Calp Family, Part 2

 The Calp Family - Part 2

 

Jack (1912-1992) and Teresa (Ross) Calp (1913-1996)

 

Jack Calp arrived as part of the Calp family group in 1926. He worked alongside his brother Abraham until opening his own shop – Jack Calp’s Men’s Wear - in 1948. He learned about the quality of cloth from his father, Marcus. He, in turn, passed that knowledge on to his son, Norman as reported in the newspaper in 2000: “From the age of 8, [Norman] Calp was brought to showrooms and tutored on the art of distinguishing fine cloths and clothing. ‘He told me then that you have to develop your fingering to the touch and feeling of the cloth,” Mr. Calp explained. ‘You have to develop your fingers like a violinist would develop their fingers. I’ve learned from a great teacher, and hopefully, I’ve kept up the tradition my father started.’”

 

The focus of his shop was on quality – including top of line suits and shirts from well known and respected companies, both from Canada and Europe - and customer service – “‘The whole staff can wait on one person to make sure they get what they need,’ Mr. Calp said, referring to the importance of the right fit and choice. ‘Having quality on the shelf means nothing without the service.’ “

 

Advertisement for Jack Calp's - The Evening Times Globe, April 22, 1981

Jack Calp moved his men’s wear store to 8 Charlotte Street from 78 King Street in 1973 and the store remained here until it closed in September 2003. Norman Calp had followed in his father’s footsteps to own and manage the store.

 

He married to Teresa Ross. She was a daughter of John and Rachel Ross and had two brothers - Harry and Max - and two sisters, Ethel (Sharpe) and Aida (Fritz). She graduated from Saint John High School and Modern Business College and worked in her husband’s store, Jack Calp Men’s Wear Ltd.  She was a life member of the Henrietta Szold Chapter of Hadassah WIZO. She was a member of Sisterhood and the Saint John Regional Hospital Auxiliary. She was known for her baking and handiwork skills.

They had two sons – Mark and Norman.


References: 

  • Louis I. Michelson Archives and Research and Exhibition Files, Saint John Jewish Historical Museum 
  • Marcia Koven, Weaving the Past Into the Present (Saint John: 1989 and 2008) 
  • Essay ‑ "Port of Entry: The Story of Jewish Immigrant Aid in Saint John, New Brunswick, 1890‑1946" by Craig Chouinard, Saint John Jewish Historical Museum
  • The Evening Times Globe / The Telegraph Journal (Saint John newspapers)

 

See also: Calp Family, part 1 

To comment on this story please send an email to sjjhm@nbnet.nb.ca 

 

 

This project is made possible with funding from the Archaeology and Heritage Branch, Province of New Brunswick through their Exhibit Renewal Digital Component program and the unwavering support of the Jewish families who made Saint John their home.

 


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