The Great Secret of Kebec
At the port of Quebec
Description
You are at the port of Quebec. The young militiaman speaks to you as soon as you arrive.
Dialogue
Militiaman
"I have seen many things in my short life. What you are looking for I have already heard sung, but not for a long time. I was with the handful of soldiers who drove off 4,000 Americans on the banks of the Châteauguay, and now I must return to the front. To stay by the one I love, I must find a job. Take this kerchief and give it to whoever would like to hire me."
Go see William Price in front of the theatre. He will surely be able to help you.
Timber Trade
Lumber was the basis of Canada’s trade for most of the 19th century. Based on the British demand, the lumber trade contributed to the economic growth of Québec City and eastern Canada. The towering masts for the ships of the Royal Navy were cut from the finest trees in the mixed forests that covered the Maritimes and the St. Lawrence Valley. As well, Great Britain was going through exponential urban growth, which led to a skyrocketing demand for construction lumber. Québec supplied up to 17% of all the lumber imported into Great Britain.
Militiaman
The militia of New France had no official uniform. Only the officers were expected to wear gorgets and swords. During the War of 1812 and the 1837 rebellions, a few militiamen wore what they could get until proper uniforms arrived from England.
Theatre
Description
You are on a street in front of a café across from the theatre. William Price speaks to you as soon as you arrive.
Dialogue
William Price
"There is nobody left in the café. Most of the soldiers have left the city, and the owner decided to close up shop. A strange idea: my lumberyards employ enough men to provide him with a good income. My battle is with the trees! The forest represents the future of this country. Québec can become the capital of the lumber industry at the rate the market is growing. Tell the young man who sends you here that he’s hired. To convince him, here is an advance on his future pay."
You give the scarf to William Price, as you and the young soldier agreed, and go back to tell him the good news.
Thespian Theatre
In 1783, the Thespian Theatre was the first English theatre to open in Québec City. Concert performances in Québec City in the last two decades of the 18th century took place at such a variety of places as the Thespian Theatre, Merchant’s Coffee House, Frank’s Tavern, Ferguson’s Hotel and the Nouvelle Salle des Spectacles.
William Price
William Price was without question one of the greatest Canadian entrepreneurs of the 19th century. He came to Canada in 1810 as an agent purchasing construction lumber for the British Navy and in 1816 entered the lumber business on his own, creating William Price and Company. In 1842 he purchased the properties of the Société des 21 in Saguenay and joined with Peter MacLeod to operate the Chicoutimi sawmills. He soon became known as the “Lumber King.” Later, Price joined with three of his sons to create William Price and Sons. Price died on March 14, 1867, at the age of 78. His sons succeeded him and created Price Brothers and Company.
port of Quebec
Description
You go back to see the young militiaman and tell him the good news.
Dialogue
Young Militiaman
"I hesitated at length between love and war, but you and Mr. Price led me to make the right decision. Take this rose to my little nightingale. As soon as she has it, I shall be with her once more!"
Red Rose
The red rose, in addition to being the most familiar symbol of love, has symbolized England since the War of the Roses (1455-1485), a civil war between two royal houses: the House of Lancaster, whose emblem was a red rose, and the House of York, whose emblem was a white rose.
Theatre
Description
You go back to the café across from the theatre. William Price speaks to you as soon as you arrive.
Dialogue
William Price
"Here you are my friend! Thank you for having convinced this young militiaman to join my battle for the economic development of our country. Run quickly to his loved one and tell her the good news."
You go to the alleyway that leads to the stage door.
In an alleyway behind the theatre
Description
You go to the alleyway that leads you to the artist’s stage door.
Dialogue
Young woman
"Come in and put that beautiful lover’s flower in the box. Your symbol can then reveal itself in warmth of feeling!"
Inside the dressing room
Description
You are in the artist’s dressing room. There is a note on the mirror that reads, "My dearest love, thanks to you I am no longer singing alone on my branch!"
Tea
Tea became a popular drink in England in the first half of the 18th century, and was available in Québec City from 1760; it was drunk first by the soldiers of the garrison, and the French-speaking population did not really begin to drink it until some 20 years later.
End OF phase 5
Congratulations! You have completed the fifth phase of your noble quest.
Nightingale: in lover’s eyes
To review the historical facts you have learned so far, don’t forget to check the book.
To find out more about "The Great Secret of Kebec", go to phase 6.
