Quai à Kit/The Wharf [English]

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Paul-Eugène Roy, also known as Kit, was the owner (1966–1971)¹ of the Hôtel Maison Blanche, beside the wharf.

The sheer number of historical layers this place holds for the people of New Carlisle goes far beyond the existence of Kit. It ties Maurice Richard², a French-Canadian sportsman who instilled pride in an entire nation (career with the Montreal Canadiens, 1942–1960³) to Thédore Robitaille, Lieutenant Governor of Québec (1879–1884), who commissioned the Canadian National Anthem from Adolphe-Basile Routhier (lyrics) and Calixa Lavallé (composition).⁵

A significant tourist and economic hub, The Wharf welcomed both tourists and goods. In the early 20th century, tourism was at an all-time high and new hotels were opening up. Some even named it the “Grand Hotel Era.”⁶ New Carlisle developed as a “town in the countryside,” ⁷bringing the best of both worlds.

With the harbour close by and several smaller wharves dotted along the coastline, naval construction became an important economic activity for the locals. Ships sailed from New Carlisle between Canada, Europe and the United States. ⁸

DÉCOUVRIR > tous les lieux-dits de cette ville

AUDIO

Interview with Sandi Beebe, April 8, 2025.

The history of Kit and his hotel.

French speakers called it Le Quai à Kit, and English speakers The Wharf.

[FRANGLAIS] Interview with Robert Munroe, Lynden Bechervaise et Marc Babin, April 11, 2025.

“You don’t catch the crab, the crab catches you.”

The role of Lieutenant Governor Robitaille.

A busy wharf.

The Harbour/Le Port: New Carlisle was home to several small wharves and a harbour, which is a reminder of the importance of naval construction.

The port has been abandoned.

Naval construction.

What became of the shipyard after its operations ceased?

[FRANGLAIS] Shipbuilding in New Carlisle situated in time.

NOTES

¹Québec official gazette, 1966-11-19, BAnQ’s collection.

² Sandi Beebe, story collected by the artist, April 8, 2025.

³ “‘Rocket’ Richard – Une légende, un héritage”, Musée canadien de l’histoire, updated August 12, 2005, media.museedelhistoire.ca/MR_PK_f.htm#:~:text=Pour%20les%20amateurs%20de%20hockey,du%20minist%C3%A8re%20du%20Patrimoine%20canadien.

⁴ Robert Munroe, Lynden Bechervaise and Marc Babin, story collected by the artist, April 11, 2025.

⁵ Assemblée nationale du Québec – centre de Québec, “l’honorable Théodore Robitaille”, online biography on the website Lieutenante-gouverneure du Québec, accessed on January 26, 2026, lieutenante-gouverneure.quebec/fileadmin/fichiers/histoire-quebec-ltg/11_-_P2_-_05_-_Theodore_Robitaille.pdf.

⁶ Sophie Turbide, “Le Centre culturel et d’interprétation Kempffer : un aperçu de notre exposition permanente”, Réseau du patrimoine anglophone du Québec, accessed on January 26, 2026, qahn.org/exhibit/kempffer-cultural-and-interpretation-centre-overview-our-permanent-exhibition.

⁷ Quote form Jean-Baptiste-Antoine Ferland (l’abbé Ferland), 1836, in : Banque des noms de lieux du Québec (Commission de toponymie du Québec), s. v. “New Carlisle / Antaguejuigtug”, accessed on January 26, 2026, toponymie.gouv.qc.ca/ct/ToposWeb/Fiche.aspx?no_seq=142200.

⁸ “Loyalists of Chaleur Bay – Gaspedia”, United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada, accessed on January 26, 2026, uelac.ca/research-resources/chaleur-bay/.

IMAGES

1. T.J. Caldwell publisher, front of a postcard “Wharf, New Carlilse, P.Q.”, [19–]. Bibliothèque nationale, 2646811.