MP-0000.1750.8.2 | Mount Royal Lookout, Montreal, QC, 1906
Mount Royal Lookout, Montreal, QC, 1906
Anonyme - Anonymous
1906, 20th century
Ink on paper mounted on card - Halftone
10 x 19 cm
Gift of Mr. Stanley G. Triggs
MP-0000.1750.8.2
© McCord Museum
Description
Keywords: Architecture (8646) , civic (349) , Print (10661)
Keys to History
The beginning of the century was also marked by renewed interest and vigour in highbrow culture. This was particularly true of the theatre, which enjoyed a veritable golden age, with the founding of a number of professional theatre troupes. Literary life was nourished by the meetings of the École littéraire de Montréal [Montreal literary society]. Montrealers also benefited from the establishment of a symphony orchestra and an opera company. On the whole, however, the city's cultural scene was limited, and people had to rely on foreign companies coming to town on tour and on foreign literature -- French, British and American.
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What
Mount Royal Park was one of the prime sites of urban culture frequented by the Montreal élite, especially the English-speaking élite. The fine clothes worn by the people in this photograph suggest that they belonged to this class.
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Where
Mount Royal observatory, along with a restaurant, was built in 1906 by architects Edward and William S. Maxwell. It was replaced in 1931 with the building that now stands on the site.
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When
In the first decade of the 20th century, Montrealers, especially those who used Mount Royal Park, wanted to preserve the character of this site they enjoyed so much. They lobbied the City to prohibit motor vehicle traffic, and a by law to that effect was passed in 1905. The tabling of a plan to allow a streetcar line to run nearby raised an outcry from the public in 1903.
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Who
In 1900 John Henderson, a former farmer who had also been a food merchant, was appointed park superintendent. He took over from Major William McGibbon, who had held the position for 25 years before he was dismissed following complaints about his harsh manner and authoritarianism.
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