Family Album, Milk and Water, 1927 Montreal

La Fete de la St. Jean from my grandparent's house at 72 Sherbrooke West in Montreal. 1929 picture as it is written on the back of the photo.

Lionel Groulx wrote a letter to my grandfather in 1927, complaining that 4 important French Canadian holidays weren't being observed. It was just one of the issues my grandfather, the Director of City Departments, had to tackle during that difficult year.

I have written my first draft of MILK AND WATER and posted it on my website.

Today, I might scan Terry Copp's famous book The Anatomy of Poverty and another academic paper on Hygiene in Quebec in the 20's and 30's  (which I discovered yesterday as I put away my Jules Crepeau papers.)

I am trying to figure out just who got to vote in Montreal elections. It was claimed in the 20's that the city had 'universal suffrage' but I think this meant only men. But not only home-owners. I found a report of a debate from the 1930's, where some people were arguing for the repeal of Universal Suffrage in Municipal elections. Bums shouldn't vote, they say. Opponents reply that just because a man is unemployed, it doesn't mean he is a lazy bum.  Many honest men with families are also looking for work....So renters got to vote in municipal elections, although home-owners got to vote on more issues...Hmm. (All men are created equal, but some more equal than others.)

Besides, it is stated in the 1930's debate, very few Montreal families own their home, about a fifth.

My grandparents, Jules Crepeau and Marie Roy on the Boardwalk of Atlantic City. My story Milk and Water takes place in 1927, the era of American Prohibition.

Mayor Mederic Martin, who lost the 1928 election to a newcomer, Camillien Houde. The only election issue was the purchase of a utility, Montreal Water and Power. My grandfather would be forced to resign over the issue.

Mary Hardy Fair Wells, my husband's grandmother, who I have insult Mayor Martin in my story. She says the trim on his robes looks tacky. Sometimes you have to make things up.

Her husband, Thomas Wells, who spends the play talking to my grandfather about politics, booze and the power of words.

My grandfather, Jules Crepeau. in his power pose.

The Laurier Palace theatre on Ste. Catherine E, after the infamous 1927 fire, that looms large in my play.

The Prince of Wales with Mederic Martin in his robes trimmed with sable..at the very bottom.1927 visit. Diamond Jubilee of Canada. I think the man sitting at top in boating hat and the woman below him are my grandfather and perhaps one of my aunts. Only officials could get on the steps. I use this event to kick-start my story.

My grandmother and mother and aunts and one cousin in front of 72 Sherbrooke West.