Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Administration Committee series
Correspondence sub-series
Level
Sub-series
ID
Fonds 67; Series 8-3
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Administration Committee series
Correspondence sub-series
Level
Sub-series
Fonds
67
Series
8-3
Material Format
textual record
Date
1952-1971
Physical Description
8 cm of textual records
Scope and Content
Sub-series consists of correspondence to and from the Administration Committee about such issues as job descriptions, office space, and community statistics.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Administration Committee series
Correspondence sub-series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 67; Series 8-3; File 1
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Administration Committee series
Correspondence sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
8-3
File
1
Material Format
textual record
Date
1952
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence to and from the Administration Committee.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Administration Committee series
Correspondence sub-series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 67; Series 8-3; File 2
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Administration Committee series
Correspondence sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
8-3
File
2
Material Format
textual record
Date
1953
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence to and from the Administration Committee.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Administration Committee series
Correspondence sub-series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 67; Series 8-3; File 3
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
United Jewish Welfare Fund fonds
Administration Committee series
Correspondence sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
67
Series
8-3
File
3
Material Format
textual record
Date
1965-1969
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence to and from the Administration Committee.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 205
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
205
Material Format
textual record
Date
1949-1953
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 206
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
206
Material Format
textual record
Date
1949-1953
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 210
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
210
Material Format
textual record
Date
1949-1961
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 213
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
213
Material Format
textual record
Date
1949-1968
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 217
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
217
Material Format
textual record
Date
1949-1961
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 218
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
218
Material Format
textual record
Date
1949-1961
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 216
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
216
Material Format
textual record
Date
1949-1953
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 214
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
214
Material Format
textual record
Date
1950-1953
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Name Access
Goel Tzedec Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 215
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
215
Material Format
textual record
Date
1950-1953
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Name Access
Goel Tzedec Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 219
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
219
Material Format
textual record
Date
1949-1953
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 222
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
222
Material Format
textual record
Date
1950-1953
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 223
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
223
Material Format
textual record
Date
1949-1953
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 224
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
224
Material Format
textual record
Date
1949-1953
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 207
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
207
Material Format
textual record
Date
1958-1959
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 208
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
208
Material Format
textual record
Date
1958-1959
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 209
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
209
Material Format
textual record
Date
1955
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 212
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
212
Material Format
textual record
Date
1956-1962
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 211
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
211
Material Format
textual record
Date
1961-1965
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Name Access
Beach Hebrew Institute (Toronto, Ont.)
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 220
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
220
Material Format
textual record
Date
1949-1953
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 221
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
221
Material Format
textual record
Date
1949-1950
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 225
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
225
Material Format
textual record
Date
1952-1957
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 226
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
226
Material Format
textual record
Date
1953-1973
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Name Access
Adath Israel Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 227
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
227
Material Format
textual record
Date
1953-1973
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Name Access
Adath Israel Congregation (Toronto, Ont.)
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 228
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
228
Material Format
textual record
Date
1957-1970
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 229
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
229
Material Format
textual record
Date
1957-1970
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 230
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
230
Material Format
textual record
Date
1957-1968
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Subjects
Habad
Yeshivas
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 231
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
231
Material Format
textual record
Date
1959-1972
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Name Access
Temple Sinai Congregation of Toronto
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 232
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
232
Material Format
textual record
Date
1968-1973
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 233
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
233
Material Format
textual record
Date
1972-1975
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 234
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
234
Material Format
textual record
Date
1975-1976
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 5; File 235
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
School files series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
5
File
235
Material Format
textual record
Date
1976-1977
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Level
Fonds
ID
Fonds 49
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Level
Fonds
Fonds
49
Material Format
multiple media
Date
1902-1949
Physical Description
ca. 1500 architectural and technical drawings
6 photographs : b&w ; 38 x 30 cm or smaller
16 cm of textual records
Admin History/Bio
Benjamin Brown (ca. 1888-1974) was the first practicing Jewish architect in Toronto. Born in what is now Lithuania, he arrived in Toronto at an early age and soon after, quit school to take a job in a garment manufacturing factory to help out his impoverished family. Not finding this career to his liking, Brown enrolled in the Ontario School of Art and Design with the intention of becoming an artist. When this profession proved financially unfeasible, Brown decided to pursue a career in architecture. After completing his high school equivalency, he enrolled in the University of Toronto architectural program, graduating in 1913. Soon after, Brown opened up a practice with fellow architect Robert McConnell, which lasted until the early 1920s. After the partnership ended, Brown set up an independent practice, which he maintained until his retirement in 1955.
Scope and Content
The fonds documents Brown’s design work and renovations of existing buildings through his original drawings, renderings, and building blueprints. The fonds consists of approximately 1500 drawings that are organized into about 150 projects. These projects include single-family residences, apartment buildings, commercial and industrial buildings, as well as synagogue and other community buildings. Many of Brown's buildings were designed in the Art Deco style, with some containing Georgian, Craftsman, Colonial Revival, Tudor and Romanesque elements.
Brown's most important commissions include the Beth Jacob Synagogue located on Henry Street, which was one the largest synagogues in Toronto, and the Balfour Building, an office tower built in the Art Deco style. The designs of Mendel Granatstein’s mansion, which contained a retractable roof for Sukkoth, and a colour sketch of the Primrose Club, which is currently the University of Toronto Faculty Club, may also be of interest to researchers. The fonds also includes some of Brown's files containing articles and illustrations from architecture and design journals of the early twentieth century, which he used as a resource to assist him with his work.
Fonds includes six photographs, one of the Balfour Building, one of Cumberland Hall, and four of Brown as a young man.
Notes
Architectural plans of a lead mine in Burnt River Ontario have been sent to the Kawartha Lakes Archives.
Name Access
Brown, Benjamin, 1890-1974
Subjects
Architects
Creator
Brown, Benjamin, 1890-1974
Accession Number
1975
1987-9-3
1989-10-6
2004-5-109
2004-5-139
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Jewish community building plans and drawings series
Level
Series
ID
Fonds 49; Series 1
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
Level
Item
ID
Fonds 49; Series 4
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Level
Item
Fonds
49
Series
4
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
Dec.12, 1910
Physical Description
1 architectural drawings : pencil on cardboard ; 29 cm x 40 cm
Scope and Content
Item consists of a detailed elevation drawing of a public library. Benjamin Brown completed this drawing during his time as a student at the University of Toronto.
Subjects
Libraries
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Jewish community building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 1; File 2
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
Jewish community building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 1; File 3
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Jewish community building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
1
File
3
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
[ca. 1922]
Physical Description
1 architectural drawing : pencil and hand col., watercolour, on cardboard backed paper ; 90 x 73 cm
Admin History/Bio
The Brunswick Avenue Talmud Torah Day School was established in 1907 and was originally situated on Simcoe Avenue. In 1922 the school received a charter from the Province of Ontario and relocated to Brunswick Avenue the same year. The new school opened in 1925 as a non-denominational afternoon school. It was the precursor to the Associated Hebrew Schools of Toronto.
Scope and Content
File consists of one drawing of the exterior of the Brunswick Avenue Talmud Torah.
Repro Restriction
Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
Related Material
See File 49-5-13 for plans of the Yorkville Talmud Torah Day School in New York, designed by Benjamin W. Levitan.
Places
Brunswick Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Jewish community building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 1; File 4
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Jewish community building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
1
File
4
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
[ca. 1924]
Physical Description
9 architectural drawings : pencil, 6 hand col. pastel, 7 on tracing paper ; 36 x 50 cm or smaller
Admin History/Bio
The Brunswick Avenue Talmud Torah Day School was established in 1907 and was originally situated on Simcoe Avenue. In 1922 the school received a charter from the Province of Ontario and relocated to Brunswick Avenue the same year. The new school opened in 1925 as a non-denominational afternoon school. It was the precursor to the Associated Hebrew Schools of Toronto.
Scope and Content
File consists of Benjamin Brown's designs for the Brunswick Avenue Talmud Torah. Contained within are sketches of various entrances and frontages for the Brusnwick Avenue Talmud Torah. Designs of the Ark are also included.
Physical Condition
Drawings are fragile, several are torn.
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Jewish community building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 1; File 5
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Jewish community building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
1
File
5
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
1920
Physical Description
6 architectural drawings : 1 pen on linen weave and 5 pencil ; 54 x 54 cm or smaller
Scope and Content
File consists of Benjamin Brown's designs for a proposed synagogue. 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. Included are floor plans, sections, and a rough sketch of the exterior.
Subjects
Synagogues
Physical Condition
Drawings are brittle and fragile. One drawing is badly torn.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Jewish community building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 1; File 6
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Jewish community building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
1
File
6
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
[ca. 1915]
Physical Description
2 architectural drawings : pencil and hand col., watercolour, 1 on cardboard backed paper ; 52 x 41 cm or smaller
Admin History/Bio
The Chevra Tehillim congregation was established in 1887 and held services at various locations until it moved to its permanent home at 69 McCaul Street in 1905. Around 1910, the congregation had the McCaul premises remodeled. The synagogue remained on McCaul Street until 1952, when it merged with Goel Tzedek to form the Beth Tzedek synagogue, currently Canada's largest. The Beth Tzedek synagogue is currently located on Bathurst Street. The McCaul Street premises was demolished in the late 1950s.
Scope and Content
File consists of two colour drawings of a proposed new Ark for the McCaul Street Synagogue. They were drawn by Benjamin Brown as a proposal for redesigning the Ark during the 1910s. According to an interview with Brown in 1973, this ark was his first commission after he opened his office at 600 Bay St.
Notes
It is possible that Item #16 is a design of the Ark for the Beach Hebrew Institute.
Subjects
Torah arks
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
ID
Fonds 49; Series 2
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
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3
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
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 1
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
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 2
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
2
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
[ca.1934]
Physical Description
5 architectural drawings : 1 blueprint, 4 pencil, 1 on tracing paper ; 48 cm length or smaller and 6 cm diam.
Admin History/Bio
Established in 1898, National Trust was a financial institution that managed the assets of trust funds and estates. It was headquartered at 20 King St. E., and merged with Scotiabank in 1997.
Scope and Content
File consists of floor plans, sections and elevation drawings of a two storey building for National Trust at 28 Atlantic Avenue.
Places
Atlantic Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 3
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
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 5
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
5
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
1929
Physical Description
8 architectural drawings : 1 blueprint, 7 pencil on tracing paper, some hand col. pencil crayon ; 44 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.
Admin History/Bio
Mr. Joseph Goldenberg was the owner of a dwelling and kosher restaurant located at 63 Elizabeth Street. After selling it in 1925, he purchased a new kosher restaurant at 275 Spadina Avenue. Alterations and additions to the restaurant were made in 1929 and 1934 respectively.
Scope and Content
File consists of several floor plans and elevation drawings.
Related Material
See File 49-3-84 for the architectural drawings of the 1934 alterations to Mr. Goldenberg's restaurant at 275 Spadina Avenue.
Places
Spadina Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 6
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