.
- The majority of these drawings are on tracing or drafting paper, several of which are in colour, and the remainder are either blueprints or drawn on cardboard. Floor plans, elevations, sections, foundation plans and sketches of building exterior facades and interiors are included. Additionally, there are drawings of windows, doors and synagogue arks.
- Physical Condition
- Several drawings and plans are in poor condition. See file level descriptions for further details.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- File
- 22
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1921-1922
- Physical Description
- 71 architectural drawings : pencil, some hand col. pencil crayon, some on tracing paper ; 89 cm length or smaller
- Admin History/Bio
- Dr. Samuel Lavine was the first Jewish Doctor to practice in Toronto. He graduated from Trinity University Medical School in 1899 and opened up a practice shortly thereafter. He was one of a group of doctors that helped fulfill the medical needs of the largely immigrant Jewish community.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of several different schemes for a two or three storey dwelling and garage for Dr. Samuel Lavine at 30 Dunvegan Road. Floor plans, elevations, sketches, sections and detailing of the interior, windows and porch are included.
- Notes
- Due to the fragility of these drawings, the description is partially based on Speisman's earlier item level descriptions.
- Drawings are in six seperate rolls.
- Physical Condition
- Drawings are fragile, some are torn.
- Places
- Dunvegan Road (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- File
- 12
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca.1924]
- Physical Description
- 3 architectural drawings : blueprints ; 55 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of a block plan, floor plan and elevation drawings of a garage to be shared by Mr. Hutner and Mr. Doidge, at 410 and 412 Brunswick Avenue respectively. It is unknown if this structure was built, since Benjamin Brown created plans of a private garage for Mr. Hutner at approximately the same time.
- Notes
- Formerly listed as Commission 1.
- Physical Condition
- Material is torn.
- Related Material
- See File 49-2-5 for plans of alterations to Mr. Hutner's house and the plans for his private garage.
- Places
- Brunswick Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Jewish community building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 1
- File
- 2
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1919-1922
- Physical Description
- 136 architectural drawings : pencil, some hand col., watercolour, on linen weave and tracing paper ; 100 x 90 cm or smaller
- Admin History/Bio
- The Henry Street Beth Jacob Synagogue was founded by Toronto’s Polish-Jewish Community, as the successor of an older, smaller synagogue on Elm Street. It was the first synagogue in Toronto that was designed by a Jewish architect, Benjamin Brown. Located at 23 and 23 ½ Henry Street, the synagogue was dedicated in 1922, at a cost of $156,000, and could accommodate up to eight hundred worshippers. It was built in Romanesque style and was notable for its stained glass windows and retractable roof that was used on Sukkoth. It also contained a vaulted ceiling capped by a large dome and four smaller ones. The building was eventually sold and converted into a church. It is the current site of the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of Beth Jacob Synagogue. Contained within are basement, floor, stairwell and roof plans, load plans, sections, and elevation drawings. Also included are detailing of windows, the Ark, entrances and other structures and objects.
- Notes
- Most of the drawings are stored in four rolls, the remainder are encased in five sheets of Melinex. Due to the fragility of these drawings, the medium, extent and sizes of them are based on the descriptions compiled by Steve Speisman. It is recommended that a conservator examine these drawings.
- Name Access
- Beth Jacob Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
- Subjects
- Synagogues
- Repro Restriction
- Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
- Physical Condition
- Some drawings are frayed and torn.
- Places
- Henry Street (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 56
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca.1935]
- Physical Description
- 7 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 54 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- Famous Players Canada was founded as a Canadian branch of the Famous-Players-Lasky Corporation (the precursor of Paramount Pictures) in 1920, when it merged with the Toronto based Regent Theatres. Over the next two decades, efforts were made by President N. L. Nathanson to wrestle control of Famous Players Canada from Paramount, but he ultimately failed. Famous Players Canada would remain a subsidiary of the American owned Paramount (which was purchased by Viacom in 1994) until 2005, when it was purchased by Cineplex Galaxy for 500 million dollars.
- Scope and Content
- File contains floor plans of two different schemes for a proposed new headquarters of Famous Players Canada. The proposed building was to be three storeys high, containing many offices and a screening room. The plans appear to be in the preliminary stages and contain no addresses on them. It is unknown if these plans were ever implemented. File also contains a floor plan of Famous Players Canada offices on the twelfth floor of the Royal Bank Building.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 99
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca.1925]
- Physical Description
- 1 architectural drawing : pencil and hand col. watercolour on cardboard ; 42 x 39 cm
- Scope and Content
- File consists of a high quality watercolour elevation drawing of a seven storey building for the Goldberg Brothers and Mr. Hartman. The building is likely the Fashion Building, but Benjamin Brown was not the chosen architect for the project; the contract instead went to Kaplan and Sprachman.
- Notes
- Scope and content note: For many years, Benjamin Brown has been miscredited as the architect of the Fashion building, in part due to his work on other buildings in the area, most notably the Tower, Balfour and Commodore buildings.
- Related Material
- See photo #3307.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 27
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1932
- Physical Description
- 4 architectural drawings and technical drawings : 2 blueprints, 2 pencil on tracing paper ; 53 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- Owned by Mr. A. Levy, Levy Auto Wreckers was one of Canada's largest auto wreckers during the 1930s. The head office was located at 735/737 Queen Street West and it had a branch office at 464 Queen Street East.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of floor plans, a block plan and drawings of joist framings for Levy Auto Wreckers at 464 Queen St. East.
- Related Material
- See File 49-5-10 for plans of stores for Mr. A. Levy on St. Clair Avenue that were designed by E. Telfer Arnoldi.
- See File 49-3-13 for plans of the head office, located at 735/737 Queen Street West.
- Places
- Queen Street East (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 4
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1935
- Physical Description
- 4 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 62 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings for the conversion of a three storey building into a hotel at the S.W. corner of Queen and Augusta for Mr. Max Sherman. Floor plans and elevation drawings are included.
- Name Access
- Sherman, Max
- Physical Condition
- Material is fragile and somewhat torn.
- Places
- Augusta Avenue (Toronto. Ont.)
- Queen Street West (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- File
- 7
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca. 1935]
- Physical Description
- 11 architectural and technical drawings : 4 blueprints, 7 pencil, 1 hand col., watercolour, 6 on tracing paper, 1 on cardboard ; 51 x 64 cm or smaller
- Admin History/Bio
- Louis Gelber was born in what is now Austria on November 8, 1880. He immigrated to Canada in 1896, marrying Sarah Leah Morris in 1904. Around this time, he and his brother Moses co-founded the Imperial Clothing Company, which became Gelber Brothers Woollens. The head office was located at 217-225 Richmond St. W. from 1912 until the 1960s.
- Mr. Gelber was very active in the Jewish Community and was a founder of the Hebrew Free School, Primrose Club and was president of Goel Tzedek. He died in December 1968 and was survived by his four children.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural and technical drawings of the home of Mr. Louis Gelber at 133 Lowther Avenue. Included are floor plans, elevation drawings, a colour sketch of the interior and detailing of the living room ceiling, bookcases and mantel.
- Notes
- Due to the fragility of this material, the description is partially based on Steven Speisman's description.
- Physical Condition
- Material is fragile and badly torn.
- Related Material
- See File 49-3-68 for architectural drawings of a public garage at 287 Spadina Avenue for the Gelber Brothers.
- See File 49-3-91 for architectural drawings of the New Textile Building for the Gelber Brothers at 205 Richmond Street West.
- See File 49-3-90 for the architectural drawings of a woolens warehouse for the Gelber Brothers at 355-359 Adelaide Street West.
- See File 49-3-46 for architectural drawings and plans of a service station for the Gelber Brothers at the corner of Richmond and Simcoe streets.
- Places
- Lowther Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 57
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1935
- Physical Description
- 28 architectural and technical drawings : 6 blueprints, 20 pencil, some hand col. pencil crayon, 18 on tracing paper, 2 on verso of blueprints ; 57 cm length or smaller and 8 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural and technical drawings of a two storey building containing stores and apartments for Mr. Lorenzo Del Grande at the southeast corner of Eglinton and Elmsthorpe Streets. Floor plans, sections, elevations, lot plans, a drainage plan, structural plans of a door frame and detailing of the storefront are included.
- Notes
- Formerly listed as Commission II.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- File
- 27
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1922
- Physical Description
- 3 architectural drawings : pencil and hand col. watercolour on cardboard backed paper ; 33 x 53 cm or smaller
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of a two storey house for Mr. M. Mendelsohn on Dunvegan Road. Elevation drawings and sketches of the stairs and main entrance are included.
- Places
- Dunvegan Road (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Reference materials series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 5
- File
- 10
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1932
- Physical Description
- 2 architectural drawings : blueprints; 50 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of elevations and a floor plan.
- Notes
- Building was designed by E. Telfer Arnoldi.
- Related Material
- See File 49-3-27 for plans of the branch office, located at 464 Queen Street East.
- See File 49-3-13 for plans of the head office, located at 735/737 Queen Street West.
- Places
- St. Clair Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 19
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1921
- Physical Description
- 10 architectural drawings : ink on linen weave ; 51 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- Nathan Rosenberg was the owner of several ladies' and children's clothing stores in downtown Toronto. Nathan, along with his brother Simon, were the co-owners of the Dainty Dress Company at 317 Adelaide West. He also owned the Exclusive Ladies Garment Company at 221 Richmond Street and was the president of the Exclusive Children's Cloak Company, which was headquartered at 44 York Street.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of various floor plans, sections and elevation drawings of a large three storey clothing store for Mr. Nathan Rosenberg on Dundas Street West. In 1925, Nathan Rosenberg owned Campbell Women's Wear, located at 124 & 130 Dundas St. West. These may be the drawings for this building.
- Places
- Dundas Street West (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 30
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca. 1935]
- Physical Description
- 2 architectural drawings : pencil, 1 hand col. pencil crayon on tracing paper ; 36 x 58 cm or smaller
- Admin History/Bio
- Mr. Harry Trachter was the owner of a creamery and grocery store at 800 Dundas St. West, where he also resided. In 1934, the building was badly damaged by fire. Mr. Trachter died in 1982.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of stores (one of which was Trachter's Groceteria), an apartment and an office, located on the northwest corner of Dundas St. and Euclid Avenue. The first floor consisted of two stores, and the second floor consisted of a four bedroom dwelling and an office. Floor plans and a sketch of the building exterior are included.
- Repro Restriction
- Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
- Places
- Dundas Street West (Toronto, Ont.)
- Euclid Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 41
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca. 1935]
- Physical Description
- 1 architectural drawing : pencil and hand col. pencil crayon on verso of blueprint ; 58 cm length and 3 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- Mr. Simon Ramm was the owner of The New Fashion Shop, a high-end clothing store located at 496 St. Clements Avenue.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of The New Fashion Shop clothing store, located on a single sheet. Included are floor plans and several high quality elevation drawings.
- Notes
- Drawn on the verso of a discarded blueprint.
- Places
- St. Clements Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 53
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1928
- Physical Description
- 5 architectural drawings : 4 blueprints, 1 pencil on tracing paper ; 42 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of floor plans.
- Physical Condition
- Tracing paper is torn and crumbling.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- File
- 11
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1933
- Physical Description
- 5 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing pape r; 38 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- Mrs. Sophia Rochman was the wife of Max Rochman, who was a building contractor and co-owner of Better Homes Limited. The company was involved in property development in the 1930s.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of two neighbouring houses for Mrs. Sophia Rochman on Castlefield Ave. The homes were built for the purpose of either sale or rental. Both are two storey, three bedroom homes. Elevations, block plans, and complete floor plans of both houses are included.
- Physical Condition
- Material is fragile.
- Places
- Castlefield Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- File
- 2
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1928
- Physical Description
- 16 architectural drawings : 7 blueprints, 9 pencil on tracing paper ; 39 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- Jacob Tenenbaum, along with Samuel Clayman, were owners of Tenenbaum & Clayman Fur Co., a fur manufacturing business.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of floor plans, a section, and elevation drawings of a four bedroom, two storey home built for Mr. Jacob Tenenbaum at 43 Turner Road. The home also included a billiards room and a conservatory.
- Notes
- Mr. Tenenbaum's last name was spelled Tennenbaum on the architectural drawings.
- Places
- Turner Road (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 55
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca.1930]
- Physical Description
- 4 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper, one hand col. pencil crayon ; 45 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of floor plans, foundations plans, a section and elevation drawings.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 65
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1930
- Physical Description
- 9 architectural drawings : 8 pencil, 1 hand col. pencil crayon on tracing paper ; 49 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of a two storey restaurant for Mr. Alexander Good. Elevations, sections, floor plans, a roof plan and a block plan are included.
- Notes
- Formerly listed as Commission XIV.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions