Published by Paul Foisy at Tuesday, January 15, 2008 0 comments Links to this post
Thursday, December 27, 2007
On patinoirs Montreal in 1900 (Part One)
On numerous occasions during the nineteenth century, the presence of skaters on the ice bodies of water is evident by the tragedies that are reported by the newspapers. Despite the recommendations of use, accidents still occur at the end of 1899. For example, in Saint-Hyacinthe, in early December, two young men named Wingender and Laporte skate near the bridge where the Company sells ice under their weight. Armand Lanctôt is doing to their rescue with the help of a ladder and was able to take advantage of the impasse. The editor of the newspaper Le Courrier de Saint-Hyacinthe, in the edition of Dec. 14, 1899, makes a note of caution: "The fans will skate well not too early to venture onto the ice, this season the year. The outcome of this accident does not happen always. "


To overcome the dangers of the way, you landscape spaces reserved for the skating on land. These patinoirs (masculine), as they were called at the time, may be covered or not covered as appropriate. In November 1977, Ms. Monique Ferland-Juneau publishes a brief inventory of rinks in Quebec in the mid-nineteenth century. (1) The author identifies no fewer than 27 patinoirs in Montreal between the years 1863 and 1909.

I propose to make a leap backwards in order to observe, briefly, what were the entertainment activities on patinoirs Montreal at the turn of the years 1899-1900.

During the winter season, urban dwellers of the metropolis of Canada may indulge in the pleasures of skating patinoirs ten different. Most of the time we talk about these places of pleasure just days before the opening of the season, when the weather is cold enough that the ice is well taken. By contrast, in the case of patinoir Le Montagnard, located at the corner of Duluth and St-Hubert, it was announced improvements since Nov. 11. Despite the work of $ 1600, the administration of Montagnard wants to silence rumours saying that the fare will be increased season.

Very enterprising directors Montagnard want to increase the number of members to 2000, or 500 more than the previous year. We launch over 2500 invitations for the official opening of this patinoir nicknamed "place of amusement the most fashionable part of the East". (2) During the evening, his honor the mayor Raymond Préfontaine, honorary president, delivered a welcoming speech to the skaters because they constitute over 66% of the assistance. The evening is a success: "The patinoir was decorated as its biggest festivals: the illumination left nothing to be desired and the fanfare of Mr. Hardy by the execution of a beautiful program of popular music has played a significant role in the success of the evening. "(3)

Although Le Montagnard is one of the largest settlements of its kind, we must also rely on other patinoirs such as the Victoria Skating Rink, patinoirs Crytal, Prince Arthur, Ontario, St. Louis, and Twin City Lasalle. At the Mount Royal Arena, the first specially designed ice rink for hockey, it also hosts the skaters at masquerades. In terms of Montreal Amateur Athletic Association, on the great circle of ice in the open air, we present the different competitions speed skating; skaters Canadian french-there are also. The general public is invited to use the round for the purposes of entertainment, because on Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon, a band is on hand to the delight of skaters.

To be continued