Accession Number
1998-3-36
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1998-3-36
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
1 broadside
Date
[between 1922 and 1935]
Scope and Content
Accession consists of a broadside advertising the performances of soubtette (soprano) Nellie Cassman at the Standard Theatre in Toronto.
Administrative History
The Standard Theatre was built in 1921 at the corner of Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street in Toronto as a venue for Yiddish theatre.It was designed by John M. Jeffrey, but architect Benjamin Brown may have also been involved. The building also became a centre of Jewish left wing political activism. In 1935 it was converted to a movie cinema known as the Strand. In 1941 it was transformed into the Victory Cinema, and in 1961 to the Victory Burlesque which closed in 1975. In more recent years the building has been renovated and occupied by retail stores and businesses.
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1994-4-3
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1994-4-3
Material Format
graphic material
Physical Description
3 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 21 x 26 cm
Date
[ca. 1918]-[ca. 1919]
Scope and Content
Accession consists of a group photograph of the Oriole Club celebrating the end of the First World War.
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1997-4-2
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1997-4-2
Material Format
graphic material
Physical Description
50 photographs : b&w and col. (24 negatives)
Date
1916-1988
Scope and Content
Accession consists of photographs and newspaper clippings documenting the life of the Levine Family. Photographs include class pictures from Port Whitby's Brock School, Purim celebrations at Oshawa's Beth Zion Synagogue, Camp Ogama staff and camper photos, Camp Winnibagoe cabin photos and Royal Winter Fair prize winning photos.
Use Conditions
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.
Subjects
Camp counselors
Camps
Farms
Farm tractors
Purim
Name Access
Camp Winnebagoe
Places
Oshawa (Ont.)
Whitby (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-5-22
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-5-22
Material Format
graphic material
Physical Description
19 photographs : b&w ; 21 x 25 cm or smaller
Date
1973
Scope and Content
This accession consists of photographs documenting Dora Wasserman's theatre group (Montreal) at Toronto's Central Tech for Israel's 25th Anniversary.
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-5-26
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-5-26
Material Format
graphic material
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 22 x 26 cm
Date
1957
Scope and Content
Accession consists of a group photograph of a women's organization at a Hanukkah event.
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-5-77
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-5-77
Material Format
graphic material
Physical Description
16 photographs : col. ; 10 x 15 cm
Date
1999
Scope and Content
Accession Consists of photographs taken at an Israel Fair and a Purim party at the Bloor JCC, UJA Israel Walkathon, the Yiddish Cultural Club at the Borochov Centre, and dance (Rikudiyah) and choir (Zimriyah) festivals.
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-5-88
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-5-88
Material Format
graphic material
Physical Description
1 collage : b&w (31 photos)
Date
1932
Scope and Content
Accession consists of a composite photograph of the members of the Judean Glee Club Court No. 1 of the Knights of Kibbiedom 1929-1932.
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-5-119
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-5-119
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Date
[ca. 1975]
Scope and Content
Accession consists of a handwritten speech in Yiddish for a lecture at the Good Age Club at the JCC on Bathurst Street, Toronto.
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-5-165
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-5-165
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Date
22 April 1932
Scope and Content
Accession consists of an ad for a Yiddish concert by the Grafstein sisters at the Standard Theatre in Toronto.
Use Conditions
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.
Subjects
Concerts
Theatrical posters, Yiddish
Name Access
Standard Theatre (Toronto, Ont.)
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-5-78
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-5-78
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Date
1956
Scope and Content
Accession consists of a flyer advertising a speech by I. Zerubavel at the Victory Theatre in Toronto. The flyer is in Yiddish.
Administrative History
Zrubavel was a Labour Zionist leader who spoke about Israel at this event.He was sponsored by the Toronto Labour Zionists and the Independent Workmens' Circle.
Descriptive Notes
LANGUAGE NOTE: Flyer is in Yiddish.
Subjects
Labor Zionists
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1979-11-23
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1979-11-23
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
1 invitation
Date
1948
Scope and Content
Accession consists of an invitation to Herzl Zion Club, 27 July 1948.
MG_RG
MG2 J1m
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1980-8-3
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1980-8-3
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Date
1947–1949
Scope and Content
Accession consists of the May 1949 edition of the Herzl Zion Digest and the September 1947 and October 1947 editions of Toronto Lodge B'nai Brith's the Digest.
MG_RG
MG2 B1c
MG2 J1m
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1986-11-1
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1986-11-1
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Date
1946-1961
Scope and Content
Accession consists of material pertaining to the Tri-Bell Recreation and Athletic Club Toronto. Included are a program, yearbooks, and two copies of the twenty-fifth anniversary commemorative book.
Descriptive Notes
The Tri-Bell Club's records were left in the possession of the Richmond Hill Country Club. It is from the latter that the OJA received the records.
MG_RG
MG 2 N 1D
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1994-12-7
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1994-12-7
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
1 item
Date
1901
Scope and Content
This accession consists of the letters-patent for the Young Men's Hebrew Athletic Club Ltd., the precursor to the YM-YWHA. The record is framed with a dedication plaque that reads: "In loving memory, Brian S. Goodman, born Nov. 2, 1956, died March 12, 1985."
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2005-6-2
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2005-6-2
Material Format
textual record
graphic material
Physical Description
10 cm of textual records and graphic material
Date
[ca. 1955]-[ca. 1987]
Scope and Content
Accession consists of materials related primarily to a Yiddish theatre production entitled Shver tzu Zein a Yid (Hard to be a Jew) by Shalom Aleichem co-starring Ben Lennick and Chayele Luxenburg. The play was produced by Sylvia Grimson for the Yiddish Renascence Theatre and opened for a three-day run at the Crest Theatre located at 551 Mount Pleasant Road, in May 1975. Materials include photographs, critiques, letters of support, and reviews. Photographs of ‘The Heritage Players’ actors include Ron Barry, Ben Lennick, Sam Stein, William Pevzner, Reva Ockrant, Paul Orsini (1972), Terry Shonblum, Leib Lensky, Chayele Luxenburg, Jank Zaifman, Shimmy Plener, Danny Freeedman. In addition, there is a publicity still of Golda Meir greeting performers after an unknown stage performance. A selection of photographs by Gadi Hoz and Maurice Seymour, New York.
Administrative History
Sylvia Fistell Grimson was born in Montreal ca. 1920s (she was never registered at birth) and grew up in Toronto. As a single mother of one son, Grimson worked for several years in factories and government offices before opening an antique store at Yonge and Wellesley, which she ran for ten years. Grimson taught ballet and modern dance, wrote poetry, and always had a passion for theatre, Yiddish culture, and the need for Jewish self-expression. Her dream was to bring Yiddish professional theatre to Toronto. In 1972, Grimson founded the Yiddish Renascence Theatre (which later became the Toronto Jewish Arts Theatre), for which she produced the plays Shver tzu Zein a Yid and The Three Lives of Adam. She has also performed in other plays such as Come Blow Your Horn and with The Heritage Players. She continues to live in Toronto, write poetry, and is also working on a book.
Subjects
Theater, Yiddish
Name Access
Grimson, Sylvia
Yiddish Renascence Theatre
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2006-6-1
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2006-6-1
Material Format
graphic material
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 14 cm
Date
Aug. 1925
Scope and Content
Accession consists of one photograph of a group of boys from the Jewish Boys Club at Camp Bnai Brith. The boys are having their hands inspected for cleanliness. One of the counsellors in the background is reading from a merit book and another is setting up a tent. Pictured are:
Standing, third from the left: Sydney Blinick.
Inspecting the hands: Nadie Bronstein
Administrative History
The Jewish Boys’ Club was formed in 1921, under the leadership of M. M. Cohen, and was funded by the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies. The club operated out of a house on Simcoe Street, which had a games room, meeting rooms, library and offices. The Boys’ Club used various facilities around the city for its athletic programming.
The club primarily targeted disadvantaged boys from low income homes. It addressed the YMHA’s gap in programming, since their focus at the time was on young adults rather than boys. The club offered cultural programming, had basketball teams and ran a summer camp in cooperation with B’nai Brith
Name Access
Jewish Boys' Club.
Camp B'nai Brith.
Blinick, Sydney.
Bronstein, Nadie.
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2006-12-2
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2006-12-2
Material Format
graphic material
Physical Description
ca. 500 photographs (10 v.)
Date
1964-1977
Scope and Content
This accession consists of ten photo albums documenting several Purim balls thrown by Tamara Weinreich. The money raised at the parties went towards the Anne Frank Foundation, which supported a kibbutz school for needy children in Israel. The balls took place at several synagogues in Toronto, such as Beth Tikvah, Beth Torah, and Beth David.
The photographs are of the guests in costume.
Administrative History
Tamara Weinreich (née Buchman) was born in Warsaw, Poland on 1 June 1930. She was the eldest child of Israel and Pola Buchman. She worked as an arts and crafts director at Baycrest during the 1960s and 1970s and was an artist by profession. She died on 20 Jan 2017.
Subjects
Purim
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2007-6-35
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2007-6-35
Material Format
graphic material (electronic)
Physical Description
2 photographs : b&w (jpg)
Date
1965, 1980
Scope and Content
Accession consists of two scanned photographs documenting Ruth Gorbet in two Little Theatre productions. The first photograph is of Ruth playing Sherry in a local production of Bus Stop in 1965. The second image is of Ruth playing Yenta in Fiddler on the Ruth in 1980.
Custodial History
These photographs were donated as part of the Small Jewish Ontario Communities initiative. The donor kept the originals and provided the OJA with the scans.
Use Conditions
Copyright is not held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.
Subjects
Communities
Theater
Name Access
Gorbet, Ruth
Places
Owen Sound, Ont.
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2007-6-40
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2007-6-40
Material Format
textual record (electronic)
graphic material (electronic)
Physical Description
16 documents (pdf and jpg)
7 photographs (jpg)
Date
1954-1992
Scope and Content
Accession consists of scanned copies of material reflecting Lee Jourard's involvement in theatre in the Belleville area. There are eight theatre programmes, most of them of plays produced by the Belleville Theatre Guild, in which Jourard was a cast member and/or on the backstage crew. The records also include scanned newspaper clippings about Jourard's talks and plays (including photographs), and seven scanned copy photographs of Jourard.
The photographs are as follows:
01. A Thurber Carnival programme, 1964
02. Albert-St Catharines Review Playbill, Dec 3 1960
03. Belleville Advertiser, June 1971, page 21. Cast of The Drunkard. Lee Jourard in top hat far left.
04. Belleville Advertiser, June 1971, page21. Lee Jourard and Linda Archer dressed for their roles in The Drunkard.
05. Belleville Intel, April 17 1969, page 3.
06. Belleville Intel, Feb 13 1970. Flo Yannover as Queen Mother Yoland in the Lark.
07. Lee Jourard talk advert.
08. Programme Diary of Anne Frank, 1992.
09. Belleville Theatre. Lee Jourard in A Man For All Seasons.
10. Belleville Theatre. Photo of Lee Jourard at Rehersal, 1962.
11. Belleville Theatre Programme, 1962.
12. Birth announcement for Matthew Jourard, 1994.
13. Lee Jourard in costume receiving news of birth of grandson Mathew Joseph Jourard, 1994.
14. Cable Communications, Vol 43, No 10, Oct 1977.
15. Lee Jourard. CableVue 4 went colour, 1977.
16. Lee Jourard as Robert de Baudricourt and Milton A. Crystal as Brother Ladvenu in The Lark, March 1, 1970.
17. My Three Angels, 1960.
18. The Drunkard, June 2 to 12, 1971. Lee Jourard as Lawyer Cribbs and Edward Middleton as Stewart Arnott.
19. The Lark, 1970.
20. The Man Who Came to Dinner, 1956.
21. You Can't Take It With You, cast photo on stage, 1954.
22. You Can't Take It With You programme, 1954.
Administrative History
Entertainer Lee Jourard is well-known in the city of Belleville for his support of the arts and his community involvement. He worked as a broadcaster for CJBQ radio, was the first Community Programs Director at the Cablevue 4 television station, and was a founding member of Belleville's Cultural Awards Committee and the Harbour Improvement Committee. He is a longtime member of the Belleville Theatre Guild, having been in the cast and crew of many of its producations from the 1950s through the 1990s. Jourard is also a member of the Bay of Quinte Power Squadron and the Moira River Conservation Authority Advisory Board. In 2007 he was named Senior of the Year in the City of Belleville.
Use Conditions
Copyright may not be held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.
Subjects
Theater
Name Access
Jourard, Lee
Places
Belleville, Ont.
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2007-12-3
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2007-12-3
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Date
1926-1927
Scope and Content
This accession consists of ten issues of the Leonard Athletic Club's newsletter entitled "The Athlete". The issues date from March 1926 to December 1927.
Administrative History
The Leonard Athletic Club was organized in March 1924, with the purpose of developing Jewish athletes and having a bigger Jewish representation on the sports field. The name was in honour of Benny Leonard, at the time, the undefeated Lightweight Champion of the World. The Club was similar to other Jewish athletic clubs and city playgrounds of the time, and they often competed against them in various sports and activities. The Athlete was edited by Hye Bossin.
Subjects
Clubs
Name Access
Bossin, Hye
Leonard Athletic Club
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2008-8-4
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2008-8-4
Material Format
textual record
graphic material
graphic material (electronic)
Physical Description
3 cm of textual records
4 photographs : b&w (jpg)
4 photographs : b&w and col. ; 21 x 26 cm or smaller
Date
[194-]-2005
Scope and Content
This accession consists of textual records and photographs documenting the Belleville Jewish community and the Sons of Jacob Synagogue. The textual records include a dedication book from the Synagogue as well as documents related to the synagogue's reunion weekend in 2005. The photographs depict the Judaeans basketball team, a Young Judaea conference, the synagogue's dedication ceremonies, and a children's Purim play.
Use Conditions
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.
Subjects
Communities
Purim
Synagogues
Places
Belleville (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2009-12-3
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2009-12-3
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
1 yearbook
Date
2002
Scope and Content
Accession consists of a Club Orion yearbook which documents the history of the club, predominately through photographs.
Administrative History
Club Orion was formed by a group of grade 8 boys in the autumn of 1949 in order to preserve their friendship. They first met under the auspices of the YMHA but later had their own club room over a delicatessen at the corner of College and Brunswick. The club was social in nature, but they also bought jackets and uniforms, participated in sports activities, and planned events such as dances. The members have continued to periodically reunite over the years.
The members of the club include: Stan Bargman, Bernie Bedder, Jack Besser, Phil Bregman, Harold Bronstine, Willie Budman, Stan Cole, Norm Ferguson, Mike Flicht, Joe Flicht, Jerry Goldberg, Frank Gentile, Seymour Greenbaum, Irwin Gould, Sam Helfenbaum, Morty Horowitz, Lou Koblinsky, Irving Mandell, Arnie Marmer, Myer Price, Norm Rosenberg, Howie Saltzman, Jerry Shapero, Owen Shime, Pinky Shulman, Shelly Sokoloff, Alby Sokolsky, Paul Stoneman, Gary Wasserman, Simon Weinberg, and Jack Zweigenbaum.
Subjects
Clubs
Source
Archival Accessions
Name
Bertha Allen
Material Format
sound recording
Interview Date
Jan. 1975
Source
Oral Histories
Name
Bertha Allen
Number
OH 7
Subject
Business
Motion picture theaters
Interview Date
Jan. 1975
Quantity
1
Interviewer
Lillian Bernstein
Total Running Time
Side 1: 36 minutes
Conservation
Copied August 2003
Use Restrictions
Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
Biography
Bertha Allen (née Herbert) was married to Herbert Allen. Herbert, his brothers Jule and J. J., and his brother-in-law Louis Rosenfeld were pioneers in the motion picture industry in Canada. They opened a chain of theatres across Canada in the 1910s and 1920s. In Toronto, they built several theatres including the Tivoli Theatre, Bloor Theatre, College Theatre, Parkdale Theatre, Beach Theatre, St. Clair Theatre, Danforth Theatre, and Hollywood Theatre.
Material Format
sound recording
Name Access
Allen, Bertha
Allen, Jule
Allen, J. J.
Rosenfeld, Louis
Geographic Access
Brantford (Ont.)
Toronto (Ont.)
Original Format
Audio cassette
Copy Format
Audio cassette
Transcript
G:\Description\Oral Histories\OH 7 - Allen\OH7_Log.docx
Source
Oral Histories
Name
Jennie Goldstein and Mr. and Mrs. Boris Coopersmith
Material Format
sound recording
Interview Date
26 Jan. 1975
Source
Oral Histories
Name
Jennie Goldstein and Mr. and Mrs. Boris Coopersmith
Number
OH 147
OH 148
Subject
Theater, Yiddish
Interview Date
26 Jan. 1975
Quantity
2
Interviewer
Stephen Spiesman
Total Running Time
OH147A: 44. minutes
OH148B: 45. minutes
Conservation
Copied August 2003
Use Restrictions
Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
Biography
Jennie Goldstein emigrated from Russia to Toronto in 1914. While living and working in the Ward, Jennie married Harry Goldstein, who was noted as both a "dresser" and an actor in Toronto's Lyric and Standard Theatres. After Harry's passing, Jennie became a supplier of costumes for the Yiddish theatre. In 1920, to help support the family, Jennie opened a deli stand alongside the original Shopsy's deli located in the area of Kensington Market. Jennie and Harry's daughter Bess married Boris Coppersmith whose parents, Yossel and Nessie, owned a variety store at Spadina Avenue and Baldwin Street.
Material Format
sound recording
Name Access
Coopersmith, Bess
Coopersmith, Boris
Goldstein, Jennie
Harris, Harry
Lyric Theatre
Pasternak, Chanina
Speisman, Stephen
Standard Theatre (Toronto, Ont.)
Geographic Access
St. John's Ward (Toronto, Ont.)
Kensington Market (Toronto, Ont.)
Original Format
Audio cassette
Copy Format
Audio cassette
Digital file
Source
Oral Histories

In this clip, Jennie Goldstein describes the early years of Toronto's Yiddish theatres such as the Tivoli and the Standard and cantors such as Harry Harris and Chanina Pasternak.

In this clip, Jennie Goldstein describes the performances and cantors of the Lyric Theatre circa 1914.

Accession Number
2010-6-22
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2010-6-22
Material Format
multiple media
Physical Description
1.55 m of textual records and other material
Date
1958-[ca.2009]
Scope and Content
Accession consists of records documenting the operations, programs and events of the Lions Club of Forest Hill. Non-textual records include photographs, a VHS tape of the closing affair memorial service (June 1996), a floppy disk, Club vests with pins and metal badges. The textual records include newsletters, correspondence, brochures, member lists, certificates of duty, organizational charts, receipts, meeting minutes and agendas. Textual records also include announcements and financial records from charity and fundraising events put on by the Lions Club and a book titled, "The Toronto Lion" about different club histories in Toronto.
Descriptive Notes
Physical description note: includes 2 vests, ca. 50 pins, ca. 50 photographs, 1 floppy disk, and 1 VHS tape
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2012-6-2
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2012-6-2
Material Format
textual record
graphic material
Physical Description
30 cm of textual records
24 photographs : b&w and col. ; 13 x 18 cm and 10 x 12 cm
Date
1991-2002
Scope and Content
Accession consists of records documenting the activities of the Jewish Theatre Committee. Included is correspondence, press releases, theatre programs and handbills, scripts, meeting minutes and agendas and photographs of members of the committee.
Custodial History
The records were in the possession of Ralph Wintrob, chair of the Jewish Theatre Committee during the late 1980s and 1990s.
Administrative History
The Jewish Theatre Committee was founded in 1984 as a standing committee of the Toronto Jewish Cultural Council of the Toronto Jewish Congress. Its goal was to promote dramatic activities as a medium of Jewish cultural programming by encourageing new theatre groups, offering guidance in Jewish drama programming, to promote and develop new talent and scripts, and to work towards a Jewish Drama Festival. In 1984, a series of developmental workshops resulted in the formation of the Medina Theatre Ensemble, which presented creative theatrical programmes of Jewish content. The committee also organized workshops, school programmes, symposiums, lectures and readings and a yearly playwriting competition. The Jewish Theatre Committee disbanded sometime in the early 2000s.
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2012-10-4
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2012-10-4
Material Format
graphic material
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 26 x 21 cm
Date
[between 1925 and 1935]
Scope and Content
Accession consists of a photograph of a poster advertising the showing of the movie "Yiskor" or "Thou Shalt Remember" at the Standard Theatre. This film was released in 1925 and manufactured by S. Geyer Inc. in New York.
Subjects
Theatrical posters, Yiddish
Name Access
Standard Theatre
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2013-12-2
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2013-12-2
Material Format
moving images
textual record
Physical Description
3 DVDs
1 folder of textual records
Date
2007-2013
Scope and Content
Accession consists of records collected by Miriam Beckerman. Included are oral history interviews with Miriam in Yiddish, a video of Miriam reading the Megillah in Yiddish on Purim at the Free Times Cafe on College Street in Toronto, a recording of author Lily Poritz Miller's appearance on the TV Show Israel Today as well as a brochure for her novel The Newcomers. Finally, the accession includes a program booklet for the Simcoe Chapter Lambda Alpha International fraternity's 46th annual meeting. Edward Levy was honoured at this meeting.
Administrative History
Miriam Beckerman (nee Dashkin) is a Yiddish literature translator. She attended the Farband Folkshule in Toronto during the 1930s and later worked as a bilingual secretary (Yiddish and English) at the Ontario Region, Canadian Jewish Congress. In 1946, she travelled to Israel where she met her husband, Moshe Beckerman, at a kibbutz. The couple and their children emigrated from Israel to Toronto in 1952. Beckerman continues to work as a Yiddish translator. She has a number of published translations, including her recent collaborative work "A Thousand Threads: A story through Yiddish letters." Her work has been recognized by the Dora Teitelboim Foundation of Coral Gables, Fla. Moshe passed away in 1993.
Descriptive Notes
Language note: Yiddish and English.
Subjects
Purim
Name Access
Beckerman, Miriam
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2016-1-4
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2016-1-4
Material Format
moving images
graphic material (electronic)
moving images (electronic)
Physical Description
9 film reels (ca. 2 hr. 15 min.) : pos., col., si, ; 16 mm
4.51 GB of photographs (8 CDs)
3 DVDs
Date
1958-2005
Scope and Content
Accession consists of moving images and graphic material documenting activities at the Island Yacht Club. Included are film reels, DVDs, and CDs containing photographs. The moving images document various sailpasts from 1958 through to 1970 as well as club activities during this time, such as fashion shows, the fishers, a can-can show, birthday parties and other celebrations. Also included is footage of the interior and exterior of the IYC clubhouse and members relaxing by the pool. One DVD contains a promotional video for IYC likely from the 1990s.
The photographs document club activities and events from 2001 through to 2005. Included are images of the IYC Juniors, sailpasts, BBQs, competitions, and the clubhouse fire and reconstruction.
Custodial History
The records were donated to the OJA by Hartley Robins. Hartley Robins has been a member of the Island Yacht Club since 1956 and served as commodore from 1973 to 1976; Hartley's wife, Brooky Robins, served as archivist for the Island Yacht Club.
Administrative History
The Island Yacht Club (IYC) was founded in 1951 by a small group of Jewish sailing enthusiasts at a time when Jewish applicants were denied membership to Toronto's yacht clubs. The founding members included Cecil Yolles, Dr. Bernard “Bunny” Willinsky, Ben Dunkelman, John Bussin, Eon Gilmore, Mel and Irving Gould, Mark Speyer, Norm Kerzner, Joe Kitz, Boris Adelberg, and Bill Ackerman. The group obtained a lease from the City of Toronto for a parcel of undeveloped land on Mugg's Island in Blockhouse Bay. They then obtained a provincial charter incorporating the Island Yacht Club as a non-profit corporation. A board of directors was elected, with Bunny Willinsky as its first Commodore.
In 1952, the original group had grown to approximately 35 members. Work parties were formed from among the members to clear the land and a prefabricated building was purchased by the club which served as the early clubhouse. A generator was donated by member Al Jacobs for electricity and two floating docks were built. As the club membership grew, more land was acquired; the original clubhouse was expanded; grounds were landscaped; a swimming pool, lockers, dining room, lounge, docks, and marine railway were installed; and a tender was purchased. By 1956, the membership had grown to 350 with a fleet of eighty sail and power boats and the IYC was accepted into the Lake Yacht Racing Association (LYRA), the oldest association of its kind in North America.
In 1957, the IYC hosted its first open sailing regatta for the seven Toronto area yacht clubs and has since hosted many other regattas including four LYRA events. In order to accommodate its more junior members, a Junior Sailing Club was founded by Commodore John Zeldin in 1958, which has played a large role in the development of the IYC. In 1964, an adult sailing program was instituted to teach members and non-members racing tactics and rules. Racing competitions have been an important part of the IYC’s history. IYC sailors have been members of Canada’s Olympic sailing team and have competed in the Pan-American Games, Maccabiah Games, CORK regattas and other competitions in Canada and the United States.
Over the years, the purpose of the IYC has changed from a racing club that has developed champion sailors, to a more recreational club, oriented to family and leisurely activities. The IYC has also played a large social role in the lives of its membership, hosting galas, auctions, fashion shows, theme nights, bowling events, anniversary parties, the Commodore's Ball, and other activities during both the sailing season and off-season months.
The IYC has suffered from two fires in its fifty-five year history. The first fire occurred in 1986 in the IYC’s boat yard, destroying several boats. The second fire occurred in 2004 and destroyed the IYC’s clubhouse and its contents. A new clubhouse was officially opened on June 18th, 2006 and the IYC continues to serve its members in boating, socializing, dining, and marine services.
Name Access
Island Yacht Club
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2016-11-21
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2016-11-21
Material Format
graphic material
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm
Date
6 July 1927
Scope and Content
Item is a photograph of a group of young men who were members of Hakoah Vienna, an all Jewish social-athletic sports club. On the reverse of the photograph are signatures of the famous sports club and a German inscription "In memmory of the cameraderie of the sport club Hakoah". Signatures identified include: Max Scheuer; [Béla Guttmann?]; [Schwartzbein?]; Joseph Stross.
Use Conditions
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.
Descriptive Notes
History: According to Wikipedia article Hakoah Vienna, "Hakoah", Hebrew for strength, is the name of a Jewish sports club established in Vienna in ca. 1909 and and closed by the Nazis in [1938 or 1941]. In 1945, the club re-formed its football team only, which disbanded in 1949.
Subjects
Sports
Clubs
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2017-1-26
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2017-1-26
Material Format
graphic material
Physical Description
1 poster : col. ; 26 x 37 cm
Date
1973
Scope and Content
The accession consists of a poster for Grine Felder presented by the Toronto Yiddish Theatre, directed by Jacob Sandler and presented at Lawrence Park Collegiate on Sat. March 3, 1973. Poster also lists Canadian Jewish Congress, Negev Book Store and Pollock's as locations to buy tickets.
MG_RG
MG4A1e
Subjects
Theatrical posters, Yiddish
Name Access
Toronto Yiddish Theatre
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2016-11-28
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2016-11-28
Material Format
graphic material
Physical Description
3 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 16 x 20 cm and 18 x 24 cm
Date
[ca. 1930]
Scope and Content
Accession consists of one original photograph, one copy print and one copy negative of the Yhoash Club of the Folks Farband Shule. Harry Steiner is in the centre of the top row. Second row (from the top), left to right: Esther Grant; Jules (or Julius) Sokoloff; Jack Mitchell is the 6th person from the left. Pearl Tennenbaum is at the right end of the 3rd row from the top. Elsie Freeman is the first person on the left of the 4th row (sitting on the floor).
Descriptive Notes
Associated Material Note: See accession 1990-12-2, photo 6515 for the same image.
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2017-11-7
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2017-11-7
Material Format
graphic material
textual record
Physical Description
2 photographs : col. ; 13 x 10 cm or smaller
1 folder of textual records
3 photographs : b&w (jpg)
Date
1913, 1954-1984
Scope and Content
Accession consists of two photographs from a 1984 Salsberg family reunion, photo copies of Irving Salsberg's birth registration, and a Canadian Jewish News article reviewing Gerry Salsberg in his role of Tevye in the 1994 production of Fiddler on the Roof. In addition, there are colour photo copies of the Salsberg siblings, Gerry Salsberg and cast from the 1972 production of Godspell and another of Gerry with what appears to be an acting troupe in celebration of "Neigbours" at Burks Falls arena in 1976. In addition, there are two photos of Sammy Salsberg, who was a famous pitcher in the sand lot leagues in Toronto in the early 1930s, throwing the opening pitch at the 2012 opening game at the Rogers Centre on the occasion of his 90th birthday.
Photo Captions:
001: Salsberg family reunion with J. B. Salsberg (centre) distributing "I am a Salsberg" t-shirts, 51 Cliftwood, (Toronto, ON), 23 Jun. 1984.
002: Salsberg family reunion with J. B. Salsberg (centre) viewing the distribution of "I am a Salsberg" t-shirts, 51 Cliftwood, (Toronto, ON), 23 Jun. 1984.
003: Celebration of [performance] at Burks Falls Arena, August 1976. Standing right Gerry Salsberg.
004: Siblings Karen, Stan, Gerry and Barry Salsberg at the wedding of their cousin Marjorie Rose to Malcolm Swartz, Beth Shalom, (Toronto, ON), ca. 1954
005: Cast from 1972 Godspell production at the Royal Alexander Theatre. Pictured from left to right are Jayne Eastwood, Martin Short, Andrea Martin, Avril Chown, [Derek McGrath], [unidentified], Eugene Levy, Gilda Radner, Gerry Salsberg and Rudy Webb. 006: Original cast of Toronto's Second City with Gilda Radner (holding Honest Ed's shopping bag), Brian Doyle-Murray, Gerry Salsberg, Dan Aykroyd, Joe Flaherty, Jane Eastwood and Valri Bromfield, (Toronto, ON), June 1973. 007: Barry, Gerry and Sammy Salsberg, Blue Jay's opening pitch, Rogers Centre, Toronto, 2012. 008: Sammy Salsberg's 90th birthday, Blue Jay's opening pitch, Rogers Centre, Toronto, 2012.
Use Conditions
Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the Archives to obtain permission prior to use.
Descriptive Notes
Physical description note: All textual records donated are photo copies.
Associated Material: Second City Chicago Archives (digital record donation)
Subjects
Arts
Theater
Name Access
Salsberg, Gerry, 1949-2010
Salsberg, J. B.,1902-1998
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2018-2-5
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2018-2-5
Physical Description
14 photographs : b&w ; 20 x 25 cm or smaller
Date
[1955]
Scope and Content
Accession consists of photographs from a B'nai Israel Congregation Purim carnival.
Responsibility
Photographs by Lou Lessin, London, Ont.
Administrative History
In 1899, London established its first permanent synagogue at the corner of Richmond and Simcoe Streets. The B'nai Israel Congregation operated from this location until 1917. With the rapid influx of Jewish residents at the turn of century, the congregation eventually relocated to the site of a former church located at the corner of Wellington and Grey. B'nai Israel operated from this new home until 1960. On September 11, 1960, B'nai Israel Congregation consecrated its new purpose built synagogue at the then northern border of the city. Praised for its ultramodern design, the synagogue complex designed by architect Philip Carter Johnson, housed a school, social hall and youth centre.
Use Conditions
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.
Descriptive Notes
HISTORY/BIO NOTE: A History of the Jewish Community of London Ontario by Bill Gladstone.
CONSERVATION NOTE: Photos were originally mounted on display boards. The photo backing has been removed where possible. All identifying information included in the photo captions was on the original display board.
Subjects
Synagogues
Purim
Places
London (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2019-7-8
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2019-7-8
Material Format
textual record
sound recording
graphic material
Physical Description
15cm of textual records
11 audio cassettes
27 photographs : col ; 15 x 10 cm
Date
ca. 1986-2005
Scope and Content
Accession consists of material documenting the Friends of Yiddish organization including audio recordings of guest lectures and study groups, photographs of Eda Schiff's retirement party and photogaphs of a special event honouring Bess Shockett. The event included performances by Cantor Louis Danto, folk singer Jenny Eisenstein, and Mitch Smolken.
Accession also includes promotional material related to Der Yiddisher Mikado consisting of original poster and programs and photocopies of newspaper clippings, and photographs of the production. In addition there is a poster for the Klezmer Conservatory Band concert and assorted event flyers, programs and newspaper clippings concerning activities of Friends of Yiddish, specifically their Yiddish Mikado event.
The accession also includes meeting minutes (2000-2004) and issues of the newsletter Dos Bletl (1986-2005), as well as separate copies of recipes created and assembled by "Kokhlefl" Etke Patt. All receipes were published in Dos Bletl. Each issue of Kokhlefl includes a recipe and local event listing section titled "Vos Tut Zikh In Shtot".
Custodial History
Materials from Friends of Yiddish. Donated by former persident Eda Schiff.
Administrative History
Friends of Yiddish is a Toronto-based organization founded in order to "promote the artistic and authentic expression of Mameloshn and Yiddish culture by offering and co-sponsoring concerts, lectures, films, Freylekhs, conversation groups, scholarships with community–wide frayndshaft". Friends of Yiddish was founded in 1984.
Use Conditions
Copyright may not be held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.
Subjects
Theatrical posters, Yiddish
Theater, Yiddish
Yiddish language
Ashkenazic cooking
Jews--Ontario--Toronto
Klezmer music
Name Access
Friends of Yiddish
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Address
41 Willcocks Street
Source
Landmarks

The Primrose Club was founded in Toronto in 1907 as the Cosmopolitan Club, an elite Jewish men's social club. Its members included many prominent leaders of the Jewish community. It was originally located on Beverley Street. In 1921, 41 Willcocks Street which was originally built as a family home, was redesigned by architect Benjamin Brown and Robert McConnell to be the new home of the Primrose Club. In 1959, the club's building at 41 Willcocks Street was expropriated by the University of Toronto (and currently houses the university's Faculty Club), and the club subsequently moved to a new building at Russell Hill Road and St. Clair, designed by Kaplan & Sprachman. This building has since been demolished and replaced with condominiums.
Address
41 Willcocks Street
Time Period
1921-1959
Scope Note
The Primrose Club was founded in Toronto in 1907 as the Cosmopolitan Club, an elite Jewish men's social club. Its members included many prominent leaders of the Jewish community. It was originally located on Beverley Street. In 1921, 41 Willcocks Street which was originally built as a family home, was redesigned by architect Benjamin Brown and Robert McConnell to be the new home of the Primrose Club. In 1959, the club's building at 41 Willcocks Street was expropriated by the University of Toronto (and currently houses the university's Faculty Club), and the club subsequently moved to a new building at Russell Hill Road and St. Clair, designed by Kaplan & Sprachman. This building has since been demolished and replaced with condominiums.
Category
Private Clubs
Architecture
Source
Landmarks
Passenger Names
Down, J.
Date Range
June 6, 1911 to January 19, 1915
Source
Rotenberg Ledger
Passenger Names
Down, J.
Page Number
595
Date Range
June 6, 1911 to January 19, 1915
Photographer
Harvey and Adena Glasner
Source
Rotenberg Ledger
Level
Item
ID
Item 20
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
20
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[ca. 1931]
Physical Description
1 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 20 x 25 cm and 10 x 12 cm
Scope and Content
Back row, left to right: Selig Truster, Kaplansky, Dr. Lax, Harold Burcofsky, Rubinoff.
Third row: Saul Sand, Sylvia Persiko, [unknown], [unknown], Eddie Greenbaum (Green), Kirshenblatt.
Second row: Kaiman, Fanny (Frances) Sher, Principal Chaikes, [unknown], Toby Kirshenbaum, Willie Lindenbaum.
First row: Freddie Steinhouse, Joey Greenbaum, Lou Kishenbaum, [unknown], Solly Freeman (Freeman's Rental).
Notes
Acquired 1974.
Name Access
Dovid Pinsky Club
Farband Folk Shule
Subjects
Clubs
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.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 274
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
274
Material Format
graphic material
Date
June 1974
Physical Description
I slide
Scope and Content
Item is a photographic slide. The photograph was taken by Syd Shoub.
Subjects
Markets
Repro Restriction
Copyright may not be held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.
Places
Kensington Market (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 397
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
397
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[1927 or 1928]
Physical Description
2 photographs : b&w (1 negative)
Scope and Content
The item is a photograph of Clara Love in a costume.
Name Access
Love, Clara
Subjects
Costume
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
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 425
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
425
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[ca. 1916]
Physical Description
2 photographs : (1 negative) : b&w
Scope and Content
Item is a photograph of Harry Goldstein in costume (seated) with an unknown man.
Name Access
Goldstein, Harry
Subjects
Costume
Actors
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
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 426
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
426
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[ca. 1916]
Physical Description
2 photographs : (1 negative) : b&w
Scope and Content
Item is a photograph of Harry Goldstein in costume.
Name Access
Goldstein, Harry
Subjects
Costume
Actors
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
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 432
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
432
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[ca. 1916]
Physical Description
2 photographs : (1 negative) : b&w
Scope and Content
Item is a photograph of Harry Goldstein in costume.
Name Access
Goldstein, Harry
Subjects
Costume
Actors
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
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 434
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
434
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[ca. 1916]
Physical Description
2 photographs : (1 negative) : b&w
Scope and Content
Item is photograph of Harry Goldstein in costume.
Name Access
Goldstein, Harry
Subjects
Costume
Actors
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
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 458
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
458
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1940
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w, mounted on board ; 14 x 19 cm
Scope and Content
Item is a photograph of the National Council of Jewish Juniors, members of the cast of three one-act plays performed at Madison theatre, Toronto, 1940.
Notes
A negative is available.
Name Access
Madison Theatre
National Council of Jewish Juniors
Subjects
Actors
Women
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
Toronto (Ont.)
Accession Number
Acquired April 7, 1975.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 459
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
459
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1940
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w , mounted on board ; 14 x 20 cm
Scope and Content
Item is an original photograph of National Council of Jewish Juniors cast of play, Madison (Midtown) Theatre, Toronto, directed by Ida Strauss. Left to right: Eve Cappe, Jenny Birken, Syd Scheen, and Olga Galitsky.
Name Access
Birken, Jenny
Cape, Eve
Galitsky, Olga
Madison Theatre
National Council of Jewish Juniors
Scheen, Syd
Strauss, Ida
Subjects
Actors
Women
Theater
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
Toronto (Ont.)
Accession Number
Acquired April 7, 1975.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 468
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
468
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1939
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 17 x 22 cm
Scope and Content
Item is a photograph of National Council of Jewish Juniors performing "Having a Wonderful Time" at Hart House Theatre, Toronto. From left to right: Sylvia Page (Lennick), ? Shapiro, Ida Strauss, and Mina Livingston.
Notes
A 4 x 5 negative is available.
Name Access
Hart House Theatre
Livingston, Mina
National Council of Jewish Juniors
Page, Sylvia
Strauss, Ida
Subjects
Actors
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
Toronto (Ont.)
Accession Number
Acquired April 7, 1975.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 498
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
498
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[196-?]
Physical Description
2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 25 x 20 cm
Notes
Acquired December 1974.
Name Access
Allen, Herb
Heart Award
Variety Club
Subjects
Awards
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions