BASILIQUE-CATHEDRAL OF MONTREAL

The Cathedral of Montreal has two names: Saint-Jacques and Marie-Reine du Monde. It is said to be the third largest church in Quebec. Bishop Ignace Bourget, second Bishop of the city, chose to build a replica of the Papal Basilica in scaled model, approximately one-third of that of Rome. Due to our winters, some architectural elements have been omitted. The construction began in 1875 and the consecration took place in 1894. Originally known as Cathedral Saint-Jacques, Pie XII formally recognized it under its current name. The Cathedral became a minor Basilica in 1919.

Those who go to Rome may see statues of the twelve apostles on the façade of the Basilica. In Montreal, there are thirteen copper statues of saints given by parishes. Inside the Cathedral, certain elements of the Vatican are also reproduced, for example the canopy on top of the altar. Many paintings recount the history of Montreal. A chapel contains the remains of the Bishops of the city as well as a recumbent effigy of Bishop Bourget.

The Canadian Zouaves who participated in the crusade to defent the Papal States are engraved on several marble plates. One hundred thirty-five young men enrolled in 1868. There was a total of more than five hundred of them but only three hundred eighty eight went in Italy. The Zouave Association, founded in 1899, worn the 1868 uniform and weapons until the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1984. They used to accompany all catholic and nationalist celebrations until that moment. But with the Quiet Revolution of the 1960s, the Association has gradually declined and exists no more.

The organ was originally built by the Casavant Brothers. Redesigned several times, it has now four keyboards and eighty-seven stops. Bach would be delighted to play on it.

On the right side of the façade of the building, a monument was erected to honor Bishop Bourget. On one of the basic scenes, the Bishop can be seen visiting Canadian Zouaves in an Italy camp.

In 2006, the Federal Government has proclaimed the Basilica Marie-Reine-du-Monde “national historic site of Canada”.

LE CHATEAU DE RAMEZAY - Montreal

One would like that our old historical buildings remained intact as they were when built. Most of them have evolved, sometimes have been rebuilt after a fire, expanded or transformed. It Is the case with the Château Ramezay. Claude Ramezay was Governor of Montréal (he had been Governor of Trois-Rivières before) and he had his house built in 1705-1706 on a three feet thick stone walls. After a fire in 1754, the house was rebuilt and enlarged in 1758 in part on its original foundations. It is at the end of the 19th century that it was baptized the “Castle”.

As the majority of our witnesses of history, the Château Ramezay has had several vocations in its three hundred years of existence. First house of the Governor, it has been leased to the King to accommodate the Intendant and became in 1745 offices of the Compagnie des Indes which had the monopoly of fur exports. ThehHouse later became residence of Governors, military headquarters under the English occupation, courthouses, school of medicine and finally Museum in 1885.

It was more beautiful (to my taste) a few years ago with its stone walls. Then, probably to protect the walls against the weather, it has been covered with mortar. The turret on the east side is not original. It was added in 1903.

A few years after the opening of the Museum (1895), a very nice collection of the society of archaeology and coin currency was exposed. It grew over time. The Nantes room did not exist originally. It is only in 1957 that rich mahogany panels were brought to cover the wall of this room which took the name of Nantes Room. The panels came from a building of Nantes in France which had belonged to the West Indies Company.

The basement is also very interesting to visit. We are invited to relive the daily lives of our ancestors of the 18th century. We can see furniture, kitchen, oven, and even models dressed as to the days of the past. Native American prehistory is also present through everyday objects showing a culture that was adapted to an environment not always clement. Temporary exhibitions vary exploiting a variety of themes.

Mr. de Ramezay had also a garden. In the year 2000 the Museum made a reconstruct of it if not identical, at least in the style and content of the gardens of the nobility.

Visiting the Chateau Ramezay is a must.



 

ST.NICOLAS CHURCH - Montréal

452, Notre-Dame East

The original building was called Greek Syrian Orthodox Saint-Nicolas Church (with its French correspondence) or Saint Nicholas Cathedral. Before, a three-storey building occupied the land but was demolished for the construction of the Church built between 1910 and 1912 in spite of the bankruptcy of the contractor and the financial problems of the Syrian Community. A Lantern Tower was to crown it, but it was sacrificed because of lack of money.

The fire damaged the Church in 1931 but mainly the building next to it. Later the two bell towers disappeared without apparent reason it seems. Then the Syrian congregation left the place in 1949 and delocalized in Villeray, another district of Montreal. The Belgian community then occupied the premises. Since the beginning of 2000, the building has been transformed into condominiums.

As this building is located in the historic district of Montreal, it is protected for the future generations

THE PAPINEAU HOUSE

440, de Bonsecours St.

I t seems, according to a Louis J.A. Papineau’s letter written in 1894, that the first Papineau to set foot on the soil of New France in 1686-1687 had fled France because he was a Huguenot or Calvinist and therefore Protestant. He would be the ancestor of all the Papineau family.

A Joseph Papineau “dit Demontigny” possessed a land on Bonsecours Street. He had a wooden house built on the site. Colonel John Campbell bought everything and built a stone house in 1786. He was responsible of the Indian Affairs in Montreal. His house was two stories high. Acquired by the Papineau family in 1809, Louis-Joseph became the owner in 1814.

Changes were necessary when the Bonsecours Street was lowered by nearly two meters. The basement of the building became the ground floor and it was decided to extend the remains up to the nearby house and a carriage entrance was fitted out to allow access to the backyard. Louis-Joseph Papineau, well known for being one of the Patriots revolt executive heads had fled in exile for several years. During his stay in France, the home was transformed into the Exchange Hotel, and then Arcade Hotel. On his return he took again possession of the building but for a short time, preferring to settle in Montebello.

Then a few hotels occupied the building: the Empire Hotel, the Rivard Hotel, the Bonsecours Hotel, the Royal Hotel and even restaurants. The House underwent major changes. Two brick storey were added and disfigured it. The Papineau family remained there until 1919. Thereafter several owners followed.

In 1964 a savior arrived in the person of Eric McLean, a journalist who became a member of the Order of Canada. He was concern of the conservation of the heritage buildings. Following an old drawing of Rosewell Corsica Lyman, he gave the building its appearance of the 1830s.  The Interior was also rejuvenated. It’s worth mentioning that nineteen tapestry layers have been removed. Mr. McLean remained forty years in this house that was designated a historic monument in 1965 and became property of the Government of Canada in 1982. The House is now leased to individuals. At the door, a commemorative plaque certifies that Joseph Papineau and his son Louis-Joseph have lived there as well as their descendants.

ÉDIFICE DE L’UNION NATIONALE BELGE - Vieux-Montréal

452, Notre-Dame East

The original building was called Greek Syrian Orthodox Saint-Nicolas Church (with its French correspondence) or Saint Nicholas Cathedral. Before, a three-storey building occupied the land but was demolished for the construction of the Church built between 1910 and 1912 in spite of the bankruptcy of the contractor and the financial problems of the Syrian Community. A Lantern Tower was to crown it, but it was sacrificed because of lack of money.

The fire damaged the Church in 1931 but above all the building next to it. Later the two bell towers disappeared without apparent reason it seems. Then the Syrian congregation left the place in 1949 and delocalized in Villeray. The Belgian community then occupied the premises. Since the beginning of 2000, the building has been transformed into condominiums.

As this building is located in the historic district of Montreal, it is protected for the future generations

THE GEORGE-ÉTIENNE CARTIER HOUSE

458, Notre-Dame St.

This residence belonged to a man who played a crucial role for the future of Canada, Sir George-Étienne Cartier. It is in fact two semi-detached houses built between 1836 and 1838 for Arthur Ross, lawyer. His mother occupied the section next to Berri Street in 1839.

In 1848, George-Étienne Cartier was the new owner. His family lived at the Berri-Notre-Dame corner until 1855 when they all left the city. A lawyer rented the House but Cartier came back in 1862 and bought the nearby home to occupy it. After the death of Cartier in 1873, the estate retained the two houses until 1951. Another tenant occupied the other part , A.G.A. Ricard who was a doctor and member of the Medical Office of the Notre-Dame Hospital.

After 1871, the house was rented to different people. It was first a particular hotel and then in 1880 a store of the Ministry of the militia followed by a hotel which took the name of Grand Pacific Hotel. It goes without saying that the inside of the building was then transformed. Another major change occurred a few years later when the Berri Street tunnel was open. The section overlooking the Berri Street was truncated more than three meters; the roof became an attic roof and a balcony was built.

Because of the 1901 fire, renovations were again brought and a change of name, the Grand Pacific Hotel became the Dalhousie Hotel and then the Royal Rooms in the 1930s.

The Federal Government finally bought the home in 1973. Other restorations took place and the property became a museum dedicated to G.E. Cartier who played an important role in the history of the country and, since 1985, his career is highlighted in this now Victorian style house.

George-Étienne Cartier is often called “the Father of Confederation”. It is certain that his role in the creation of this system of Government is very important. His political career began in 1835 when he became a lawyer. It is closely linked to the Patriots being a member of the Sons of Liberty and even participating at the Saint-Denis battle. Exiled in the United States, he soon returned to Montreal and practiced law.

He also played a large role in the development of education in the province. As close as 80 % of the country people could neither read nor write, so he put in place a series of reforms including the establishment of a Council of public instruction as well as Normal Schools. The teachers saw their working conditions improved and the first pension system was introduced.

In 1848, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of the United-Canada. He soon became the most influential politician of the East part. The idea of a Federation of the provinces was gaining ground and Cartier traveled to London in the company of A.T. Galt and J. Ross to convince the Queen Victoria. In 1864 he went to the Prince Edward Island in the company of other delegates to set the foundations for a Confederation, which became reality in 1867. He then became Minister of Militia and Defense.

Great negotiator, his services were required for the purchase of the Rupert’s Land and the Northwest Territory, the creation of the province of Manitoba and he was very active in the negotiations with British Colombia which led to its entry into Confederation. He is the one who introduced a bill for the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railroad.

In 1919, a monument has been erected in his honor on the Mountain Park on Park Avenue. It has been recently renovated. Do the “Tam-Tam” enthusiasts gathering there every Sunday of the summer have a thought for this great man?

FRANK SINATRA POST OFFICE - HOBOKEN N.J.