Homes of Cove Fields
from August 26 to October 31
Revisit a part of Quebec City's history with this exhibition highlighting the former army barracks, a community located on the Plains of Abraham from 1945 to 1951. Over a hundred families lived on Cove Fields - the name given to the part of the Plains of Abraham located behind the Museum.
At a time when Quebec City was suffering a severe housing shortage, Mayor Lucien Borne requested that former army barracks on the site be used as temporary homes. In short order, a chapel, a school, a playground, and a police station were built. Some residents also opened neighbourhood businesses on their premises: grocery stores, restaurants, shoe repair, and so on. It was a little village in the heart of the Plains. Cove Fields had up to 1,200 people, including over 700 children.
Living conditions were said to be difficult, and the neighbourhood was given various nicknames like Faubourg de la misère (''the poor suburb''). The last families left the site in 1951, and the barracks were demolished.
The structures are made up of archival and family pictures, as well as quotes from the ethnographic survey, which will help you relive this significant episode in Quebec City's history.
Informations
- Structures designed by Groupe A / Annexe U and built by carpenter Zachari Guay-Hébert;
- Late August to late October;
- Free.
Call for participation
With the support of La Horde Patrimoine appliqué and the Faculté des lettres et des sciences humaines (Université Laval), the National Battlefields Commission is conducting an ethnographic survey of people who lived on Cove Fields between 1945 and 1951, or who had close ties with that site.
The aim of the research will be to preserve memories of Cove Fields for posterity. The recollections will be kept in the Commission Archives.
- Did you or a family member live on Cove Fields between 1945 and 1951?
- Do you have memories, anecdotes, or information you can share about that site?
- Do you have documents, photos, or physical items from the Cove Fields?
Your participation in this ethnographic survey will be greatly valued!
How can you contribute?
To share your recollections, fill out the online form or collect a paper version of the form at the reception desk of the Plains of Abraham Museum, 835 avenue Wilfrid-Laurier, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
To donate documents, photos, or physical items to the Commission Archives, bring them to the reception desk of the Plains of Abraham Museum during opening hours.
Any questions? Please phone 418 649-6157.
With your participation, a piece of history will be carefully preserved for future generations. Thanks!