How Benjamin Franklin and the Pierre du Calvet House in Montreal are Connected

June 25, 2009 by Victoria Revay

While I’m a contributor to We Blog the World, the below blog post is the copyright of the Canadian Tourism Commission. Please link back and credit all content used to Canada is a Big Place.

If I told you that Benjamin Franklin planned some of the most important steps in Franco-American relations at a little boutique hotel in Old Montreal, you might not believe me. But you should.

Ruby Roy, a private guide to journalists in Montreal took us for a living history lesson. She explained that the Pierre du Calvet House A.D. 1725 is not only a historic mansion and the oldest private house in the city, but it is also available to the public via it being a boutique hotel. And yes, she says Benjamin Franklin sat in the living room– somewhere– producing not only an early edition of the Gazette, but forging relationships with the French.

I could hardly stop gasping once inside: the original stone walls are exposed, the lighting is crimson-hued, dark fabric tapestry covers it all, and bronze reproductions overcrowd the already busy rooms. The antique furniture is stunning and overwhelming–the chandeliers are low-hanging. The Victorian Greenhouse and Terrace in the back overlooks the rooftops of a nearby church and apartments, an ideal escape from the nearby hustle-and-bustle. If you feel, have a chat with the resident parrot and then take a look at the collections of the wooden boats that line the terrace’s windows. Check out Rob Ireton’s Flickr photos of the house. Beautiful! Tip: Gaetan Trottier, one of the owners, just opened up his sculpture studio adjacent to the hotel. He sells bronze sculptures, paintings and installations.

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