Archibald Jacob Freiman
| Archibald Jacob Freiman | |
|---|---|
| Aharon Yaakov Freiman | |
Freiman in 1914
|
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| 2nd President of the Zionist Organization of Canada | |
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In office 1921–1944 |
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| Preceded by | Clarence De Sola |
| Succeeded by | S.J. Zacks |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
June 6, 1880 Virbalis, Lithuania |
| Died | June 4, 1944 (aged 63) Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Citizenship | Canadian |
| Nationality | Jewish |
| Spouse(s) | Lillian Freiman |
| Occupation | Businessman |
Archibald Jacob “Archie” Freiman (June 6, 1880 – June 4, 1944) was a Lithuania-born Jewish Ottawa businessman and Zionist leader. According to Bernard Figler, Freiman was the most influential Canadian Jew of his generation. His wife was noted Zionist Lillian Freiman.
Aharon Yaakov Freiman was born on June 6, 1880, the fourth child and first son of Lithuanian Jewish parents, Hersh and Hanna Freiman. In 1893 the Freimans left Virbalis, Lithuania for Canada and settled in Hamilton, Ontario. Modifying their names to fit Canadian norms, Hersh became Harris Freiman while Aharon Yaacov became Archibald Jacob Freiman, popularly known as “Archie.”
Archie Freiman performed well in elementary and high school and was admitted to the Hamilton Business College. Harris Freiman had wanted his son to become a doctor, but Archie convinced him that a business career was a legitimate Canadian route to achievement and success.
In 1899, at the age of 19, Archie Freiman became the junior business partner of Moses Cramer. Together they opened the Canada House Furnishing Company on 223 Rideau Street in Ottawa. The store sold carpets and oil cloths, among other household furnishings. In 1900 the store was expanded to two more addresses, 221 and 222 Rideau Street. In 1902 the business was moved to 73 Rideau Street.
Archie Freiman's business methods were speculative and included signing for a year's worth of advertisement space with the Ottawa Citizen, a local newspaper, much to his partner's chagrin. When Archie suggested that a credit department be opened and installment sales offered, Cramer balked and dissolved their partnership. Harris Freiman, Archie's father, stepped in as senior new partner and the Canada House Furnishing Company was renamed H. Freiman & Son.
Having become more confident in his business acumen and backed by his new partner, Archie signed a year-long advertising contract worth fifty-dollars. In 1908, H. Freiman & Son was enlarged to the addresses of 67 to 73 Rideau Street. In 1917 83 Rideau Street was also acquired. In that same year Archie bought his father's share in the business, and having become sole owner decided to turn the business into a department store. After adding separate departments for men and women in 1918, the store was renamed The Archibald J. Freiman Department Store, and the overall company A.J. Freiman Limited in 1923.
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