Andrea Eidinger
@andreaeidinger.bsky.social
Historian of society, gender, and culture in postwar Montreal/Tiohtià:ke | Public historian and creator of Unwritten Histories | Public servant at Library and Archives Canada. She/her/elle
https://www.unwrittenhistories.com
https://www.unwrittenhistories.com
That’s part of the problem I’ve had in the past. It’s not really sustainable.
May 18, 2025 at 5:54 PM
That’s part of the problem I’ve had in the past. It’s not really sustainable.
Just like Baxter’s original vision. And that is still how the building operates to this day. /end
May 14, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Just like Baxter’s original vision. And that is still how the building operates to this day. /end
Conditions inside the factories were notoriously dangerous and the workers were primarily young Jewish and Italian women. These workshops lasted well into the 1980s. But in 1947, the building was sold again, and this time it was turned into rental properties.
May 14, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Conditions inside the factories were notoriously dangerous and the workers were primarily young Jewish and Italian women. These workshops lasted well into the 1980s. But in 1947, the building was sold again, and this time it was turned into rental properties.
This was right at the start of Montreal’s heyday as the Textile Capital of Canada, an industry that was largely dominated by incoming Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe, like my family. In fact, this street eventually became the heart of the community.
May 14, 2025 at 9:13 PM
This was right at the start of Montreal’s heyday as the Textile Capital of Canada, an industry that was largely dominated by incoming Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe, like my family. In fact, this street eventually became the heart of the community.
Baxter was into real estate speculation, and planned 28 shops with above apartments, and even a 2,500 seat theatre. But it was not to be. In 1911, the building was bought by a consortium of manufacturers and turned into garment workshops
May 14, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Baxter was into real estate speculation, and planned 28 shops with above apartments, and even a 2,500 seat theatre. But it was not to be. In 1911, the building was bought by a consortium of manufacturers and turned into garment workshops
After his death, his wife and two children were returning to Montreal aboard the ship. And as was the case for most first class passengers, his wife and daughter survived, but his son did not.
May 14, 2025 at 9:09 PM
After his death, his wife and two children were returning to Montreal aboard the ship. And as was the case for most first class passengers, his wife and daughter survived, but his son did not.
Hence columns and vaulted arched windows, and the fancy parapet at the top. It was commissioned by James “Diamond Jim” Baxter, so-called because he was both rich and because of rumours he carried diamonds in his pockets. He has a fun ransom Titanic connection, btw.
May 14, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Hence columns and vaulted arched windows, and the fancy parapet at the top. It was commissioned by James “Diamond Jim” Baxter, so-called because he was both rich and because of rumours he carried diamonds in his pockets. He has a fun ransom Titanic connection, btw.
The building is an example of a style called Neo-Romanesque, which is a revival of a style common in Europe in the 11th and 12th centuries. It is essentially mix of Roman classical design and many of the designs we now consider to be Gothic.
May 14, 2025 at 9:07 PM
The building is an example of a style called Neo-Romanesque, which is a revival of a style common in Europe in the 11th and 12th centuries. It is essentially mix of Roman classical design and many of the designs we now consider to be Gothic.
Fun fact, Baxter Block is located right on top of a former zoo!
May 14, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Fun fact, Baxter Block is located right on top of a former zoo!
Before Baxter Block was constructed, this part of Montreal was only minimally developed, but in 1889, the city decided to widen St Laurent, and tore most of the smaller buildings down. This decision was made to facilitate Montreal’s expansion and industrial development.
May 14, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Before Baxter Block was constructed, this part of Montreal was only minimally developed, but in 1889, the city decided to widen St Laurent, and tore most of the smaller buildings down. This decision was made to facilitate Montreal’s expansion and industrial development.
Funny this is I did go to Paris last year…
May 14, 2025 at 1:52 AM
Funny this is I did go to Paris last year…
This is making my heart hurt.
May 13, 2025 at 4:16 AM
This is making my heart hurt.