Morris Winchevsky CentreCanada · est. 1926
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The shared archive

A hundred years in photographs.

One century, one archive. Filter by organization or scrub the decades; every print across Camp Naivelt, the School and UJPO lives here.

Children of Winnipeg’s Liberty Temple shule stage a pageant in the 1920s. The Yiddish sign at left reads, “Our future lies in the emergence of the new Yiddish school”
School
1920s

Children of Winnipeg’s Liberty Temple shule stage a pageant in the 1920s. The Yiddish sign at left reads, “Our future lies in the emergence of the new Yiddish school”

1920  ·  today’s print
Winnipeg General Strike, 1919
Winnipeg General Strike, 1919
1919
1919
The “Red Camper Colony,” the adult section added when Camp Kindervelt moved to a rented farm in Rouge Hills, pictured under its Yiddish banner in 1928
The “Red Camper Colony,” the adult section added when Camp Kindervelt moved to a rented farm in Rouge Hills, pictured under its Yiddish banner in 1928
1928
1928
Children of Winnipeg’s Liberty Temple shule stage a pageant in the 1920s. The Yiddish sign at left reads, “Our future lies in the emergence of the new Yiddish school”
Children of Winnipeg’s Liberty Temple shule stage a pageant in the 1920s. The Yiddish sign at left reads, “Our future lies in the emergence of the new Yiddish school”
1920
1920s
Campers spell out Yiddish lettering across the hillside at Camp
Campers spell out Yiddish lettering across the hillside at Camp
1930
1930s
“Workers of the World Unite”, Labour League gathering
“Workers of the World Unite”, Labour League gathering
1920
1920s
Sam Lipshitz delivers a speech in front of the Dance Hall at the opening ceremony of Camp Naivelt on June 28, 1936
Sam Lipshitz delivers a speech in front of the Dance Hall at the opening ceremony of Camp Naivelt on June 28, 1936
1936
1936
Camp Kindervelt in Rouge Hills, 1927, Becky Lapedes (top left), one of the founders of the Camp and a UJPO stalwart for decades
Camp Kindervelt in Rouge Hills, 1927, Becky Lapedes (top left), one of the founders of the Camp and a UJPO stalwart for decades
1927
1927
Children gather with a Yiddish harvest (Sukkes) sign outside a camp cabin
Children gather with a Yiddish harvest (Sukkes) sign outside a camp cabin
1940
1940s
Branch 3, Labour League, late 1920s. Women finally agreed to join the Labour League when they were assured they would not be treated as an auxiliary
Branch 3, Labour League, late 1920s. Women finally agreed to join the Labour League when they were assured they would not be treated as an auxiliary
1920
late 1920s
A group photo of Camp Naivelt children
A group photo of Camp Naivelt children
1990
1990s
The Toronto Labour League purchased a building at 414 Markham as its first permanent home. Here, students of Morris Winchevsky shule pose outside the building
The Toronto Labour League purchased a building at 414 Markham as its first permanent home. Here, students of Morris Winchevsky shule pose outside the building
1920
late 1920s
“Mazeltov! Camp Naivelt, 60 Years” newsletter cover, March 1985
“Mazeltov! Camp Naivelt, 60 Years” newsletter cover, March 1985
1985
1985
Labour League Bluz (Wind instruments) Orchestra
Labour League Bluz (Wind instruments) Orchestra
1930
1930s
In 2008, Naivelters staged an inter-generational community arts production, Oy di Velt, melding the history of a children’s commune in Russia and Naivelt’s radical roots
In 2008, Naivelters staged an inter-generational community arts production, Oy di Velt, melding the history of a children’s commune in Russia and Naivelt’s radical roots
2008
2008
Mir Lernen un Kemfn (“We Learn and Struggle”), a 1934 children’s textbook used in the shules. Among other things, the book discussed potential careers, how to protest and strike, and how to draw your own hammer and sickle
Mir Lernen un Kemfn (“We Learn and Struggle”), a 1934 children’s textbook used in the shules. Among other things, the book discussed potential careers, how to protest and strike, and how to draw your own hammer and sickle
1934
1934
A performer on stilts carries a painted banner during the Oy di Velt pageant
A performer on stilts carries a painted banner during the Oy di Velt pageant
2008
2008
Labour League children’s mandolin orchestra, 1930s
Labour League children’s mandolin orchestra, 1930s
1930
1930s
A hydro crew works on the power lines at Camp during the “Great Hydro Crisis”
A hydro crew works on the power lines at Camp during the “Great Hydro Crisis”
2005
2005
In the 20s and 30s, the organization’s shules emphasized proletarian Jewish values and the importance of keeping the Yiddish language alive. Here, students at Winnipeg’s Liberty Temple shule assemble with Lenin’s portrait in the background
In the 20s and 30s, the organization’s shules emphasized proletarian Jewish values and the importance of keeping the Yiddish language alive. Here, students at Winnipeg’s Liberty Temple shule assemble with Lenin’s portrait in the background
1930
1930s
Children watch a performance inside the Lasowsky Centre
Children watch a performance inside the Lasowsky Centre
1990
1990s
Children of Toronto’s Morris Winchevsky Shule (MWS) marching against fascism in the 1930s and demanding hot lunches in the public schools
Children of Toronto’s Morris Winchevsky Shule (MWS) marching against fascism in the 1930s and demanding hot lunches in the public schools
1930
1930s
Camp Naivelt celebrated its 60th anniversary with a concert at the Lasowsky Centre in the summer of 1985
Camp Naivelt celebrated its 60th anniversary with a concert at the Lasowsky Centre in the summer of 1985
1985
1985
Labour League City Committee, 1936
Labour League City Committee, 1936
1936
1936
The Labour League was instrumental in fundraising to send an ambulance to Canada’s anti-fascist Mackenzie Papineau Battalion in Spain
The Labour League was instrumental in fundraising to send an ambulance to Canada’s anti-fascist Mackenzie Papineau Battalion in Spain
1930
late 1930s
Cabins glow at dusk on the hill
Cabins glow at dusk on the hill
2020
2020s
In 1938, Camp Naivelt hosted veterans of the Mackenzie Papineau Battalion who dug trenches to replicate the battlefields of Spain and held an anti-fascist carnival to raise money for returning wounded veterans
In 1938, Camp Naivelt hosted veterans of the Mackenzie Papineau Battalion who dug trenches to replicate the battlefields of Spain and held an anti-fascist carnival to raise money for returning wounded veterans
1938
1938
Naivelt children represent the six founding mothers (Leah Linzon, Ethel Temkin, Rae Watson, Bella Goodis, Gertie Blugerman and Becky Lapedes) during the Arum Dem Fayer pageant held at Camp in 1998
Naivelt children represent the six founding mothers (Leah Linzon, Ethel Temkin, Rae Watson, Bella Goodis, Gertie Blugerman and Becky Lapedes) during the Arum Dem Fayer pageant held at Camp in 1998
1998
1998
Scene from a UJPO Yiddish theatre production
Scene from a UJPO Yiddish theatre production
1940
1940s
Music Week Choir
Music Week Choir
2010
2010s
The UJPO Dance Ensemble rehearses during the 1940s
The UJPO Dance Ensemble rehearses during the 1940s
1940
1940s
Naivelters remember Izzie Fine’s trademark phrase ending a game, “This Bingo is correct!”
Naivelters remember Izzie Fine’s trademark phrase ending a game, “This Bingo is correct!”
1990
1990s
UJPO dance ensemble
UJPO dance ensemble
1940
1940s
Canadian Communist Party leader Tim Buck campaigns at Camp Naivelt in 1945
Canadian Communist Party leader Tim Buck campaigns at Camp Naivelt in 1945
1945
1945
A delegation representing Polish Jewry is honoured on the Janusz Korczak platform at Camp Naivelt in 1946
A delegation representing Polish Jewry is honoured on the Janusz Korczak platform at Camp Naivelt in 1946
1946
1946
United Jewish Peoples Order member benefits card
United Jewish Peoples Order member benefits card
1940
1940s
Until the “Great Hydro Crisis” of 2005, trees regularly fell on the power lines. After a summer without power and a debate about solar, Naivelt finally buried the lines
Until the “Great Hydro Crisis” of 2005, trees regularly fell on the power lines. After a summer without power and a debate about solar, Naivelt finally buried the lines
2005
2005
Winnipeg children stage a play directed by long-time shule teacher Leybl Basman
Winnipeg children stage a play directed by long-time shule teacher Leybl Basman
1940
1940s
Alan Cantor leads children in a bagel-making workshop at the Lasowsky Centre
Alan Cantor leads children in a bagel-making workshop at the Lasowsky Centre
2020
2020s
“The Jewish Folk Choir with Paul Robeson”, Massey Hall concert poster, 1948
“The Jewish Folk Choir with Paul Robeson”, Massey Hall concert poster, 1948
1948
1948
Michele Landsberg (with Stephen Lewis) gives a bagel brunch talk in 2016
Michele Landsberg (with Stephen Lewis) gives a bagel brunch talk in 2016
2016
2016
American movie star and internationally-renowned singer Paul Robeson performs at Massey Hall with UJPO’s Toronto Jewish Folk Choir in May 1949
American movie star and internationally-renowned singer Paul Robeson performs at Massey Hall with UJPO’s Toronto Jewish Folk Choir in May 1949
1949
1949
A large gathering of campers and Labour League members at Camp in the 1930s
A large gathering of campers and Labour League members at Camp in the 1930s
1930
1930s
UJPO headquarters at 83 Christie
UJPO headquarters at 83 Christie
1950
1950s
A father and child walk hand in hand along a Camp Naivelt path
A father and child walk hand in hand along a Camp Naivelt path
2020
2020s
UJPO Toronto organized mass meetings and fundraising events after Montreal’s UJPO headquarters was padlocked by Quebec’s fascist premier, Maurice Duplessis, in January 1950
UJPO Toronto organized mass meetings and fundraising events after Montreal’s UJPO headquarters was padlocked by Quebec’s fascist premier, Maurice Duplessis, in January 1950
1950
1950
Naivelters gather for an outdoor sing-along
Naivelters gather for an outdoor sing-along
1950
1950s
Bowling was a popular pastime and social occasion amongst members throughout the country
Bowling was a popular pastime and social occasion amongst members throughout the country
1950
1950s
Pete Seeger persuaded members of the Naivelt Youth Singers (pictured here) to form a Canadian version of the Weavers, some heeded his call and formed The Travellers
Pete Seeger persuaded members of the Naivelt Youth Singers (pictured here) to form a Canadian version of the Weavers, some heeded his call and formed The Travellers
1950
early 1950s
Long-time Naivelter Avrom Yanovsky, one of Canada’s best known left-wing political cartoonists, often gave “Chalk Talks” which many remember as helping spark their love of art
Long-time Naivelter Avrom Yanovsky, one of Canada’s best known left-wing political cartoonists, often gave “Chalk Talks” which many remember as helping spark their love of art
1960
1960s
Members of the UJPO Youth Singers, seen here performing at a peace rally in the early 50’s, would later form The Travellers, central figures in the Canadian folk revival
Members of the UJPO Youth Singers, seen here performing at a peace rally in the early 50’s, would later form The Travellers, central figures in the Canadian folk revival
1950
early 1950s
MWS Montreal students gather on stage in the early fifties while their principal, renowned Yiddish poet Sholom Shtern, accompanies them on piano
MWS Montreal students gather on stage in the early fifties while their principal, renowned Yiddish poet Sholom Shtern, accompanies them on piano
1950
early 1950s
The night of the executions of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, June 19, 1953, virtually every member of the UJPO remembers where they were, assembling in their communities to protest and mourn this great injustice
The night of the executions of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, June 19, 1953, virtually every member of the UJPO remembers where they were, assembling in their communities to protest and mourn this great injustice
1953
1953
Naivelt hayride, 1957
Naivelt hayride, 1957
1957
1957
“No Gentlemen, We Will Not Be Silenced!” statement of the UJPO National Executive Committee
“No Gentlemen, We Will Not Be Silenced!” statement of the UJPO National Executive Committee
1950
1950s
Young women pose on the hillside above the original Dining Hall
Young women pose on the hillside above the original Dining Hall
1940
1940s
Pete Seeger would become a regular visitor to Camp Naivelt. Here, he gives an outdoor concert for a community gathering. (Photo by Barbara Blaser)
Pete Seeger would become a regular visitor to Camp Naivelt. Here, he gives an outdoor concert for a community gathering. (Photo by Barbara Blaser)
1950
1950s
Speakers at the annual Peace Tea
Speakers at the annual Peace Tea
2024
2024
American movie star and singer Paul Robeson, a long-time friend of UJPO, dropped in to meet MWS children at UJPO’s home, 83 Christie Street, in 1956 on his way to sing for a union convention in Sudbury
American movie star and singer Paul Robeson, a long-time friend of UJPO, dropped in to meet MWS children at UJPO’s home, 83 Christie Street, in 1956 on his way to sing for a union convention in Sudbury
1956
1956
Musicians jam in a screened cabin at dusk
Musicians jam in a screened cabin at dusk
2020
2020s
Morris Winchevsky Centre official opening announcement, 1961
Morris Winchevsky Centre official opening announcement, 1961
1961
1961
By the 2010s, Music Week became a beloved annual tradition
By the 2010s, Music Week became a beloved annual tradition
2010
2010s
Music Week orchestra rehearsal
Music Week orchestra rehearsal
2010
2010s
Pete Seeger performs with The Travellers at the CNE in 1963
Pete Seeger performs with The Travellers at the CNE in 1963
1963
1963
Dogs trot along the road past the cabins in autumn
Dogs trot along the road past the cabins in autumn
1980
1980s
UJPO’s Avrom Yanovsky, one of Canada’s best known left-wing political cartoonists, often gave “Chalk Talks” which many members remember as helping spark their love of art
UJPO’s Avrom Yanovsky, one of Canada’s best known left-wing political cartoonists, often gave “Chalk Talks” which many members remember as helping spark their love of art
1960
1960s
The Bakan-Bennett family host a socially-distanced pandemic movie night, “Circle Cinema”
The Bakan-Bennett family host a socially-distanced pandemic movie night, “Circle Cinema”
2020
2020
Members (including Vochenblatt editor Joshua Gershman, centre) protest the post-war admittance of Nazi war criminals into Canada
Members (including Vochenblatt editor Joshua Gershman, centre) protest the post-war admittance of Nazi war criminals into Canada
1960
1960s
Community musicians perform at a Camp Naivelt concert
Community musicians perform at a Camp Naivelt concert
2010
2010s
Delegate ribbon, 7th National Convention, Montreal, 1968
Delegate ribbon, 7th National Convention, Montreal, 1968
1968
1968
Protest singer Phil Ochs performed at Naivelt in 1973
Protest singer Phil Ochs performed at Naivelt in 1973
1973
1973
A family music jam in a screened cabin
A family music jam in a screened cabin
2020
2020s
UJPO’s Montreal Jewish Folk Choir remained a beloved institution in the 70’s even as Quebec Jews began to make the exodus down the 401 and the Montreal membership dwindled
UJPO’s Montreal Jewish Folk Choir remained a beloved institution in the 70’s even as Quebec Jews began to make the exodus down the 401 and the Montreal membership dwindled
1973
1973
Shule Sukkes celebration at Naivelt, children stage a Sukkes play (“Fun Camp tsu shule… fun shule tsu Camp”)
Shule Sukkes celebration at Naivelt, children stage a Sukkes play (“Fun Camp tsu shule… fun shule tsu Camp”)
2000
2000s
Purim and Hanukkah celebrations, 1980s
Purim and Hanukkah celebrations, 1980s
1980
1980s
Members of the Camp Naivelt committee gather in front of a monument to Sholom Aleichem designed by Naivelter Avrom Yanovsky (photo courtesy Ontario Jewish Archives)
Members of the Camp Naivelt committee gather in front of a monument to Sholom Aleichem designed by Naivelter Avrom Yanovsky (photo courtesy Ontario Jewish Archives)
1930
1930s
An outdoor children’s concert outside the Centre
An outdoor children’s concert outside the Centre
1990
1990s
“60th Anniversary Souvenir” program, 13th National Convention
“60th Anniversary Souvenir” program, 13th National Convention
1986
1986
The 1998 pageant Arum Dem Fayer, a night of fire and theatre that involved the entire Camp community
The 1998 pageant Arum Dem Fayer, a night of fire and theatre that involved the entire Camp community
1998
1998
UJPO’s annual Third Seyder, 1986
UJPO’s annual Third Seyder, 1986
1986
1986
A camp klezmer/marching band performs during a pageant procession
A camp klezmer/marching band performs during a pageant procession
1990
1990s
In recognition of UJPO’s role in the anti-Apartheid movement, Maxine Hermolin was asked to make a presentation to Nelson Mandela at Queen’s Park when he visited Toronto in June 1990, shortly after his release from Robben Island
In recognition of UJPO’s role in the anti-Apartheid movement, Maxine Hermolin was asked to make a presentation to Nelson Mandela at Queen’s Park when he visited Toronto in June 1990, shortly after his release from Robben Island
1990
1990
A young Naivelter plays piano during a Camp performance
A young Naivelter plays piano during a Camp performance
1990
1990s
UJPO members protest the Gulf War, 1991
UJPO members protest the Gulf War, 1991
1991
1991
A folk band performs on the Camp Naivelt stage
A folk band performs on the Camp Naivelt stage
1990
1990s
The Toronto Jewish Folk Choir performs at the annual Warsaw Ghetto Uprising commemoration at the Winchevsky Centre, 1990s
The Toronto Jewish Folk Choir performs at the annual Warsaw Ghetto Uprising commemoration at the Winchevsky Centre, 1990s
1990
1990s
A folk band performs on the Camp Naivelt stage
A folk band performs on the Camp Naivelt stage
1990
1990s
New Year’s Eve Cabaret 1990s produced by David Abramowitz (top right)
New Year’s Eve Cabaret 1990s produced by David Abramowitz (top right)
1990
1990s
Crowds gather under the “Mazeltov Naivelt! 60 Years Young” banner for the 60th anniversary, 1985
Crowds gather under the “Mazeltov Naivelt! 60 Years Young” banner for the 60th anniversary, 1985
1985
1985
Sukkes at Camp Naivelt, 1997
Sukkes at Camp Naivelt, 1997
1997
1997
While their elders endlessly debated politics, the younger generation of Naivelters were more interested in sports and music. Volleyball was the most popular sport at Camp during the 1950s
While their elders endlessly debated politics, the younger generation of Naivelters were more interested in sports and music. Volleyball was the most popular sport at Camp during the 1950s
1950
1950s
UJPO marches against the Mike Harris agenda during the Metro Days of Action, 1998
UJPO marches against the Mike Harris agenda during the Metro Days of Action, 1998
1998
1998
MWS students celebrate Sukkes at Camp Naivelt in 2005
MWS students celebrate Sukkes at Camp Naivelt in 2005
2005
2005
A delegation of members participate in the first UJPO anti-Occupation Israel/Palestine tour in 2005
A delegation of members participate in the first UJPO anti-Occupation Israel/Palestine tour in 2005
2005
2005
Members of UJPO Winnipeg, including the late, beloved grande dame of the organization, Roz Usiskin (centre), march at a May Day rally
Members of UJPO Winnipeg, including the late, beloved grande dame of the organization, Roz Usiskin (centre), march at a May Day rally
2000
2000s
UJPO delegation, anti-Occupation tour, Israel/Palestine, 2005
UJPO delegation, anti-Occupation tour, Israel/Palestine, 2005
2005
2005
“A Benefit Celebration”, Morris Winchevsky School / Camp Naivelt poster
“A Benefit Celebration”, Morris Winchevsky School / Camp Naivelt poster
2000
2000s
Naivelters re-enact the Soviet children’s commune where Manya Lipshitz grew up
Naivelters re-enact the Soviet children’s commune where Manya Lipshitz grew up
2008
2008
At the 2008 Oy Di Velt pageant, Naivelters re-create the Soviet children’s commune where former Winchevsky teacher Manya Lipshitz spent her teenage years
At the 2008 Oy Di Velt pageant, Naivelters re-create the Soviet children’s commune where former Winchevsky teacher Manya Lipshitz spent her teenage years
2008
2008
UJPO participates in an Indigenous solidarity rally Caledonia, 2013
UJPO participates in an Indigenous solidarity rally Caledonia, 2013
2013
2013
“A Musical Tribute: Camp Naivelt Remembers Pete Seeger” program
“A Musical Tribute: Camp Naivelt Remembers Pete Seeger” program
2014
2014
UJPO community members, alumni of the Toronto Jewish Folk Choir, perform at a City of Toronto ceremony naming a laneway after the choir
UJPO community members, alumni of the Toronto Jewish Folk Choir, perform at a City of Toronto ceremony naming a laneway after the choir
2010
2010s
Members of UJPO’s newly formed singing group, Zing! Zing! Zing!, perform at the Ashkenaz Festival in 2018
Members of UJPO’s newly formed singing group, Zing! Zing! Zing!, perform at the Ashkenaz Festival in 2018
2018
2018
Members of UJPO regularly participated in weekly Shabbat ceremonies during the 2024 encampment at U of T protesting the Israeli invasion of Gaza
Members of UJPO regularly participated in weekly Shabbat ceremonies during the 2024 encampment at U of T protesting the Israeli invasion of Gaza
2024
2024
Camp Naivelt’s 100th anniversary weekend ended with a lively parade, August 2025 (Photo by Robert Bergman)
Camp Naivelt’s 100th anniversary weekend ended with a lively parade, August 2025 (Photo by Robert Bergman)
2025
2025
Months after the re-election of Donald Trump, UJPO used its annual Third Seyder to once again sound the alarm about the growing threat of fascism just as the organization did in the 1930s while the world buried its head in the sand
Months after the re-election of Donald Trump, UJPO used its annual Third Seyder to once again sound the alarm about the growing threat of fascism just as the organization did in the 1930s while the world buried its head in the sand
2025
2025
After 64 years, UJPO said goodbye to the Winchevsky Centre with a nostalgic send-off
After 64 years, UJPO said goodbye to the Winchevsky Centre with a nostalgic send-off
2025
2025
Marching Disorder, formed by Shule parents, regularly perform at UJPO holiday celebrations and political rallies. Here, performing at the 2026 Third Seyder
Marching Disorder, formed by Shule parents, regularly perform at UJPO holiday celebrations and political rallies. Here, performing at the 2026 Third Seyder
2026
2026
Members of UJPO Winnipeg protest the US/Israeli attack on Iran, 2026
Members of UJPO Winnipeg protest the US/Israeli attack on Iran, 2026
2026
2026

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