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We have all heard the expression " a picture is worth a thousand words" and
Véhicule Press's publication of Montréal Photo Album: Photographs from Montréal Archives
edited by Nancy Marrelli very aptly accomplishes this feat.
Various Montréal archives at institutions submitted photos and unfortunately only some were chosen. The accepted photos were chosen based on their historical interest, quality, aesthetic considerations, and contributions to the overall view of Montréal. Nancy Marrelli states in the introduction of the book that there seemed to be a lack of single focal point. However, as she goes on to assert, this lack of a single focal point turned out to be the most charming asset of this collection of photos. A study of the history of Montréal would be incomplete if you could not see actual scenes and moments in history through the eyes of the photographer. For example there is a beautiful photo of a streetcar scene on Rue St Jacques taken in the year 1907. We see the streetcar as well as the passengers embarking. The clothes they were wearing at the time. We also notice the cobble street. What can be more informative than looking at this sight and living vicariously in Montréal in the year 1907? Another scene photographed in 1921 shows a view from Rue St Jacques towards the east and recalls the activity in Montréal's financial district in the 1920s. Montréal at the time was the centre of finance and commerce in Canada and most of the buildings shown are still in existence. There is a fascinating picture of the Bonsecours Market taken in the year 1908 where we see the horses lined up and the women with their long dresses strolling and checking out the produce. To the Montréaler the book will serve as a reminder of a Montréal that was but not forgotten. In fact when native Montrealers view some of these photos they may even comment to themselves "hey that's my neighbourhood!" "I can't believe Rue St Jacques looked that way in 1908." Even if you are a visitor to Montréal you can still be captivated and drawn to these photos as if you were part of the Montréal family. As a compliment to this book you may also wish to refer to the following sites Entitled Albums E.Z.Massicotte Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article Montreal Photo Album in Montreal is owned by . Permission to republish Montreal Photo Album in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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