Matthew Farfan

Under the direction of Huguette Chartrand Copti
Société d’histoire Mouillepied, St. Lambert, Quebec
262 pages, hard cover, illustrated, $39.95.

Saint-Lambert au fil des ans / Saint-Lambert Through the Years 1857-2007, is the title of a new book by the Société d’histoire Mouillepied of St. Lambert, Quebec.

Published to commemorate St. Lambert’s 150 th anniversary, the book combines texts on diverse aspects of this South Shore municipality’s colourful history with archival and contemporary photography, maps and tables. Produced under the capable direction of Huguette Chartrand Copti, the book contains texts in both French and English from a variety of contributors.

Saint-Lambert Through the Years is not your typical local historical society publication. It is neither low-budget, nor amateur in conception or content. In fact, the book is beautifully produced and professional in every sense of the word. Its large, hard-cover format and lavish black and white and colour illustrations lend it the feel of a coffee-table book. This is not to suggest, however, that text is secondary. Indeed, texts throughout the book are well researched, well written and thoroughly documented with references at the end of each chapter.

The book, which provides insights on a wide range of subjects touching upon the history of this Montreal suburb, is divided into six parts: Territory and Architecture; Economy and Communications; Religion; Education; Politics; Community Life; and Memories. Each of these parts is in turn divided into chapters which cover everything from St. Lambert’s roots as an agricultural settlement during the time of New France, to construction of the Victoria Bridge, to the battle over Île Notre-Dame in the period leading up to Expo 67. Other chapters focus upon local political figures, residential architecture and other diverse subjects.

The book is bilingual in the sense that some texts are in French and others are in English – but never both. Aside from fully bilingual introductory messages from the mayor, the president of the historical society and the editor, a brief abstract at the beginning of each chapter, the table of contents, the general bibliography, and captions throughout the book, texts are published in the language in which they were submitted. In her introduction, editor Chartrand Copti acknowledges this distinctive aspect of the book -- a reflection perhaps of St. Lambert’s historically bilingual character. She also notes the variety of writing styles exhibited – “each one a reflection of rigorous research.”

Saint-Lambert Through the Years is available at local bookstores or directly from the Société d’histoire Mouillepied, 490 Mercille, Saint-Lambert, Quebec J4P 2L5. For more information, call (450) 466-3889 (ext. 3341).