Walking up St. Laurent Boulevard (colloquially known to Montrealers as the Main) earlier in the month (I was in town partly to satisfy my appetite for artery-clogging smoked meat), I noticed large metal signs affixed to many of the storefronts along the way. Each had a few pictures, plus a website and a numeric code, with the name of FRAG. Curious, I searched it online once I returned home and discovered an interesting public art installation and accompanying website called FRAG on the Main.
Each of the 32 stations has a title and historic and modern pictures illustrating the history of the immediate vicinity of the address. Somewhat more detailed information can be found in text on the FRAG website, as well as an audio version with background noises. These files (in French and English) can be downloaded as a PDF printed file, MP3s, or as a podcast.
Each station is meant to highlight a mere ‘fragment’ of the famed artery’s rich history. For example, the station at 3899 St. Laurent briefly touches on the rich Jewish history of the neighbourhood surrounding Schwartz’s and the Main Delis. Nearby, at 3826, a sign outlines the history of transportation on the street, and its role as the divider between east and west Montreal, thanks to a reorganization of the street address system that increased east and west from the boulevard.
It is always worth it to look around when strolling down a street, no matter how familiar it is. I also noticed new surveillance cameras installed along the Boulevard, a new intervention following an earlier pilot project. Note the temporary signage advising the public of their presence.
2 comments
I miss Schwartz’s so, so much.
You’ve already added 10 years to your life by missing it though!