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H.
Solomon New and Second hand Store,
NW corner Abbott and Cordova, Vancouver, 1903 JHS |
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MAKING A LIVING |
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The
majority of Jewish immigrants to BC arrived without capital. They
were able, however, to draw on other resources: determination, local
contacts and opportunity. Some succeeded in finding a place in Vancouver
society, others focused on building up their own community. Business
rather than the professions occupied this second wave of immigrants,
but by the 1920s, their children were able to attend university.
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I.
REAL ESTATE
Between 1886 and 1914, there were a number of established wealthy Jewish families in Vancouver. Most were involved in real estate and were from Western Europe; later this number included some Jews of eastern European background, such as Abraham David Goldstein. The most famous example is certainly the Oppenheimer brothers. After their adventures in Victoria and the interior, they moved to Vancouver, where David Oppenheimer became one of the leading real estate dealers in Vancouver. David was president of the Board of Trade in 1888 and 1889 and served four terms as mayor of the city from 1888-1891. |
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II.
RETAIL
Most of the Jews in turn-of-the-century Vancouver, however, were struggling to establish an economic foothold and lived far more austere lives. These new immigrants from eastern Europe began modestly, often starting out as peddlers. Some ran small-scale businesses, such as grocery, confectionary or tobacco stores. Many moved into second-hand and scrap businesses. These types of ventures required very little start-up capital and were thus well suited for immigrants. Such modest operations often proved to be the stepping stone to a larger business. |
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III. CLOTHING
It is estimated that in 1914 about one in five Vancouver Jews were wage earners, i.e., employees rather than owners. White collar workers served in clerical capacities such as bookkeeping and clerking; blue collar workers most often worked in the clothing industry. In 1914, between half and three quarters of the white collar wage earners worked in family or other Jewish-owned businesses. The late 1800s and early 1900s witnessed the birth of mass-produced ready-to-wear clothing in North America. In Vancouver, Jews worked as pressers, sewing machine operators, and the like. The more successful moved on to become tailors, clothing merchants and factory proprietors. In 1914, over one-quarter of Vancouver's employed Jews were in the clothing industry in one capacity or another. |
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IV.
OTHER OCCUPATIONS
Jews were also found in careers such as jewellery, watchmaking, pawnbroking, hotels, theatres and entertainment. An example of this type of business would be Jacoby Brothers, 1909-1919. Alfred Jacoby Sr. came to Vancouver in the early 1900s via the United States. He learned the jewellery trade and set up a factory in 1908. Shortly after, he was joined by his brothers Martin, Sig and Henry, and sisters Henrietta and Amelie. In its heyday, the company had approximately 20 jewellers, office staff and salespeople. In addition, a number of new immigrants were butchers, as the community required kosher meat and fowl. |
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V.
WOMEN AS EARNERS
Historically, women's roles as earners have often gone unrecorded, since they were perceived as "backups" in businesses run by men. However, unmarried women at this time worked as secretaries, bookkeepers and teachers, while married women ran small businesses, e.g., candy or grocery stores. Some women shared managing the family business with their husbands. Women on their own showed remarkable resilience and business acumen, e.g., Vancouver's Annie Snider and her friend, Mrs. Lipovsky. Another important source of family income was taking in borders, a traditional responsibility of women. These obligations-along with being responsible for the majority of the household duties-made women equal partners in the economic success of their families. |
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