Part Of

Harold S. Kaplan fonds

Architectural projects series

Loew's Theatre (189 Yonge St., Toronto) sub-series

Level

Sub-series

Fonds

27

Series

1-1

Material Format

architectural drawing

textual record

Date

1913-1959

Physical Description

57 drawings : pencil on tracing paper, blueprints and other reproductions ; 72 x 114 cm or smaller

1 cm of textual records

Admin History/Bio

Built in 1913, Loew's Yonge Street Theatre and Winter Garden Theatre complex was the flagship of Marcus Loew's Canadian theatre chain. The theatres were designed by Thomas Lamb as a "double-decker" theatre, with the Winter Garden located seven-stories above the street-level Yonge Street Theatre. This was the only double-decker theatre built in Canada and one of less than a dozen built internationally. The design was considered economical in that it provided a greater amount of seating on a given piece of real estate while allowing the theatre operator to present the same daily show in two theatres. The shows included both vaudeville acts and silent movies.

In 1928, there was a major fire on the site and the Winter Garden Theatre was closed due to the decline in popularity of vaudeville. By 1930, the Yonge Street Theatre was solely a movie theatre, equipped for sound movies. Over the years it gradually fell into disrepair, but continued as a movie theatre until 1981. It was renamed the Elgin Theatre in 1978.

In 1981, the Elgin and Winter Garden were purchased by the Ontario Heritage Foundation, and in 1987 the foundation began a two and half year, $30 million restoration of the theatres. The theatres re-opened in Dec. 1989 exclusively for theatrical productions.

Scope and Content

Sub-series consists of seating plans, blueprints of structural details, and floor plans, sections and elevations for successive alterations (to the entrance, lobby, basement, etc.) of the theatre. The sub-series includes a copy of a city building permit dating from 1934 for renovations carried out by Loew's Theatres Engineering Division. Some of the blueprints date from the original construction of the theatre in 1913.

The sub-series is organized into 9 sub-sub-series, corresponding to project dates of 1913, 1919, 1934, 1939, 1949 (two projects), 1952, 1957 and 1959. The earliest materials, such as those from 1913 and 1919, were not created by Kaplan & Sprachman, but were no doubt used as reference materials for their work at the theatre.

Please note that the blueprints of structural details such as columns and roof reinforcing beams may apply to the theatre complex as a whole, including the Winter Garden Theatre.

Notes

Title is derived from the formal titles of the drawings.

Name Access

Lamb, Thomas

Elgin Theatre (Toronto)

Winter Garden Theatre (Toronto)

Subjects

Theaters

Physical Condition

Some drawings are torn & damaged.

Some are discoloured or damaged by deteriorating pressure-sensitive tape.

Places

Yonge Street (Toronto, Ont.)

Accession Number

2003-6-1

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harold S. Kaplan fonds

Architectural projects series

Loew's Theatre (189 Yonge St., Toronto) architectural plans and drawings sub-series

Columns, trusses and other support features sub-sub-series

Level

Sub-sub-series

Fonds

27

Series

1-1-1

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1913

Physical Description

20 drawings : blueprints ; 72 x 114 cm or smaller

Notes

Title is derived from the titles and contents of the drawings.

Drawings created by Canada Foundry Bridge Department (contract no. 6044).

Name Access

Elgin Theatre (Toronto)

Physical Condition

Blueprints are torn and in poor condition.

Accession Number

2003-6-1

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harold S. Kaplan fonds

Architectural projects series

Loew's Theatre (189 Yonge St., Toronto) architectural plans and drawings sub-series

Reinforcing diagrams sub-sub-series

Level

Sub-sub-series

Fonds

27

Series

1-1-2

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1919-1920

Physical Description

4 drawings : blueprints and brownline prints ; 46 x 62 and 46 x 60 cm

Notes

Original drawings were created by P.H. Secord & Sons, contractors, and E.H. Darling, consulting engineer.

Name Access

Elgin Theatre (Toronto)

Accession Number

2003-6-1

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harold S. Kaplan fonds

Architectural projects series

Loew's Theatre (189 Yonge St., Toronto) architectural plans and drawings sub-series

Alterations to lobby and new opening to main theatre mezzanine sub-sub-series

Level

Sub-sub-series

Fonds

27

Series

1-1-3

Material Format

architectural drawing

textual record

Date

1934

Physical Description

7 drawings : blueprints ; 71 x 84 cm and 38 x 81 cm

11 p

Scope and Content

Sub-sub-series consists of blueprints and building permits for alterations made for a new store in the lobby area at street level on Yonge Street. The building permit contains a detailed description of the work to be done. Includes a seating plan for the theatre.

Notes

Title is derived from the project description in the building permit.

Name Access

Elgin Theatre (Toronto)

Physical Condition

1 drawing, of theatre seating plan, is torn and in poor condition.

Accession Number

2003-6-1

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harold S. Kaplan fonds

Architectural projects series

Loew's Theatre (189 Yonge St., Toronto) sub-series

Loew's Theatre, Toronto : [floor plan of street-level entrance and lobby] sub-sub-series

Level

Sub-sub-series

Fonds

27

Series

1-1-4

Material Format

architectural drawing

Responsibility

Kaplan & Sprachman

Date

1939

Physical Description

1 drawing : pencil on tracing paper ; 46 x 106 cm

Notes

Title is derived from the formal titles of the drawings.

Project reference no. AU 1754.

Name Access

Elgin Theatre (Toronto)

Accession Number

2003-6-1

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harold S. Kaplan fonds

Architectural projects series

Loew's Theatre (189 Yonge St., Toronto) sub-series

Proposed alterations to store basement, 191 Yonge Street, Toronto, adjoining Loew's Theatre sub-sub-series

Level

Sub-sub-series

Fonds

27

Series

1-1-5

Material Format

architectural drawing

Responsibility

Kaplan & Sprachman

Date

1949

Physical Description

3 drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 52 x 91 cm and 41 x 81 cm

Notes

Project reference no. 49-K-41.

Name Access

Elgin Theatre (Toronto)

Accession Number

2003-6-1

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harold S. Kaplan fonds

Architectural projects series

Loew's Theatre (189 Yonge St., Toronto) sub-series

Alterations to entrance of Loew's Theatre, 189 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario sub-sub-series

Level

Sub-sub-series

Fonds

27

Series

1-1-6

Material Format

architectural drawing

Responsibility

Kaplan & Sprachman

drawn by S.H.H.

Date

1949-1950

Physical Description

2 drawings : blueprints ; 59 x 130 cm

Notes

Project reference no. 49-K-79.

Name Access

Elgin Theatre (Toronto)

Accession Number

2003-6-1

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harold S. Kaplan fonds

Architectural projects series

Loew's Theatre (189 Yonge St., Toronto) sub-series

Alterations to inner lobby, 189 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ont., for Marcus Loew's Inc. sub-sub-series

Level

Sub-sub-series

Fonds

27

Series

1-1-7

Material Format

architectural drawing

Responsibility

Kaplan & Sprachman

Date

1952

Physical Description

3 drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 62 x 129 cm

Scope and Content

Drawings of details of the doorways to the theatre.

Notes

Project reference no. 52-K-36.

Name Access

Elgin Theatre (Toronto)

Physical Condition

Some damage to edges of the drawings.

Accession Number

2003-6-1

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harold S. Kaplan fonds

Architectural projects series

Loew's Theatre (189 Yonge St., Toronto) sub-series

Second exit from second floor of Loew's Theatre, 189 Yonge Street sub-sub-series

Level

Sub-sub-series

Fonds

27

Series

1-1-8

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1957

Physical Description

3 drawings : pencil (1 on tracing paper) ; 59 x 89 cm or smaller

Scope and Content

1 floor plan of 1st and 2nd floors of theatre and 2 rough sketches with annotations.

Notes

Project reference no 57-K-10.

Title is taken from the formal title of one of the drawings.

Name Access

Elgin Theatre (Toronto)

Accession Number

2003-6-1

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harold S. Kaplan fonds

Architectural projects series

Loew's Theatre (189 Yonge St., Toronto) sub-series

Alterations to Loew's Theatre, 189 Yonge Street, Toronto sub-sub-series

Level

Sub-sub-series

Fonds

27

Series

1-1-9

Material Format

architectural drawing

Responsibility

Kaplan & Sprachman

Date

1959-1961

Physical Description

14 drawings : blueprints and blueline prints ; 79 x 121 and 73 x 103 cm

Scope and Content

Sub-sub-series includes orchestra, mezzanine and balcony floor plans, longitudinal sections, reflected ceiling plan and details.

Notes

Project reference no. 59-K-25.

Title is derived from the formal titles of the drawings.

Name Access

Elgin Theatre (Toronto)

Accession Number

2003-6-1

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

2871

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1921]

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 13 x 18 cm and 10 x 12 cm

Admin History/Bio

Jack Leve was born in Russia. In 1904, after his brother was murdered in a pogrom, his parents put Jack—who was only nine at the time—on a ship to Montreal, where he lived with relatives. He did very well at Hebrew school, but one day he dipped a snowball in water to freeze it and hit the rabbi with it on his walk home, knocking him out. When he was caught, he decided to move to New York City and found a factory job, skinning skunks for fur coats.

After serving with the Canadian forces in the First World War, Jack decided to trade furs, working in James Bay. He spent most of his time with First Nations individuals, making many connections and even befriending Grey Owl. In 1938, Jack married Sarah Rives. When Judy was born in Montreal, the family had to send out a dog sled to notify Jack, who was in an igloo on Baffin Island.

Jack eventually settled in Sudbury around 1944. He had a base office just above Wolfe's book store where he kept two baby bears which he fed with baby bottles. He spent a great deal of time in the bush where he met with First Nations, trapped, hunted, fished and purchased furs. Despite his rugged lifestyle, he was a staunch Zionist. In 1948, he relied on his contacts and skills as a fur trader to ship bullets hidden in mink, muskrat and otter furs to Israel to help the cause during the War of Independence. He was also an active member of the Jewish community in Sudbury. His wife kept a kosher home and Jack served on the executive of the synagogue and B'nai Brith.

Scope and Content

This item is a copy print and corresponding negative of Jack Leve (seated) of Sudbury, Ontario, with a friend in the northern wilderness. The pair are monitoring a fur trapline. The friend is pictured preparing some hot food.

Name Access

Leve, Jack

Subjects

Trapping

Repro Restriction

Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.

Accession Number

1981-3-13

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

2872

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1925]

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 13 x 18 cm and 10 x 12 cm

Custodial History

Jack Leve was born in Russia. In 1904, after his brother was murdered in a pogrom, his parents put Jack—who was only nine at the time—on a ship to Montreal, where he lived with relatives. He did very well at Hebrew school, but one day he dipped a snowball in water to freeze it and hit the rabbi with it on his walk home, knocking him out. When he was caught, he decided to move to New York City and found a factory job, skinning skunks for fur coats.

After serving with the Canadian forces in the First World War, Jack decided to trade furs, working in James Bay. He spent most of his time with First Nations individuals, making many connections and even befriending Grey Owl. In 1938, Jack married Sarah Rives. When Judy was born in Montreal, the family had to send out a dog sled to notify Jack, who was in an igloo on Baffin Island.

Jack eventually settled in Sudbury around 1944. He had a base office just above Wolfe's book store where he kept two baby bears which he fed with baby bottles. He spent a great deal of time in the bush where he met with First Nations individuals, trapped, hunted, fished and purchased furs. Despite his rugged lifestyle, he was a staunch Zionist. In 1948, he relied on his contacts and skills as a fur trader to ship bullets hidden in mink, muskrat and otter furs to Israel to help the cause during the War of Independence. He was also an active member of the Jewish community in Sudbury. His wife kept a kosher home and Jack served on the executive of the synagogue and B'nai Brith.

Scope and Content

This item is a copy print and corresponding negative of Jack Leve in Biscotasing, Ontario, which is near Sudbury. Leve is holding a long stick with several dozen fish hanging from it.

Name Access

Leve, Jack

Repro Restriction

Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.

Places

Biscotasing (Ont.)

Accession Number

1981-3-13

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

2873

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1920]

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 13 x 18 cm and 10 x 12 cm

Admin History/Bio

Jack Leve was born in Russia. In 1904, after his brother was murdered in a pogrom, his parents put Jack—who was only nine at the time—on a ship to Montreal, where he lived with relatives. He did very well at Hebrew school, but one day he dipped a snowball in water to freeze it and hit the rabbi with it on his walk home, knocking him out. When he was caught, he decided to move to New York City and found a factory job, skinning skunks for fur coats.

After serving with the Canadian forces in the First World War, Jack decided to trade furs, working in James Bay. He spent most of his time with First Nations individuals, making many connections and even befriending Grey Owl. In 1938, Jack married Sarah Rives. When Judy was born in Montreal, the family had to send out a dog sled to notify Jack, who was in an igloo on Baffin Island.

Jack eventually settled in Sudbury around 1944. He had a base office just above Wolfe's book store where he kept two baby bears which he fed with baby bottles. He spent a great deal of time in the bush where he met with First Nations individuals, trapped, hunted, fished and purchased furs. Despite his rugged lifestyle, he was a staunch Zionist. In 1948, he relied on his contacts and skills as a fur trader to ship bullets hidden in mink, muskrat and otter furs to Israel to help the cause during the War of Independence. He was also an active member of the Jewish community in Sudbury. His wife kept a kosher home and Jack served on the executive of the synagogue and B'nai Brith.

Scope and Content

This item is a copy print and corresponding negative of Jack Leve (centre) standing with two Laplanders in Biscotasing, Ontario, which is near Sudbury. Leve and another man is holding snowshoes and one man is on cross-country skis.

Name Access

Leve, Jack

Subjects

Sami (European people)

Repro Restriction

Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.

Places

Biscotasing (Ont.)

Accession Number

1981-3-13

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

2874

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1921]

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 13 x 18 cm and 10 x 12 cm

Admin History/Bio

Jack Leve was born in Russia. In 1904, after his brother was murdered in a pogrom, his parents put Jack—who was only nine at the time—on a ship to Montreal, where he lived with relatives. He did very well at Hebrew school, but one day he dipped a snowball in water to freeze it and hit the rabbi with it on his walk home, knocking him out. When he was caught, he decided to move to New York City and found a factory job, skinning skunks for fur coats.

After serving with the Canadian forces in the First World War, Jack decided to trade furs, working in James Bay. He spent most of his time with First Nations individuals, making many connections and even befriending Grey Owl. In 1938, Jack married Sarah Rives. When Judy was born in Montreal, the family had to send out a dog sled to notify Jack, who was in an igloo on Baffin Island.

Jack eventually settled in Sudbury around 1944. He had a base office just above Wolfe's book store where he kept two baby bears which he fed with baby bottles. He spent a great deal of time in the bush where he met with First Nations individuals, trapped, hunted, fished and purchased furs. Despite his rugged lifestyle, he was a staunch Zionist. In 1948, he relied on his contacts and skills as a fur trader to ship bullets hidden in mink, muskrat and otter furs to Israel to help the cause during the War of Independence. He was also an active member of the Jewish community in Sudbury. His wife kept a kosher home and Jack served on the executive of the synagogue and B'nai Brith.

Scope and Content

This item is a copy print and corresponding negative of Jack Leve (centre) standing with two Algonquin women, nicknamed "the Buckshots", in Biscotasing, Ontario, which is near Sudbury. They are standing outside in the snow.

Name Access

Buckshots

Leve, Jack

Repro Restriction

Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.

Places

Biscotasing (Ont.)

Accession Number

1981-3-13

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

2875

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1921

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 13 x 18 cm and 10 x 12 cm

Admin History/Bio

Jack Leve was born in Russia. In 1904, after his brother was murdered in a pogrom, his parents put Jack—who was only nine at the time—on a ship to Montreal, where he lived with relatives. He did very well at Hebrew school, but one day he dipped a snowball in water to freeze it and hit the rabbi with it on his walk home, knocking him out. When he was caught, he decided to move to New York City and found a factory job, skinning skunks for fur coats.

After serving with the Canadian forces in the First World War, Jack decided to trade furs, working in James Bay. He spent most of his time with First Nations individuals, making many connections and even befriending Grey Owl. In 1938, Jack married Sarah Rives. When Judy was born in Montreal, the family had to send out a dog sled to notify Jack, who was in an igloo on Baffin Island.

Jack eventually settled in Sudbury around 1944. He had a base office just above Wolfe's book store where he kept two baby bears which he fed with baby bottles. He spent a great deal of time in the bush where he met with First Nations individuals, trapped, hunted, fished and purchased furs. Despite his rugged lifestyle, he was a staunch Zionist. In 1948, he relied on his contacts and skills as a fur trader to ship bullets hidden in mink, muskrat and otter furs to Israel to help the cause during the War of Independence. He was also an active member of the Jewish community in Sudbury. His wife kept a kosher home and Jack served on the executive of the synagogue and B'nai Brith.

Scope and Content

This item is a copy photograph and corresponding negative of Jack Leve (right) of Sudbury, Ontario standing with an Indigenous man from Shawinigan, Ontario. They are both holding a baby beaver in their hands.

Name Access

Leve, Jack

Repro Restriction

Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.

Accession Number

1981-3-13

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

2876

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1920]

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 13 x 18 cm and 10 x 12 cm

Admin History/Bio

Jack Leve was born in Russia. In 1904, after his brother was murdered in a pogrom, his parents put Jack—who was only nine at the time—on a ship to Montreal, where he lived with relatives. He did very well at Hebrew school, but one day he dipped a snowball in water to freeze it and hit the rabbi with it on his walk home, knocking him out. When he was caught, he decided to move to New York City and found a factory job, skinning skunks for fur coats.

After serving with the Canadian forces in the First World War, Jack decided to trade furs, working in James Bay. He spent most of his time with First Nations individuals, making many connections and even befriending Grey Owl. In 1938, Jack married Sarah Rives. When Judy was born in Montreal, the family had to send out a dog sled to notify Jack, who was in an igloo on Baffin Island.

Jack eventually settled in Sudbury around 1944. He had a base office just above Wolfe's book store where he kept two baby bears which he fed with baby bottles. He spent a great deal of time in the bush where he met with First Nations individuals, trapped, hunted, fished and purchased furs. Despite his rugged lifestyle, he was a staunch Zionist. In 1948, he relied on his contacts and skills as a fur trader to ship bullets hidden in mink, muskrat and otter furs to Israel to help the cause during the War of Independence. He was also an active member of the Jewish community in Sudbury. His wife kept a kosher home and Jack served on the executive of the synagogue and B'nai Brith.

Scope and Content

This item is a copy print and corresponding negative of Jack Leve, of Sudbury, Ontario, seated on a stoop in front of his fur post in Biscotasing. There are several children standing nearby and his sign is partially visible.

Name Access

Leve, Jack

Subjects

Fur trade

Repro Restriction

Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.

Places

Biscotasing (Ont.)

Accession Number

1981-3-13

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

2877

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1945]

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 13 x 18 cm and 10 x 12 cm

Admin History/Bio

Jack Leve was born in Russia. In 1904, after his brother was murdered in a pogrom, his parents put Jack—who was only nine at the time—on a ship to Montreal, where he lived with relatives. He did very well at Hebrew school, but one day he dipped a snowball in water to freeze it and hit the rabbi with it on his walk home, knocking him out. When he was caught, he decided to move to New York City and found a factory job, skinning skunks for fur coats.

After serving with the Canadian forces in the First World War, Jack decided to trade furs, working in James Bay. He spent most of his time with First Nations individuals, making many connections and even befriending Grey Owl. In 1938, Jack married Sarah Rives. When Judy was born in Montreal, the family had to send out a dog sled to notify Jack, who was in an igloo on Baffin Island.

Jack eventually settled in Sudbury around 1944. He had a base office just above Wolfe's book store where he kept two baby bears which he fed with baby bottles. He spent a great deal of time in the bush where he met with First Nations individuals, trapped, hunted, fished and purchased furs. Despite his rugged lifestyle, he was a staunch Zionist. In 1948, he relied on his contacts and skills as a fur trader to ship bullets hidden in mink, muskrat and otter furs to Israel to help the cause during the War of Independence. He was also an active member of the Jewish community in Sudbury. His wife kept a Kosher home and Jack served on the executive of the synagogue and B'nai Brith.

Scope and Content

This item is a copy print and corresponding negative of Jack Leve's fur store in the Flatiron building in Sudbury, Ontario.

Name Access

Leve, Jack

Subjects

Architecture

Fur trade

Repro Restriction

Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.

Places

Sudbury (Ont.)

Accession Number

1981-3-13

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

2878

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1925]

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 13 x 18 cm and 10 x 12 cm

Admin History/Bio

Jack Leve was born in Russia. In 1904, after his brother was murdered in a pogrom, his parents put Jack—who was only nine at the time—on a ship to Montreal, where he lived with relatives. He did very well at Hebrew school, but one day he dipped a snowball in water to freeze it and hit the rabbi with it on his walk home, knocking him out. When he was caught, he decided to move to New York City and found a factory job, skinning skunks for fur coats.

After serving with the Canadian forces in the First World War, Jack decided to trade furs, working in James Bay. He spent most of his time with First Nations individuals, making many connections and even befriending Grey Owl. In 1938, Jack married Sarah Rives. When Judy was born in Montreal, the family had to send out a dog sled to notify Jack, who was in an igloo on Baffin Island.

Jack eventually settled in Sudbury around 1944. He had a base office just above Wolfe's book store where he kept two baby bears which he fed with baby bottles. He spent a great deal of time in the bush where he met with First Nations individuals, trapped, hunted, fished and purchased furs. Despite his rugged lifestyle, he was a staunch Zionist. In 1948, he relied on his contacts and skills as a fur trader to ship bullets hidden in mink, muskrat and otter furs to Israel to help the cause during the War of Independence. He was also an active member of the Jewish community in Sudbury. His wife kept a Kosher home and Jack served on the executive of the synagogue and B'nai Brith.

Scope and Content

This item is a copy print and corresponding negative of Jack Leve (centre) standing with two unidentified men in front of a wooden house, in Biscotasing, Ontario, which is near Sudbury.

Name Access

Leve, Jack

Subjects

Single story houses

Repro Restriction

Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.

Places

Biscotasing (Ont.)

Accession Number

1981-3-13

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

2880

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1921]

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 13 x 18 cm and 10 x 12 cm

Admin History/Bio

Jack Leve was born in Russia. In 1904, after his brother was murdered in a pogrom, his parents put Jack—who was only nine at the time—on a ship to Montreal, where he lived with relatives. He did very well at Hebrew school, but one day he dipped a snowball in water to freeze it and hit the rabbi with it on his walk home, knocking him out. When he was caught, he decided to move to New York City and found a factory job, skinning skunks for fur coats.

After serving with the Canadian forces in the First World War, Jack decided to trade furs, working in James Bay. He spent most of his time with First Nations individuals, making many connections and even befriending Grey Owl. In 1938, Jack married Sarah Rives. When Judy was born in Montreal, the family had to send out a dog sled to notify Jack, who was in an igloo on Baffin Island.

Jack eventually settled in Sudbury around 1944. He had a base office just above Wolfe's book store where he kept two baby bears which he fed with baby bottles. He spent a great deal of time in the bush where he met with First Nations individuals, trapped, hunted, fished and purchased furs. Despite his rugged lifestyle, he was a staunch Zionist. In 1948, he relied on his contacts and skills as a fur trader to ship bullets hidden in mink, muskrat and otter furs to Israel to help the cause during the War of Independence. He was also an active member of the Jewish community in Sudbury. His wife kept a Kosher home and Jack served on the executive of the synagogue and B'nai Brith.

Scope and Content

This item is a copy photograph and corresponding negative of Jack Leve (left) standing next to an unidentified man, probably in Biscotasing, which is near Sudbury. The men are standing amongst some rocks and the man on the left is holding a small hand pick. Leve is looking at a piece of stone with a magnifying glass.

Name Access

Leve, Jack

Repro Restriction

Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.

Places

Biscotasing (Ont.)

Accession Number

1981-3-13

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

2881

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1919

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 13 x 18 cm and 10 x 12 cm

Admin History/Bio

Jack Leve was born in Russia. In 1904, after his brother was murdered in a pogrom, his parents put Jack—who was only nine at the time—on a ship to Montreal, where he lived with relatives. He did very well at Hebrew school, but one day he dipped a snowball in water to freeze it and hit the rabbi with it on his walk home, knocking him out. When he was caught, he decided to move to New York City and found a factory job, skinning skunks for fur coats.

After serving with the Canadian forces in the First World War, Jack decided to trade furs, working in James Bay. He spent most of his time with First Nations individuals, making many connections and even befriending Grey Owl. In 1938, Jack married Sarah Rives. When Judy was born in Montreal, the family had to send out a dog sled to notify Jack, who was in an igloo on Baffin Island.

Jack eventually settled in Sudbury around 1944. He had a base office just above Wolfe's book store where he kept two baby bears which he fed with baby bottles. He spent a great deal of time in the bush where he met with First Nations individuals, trapped, hunted, fished and purchased furs. Despite his rugged lifestyle, he was a staunch Zionist. In 1948, he relied on his contacts and skills as a fur trader to ship bullets hidden in mink, muskrat and otter furs to Israel to help the cause during the War of Independence. He was also an active member of the Jewish community in Sudbury. His wife kept a Kosher home and Jack served on the executive of the synagogue and B'nai Brith.

Scope and Content

This item is a copy print and corresponding negative of Jack Leve with three Indigenous men and a dog team in Biscotasing, Ontario, which is near Sudbury. Leve is pictured second from the left.

Name Access

Leve, Jack

Subjects

Dogs

Portraits, Group

Repro Restriction

Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.

Places

Biscotasing (Ont.)

Accession Number

1981-3-13

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

2882

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1920]

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 13 x 18 cm and 10 x 12 cm

Admin History/Bio

Jack Leve was born in Russia. In 1904, after his brother was murdered in a pogrom, his parents put Jack—who was only nine at the time—on a ship to Montreal, where he lived with relatives. He did very well at Hebrew school, but one day he dipped a snowball in water to freeze it and hit the rabbi with it on his walk home, knocking him out. When he was caught, he decided to move to New York City and found a factory job, skinning skunks for fur coats.

After serving with the Canadian forces in the First World War, Jack decided to trade furs, working in James Bay. He spent most of his time with First Nations individuals, making many connections and even befriending Grey Owl. In 1938, Jack married Sarah Rives. When Judy was born in Montreal, the family had to send out a dog sled to notify Jack, who was in an igloo on Baffin Island.

Jack eventually settled in Sudbury around 1944. He had a base office just above Wolfe's book store where he kept two baby bears which he fed with baby bottles. He spent a great deal of time in the bush where he met with First Nations individuals, trapped, hunted, fished and purchased furs. Despite his rugged lifestyle, he was a staunch Zionist. In 1948, he relied on his contacts and skills as a fur trader to ship bullets hidden in mink, muskrat and otter furs to Israel to help the cause during the War of Independence. He was also an active member of the Jewish community in Sudbury. His wife kept a Kosher home and Jack served on the executive of the synagogue and B'nai Brith.

Scope and Content

This item is a copy print and corresponding negative of Jack Leve (left) of Sudbury, Ontario, with an Indigenous man near Pogamasing Lake, Ontario. Pictured with the men is a dog harnessed to a sled.

Name Access

Leve, Jack

Subjects

Dogs

Portraits

Repro Restriction

Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.

Places

Pogamasing Lake (Ont.)

Accession Number

1981-3-13

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

2884

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1921]

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 13 x 18 cm and 10 x 12 cm

Admin History/Bio

Jack Leve was born in Russia. In 1904, after his brother was murdered in a pogrom, his parents put Jack—who was only nine at the time—on a ship to Montreal, where he lived with relatives. He did very well at Hebrew school, but one day he dipped a snowball in water to freeze it and hit the rabbi with it on his walk home, knocking him out. When he was caught, he decided to move to New York City and found a factory job, skinning skunks for fur coats.

After serving with the Canadian forces in the First World War, Jack decided to trade furs, working in James Bay. He spent most of his time with First Nations individuals, making many connections and even befriending Grey Owl. In 1938, Jack married Sarah Rives. When Judy was born in Montreal, the family had to send out a dog sled to notify Jack, who was in an igloo on Baffin Island.

Jack eventually settled in Sudbury around 1944. He had a base office just above Wolfe's book store where he kept two baby bears which he fed with baby bottles. He spent a great deal of time in the bush where he met with First Nations individuals, trapped, hunted, fished and purchased furs. Despite his rugged lifestyle, he was a staunch Zionist. In 1948, he relied on his contacts and skills as a fur trader to ship bullets hidden in mink, muskrat and otter furs to Israel to help the cause during the War of Independence. He was also an active member of the Jewish community in Sudbury. His wife kept a Kosher home and Jack served on the executive of the synagogue and B'nai Brith.

Scope and Content

This item is a copy print and corresponding negative of Jack Leve, of Sudbury, Ontario with three friends. They are standing next to a float plane that is docked by the shore of Lake Biscotasi, in Biscotasing, Ontario.

Name Access

Leve, Jack

Subjects

Floatplanes

Repro Restriction

Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.

Places

Biscotasing (Ont.)

Accession Number

1981-3-13

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

2885

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1920

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 13 x 18 cm and 10 x 12 cm

Admin History/Bio

Jack Leve was born in Russia. In 1904, after his brother was murdered in a pogrom, his parents put Jack—who was only nine at the time—on a ship to Montreal, where he lived with relatives. He did very well at Hebrew school, but one day he dipped a snowball in water to freeze it and hit the rabbi with it on his walk home, knocking him out. When he was caught, he decided to move to New York City and found a factory job, skinning skunks for fur coats.

After serving with the Canadian forces in the First World War, Jack decided to trade furs, working in James Bay. He spent most of his time with First Nations individuals, making many connections and even befriending Grey Owl. In 1938, Jack married Sarah Rives. When Judy was born in Montreal, the family had to send out a dog sled to notify Jack, who was in an igloo on Baffin Island.

Jack eventually settled in Sudbury around 1944. He had a base office just above Wolfe's book store where he kept two baby bears which he fed with baby bottles. He spent a great deal of time in the bush where he met with First Nations individuals, trapped, hunted, fished and purchased furs. Despite his rugged lifestyle, he was a staunch Zionist. In 1948, he relied on his contacts and skills as a fur trader to ship bullets hidden in mink, muskrat and otter furs to Israel to help the cause during the War of Independence. He was also an active member of the Jewish community in Sudbury. His wife kept a Kosher home and Jack served on the executive of the synagogue and B'nai Brith.

Scope and Content

This item is a copy print and corresponding negative of Jack Leve, of Sudbury, Ontario seated on a cart with three bags of fur, at Bisco station in Biscotasing, Ontario.

Name Access

Leve, Jack

Subjects

Fur trade

Repro Restriction

Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.

Places

Biscotasing (Ont.)

Accession Number

1981-3-13

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

2886

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1945]

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 13 x 18 cm and 10 x 12 cm

Admin History/Bio

Jack Leve was born in Russia. In 1904, after his brother was murdered in a pogrom, his parents put Jack—who was only nine at the time—on a ship to Montreal, where he lived with relatives. He did very well at Hebrew school, but one day he dipped a snowball in water to freeze it and hit the rabbi with it on his walk home, knocking him out. When he was caught, he decided to move to New York City and found a factory job, skinning skunks for fur coats.

After serving with the Canadian forces in the First World War, Jack decided to trade furs, working in James Bay. He spent most of his time with First Nations individuals, making many connections and even befriending Grey Owl. In 1938, Jack married Sarah Rives. When Judy was born in Montreal, the family had to send out a dog sled to notify Jack, who was in an igloo on Baffin Island.

Jack eventually settled in Sudbury around 1944. He had a base office just above Wolfe's book store where he kept two baby bears which he fed with baby bottles. He spent a great deal of time in the bush where he met with First Nations individuals, trapped, hunted, fished and purchased furs. Despite his rugged lifestyle, he was a staunch Zionist. In 1948, he relied on his contacts and skills as a fur trader to ship bullets hidden in mink, muskrat and otter furs to Israel to help the cause during the War of Independence. He was also an active member of the Jewish community in Sudbury. His wife kept a Kosher home and Jack served on the executive of the synagogue and B'nai Brith.

Scope and Content

This item is a copy print and corresponding negative of Jack Leve's fur store in Sudbury, Ontario. The image depicts a group of men standing on the sidewalk looking at two bear cubs on rope leashes in front of the store.

Name Access

Leve, Jack

Subjects

Bear cubs

Fur trade

Storefronts

Repro Restriction

Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.

Places

Sudbury (Ont.)

Accession Number

1981-3-13

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

2887

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1920]

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 13 x 18 cm and 10 x 12 cm

Admin History/Bio

Jack Leve was born in Russia. In 1904, after his brother was murdered in a pogrom, his parents put Jack—who was only nine at the time—on a ship to Montreal, where he lived with relatives. He did very well at Hebrew school, but one day he dipped a snowball in water to freeze it and hit the rabbi with it on his walk home, knocking him out. When he was caught, he decided to move to New York City and found a factory job, skinning skunks for fur coats.

After serving with the Canadian forces in the First World War, Jack decided to trade furs, working in James Bay. He spent most of his time with First Nations individuals, making many connections and even befriending Grey Owl. In 1938, Jack married Sarah Rives. When Judy was born in Montreal, the family had to send out a dog sled to notify Jack, who was in an igloo on Baffin Island.

Jack eventually settled in Sudbury around 1944. He had a base office just above Wolfe's book store where he kept two baby bears which he fed with baby bottles. He spent a great deal of time in the bush where he met with First Nations individuals, trapped, hunted, fished and purchased furs. Despite his rugged lifestyle, he was a staunch Zionist. In 1948, he relied on his contacts and skills as a fur trader to ship bullets hidden in mink, muskrat and otter furs to Israel to help the cause during the War of Independence. He was also an active member of the Jewish community in Sudbury. His wife kept a Kosher home and Jack served on the executive of the synagogue and B'nai Brith.

Scope and Content

This item is a copy photograph and corresponding negative of Jack Leve (right), of Sudbury, Ontario, seated in the wilderness under a canvas lean-to, with an Indigenous family.

Name Access

Leve, Jack

Repro Restriction

Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.

Accession Number

1981-3-13

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

2888

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1920]

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 13 x 18 cm and 10 x 12 cm

Admin History/Bio

Jack Leve was born in Russia. In 1904, after his brother was murdered in a pogrom, his parents put Jack—who was only nine at the time—on a ship to Montreal, where he lived with relatives. He did very well at Hebrew school, but one day he dipped a snowball in water to freeze it and hit the rabbi with it on his walk home, knocking him out. When he was caught, he decided to move to New York City and found a factory job, skinning skunks for fur coats.

After serving with the Canadian forces in the First World War, Jack decided to trade furs, working in James Bay. He spent most of his time with First Nations individuals, making many connections and even befriending Grey Owl. In 1938, Jack married Sarah Rives. When Judy was born in Montreal, the family had to send out a dog sled to notify Jack, who was in an igloo on Baffin Island.

Jack eventually settled in Sudbury around 1944. He had a base office just above Wolfe's book store where he kept two baby bears which he fed with baby bottles. He spent a great deal of time in the bush where he met with First Nations individuals, trapped, hunted, fished and purchased furs. Despite his rugged lifestyle, he was a staunch Zionist. In 1948, he relied on his contacts and skills as a fur trader to ship bullets hidden in mink, muskrat and otter furs to Israel to help the cause during the War of Independence. He was also an active member of the Jewish community in Sudbury. His wife kept a Kosher home and Jack served on the executive of the synagogue and B'nai Brith.

Scope and Content

This item is a copy photograph and corresponding negative of Jack Leve (left), of Sudbury, Ontario and an Indigenous man in a canoe. They are likely on Lake Biscotasi, near Biscotasing, Ontario.

Name Access

Leve, Jack

Subjects

Canoes and canoeing

Repro Restriction

Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.

Places

Biscotasing (Ont.)

Accession Number

1981-3-13

Source

Archival Descriptions

Level

Item

Item

2889

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1921

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 13 x 18 cm and 10 x 12 cm

Admin History/Bio

Jack Leve was born in Russia. In 1904, after his brother was murdered in a pogrom, his parents put Jack—who was only nine at the time—on a ship to Montreal, where he lived with relatives. He did very well at Hebrew school, but one day he dipped a snowball in water to freeze it and hit the rabbi with it on his walk home, knocking him out. When he was caught, he decided to move to New York City and found a factory job, skinning skunks for fur coats.

After serving with the Canadian forces in the First World War, Jack decided to trade furs, working in James Bay. He spent most of his time with First Nations individuals, making many connections and even befriending Grey Owl. In 1938, Jack married Sarah Rives. When Judy was born in Montreal, the family had to send out a dog sled to notify Jack, who was in an igloo on Baffin Island.

Jack eventually settled in Sudbury around 1944. He had a base office just above Wolfe's book store where he kept two baby bears which he fed with baby bottles. He spent a great deal of time in the bush where he met with First Nations individuals, trapped, hunted, fished and purchased furs. Despite his rugged lifestyle, he was a staunch Zionist. In 1948, he relied on his contacts and skills as a fur trader to ship bullets hidden in mink, muskrat and otter furs to Israel to help the cause during the War of Independence. He was also an active member of the Jewish community in Sudbury. His wife kept a kosher home and Jack served on the executive of the synagogue and B'nai Brith.

Scope and Content

This item is a copy photograph and corresponding negative of Jack Leve of Sudbury, Ontario, holding two baby beavers.

Name Access

Leve, Jack

Subjects

Beavers

Repro Restriction

Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.

Accession Number

1981-3-13

Source

Archival Descriptions