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The New Penelope sign in 1966

Black and white photograph of five young members of the group Sidetrack seated outdoors in front of a sign that reads The New Penelope. Portions of similar images can be seen on the far right and far left side from this strip of images taken from a film negative strip.

Date: 1966
Credit: Melinda McCracken (photographer), copyright 1966
University of Manitoba Archives collection, Melinda McCracken fonds (A2002-043, PC 147 23)

These three shots show the front of the New Penelope, a small concert hall that first opened its doors in a semi-basement on Stanley Street (1965-66), in downtown Montreal. These photos are the only ones to be found of the place seen from the outside. The group The Sidetrack was photographed here in broad daylight, in front of the New Penelope’s storefront and sign.

This popular group played regularly at the New Penelope. The group was even considered the house band ー or “band in residence.”

These rare shots were captured by Melinda McCracken, then Gary Eisenkraft’s partner. At this time, McCracken was writing for various newspapers ー Toronto Daily Star section “The Montreal Scene,” The Montrealer, The Winnipeg Free Press, The Star Weekly, and later in 1968, The Globe and Mail of Toronto entertainment section ー which probably helped the New Penelope make a name for itself on the Montreal nightlife scene.