Monica Gauze: Irene's Salon

Listen to the fascinating story behind Irene's Salon, one of the leading millinery stores in Montreal from the 50s-80s. As narrated by Irene Regina Herskovits's daughter Monica Gauze, Irene's Salon was opened in 1951, soon after she immigrated to Montreal from Czechoslovakia with her family. It quickly became extremely popular among the city’s Jewish population, as well as becoming a place of employment for dozens of immigrant women in Montreal. Describing the millinery and her mother's incredible creativity and skill, Monica Gauze also recalls her own experience working with the ladies embroidering hats at the shop.