POLLYTALK FROM NEW YORK
by Polly Guerin
June 8, 2009
FAIRYTALE QUEBEC THE CROWN JEWEL OF CANADA
The majestic Chateau Frontenac seemingly guards the Saint Lawrence River below. Like a
castle in the sky it soars to heavenly heights anchoring the ancient and upper city. The crown
jewel of French Canada, Quebec’s name derives from the Algonquin word “Kebec.” Surprisingly I
am here to visit the remarkable number of Art Deco building on the 10th World Congress Art
Deco tour. Here’s the scoop!!!!
Old Quebec , the historic part of the city, transports us back in time and as we stroll the ancient
streets we find ourselves on Rue du Tresor, a street that is three centuries old and its origin
dates back to the early days of the colony. No need to climb the neck-breaking mountain stairs
to the upper town take the old Quebec funicular and you arrive at the foot of the Chateau
Frontenac . Stop to look at the colossal scale of the lower town and see the Anglo-Canadian
paper mill one of the few Art Deco industrial buildings to have survived.
Art Deco Quebec: Most engaging is Quebec’s only New York style skyscraper, the eighteen -
Story Price Building built in 1930-1931 . Reminiscent of New York’s Empire State building we
were privileged to be invited inside the Deco lobby and impressed by the bas relief impressions
featuring remarkable bas relief examples of the work of the gifted artisans of the Art Deco era
including the fur trade, lumber rafting and farming. Living in the sky must be a remarkable
experience and since 2001, Quebec’s Premiers have had an official apartment on the 16th and
17th floors. Next door we stayed at the Clarendon Hotel, an Art Deco treasure itself.
Churches dominate the landscape of Canadian villages and none is more gorgeous than that
of Ste-Therese-de-l’Enfant-Jesus. The interior in the Dom Paul Bellot style, (a Bendictine
architect/monk) creates a feeling of simplicity with no interior columns but soaring arches and
delicate brick work in four colors: buff, grey, red and black which are truly breathtaking
workmanship. Laval University, the oldest French-language university in North America
introduces us to Ernest Cormier, renowned Canadian architect and his Art Deco oeuvre while at
the Pavillon Palasis-Prince we see example of Art Deco design and the monumental entrance of
the building by architect, Lucien Mainguy. An imposing mural by Omer Parent shows the history
of Canadian industry and commerce.
Montmorency Fall Park and the famed Montmorency Falls, which claim to be 32 meters higher
than Niagara Falls, gushes forth in a cascading waterfall. The restaurant overlooking the falls is
the only way to lunch, but before we go take the cable car ride to the top of the clip and enjoy the
magnificent view.
Ta Ta darlings sadly this is the end of my trip to Canada. Remember you heard it on the Big
Apple News. Send fan mail to: pollytalk@verison.net. On the Internet at: www.pollytalk.com.
by Polly Guerin
June 8, 2009
FAIRYTALE QUEBEC THE CROWN JEWEL OF CANADA
The majestic Chateau Frontenac seemingly guards the Saint Lawrence River below. Like a
castle in the sky it soars to heavenly heights anchoring the ancient and upper city. The crown
jewel of French Canada, Quebec’s name derives from the Algonquin word “Kebec.” Surprisingly I
am here to visit the remarkable number of Art Deco building on the 10th World Congress Art
Deco tour. Here’s the scoop!!!!
Old Quebec , the historic part of the city, transports us back in time and as we stroll the ancient
streets we find ourselves on Rue du Tresor, a street that is three centuries old and its origin
dates back to the early days of the colony. No need to climb the neck-breaking mountain stairs
to the upper town take the old Quebec funicular and you arrive at the foot of the Chateau
Frontenac . Stop to look at the colossal scale of the lower town and see the Anglo-Canadian
paper mill one of the few Art Deco industrial buildings to have survived.
Art Deco Quebec: Most engaging is Quebec’s only New York style skyscraper, the eighteen -
Story Price Building built in 1930-1931 . Reminiscent of New York’s Empire State building we
were privileged to be invited inside the Deco lobby and impressed by the bas relief impressions
featuring remarkable bas relief examples of the work of the gifted artisans of the Art Deco era
including the fur trade, lumber rafting and farming. Living in the sky must be a remarkable
experience and since 2001, Quebec’s Premiers have had an official apartment on the 16th and
17th floors. Next door we stayed at the Clarendon Hotel, an Art Deco treasure itself.
Churches dominate the landscape of Canadian villages and none is more gorgeous than that
of Ste-Therese-de-l’Enfant-Jesus. The interior in the Dom Paul Bellot style, (a Bendictine
architect/monk) creates a feeling of simplicity with no interior columns but soaring arches and
delicate brick work in four colors: buff, grey, red and black which are truly breathtaking
workmanship. Laval University, the oldest French-language university in North America
introduces us to Ernest Cormier, renowned Canadian architect and his Art Deco oeuvre while at
the Pavillon Palasis-Prince we see example of Art Deco design and the monumental entrance of
the building by architect, Lucien Mainguy. An imposing mural by Omer Parent shows the history
of Canadian industry and commerce.
Montmorency Fall Park and the famed Montmorency Falls, which claim to be 32 meters higher
than Niagara Falls, gushes forth in a cascading waterfall. The restaurant overlooking the falls is
the only way to lunch, but before we go take the cable car ride to the top of the clip and enjoy the
magnificent view.
Ta Ta darlings sadly this is the end of my trip to Canada. Remember you heard it on the Big
Apple News. Send fan mail to: pollytalk@verison.net. On the Internet at: www.pollytalk.com.
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