Factories dominated the landscape and the economy of the Saint-Roch district in the early 20th century. However, 1926 was marked by a devastating strike. The conflicts between manufacturers and the workers, who were represented by the Catholic trade unions, centred mainly on wages. But it was the whole industry that took the blow in the end and some 15 factories closed.

1920 - 1929

Thaddée Lebel, a pioneer of photography in Québec City

Québec City has inspired many a photographer. One of the best known is Thaddée Lebel. Born in Québec City in 1874, he began his career at the Livernois Studio in 1888. From 1913 onwards, he built a solid reputation as an independent photographer. The provincial secretariat and archives, the provincial exhibition commission and the City of Québec called on him to document various events. He was also the one who took the many photographs of the construction of the Château Frontenac’s central tower. His work provides precious documentation of life in Québec City from the 1920s to the 1940s. Let’s learn more about his career!

Intersection of De la Couronne and Saint-Vallier Est streets

Thaddée Lebel Factories dominated the landscape and the economy of the Saint-Roch district in the early 20th century. However, 1926 was marked by a devastating strike. The conflicts between manufacturers and the workers, who were represented by the Catholic trade unions, centred mainly on wages. But it was the whole industry that took the blow in the end and some 15 factories closed.

Chronoscope Can you comment on the perspective Thaddée Lebel took here? (unilingual French for a limited time)

Depicted period: 1929

Source: Ville de Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Thaddée Lebel Fonds - Date: 1929-10-10

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