Centre Acadien, Université Sainte-Anne

Clearing the roads of snow – When our ancestors arrived in the new world, they soon realized that Canadian winters were very different from winters in Europe. Up until the first decades of the 20th century, winter for many was a difficult time of year. Families were without electricity and running water; going to the bathroom was quite inconvenient, as toilets were outside.

In addition to being so long and cold, the season brought more snow than people knew what to do with. In rural areas, vehicles were stored and most people would not travel farther then they could walk. The doctor, the priest, the mail carrier, and Sunday parishioners who lived far from the church used horse-drawn sleighs to travel.

After blizzards, roads had to be cleared in case of emergencies. Cleaning the roads of snow, which were often completely blocked, was a major concern; snowdrifts more than a metre high were common.

Paths to houses and barns, as well as the main road, were made using shovels, picks, and handsaws. When the road foreman made his rounds, passing from one house to another to summon all who were able to come out and help clear the roads, men and youths grabbed their tools and rushed out to join the crew; everyone pitched in. After the first workers formed a narrow path, a second group would clear a wider route, forming large mounds of snow by the roadsides, which often neared the height of the telephone wires.

Here, we see a group of men removing snow from the main road. One look at the scene tells us that it took a long time and much energy for snow to be moved. Snow-clearing techniques have certainly become more motorized and less physically intensive over the years.

Topic: Community Life

Date: [ca. 1942]

Reference: Harold Robichaud Collection Centre Acadien Series B, photo 31

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