When Lowell’s Little Canada neighborhood was torn down in 1964 to make way for urban redevelopment, it represented the end of an era. “L’ptit Canada” was home to French Canadians and their descendants who had settled in Lowell at the turn of the century. Its 325 buildings were populated by over 2500 French Canadians who owned the plurality of the 110 apartments, restaurants, and businesses in the area. In the heart of the city, it was a hub of French Canadian culture. Many of the populace made their living working in the nearby Lawrence and other mills. Much of the signage was in French with churches and parochial schools, markets, and social clubs were within walking distance.
The Little Canada Collection brings together digitized materials from the Center for Lowell History's resources as well as those of the Lowell Housing Authority to document the destruction of Little Canada and the forces that brought it about.
For our first major digitization project, the Center for Lowell History, in Partnership with UMass Lowell's Department of World Languages and Cultures, chose a 1916 book commemorating the history of the French Canadian parishes of St-Joseph and St-Jean-Baptiste Churches. The later church was severely damaged by fire in 1912 and the book recounts how it was renovated and rededicated in 1916. This publication represents a cornerstone of Franco American culture, religion, and community engagement in Lowell, It contains detailed information with accompanying clear and striking images of the clergy, Lowell people, orphans of the parish orphanage, parish buildings and organizations as well as advertisements for French businesses of the time.
Suggested Citation: Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Album-Souvenir et Historique de La Paroisse Saint Joseph de Lowell, Mass. : À L’occasion de La RéOuverture de L’éGlise St-Jean-Baptiste déTruite Par L’incendie Du 21 Novembre 1912. [Lowell, Mass.]: [Imprimerie de l’Etoile], 1916. Center for Lowell History, University Library, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Special Collections.Internet Archive.
