Involvement in Community and Political Life
Max Clavir was elected to city council in 1916 and was highly involved with the local Liberal Riding Association. Members of the city’s Jewish community tended to be extremely active in the city’s service clubs. Sylvia Schacter was a matron of Fidelis Chapter Number 22 of the Order of the Eastern Star Club in 1943 and 1944. Nathan Rivelis was also very active in the community, serving as the president of the Lions club in 1957 and 1958. Henry Wiserman was president of the Kinsmen Club in 1958.
Henry and his wife Sally Montagnes both served on the Public School Board during the 1950s. Sally also served on the board of the Victorian Order of Nurses, where she had several meetings with Governor General Vincent Massey, who was a patron of the VON. Abe Freedman and Henry Wiserman served on the city’s Library Board for many years. William Waiser was on the North Bay Hospital Commission in 1960. Morley Daiter came to North Bay in 1963, to work as the city’s chief administrator. Morley was raised in Kenora, Ontario. Morris Brown served as an alderman of North Bay’s city council in the 1960s and was nominated deputy mayor. Local businessman Ray Sweig was vice-chairman of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Board. Peter Baker arrived with his wife Rikki in 1974 and quickly became involved in the community. He was elected alderman in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Herb Brown was President of the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce in 1959-60 and served for 15 years on the Chamber Board. He was also a member and former Chairman of St. Joseph’s Hospital in 1961 and also served as Chairman of Nipissing University College from 1975 to 1984. In order to recognize his accomplishments and contribution to the school, Herb was awarded an honourary doctorate from Nipissing University in 1986.
