Archibald Jacob Freiman, born in Lithuania in 1880, immigrated to Canada in 1893 with his parents and three sisters. By 1899 he was co-owner of his first retail store, on Rideau Street.  Soon becoming sole proprietor, the store was renamed A.J. Freiman Ltd., and would reign as one of Ottawa’s most highly-regarded shopping destinations for the next three-quarters of a century.

There were periods in Canada’s history, such as during the 1930s, when anti-semitism was rampant. What challenges did this present for businessmen and community leaders such as A.J. Freiman?

The HSO’s James Powell shares the story: www.historicalsocietyottawa.ca/publications/ottawa-stories/personalities-from-the-very-famous-to-the-lesser-known/a-j-freiman