Solomon’s Furniture was established by Charles or “Charlie” (c. 1886-1953), and Israel Solomon (1891-1978) after they broke from the family business in 1937. Sons of Polish immigrants, Abraham Moses (1858-1923) and Cilia Altman Solomon (1850-1934), Charlie and Israel worked alongside their brother, Walter at A. M. Solomon & Sons Furniture for decades. In 1937, approximately twelve years after Abraham’s death, the brothers dissolved the partnership, potentially over a disagreement regarding Saturday hours.
Ultimately, Walter continued operating A. M. Solomon & Sons Furniture, while Charlie and Israel opened Solomon’s Furniture Co. at 474 King Street. According to Walter’s son, Gary, Charlie and Israel eventually divided their store in half after a second disagreement arose over operating on Shabbat. Utilizing two separate entrances, Charlie closed on Saturdays while Israel remained open. Israel retired from business shortly after Charlie’s death in 1953.
Main Image: Left: Charlie Solomon. Imaged courtesy Solomon family archives. Right: Charlie’s obituary. Reprinted from Evening Post, September 8, 1953.
Above Image: Israel’s obituary. Reprinted from Evening Post, January 13, 1978.