Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

Level

Fonds

Fonds

23

Material Format

textual record

graphic material

Date

1931-[198-]

Physical Description

25 cm of textual records

17 photographs (6 negatives)

Admin History/Bio

Harry Simon (1909-1993) was born in Russia on 15 July 1909 and immigrated to Canada with his parents and two younger brothers in 1923. In 1930, he married Eva Millman and together they had two sons, Morris and Norman. Simon was involved in a number of labour unions and organizations during his lifetime, namely the Fur Workers' Union, the AFL-CIO, the Canadian Labour Congress and the Labour Zionist Movement.

In 1926, at the age of 17, Simon left his schooling in Toronto and went to work in a fur factory. He joined the International Fur Workers' Union and at the age of 20, Simon held the distinction of being the youngest business agent elected to a union in Canada. He joined the Canadian Commonwealth Federation (CCF) in 1933 and ran as a political candidate in the 1937 provincial election for the St. Andrew riding in Toronto.

Simon also served as the Canadian representative for the American Federation of Labour from 1944 to 1956. In 1956, he was appointed to the Canadian Labour Congress, becoming the CLC's Ontario regional director of organization until his retirement in 1974. Simon also held the position of national chairman of the Jewish Labour Committee of Canada and as president of the Labour Zionist Movement of Canada. He was also a member of the national executive of the Canadian Jewish Congress.

After his retirement Simon often spoke about labour issues at various functions and events when requested. He died on 22 December 1993 at the age of 84.

Scope and Content

This fonds consists of the records related to the professional career of Harry Simon. This includes meeting minutes, general correspondence, speeches, posters, flyers, booklets, programmes and photographs. The bulk of the material is in the form of correspondence sent to or from Harry Simon. There is also a small amount of biographical material and a number of photographs, which have been described at the item level.

Name Access

Simon, Harry, 1909-1993

Subjects

Immigrants--Canada

Labor leaders

Physical Condition

Some photographs require conservation work.

Arrangement

The files were originally arranged by Harry Simon according to organization. This original order has been maintained by the archivist.

Creator

Simon, Harry, 1909-1993

Accession Number

1988-5-6

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

Level

Item

Fonds

23

Item

1

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1929

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 21 x 26 cm and 10 x 12 cm

Scope and Content

Item is a copy photograph and corresponding negative of attendees at the third conference of Jewish Marxist youth of the United States and Canada, held in Toronto. Pictured in the second row on the far right is Harry Simon.

Subjects

Congresses and conventions

Portraits, Group

Youth

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

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

Level

Item

Fonds

23

Item

2

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1956

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 21 x 26 cm and 10 x 12 cm

Scope and Content

Item is a copy photograph and corresponding negative of Harry Simon (left) with three striking workers from the Libery Ornamental Iron company, most likely located on Lauton Avenue. Two of the men are wearing strike signs.

Name Access

Simon, Harry, 1909-1993

Subjects

Employees

Portraits, Group

Strikes and lockouts

Repro Restriction

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

Places

Toronto (Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

Level

Item

Fonds

23

Item

3

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[195-]

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 21 x 26 cm and 10 x 12 cm

Scope and Content

Item is a copy photograph and corresponding negative of Harry Simon standing at a microphone at a Bakers' Union banquet. Also pictured are three unidentified people seated at a head table and an orchestral band behind Simon.

Name Access

Simon, Harry, 1909-1993

Subjects

Dinners and dining

Speeches, addresses, etc

Repro Restriction

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

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

Level

Item

Fonds

23

Item

4

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1962

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 26 x 21 cm and 12 x 10 cm

Scope and Content

This item is a copy photograph and corresponding negative of Harry Simon with a delegation of men sent by the Canadian government to a needle trades conference in Amsterdam. Harry Simon is pictured seated on the far right.

Name Access

Simon, Harry, 1909-1993

Subjects

Congresses and conventions

Diplomats

Portraits, Group

Repro Restriction

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

Places

Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

Level

File

Fonds

23

File

1

Material Format

textual record

graphic material

Date

1934-[198-]

Physical Description

3 cm of textual records

3 photographs : b&w ; 20 x 48 cm and 21 x 26 cm

Admin History/Bio

There was a major dispute within the International Fur Workers' Union in 1938, which is documented in the records of Harry Simon. It was due to the division between the Communist and anti-Communist elements of the union and resulted in the formation of a new fur workers' union affiliated with the American Federation of Labor (AFL).

Scope and Content

File consists of textual and graphic records related to Harry Simon's work as an organizer and representative of the International Fur Workers' Union and an officer of the break-away Fur Workers' Union (AFL.). This includes correspondence, rally posters and flyers, anniversary books, a bulletin, and photographs. Of particular interest are the records detailing a heated dispute between the International Fur Workers' Union, its Toronto Joint Board leadership and many of its members. An oversized newsprint poster referring to Max Federman's dispute is included.

Subjects

Labor unions

Physical Condition

One photograph requires conservation work.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

International Fur Workers' Union / Fur Workers' Union (AFL) file

Level

Item

Fonds

23

File

1

Item

1

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1934

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm

Scope and Content

Item is a studio portrait of the executive members of locals 40 and 100 of the International Fur Workers' Union in Toronto. Harry Simon is featured in the first row, third from the left. Max Federman is seated next to him, fourth from the left.

Notes

Photo by Famous Studio.

Subjects

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

Toronto (Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

International Fur Workers' Union / Fur Workers' Union (AFL) file

Level

Item

Fonds

23

File

1

Item

2

Material Format

graphic material

Date

10 Oct. 1942

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 20 x 48 cm

Scope and Content

This item is a photograph of a banquet and dance held for the members of the Fur Workers' Union (A. F. of L.) in Toronto. The photo depicts several hundred men and women seated at various banquet tables. Harry Simon is pictured standing in the centre of the head table, behind the podium.

Subjects

Dinners and dining

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.

Physical Condition

This photograph is in very poor condition. It is permanently rolled on one side and is cracked and torn in several places.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

International Fur Workers' Union / Fur Workers' Union (AFL) file

Level

Item

Fonds

23

File

1

Item

3

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[198-]

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm

Scope and Content

This item is a photograph of Max Federman standing behind a podium at a Fur Workers' Union meeting in Quebec. Three unidentified men are standing on the left.

Repro Restriction

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

Places

Québec (Province)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

International Fur Workers' Union / Fur Workers' Union (AFL) file

Level

Item

Fonds

23

File

1

Item

4

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[19--]

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm

Scope and Content

This item is an announcement for a mass meeting to be held at the Labor Lyceum on Sunday, February 6 at 8 p.m. The announcement encourages workers and trade unionists to come and hear "how the Communists made the Frame-up against Max Federman, honest and progressive trade union leader."

Name Access

Federman, Max, 1902-1991

Labor Lyceum (Toronto, Ont.)

Subjects

Communism

Repro Restriction

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

Places

Toronto (Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

International Fur Workers' Union / Fur Workers' Union (AFL) file

Level

Item

Fonds

23

File

1

Item

9

Material Format

textual record

Date

1935

Physical Description

1 newspaper clipping

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

Level

File

Fonds

23

File

2

Material Format

textual record

graphic material

Date

1974-1986

Physical Description

3 cm of textual records

4 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 21 x 26 cm and 13 x 18 cm and 10 x 12 cm

Scope and Content

This file consists of textual and graphic records related to Harry Simon's work as Chairman of the Israel Histadrut Campaign, both through the Ontario Trade Union Council for Histadrut as well as the Canadian Association for Labor Israel. The records include officer meeting minutes, correspondence, event invitations and flyers, as well as photographs.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

Israel Histadrut campaign file

Level

Item

Fonds

23

File

2

Item

1

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1979

Physical Description

1 negative : b&w ; 10 x 12 cm

Scope and Content

This item is a copy negative of Harry Simon addressing a Histadrut conference in Toronto. The image depicts Simon speaking into a microphone at the head table. Phil and Min Givens are seated on the left. There is a banner pictured behind the table.

Subjects

Congresses and conventions

Repro Restriction

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

Places

Toronto (Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

Israel Histadrut campaign file

Level

Item

Fonds

23

File

2

Item

2

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1980

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm

Scope and Content

This item is a photograph of the invited guests at the Ontario Trade Union Council for Histadrut seminar weekend, held at the Holiday Inn in Toronto. The guests are seated around a banquet table. Pictured on the far left is Max Federman. Standing on the left is Harry Simon. Seated second and third from the right are Morden and Margaret Lazarus.

Repro Restriction

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

Places

Toronto (Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

Israel Histadrut campaign file

Level

Item

Fonds

23

File

2

Item

3

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1980

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm

Scope and Content

This item is a photograph of Harry Simon presenting a certificate to Margaret and Morden Lazarus at an Ontario Trade Union Council for Histadrut seminar weekend, held at the Holiday Inn in Toronto. The certificate honoured the Lazarus' for their contribution to a perpetual scholarship for Israeli youth.

Repro Restriction

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

Places

Toronto (Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

Israel Histadrut campaign file

Level

Item

Fonds

23

File

2

Item

4

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1986

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 13 x 18 cm

Scope and Content

This item is a photograph of the national executive of the Israel Histadrut Campaign of 1986. The photograph depicts several men and women seated and standing at a conference table. Harry Simon is pictured in the back row, 9th from the left.

Repro Restriction

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

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

Level

File

Fonds

23

File

3

Material Format

textual record

Date

1960-1966

Physical Description

3 cm of textual records

Scope and Content

This file consists of textual records relating to Harry Simon's work as Chairman of the Jewish Labour Committee. The records include correspondence, event invitations and flyers and activity summaries.

Subjects

Committees

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

Level

File

Fonds

23

File

4

Material Format

textual record

graphic material

Date

1967-1972

Physical Description

3 cm of textual records

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 26 x 21 cm and 12 x 10 cm

Scope and Content

This file consists of records relating to Harry Simon's work as Chairman of the Jewish Labour Committee. The records include correspondence, event invitations and flyers, activity summaries, press releases, speeches and one photograph.

Subjects

Committees

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

Jewish Labour Committee file

Level

Item

Fonds

23

File

4

Item

1

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1968

Physical Description

2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 26 x 21 cm and 12 x 10 cm

Scope and Content

This item is a copy photograph and negative of Harry Simon speaking at a Jewish Labour Committee conference in Montreal, Quebec. He is standing behind a banquet table, speaking into a microphone. Pictured from left to right are: David Orlikow (MP), Kalman Kaplansky, Stanley Knowles, Harry Simon, and Emanuel Murawchick (Director, Jewish Labor Committee, New York).

Subjects

Congresses and conventions

Speeches, addresses, etc

Repro Restriction

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

Places

Montréal (Québec)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

Level

File

Fonds

23

File

5

Material Format

textual record

Date

1973-1975

Physical Description

3 cm of textual records

Scope and Content

This file consists of textual records relating to Harry Simon's work as Chairman of the Jewish Labour Committee. The records include correspondence, event invitations and flyers, press releases and meeting minutes.

Subjects

Committees

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

Jewish Labour Committee file

Level

File

Fonds

23

File

6

Material Format

textual record

Date

1976-1984

Physical Description

3 cm of textual records

Scope and Content

This file consists of textual records relating to Harry Simon's work as chairman of the Jewish Labour Committee. The records include correspondence, event invitations and flyers, and press releases.

Subjects

Committees

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

Level

File

Fonds

23

File

7

Material Format

textual record

Date

1980-1987

Physical Description

3 cm of textual records

Scope and Content

This file consists of textual records relating to Harry Simon's work as the Chairman of the National Co-ordinating Committee of the Labour Zionist Movement, and as representative of Achdut Ha'Avodah on the Jewish Labour Council. The records consist of correspondence, bulletins, program booklets and meeting minutes.

Subjects

Labor Zionism

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

Level

File

Fonds

23

File

8

Material Format

textual record

Date

1978

Physical Description

3 cm of textual records

Scope and Content

This file consists of textual records relating to Harry Simon's work as Chairman of the Anti-Nazi Committee of the Canadian Jewish Congress/B'nai Brith Joint Community Relations Committee. The records include correspondence, newsclippings, meeting notices and minutes, bulletins and flyers.

Subjects

Anti-Nazi movement

Committees

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

Level

Item

Fonds

23

File

8

Item

1

Material Format

textual record

Date

1978

Physical Description

1 article

Subjects

Anti-Nazi movement

Committees

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

Level

File

Fonds

23

File

9

Material Format

textual record

Date

1979-1982

Physical Description

3 cm of textual records

Scope and Content

This file consists of textual records relating to Harry Simon's work as Chairman of the Anti-Nazi Committee of the Canadian Jewish Congress/B'nai Brith Joint Community Relations Committee. The records include correspondence, newsclippings, and meeting notices and minutes.

Subjects

Anti-Nazi movement

Committees

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

Level

File

Fonds

23

File

10

Material Format

textual record

Date

1961-1975

Physical Description

3 cm of textual records

Scope and Content

This file consists of textual records relating to Harry Simon's work with the Canadian Labour Congress as the Regional Director of Organizing for Ontario. The file consists of correspondence to Simon from Meyer Gasner, David Lewis and J. B. Salsberg among others, as well as an invitation to Simon's retirement testimonial dinner.

Name Access

Salsberg, J. B.,1902-1998

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Harry Simon fonds

Level

File

Fonds

23

File

11

Material Format

textual record

Date

1931, [197-]

Physical Description

1 cm of textual records

Scope and Content

This file consists of a Jewish Workers Culture Club members library card, as well as a biographical tribute booklet.

Source

Archival Descriptions