The Griffintown Horse Palace

This is yet another example of the many things I love about Montreal, this juxtaposition of old and new, cosmopolitan and country.

 

 

This is the view from the counter that serves the best burgers in Montreal.

 Walk down pretty much any street, and you'll see modern buildings squeezed side by side with centuries old gems.

You can be in the heart of the city, all traffic and bustle and tall buildings, then a few minutes later, you can stroll past a working horse stable built in 1860. The Griffintown Horse Palace is home to some of the many caleche horses found in the old port. The stable was owned for over thirty years by Leo "Clawhammer Jack" Leonard, one of the last Irish Quebecers still living in Griffintown. Just before he died, he sold his land to a developer and now everyone fears it may be torn down and replaced with more housing. Condos now dwarf the barn, and its future is in serious doubt. Even though the stables are considered to be a heritage site, the city of Montreal has not shown an interest in protecting it. Wonder why?

There is a news story HERE and HERE

This video tells the story of the man and the stable.

Horse Palace (EN) from The Rake on Vimeo.

There is a foundation set up to save the stable, but its future remains in jeopardy.