The main economic sectors of the Laurentians, for over two hundred years, were agriculture and wood. However, many industries were established in the 19th Century and provided work to many of our ancestors.

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Argenteuil

Lachute

Ayers mills

Ayers Mills in Lachute were built in 1876 by Thomas Henry Ayers and Félix Hamelin, to produce felt. An important strike in 1947 became a milestone in Quebec's labor history.

Postcard by H. Richards, around 1925.

Lachute

Wilson paper mills

The Wilson paper mills were founded in 1880 by J.C. Wilson.

Postcard by H. Richards, around 1925.

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Deux-Montagnes

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Labelle

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Terrebonne

Sainte-Adèle (Mont-Rolland)

Rolland paper mill

The first paper mill was built here in 1904 by the "Compagnie des moulins du Nord". The Rolland Paper Co. bought it in 1912. The operations ceased in the 1980's.

Photo by Christian Lauzon, 2002
© Le Québec en images, CCDMD

Saint-Jérôme

Rolland paper mill

The Saint-Jérôme paper mill was built in 1881-82 by Jean-Baptiste Rolland. It is still in operation and has belonged to Rolland Inc. up to this day.

Photo by Christian Lauzon, 2002
© Le Québec en images, CCDMD

Saint-Jérôme

Wilson pulp mill

The pulp mill was built before 1890 by Delisle & Cie. In 1893, it was bought by J.C. Wilson, who already operated a paper mill in Lachute.

Postcard by P.-F. Pinsonneault, around 1905.

Sainte-Thérèse

Dominion Furniture Manufacturing Co.

The Dominion Furniture plant was burnt in 1907 and rebuilt the same year.

Anonymous postcard, around 1915.

Sainte-Thérèse

Willis piano works

Many piano manufacturers operated in Sainte-Thérèse: Willis, Lesage, and Sénecal & Quidoz. The last company to close down was Lesage, in the 1980's.

Anonymous postcard, around 1915.