1
Leo Gilbert's store with Sadie Gilbert shown at the right1940
Saint John, New Brunswick
2
Jewish women have been involved in running family businesses in Saint John for decades, but there were very few business or professional women operating on their own before the 1960s, with a few notable exceptions. In the shtetls (Jewish villages) of Eastern Europe, it was common for married women to take part in running the family business. It was accepted behaviour for middle and upper class women to do work - but working for others was definitely not permitted. This prohibition did not, however, apply to the working class. Daughters, but generally not sons, were expected to help out in the family business. This often provided them training for married life.3
Sylvia Levine and Naomi Perchanok1935
Montreal, Quebec
4
With the opening of new avenues for women beyond traditional careers during the 1950s and 1960s, it became far more common for Jewish women to run their own businesses, attend university and enter the professions - areas that were previously limited to men. A number of Saint John Jewish women have found great success ion their chosen careers - although the vast majority have done so elsewhere - a significant problem to smaller Jewish centres like Saint John. The relaxing of the remaining social barriers has meant that Jewish women could and have become involved as workers and leaders in all areas of life in the city despite their small numbers.5
Staff of Regal Films office in Saint John includes Helen and Doris Selick, Abe Smith and Bill Guss1935
Saint John, New Brunswick
6
There were Jewish women who worked in the large film distribution houses that existed in Saint John from the 1930s to the 1950s. There women organized a Film Girls Patriotic Club which volunteered at the Seaman's Mission during the Second World War.7
Jack Calp's Men's Shop with Anne Levine at the back of the photo1950
Saint John, New Brunswick
8
There were many women in the community who worked in business with their husbands. Two of these women were Anne Meltzer Levine and Esther Everett.9
Jack and Anne Levine at a community event1968
Saint John, New Brunswick
10
Anne and her husband, Jack Levine, ran a successful mens wear shop in uptown Saint John for decades.11
Esther Everett worked side by side with her husband Barney in their shoe outlets1975
Saint John, New Brunswick
12
Esther Everett worked for years in various retail enterprises with her husband, Barney "Herk" Everett.13
Millie Isaacs, recording secretary of the Daughters of Israel from 1904 to 1930.1930
Saint John, New Brunswick
14
An older example of a married business partnership was that of Millie Isaacs and Lisle Isaacs, who operated the American Clothing House for many years until his death in 1930. Millie continued to keep the books after her sons Ralph and Lawrence took over the business. Other business couples in Saint John include Goldie and Abe Davis (Ideal Stores), Erminie and Edgar Cohen (Hoffman's) and Ella and Sydney Grosweiner. |
 |
 |
 |