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This stereograph shows a snowstorm on the marketplace in Québec City’s Lower Town in winter 1888. Locals move along snow-covered paths in horse-drawn sleighs on the left. Rain or shine, the market was a much frequented place. Indoor halls were eventually built, greatly improving the market experience in winter.
1840 - 1894

Ah! “It has snowed, oh, how it has snowed!”

These words were written by the famous Québécois poet Émile Nelligan in the late 19th century. Since then, they have been repeated at every large snowfall. And Québec City is certainly one of the places where this poem is quoted most often: It is one of the snowiest cities in the world! Explore this album of photos and other artworks to learn how 19th-century residents of Québec City made the most of winter. Lots of questions about these images await!

Snowstorm at Québec City’s Lower Town Market

Benjamin West Kilburn This stereograph shows a snowstorm on the marketplace in Québec City’s Lower Town in winter 1888. Locals move along snow-covered paths in horse-drawn sleighs on the left. Rain or shine, the market was a much frequented place. Indoor halls were eventually built, greatly improving the market experience in winter.
Chronoscope What comments or thoughts does this piece evoke for you? (unilingual French for a limited time) Source: Ville de Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Pierre Lavoie Collection - Date: 1888