The "Midgets Palace" of Montreal

A story about a couple who turned the tables on exploitation by making their home into a palace.
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*French subtitles coming soon!
Disclaimer: The use of the 'M' word in this episode is specifically due to the fact it was repeated constantly in the primary source documents-there was no way around it because it was embedded in how the Nicol's marketed themselves and the palace. When we refer to it, it's from direct quotations from the pamphlets and press releases by the Nicols. Phillipe and Rose clearly lived in a different time, but they re-appropriated the word in order to turn their home into the landmark it became. They were part of an international movement that would work towards de-stigmatizing people of short stature, and part of that process opened the eyes of many to the fact the 'M' word was-and is-a derogatory slur projected by those that exploited little people. We encourage everyone to take a look at the Little People of America's press release on the topic here: goo.gl/7AZP3C
"The dwarfism community has voiced that they prefer to be referred to as dwarfs, little people, people of short stature or having dwarfism, or simply, and most preferably, by their given name."
Their names are Phillipe Nicol, Rose Nicol, Phillipe Nicol Jr., and Huguette Rioux.
There's another possible thread to the story of Rose and Phillipe's son, Phillipe Nicol Jr., that we couldn't quite verify. He may have actually gone to the United States and performed as a little person boxer for a while-a disturbing sideshow trend at the time. Afterwards, he might have come back to Montreal, living out the rest of his days alone, before passing away in 1992 in complete destitution. We aren't quite sure if it's true, or if this happened after the robbery, because we only saw one mention of it from a questionable source in our research.
Many thanks to La Banquise - that delicious poutine restaurant in Montreal, Quebec - for permitting our team to film there. Next time you're in Montreal, grab a poutine and discover some nearby Canadian history, too!

[@chriswarnock999]

You guys are the best. Canadiana is the first (and only) channel I have ever subscribed to. More people need to know the history of this great nation - and you guys do a tremendous job sharing that. (p.s. whoever does your video editing is incredible)

[@kevincgrabb]

Yeah, production quality is ridiculous.

[@Canadiana]

Thanks very much for watching and subscribing! We have many more episodes in the pipeline so stay tuned! I've passed your kind words along to our co-creator Josef Beeby, who edited this episode. The post-production on Canadiana is done by three of us normally working in tandem, and it's by far the most intense and time-consuming aspect of the series. So it's always heartening to see people point it out-keeps us motivated!

[@empi4106]

So interesting. I have walked in this neighborhood many many times with no idea of the history in this regard. Please do more on Montreal!

[@quantumhelium]

One of the best sleeper channels on KZbin.

[@mustbeaweful2504]

Is it weird that I wish the “Midget Palace” still existed? I just love the idea of going into a place where everything is smaller - everything made with difference in mind - and to feel like I take average things for granted. And the strange relief it must be to know in that moment that the status quo of everything is an illusion. Even the status quo of a chair.

[@dumoulin11]

And after the Musée des Nains closed down the building became a gay sauna, a place where another group of marginalized people could go to find a bit of respite from a society that vilified them incessantly.

[@billpetersen298]

We may scoff or laugh at your comment. But, my dad was a cop in the 60’s-70’s. He thought it was funny, to throw queers and hippies, in the drunk tank. That was in progressive Vancouver.

[@OofusTwillip]

When I was about 5, we visited the Midgets' Palace. I'd never met a little person before, and I can still picture the lady who greeted us. She wasn't much taller than I was, and she had red hair in a shag-cut, and bright red fingernails and lipstick. She wore a sleeveless purple satin blouse, olive green trousers, and a red beaded necklace and earrings. It was the 1970s, and she was right in fashion. I don't really remember the scaled-down interiors of the building, but I do remember that lady.

[@nanabagigah6980]

Do you know where is located?

[@Clove_Parma]

@@nanabagigah6980 Did you even watch the video? doesn't exist anymore...

[@StilettoLafleur]

I loved this! I live in the states now but I’m originally born and raised in Montréal.

[@zangyzebrapokemon4876]

I bet those condos are haunted today.

[@maoama]

That house should have been a heritage site. Oh well.

[@lynndallaire6913]

I visited this palace when I was a child.

[@lobofournierpapa5514]

Philip aka fournier 2nd 😅😉

[@christofat2704]

J'adore!

[@corinnelaking569]

Excellent! Thank you for sharing this fascinating piece of Canadian history.

[@michelbisson6645]

Very instructive

[@AsylumFreak19]

What happened to the owners in the 1980's it was a little woman by the name of Hugette Bastian and her tall husband named Real Bastian?

[@maryastles1459]

I WAS THERE MANY YEARS AGO. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL I THINK THERE WAS 2 PLACES.

[@George_Washington185]

Definitely one of my most favorite story so far from this on this channel

[@victoriamarx3267]

I used to visit the doll hospital when I was a kid with my grandparents, it was so magical

[@viciouslady1340]

My mother took me to the doll hospital as a child , so sad it no longer exists

[@karenpeck8525]

[@danq.5140]

What a cool story. Thanks.

[@dtruetheeness]

I live the storytelling.

[@crush42mash6]

Fantastic

[@burinvoyager8964]

A old dwarf holding up cab driver with a toy gun Saying “just like the olden days”