Louis St. Laurent was the Prime Minister of Canada from 1948 to 1957. He had the house on Grande Allee built in 1913. It was here that he raised his family and in 1973 that he died. Now for most Americans I am sure that the name Louis St. Laurent doesn’t mean anything, and I have to admit that I fall into that number. I am well versed in the history of Quebec up to and including the loss of Canada to England in 1759. After that I have only a cursory knowledge. This was an opportunity for me to widen my horizons.
I was surprised when I first heard him talk, to my ear he spoke French with an English accent and English with a French accent. Once I learned a little about him I realized why. Like both of my grandparents on my mother’s side, he grew up speaking French to his Quebecois father and English to his Irish mother. It perfectly explained his accents to me.
We are welcomed into the house by the virtual maid Yvonne. She reminds us to wipe our feet. We then meet a real park ranger who takes our entrance fee $4 each (there is a $10 pass that includes Martello Tower 1;Abraham’s Bus, Oddessy and Louis S. St Laurent House). She directs us to the parlor where the interactive visit begins.
There is an old fashioned TV and you listen to an interview with the Prime Minister. On one of the tables there is a book and if you push the button in it you can ask some questions. The interviewer stops and says that the visitor wants to ask a question and then asks whichever one you pick. You can sit on any of the furniture and interaction will enhance your visit.
In the office you are asked by Yvonne to answer the phone and you then listen to what the caller has to say. This part of the visit has most to do with Mr. St Laurent’s law practice. He was a lawyer from 1905 until his election and then when he was defeated I 1957 he went to work with his son Renaud who was also a lawyer.
The next room you visit is the den. Here you meet Mr Dion who was the Chauffeur for the St Laurent’s for 30 years. We also hear from their daughter Madeleine and their granddaughter. It is very entertaining.
In the dining room it is Madam St. Laurent who is doing the talking. She tells us about her years in the house and the decorating and entertaining she did.
The last stop is the kitchen. The ranger met us here and gave us additional information. The house was sold after Mr St Laurent’s death in 1973. It was with the help of his daughter that they were able to recreate the house, she however died before it opened in 2003.
All the audio portions are offered in both French and English. We as a matter of fact traveled
through the rooms with a French speaking couple. Both of us seemed to enjoy it equally. They offer children’s birthday parties in the house which certainly sounded interesting.