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

38

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1934

Physical Description

5 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper, 4 hand col. pastel ; 32 cm length or smaller and 3 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

Mr. Henry Adelberg was the president of Adelberg Limited, which manufactured cloaks and suits and was located at 221 Richmond St. West.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of additions and alterations to a three storey building containing a store and four bedroom dwelling for Henry Adelberg at the N.E. corner of Queen St. West and Brookfield Road. Floor plans and elevations are included.

Related Material

See File 49-3-77 for architectural drawings of a public garage for Henry Adelberg at 33 Dundas St. West.

Places

Brookfield Road (Toronto, Ont.)

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

59

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1922

Physical Description

2 architectural drawings : pencil, one hand col. pastel ; 44 cm length or smaller and 3 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

Mr. Harry Karlin owned a ladies ready to wear clothing company at 211-213 Queen Street East and resided in the same building.

Scope and Content

File consists of floor plans, a section and elevation drawings of alterations to two stores at 211-213 Queen Street East, one of which was Karlin's, a ladies ready to wear clothing store.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

26

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca.1924]

Physical Description

4 architectural drawings : pencil ; 57 cm length or smaller and 8 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

Mr. Sam Lichtman was the owner of a confectionery store at 2343 Dundas West and lived on the second floor above his store.

Scope and Content

File consists of a floor plan, a section and elevation drawings of stores and dwellings for Mr. Sam Lichtman at 2343 Dundas West.

Notes

Formerly listed as Commission XIX.

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

36

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1934

Physical Description

1 architectural drawing : pencil and hand col. pencil crayon on tracing paper ; 58 cm length and 4 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of a store located at 1482 Queen St. W. for Mr. Louis M. Stern. Floor plans, a lot plan, a section and an elevation drawing are included.

Physical Condition

Material is fragile, somewhat torn.

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

1

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1933

Physical Description

3 architectural drawings : 1 blueprint, 2 pencil on tracing pape r; 43 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File contains architectural drawings of alterations to a two storey building for Mrs. I. Tohn. The building contained a confectionery and tobacconist store on the ground floor, and a two bedroom dwelling on the second floor. Floor plans, a block plan and several elevation drawings are included.

Physical Condition

Tracing paper is torn.

Places

Ossington Avenue (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

7

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1919

Physical Description

6 architectural drawings : 5 pen on linen weave, 1 pencil on tracing paper ; 49 cm length or smaller and 6 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

Mr. J. Pearlman was the owner of a drygoods store and residence at 261 Danforth Avenue in the 1910s. In the 1920s, Mr. Pearlman moved his residence and business to 525 Danforth Avenue.

Scope and Content

File contains architectural plans for alterations and additions to a three storey building for Mr. J. Pearlman at 261 Danforth Avenue. The first floor contained stores and a billiards room, and the second and third floors contained accommodations for a five bedroom dwelling. Floor plans, sections, elevation views, and a block plan are included. This project was one of Benjamin Brown's earlier commissions.

Places

Danforth 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

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

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

Residential building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

2

File

16

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1934

Physical Description

1 architectural drawing : pencil on tracing paper ; 47 cm length and 3 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of floor plans of alterations to a dwelling to be converted into a duplex for Mr. S. Wineberg.

Name Access

Wineberg, S.

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

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

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

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

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

13

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca.1930]

Physical Description

9 architectural drawings : 1 blueprint, 7 pencil on tracing paper, 3 hand col. pastel, 1 on verso of blueprint ; 47 cm length or smaller and 7 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 architectural drawings of the head office of Levy Auto Wreckers. Floor plans, elevations, and sketches are included.

Physical Condition

Drawings are fragile, one is torn in half.

Related Material

See File 49-3-27 for plans of a branch office at 464 Queen Street East.

See File 49-5-10 for plans of stores for Mr. A. Levy on St. Clair Avenue that were designed by E. Telfer Arnoldi.

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

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

52

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1933

Physical Description

4 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper, 1 hand col. pencil crayon ; 40 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

The Colonial Theatre was established in 1919 and occupied the main floor of the Franklin Building, across the street from Old Toronto City Hall. It was owned an operated by Henry Franklin. The theatre was later renamed the Bay Theatre and closed in 1965. The building itself was torn down shortly thereafter. The site is currently occupied by the Simpson Building.

Scope and Content

File consists of plans of the balcony, gallery, lobby and foyer.

Physical Condition

Poor condition, plans badly torn.

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

17

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca. 1925]

Physical Description

1 architectural drawing : pencil and hand col. pastel on verso of blueprint ; 47 cm length and 3 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

Mrs. Celia Cherry was the wife of Isadore Cherry, who was the owner of several ladies clothing shops along Dundas and Bloor. Mrs. Cherry died in 1927, aged 39.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of Cherry's clothing store at 1014 Bloor St. West. Contained within are a floor plan and a high quality pastel drawing of the front exterior, on the back of a previously used blueprint.

Repro Restriction

Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.

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

25

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1919-1920

Physical Description

56 architectural drawings : 13 pen on linen weave, 1 blueprint, 42 pencil, some on tracing paper ; 74 cm length or smaller

Admin History/Bio

Mr. Mendel Granatstein was a prominent member of one of the early Jewish families of Toronto. In 1895, he founded M. Granatstein and Sons, Ltd., a junk dealing company, and by the early 20th century, he had become one of the most prosperous Jews in Toronto. Mr. Granatstein was also a community leader, having a hand in the foundation of Beth Jacob Synagogue.

In 1919, Mr. Granatstein commissioned Benjamin Brown and Robert McConnell to design a three storey Classical Georgian style house located at 42 St. George Street. This house also contained a retractable roof used on Sukkoth. In 1947, the house was acquired by the University of Toronto and was used for a variety of purposes until it was demolished in 1999. The Bahen Centre for Information Technology now stands in its place.

Scope and Content

File contains architectural drawings of the three storey, six bedroom mansion of Mr. Mendal Granatstein at 42 St. George Street. In addition to the bedrooms, the house contained a sunroom, a study, an enclosed porch, a large living room and a large dining room. Servants' quarters were located in the attic. Floor plans, sections, elevation drawings and drawings of alterations to the porch design are also included.

Notes

Drawings are located in two rolls, one containing the linen weave drawings, which are in good condition and the other containing the remainder, which are in very poor condition. Due to the fragility of these drawings, the description is partially based on the item level descriptions of Steve Speisman.

Repro Restriction

Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.

Physical Condition

Many drawings are torn and in poor condition.

Places

Saint George Street (Toronto, Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

• 

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

103

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca.1935]

Physical Description

3 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 67 cm length or smaller and 6 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of a two storey banana warehouse for Mr. Pasquale Meschino on St. Clair Avenue. Floor plans, sections, elevation drawings and a roof plan are included.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

49

Material Format

architectural drawing

graphic material

Date

1929

Physical Description

10 architectural and technical drawings : 1 blueprint, 9 pencil, 1 hand col. pencil crayon, 1 on tracing paper ; 55 cm length or smaller and 7 cm diam

1 photograph : b&w ; 25 x 20 cm

Admin History/Bio

Cumberland Hall was built in the late nineteenth century. In the late 1920s, the first floor was renovated by Benjamin Brown. At that time, the building was home to Uptown Cleaners and Dyers, Rosedale Sweets Tea Rooms and the Canadian Brotherhood of Chauffeurs. The building was torn down and replaced by a large commercial building around 1967.

Scope and Content

File contains architectural drawings of alterations to the first floor of Cumberland Hall at 824 Yonge Street for University Investments Limited. Floor plans, elevation drawings and technical drawings of structural elements of the building are included. A photograph of the building exterior is also included.

Related Material

See File 49-3-101 for architectural drawings of a store and office building at the N.E. corner of College and Spadina for University Investments Limited.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

79

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1937

Physical Description

7 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 76 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of two attached, two storey buildings for Mr. Bebell at 2014-2016 Yonge Street. The building contained a fur storage vault, several stores and several apartment suites. Floor plans, sections, elevations and a block plan are included.

Related Material

See File 49-3-74 for architectural drawings of a building at Avenue Road and Bernard Avenue for Mr. Bebell.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

3

Material Format

architectural drawing

textual record

Date

[ca.1935]

Physical Description

9 architectural drawings : 6 blueprints, 3 pencil ; 44 cm length or smaller and 6 cm diam.

1 folder of textual records

Admin History/Bio

Joseph and Abraham Lewis were the joint owners of the Dominion Printing Company, whose head office was at 259 Spadina Avenue.

Scope and Content

File contains architectural drawings of a two storey residence being converted into a single storey printing facility at 92 McCaul St. for Mr. Joseph Lewis. Several floor plans, sections, and elevation drawings are contained within. Also included is a fourteen page specification booklet detailing the work to be done on the building.

Name Access

Lewis, Joseph

Places

McCaul Street (Toronto, Ont.)

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

47

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1935

Physical Description

1 architectural drawing : pencil ; 64 cm length and 5 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of proposed alterations to a three storey hotel for Mr. E. Orlando at 636-638 Danforth Avenue. Floor plans and elevations are included.

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

44

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1917

Physical Description

11 architectural drawings : 4 ink on linen weave, 7 pencil on tracing paper ; 64 cm length or smaller and 7 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 for alterations and additions to a three storey building located at 50 Arthur Street for Mr. Mooney Mirochnick. The first storey included two stores, one of which was Mr. Mirochnick's drugstore. The second and third stories each contained one large residential suite. Floor plans and elevation drawings 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 49-3-45 for drawings of the garage of the Arthur Street building.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

98

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca.1925]

Physical Description

1 architectural drawing : pencil and hand col. pencil crayon on cardboard ; 29 x 27 cm

Scope and Content

File consists of a high quality colour sketch of the exterior of "Singer's" which sold cigars, tobacco, books and magazines.

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

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

78

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1935

Physical Description

4 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 74 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of a two storey building housing stores and apartments at the N.W. corner of Spadina Road and Montclair Avenue. The first floor contained three stores and a two bedroom suite, and the second floor contained two, one bedroom and two, two bedroom suites. Elevations, floor plans, detailing and sections are included.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

42

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca.1925]

Physical Description

2 architectural drawings : blueprints ; 54 cm length or smaller and 3 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

John H. McKnight had an office at 600 Bay Street, in the same building as Benjamin Brown.

Scope and Content

File consists of floor plans and elevation drawings.

Related Material

See File 49-3-9 for architectural drawings of a gasoline service station for Mr. John H. McKnight.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

96

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca.1930]

Physical Description

19 architectural drawings : 4 blueprints, 15 pencil on tracing paper, some hand col., pencil crayon ; 78 cm length or smaller and 10 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of several schemes for an apartment building with stores located on the ground floor, at 5 Manor Road West. Among the drawings are plans for a five storey apartment by architect W.J. Miller at the Yonge and Manor location. Elevation drawings, floor plans, sections and a lot plan are included.

Notes

Formerly listed as Commission VII.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

54

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1926

Physical Description

22 architectural drawings : 12 blueprints, 10 pencil on tracing paper, 1 hand col. pencil crayon ; 55 cm length or smaller and 10 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of a six storey apartment building designed in the Art Deco style. Elevations, floor plans and a block plan are included.

Notes

Formerly listed as Commission V.

Physical Condition

Tracing paper is torn and fragile.

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

Jewish community building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

1

File

9

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca.1921]

Physical Description

1 architectural drawing : pencil and hand col. pencil crayon on cardboard ; 42 x 54 cm

Admin History/Bio

Originally named the Cosmopolitan Club, the Primrose Club was as an elite Jewish men's club (women were allowed to join in later years) that was founded in 1909 by prominent members of the Jewish Community. The building housing the club was located at 41 Willcocks Street, and was originally built in the 1880s as the residence of the Campbell family. In 1921, the home was redesigned by Benjamin Brown and Robert McConnell as the new home of the Primrose Club. In 1959, it was appropriated by the University of Toronto and is currently the home of the University of Toronto Faculty Club. It was designated as a heritage building in 1980.

Scope and Content

File consists of an elevation drawing of the Primrose Club at 41 Willcocks Street.

Notes

See - http://magazine.utoronto.ca/feature/history-of-faculty-club-u-of-t/ - for a more detailed history of the building.

Name Access

Primrose Club (Toronto, Ont.)

Subjects

Clubs

Places

Willcocks Street (Toronto, Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

88

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1921-1924

Physical Description

44 architectural drawings : 4 blueprints, 40 pencil on tracing paper ; 81 cm length or smaller and 7 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

Dr. Max Kates was a Jewish dentist, his office was located at 218 1/2 Queen Street West. He was married to Lillian Kates, who was the founder of Camp Arowhon. They had two children, Eugene and Shyrle.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of a two storey building containing stores for Dr. Max Kates at Dundas and Elizabeth Streets. Sections, elevations, detailing, floor plans, a block plan and a roof plan are included. An early perspective drawing shows the building designed as three-storeys instead of the built two-storey structure.

Notes

Due to the fragility of these drawings, the description is partially based on the item level descriptions created by Steve Speisman.

Access Restriction

Closed. Records are closed for conservation reasons.

Repro Restriction

Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.

Physical Condition

Material is fragile.

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

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

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

91

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1923-1924

Physical Description

65 architectural and technical drawings : 7 blueprints, 58 pencil, some hand col., pencil crayon and watercolour, some on tracing paper ; 86 cm length or smaller

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 and a public garage at 287 Spadina Avenue. After the brothers died, the family sold the woollens business and invested in real estate.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural and technical drawings of a large seven storey building at 205 Richmond Street West, commissioned for the Gelber Brothers. It does not appear that the Gelber Brothers ever used the building for their own operations, but rather, leased it out to other garment manufacturers. Elevations, sections, a roof plan, floor plans, a block plan and detailing of the entrance are included. Also included are technical drawings of structural elements of the building as well as schedules for the construction of the building.

Notes

Due to the fragility of these drawings, the description is partially based on the item level descriptions compiled by Steve Speisman. Drawings are located in two separate rolls.

This building was previously erroneously identified as the Gelber Building at 217-225 Richmond Street West.

Physical Condition

Some drawings are fragile and torn.

Related Material

See File 49-3-90 for the architectural drawings of a woollens warehouse for the Gelber Brothers at 355-359 Adelaide Street West.

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 49-3-68 for architectural drawings of a public garage at 287 Spadina Avenue for the Gelber Brothers.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

16

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1936

Physical Description

3 architectural drawings : pencil and hand col., watercolour, on verso of blueprints ; 38 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of three high quality drawings of the interior and exterior of "My Valet", a single storey clothing store located at 1492 1/2 Bathurst Street for Mr. C. W. Fountain.

Repro Restriction

Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.

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

32

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1934

Physical Description

6 architectural drawings : 2 blueprints, 4 pencil on tracing paper, 1 hand col. pencil crayon ; 73 cm length or smaller and 6 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

The Balfour Building is a Toronto landmark and designated heritage building that is located at 119 Spadina Avenue. It was designed by Benjamin Brown and was one of his most important commissions. Built in 1930, the building is twelve storeys high and is crowned by a two storey tower. It is considered one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in Toronto. The Balfour Building was declared a heritage building by order of City Council in July of 1989. It currently houses offices for several graphic design and advertising firms, shops and a post office.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of additions and alterations to two stores located in a single storey Annex to the Balfour Building, at 125 Spadina Avenue. One of the stores was Shiffer-Hillman Men's Clothing Manufacturing, owned by Elsig Shiffer and Benjamin Hillman. The other store was the Blue Bird Dress Company, owned by Mr. Sam Lichtman. Floor plans, elevations, a block plan, a foundation plan, and a sketch of the storefront are also included.

Physical Condition

Material is slightly torn and fragile.

Related Material

See File 49-3-34 for alterations to Lazar's restaurant in the Balfour Annex at 125 Spadina.

See File 49-3-105 for architectural drawings of the Balfour Building itself.

Places

Spadina Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Residential building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

2

File

3

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca. 1933]

Physical Description

6 architectural drawings : 5 blueprints, 1 pencil on tracing paper ; 45 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 four bedroom, two storey home, and a garage for Mr. Morris Spring. The residence was located at 43 Hillcrest Drive. Floor plans, foundation plans and elevation drawings are included.

Notes

Numbers 31 and 106 in Speisman's finding aid have been merged into this project.

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 19 Austin Crescent.

Places

Hillcrest Drive (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

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

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

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

101

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1930

Physical Description

57 architectural and technical drawings : 5 blueprints, 51 pencil, some on tracing paper ; 94 cm length or smaller

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural and technical drawings of a two storey, store and office building at the northeast corner of College and Spadina for University Investments Limited. Floor plans, elevations, sections, framing plans, detailing and building sketches are included. Also included are technical drawings of structural elements of the building.

Notes

Due to the fragility of some of these drawings, the description and extent are partially based on Speisman's earlier item level descriptions. The drawings are contained in two rolls.

Formerly listed as Commission III and XII.

Speisman's original finding aid notes Nelson and Tanz Furriers, 600 Bay St. as a connection to this commission.

Physical Condition

Some drawings are torn and fragile.

Related Material

See File 49-3-49 for architectural drawings of alterations to stores at Cumberland Hall located at 824 Yonge St. for University Investments Limited.

Source

Archival Descriptions