Montreal journalist Louis-Philippe Messier delves into the city’s taxi history, highlighting a rescued collection of artifacts from the former Taxi Bureau. This fascinating assortment includes vintage lanterns, mechanical taximeters, and training manuals, showcasing the evolution of the taxi industry. The Centre des mémoires montréalaises (MEM) now exhibits these items, reflecting on the past while addressing contemporary challenges faced by the industry. Upcoming events at MEM promise insights into this rich history, appealing to taxi enthusiasts.
Exploring Montreal’s Taxi Heritage
In the vibrant city of Montreal, journalist Louis-Philippe Messier navigates the streets with agility, carrying his office in a backpack and constantly seeking captivating stories and individuals. His inquisitive nature allows him to engage with people from all walks of life, contributing to his urban chronicle.
A Treasure Trove of Taxi Artifacts
Fortunately, the remarkable collection from the now-defunct organization that once regulated taxis in Montreal was rescued from oblivion. A museum has taken it upon itself to showcase these artifacts, free of charge.
This collection features charming old lanterns, century-old mechanical taximeters, dispatcher radios, training manuals from the 1980s, and nostalgic photographs of forgotten drivers, alongside expired taxi permits and old tickets issued to drivers who strayed from the rules.
For the younger generation, the archives and items from the former Montreal Taxi Bureau may seem like relics of the past, while they evoke memories for those who are older.
Do you recall the Métropole taxis? Or were you aware that in the aftermath of World War II, veterans established a taxi cooperative known as Taxi Veterans? The lanterns from these historic companies are now part of the permanent collection at the Centre des mémoires montréalaises, affectionately referred to as MEM.
Visitors can explore this dedicated wall of taxi history at no cost.
The “Great Disruption” brought on by the rise of Uber marked the end of an era for the Taxi Bureau, which oversaw the industry and employed inspectors. It officially ceased operations on December 31, 2022, raising questions about the fate of the hundreds of objects and documents it preserved.
Just in time, the MEM was offered this invaluable collection. “We call it a rescue acquisition because the Taxi Bureau was on the verge of closing,” shares Anthony-Vincent Ragusa, the project manager for Taxi.
“We arrived with boxes like movers and took everything,” says the 27-year-old historian who has spent a year sifting through an ocean of taxi-related artifacts and documents. “The subject of taxis is incredibly rich and intriguing, as it reflects the everyday lives of Montrealers.”
In 1984, a report highlighted allegations of racial discrimination in the taxi industry, prompting black drivers to unite and create their own cooperative.
Unexpectedly, I found myself moved by the collection of taxi memorabilia. “Some retired drivers entrusted their official documents to the Bureau for safekeeping,” Mr. Ragusa revealed.
As I examined the permits and papers of Yvon Lapalme, a taxi driver who retired in 1992 and bore a resemblance to my colleague Olivier Faucher, I couldn’t help but reflect on the countless stories he must have had. His 1972 photograph spoke volumes about a life filled with experiences.
“There is immense pride in being a taxi driver, and I felt that connection when speaking with individuals from the industry,” remarked the young historian.
Discovering the MEM and Upcoming Events
The MEM, formerly known as the Montreal History Centre located in Old Montreal, has embraced its new name for a year. Pronounced “m’aime,” it invites visitors to love the history it preserves.
Now situated at the corner of Saint-Laurent and Sainte-Catherine, the MEM occupies the building that housed the Cleopatra Dance Club, the last remnant of the Red Light district within the Quartier des spectacles.
This Sunday at 2 PM, the MEM will host a conference titled “A taxi, please!” featuring its chief curator, Catherine Charlebois, and project manager Anthony-Vincent Ragusa. “I will share insights into the collection’s backstory, the exhibition process, and will be available to answer questions from the audience afterward,” Mr. Ragusa explained.
Taxi enthusiasts, mark your calendars!