VIEW-2952 | Molson's Bank, St. James Street, Montreal, QC, about 1897
Molson's Bank, St. James Street, Montreal, QC, about 1897
Wm. Notman & Son
About 1897, 19th century
Silver salts, paint (opaquing) on glass - Gelatin dry plate process
25 x 20 cm
Purchase from Associated Screen News Ltd.
VIEW-2952
© McCord Museum
Description
Keywords: Architecture (8646) , commercial (1771) , Photograph (77678)
Keys to History
Commercial interests were extremely important in the move toward Confederation. As early as 1837, the Molsons, who were best known for their breweries and steamship line, were printing private money. In 1855, Molson's Bank was given a charter and took up office on St. James Street, at the core of Canada's commercial life. In 1925, Molson's Bank was acquired by the Bank of Montreal. Banks were extremely important in the movement of capital and the financing of railways and industry. They sought political stability and the means to develop a strong, pan-Canadian state.
Source : Confederation: The Creation of Canada [Web tour], by Brian J. Young, McGill University (see Links)
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What
William Notman took photographs of buildings as well as of landscapes and individuals. Corporate clients, such as Molson's Bank, might purchase photographs of the head office for display across Canada.
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Where
Molson's Bank was located on Montreal's St. James Street, the financial centre of Canada. The Bank of Montreal and the Royal Bank were nearby.
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When
Molson's Bank was given a charter in 1855 and rapidly became one of Canada's most important banks. In 1897, when this photograph was taken, the bank had branches across Ontario and Quebec
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Who
The Molsons represent a family able to bridge commercial, industrial and banking interests over several generations. Although they were based in Montreal, their beer and banks spread across Canada.
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