William Hume Blake on a fishing expedition, circa 1890.
© Musée de Charlevoix, Mackenzie coll.
The Blakes played an active role in Canada’s growth, both in law and politics. They personified the Liberal tradition that prevailed in the summer colony of Malbaie. For example, Edward Blake was Premier of Ontario (1871) and leader of the federal Liberal Party (1880‒1882).
Born in 1861, Samuel’s son was named for his grandfather, William Hume Blake. Like his forebears, William studied and practised law in Toronto, and Charlevoix was also dear to his heart. He differed from them, however, by his lack of interest in political debate, preferring instead to outwit the trout!
The writings of William Hume Blake (In a Fishing Country, Brown Waters) sung the virtues of the Charlevoix countryside, its inhabitants and, above all, its lakes, rivers and fish. He was also the first translator of Louis Hémon’s celebrated novel Maria Chapdelaine.
The photograph above shows William Hume Blake in his fishing gear, smoking his ubiquitous pipe (indispensable for keeping the mosquitoes away!)