Julius Miller

Community, religious and political leaders attend a dinner recognizing Julius Miller for his 25 years of service to the Jewish Community, 4 May 1969
Identified from left to right are: Father R. J. McDonald, Moe Schulman, Fern Guindon MPP, Louis Horovitz, Mayor Nick Kaneb, Julius Miller, Pete Solway, Israeli Consular, David Kaye, Louis Dubinsky and Jack Miller. Ontario Jewish Archives, accession 2007-9/1

Julius Miller, the son of Moses and Elizabeth Miller, was born in 1893 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He married Birdie Phillips, the sister of Nathan Phillips, in 1919. At 15 years of age, he went to work for Beach Furniture, which was a local furniture manufacturer. By the age of 19, he was the assistant manager, and by 21, he was the manager in charge of 65 employees. Julius built a business based on honesty, compassion and personal service, and this tradition continued when his sons Bernard and Farrand took over the business.

Julius's leadership in the Jewish community of Cornwall was unsurpassed. He was instrumental in the building of the Beth El Synagogue, leading the congregation as president for 27 years until his passing. On 4 May 1969, he was honoured with a testimonial dinner from the Cornwall Jewish community. A grove of 1000 trees was planted in his honour in the Canada Friendship Forest in Israel. Guests at the dinner included religious leaders, the local MPP and MP (and Speaker of the House of Commons) Lucien Lamoureux, and the Mayor. Julius Miller's devotion to community projects and charities, and his love for all people and his city made him one of the most respected individuals in Cornwall

Bernard Miller

Bernard and Ann Miller at the closing ceremonies of Beth El Synagogue, 2 April 2006
Image courtesy of Alvin Miller.

Bernard Miller was born in 1927, one of three children born to Julius and Birdie Miller. He grew up in his father's footsteps in business, politics, community life and civic contributions. At the age of 27, while his uncle Nathan Phillips was running to retain his seat as Mayor of Toronto, Bernard became the youngest alderman in Cornwall's history. For over eight years and four elections, he set new records for the most votes received by an alderman in Cornwall. He served as Chairman of Traffic, Highways and Connecting Links, and was instrumental in the completion of many major road projects. While Chair of the Traffic and Public Works Committee in 1959-60, he introduced central purchasing procedures within City Hall. The electorate had great regard for "Bernie's" integrity. One example occurred shortly after his municipal election when City Council decided to vote themselves a pay raise. Bernard fought against it, since he felt that the Council was elected at a certain salary and should not make any changes to their pay until the next election. He ended up being the lone councilor to vote against this increase, and he publicly promised to donate his raise to charity.

Bernard also took on a leadership role in the Jewish community's fundraising and Israel Bond campaigns. He worked hard to make sure that each year's results of the UIA drives, Bond campaign, or emergency campaigns for Israel were a success.

Bernard and his brother Farrand were successful business partners in Julius Miller Furniture. They continued to grow their father's business until they sold it to Leon's Furniture in 1988.

Aaron Horovitz

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  Program for Mayor Aaron Horovitz's annual picnic, 1956
  Image courtesy of Joan Aaron.

  Aaron Horovitz was born in 1889 in the town of Botosani, Romania. He was one of eight children. When he was 15, his mother died and he went to work as a clerk to help the family. Some five years later, in 1909, Aaron Horovitz immigrated to Canada together with his brother Louis. Brothers Saul and Paul and sister Gertrude followed a couple of years later. Two of the remaining three sisters died of typhus and the third was shot by the Nazis.

  Aaron and Louis Horovitz started their life in Canada in Montreal. They worked for a clothing manufacturer for about a year before moving to Cornwall in 1911. Soon after, they launched Cornwall Pants in part of the Brennan block, on Water and Marlborough Streets, where they employed 25 workers. By 1920, the Horovitz brothers were able to buy the Plamondon Hotel on Marlborough Street, where they set up the Prince Clothing Company. The Horovitz brothers' factories survived the Depression and post-war labour problems. Only in 1975, under new ownership, did a terrible fire force the factories to close.

  In 1927, Aaron Horovitz was elected to Cornwall City Council. In 1930, he was elected mayor, only the third Jew in Canada to be so honoured. Horovitz served the city of Cornwall for 30 years, 18 of them as mayor. His devotion and accomplishments earned him the title "Mr. Cornwall". Horovitz did all he could to promote his city, from organizing Miss Canada pageants to working with Lionel Chevrier to promote the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Perhaps Horovitz's longest and most determined fight as mayor was to unite the English-speaking and French-speaking parts of Cornwall. He finally accomplished this in 1955, by annexing the urban parts of Cornwall Township, only to be defeated as mayor by Émile Menard in the next election. This was a devastating personal blow to Horovitz. Two years later, in his mid-sixties, Aaron Horovitz died of a heart attack. He was survived by his wife Helen, daughter Barbara and son Dr. Joel Horovitz.