de Saint-Père de Repentigny, Agathe National Historic Person
Montréal, Quebec
Plaque location
(© Parcs Canada | Parks Canada)
Address :
363 Saint-François-Xavier Street, Montréal, Quebec
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
2016-06-06
Life Date:
1657 to 1748
Other Name(s):
-
Agathe de Saint-Père de Repentigny (1657-1748)
(Designation Name)
-
Agathe de Saint-Père Legardeur de Repentigny
(Other Name)
-
Agathe de Saint Père
(Other Name)
Importance:
Woman entrepreneur who surpassed meeting usual family obligations, representative of the significant economic role played by women of New France, stands out for her initiative and innovation
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: 363 Saint-François-Xavier Street, Montréal, Quebec
Through her enterprising and innovative spirit, and with financial support from the King of France to establish a factory, Agathe de Saint-Père de Repentigny was able to offset a serious shortage of hemp and flax, as well as a lack of fabric, in early-18th-century New France. Near this location, where she lived and established her workshop, she created dyes and fabrics using local plants and fibres, and hired workers from New England, many of them weavers who trained local apprentices. Her life and work are representative of the vital economic role of women in the colony.