Champlain was a bon vivant. He appreciated fine food and
enjoyed lively, sociable mealtimes.
Scene in the mess of
the second Quebec settlement, 1627
Illustration by Francis Back
Collection of the Canadian Museum of Civilization
We spent this winter very pleasantly, and had good fare by means of the
Order of Good Cheer which I established, and which everybody found beneficial
to his health, and more profitable than all sorts of medicine we might have
used. This Order consisted of a chain which we used to place with certain
little ceremonies about the neck of one of our people, commissioning him
for that day to go hunting. The next day it was conferred upon another, and
so on in order. All vied with each other to see who could do the best, and
bring back the finest game. We did not come off badly, nor did the Indians
who were with us.
Champlain, The Voyages, 1613
Du Gua de Monts'
settlement at Port Royal, Acadia, 1607
Illustration by Francis Back
Collection of the Canadian Museum of Civilization
Champlain had once served as a quartermaster in Brittany’s army, and
had experienced the bleakness of garrison life in remote regions. He knew
that making a lively ritual out of mealtimes would improve the health and
morale of his companions at Port Royal.
