The Caleche

C.W. Jefferys' notes about this picture from The Picture Gallery of Canadian History Volume 2

The Caléche was a two-wheeled vehicle in use in Lower Canada, similar to the "one-hoss shay, " or chaise of New England with the addition of a seat in front for the driver. It had a hood that could be raised or lowered. Toward the end of the eighteenth century a head-dress for women known as a Calash came into use, which took its name from its resemblance to the hood of the vehicle. It was made of a frame of wire or whale-bone hoops encircling the head and hinged together at the bottom so that it could be thrown back if desired. It was covered with oiled silk or other waterproof textile material. For wear in cold weather it was padded inside with wool, fur, or eider-down. Sometimes it was provided with a cord attached to the top of the front by which it could be pulled forward.