................POWER
Travelling west on Saint Patrick Street from Angers Street, you'll notice there are a few electricity pylons along the waterfront. These transmission towers date back to the 1920s and 1930s. The pylon looks like a blueprint...a drawing...because the structure is not encased, it exposes the steel lattice construction. This open design is a perfect balance because it manages to give a weighty, solid structure a delicate airy look. The fact that they are still standing today is evidence of quality workmanship.

The history of the Lachine Canal is a story about power—on many levels. One of the reasons that it was so important was because the Canal could supply direct hydraulic power to the industries that established themselves along this corridor. Later pylons such as this one, were part of the distribution of electricity needed for the industrial expansion created by new machinery and processes.

History is also about power. Traditionally those in power write it, archive it, display it and document it. The point of view of this photo represents the power relationship in the oral history process. It's reversed. The storytellers have the power and the Oral Historian is but a humble onlooker.

The people that worked in the industries are like this pylon—artifacts, details, stories, lives.... that tend to be overshadowed by the 'big picture'. But when you put them in the spotlight.... and LISTEN.... their stories open up an inside track; they blur pre-conceived notions. They give you the reason, the perception, the wisdom... you know.. the opportunity to see history in a human way. And that... speaks to all your senses.
Let them transmit their words. They are powerful.

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