443, rue Saint-Vincent
This building has had several names in its history, sometimes Hotel Richelieu, sometimes Club-Williams, at other times building Le Devoir and even the morgue of Montreal. It all began in 1858 or 1861, the past is sometimes nebulous.
Built by Roch Jacques Séraphino Giraldi, innkeeper and merchant, the building was leased and five law firms occupied parts of the building. Among these were George - Étienne Cartier, the "Father of Confederation", Severus Rivard, who has been Mayor of Montreal. The Giraldi estate retained its ownership of the building until 1873.
Joseph Béliveau bought the House to enlarge his hotel which was known as Hotel Richelieu. Three buildings formed the Hotel that was well renowned. The current building number 443 is the only one that remains.
Among the different owners, there was Isidore Brien dit Durocher. He was a U.S. Army veteran. It is said that he would have participated in the Secession war. During this war, several French Canadian enrolled. Some of them it is said, enrolled in a unit, received the sum that was offered to those who volunteered, then at the first opportunity they deserted to enlist again in another Regiment. After a few attempts, they came back with an interesting sum of money... and definitely richer than before!
From 1889 to 1910, a French lady was also the owner of the building without ever having seen or set foot in it, Mary Alice Beatrice Isabeau Saveuse de Beaujeu. Her husband was the owner of the hotel and she inherited it after his death and his children continued owning it for fifteen years. In 1925, the Government of Quebec became the owner.
A private club occupied the premises in 1912, the Jacques-Cartier Club where enthusiasts could engage in billiards, chess, cards and dominos. The Devoir was another owner from 1914 to 1924. The Morgue followed in 1969, but working conditions were far from ideal. It is said that corpses were disappearing mysteriously. The forensic laboratory, the third most ancient in the world and the first in North America, as well as the offices of the coroner also occupied the building.
Changes were made to the building. A fourth floor was added. The Interior also was adapted to printing conditions. Among the VI P who stayed at the hotel Richelieu, it’s worth mentioning Sarah Bernhardt, although other sources mention that his troupe members were those who slept in the Hotel while she lived in a different one.
