Hidden treasures: Former Montreal mayor Camillien Houde and his arrow sash

To mark Montreal's375thanniversary, curators from Montreal museums showus some of their favourite items hidden in their archives. This is the second installmentin an ongoing series.

It may look like an ordinary scarf, but this particular piece of clothing is loaded with history.

Called an arrow sash (orceintureflche) a traditional piece of French-Canadian clothing of the 19th century,it was given to Montreal mayor CamillienHoudeas a gift.

Known as a colourful character,Houdeserved as a member of Parliament in Ottawa and a member of the National Assembly in Quebec.

But it was his time as mayor that brought him the most popularity.

He was first elected in 1928.

"After his election, of course, we all know the big event of the [economic] crisis in 1930," said LouisePothier, a curator and archaeologist atPointe--CallireMuseum.

"The mayor had to develop many economic programs and projects to give jobs to people."

Among his legacies are the Botanical Gardenand LaFontainePark, as well as public baths throughout the city.

Internment prisoner

Houdewas not afraid to speak his mind and his most vocal fight ended with him being sent to an internment camp for four years.

"He was a very popular mayor but he was also very conscious. He had different values for his citizens. He lost his election at the end of the1930sand won again in '38. Right after this election in '38, there was the Second World War," saidPothier.

"All the movement of conscription in Canada was beginning to circulate and he declared himself very proudly, very positively, that he was against conscription."

That didn't go over well with the federal government, whichchargedHoudeunder the Defence of Canada Regulations and sent him toPetawawaCamp as a prisoner.

Houdespent four years at the camp, all the while remaining mayor of Montreal. When he was released, he received a hero's welcome in the city.

The arrow sash

Pothiersays the arrow sash was a present toHoude,but the museum isn't entirely sure when it was produced or who gave it to him.

"Certainly we can recognize the style, the artistic style, which isl'Assomption, which is a very famous design of arrow sash," she said.

"Very typical of this period of production: end of19thcentury, beginning of20thcentury."

Pothier said it may been a gift from French-Canadians but the specific origin isunclear.

"There's a kind of traditional heritage and recognizing probably, behind this gift, the strong affiliationCamillienHoudehad to the people,"Pothiersaid.

"I think it's a gift, it's not a gift of gold or whatever, but it's a gift from the people for a person who was much appreciated."

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