Social Activities

Cornwall's Jewish community maintained a high level of engagement both in Jewish affairs and with the wider society. It had an active B'nai Brith Lodge, branches of Hadassah and ORT, and a ladies' auxiliary. All of this activity was supported by friendly and supportive relationships among community members, connections that strengthened people's sense of belonging.

One example of the relationships that created a feeling of being at home and belonging is expressed in Joan Aaron's memories of her uncle Archie and his wife Bessie Dover. She remembers that "the Dovers were everyone's parents." At Passover, any new Jewish person in town would be invited to join the 20 to 25 people assembled for the holiday. Beyond the Jewish holidays, the Dovers were always happy to receive "the Jewish crowd" for cards or general socializing.

The Phillips household was another important one for Cornwall's Jews. Nathan Phillips' mother Mary Rosenbloom Phillips was an elegant woman. She enjoyed company and loved to welcome family and friends for tea. Her tea parties were open to Jews and non-Jews alike. Her guests included the adventurous Lady Olave Baden-Powell, wife of the founder of the Boy Scout and Girl Guide movements. Children were dressed up and brought along to tea, though they were expected to be "seen and not heard." These tea parties were an occasion for the younger generation to learn manners as well as to hear discussions in the area of politics, finances and the many worlds of work in which the older generation was engaged.

• Social Activities
• Women’s Groups
• The Cornwall Jewish Community Council
• B'nai Brith
• Youth Groups