2-889-307 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Torch-Light Procession in the Place d'Armes, at Montreal, 1850. '...the citizens of Montreal [in Canada, decided on] the necessity of preparing a suitable display of Canadian industry, for exposition at the Great Industrial Congress of 1851 [to be held in London. It was therefore] '...decided to hold a Grand Provincial Industrial Exhibition, in the city of Montreal'. A celebratory procession was '...conducted by the fire brigade of the city...All the fire companies, with their engines, hose-reels, &c., drawn by horses, richly caparisoned and decorated, formed the procession. They had a most imposing appearance, and were attended and cheered by thousands of the populace, and every window and available point of sight was crowded with spectators...[View of the procession] in the Place d'Armes, in front of the great Cathedral...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.