|
||
|
|
|
|
A Rare Late 19th Century View of Montreal. Only Two Institutional Copies Known.
Striking antique bird's-eye view of Montreal towards the end of the 19th century, published by A. W. Morris & Bro. proprietors of the J. A. Converse Manufacturing Co. of Montreal, Canada.
The focal point of the view is the robust industrial and manufacturing industry in Montreal, along with its rail and port facilities along the St. Lawrence River.
Mont-Royal is shown at the left while the St. Lawrence River waterfront along the bottom to bottom right. Individual buildings are shown, but are not identified. The view covers the area located between the Victoria Bridge, Pointe-Saint-Charles, Île Sainte-Hélène and the port to the south, the docks and the Lachine Canal (around rue des Seigneurs) to the west, Mont-Royal Park to the north and the city's eastern borders.
The map is printed using an unusual monochromatic printing style which was uncommon for views of this type.
Reps identifies this as state I of this view, with state II being published in (and dated) 1892.
Alexander Webb Morris
The view was published by Alexander Webb Morris (1856 – 1935), a businessman and political figure in Quebec. Born in Brockville, Canada West, AW was the son of William Lang Morris and Julia Frances Converse, and was educated at the High School of Montreal and Bishop's College in Lennoxville. Morris established himself in business in Montreal.
Webb was associated with the Bank of Montreal and was owner of the Converse Cordage Company and A. W. Morris & Brothers. He also served as a director for the Molson Bank. From 1885 to 1887, he was mayor of Saint-Gabriel. Morris also served on the city council for Montreal from 1887 to 1888. Webb represented Montréal division no. 4 in the Legislative Assembly of Quebec from 1892 to 1896 as a Conservative.
Rarity
Reps locates 1 example (McGill University). The Library and Archives of Canada also appears to have an example.
