The Legacy of Aaron Horovitz

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Museum Blog - May 2017

To celebrate the Canada 150 Mayor’s Picnic taking place in Lamoureux Park this Victoria Day Monday, we offer this glimpse into the life of the man who championed these parades and children’s picnics from 1939 until 1957. Your Cornwall Community Museum will be open during the Monday event (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.) and features an exhibit on the historic Mayor’s Picnic. As always, admission is free – donations greatly appreciated.

Horovitz Timeline:

Early Years

  • Aaron and his brother Louis arrived in Montreal from Romania in 1910.
  • In 1911 they relocated to Cornwall, realizing that the market was less competitive here than in Montreal`s garment district.

Prince Clothing & Cornwall Pants

  • They leased part of the Brennan block (a former hotel on the n.w. corner of Marlborough & Water Sts)
  • In 1920, having outgrown the building, they relocated Cornwall Pants to the former Plamondon Hotel on Marlborough St. S.
  • In 1923, they adopted the Prince Clothing name and expanded their operation to a second building up the street, the former Collins Dance Hall.
  • In 1970 the brothers sold the business to the Lovell brothers.
  • After much economic difficulty, the factory closed after a fire in 1975.
  • In 1976, a former plant manager took over, renaming it to F&B Clothing and relocating to Brookdale Avenue. F&B subsequently closed.

Terms as Mayor (waived his salary)

  • 1930-34, 1936, 1944-46, 1949-56
  • Cornwall`s longest-serving mayor
  • Possibly the first Jewish mayor in Canada
  • Transitioned Cornwall through the Annexation
    • February 22, 1956 Annexation Order
    • July 1, 1958 Annexation Officially takes place

Central Park renamed Horovitz Park in his honour

  • Once the gem of Cornwall
  • Now a postage stamp

Some Horovitz Family Residences

  • S.E. corner of Sydney at 5th Street – Aaron’s brother Louis Horovitz’ home
    • This structure was sold to the school board in the autumn of 1955 and demolished in January of 1956 in order to expand CCVS
  • 435 York Street – Aaron’s brother Louis Horovitz’ home after the house at Sydney & 5th was demolished
    • This structure has served many purposes, including the home of Canada Bread, and Domtar`s resident manager`s home.
  • 219 2nd St W (above) – Aaron Horovitz’s residence
    • Since 1878 the property was passed from the Gillie family to the Camerons, and Smiths, then to the Horovitz family in 1926, remaining in their family until the early 1990s.
    • The house was constructed ca. 1900 as a brick structure and modified ca. 2000.
  • Charlottenburgh Park
    • The family estate had been donated as a park; the entrance gate has been re-located over the years. Today the RRCA operates the park, which includes public beach and camp ground.

 

Included below are a collection of photographs from throughout Horovitz career:

Black and white photo of the 1955-1956 Cornwall City Council, featuring portraits of the mayor and council members in formal attire.
Cornwall City Council during Horovitz's last year in office
A man in a long coat and hat stands on the steps of a brick house. Leafless trees frame the scene, conveying a winter setting and calm mood.
Horovitz standing outside his home at 219 Second Street West
A vintage parade scene with marching bands and scouts walking down a street lined with 1950s cars and shops, creating a festive and nostalgic atmosphere.
The 1955 Mayor's Picnic Parade. (East side of Pitt St. just north of 2nd)
A lively street parade with people walking alongside a fire truck. Participants hold a banner for "Mayer Horovitz Annual Children's Picnic." Energetic and festive atmosphere.
The 1956 Mayor's Picnic Parade. (Northeast of 2nd St. leading into Central Park)
A man in a suit stands on a platform with a police officer, surrounded by a large, diverse crowd of children and adults, smiling and attentive. Festive atmosphere.
Horovitz at the 1952 Mayor's Picnic. The original band shell is visible in the top right, displaying British and American flags.