Part Of
Harold S. Kaplan fonds
Architectural projects series
Loew's Uptown Theatre (Toronto) sub-series
Level
Sub-series
ID
Fonds 27; Series 1-2
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Harold S. Kaplan fonds
Architectural projects series
Loew's Uptown Theatre (Toronto) sub-series
Level
Sub-series
Fonds
27
Series
1-2
Material Format
architectural drawing
graphic material
Date
1919-1968
Physical Description
132 architectural drawings : pencil (some on tracing paper, some hand col. using pencil crayon), blueprints and other reproductions ; 76 x 106 cm or smaller
5 photographs : b&w ; 44 x 55 cm or smaller
Admin History/Bio
One of sixteen theatres in Canada designed by the well-known architect Thomas W. Lamb, the Uptown Theatre opened in 1920 as a movie and vaudeville theatre of almost 3000 seats, and was later the first theatre in Toronto equipped for sound movies. In 1960 the Uptown's main auditorium was destroyed by a major fire. Kaplan & Sprachman participated in the theatre's subsequent renovation.
In 1969 the Uptown was split into a five screen theatre through conversion of the theatre's balcony, backstage and basement areas. The Uptown was closed and demolished in late 2003 following the 28th Annual Toronto International Film Festival after the cinema operator, Famous Players, decided to close it and other theatres rather than comply with an Ontario Human Rights Commission order to make the theatres fully wheelchair-accessible.
Scope and Content
Sub-series consists of seating plans, blueprints of structural details, floor plans, sections and elevations for successive alterations (to the entrance, lobby, escalator, etc.) of the theatre, as well as several photographs of the Uptown's entrance and auditorium. The sub-series includes a number of hand-coloured drawings of the main auditorium dating from 1962, with paint and fabric samples attached, apparently associated with the re-building of the auditorium following the fire of 1960. The sub-series also includes a set of photo-reproductions of Thomas Lamb's original 1919 plans for the theatre, acquired by Kaplan & Sprachman in 1960.
The sub-series is arranged in 9 sub-sub-series corresponding to project dates of 1919, 1936, 1945, 1949, 1960, 1962, and 1968. The final sub-sub-series relates to work done by Kaplan after the dissolution of Kaplan & Sprachman.
In several cases, a sub-sub-series includes drawings and plans from earlier projects, used as reference materials for the current project.
Name Access
Lamb, Thos. W. (Thomas White), 1871-1942
Uptown Theatre (Toronto, Ont.)
Subjects
Theaters
Physical Condition
Some drawings torn or water-damaged. Some are discoloured or damaged by deteriorating pressure-sensitive tape.
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Accession Number
2003-6-1
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Harold S. Kaplan fonds
Architectural projects series
Loew's Uptown Theatre (Toronto) sub-series
Alterations to Uptown Theatre and plan of existing theatre sub-sub-series
Level
Sub-sub-series
Fonds
27
Series
1-2-2
Material Format
architectural drawing
graphic material
Date
1936
Physical Description
2 drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 49 x 42 cm and 67x41 cm
2 photographs : b&w ; 18 x 13 cm
Scope and Content
Sub-sub-series consists of floor plans and sections of theatre and Balmuto Street entrance and two photographs of the Yonge Street entrance to the theatre.
Notes
Title derived from formal titles of the drawings.
Project reference code AR 1497.
Creation date for the photographs is based on the release date of the movie then playing at the theatre.
The drawings and photographs have been grouped together based on their date of creation, but there is no project reference code on the photographs.
Name Access
Uptown Theatre (Toronto)
Accession Number
2003-6-1
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Harold S. Kaplan fonds
Architectural projects series
Loew's Uptown Theatre (Toronto) sub-series
Proposed escalator for Loew's Uptown Theatre, Toronto sub-sub-series
Level
Sub-sub-series
Fonds
27
Series
1-2-5
Material Format
architectural drawing
Responsibility
Kaplan & Sprachman
Date
1 June 1954
Physical Description
1 drawing : pencil ; 38 x 115 cm
Notes
Project reference no. 54-K-13.
Name Access
Uptown Theatre (Toronto)
Accession Number
2003-6-1
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Harold S. Kaplan fonds
Architectural projects series
Loew's Uptown Theatre (Toronto) sub-series
Alterations to entrance to Loew's Uptown Theatre, Yonge St. near Bloor St., Toronto, Ont. sub-sub-series
Level
Sub-sub-series
Fonds
27
Series
1-2-4
Material Format
architectural drawing
Responsibility
Kaplan & Sprachman
Date
1948-1950
Physical Description
22 drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 61 x 148 cm or smaller
Scope and Content
Sub-sub-series includes floor plans, elevations and cross-sections for lobby and drawings of details of new doorways, door hardware, and ticket booths.
Notes
Project reference no. 49-K-30.
Drawn by S.H.H. and A.B.
Name Access
Uptown Theatre (Toronto)
Accession Number
2003-6-1
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Harold S. Kaplan fonds
Architectural projects series
Proposed alterations to Loew's Winter Garden Theatre (Toronto) sub-series
Level
Sub-series
Fonds
27
Series
1-3
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
1946, 1968
Physical Description
5 drawings : blueline and blackline prints ; 60 x 101 cm
Admin History/Bio
The Winter Garden Theatre was built in 1913-1914 and opened on 16 Feb. 1914, the upper half of a double-decker theatre complex which included Loew's Yonge Street Theatre at street-level. The theatres were designed by Thomas Lamb and were the flagship of Loew's theatre chain in Canada.
The Winter Garden was an "atmospheric theatre", with a simulated sky and stars, columns painted to resemble tree trunks, garden scenes painted on the walls, and lanterns, blossoms and beech leaves hung from the ceiling. Performers would appear at both theatres, but the Winter Garden was considered more exclusive than Loew's Yonge Street Theatre, with fewer seats (approx. 1400), higher ticket prices and reserved seating.
With the decline in popularity of vaudeville during the 1920s, the Winter Garden was closed in 1928. It remained closed and unused until 1981, when it and the Elgin (as the Yonge Street Theatre had been renamed) were purchased and subsequently restored by the Ontario Heritage Foundation. The theatres re-opened in Dec. 1989.
While histories of the Winter Garden typically describe it as a "time capsule" which remained sealed and undisturbed from the time of its closing in 1928 until it was restored, the architectural drawings in this sub-series document two proposed renovations of the Winter Garden during those decades.
Scope and Content
Sub-series consists of drawings for 2 proposed renovations of the theatre, by Kaplan & Sprachman in 1944, and by Harold Kaplan in 1968.
Notes
Project reference codes 44-K-160 (Kaplan & Sprachman), and 68-6 (Harold S. Kaplan).
Name Access
Lamb, Thomas
Winter Garden 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
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 21
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
21
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
1948
Physical Description
1 architectural drawing : pencil and hand col. pencil crayon on tracing paper ; 52 cm length and 5 cm diam.
Admin History/Bio
Originally known as the Bedford, the Park Theatre was designed in 1929 by Murray Brown. It was renovated and renamed the Park in 1948. Located at 3291 Yonge Street, the building currently functions as a pet food store.
Scope and Content
File consists of designs of the 1948 renovations to the Park Theatre. A floor plan and a sketch of the stage area are included.
Related Material
See File 49-5-11 for architectural plans designed by Herbert G. Duerr of a theatre on Kingston Road.
Places
Yonge Street (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
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
Level
Item
ID
Item 893
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
893
Material Format
graphic material
Responsibility
Duke Studios
Date
1976
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm
Scope and Content
This item is an original print of the former Uptown Theatre, built by the Kaplan brothers in the 1930s and then converted to use as Children's Aid offices and apartments.
Name Access
Kaplan
Uptown Theatre (Kirkland Lake, Ont.)
Subjects
Architecture
Theaters
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
Kirkland Lake (Ont.)
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
Level
Sub-series
ID
Fonds 27; Series 1-1
Source
Archival Descriptions
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
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 75
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
75
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
1919-1924
Physical Description
20 architectural drawings : 7 blueprints, 13 pencil, some on tracing paper ; 45 cm length or smaller and 8 cm diam.
Admin History/Bio
The Mavety Theatre was located at 215 Mavety Street, which is near the intersection of Dundas and Keele. In 1919, Joe Nevin created plans to convert the theatre into a cinema. In 1924, Benjamin Brown was commissioned by Mr. R. Thornton to make alterations to the theatre. It is unknown if these plans were implemented. The theatre was the site of several political rallies promoting workers' rights in the 1920s.
Scope and Content
File consists of architectural drawings of alterations to the Mavety Theatre. In addition to Benjamin Brown's drawings, file also includes proposed plans to convert the theatre into a cinema drawn by architect Joe Nevin. Floor plans, sections, detailing and elevation drawings are included.
Notes
Due to the poor condition of these drawings, the description is partially based on the item level descriptions created by Steve Speisman.
Name Access
Mavety Theatre
Thornton, R.
Access Restriction
Closed. Records are closed for conservation reasons.
Physical Condition
Material is fragile and badly torn.
Related Material
See File 49-5-11 for architectural plans designed by Herbert G. Duerr of a theatre on Kingston Road.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
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
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 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
Benjamin Brown fonds
Reference materials series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 5; File 9
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Reference materials series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
5
File
9
Material Format
textual record
Date
1928-1932
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 52
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
52
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
1933
Physical Description
4 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper, 1 hand col. pencil crayon ; 40 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.
Admin History/Bio
The Colonial Theatre was established in 1919 and occupied the main floor of the Franklin Building, across the street from Old Toronto City Hall. It was owned an operated by Henry Franklin. The theatre was later renamed the Bay Theatre and closed in 1965. The building itself was torn down shortly thereafter. The site is currently occupied by the Simpson Building.
Scope and Content
File consists of plans of the balcony, gallery, lobby and foyer.
Physical Condition
Poor condition, plans badly torn.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Accession Number
1995-11-7
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1995-11-7
Material Format
graphic material
Physical Description
13 photographs : b&w ; 17 x 12 cm or smaller
Date
1943-1955
Scope and Content
Accession consists of photographs showing the Hotel Casa Loma on Lake Simcoe with Star of David designs on the balcony, vacationers at Victory Cottage, Jewish servicemen in London and Toronto (see Bill Stern fonds for similar images), and a furrier shop.
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2013-10-2
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2013-10-2
Material Format
multiple media
Physical Description
60 cm of textual records and other material
Date
1964-2005
Scope and Content
Accession consists of records related to the National Council of Jewish Women, London Section. Included are board and committee meeting minutes and correspondence, general correspondence, program material, publicity records, committee and membership lists, publications, anniversary records, newsletters, newsclippings, cookbooks, photographs and slides, audio cassetees documenting the "Jewish Family Life" series, as well as one promotional video in BETA format.
Administrative History
The London Section of the National Council for Jewish Women of Canada was founded in the late 1940s. The section was presented its charter in 1950. Dev Fox was the section's first president. The section was involved in fundraising for various causes through events such as raffles, bingo nights, fashion shows and dinner-dances. They also organized discussion groups, programs and campaigns around topics of social interest such as mental and physical health, education, poverty, women's equality, women's health, child abuse and others. The London Section is no longer active.
Descriptive Notes
Physical Description note: includes ca. 500 photographs and slides, 8 audiocassettes, and 1 videocassette.
Name Access
National Council of Jewish Women, London Section (subject)
Alter, Ronnee (creator)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2017-6-9
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2017-6-9
Material Format
textual record
graphic material
Physical Description
71 cm of textual records
36 photographs : b&w and col. (9 negatives) ; 13 x 18 cm and smaller
Date
1951-1996
Scope and Content
Accession consists of material documenting the National Council of Jewish Women, London Section. Included are: board and committee meeting minutes and correspondence, general correspondence, program material, publicity records, event invitations, committee and membership lists, membership recruitment materials, directories, by-laws, publications, anniversary records, newsletters, newsclippings, financial and budgetary records, and leadership training material. Program themes include women's health, women's equality, childcare, children's health, babysitting, and home care. Publications include issues of the national journal Council Woman, the newsletter National Newsletter, the London Update, the NCJW Bulletin, and the NCJW London Section Bulletin from 1951-1978.
Administrative History
The London Section of the National Council for Jewish Women of Canada was founded in the late 1940s. The section was presented its charter in 1950. Dev Fox was the section's first president. The section was involved in fundraising for various causes through events such as raffles, bingo nights, fashion shows and dinner-dances. They also organized discussion groups, programs and campaigns around topics of social interest such as mental and physical health, education, poverty, women's equality, women's health, child abuse and others. The London Section is no longer active.
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
Women in nonprofit organizations
Name Access
Alter, Ronnee (creator)
National Council of Jewish Women, London Section (subject)
Places
London, Ont.
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2017-8-7
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2017-8-7
Material Format
textual record
graphic material
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
12 photographs : b&w and col ; 26 x 21 cm or smaller
Date
1929-[198-]
Scope and Content
Accession consists of material documenting the life of Debby Alter (née Speyer). Included are: certificates and diplomas for Alter and her brother Lloyd; newspaper clippings relating to Alter and her family; photographs of Alter and her family, and a small amount of correspondence addressed to Alter, primarily from her father.
Custodial History
Debby Alter's daughter, Bonnie, donated the records to the Archives following her mother's death in May 2017.
Administrative History
Debby Cecil Speyer was born on 18 Aug. 1918 to Boris Speyer and Etta Speyer (née Prager). Debby's father worked as an insurance broker in Toronto. Years later when he became ill, Etta went into real estate, becoming Toronto's first female commercial and industrial real-estate agent in 1935. Debby was one of three children, having two brothers: Mark and Lloyd. Lloyd died in 1943 fighting in the Second World War.
Debby's connection to Hadassah-WIZO goes back to an early age. She attended the first Hadassah-WIZO Bazaar in 1924, for example, when she was five years old. As a youth, she attended the Goel Tzedec Congregation's religious school and later the Toronto Normal Model School, receiving her diploma in June 1933. She went on to marry Gabriel Alter, with whom she had two children: Bonnie and Lloyd (named after his late uncle). Their daughter, Bonnie, was entered in a lovely child photo-contest as part of the annual Hadassah Bazaar.
In 1969, Debby was named chairman of the Women's Division of 1969 State of Israel Bonds in Toronto. By that point, she had been a member of Toronto Hadassah's executive board for years. Debby remained involved in Hadassah until her later years, attending the very last Bazaar in 2008, where she was honoured along with other long-time volunteers at a special cake-cutting ceremony. She passed away at her home on Friday, 12 May 2017. A service was held at Holy Blossom Memorial Park the following Sunday. She is survived by her two children, two children-in-law, and three grandchildren.
Use Conditions
Partially closed. Researchers must receive permission from the OJA Director prior to accessing some of the records.
Copyright may not be held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.
Name Access
Alter, Debby, 1918-2017
Hadassah Organization of Toronto
Hadassah-WIZO Organization of Canada
Source
Archival Accessions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
Executive director series
Teacher files sub-series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 2-4; File 108
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
Executive director series
Teacher files sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
2-4
File
108
Material Format
textual record
Date
1960-1972
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Access Restriction
Closed. Researchers must receive permission from the OJA Director prior to accessing the records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care fonds
Women's Auxiliary series
Fundraising sub-series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 14; Series 4-8; File 5
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care fonds
Women's Auxiliary series
Fundraising sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
14
Series
4-8
File
5
Material Format
textual record
Date
1961-1963
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of invitations, programmes, and newspaper clippings documenting various Theatre Nights organized by the Women's Auxiliary.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care fonds
Women's Auxiliary series
Fundraising sub-series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 14; Series 4-8; File 6
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care fonds
Women's Auxiliary series
Fundraising sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
14
Series
4-8
File
6
Material Format
textual record
Date
1964-1965
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of invitations and programmes documenting various Theatre Nights organized by the Women's Auxiliary.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care fonds
Women's Auxiliary series
Fundraising sub-series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 14; Series 4-8; File 7
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care fonds
Women's Auxiliary series
Fundraising sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
14
Series
4-8
File
7
Material Format
textual record
Date
1966
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of flyers, programmes, correspondence, and financial records documenting the Theatre Night organized by the Women's Auxiliary.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care fonds
Women's Auxiliary series
Fundraising sub-series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 14; Series 4-8; File 8
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care fonds
Women's Auxiliary series
Fundraising sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
14
Series
4-8
File
8
Material Format
textual record
Date
1967
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of a flyer, invitations, a programme, and financial records documenting the Theatre Night organized by the Women's Auxiliary.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region fonds
Community Relations Committee series
Research Records sub-series
Advocacy, General sub-sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
17
Series
5-4-9
File
74
Material Format
textual record
Date
1966
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence about the possible establishment of chaplaincy services for live theatre venues by the Synod of the Diocese of Toronto, Anglican Church of Canada.
Notes
Previously processed and cited as part of MG8 S.
Name Access
Anglican Church of Canada. Diocese of Toronto. Synod
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care fonds
Men's Service Group series
Programs and events sub-series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 14; Series 5-8; File 2
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care fonds
Men's Service Group series
Programs and events sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
14
Series
5-8
File
2
Material Format
textual record
Date
Feb. 1960
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Harold S. Kaplan fonds
Architectural projects series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 27; Series 1; File 14
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Harold S. Kaplan fonds
Architectural projects series
Level
File
Fonds
27
Series
1
File
14
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[1939?]
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 26 x 21 cm
Scope and Content
Exterior shot of theatre marquee.
Notes
Title and creation date based on content of the photograph.
Location of this theatre is uncertain. Judging from the photograph in John Sebert's book, The "nabes", p. 117, it is not the Alhambra Theatre which was located at 568 Bloor St. W., Toronto.
Subjects
Theaters
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
Bloor Street West (Toronto, Ont.)
Accession Number
2003-6-1
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Harold S. Kaplan fonds
Architectural projects series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 27; Series 1; File 15
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Harold S. Kaplan fonds
Architectural projects series
Level
File
Fonds
27
Series
1
File
15
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[1939?]
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 26 x 21 cm
Scope and Content
Exterior shot of theatre marquee.
Notes
Title and creation date based on content of the photograph.
Location of this theatre is uncertain. Release date for the movies showing at the theatre in this photograph was 1939, and Mandel Sprachman's published Inventory of Kaplan & Sprachman theatre projects (Historic Theatres' Trust Bulletin, Spring-Summer 1996) lists a Capitol Theatre project in Welland, Ont., for 1939.
Subjects
Theaters
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
Welland (Ont.)
Accession Number
2003-6-1
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Morris Norman collection
Level
Item
ID
Fonds 22; Item 103
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Morris Norman collection
Level
Item
Fonds
22
Item
103
Material Format
textual record
Date
1922
Physical Description
1 item
Source
Archival Descriptions
Passenger Names
Warshavsky, Alter & Chaim
Date Range
June 6, 1911 to January 19, 1915
Source
Rotenberg Ledger
Passenger Names
Warshavsky, Alter & Chaim
Page Number
253
Date Range
June 6, 1911 to January 19, 1915
Photographer
Harvey and Adena Glasner
Source
Rotenberg Ledger
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 50
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
50
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
1933
Physical Description
1 architectural drawing : blueprint ; 54 cm length and 4 cm diam.
Scope and Content
File consists of architectural drawings of alterations to the rear of a confectionery store at 809 Dundas West for Mr. Morris Alter. Floor plans and elevation drawings are included.
Notes
Formerly listed as Commission XVII.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care fonds
Women's Auxiliary series
Fundraising sub-series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 14; Series 4-8; File 3
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care fonds
Women's Auxiliary series
Fundraising sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
14
Series
4-8
File
3
Material Format
textual record
graphic material
Date
1959
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
3 photographs : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm and 18 x 13 cm
Scope and Content
File consists of invitations, programmes, correspondence, photographs and newspaper clippings documenting the first Theatre Night organized by the Women's Auxiliary. Identified in the photographs is Dora Till, Don Cornell, Pam Sullivan, and Hilda Copeland.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care fonds
Women's Auxiliary series
Fundraising sub-series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 14; Series 4-8; File 4
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care fonds
Women's Auxiliary series
Fundraising sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
14
Series
4-8
File
4
Material Format
textual record
Date
1959-1960
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of invitations, programmes, correspondence, and flyers documenting the second Theatre Night organized by the Women's Auxiliary.
Source
Archival Descriptions
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
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
Level
Item
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1927
Physical Description
2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 21 x 26 cm and 10 x 12 cm
Scope and Content
This item is a copy print and corresponding negative depicting members of the Yiddish theatre on stage in Kitchener, Ontario. The members are wearing costumes.
Subjects
Costume
Theater, Yiddish
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
Kitchener (Ont.)
Accession Number
1977-8-16A
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 20
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
20
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
[ca. 1930]
Physical Description
2 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper, 1 hand col. pencil crayon ; 39 cm length and 4 cm diam.
Admin History/Bio
Located at 605 Danforth (Danforth and Gough), the Iola Theatre operated as a movie theatre until closing in 1954.
Scope and Content
File consists of floor plans and elevations of the Iola Theatre, located at 605 Danforth. These drawings are probably related to a proposed renovation. An incomplete elevation of the Iola Theatre drawn by A. A. Abraham is also included.
Physical Condition
Material is fragile and torn.
Related Material
See File 49-5-11 for architectural plans designed by Herbert G. Duerr of a theatre on Kingston Road.
Places
Danforth Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 49; Series 3; File 104
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Benjamin Brown fonds
Commercial building plans and drawings series
Level
File
Fonds
49
Series
3
File
104
Material Format
architectural drawing
Date
1921-1922
Physical Description
27 architectural and technical drawings : 26 blueprints, 1 pencil and paint ; 81 cm length or smaller and 9 cm diam.
Admin History/Bio
Located at 285 Spadina Avenue, the Standard Theatre was the first purpose-built Yiddish theatre in Canada. Described as the finest Yiddish theatre in North America, it contained seating for 1500 and included a balcony. The Standard held its opening performance and ceremony on August 31, 1922. It became the site of a variety of Yiddish plays, musical performances and other entertainment. The theatre was also the scene of political activity during this period, including a 1929 gathering to commemorate the death of Lenin. In 1935, due to poor attendance, the theatre was converted into a movie theatre renamed the Strand. Over the next several decades, the theatre was used for a variety of purposes, including as a Chinese movie house and even as a burlesque house for a time. Most recently, the main floor of the building has been converted into a bank, while the upper balcony has been closed. The Standard was designated as a heritage building in 2007.
Scope and Content
File consists of architectural drawings by J. M. Jeffrey of the Standard Theatre located at 285 Spadina Avenue. Elevations, floor plans, sections, detailing, a heating plan, a roof plan, a colour drawing of a theatre sign and technical drawings of structural elements of the building are included. These drawings are the original permit plans that would have been used onsite during construction. Although Jeffrey is the name on the drawings, Benjamin Brown has also been credited as the architect for the theatre according to an August 31, 1922 Globe and Mail article detailing the opening night.
Name Access
Jeffrey, J. M.
Standard Theatre
Repro Restriction
Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
Physical Condition
Drawings are torn and wrinkled. A conservator should examine these drawings before further handling.
2023-11-28: Some drawings are still very fragile after conservation treatments. They should be handled with extreme care.
Places
Spadina Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Koffler Centre of the Arts fonds
Committees series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 100; Series 2; File 2
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Koffler Centre of the Arts fonds
Committees series
Level
File
Fonds
100
Series
2
File
2
Material Format
textual record
Date
1972-1981
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of meeting minutes of the Theatre Arts Committee of the YM-YWHA and correspondence regarding the proposed School of Theatre Arts. Included in the file is the Leah Posluns Theatre School programme guide and a proposal for library programming outlining the aim of the Leah Posluns Theatre School.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Na'amat Canada Toronto fonds
Fundraising and event ephemera series
Arts and theatre events file
Level
File
ID
Fonds 130; Series 3; File 19
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Na'amat Canada Toronto fonds
Fundraising and event ephemera series
Arts and theatre events file
Level
File
Fonds
130
Series
3
File
19
Material Format
textual record
Date
1990-1996
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of a programme, catalogue, and invitation for art auction and musical "From Belz to Broadway."
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.
Accession Number
2019-3-2
Source
Archival Descriptions
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
Part Of
Jewish Community Centre of Toronto fonds
Jewish Community Centre Archives Committee series
Photograph collection sub-series
Level
Item
ID
Fonds 61; Series 2-2; Item 39
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Jewish Community Centre of Toronto fonds
Jewish Community Centre Archives Committee series
Photograph collection sub-series
Level
Item
Fonds
61
Series
2-2
Item
39
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[ca. 1977]
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm
Scope and Content
This file consists of one photograph of two performers of the Ottawa Dance Theatre performing a representation of classical, modern and jazz works at the Leah Posluns Theatre on Sunday, 1 April 1977.
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
Harold S. Kaplan fonds
Architectural projects series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 27; Series 1; File 5
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Harold S. Kaplan fonds
Architectural projects series
Level
File
Fonds
27
Series
1
File
5
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1935
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm
Scope and Content
Exterior shot of theatre marquee.
Notes
Title and creation date based on content of the photograph and Mandel Sprachman's published Inventory of Kaplan & Sprachman theatre projects (Historic Theatres' Trust Bulletin, Spring-Summer 1996).
Subjects
Theaters
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
2003-6-1
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Harold S. Kaplan fonds
Architectural projects series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 27; Series 1; File 6
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Harold S. Kaplan fonds
Architectural projects series
Level
File
Fonds
27
Series
1
File
6
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[1936?]
Physical Description
4 photographs : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm
Scope and Content
File contains 3 exterior shots of the theatre and 1 of the auditorium.
Notes
Title and creation date based on content of the photographs and Mandel Sprachman's published Inventory of Kaplan & Sprachman theatre projects (Historic Theatres' Trust Bulletin, Spring-Summer 1996).
Three of the photographs were taken by the photographers Pringle & Booth. The fourth print is of a later date, and is from an exposure made ca. 1938, based on the release dates of the films showing at the theatre.
Subjects
Theaters
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
2003-6-1
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Harold S. Kaplan fonds
Architectural projects series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 27; Series 1; File 8
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Harold S. Kaplan fonds
Architectural projects series
Level
File
Fonds
27
Series
1
File
8
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[1937?]
Physical Description
2 photographs : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm
Scope and Content
One exterior shot of the theatre and one of the theatre lobby. Additional businesses featured in College Street view photograph include Altman's, Sugar Bros., Custom Tailoring, and York Furniture.
Notes
Title and creation date based on content of the photographs, Mandel Sprachman's published Inventory of Kaplan & Sprachman theatre projects (Historic Theatres' Trust Bulletin, Spring-Summer 1996), and information accompanying a reproduction of the photograph in John Sebert's book, The "nabes" (p. 104).
Photographers: Pringle & Booth.
Name Access
Pringle & Booth
Subjects
Theaters
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
2003-6-1
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Harold S. Kaplan fonds
Architectural projects series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 27; Series 1; File 9
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Harold S. Kaplan fonds
Architectural projects series
Level
File
Fonds
27
Series
1
File
9
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[1937?]
Physical Description
4 photographs : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm glued to sheets 22 x 28 cm
Scope and Content
4 interior shots of the theatre lobby and auditorium.
Subjects
Theaters
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
Sarnia (Ont.)
Accession Number
2003-6-1
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Harold S. Kaplan fonds
Architectural projects series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 27; Series 1; File 10
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Harold S. Kaplan fonds
Architectural projects series
Level
File
Fonds
27
Series
1
File
10
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[ca. 1940] (original exposures 1937)
Physical Description
4 photographs : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm
Scope and Content
4 interior shots of the theatre lobby and auditorium.
Notes
Title based on photograph content and labels attached to photographs.
One photograph bears a stamp reading: "This photograph printed from exposure made Nov. 1937".
Photographers: Hands Studio.
Name Access
Hands Studio
Subjects
Theaters
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
Ottawa (Ont.)
Accession Number
2003-6-1
Source
Archival Descriptions