Diorama of an Iconic Montreal Alleyway – Centre d’histoire de Montréal, Place d’Youville, Montréal, Québec, Canada

According to the Centre d’histoire de Montréal, alleyways as we know them first appeared in Montreal around 1845 when large farm-lots were being subdivided into smaller properties. Prior to this, inner courtyards were accessible through private carriage doors, but not from the street. Ever since, working class Montreal houses have had a front side that faced the street and a back side that faced the alleyway.

Out front is the facade -- the carefully swept wooden sidewalk and the inevitable neighbour keeping a close eye on everything. Out back is the alley -- a world of constant activity. Heating oil (and in the old days wood and coal) is delivered in winter; and fruit and vegetables in the summer. (And in the old days there would be ice for the ice box, too.) People would set out their garbage for weekly pickup. Kids would play hide-and-seek, street hockey and "church." Sometimes, conditions are right for an improvised ice rink, or even a stolen kiss …

As indicated by the laundry lines hanging heavy with clothes, the bare trees and the fallen leaves, this diorama depicts a wash-day Monday in late October or early November. And have you noticed the hangars – those practical storage sheds? Unfortunately, they had a bad habit of catching fire and are now illegal!