Part Of

Morris Norman collection

Turofsky photographs series

Level

Series

Fonds

22

Series

4

Item

1-18

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1945]-1974

Physical Description

18 photographs : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm or smaller

Admin History/Bio

Noted brothers, Nat and Lou Turofsky, began taking photos in 1907. They photographed wedding banquets, social and public events, and celebrities, but were mostly known for their sports photography and quickly established themselves as the premier photographers in the sporting world. Their diverse hockey photographs truly captured the essence of the game, all of which chronicled the Original Six era.

Lou Turofsky was born in 1892 in Chicago to Russian immigrant parents. The family moved to Toronto in 1900, and Lou began work as a photographer at Alexandra Studios in 1907. In 1910, he bought the business and in 1911, he hired his brother Nat to work with him. While Nat never married, Lou married Ruth Seigel in 1936, at the age of forty-five, and had two daughters, Carol (m. Grafstein) and Riki, who is now an opera singer.

Nat and Lou Turofsky were perhaps the most famous sports photographers of the 1940s and 1950s, due in part to their contract as the official photographers of Maple Leaf Gardens from the 1930s until the mid-1950s. They also photographed baseball games for the Toronto Maple Leaf baseball club.

Nat and Lou Turofsky died in 1956 and 1959 respectively.

Scope and Content

This series consists of eighteen photographs taken by the Turofsky brothers from the late 1940s up until 1974. The photographs depict members of the sports community in Toronto, including athletes, managers, newscasters, and reporters, as well as international athletes and celebrities such as Herb Elliot, Danny Kaye, Phil Silvers, and Liberace. Many of the photographs feature Spencer "Spiff" Evans, who was the publicity chief for the Maple Leaf Gardens during the 1940s and 1950s and, in 1963, became the director of public relations for the Toronto Maple Leafs baseball club.

The series has been arranged and described at the item level.

Notes

Associated material note: The Hockey Hall of Fame possesses a Turofsky collection numbering 19,000 negatives.

Subjects

Sports

Accession Number

2002-12-3

2004-7-4

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Morris Norman collection

Turofsky photographs series

Level

Item

Fonds

22

Series

4

Item

1

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1946

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 17 x 22 cm

Admin History/Bio

George Laughlin was a sportswriter for the Toronto Telegram, Spencer Evans was the publicity chief for the Maple Leaf Gardens during the 1940s and 1950s, and Jim Coleman was a nationally syndicated sports columnist in Canada for over 50 years.

Scope and Content

This photograph depicts the three men, along with a fourth unidentified man, seated a a banquet table. The party was most likely held at Maple Leaf Gardens.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Morris Norman collection

Turofsky photographs series

Level

Item

Fonds

22

Series

4

Item

2

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1957

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 18 x 22 cm

Admin History/Bio

Spencer Evans was the publicity chief for the Maple Leaf Gardens during the 1940s and 1950s, and Danny Kaye was a Golden Globe-winning American actor, dancer, singer and comedian known for his roles in such films as White Christmas, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and Hans Christian Andersen.

Scope and Content

This photograph depicts Spiff Evans, Danny Kaye and an unknown gentleman sampling a cup of coffee at the Canadian National Exhibition. The photograph is autographed "To Spiff, best wishes, Danny Kaye".

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Morris Norman collection

Turofsky photographs series

Level

Item

Fonds

22

Series

4

Item

3

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1960]

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 18 x 22 cm

Admin History/Bio

Spencer Evans was the publicity officer for Maple Leaf Gardens during the 1950s and 1960s and Herb Elliott was an Australian track star, who in 1958 won gold at the Commonwealth Games and became the first person to run a mile in under four minutes.

Scope and Content

This photograph depicts Evans and Elliott shaking hands at an unidentified event. Herb Elliott is misidentified on the back of the photograph as Roger Barrister.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Morris Norman collection

Turofsky photographs series

Level

Item

Fonds

22

Series

4

Item

4

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1947

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 18 x 22 cm

Admin History/Bio

Spiff Evans was publicity chief for the Maple Leaf Gardens during the 1940s and 1950s. Sam Shefsky was the manager of The Tip Tops softball team during the 1940s, when it won the world championships in Little Rock, Arkansas. He influenced the building of Exhibition Stadium built and was one of the driving forces behind bringing major league baseball to Toronto. Sam Shefsky's sister Jennie was married to Abe Magerman, a unionist with the ILGWU.

Scope and Content

This photograph depicts Sam Shefsky and Spiff Evans in standing on the baseball field. Shefsky is in uniform, while both men are wearing Tip Top Tailors insignia jackets. The photograph is autographed by Sam Shefsky.

Subjects

Baseball

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Morris Norman collection

Turofsky photographs series

Level

Item

Fonds

22

Series

4

Item

5

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1955]

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 20 x 24 cm

Admin History/Bio

Spencer Evans was the publicity chief for Maple Leaf Gardens during the 1940s and 1950s and in 1963, became the director of public relations for the Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club. Archie Wilson was an American baseball player who played in the major league for the New York Yankees, the Washington Senators and the Boston Red Sox, from 1951-1952. After this he played for the Toronto Maple Leafs baseball club.

Scope and Content

This photograph depicts Archie Wilson wearing his Toronto Maple Leafs baseball uniform, seated in the dugout with Evans. The photograph is autographed: "To Spiff, best regard, Archie Wilson".

Subjects

Baseball

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Morris Norman collection

Turofsky photographs series

Level

Item

Fonds

22

Series

4

Item

6

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1960]

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 21 x 19 cm

Admin History/Bio

Spencer Evans was the publicity chief for Maple Leaf Gardens during the 1940s and 1950s and in 1963, became the director of public relations for the Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club.

Phil Silvers was an American comedic actor, who began on Broadway and eventually worked, known for roles in such films as Lady Be Good, Coney Island, Cover Girl, and Summer Stock. In 1952, he won a Tony award for his performance in the Broadway show, Top Banana.

Silvers became a household name in 1955, when he starred as Sergeant Ernest G. Bilko in The Phil Silvers Show. The military comedy became a huge television hit. Throughout the 1960s, he appeared internationally in films such as It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World and 40 Pounds of Trouble.

Scope and Content

This photograph depicts Spill Evans and Phil Silvers in conversation at an unknown event. The photograph is autographed: "To Spiff, good luck, Phil Silvers".

Name Access

Evans, Spencer

Silvers, Phil, 1911-1985

Subjects

Television personalities

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Morris Norman collection

Turofsky photographs series

Level

Item

Fonds

22

Series

4

Item

7

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1974

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 26 x 21 cm

Admin History/Bio

Spencer Evans was the publicity chief for Maple Leaf Gardens during the 1940s and 1950s and in 1963, became the director of public relations for the Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club.

Sam Shopsowitz was the son of Harry and Jennie Shopsowitz who started the family business, Shopsy's Delicatessen, in 1921. Sam eventually took over the business in 1947 with his brother Izzy. The Shopsy's Pee Wee hockey team was the Toronto Marlboros pee-wee team and was sponsored by Shopsy's Delicatessan. They were part of the larger Toronto Marlboros minor hockey organization, which was directly sponsored by the Toronto Maple Leafs in order to train new players starting at the age of nine. The team played in the Toronto Hockey League.

Scope and Content

This item is a photograph of Sam Shopsowitz and Spiff Evans standing speaking at a podium to the Shopsy's Pee-Wee hockey reunion.

Subjects

Hockey

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Morris Norman collection

Turofsky photographs series

Level

Item

Fonds

22

Series

4

Item

8

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1958]

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 25 x 19 cm

Admin History/Bio

Spencer Evans was the publicity chief for Maple Leaf Gardens during the 1940s and 1950s and in 1963, became the director of public relations for the Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club.

Conn Smythe is best known as the principal owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1927 to 1961 and as the builder of Maple Leaf Gardens.

Scope and Content

This item is a photograph Spiff Evans and Conn Smythe seated with a young boy named Timmy. The boy has two crutches to aid with walking.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Morris Norman collection

Turofsky photographs series

Level

Item

Fonds

22

Series

4

Item

9

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1965]

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm

Admin History/Bio

Spencer Evans was the publicity chief for Maple Leaf Gardens during the 1940s and 1950s and in 1963, became the director of public relations for the Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club.

Conn Smythe is best known as the principal owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1927 to 1961 and as the builder of Maple Leaf Gardens.

Dale Alexander was a Major League baseball player for the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox. He won the American League batting crown in 1933 and was one of the best hitters in baseball between 1929 and 1932, but a leg injury shortened his major league career.

Scope and Content

This item is a photograph of Spiff Evans, Conn Smythe and Dale Alexander seated at a banquet table.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Morris Norman collection

Turofsky photographs series

Level

Item

Fonds

22

Series

4

Item

10

Material Format

graphic material

Date

1951

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm

Admin History/Bio

On a Royal visit to Canada in 1951, the future Queen of England visited Maple Leaf Gardens to watch one period of play between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Chicago Blackhawks. She then travelled to Montreal and watched another game between the Canadiens and New York Rangers.

Conn Smythe is best known as the principal owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1927 to 1961 and as the builder of Maple Leaf Gardens.

Scope and Content

This item is a photograph of Princess Elizabeth, Prince Phillip, Conn Smythe and Premier Leslie Frost seated in the stands at Maple Leaf Gardens.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Morris Norman collection

Turofsky photographs series

Level

Item

Fonds

22

Series

4

Item

11

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1958]

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 18 x 24 cm

Admin History/Bio

Spencer Evans was the publicity chief for Maple Leaf Gardens during the 1940s and 1950s and in 1963, became the director of public relations for the Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club. He was married to Eunice Evans.

Scope and Content

This item is a photograph of Spiff and Eunice Evans seated in the stands at Maple Leaf Gardens.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Morris Norman collection

Turofsky photographs series

Level

Item

Fonds

22

Series

4

Item

12

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1961]

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm

Admin History/Bio

Spencer Evans was the publicity chief for Maple Leaf Gardens during the 1940s and 1950s and in 1963, became the director of public relations for the Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club.

Scope and Content

This item is a photograph of Spiff Evans with his staff at Maple Leaf Gardens. He is standing in an office with three young men and a woman seated at a typewriter. The woman and Spiff are holding onto opposite ends of a one dollar bill.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Morris Norman collection

Turofsky photographs series

Level

Item

Fonds

22

Series

4

Item

13

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1945]

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 15 x 20 cm

Scope and Content

This item is a photograph of Maple Leaf Gardens staff and members of the sports press posing with the Stanley Cup. Identified individuals include Spiff and Eunice Evans; Dr. and Mrs. Jim Murray; Mr. and Mrs. Al Nickleson; Mr. an Mrs. Jim Vipond; Jim Daley; Mr. and Mrs. Bob Davidson; Mr. and Mrs. Ed Fitkin; and Mr. and Mrs. Bob Hesketh.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Morris Norman collection

Turofsky photographs series

Level

Item

Fonds

22

Series

4

Item

14

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1960]

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 16 x 26 cm

Admin History/Bio

Spencer Evans was the publicity chief for Maple Leaf Gardens during the 1940s and 1950s and in 1963, became the director of public relations for the Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club.

Scope and Content

This item is a group photograph of Maple Leafs Gardens staff gathered at a farewell party for Ed Fitkin. The party was held on the occasion of Fitkin vacating his post as public relations officer for Maple Leaf Gardens for a position in radio sportscasting. Spiff Evans is seated in the middle row on the far left.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Morris Norman collection

Turofsky photographs series

Level

Item

Fonds

22

Series

4

Item

15

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1958]

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 19 x 24 cm

Admin History/Bio

Spencer Evans was the publicity chief for Maple Leaf Gardens during the 1940s and 1950s and in 1963, became the director of public relations for the Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club.

Scope and Content

This item is a photograph of Spiff Evans with a group of staff members of Maple Leaf Gardens. The photograph was taken at a party or luncheon as there is a table with food on it and many of the individuals are holding drinks in their hand.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Morris Norman collection

Turofsky photographs series

Level

Item

Fonds

22

Series

4

Item

16

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1955]

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm

Admin History/Bio

Spencer Evans was the publicity chief for Maple Leaf Gardens during the 1940s and 1950s and in 1963, became the director of public relations for the Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club.

Conn Smythe is best known as the principal owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1927 to 1961 and as the builder of Maple Leaf Gardens.

Ed Fitkin was a public relations officer with Maple Leaf Gardens and later went on to a career in radio sportscasting.

Buck Houle was the general manager of the Toronto Marlboros, which was a minor hockey organization directly sponsored by the Toronto Maple Leafs in order to train new players, starting at the age of nine.

Scope and Content

This item is a photograph of Spiff Evans, Ed Fitkin, Buck Houle and Don Mackenzie standing outside on the patio of Conn Smythe's house in Caledon. One unidentified man is playing the piano while the others stand around holding drinks.

Subjects

Hockey

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Morris Norman collection

Turofsky photographs series

Level

Item

Fonds

22

Series

4

Item

17

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1953]

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 23 x 15 cm

Scope and Content

This item is a photograph of Liberace standing on stage in a white tuxedo, holding a microphone.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Morris Norman collection

Turofsky photographs series

Level

Item

Fonds

22

Series

4

Item

18

Material Format

graphic material

Date

[ca. 1960]

Physical Description

1 photograph : b&w ; 13 x 18 cm

Admin History/Bio

Bill Harris was a hockey player who was first signed by the Leaf organization in 1950, becoming a Marlboro in the junior ranks. He then joined the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1955 and played on three consecutive Stanley Cup winning teams with them. He also coached the Canadian National Team during the 1969-70 season.

Jean Beliveau was a hockey player who played first played with the Quebec junior team, the Quebec City Citadelles, and then the senior team, the Quebec Aces. He was signed to the Montreal Canadiens in 1953 and played on ten Stanley Cup winning teams with the Montreal Canadiens after signing with them in 1953.

Scope and Content

This item is a photograph of Bill Harris and Jean Beliveau standing next to a young boy seated in a wheelchair. The boy is holding an accordion on his lap.

Subjects

Hockey players

Accession Number

2004-7-4

Source

Archival Descriptions