The E. B. Eddy plant at Chaudière Falls has been at the centre of Ottawa’s industrial life for well over a century. The WHM naturally has a great interest in the plant and in the people who worked there over the generations. As has been noted in our blog, we have a team of photographers diligently documenting the site ahead of its planned redevelopment, and we are also working on an exhibit on the company’s activities. Of course, so much of the history comes through in stories and the Museum was fortunate enough to have Ruth Stewart-Verger give us one of these stories. Before a packed house, Ruth told the story of Donalda Charron, who led les allumettières on strikes in 1919 and 1924, protesting against meagre pay and horrible working conditions while making matches for E. B. Eddy. Here is a recording of that story, for your enjoyment. (Approx. 30 minutes) Les Allumettières – A Story by Ruth Stewart-Verger