Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 61
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
61
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
1934
Physical Description
2 architectural drawings : pencil and hand col. pencil crayon on tracing paper ; 39 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
Scope and Content
File consists of floor plans for a proposed two storey hotel located at 276 Spadina Avenue.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 66
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
66
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
1930
Physical Description
2 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper, 1 hand col., pencil crayon ; 68 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
Scope and Content
File consists of architectural drawings of alterations to three attached buildings at 76-80 Spadina Avenue for Mr. D. L. Smith. Each building was two stories and housed a store on the ground floor. Elevations, sections, floor plans and a foundation plan are included.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 47
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
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 34
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
34
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
1934
Physical Description
6 architectural drawings : 1 blueprint, 3 pencil, 1 hand col. pastel, 2 on verso of blueprints, pencil and hand col. watercolour ; 35 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
Admin History/Bio
Lazar Levinson was the owner of two Jewish restaurants in downtown Toronto. The original restaurant, named Lazar’s "Old Spain" restaurant and delicatessen specialized in catering, and was located at 128-130 Queen Street West. In the 1930s, a second restaurant was established in an Annex to the Balfour Building at 125 Spadina Avenue.
Scope and Content
File consists of architectural drawings of additions and alterations to Lazar's restaurant, located in a single storey Annex to the Balfour Building at 125 Spadina Avenue. Floor plans and elevations are included.
Physical Condition
Material is fragile, slightly torn.
Related Material
See File 49-3-32 for alterations to Balfour Annex stores for Messrs. Shiffer, Hillman and Lichtman.
See File 49-3-105 for architectural drawings of the Balfour Building and for a description of the building.
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 86
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
86
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
1934
Physical Description
4 architectural drawings : 1 blueprint, 3 pencil on tracing paper ; 50 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
Scope and Content
File consists of floor plans, a section, and elevation drawings of a six bedroom, two storey hotel for Mr. C. Calarco at 111-113 Elm Street. Plans for a new beverage room are also included.
Notes
Floor plans of a house are on the verso of the blueprint.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 4
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
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 75
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
75
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
1919-1924
Physical Description
20 architectural drawings : 7 blueprints, 13 pencil, some on tracing paper ; 45 cm length or smaller and 8 cm diam.
Admin History/Bio
The Mavety Theatre was located at 215 Mavety Street, which is near the intersection of Dundas and Keele. In 1919, Joe Nevin created plans to convert the theatre into a cinema. In 1924, Benjamin Brown was commissioned by Mr. R. Thornton to make alterations to the theatre. It is unknown if these plans were implemented. The theatre was the site of several political rallies promoting workers' rights in the 1920s.
Scope and Content
File consists of architectural drawings of alterations to the Mavety Theatre. In addition to Benjamin Brown's drawings, file also includes proposed plans to convert the theatre into a cinema drawn by architect Joe Nevin. Floor plans, sections, detailing and elevation drawings are included.
Notes
Due to the poor condition of these drawings, the description is partially based on the item level descriptions created by Steve Speisman.
Name Access
Mavety Theatre
Thornton, R.
Access Restriction
Closed. Records are closed for conservation reasons.
Physical Condition
Material is fragile and badly torn.
Related Material
See File 49-5-11 for architectural plans designed by Herbert G. Duerr of a theatre on Kingston Road.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 55
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
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 72
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
72
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
[ca.1940]
Physical Description
5 architectural drawings : 2 blueprints, 3 pencil on tracing paper ; 78 cm length or smaller and 6 cm diam.
Admin History/Bio
The Jolly Miller Hotel is a designated heritage building that was built in the late 1850s by the Hogg family. It is currently known as the Miller Tavern.
Scope and Content
File consists of architectural drawings of additions and alterations to the two storey Jolly Miller Hotel at 3885 Yonge Street. Elevation drawings, sections, floor plans and a foundation plan are included.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Residential building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 2; File 16
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
Residential building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 2; File 21
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
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 89
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
89
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
[ca. 1945]
Physical Description
1 architectural drawing : pencil on tracing paper ; 109 cm length and 7 cm diam.
Scope and Content
File consists of a floor plan for a proposed addition to the Genosha Hotel at King and Mary Streets in Oshawa, Ontario. Additions include a powder room, smoking room and two large beverage rooms for ladies and men respectively.
Notes
Due to the fragility of these drawings, the description is partially based on the item level descriptions created by Steve Speisman.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 52
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
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 60
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
60
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
1920
Physical Description
7 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 58 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.
Scope and Content
File consists of floor plans, sections and elevation drawings of proposed additions and alterations to a single storey building on Simcoe Street for Mr. H. Goldstein.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 32
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
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 94
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
94
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
1923-1926
Physical Description
66 architectural drawings : 16 blueprints, 50 pencil on tracing paper ; 79 cm length or smaller
Admin History/Bio
The Empire Clothing Company, co-owned by Mr. William Leibel and Mr. A. M. Schiffer, manufactured men's clothing and sold it wholesale. Leibel and Schiffer were also close neighbors, living only a few houses apart. The headquarters of Empire Clothing was located at 197/199 Spadina Avenue.
Scope and Content
File consists of architectural drawings for additions and alterations to the office headquarters of the Empire Clothing Company at 197/199 Spadina Avenue. Elevations, detailing, sections, floor plans and a roof plan are included. Also included are the drawings for the original factory, completed by Brown in 1923.
Notes
Due to the fragility of these drawings, the description and extent are partially based on Speisman's earlier item level descriptions. The drawings are contained in two rolls.
ACCESS RESTRICTION NOTE: Researchers wishing to access interior drawings must be granted written permission by the property owner.
Access Restriction
Partially closed. Researchers must receive permission from the OJA director prior to accessing some of the records.
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 and torn.
Related Material
See File 49-2-4 for plans of private garage for Mr. A. M. Schiffer.
See File 49-2-6 for plans of alterations to home of Mr. William Leibel.
See File 49-3-69 for plans of a building for Empire Clothing at Spadina Avenue and Adelaide Street.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Men's Clothing Manufacturers' Association of Ontario fonds
Seminars series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 31; Series 12; File 1
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Men's Clothing Manufacturers' Association of Ontario fonds
Seminars series
Level
File
Fonds
31
Series
12
File
1
Material Format
graphic material
Date
May 1973
Physical Description
67 photographs : b&w (29 negatives and 3 contact sheets) ; 21 x 26 cm or smaller
Accession Number
2008-12-4
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
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 21
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
21
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
1948
Physical Description
1 architectural drawing : pencil and hand col. pencil crayon on tracing paper ; 52 cm length and 5 cm diam.
Admin History/Bio
Originally known as the Bedford, the Park Theatre was designed in 1929 by Murray Brown. It was renovated and renamed the Park in 1948. Located at 3291 Yonge Street, the building currently functions as a pet food store.
Scope and Content
File consists of designs of the 1948 renovations to the Park Theatre. A floor plan and a sketch of the stage area are included.
Related Material
See File 49-5-11 for architectural plans designed by Herbert G. Duerr of a theatre on Kingston Road.
Places
Yonge 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 50
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
Residential building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 2; File 9
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Residential building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
2
File
9
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
[ca.1930]
Physical Description
4 architectural drawings : 1 blueprint, 3 pencil, 1 hand col., watercolour, 2 on tracing paper ; 56 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
Scope and Content
File consists of plans of a four bedroom, two storey duplex for Wells Brothers. Elevation drawings and floor plans are included. It is unknown whether this building was completed.
Physical Condition
One drawing on tracing paper is torn.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 74
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
74
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
1937
Physical Description
14 architectural drawings : pencil, some hand col., pencil crayon on tracing paper ; 45 cm length or smaller and 8 cm diam.
Admin History/Bio
William F. Bebell was the manager of the British-American Coal and Coke Company which was located at 143 St. Leonards Avenue.
Scope and Content
File consists of architectural drawings of a two storey building at the corner of Avenue Road and Bernard Avenue for Mr. William F. Bebell. Among the drawings are floor plans of several different layouts for the building, containing various arrangements of apartments, offices and stores. Detailing, sections, and elevation drawings are also included.
Related Material
See File 49-3-79 for stores and apartments for Mr. Bebell at 2014-2016 Yonge Street.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Men's Clothing Manufacturers' Association of Ontario fonds
Seminars series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 31; Series 12; File 8
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Men's Clothing Manufacturers' Association of Ontario fonds
Seminars series
Level
File
Fonds
31
Series
12
File
8
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[197-]
Physical Description
70 photographs : b&w (6 contact sheets) ; 21 x 26 cm
Accession Number
2008-12-4
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 39
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
39
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
[ca. 1930]
Physical Description
3 architectural drawings : pencil, 1 on tracing paper ; 50 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
Scope and Content
File consists of a ground floor plan, front elevation and a longitudinal section of a proposed three storey apartment building at 4 Spadina Road.
Places
Spadina Road (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 23
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
23
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
1934
Physical Description
2 architectural drawings : 1 blueprint, 1 pencil on tracing paper ; 44 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
Scope and Content
File consists of architectural drawings of a single storey factory building for Diamond Cleanser & Soaps, Ltd., located on Van Horne Street. Floor plans and elevation drawings are included.
Places
Van Horne Street (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Residential building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 2; File 19
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
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
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 78
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
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 22
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
22
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
[ca. 1935]
Physical Description
1 architectural drawing : pencil and hand col. pencil crayon on tracing paper ; 53 cm length and 4 cm diam.
Scope and Content
File consists of floor plans of a three storey rooming house at 1077 College Street.
Physical Condition
Material is fragile.
Places
College Street (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Residential building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 2; File 7
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
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 40
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
40
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
[ca. 1930]
Physical Description
2 architectural drawings : 1 pencil and hand col. pencil crayon on verso of blueprint, 1 pencil on tracing paper ; 63 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.
Scope and Content
File consists of architectural drawings of alterations to The Spadina Building for Mr. H. Greisman. Floor plans and an elevation drawing are included.
Notes
One drawing is located on the verso of a discarded blueprint of a building for Power Investments Ltd. on 55 Charles St. West.
Places
Charles Street West (Toronto, Ont.)
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 63
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
63
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
1936
Physical Description
9 architectural and technical drawings : 2 blueprints, 6 pencil on tracing paper, 1 on verso of blueprint ; 51 cm length and 7 cm diam.
Admin History/Bio
The Hermant Building, located at 21 Dundas Square is a designated heritage building that is actually composed of two connected office buildings and an annex. The 9 storey western building was designed by architects Bond and Smith in 1913. The 6 storey Hermant Annex and 14 storey eastern tower were designed by Benjamin Brown in 1920 and 1930 respectively. The building is named after Percy Hermant and served as the headquarters of his company, Imperial Optical, which for a time was the largest prescription lens business in the British Commonwealth. The buildings were designated as heritage buildings in 1990.
Scope and Content
File consists of architectural drawings of an alteration to the ground floor of the Hermant Building at 21 Dundas Square. Elevations, floor plans, a block plan and technical drawings of structural elements of the building are included.
Notes
Benjamin Brown's office was located in the Hermant Building in the 1940s; at the time he created these architectural plans his office was located on Bay Street.
Related Material
See File 49-3-97 for the architectural drawings of the Hermant Building.
See File 49-3-106 for the architectural drawings of the Hermant Annex.
See File 49-3-100 for architectural drawings of Montgomery's Tavern, located on the ground floor of the Hermant Building.
See File 49-3-37 for the architectural plans of a proposed storage building located at 179 Ontario Street and a biography of Percy Hermant.
See File 49-3-58 for the architectural drawings of a factory for Imperial Optical at 270 Ontario Street.
See File 49-3-93 for the architectural drawings of a factory for Imperial Optical at the S.W. corner of Dundas and Ontario Streets.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Residential building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 2; File 28
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Residential building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
2
File
28
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
[ca.1924]
Physical Description
1 architectural drawing : pencil and hand col. watercolour on cardboard ; 38 x 51 cm
Scope and Content
File consists of a high quality colour drawing of three, two storey houses for the New York Dress Company.
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
Reference materials series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 5; File 12
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Reference materials series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
5
File
12
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
1932
Physical Description
8 architectural drawings : blueprints ; 55 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.
Scope and Content
File consists of floor plans and an elevation.
Notes
Building was designed by Kaplan and Sprachman.
Related Material
See File 49-3-85 for additions and alterations to this building.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 95
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
95
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
[ca.1935]
Physical Description
6 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper, some hand col., pencil crayon ; 68 cm length or smaller
Scope and Content
File consists of architectural drawings of a three storey office building containing a Bank of Nova Scotia and several stores at 292 Spadina Avenue. Floor plans and elevations are included.
Notes
Drawings are located in two separate rolls.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 105
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
105
Material Format
architectural drawing
graphic material
Date
1929-1930
Physical Description
41 architectural and technical drawings : some pencil, some blueprints ; 81 cm length or smaller and 9 cm diam.
1 photograph : b&w ; 38 x 30 cm
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 crowned by a two storey tower. It is considered one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in Toronto. Initially, many Jewish garment businesses were located in the building. It currently houses offices for several graphic design and advertising firms, shops and a post office. The Balfour Building was declared a heritage building by order of City Council in July of 1989.
Scope and Content
File consists of architectural and technical drawings of the Balfour Building. Floor plans, a roof plan, detailing, sections, elevations, electrical plans and drawings of the entrance are included. Also included is a photograph of the exterior in the early 1930s.
Notes
Photograph is mounted on cardboard and encased in Melinex.
Due to the fragility of this material, the description and extent are partially based on Steven Speisman's item level descriptions.
Repro Restriction
Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
Related Material
See photo 3308 for a copy print of the Balour building photograph in this file.
See File 49-3-34 for alterations to Lazar's restaurant in the Balfour Annex at 125 Spadina and File 49-3-32 for alterations to Balfour Annex stores for Messrs. Shiffer, Hillman and Lichtman.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Reference materials series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 5; File 10
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
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 30
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
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 25
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
25
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
1949
Physical Description
3 architectural drawings : 2 blueprints, 1 pencil and hand col. pencil crayon on tracing paper ; 19 x 30 cm (folded)
Admin History/Bio
The Imperial Bank of Canada, which was founded in 1875, became one of the primary banking establishments in Canada. The bank underwent several mergers during its history. It merged with the Niagara District Bank in 1875, the Weyburn Security Bank in 1931, and Barclays Bank in 1956. The bank finally merged with the Canadian Bank of Commerce in 1961 to form the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.
Scope and Content
File contains floor plans for proposed alterations to a branch office of the Imperial Bank of Canada at 21 Dundas Square.
Physical Condition
Some rust on blueprints.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 41
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
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 56
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
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 87
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
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 68
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
Residential building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 2; File 26
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Residential building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
2
File
26
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
1921
Physical Description
1 architectural drawing : pencil and hand col. watercolour on cardboard ; 44 x 48 cm
Admin History/Bio
Mr. Mandel Mehr was the owner of Mehr Scrap Iron and Metals.
Scope and Content
File consists of a watercolour drawing of the exterior of a house for Mr. Mandel Mehr.
Places
Lyndhurst 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 12
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
12
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
1934
Physical Description
1 architectural drawing : pencil and hand col. pencil crayon on tracing paper ; 44 cm length and 4 cm diam.
Scope and Content
File consists of architectural drawings of a two storey building that was converted into a hotel, situated at 628-632 Bloor St. West. Floor plans and an elevation drawing are included.
Notes
Formerly listed as Commission XXVI.
Physical Condition
Material is fragile.
Places
Bloor Street West (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 14
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
14
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
1934
Physical Description
1 architectural drawing : pencil on tracing paper ; 54 cm length and 5 cm diam.
Scope and Content
File consists of architectural drawings of "The Alps" restaurant at 2872 Dundas Street West. Included are two elevation drawings and a floor plan on a single sheet.
Physical Condition
Drawings are fragile and torn.
Places
Dundas Street West (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Residential building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 2; File 17
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
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 103
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