Hey folks! Started chatting about this on fb, but thought I’d open it up here. March will be Unwritten Histories 10 year anniversary. What would you like to see? Do you still use it? Should I finally retire it?
This is an absolute disgrace.
One of the standout contributions online for Canadian history. Thank you for all of your work!
That’s part of the problem I’ve had in the past. It’s not really sustainable.
Just like Baxter’s original vision. And that is still how the building operates to this day. /end
Conditions inside the factories were notoriously dangerous and the workers were primarily young Jewish and Italian women. These workshops lasted well into the 1980s. But in 1947, the building was sold again, and this time it was turned into rental properties.
This was right at the start of Montreal’s heyday as the Textile Capital of Canada, an industry that was largely dominated by incoming Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe, like my family. In fact, this street eventually became the heart of the community.
Baxter was into real estate speculation, and planned 28 shops with above apartments, and even a 2,500 seat theatre. But it was not to be. In 1911, the building was bought by a consortium of manufacturers and turned into garment workshops
After his death, his wife and two children were returning to Montreal aboard the ship. And as was the case for most first class passengers, his wife and daughter survived, but his son did not.
Hence columns and vaulted arched windows, and the fancy parapet at the top. It was commissioned by James “Diamond Jim” Baxter, so-called because he was both rich and because of rumours he carried diamonds in his pockets. He has a fun ransom Titanic connection, btw.
The building is an example of a style called Neo-Romanesque, which is a revival of a style common in Europe in the 11th and 12th centuries. It is essentially mix of Roman classical design and many of the designs we now consider to be Gothic.
Fun fact, Baxter Block is located right on top of a former zoo!
Before Baxter Block was constructed, this part of Montreal was only minimally developed, but in 1889, the city decided to widen St Laurent, and tore most of the smaller buildings down. This decision was made to facilitate Montreal’s expansion and industrial development.
Welcome to Baxter Block, 3660-3712 Saint-Laurent Boulevard. It was built in 1892 and designed by architect Theodore Daoust. You can read more about him here: dictionaryofarchitectsincanada.org/node/818
On my way to training session #3 to be a volunteer guide with Heritage Montreal this summer. Today I have to present a building to the group, so I thought I’d share it with you too!
Second false fire alarm in the middle of the night in the last three days. Sigh.
She’s a cutie.
Funny this is I did go to Paris last year…
I feel like I’m supposed to write something smart and profound. Instead, here is a picture of my cat.
Read my latest article with @spacing.bsky.social
"They Were Right Here: Tracing Black People Enslaved in the Town of York (Toronto)"
spacing.ca/toronto/2025...
🥴
Wanna play where has Andrea been, wrong answers only?
This is making my heart hurt.
Thanks! ❤️
Watch our new #HeritageMinute on Bora Laskin, the first Jewish Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. Laskin’s legacy is brought to life by the iconic Victor Garber. Bora Laskin was born on 5 October 1912 in Fort William (now Thunder Bay), Ontario. youtu.be/K9iGFZLOuio
*not in fact dead.
Steph made me do it. @stephpettigrew.bsky.social