Arquivo F1259 - Joseph Abramsky and Son fonds

Joseph Abramsky founded the Joseph Abramsky and Sons Department Store Kingston, in 1891. Abramsky, a Russian immigrant, worked as traveling salesman prior to 1891. He became well known throughout the area of Leeds, Frontenac and Prince Edward Lennox for his honest and fair approach to business. Abramsky upheld his honest reputation when he opened a department store in Kingston centered on trustworthy service. As the Abramsky store on Princess Street expanded, so did the association of the Abramsky name with personal service.

From his first marriage Joseph Abramsky had two sons, Moses and Harry, and three daughters Edith, Ida and Kate. After the death of his wife, Joseph remarried and had two more children, Ann and Sam. The Abramsky business grew, and sons Harry and Sam took over. In November of 1927 Joseph Abramsky passed away in Kingston.

Under the leadership of Harry and Sam the Abramsky business expanded with the opening of new stores across Eastern Ontario, as well as the development of a new chain, The Percival Furniture Co.. Although the business grew, the Abramsky management continued to advocate the personal and honest service style that was so important to Joseph Abramsky.

In November of 1927, Harry’s son Mortimer was born, and in 1947 he joined his father and uncle managing the company. After Sam’s death, Mortimer and Harry headed the company. During the 1960’s, however, business began to decline, which resulted in the discontinuation of the Percival chain and the closure of all stores expect for the Kingston location. The personal style of service upheld by Joseph Abramsky had become outdated, as self-serve department stores gained popularity.

Mortimer Abramsky retired from the business in 1967, due to ill health. His father, Harry was left to head the company at age 78. The Joseph Abramsky and Son Ltd. department store in Kingston was eventually closed in 1977.