THE FIRST YEARS IN MONTREAL
OUR BETTER WORLD
On July 4th, 1954, in front of the boss’s farm house in Saint-Michel near Montreal. My father is the first to the right, behind him, José Cabral and Alfredo Borges. On the left, Guilherme Cabral, behind him, Artur Modesto and Dinis Maciel.
The majority of Azoreans immigrants settled in the Saint-Louis area, near downtown Montreal.
My father settled in the Little Italy area, near the Jean-Talon market and far from Saint-Louis, the area most Portuguese choose. He rented a room on the Saint-Laurent Boulevard. Upon his arrival, he worked on a farm in Saint-Michel. He joined his friend Guilherme Cabral, one of the first 18 Azoreans to immigrate to Canada in May 1953 aboard the Saturnia. In the 1950s, north of Metropolitain Highway, there were still many farms. The work is tough, hours are long and the weather is cold during spring and fall seasons. There is simply no work during winter.
My father and some of his friends from São Miguel at the Saint-Michel farm (July 1954).
While working at the farm, my father starts looking for a more stable and profitable job. He finds one at the Royal Typewriter Plant, located on Park Avenue at the corner of Jean-Talon, in Montreal.
A day before we arrive in Montreal, my father buys all the furniture
and appliances needed at the "A Forget" store, located on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, near our apartment.
During a visit from my great aunts Belmira and Mariana and her daughter Amélia.
From left to right: Dinis Maciel, Artur Modesto, Guilherme Cabral, Belmira, Mariana, my father, Alfredo Borges and José Cabral, in front of the Rex Tavern (August 1954)