Bonnie Cleaners Ltd. fonds

Scope and Content: Fonds consists of minutes of annual meetings, (1979-1983); Certificates of Qualification for Dry Cleaners, (1963, 1968, 1969); accounts with the Department of National Defence, (1977, 1978); sales log, (1971-1973); advertising and promotional items; news clippings; National Institute of Dry Cleanin…

Scope and Content: Fonds consists of minutes of annual meetings, (1979-1983); Certificates of Qualification for Dry Cleaners, (1963, 1968, 1969); accounts with the Department of National Defence, (1977, 1978); sales log, (1971-1973); advertising and promotional items; news clippings; National Institute of Dry Cleaning (N.I.D.) courses, brochures, correspondence used by Sylvia and Harry Kershman for their Dow Management Training Scholarships, (1963-1964); Fabric Facts written by Sylvia Kershman, (1963).

History Biographical: Bonnie Cleaners dry cleaning business was opened by Sylvia and Harry Kershman in October 1956, at 51 Main Street, Ottawa East. They designed the Bonnie Cleaners logo and organized their own advertising. In 1961, the Kershman's moved their business to 1061 Merivale Road, and in 1971 opened a second store at 1181 St. Laurent Boulevard. Over the years, they had contracts with the Federal Department of National Defence and other government departments to service draperies. In 1963 and 1964, the Kershmans won one of four Canadian Management Scholarships from Dow Chemicals. Sylvia Kershman, always an equal business partner, attended the National Institute of Dry Cleaning at Silver Springs, Maryland, for four weeks followed by her husband in 1965. The Merivale Road business was sold in 1981, followed by the St. Laurent location in 1982.