HORSE POWER -- the Canadian History Museum

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June 11th 2016

Published: June 11th 2016

In the early days of New France in the 1600s, most traveling was done by canoe, but as more settlers arrived and opened up the wilderness, and especially after New France became British North America, they needed better ways to travel on ever-present snow during the long winters, and on elementary roadways the rest of the year. In other words, conveyances both elementary and advanced, large and sm... Read Full Entry

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Fred Perry

ferby

Hi, everyone. I am a retired Canadian senior, living in Ottawa. My dear wife Margo and I used to love to travel just about everywhere, especially as “snowbirds” in the winter. Although we can no longer travel for medical reasons, I've been travelling and taking photos for many years, so I still want to share some tales and photos from our vast collection. with you. Cheers, Eh? ... full info

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Calèche Sleigh

This is the most important sleigh in this exhibition. Built by Bruno Ledoux for a wealthy Torontonian in the late 1800s, it was loaned to four Governors General over the years. It could hold eight passengers.

the calèche sleigh info

It required four horses, and considerable skill on the part of the driver.

Bruno Ledoux bio

He was the most important and influential carriage-maker in Canadian history.

a Brougham Sleigh

Elegant and very expensive, this was certainly a deluxe form of winter transportation.

Brougham sleigh info

fancy Cabriolet sleigh

This sleigh represented Canadian craftsmanship at the first world's fair, in London in 1851.

cab sleigh info

'Snowshoe'' sleigh

It belonged to the Belanger family of stove fame.

'snowshoe sleigh' info

14th June 2016

Judy Smith
non-member comment

Canadian Museum History
Good morning Fred - This article certainly enlightens us to the form of travel and its beauty that was used back then. The talent these gentlemen possessed is remarkable. Very, very interesting, as both Fern & I were there last Thurs. evening as our twin granddaughters had their graduation ceremony there & of course pictures were taken outside. To be able to visit such beauty in these times is very heartwarming.......and to be able to sit in one of the carriages would be a dream come true. Very well written Fred.....keep up the wonderful, informative pieces.

15th June 2016

Nanci G P Phelan
non-member comment

Fascinating Collection
Thanks Fred. What a fascinating collection of horse drawn vehicles. Who would have thought there were so many different carriages. Many of them look pretty open and muddy!!!! From today's perspective we think of them as romantic, but I bet they were cold and uncomfortable... and then we have the vehicles of today. What changes have occurred over the years.

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HORSE POWER -- the Canadian History Museum

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