A Historic Sign Comes Back to Life at Café Mission

##A Long Restoration Process

Under the direction of painting restorer Ms. Anita Henry, the sign underwent specialized treatment designed to preserve its authenticity while ensuring its stability for years to come. Her colleague, Salomé Hérault-Ardouin, also contributed to this painstaking work.

Each phase of the project presented a technical challenge due to the sign’s age, its prolonged exposure to the elements, and the fragility of its materials.

1. Consolidation of the flaking paint: The paint, which was extremely brittle, had formed pits that were difficult to stabilize. It was necessary to find an adhesive capable of reattaching the material without breaking it, while preserving its original appearance.
2. Delicate cleaning of the surfaces: Removing accumulated dirt without damaging the warped paint layer required a delicate balance between effectiveness and gentleness.
3. Reinforcement of the particleboard panel: The support structure, which was incomplete and weakened, required extensive consolidation, particularly because its rear crossbars had shrunk over time.
4. Correction of panel warping: The right side, which was severely warped, was partially straightened through localized moistening, which then allowed the missing areas to be filled with putty.
5. Restoration of the frame: Missing moldings were recreated and installed, despite the panel’s persistent curvature, to restore the sign’s overall visual integrity.

According to Ms. Henry, the major challenge was to reduce the warping of the backing enough to allow for the installation of new moldings, while respecting the sign’s historical condition. She emphasizes that “bringing an old sign back to life means preserving its charm, which stems from its artisanal craftsmanship.”

From Inspector Street to Calumet

The sign has found its way back to our premises thanks to a generous donation from Mr. Patrick Labelle in Calumet, near Hawksbury. It had been proudly hanging in his garage until he decided it was time for it to be returned to its original owners.

“This sign belongs to the Old Brewery Mission. I could have sold it, but it’s part of your heritage, and it’s important to me that it be preserved,” Mr. Labelle emphasized.

It came into his possession after a family friend, Mr. Robert Tyre—a longtime volunteer at the Old Brewery Mission—hung it at his marina in the 1970s. When the marina was sold in 2020, Mr. Labelle retrieved the sign and stored it in his garage until 2024, when we were put in touch with him.

We would like to once again extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Labelle for this generous donation, which serves as a reminder of the Old Brewery Mission’s rich history since its opening in 1889.

An Inspiring Presence at Café Mission

The restored sign is now installed at Café Mission, which is open 24/7. Over time, this respite center has become an essential part of our support services for Montreal’s homeless population. Visitors to Café Mission can use the showers, laundry facilities, and internet access. In addition, snacks and coffee are offered daily.

The addition of the historic sign serves as a reminder of the evolution of the Old Brewery Mission, its deep roots in the neighborhood, and the importance of preserving the physical traces of its history. This installation is part of our commitment to making our facilities more welcoming.