In 1931, the Montréal streets reflected a city balancing tradition and modernity during a challenging moment in history. As the effects of the Great Depression spread across Canada, daily life continued along bustling avenues lined with streetcars, local shops, horse-drawn wagons, and early automobiles.
Historic neighbourhoods such as Old Montréal and Saint-Henri were filled with workers, merchants, and families navigating uncertain economic times. These photographs capture more than architecture and transportation. They reveal the rhythm of urban life in a city shaped by industry, immigration, and cultural diversity.
From snow-covered sidewalks to crowded public markets, each image offers a glimpse into the resilience and character of Montréalers during the early twentieth century. Today, these scenes remain valuable reminders of how the city evolved while preserving the spirit and identity that continue to define Montréal nearly a century later.
1931 – Photograph of a commercial area of Lajeunesse Street heading north, between Gouin Boulevard and Kelly Street (now Henri-Bourrassa Boulevard).1931 – Photograph of a luxurious house along Gouin Boulevard at the intersection with Clark Street.1931 – Photograph of a modern-style house near the Rivière des Prairies in the Bordeaux district of Montréal. The river can be seen in the background.1931 – Photograph of Berri Street looking north, between Gouin Boulevard and Kelly Street (now Henri-Bourrassa Boulevard). A few houses can be seen.1931 – Photograph of Bois-de-Boulogne Street looking south from Viel Street, in the Bordeaux district of Montréal.1931 – Photograph of Clark Street looking south, in the Ahuntsic district of Montréal. In the foreground, several triplexes are visible, and the facades of two houses are in the background.1931 – Photograph of Grande-Allée Street looking north, at the corner of Kelly Street (now Henri-Bourrassa Boulevard).1931 – Photograph of Grande-Allée Street looking south from Gouin Boulevard in the Ahuntsic district of Montréal.1931 – Photograph of Laverdure Street looking south near Gouin Boulevard.1931 – Photograph of Rockland Street (now Acadie Boulevard) looking south from Viel Street, in the Bordeaux district of Montréal.1931 – Photograph of rue Henri-Julien (now avenue d’Auteuil) from rue Kelly (now boulevard Henri-Bourrassa). The facades of several houses can be seen.1931 – Photograph of Saint-Hubert Street looking east, at the intersection with Gouin Boulevard. A few houses can be seen.1931 – Photograph of Saint-Hubert Street looking north. Several upscale residences can be seen, as well as a horse-drawn carriage in the background.1931 – Photograph of the elevated Val Royal district train station looking north from Lachapelle Street.1931 – Photograph of the elevated Val Royal station in Montréal, looking south. A field is visible in the foreground, and the station and railway embankment can be seen in the background.1931 – Photograph of the Perry family home on Gouin Boulevard in the Bordeaux district of Montréal.1931 – Photograph of upscale houses along Gouin Boulevard at the level of Esplanade Avenue.1931 – Photograph of Valmont Street looking south from Viel Street, in the Bordeaux district of Montréal.1931 – Photograph of a Bell telephone company building on Christophe-Colomb Street, at the corner of Sauvé Street. A car can be seen in front of the building.1931 – Photograph of the Visitation school, at the corner of Prieur Street and Hamelin Avenue. Note that the land around the school is not yet landscaped.
Dalia, a photojournalist hailing from Montreal, is deeply passionate about documenting events and sharing stories about people's lives. She is on track to graduate from Concordia University with a degree in journalism and a minor in art history. Currently, Dalia holds the position of Editor-in-Chief at her school's newspaper, The Concordian. Following graduation, she aims to secure a full-time reporting job at a major news outlet.
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