Here is shown the cellar kitchen of a large Montreal house, the Chateau de Ramezay, residence of the local governor. The vaulted ceiling gives an idea of the thickness of the supporting walls. The spit in the fireplace was connected by a chain-drive to a wooden drum in which a dog trotted getting nowhere, but rotating the spit on which joints of beef, a whole lamb, or a dozen or more chickens were placed. Adjoining this kitchen was the bakery with its large bake oven where bread was baked fresh each day. Note the brass storm lantern hanging from the ceiling, the striped catalogne carpet, the hooked rugs made by local habitants, and the butter churn in the corner. Between preparing meals, the servants would be expected to make use of the spinning wheel. The pine dresser is a typical example of rough, locally made furniture.
Courtesy: Jean Palardy, The Early Furniture of French Canada Macmillan of Canada
