Quebec is snow and ice-bound for many months of the year, so it’s only natural that we have always sought relief from winter’s fierce grip. One modern reaction to winter is to flee to the south (especially Florida) but traditional Quebeckers like to jump right in and enjoy their mid-winter carnivals. The best-known at the moment is the annual Carnaval de Québec. Do you recognize the snowman on the left? That’s the Quebec Carnival mascot – Le Bonhomme Carnival.

However back in the 1880s, it was Montreal’s carnival that was the more famous and for good reason since it had lots of traditional Quebec and Native American winter activities like hockey, lacrosse and tobogganing. However, I think what really put Montreal’s Carnivals on the map were the Ice Palaces that were constructed each year in Montreal’s Dominion Square (now Dorchester Square).

What you see here is a vintage postcard that was mailed in 1904 but which depicts a late 19th century Ice Palace. After looking  through historical images at the McCord Museum and Ice Cubicle, I believe that this might be  the one that was built for Montreal’s 1885 Carnival.

Genealogy Notes

A handwritten message on the front of the card says:

“Built with blocks of ice. This is the last ice palace that was built in Canada, ten years ago.”

The message was sent to  a Miss Ethelynn Mowry (1884-1961) of Providence, Rhode Island (U.S.A.). Based on several online sources (no primary research, see sources below) this would seem to be the Ethelyn Mowry who married Lewis Garfield in 1907. This couple lived in Providence (RI). Her parents were said to be Joseph Swallow from the UK and Adelaide Eliza Olney of Rhode Island.

Some very cool sites (sorry, I can’t resist a bad pun!)

Ice Palaces in Montreal, 1883-89 « The Ice Cubicle

Quebec Winter Carnival | CBC Archives

The Carnival Ice Castle for 1885 | Engraving | McCord Museum

More about Miss Ethelynn Mowry

Obituaries in Oswego County, N.Y.

Rhode Island Historical Cemeteries Transcription Project, p346

RootsWeb’s WorldConnect: The Descendants of Thomas Olney & Marie Ashton

Related Posts – Montreal

Dominion Square | Montreal In The Time Of Tramways

Vintage Postcards of Quebec