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Le“AFIN D’ÊTREFORUM EN PLEINE POSSESSION DE SES MOYENS”

VOLUME 34, #4 SPRING/PRINTEMPS- 2010

“Photo by Annette Paradis King”

New Website: francoamericanarchives.org another pertinent website to check out - Franco-American Women’s Institute: http://www.fawi.net Le Forum This issue of Le Forum is dedicated in loving memory to Irène Simoneau.

Le Centre Franco-Américain Ce numéro du “Forum” est dédié à la Université du Maine Orono, Maine 04469-5719 douce mémoire de Irène Simoneau, voir page 3... [email protected] Téléphone: 207-581-FROG (3764) Sommaire/Contents Télécopieur: 207-581-1455

Volume 34, Numéro 4 FALL/AUTOMNE Features

Éditeur/Publisher Yvon A. Labbé Letters/Lettres...... 9, 19-20 L’État du Maine...... 8, 9 Rédactrice/Gérante/Managing Editor Lisa Desjardins Michaud L’État du Connecticut...... 10-18 L’État du Massachusetts...... 23 Mise en page/Layout Lisa Desjardins Michaud L’État du Minnesota...... 37, 38, 42, 47, 48 Books/Livres...... 20, 36-38 Composition/Typesetting Robin Ouellette Music/Musique...... 39-42 Lisa Michaud Artist/Artiste...... 43-44

Aide Technique Poetry/Poésie...... 45-48 Lisa Michaud Coin des jeunes...... 49-50 Yvon Labbé Recipes/Recettes...... 51-52 Tirage/Circulation/4,500 Genealogy/Généalogie...... 53-55

Imprimé chez/Printed by Centre Franco-Américain, Orono, Maine Abonnement au Le FORUM Subscription Publié 4 fois l’an par le Centre Franco‑Américain. Le Forum est distribué surtout aux Franco‑Américains Si vous ne l’êtes pas abonnez-vous –– s.v.p. des États‑Unis. Les énoncés, opinions et points de vue formulés dans Le Forum sont ceux des auteurs et –– Subscribe if you have not ne représentent pas nécessairement les points de vue de l’éditeur ou de la rédactrice, ou de la Division pour l’Éducation Permanente à l’Université du Maine. Nom/Name: Le Forum is published 4 times a year by the Franco‑American Center. Le Forum is distributed in Adresse/Address: particular to Franco‑Americans in the United States. Statements, opinions and points of view expressed are not necessarily those of the editor, the publishers or the Métier/Occupation: Division of Lifelong Learning or of the University of Maine. Ce qui vous intéresse le plus dans Le FORUM section which interests you the most: Tous les textes soumis doivent parvenir à —For- ward all submitted texts to: Lisa D. Michaud, Rédac- trice-en-chef/Editor-in-chief, Le Forum, University of Je voudrais contribuer un article au Le FORUM au sujet de: Maine, Orono, Maine 04469-5719, U.S., au plus tard I would like to contribute an article to Le FORUM about: quatre semaines précédant le mois de publication—at least four weeks prior to the month of publication. Les lettres de nos lecteurs sont les bienvenues— Letters to the Editor are welcomed. Tarif d’abonnement par la poste pour 4 numéros La reproduction des articles est autorisée sans Subscription rates by mail for 4 issues: préavis sauf indication contraire—Our original articles États-Unis/United States –– Individus: $20 may be reproduced without notice unless otherwise indicated. Ailleurs/Elsewhere –– Individus: $25 L’équipe de rédaction souhaite que Le Forum soit Organisation/Organizations –– Bibliothèque/Library: $40 un mode d’expression pour vous tous les Franco‑Améri- Le FORUM cains et ceux qui s’intéressent à nous. The staff hopes that Le Forum can be a vehicle of expression for you Centre Franco-Américain, Orono, ME 04469-5719 Franco‑Americans and those who are interested in us. Le Forum et son staff—Universitaires, gens de la Endowment communauté, les étudiants --Angel et Naomi, One way to support Le FORUM while at the same time reserving life income is the establishment of a charitable gift annuity with the Franco-American Centre Le FORUM Fund at the University of Maine Foundation. Call 1-800-982-8503. 2 Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS

In memoriam... Circa. FAROG 2009 FAROG Circa.

Circa. 1974 FAROG

Irene M. Simoneau BREWER - Irene Simoneau, 69, died Jan. 23, 2010, at a Bangor health care facility. She was born Feb. 11, 1940, in Boston, the daughter of Edward J. Simano and Theresa I’M FREE B. (Pratt) Simano Andreoli. She was raised in Lowell, Mass., where she lived in the Little Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free Canada section of the city. She graduated from I’m following the path God has chosen for me. the local schools and was valedictorian at St. I took His hand when I heard him call; Joseph High School for Girls, Class of 1961. I turned my back and left it all. Irene graduated cum laude in history at Lowell State College and pursued her education at the I could not stay another day, University of Virginia, receiving a master’s To laugh, to love, to work or play. degree in international relations in 1969. Tasks left undone must stay that way; She then enrolled in the doctoral program in I’ve now found peace at the end of day. Canadian-American history at the University of Maine. Irene was a member of the Foster If my parting has left a void, Grandparent program and had been elected to Then fill it with remembered joys. the school board in Northwood, N.H. She was A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss; most recently affiliated with Franco-American Oh yes, these things, I too will miss. Center at the University of Maine. Irene was a Be not burdened with times of sorrow longtime history and French language teacher Look for the sunshine of tomorrow. at St. Joseph Regional High School and Lowell Catholic High School, Lowell, Mass. My life’s been full, I savored much; Surviving are two brothers and sisters-in-law, Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch. Robert and Sandra Simano, and Thomas and Perhaps my time seems all to brief; Debra Andreoli of Lowell, Mass.; two neph- Don’t lengthen your pain with undue grief. ews, Thomas Andreoli and his wife, Nancy, Lift up your heart and peace to thee, and Michael Andreoli of Hudson, N.H.; and God wanted me now-He set me free two nieces, Susan and Jennifer of Idaho. Also surviving are two beloved cats that brought her much joy. She was grateful to her dearest friends, Jessie Bidol and Lee White for their loving care and compassion. Funeral services will be held 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 205 French St., Bangor, with the Rev. Marguerite A.H. Stead- man, rector, officiating. A service of Brook- ings-Smith, Clark-Piper Chapel, Brewer.

3 Le Forum (N.D.L.R.: Irene Simoneau began writ- ing for Le Forum in the early 1970’s. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND OUR Here are some of her early writings). ENDANGERED SPECIES: THE FRANCO- AMERICAN CASE

Le F.A.R.O.G. FORUM, Wednesday, September 18, 1974

looking backward to its greatness, and with experience, many of them quite successfully. all of the traditional supports for cultural While the conditions of minority survival survival in disarray or badly languishing and expansion in Canada are by no means it is somewhat of a miracle that some ves- perfect there is at least room for a minority’s tiges of a once strong and vital culture are growth and well-being. The French popula- still left. But it is a matter of time before tion of Canada, at least in recent times, has

Circa. 1974 FAROG this species vanishes and it isn’t all the not been given permission to self-destruct. Franco-American’s problem. The French population of Maine will Maine is blessed with innumerable self-destruct if nothing is done to encourage natural resources. In many instances these its growth. Franco-American youngsters In 1940, 16.3% of Maine’s popula- resources have been placed under environ- cannot even read the contributions their tion used French as their mother-tongues. mental protection regulations so that future fore-father and fore-mothers have made In 1970, this percentage has declined to generations can enjoy Maine’s bounties as to Maine’s history in their state’s history 14.2%. In 1940, Franco-Americans spoke we do. But what of one of the greatest of our textbooks. How can they know themselves? reasonably fluent French, or English with natural resources: our people? What of our It goes without saying that non-Franco- an accent. They and their children attended Franco-Americans, out Indians, our other American youngsters are also deprived of a Church-sponsored bilingual schools where minority groups? Will Mainer’s continue significant part of their state’s heritage. The French was taught for half a day. They to neglect the plight of these minorities? Franco’s dialect (a non-standard form of returned home at the end of a hard day’s All of these groups are in danger of be- the French language) is derived instead of work to read a French newspaper. At night, ing destroyed to make way for “progress” prized as a distinctive, colorful and beautiful the older members of the group attended the (i.e. assimilation). Yet, they too are part art form and communication system. This meetings of a French club or society of their of the Maine heritage. Once their culture dialect cannot be duplicated anywhere else, choice. They enrolled in a French national is gone, it cannot be resurrected except in not even in Canada. It is distinctive to New society which took care of their insurance a museum, like so many dinosaur bones. England and Maine and is vanishing fast. needs. They still remembered some of the old The extinction of a people’s culture Its preservation should be one of our top songs and sang them in their schools or festi- is never a pleasant prospect. The “melt- priorities. We have not come to the point of vals. And they frequently traveled to Canada ing pot” experience is not only painful it considering the Franco-American heritage where they naturally and unembarrassingly is a shameful waste of our heritage. The as ours, not just theirs. This culture belongs communicated with their French relatives. Franco-Americans have had a strong tradi- to all of Maine’s people and everyone should Today, the average Franco-American tion of survivance (survival) in the face of have a stake in preserving it or on one will. speaks a halting French with a noticeable innumerable obstacles to their continuance All Maine citizens should lay a proud claim English accent if she/he speaks it at all. as a people. But they have suffered the the Franco-American culture and then pass Only one Franco-American newspaper ravages of the “melting pot” and it shows “environmental protection” laws, if need be, in all of New England survives and it only too well. The pot has been too hot, to protect and defend it against distinction. certainly cannot be said that it serves the the flames too consuming. “There is a By “environmental protection” I mean needs of the younger generation. The message which immigrants, other ethnici- just that: making the environment support- Church, the longer preserver of the French ties and their children get – that ethnicity ive and conductive to a culture’s life. This language, now serves exclusive religious is foreigness, that both have no value, that can be done in several ways: instruction of needs. Parochial schools have been closed. they are things to forget, to give up.” Our bilingual education programs for Francos Bilingual programs are rare, except for heritage melts before our eyes and still we and non-Francos alike if they so choose; the fledgling St. John Valley model. The cannot see the loss. A culture will die: its the training of bilingual teachers at the national societies rarely attract the young. language, its customs, its songs its sense of University level; encouragement of Franco Ethnic festivities are almost non-existent. the tragic and comic in life. Perhaps we’ll and Francophile artists, writers, musicians, And many Franco-Americans who still find it again in the archives, perhaps not. playwrights, sculptors, historians, educa- claim the use of their French mother tongue In Canada, the French population has tors, entrepreneurs; support for career op- report embarrassment and insecurity in the some base of support to assure continuance. portunities for qualified bilinguals because use of their language when confronted with The French culture not only merely survives economic survival is at the core of the a fluent speaker from Quebec for instance. it flowers. French writes, poets, musicians, cultural maintenance; study of the Franco- With a non-supportive and often artists, entrepreneurs are given free reign to American culture at all levels of the educated hostile climate that undermines language express the elements of their culture. Even process; acceptance and encouragement of maintenance, with a culture reduced to Anglophones attempt to interpret the French (Continued on page 5) 4 Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS What’s In A Name? A Woman Returns to Her French Name Le F.A.R.O.G. Forum, Volume 5, Issue Number 1, October 1977

For it was evident that your given Most of my teachers contented them- name belonged to you; and if you changed it, selves with passing references to my strange

it was your own business. But if you changed looking family name but my sixth grade Circa. FAROG 2009 FAROG Circa. your family name, the one you inherited from teacher decided to take some definite ac- a long line of ancestors, it was a bit like repu- tion to “normalize” my name. When report diating your descent and stripping the name cards were issued this Sister made it a point of its honourable reputation for hard work of crossing out Simano while at the same ferred to correct my correction or simply and persistence in the face of every obstacle, time informing me that “on n’epelle pas pronounce it à la Italienne and be done which generations of the family had built up. simoneau comme ca.” I thus temporarily with it. I consoled myself with the thought became Irene Simoneau by edict of my (Continued on page 6) Ringuet, Thirty Acres sixth grade teacher. All this commotion Translated from the French by Felix over my name left me with the impression and Dorothea Walter that some of my teachers considered me a (Environmental Protection continued from contrary child who deliberately warped her page 4) I was born and baptized in February good French name for the sheer fun of it. the spoken Franco-American dialect(s). of 1942 in an Irish American administered In actuality my father had been re- These steps are only a beginning and hospital in Boston, Mass. I was also privi- sponsible for the change in my family name, cannot cover all measures that need to be leged to be born on the feast of Our Lady not I. My father had changed his name le- taken to ensure a people’s cultural life. I of Lourdes. Because of this happy incident gally during the period when many Franco would assume that similar steps must be the Irish nuns who ran St. Kevin’s Hospital Americans were undergoing name changes. taken to ensure other minority’s survival in endeavored to persuade my parents to name I was never privileged to know the reasons Maine, for they too are endangered species. me either Bernadette or Mary. My mother which prompted my father to adopt a new Franco-Americans are fond of saying was opposed to Bernadette and favored the form to his name but I suspect that one of “J’aurais ben du, j’aurais ben du.” When name Irene instead. The nuns were of course his decisions to change may have been con- they regret not having taken a certain action pleased that my mother had narrowed the nected with my widowed grandmother’s in time to meet their needs. If the Franco- choice to Mary and so I was duly baptized conversion to Protestantism. In those days American culture of Maine is allowed to dis- and officially named Mary Irene Simano. I of a tightly knot ethnic and religious com- appear it will not be the time to consider “If would wager that no one would have assumed munity, it may have been difficult to survive only I had acted sooner.” We can assuredly that the baby who left St. Kevin’s Hospital with a clearly recognizable French name invest in the culture of a people who have bearing an Irish first name, an Italian looking combined with a clearly unacceptable re- themselves so heavily invested in Maine life. family name and a little bit of Greek thrown ligious affiliation such as the Baptist faith. in as a middle name was really French. All this history which preceded me Irene M. Simano For two years I attended St. Michael’s left me and my younger brothers with an F.A.R.O.G. Coordinator for Re- school in Lowell. There, the Irish Dominican Italian-looking name, Simano, which my nuns insisted on addressing me as Mary, a entire family and the rest of our French search and Information name I failed to respond to. French stubborn- community pronounced in a French man- ness met Irish persistence and a compromise ner, Simoneau. While we remained in our was reached: I would be called Mary Irene French community our name was assured 1. Madeline Giguère, Social and Eco- and I would have to respond to it. The period of familiar pronunciation regardless of the nomic Profile of French and English Mother lives on in my memory as my Irish years. many objections to its spelling. But once I Tongue Persons: Maine, 1970. Unpublished My parents soon moved to St. Jean left the confines of my ethnic community study Based on 1970 Census of Population, Baptiste parish and I was enrolled in a French and my name was no longer recognizable Univ. of Maine at Portland-Gorham, 1974. school where the nuns were more than happy French and, in fact, sounded alien and to drop the name Mary. But I no sooner re- no longer a part of me and my history. 2. Joshua A. Fishman, “Planned solved the problem of my Irish name when I For many years after leaving the Reinforcement of Language Maintenance started being plagued with the problem of my French community of Lowell I expended in the United States; Suggestions for surname. My teachers constantly reminded much energy in correcting people’s pro- the Conservation of Neglected Nation- me that my last name didn’t look very nunciation of my name: “I pronounce al Resource” in Joshua Fishman, Ed. French. This fact must have been of great it like Simoneau not Siman[a]o.” Some Language Loyalty in the United States. concern to them. It probably wouldn’t have people obliged and pronounced it in the The Hague: Mouton and Co., 1966. affected me at all if it hadn’t troubled them. manner of my choice but many more pre- 5 Le Forum (What’s In A Name? continued from page 5) brother’s statements that it would be a he are related. The question itself pleases life-time chore to make feminists of them. me because it helps establish a feeling of that at least my name sounded ethnic even My mother’s response however was far common lineage and common heritage. if it was unrelated to the particular ethnic- more supportive: “T’es française après toute”. I was asked to write this article about ity of my birth and upbringing. Many of my feminist friends said my experience in changing my name for After I became involved in the Franco- very little. I supposed I was expected to the benefit of those Franco-Americans American Renaissance in Maine in the early take my mother’s maiden name if I was who have had similar frustrations in living 50’s my Italian looking name was of some to change my name at all. But for me, with the inheritance of a changed name. use. I remember one occasion in particular the capacity for resilience, strength and So for all the Willetts who might want to when I was doing research on some aspect self-actualization was closely identified be Ouellettes again, for all the Bakers who of Franco-American community life and with my father’s family hence the need to want to resume the name Boulanger, for became involved in a discussion with a recapture my paternal grandparent’s name. any remaining Simanos who wish to be prominent member of an important Franco- When I did decide to legally change Simoneaus and for the Franco-Americans American community. The man assumed I my name I did so for political as well as with a name problem they’d like corrected was Italian from the appearance of my name personal reasons. I was and am presently this is the very simple process to follow: and proceeded to take me into this confidence the director of a fair-sized historical mu- to inform me of all the displeasing charac- seum, at least by Maine standards. It was 1. Go to your county courthouse teristics of Franco-Americans. Needless important to me to inform the public that not to obtain a form for a certificate of name to say I learned much from this encounter. only was a woman in charge of this opera- change. In Maine this costs about 75 cents. But for the most part I was get- tion but that the woman in question was a 2. Write to the clerk of records ting weary of correcting other people’s French woman. The possession of a clearly of the city or town of your birth for an pronunciation of my name or apologizing recognizable French name was one of the official copy of your birth certificate. to other Franco-Americans for the novel surest ways of accomplishing this objective. 3. Fill in the form of the certificate of spelling of Simoneau. On the other hand, I still find people who make varied name change as accurately as possible. For I refused to consider changing my name attempts at mispronouncing my name. I instance, be sure to record your exact present for the fear of dishonoring my father. receive frequent requests to speak to Ms. legal name, not the name you’re familiarly Finally, after careful consideration S(eye)moneau. But I have found an ef- known by. In the space reserved for “Reason an arrival at a clear conviction that I was fective way of channeling creative efforts for Name Change” you may simply state that honoring my grandparents, rather than at mispronunciation. I carefully repeat you wish to resume your grandparents’ name. dishonoring my father I retook possession Simoneau several times and if it appears that 4. Return the completed name change of my family name by changing my name I’m not heard, I say it several times more form with your birth certificate to the clerk legally thereby reversing my father’s legal in French. Since most people get rattled in the county courthouse. In Maine you action of many years past. Mary Irene easily when they hear French spoken they will be charged about $15.00 to have your Simano is now Irène Marie Simoneau. quickly find the way to pronounce my name name published on two successive week- My next step after putting the legal the way I want it pronounced in English. ends in the county’s largest newspaper. process in motion was to inform my family After so many years of frustration I 5. Wait two weeks to a month and you and friends of my decision. My brother’s am finally at peace with the name that seems will receive a certificate of legal name change. responses were hardly supportive. “If you natural to me and that leaves me thoroughly That finishes the process and you have your want to change your name so badly why connected with my heritage. There is only new (old) name. You then have the responsi- didn’t you hurry up and get married”. one other Simoneau in the Greater-Bangor bility for changing all your important records I quickly realized that the tone of my area and many people now ask me if I and and papers but this too is an easy process.

Cher Yvon: May 16, 2008 An Email Response from Irene Simoneau Just want to share a perception which is not new to me---I’ve had it for 20 years. Re: Discrimination in MA, CT & RI The Maine experience of being Franco (see letter to the left) (being discriminated against, feeling “used and belittled, etc.”) is, I suspect, peculiar to May 20, 2008 then? No, probably not, because I had Maine. At least in MA, CT and RI, I have Dear Yvon: little awareness then. Was I then able to never heard such sentiments from Francos. Glad you passed on Paul L.’s com- look back and see this discrimination in my Maybe it’s because I grew up in ments to me. I can sure answer for Lowell, life and community. You bet. The follow- a town that was 35% Franco, 40% Pol- MA, which when I last checked was in ing is just a brief look at the discrimina- ish, 85% Catholic---but I NEVER felt or Paul L.’s domain of non-discrimination. tion in my life and community. You bet. heard of anyone being put down or dis- Would I have noticed any discrimina- The following is just a brief look at the criminated against because we were Franco! tion in my hometown as I was growing up discrimination patter in MA, as exempli- I would not generalize that what hap- there if I had not first come to the University fied by the Lowell example. And, if you pened to Francos in Maine was repeated or of Maine in the ‘70’s, gotten involved in would like to share these comments with experienced elsewhere in the US Northeast. my own people’s history and been exposed Paul L., I am happy to allow you to do so. Best regards, Paul L., MA to and participated in the FAROG project (Continued on page 7) 6 Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS (An Email Response from Irene Simoneau for a LARGE Franco community in Mass. Re: Discrimination in MA, CT at college along with all the other Franco But this time, there’s a lot more pride in my & RI continued from page 6) students who knew a lot of French. At. first telling the story. So, where did get that hatred glance, that sounds great. But you were When I arrived at the University of of myself as a French in that earlier period? placed in these classes so that you could un- Maine to take part in the Canadian-American learn the French of your community and get history program in the early 1970’s I was 1) The Lowell of my up-bringing to listen to the good French of teacher who carrying the discrimination with me and in- was about 90,000 people, the 4th larg- wound up mangling the French language side me. I was taught self-hate, that Francos est city in Mass. with about one-third of in front of you. There you were taught to were not worth very much and so when I its population French, Greeks making up speak “properly” and you were informed faced my Yankee academic advisor here with the 2nd largest component, followed by that was the case. I hated French after that. the enthusiasm of someone who wanted to the Irish, Portuguese, Polish, English and study only English-Canadian history, pref- some Italian. If you look at the ethnic 4) Lastly, and only because I’m run- erably the history of the British Empire, it groups, you can see a pre-dominance of ning of time and need to get to my work here, became a head-to-head battle with an advisor poor, under-educated folks of the time. So, there’s the case of the leadership of your who didn’t want me to lose my French but there were very poor French enclaves in community and adults older than yourself rather use it and study and concentrate in, the city: Little Canada, Centralville where who had already ingested that low appre- not just French-Canadian history but also, my mother’s family came from and where ciation for themselves as Francos and were the history of my own people, the Francos. Kerouac came from. I was raised in those transmitting that to you of another genera- My answer to the famous Alice Stewart at two sections. There were other poor French tion. I could never discount that part in my the time was to almost tell her to get lost. I enclaves, such as the area surrounding Notre own low appreciation of myself as a Franco. found the history of my people to be “no his- Dame de Lourdes parish but there were And all this by the time I arrived in Maine. I tory”, no fun and “no go” because it was “too also areas that were just beginning to rise sure didn’t hate myself as a Franco because boring and not worth it.” As you now know, above the poverty line in St. Jeanne d’Arc someone was always patting me across the she pushed on me until I relented and was parish, across the Merrimack River. Was back and reminding me of how great it was willing to at least give it a try. Did I acquire it then, being raised in poverty that made to be French. But why was it more subtle these notions in Maine when I didn’t even a difference in self-perception, rather than in Mass. but less so in Maine when I arrived know anything about Me at the time? I sin- ethnic affiliation? Some would argue that and finally saw what people really thought cerely doubt that. I had no pride in my own line of though. I prefer to believe it was of Francos, with their own lips. I believe people and didn’t even want anyone to know both being French and poor that mattered or it was because of the STAT’S high or low I was a Franco-American. And quite frankly, perhaps that others looking upon you would concentration of French, not necessarily people here didn’t even know that there were join the tow together as inseparable, and of your city’s or town’s concentration. In large communities of Franco-Americans didn’t like what they saw. Perhaps this was Mass., you vied with many, many other in other New England states, primarily in subtle, but as a child you pick up subtleties. ethnic groups in standing out in the state’s the southern N.E. States. And certainly no total population. You couldn’t do that in Me. one, even in the FAROG office at the time, 2) And so the discrimination was where Francos were in every major pocket of was barely cognizant of Lowell or that Jack subtle, and not so subtle. I remember my community concentration, except Portland. Kerouac came from that large Franco center. last year in high school being recruited by Now compare Portland to Boston, which is By the way, just as an aside, I just told one of the wealthiest matrons in town to overwhelmingly larger than any other city this story again about arriving in Maine for take care of her grandchildren precisely in New England, capital city or otherwise. the first time a long time ago and hating because I was poor and of French-Canadian Whether other ethnic groups suffered dis- myself as a Franco-American. I told it to a background living in Little Canada, because crimination or not at the time that you did “discernment” group of Episcopalian church I would be appreciative of even a low-pay- does not take away from what happened to people who are trying to discover their ing job. She recruited only Franco girls. you as a person of one particular ethnic group. vocation in the church, as well as myself. I 3) Then there’s the case of going on to certainly made them aware that not only are a college in town, Lowell State at the time, Irene Simoneau. there Francos in Maine but that I had come and being placed in advanced French classes

(Submitted by Ann Berubé Desjardins) TRIVIA Question:

Who sings the song in the “Travelers Insurance” commercial where the dog tries to hide his bone?

(See answer on page 8)

7 La Biographie de Soeur Olla Laplante (1924-2009) (Soeur Marie de Saint-Conrad) Par Harry Rush Jr.

Soeur Olla Laplante de la Con- revêt l’habit des novices le 2 février 1943 et grégation des Soeurs de Notre-Dame du reçoit le nom de soeur Marie de Saint-Con- Saint-Rosaire de Rimouski, Québec passa rad, prénom de son frère qui deviendra Fran- 66 ans comme religieuse. Olla Laplante, ciscain. Le 2 février 1945, ell termine son dixième enfant de Théophrase et Julia noviciat et prononce ses voeux de religion. (Dionne) Laplante, naquit le 4 octobre La vie en paroisse commence à Gaspé des tâches comme supérieure et trésorière 1924, à Soldier Pond, Maine. En 1928, la où elle enseigne au primaire justu’en juin de maisons locales, puis assistante, con- famille déménage à Millinocket, Maine où 1946. Après Gaspé, elle est allée à French- seillère et secrétaire à l’administration ell fréquente l’école primaire publique et ville, Maine. Après avoir lavé un plancher, régionale au Maine. De 1982 à 1985, soeur Stearns High School. Alors qu’elle était en elle commence à tousser et un peu de sang Olla est supérieure régionale à Portland, onzième année, ell a eu la douleur de perdre apparaît dans la bouche. On la transporte Maine. Elle travaillera ensuite en pasto- sa mère. La dernière de la famille, elle de- à l’hôpital d’Edmundston, N-B où on rale paroissiale comme coordonnatrice et meure seule avec son père veuf; c’était un diagnostique la tuberculose. C’est avant catéchète à Millinocket, Portland, Kiet- homme profondément croyant et généreux. Noël 1949. Elle est placée au sanatorium tery, Nashua, Biddeford et à Old Orchard En 1938, les religieuses de Notre-Dame du de Mont-Joli, Québec. En avril 1952, elle Beach dans la paroisse de St. Margaret. Saint-Rosaire arrivent à Millinocket. C’est entre l’hôpital de Cartierville pour une Elle a écrit à un élève lors de son là que naît en elle le désir de se faire reli- trachéostomie: on lui enlève sept côtes 60e anniversaire de vie religieuse: “Com- gieuse. Heureusement, son père encourage et le poumon droit. En janvier 1953, elle mences-tu à croire aux miracles: Moi, oui. sa petite mignonne à réaliser sa vocation. retourne au sanatorium pour continuer J’ai vécue la plus grande partie de ma vie Le 4 juillet 1942, à dix-huit ans, son repos et passe ensuite l’année 1954 à avec seulement un poumon. J’ai aimé tout elle entre chez Soeurs du Saint-Rosaire à l’infirmerie de la maison mère à Rimouski. ce que j’ai fait. Si c’était à recommencer, Rimouski. À Rimouski, elle a appris un De 1955 à 1965, elle travaille à Mil- je ne changerais rien. J’essaierais simple- français différent de celui qu’elle a entendu linocket comme adjointe de la directrice ment de mieux accomplir ce que j’ai fait.” chez elle. La maîtresse des novices lui de- de l’école de Saint-Martin-de-Tours. En En 2003, elle subit une mastectomie et mande d’aller chercher une vadrouille. Olla 1965, elle sera supérieure à Pointe- se trouve chanceuse de ne pas avoir besoin de cherche partout ce que pouvait être l’objet Navarre en Gaspésie et de 1966 à 1968, radiothérapie ni de chimiothérapie. Remise demandé, jusqu’à ce qui une compagne lui directrice au cours primaire à Gaspé. Elle de son opération, elle accepte d’être ménagée montre une vadrouille. Olla répond: “Pour- retourne enseigner à Millinocket pendant à Old Orchard Beach. Elle s’implique une quoi n’a-t-elle pas demandé une mop?” Elle trois ans. Désormais, elle sera affectée à (Suite page 9)

TRIVIA Question Answer from page 7:

Ray LaMontagne, 35, is the voice you hear singing “Trouble”, from the album of the same name, in the commercial that features a male Terrier mix from a rescue shelter, according to an ad agency spokeswoman. The American Folk Singer resides in Maine.

To purchase Ray’s CD: http://www.amazon.com/Trouble-Ray-LaMontagne/dp/B0002S947K Website: http://www.raylamontagne.com/index.php

8 Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS (La Biographie de Soeur Olla Laplante demain. Les célébrants étaient Père Cole- congrégation et l’église. Elle avait une dévo- suite de page 8) man O’Toole, curé actuel de St. Margaret, tion spéciale envers la Vierge Marie. Com- Conrad Laplante, O.F.M., frère aîné de soeur ment ne pas admirer la vaillance, l’ardeur, le fois de plus dans la paroisse de St. Margaret, Olla, Raymond Coolong, S. M., neveu de la don de soi dont cette religieuse a fait preuve comme lectrice et ministre de la communion. défunte et d’autres prêtres. L’homélie est pendant tant d’années! Elle a honoré la L’année 2008 est particulièrement prononcée par son frère Conrad Laplante, paroisese de Saint-Martin-de-Tours à Mil- difficile pour elle au point de vue respira- O.F.M. Soeure Olla Laplante, R.S.R. étaite linocket avec sa vocation. Le Seigneur a été toire. En octobre, le médecin lui prescrit enterrée au cimetière de Biddeford, Maine. bien généreux en nous donnant cette bonne de prendre de l’oxygène continuellement. C’était une personne ordinaire, mais religieuse. Puisse-t-elle rposer en paix! Elle est tombée dans le coma le 6 mai une religieuse fervente. Elle a toujours été (Cet article par Monsieur Harry 2009 et elle est morte le 8 mai à l’âge de une femme de foi profonde. Elle a gardé Rush, Jr., Millinocket Est, ME est un 84 ans au couvent à Old Orchard Beach. l’enthousiasme d’un enfant. Elle avait un résumé de la biographie de soeur Olla Soeur Olla est exposée à l’église de amour profond pour sa congrégation et Laplante par les Soeurs de Notre-Dame St. Margaret à Old Orchard Beach le 11 l’église. Elle a gardé l’enthousiasme d’un du Saint-Rosaire de Rimouski, Québec.) mai. Les funérailles sont célébrées le len- enfant. Elle avait un amour profond pour sa

Olla Laplante 1924-2009 of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, served faced her illnesses with great faith, courage the people of God in various ways; as an and enthusiasm for a life filled with hope. elementary school teacher, a principal and She has been a beacon for the people of Old OLD ORCHARD BEACH Maine - Sis- religious education, as well as other pas- Orchard Beach these past 24 years and with ter Olla Laplante went home to her loving toral ministries in Maine and in the Gaspe the RSR lay associates for the same amount God May 8, 2009. Born Oct. 4, 1924, at Sol- Coast of the Province of Quebec. It was time. Sister Olla will be remembered for her dier Pond, Olla was the 10th and last child a great gift for Sister Olla to bring Com- sense of humor, her gracious hospitality, her of Theophrase and Julia Laplante. When munion to sick and to volunteer for various leadership, her courage, thoughtfulness, Olla was 4, the family moved to Millinocket, parish functions. Sister Olla also served as enthusiasm and high energy spirit. Sister a mill town at the foot of Mount Katahdin regional treasurer of her community for 10 Olla was predeceased by her parents; her in central Maine. It was in Millinocket that years, as the regional superior and as the sisters, Alva, Lorraine and Irma; and her Olla encountered the Sisters of Our Lady of local superior for a number of years. She brothers, Leo, Lionel and Everett. She leaves the Holy Rosary. Though she attended the enjoyed traveling, especially the recent her sister, Dolores Nickless of Lynn, Mass.; public school, Olla enjoyed spending time trips to Mississippi, Grand Canyon, across a brother, the Rev. Conrad Laplante, OFM, with the Sisters and helping them with their Canada and the cruise on the St. Lawrence of Montreal; as well as her Sisters in Com- clas http://www.johnfishersr.net/images_fia/ River with her brother, sister and niece. To munity. She has 26 nieces and nephews and fia1994cover.jpg srooms after school. Upon all that Sister Olla has accomplished she their children. Sister Olla will be waked 4-8 her graduation from Stearns High School did so with great enthusiasm and “joie de p.m. Monday at St. Margaret ‘s Church, Old in 1942, Olla heard the call to leave home, vie.” In 1950, Sister Olla was hospitalized Orchard Beach, with prayers 7 p.m. A Mass family and country to follow Christ. She for tuberculosis. With complications, Sister of Christian burial will be held 11 a.m. Tues- entered the Novitiate of the Sisters of Our Olla lost two lobes of her right lung and day at the church. Donations in her memory Lady of the Holy Rosary, Rimouski, Quebec, then seven ribs were removed to collapse may be made to Sisters of Our Lady of the and made Religious Profession Feb. 2, 1945. the remaining lobe. More recently, in 2003, Holy Rosary Retirement Fund, 20 Thomas During her 64 years of religious life, Sister Sister Olla underwent a mastectomy for St., Portland, ME 04102. Arrangements Olla, faithful to the mission of the Sisters breast cancer. Throughout Sister Olla has with Old Orchard Beach Funeral Home. LETTERS/ ing it on my own recollections as well as on was I who filled in, by hand, the Articles of documents in my possession (personal notes Agreement. Charlie has much knowledge of LETTRES and agendas and minutes). I will proceed in and experience with this same process, but the order in which Albert presented his text. his task was already the design and creation First, about halfway through the first of an Internet website, while this other task paragraph, Albert credits Charles Martel fell to me. And it was at the third meeting, At the request of Albert J. Marceau, with having filled in, by hand, the Articles on Fri., Aug. 29, 2008, with help and input of Newington, CT, I am writing to address of Agreement that created the Bibliothèque from those present, that I began to pen a certain errors and omissions in his recent nationale. I am trying in no way to detract first draft of what eventually became the article about the meetings leading up to the from Charlie’s role in the creation of the Bib- Articles of Agreement filed with the State foundation of La Bibliothèque nationale liothèque nationale, but that is not his hand- of New Hampshire on Wed., Nov. 26, 2008. franco-américaine (Le Forum, vol. 34, no. writing. Rather, because I am an employee of Anyone interested in seeing a scanned 3, pp. 11-13). Whatever this present text the NH Department of State, which regulates copy of these Articles may view them by may add to Albert’s article, it comes from nonprofit corporations, it was decided by the following this link https://www.sos.nh.gov/ my unique point of view and, as such, will group at the Wed., July 25, 2008, meeting corporate/soskb/Filings.asp?1006927 and hardly be the “whole story”; it is rather an- that I should be responsible for obtaining by clicking on the “N” under “Image.” other collection of minute details. I am bas- and completing this paperwork. And so it (Continued on page 19) 9 Le Forum N.D.L.R. Ceci est le quatrième installment Mon père décida de rester au Canada. de Waterbury L’exilé par Alice Gélinas. Voir Au Grand-Quatre, la première maison la prochaine édition de Le Forum pour plus.) de mon père, située sur la ferme de grand- mère Annie était vide. Nous l’avons habitée. Il l’avait habité après son mariage, et Waterbury c’est là qu’Yvonne, Armand, Irène et Henri (celui-ci n’avait vécu que quelques mois) L’exilé étaient nés. Elle n’était plus à nous, mais papa était fier de dire: “Ce fut ma première maison”. Alice Gélinas par Nous y avons passé le reste de l’été. Alice Gélinas Année 1928 ! Jamais nous ne pour- qu’il se rende en classe. Ça faisait pitié ! Waterbury, CT rions l’oublier. Nous vivions l’absence de Le fait de le quitter me chagrinait. Pauvre maman, la rupture des tendres habitudes. petit ! Il n’avait plus de mère, tandis que Nous allions chez tante Adrienne qui nous à leur âge, nous avions une maman. demeurait voisin. Cet année-là, fatiguée, Les religieuses étaient anglaises. CHAPITRE 4 elle faisait de la chaise longue. On récitait Elles furent bonnes pour nous. Elles le chapelet avec elle. Elle savait qu’on avait nous donnèrent des vêtements chauds, De toi, cher Canada, je garde la beaucoup de peine, et pour nous consoler, mitaines, bonnets, etc. elle nous disait que maman était au Ciel. souvenance, je ne puis t’oublier. Après la classe, nous ramenions les Irène s’est attachée au petit bébé de ma petits à la maison. Toujours, je te chéris. tante. C’était une petite fille qui s’appelait Un jour, Émile avait reçu un vaccin et Quand je reviens vers toi, je sens Madeleine. Elle commençait à marcher. Elle il s’est débattu. La Soeur avait dû le main- mon espérance renaître dans mon avait l’air d’un petit ange. Papa lui, c’était tenir de force. Il saignait. On le ramena coeur, comme au jour de jadis. André “le sien”. Il l’avait surnommé POIL tout en larmes ! Si maman avait vu cela ! ! BLANC, parce qu’il était si bon et si beau. Nous vivions sur la rue Dover, en C’était la dépression. face de l’école. Pourquoi t’avoir quitté Le gouvernement finança des re- En revenant du travail, papa ar- beau pays que j’adore. cherches pour trouver de l’or dans les rêtait à l’épicerie et il apportait ce En toi, j’ai trouvé la vie et montagnes de St-Boniface. Des ingénieurs dont nous avions besoin. Avec l’aide le bonheur. ont monté des chantiers, et des hommes des plus vieux, il préparait le souper. furent engagés pour creuser dans les ro- Oh ! Beaux jours d’autrefois, Irène et Yvonne faisaient l’entretien chers. Papa faisait exploser la dynamite. de la maison pendant les fins de semaine. reviendrez-vous encore ? Le projet tomba à l’eau. Il n’y Nous n’avons jamais été privés Je veux vivre et mourir où j’ai avait pas d’or. Les recherches ont cessé. de soins. Yvonne s’est toujours souci- laissé mon coeur. Nous sommes allés demeurer à ée de nous laver la tête. C’est elle Shawinigan. Papa espérait qu’en ville, qui nous coupait les cheveux. Nous il trouverait quelqu’un qui l’engagerait. Quand j’étais au pays, étions propres et vêtus convenablement. Nous fûmes inscrites à l’école, Papa nous répétait: “Dina va Tout était plein de charme, Rosa et moi, mais nous n’y sommes nous aider”, et dans notre naiveté, on le j’étais toujours heureux, pas allées bien longtemps, car la fa- croyait. Tout le monde faisait sa part. j’étais toujours content. mille retourna à Waterbury, rejoindre Lorsque les plus jeunes tom- Mais dans mon lieu d’exil, les autres: Yvonne, Armand et Irène. baient malades, je les gardais à la mai- En arrivant là-bas, papa est allé j’ai versé bien des larmes. son. Ils étaient de bons petits enfants. s’entendre avec les religieuses. Elles La lessive se faisait à la buanderie. Car, il faut bien l’avouer, ont accepté de recueillir Rosélia dans Aie ! Quel vide dans nos coeurs et Je ne suis pas heureux. leur couvent pendant le jour, et elle notre maison. pouvait même jouer dans leur cour. Émile et Rosélia jouaient ensemble Pourquoi tant m’attrister, Émile alla au jardin d’enfants. et ils parlaient à maman. Ils lui prêtaient J’avais douze ans, et Rosa neuf allons prenons courage. leurs jouets. Ils mettaient la table avec ans. Le matin, nous avions la respon- des petits couvercles de tôle qui leur Après les jours de pleurs, sabilité des deux petits. On déjeunait avec servaient d’assiettes, et ils laissaient viendront les jours heureux. des toasts, des bananes et du chocolat une place pour maman. Papa disait: Ne voit-on pas toujours, chaud. On gardait les mêmes habitudes “Laissez-les faire, Dina est avec eux”. lorsqu’à cesser l’orage, qu’avant. Puis, je les lavais, les habil- Yvonne était une belle fille au lais, et tous les quatre, nous partions pour un beau soleil brillant visage toujours souriant. Elle avait de l’école. Nous revenions pour dîner, et le belles toilettes, et elle était bien habil- reluire au fond des Cieux. soir, j’épluchais les patates pour le souper. lée tout le temps. Rosélia aimait jouer C’était tout un drame, chaque fois avec les souliers à talons hauts d’Yvonne. que je devais me séparer d’Émile pour (Suite page 11) 10 Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS (Waterbury L’exilé suite de page 10) oncle William. Papa avait vécu ce temps-là, retenus par un anneau ou des peignes, et sur Un jour, ça cogne à la porte. On lorsque les gens se disaient entre eux: “ils le tout dessus de la tête, elle avait posé une alla ouvrir, et quelle ne fut pas notre nous mènent par le bout de la fourche ici, grosse boucle, en satin, probablement. Sa surprise d’apercevoir sur le seuil de la dans le Québec, qu-est-ce qu’ils vont nous robe ou sa blouse montait jusqu’au cou, sous porte l’oncle Gédéon Lavergne. Comme faire dans l’armée ?” Puis, il y avait le fait le menton et une petite épinglette en forme nous étions heureux de le voir arriver. que les canadiens-français n’étaient pas ex- d’étoil ornait le devant. Cette femme, au C’était notre grand-oncle ma- ercés pour aller à la guerre. Il leur fallait par- doux regard, c’était notre mère, jeune fille. ternel. Le frère de grand-papa Al- tir contre leur gré, les soldats anglais fouil- C’est sûr qu’en émigrant aux États Unis, phonse. Il fut un ange pour nous. laient partout à la recherche des Conscrits. papa a travaillé à des tâches dures et sales, Il entretenait la maison, fai- Dans les chantiers, partout où il avait mais c’était mieux que de crever de faim à sait l’ordinaire et il veillait sur nous. travaillé, c’était toujours des anglais qui St-Boniface. C’est ce qu’ils disaient, lui Surtout, le fait d’arriver de l’école étaient à la “cache” (office). À part de bosser, et oncle Gédéon en parlant et en regardant avec quelqu’un qui nous attendait. ils ne savaient absolument rien faire, se plaig- le portrait de maman. Papa se sentait seul. Cet oncle était célibataire, et il avait nait-il. Il ajoutait: “Si ça ne marche pas avec Nous étions cinq filles, mais aucune, selon voyagé dans l’ouest canadien et améri- les têtes de Block, ils vont nous faire crever”. lui, était aussi belle que sa Dina. Il n’a cain. Entre ses voyages, ça lui arrivait Papa disait que l’on s’instruit en tra- jamais caché sa tristesse. Il n’a jamais de se rendre à St-Sévère, à leur maison vaillant, et qu’il fallait apprendre à se servir cherché à être une image de lui-même. familiale qui tenait encore debout. Mon de ses mains. Il était aussi allé à la drave, bien Il demandait à Irène de lui grand-père avait aussi un autre frère: Zotic chanter une des chansons de maman: dit John, qui s’était établi au Manitoba. Oncle Gédéon avait, lui aussi, passé une J’ai rêvé d’une fleur qui ne mourait jamais partie de sa vie au Manitoba et au Minnesota. J’’ai rêvé d’un amour qui durerait toujours Le soir, lui et papa parlaient ensemble Mais il est insensé le rêve que j’ai fait et c’était intéressant de les entendre. On Pourquoi, pourquoi faut-il que sur la terre aimait écouter parler les grandes personnes. Les amours soient éphémères. Je regrette de ne pas avoir été assez cu- rieuse, au sujet de la lignée maternelle. Papa pleurait. Il y avait l’histoire de son héros: Louis Riel. Oncle Gédéon disait que Riel avait Yvonne avait un ami de été un homme instruit, professeur d’école. coeur: Pete Fortier. Ils faisaient des Il ajoutait qu’il était mort en brave, et qu’il projets de mariage pour Juillet. n’avait pas plié devant les anglais. Il avait Armand sortait avec Lucia Lamy. défendu les canadiens-français et les indiens Irène lisait dans ses temps libres, qui se faisaient toujours reculer plus loin. L o u i s R i e l ou bien, elle allait au Lyric: un petit Papa avait ses propres histoires sur les théâtre situé sur la South Main Street. Irlandais. Sa mère lui en avait parlé. Les jeune, mail il était capable et orgueilleux et Rosa et moi, on y allait avec elle. Irlandais avait été bien maltraités par les de constitution robuste en plus. Il avait cou- Le premier film parlant que nous anglais. Ainsi que les Acadiens. Il disait pé cent billots par jour. À dix sous le billot ! avons vu, fut : A star is born, avec Janet que les grands aristocrates anglais avaient Ses racines étaient là-bas. Dans Gaynor et Charles Farrel. Nous avons même vendu un grand nombre d’Irlandais la forêt ou sur la terre où son grand-père vu aussi: The Queen of the North. Nos à n’importe qui, comme serviteurs, et Izaac avait un jour posé le pied sur le sol à acteurs préférés étaient : Claudette Col- selon la légende, à un certain moment dans Shawenegan le canton. Avec deux de ses bert, Norma Shearer, Robert Taylor, Ty- leur passé, ils auraient été leurs esclaves. frères: Joseph et Abraham, et Justin leur ronne Power. Plus tard, ce fut : Maurice Les anglais avaient voulu se débar- oncle, ils avaient été, avec d’autres aussi, Chevalier, Danelle Darieux, Henri Garat, rasser des Acadiens, et papa trouvait bien sûr les premiers. Ils avaient tout créé. Tino Rossi, etc. On raffolait des “vues”. épouvantable le fait qu’ils aient été épar- Chacun avait fondé des foy- Les jours passèrent. pillés sur des bateaux différents. Des ers, et les enfants naquirent nombreux. Vint le temps pour Émile de faire sa familles qui ne se retrouveraient jamais. Grand-père Elie fut baptisé à St-Eti- première communion. Papa dit comme Papa disait: “Veux, veux pas, on est enne, ce qui fait présumer que la construction cela en passant: “Dina lui aurait fait leurs serviteurs à ces maudits Block Head là : de l’église St-Boniface, nétait pas terminée. un petit costume”. C’était une simple tête de Bull dog !” Il continuait en disant que Le couple Elie Gélinas et Annie remarque, mais pour moi, c’était bien durant la première guerre mondiale, des sol- Hill, avait eu une douzaine d’enfants, évident qu’Émile avait besoin d’un habit. dats patrouillaient toute la province de Qué- ce qui n’était pas rare à l’époque. Souvent, j’ouvrais la machine à coudre bec: défense de faire son Whisky, défense Tant qu’à papa, sa compagne de de maman et j’essayais d’assembler toutes de dire son idée contre le roi d’Angleterre. vie, avait été aux États avec ses parents à sortes de choses, qu’auparavant j’avais taillées. “Les Coulisses !” disait- New-Bedford, Massachusetts. Elle sétait Durant la semaine, Armand m’apporta il, “il faut prendre notre trou, faire les fait photographier là-bas, à l’âge de huit un habit bleu-marine qui ne lui servait petits chiens et se fermer la gueule”. ans. Comme elle était belle ! Les cheveux plus, pour en faire ce que je voudrais. C’est pour cela qu’il avait caché mon relevés vers le haut, formaient une couronne, (Suite page 12

11 Le Forum (Waterbury L’exilé suite de page 11) “boiler” à l’eau, la pompe et les toilette de- tion, il mentionna que lui aussi, avait tra- J’ai prié. J’ai demandé à ma- hors avec le catalogue Eaton comme papier. vaillé sur la ferme pour aider son père. man de m’aider et de me montrer Ça faisait bien dix ans que nous Grand-maman a renchéri en disant comment faire un habit pour Émile. demeurions en ville et que nous profitions que Lisée avait été le seul à aller dans les Et ... Je l’ai fait et réussi sans au- de ses commodités, et là revoir la fameuse chantiers et qu’en revenant, il déposait cun patron. J’avais cousu un panta- chaudière, puis le pot de nuit, et le “Spitton” l’argent sur la table. Oncle Albert ne pou- lon, veston, chemise et même une pour les chiqueux, c’était tout un changement. vait dire le contraire, et il n’a plus parlé. petite boucle noire. C’était parfait ! Oncle Albert était très autoritaire. Il En effet, il nous avait raconté que mon Papa n’en revenait pas. Je lui ai dit: donnait des ordres à tout le monde. Pour oncle Borromée s’était essayé à partir dans “C’est Mom qui m’a conduit la main”. parler, il employait un ton sévère et sans le bois, mais qu’il na’vait pas la capacité J’avais treize ans. Il avait eu raison tendresse, auquel nous n’étions pas habitués. de couper cent billots par jour. Donc, papa quand il avait dit: “Dina va nous aider”. Il nous donna l’ordre de faire nos lits, l’avait ramené à la maison où il y a vait de Plus tard, un missionnaire vint et surtout de ne pas le déranger. Il nous a fait l’ouvrage en masse. Je ne sais pas pour à Waterbury. Il demandait aux Cana- savoir de ne pas se trouver sur son chemin. quelle raison, papa pensait que mon oncle diens-Français de revenir sur les terres Après le dîner, on devait faire la vais- Borromée avait une maladie de coeur. Il du Québec qui avaient été abandonnées. selle, pendant qu’eux faisaient un somme. avait été très malade et la parenté était allée Papa acceptait mal d’être exilé, Malgré tout, je dois dire que aider tante Léa à le veiller. Papa y était allé. loin des siens. Ses racines, son village tante Imelda fut très gentille avec nous. Pour aller dans les chantiers et d’autrefois, sa mère, sa famille . . .Il se Grand-mère tournait sa boule comme y rester assez longtemps pour faire de mit à y penser sérieusement. Il tournait elle l’entendait, et ça avait l’air de très bien l’argent, il fallait être bâti solide, ne pas et retournait dans sa tête, le pour et le aller entre elles. Tante Imelda demandait se laisser gagner par l’ennui surtout. contre. Finalement, il a écouté son coeur. toujours l’opinion de grand-mère pour savoir Les jours passèrent. Recommencer à neuf ! si elle devait conserver ceci ou cela, faire On avait aussi la responsabilité de Le gouvernement aiderait tous des fèves au lard ou de la soupe aux pois. soigneer les poules, d’arroser le jardin, mais ceux qui reviendraient, avait dit le prêtre. Oncle Albert prenait tante Imelda privés de support, habitués à participer tous Donc, le 15 avril 1932, nous revenions au dans ses bras, et il l’appelait: “Ma Blonde”. ensemble, nous n’avions pas senti le lien Canada avec lui, Rosa et moi, Émile et Rosélia. Mais, malgré ses gestes d’affection en- de parenté qui nous unissait à cette famille. On s’installerait, et ensuite, Yvonne, vers sa femme, nous en avions peur Un dimanche, après avoir lavé Rosélia Armand et Irène viendraient nous rejoindre. quand même. Quand nous ne compre- et Émile, on se rendit à la grand-messe, à Un ami, à lui, avait un char qui lâchait des nions pas, on se disiat: “C’est étrange”. pied, sur la ligne des chars (voie ferrée), suites de pets. Il nous amena en Canada. Avant, je ne savais pas ce que ça vou- avec les enfants du voisin: les Lacerte. Papa était assis sur la banquette avant, et lait dire: avoir peur de son père, et là, avec Nous n’avions pas calculé la dis- nous, Rosa et moi étions à l’arrière avec ses propres enfants: Antonio et Antoinette, tance, c’était très loin pour les petits. Émile. Il n’y avait pas de toit sur ce bazou. encore très jeunes, ils devaient aller chercher La messe terminée, on en profita pour Durant le trajet, on s’échangeait les vaches, et faire toutes sortes de petites be- s’inviter chez tante Rébecca. Nous l’aimions, les petits qui fatiguaient. Rosélia venait sognes. En plus, il fallait que ça se fasse vite ! car elle avait été si bonne à la mort de ma- en arrière et papa prenait Émile en avant. Je ne l’ai jamais vu battre quelqu’un , man qui était sa soeur. Nous nous sommes En avril, c’était encore très froid la nuit. mais il était exigeant envers ses enfants. Et tout de suite liés d’amitié envers nos cousins Nous sommes arrivés chez tante quand on le voyait détacher sa “sling” (cein- qui étaient nombreaux. Leur maison n’était Délina, la soeur de mon père. Elle de- ture) comme pour leur en donner des coups, pas loin de l’église, et nous quatre, nous meurait à Shawinigan. Nous étions Rosa et moi, on devenait morte de peur. avons passé un bel après midi du dimanche. à bout, et nous avions tous le rhume. Nous n’avons pas vu dans cette Oncle Olivier vint à nous pour nous Le jour suivant, mon oncle Albert maison, l’amour et la protection que nous, dire de partir. Il nous fit aussi comprendre est venu nous chercher avec son cheval et nous avions reçu de la part de nos par- de ne plus revenir, car le docteur était à sa carriole. Ici et là, on apercevait de la ents, du temps qu’on formait une famille. l’intérieur avec une femme. Tante Ré- neige. Le climat étant plus doux à Water- Papa allait ici et là, recherchant becca était en train d’accoucher. Ce fut bury, l’air frais du Canada trasperçait nos des contacts. Il connaissait pourtant son dernier fils qui s’est appelé Aimé. vêtements trop minces. Nous grelottions bien du monde. Aussi, il s’aperçut que Nous sommes retournés chez mon de froid, et nous nous pressions les uns ce que le missionnaire avait dit, ren- oncle Albert, passant par dessus la ligne, contre les autres pour avoir plus chaud. du sur place, ça ne signifiait plus rien. nous sommes descendus au “tracelle”, pour Tout de suite, papa se mit à la recher- Il revenait tard le soir, pas nous retrouver dans le Grand-Quatre, enfin ! che d’une terre. Pour nous, les enfants, plus avancé que le matin. Nous Fatigués, épuisés, nous c’était encore un autre grand changement. étions déjà au lit quand il arrivait. sommes tombés dans notre lit. Nous avions perdu la coutume du gros Nous nous sentions à Peu après, les petits n’étaient pas bien. Ils déjeuner le matin, avec crêpes, fèves au lard, charge dans cette maison. toussaient. Émile avait l’air de faire de la fièvre. etc. La grosse nouriture de grand-maman Un soir, papa est revenu plus tôt. Il Rosa et moi, après s’être consultés, Annie ne nous plaisait plus. Nous aurions tenait Rosélia et Émile sus ses genoux. on s’est souvenue de tante Angéline. Elle préféré les toasts et le chocolat chaud. rosa et moi étions assises dans les marches aussi, avait été bien bonne pour nous, et C’était de nouveau, le poêle à réchaud, le de l’escalier. Voyant clair dans la situa- (Suite page 13) 12 Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS The Three Franco-American Monuments in the Promenade Champlain, Quebec

By Albert J. Marceau,

Newington, CT

There are three monuments in Jetty Américains.” The English text below the Park in Sillery, a suburb of Quebec City, at title is: “New England, which welcomed the easternmost end of the Promenade de the hundreds of thousands of Québecers “A drawing based on the relief plaque on the Samuel-de-Champlain, that commemorate who emigrated to our six states in the nine- Monument of New England, taken from the three separate aspects in the relations be- teenth and twentieth centuries, pays tribute pamphlet Monument de l’Amitié/ Friendship tween the United States and the Province to the mother city of Franco-Americans Monument, designed and created by Jacques of Quebec. The Promenade Champlain who continue, still to this day, to pledge E. Staelen and David Amaral, circa 2008.” itself is a 1.5 mile park along the northern their loyalty to the ancestral values their bank of the St. Lawrence River, from its forebears brought with them to the United Veterans in New Britain, Conn.), while two western end at Quai du Cageux, near the States. We extend our hand in friendship are businesses (Rock of Ages Corp., Barre, Pont du Québec, to its easternmost end at to our Québec neighbors by associating Vt., and West Hartford Stairs and Cabinets of the road, Côte de Sillery. The names of ourselves with them in commemorating the Newington, Conn.). The last of the 18 donor the three monuments are the Monument of 400th anniversary of the founding of the organizations is the St. Croix Island Inter- the United States, the Monument of Ver- city of Québec, the starting point of a per- national Historic Site in Bar Harbor, Maine, mont, and the Monument of New England. manent French presence in North America.” in the Acadia National Park of the U.S. The Monument of the United States On the reverse of the Monument of National Park Service. Curiously, none of is made of black granite, and its plaque has New England is extensive text in English the Franco-American genealogical societies the Seal of the United States, along with and in French cut into the granite under the in New England sponsored the monument. text commemorating the good relations be- title “Migration 1840-1930.” Under the title There are 30 individuals who donated tween the U.S. and the Province of Quebec. is a four-paragraph history in English and in money for the Monument of New England, The Monument of Vermont is made French of the migration from the agricul- and one-fifth of them are associated with of dark gray granite, and carved into it tural Province of Quebec to industrial New the Société Historique Franco-Américaine in capital letters: “L’ÉTAT DU VER- England. Below the history is a list of the – Claire Quintal of Worcester, Mass., (for- MONT CÉLÈBRE L’EXPLORATEUR “Cities and towns of New England where mer director); Marthe Biron Peloquin of SAMUEL DE CHAMPLAIN.” The other Franco-Americans had settled according to a (Continued on page 14) text on it is from Champlain’s journal in 1940 survey,” and below the heading, which July 1609, when he discovered the lake is also given in French, is a list of 170 cities (Waterbury L’exilé suite de page 12) that bears his name, Lake Champlain. and towns in the six New England States that The Monument of New England is were Franco-American population centers. comme elle n’habitait pas loin d’oncle made of light gray granite, and it has three The third plaque, also on the reverse Albert, nous avons marché jusque là. separate plaques on it. The most prominent of the Monument of New England, is a list Elle nous donna à manger, puis, elle plaque is made of bronze that has a map of of donors to the Monument of New England, et notre cousine Marie-Rose, ont soigné New England and southern Quebec, with divided into three sections, of donor orga- les enfants. Émile était très malade. Ma three other reliefs on it. On the area of south- nizations, donor individuals and individuals tante lui donna du sirop pour sa toux ern Quebec is a relief of a farm house and a remembered through donations. The first et elle en donna aussi à Rosélia. Elle horse-drawn wagon. In the area of western name on the list of the 18 donor organizations frictionna Émile et le berça pendant Massachusetts and Connecticut is a relief of is the Société Historique Franco-Américaine que Marie-Rose s’occupait de la petite. an adult man wearing a work apron, with a (SHFA). Some of the other donor organi- J’avais vu ma mère faire cela si souvent! wrench in his right hand, while standing next zations are the standard Franco-American J’ai monté les marches jusqu’à la chambre to a couple of gears. In the area of eastern societies, (Union-St-Jean-Baptiste, a Divi- de Marie-Rose, et là, mon chagrin creva d’un New England is a relief of a girl, maybe sion of Catholic Family Life Insurance, coup. J’ai pensé à toute la famille dispersée. twelve years old, and an older woman, Association Canado-Américaine Assurance, Maman, papa, Yvonne, Armand, Irène. Je both threading bobbins in a textile mill. Comité de Vie Franco-Américaine, Institut ne pouvais m’empêcher de pleurer à gros Below the plaque with the map of New français at Assumption College, Union des sanglots. Marie-Rose me ramena à sa mère. England is a plaque with text in English Franco-Américaines du Connecticut), while Toutes le deux, elles tentaient de nous and in French that is entitled: “Homage to some are local Franco-American organiza- consoler, Roger et Raymond, nos cousins, the Mother City of the Franco-Americans/ tions, (the Basin Harbor Club in Vergennes, ont manqué l’école pour rester avec nous. Hommage à la Ville-Mère des Franco- Vt.; Post 26 of the Franco-American War Comme nous avons aimé tante Angéline ! 13 Le Forum (The Three Franco-American Monuments in the Promenade Champlain, Quebec continued from page 13) Lowell, Mass., (Honorary President); Prof. Gerard J. Brault of State College, Penn., (member); Robert R. Fournier of Suncook, N.H., (former Vice-President and Secretary); Marcel Raymond of Worcester, Mass., (cur- rent Vice-President) and Trudy Lamoureux of Woonsocket, R.I., (current Secretary). Other individuals may have been members of the SHFA at the time, such as Jacques E. Staelen, formerly of North Smithfield, R.I. (Staelen died on Aug. 17, 2009 in the Rhode Island Hospital in Providence.) There are eight entries under the “In Memoriam” donations section of the plaque, and two are associated with the Société His- “Dignitaries stand next to the Monument of the United States in Jetty Park, Promenade torique Franco-Américaine. One is Judge Champlain, Sillery, Quebec. From left to right are: Dr. Yvon Bolduc, U.S. Consul Louis Arthur Eno (1892-1965) of Lowell, David Fetter, Quebec Mayor Regis Lebeaume, Dr. Claire Quintal, Prime Minister Jean Mass., who was an officer of the SHFA, and Charest, Min. of International Relations Monique Gagnon-Tremblay, Vermont Gov. Jim the other is Pauline Clapin, whose husband, Douglas, Marcelle Pomerleau-Leahy, Quebec Delegate France Dionne, and Sen. Patrick Jean-Louise Clapin of Westport, Mass., Leahy. Photo taken from the website of the U.S. Consulate in Quebec, [ http://quebec. made a donation in her memory. Jean-Louis usconsulate.gov/content/index.asp ]http://quebec.usconsulate.gov/content/index.asp. ” Clapin is a current Trustee of the SHFA. The three monuments were formally Francophonie; France Dionne, the Represen- about the value of the monuments as able to unveiled on July 2, 2008 amid numerous tative of the Quebec Government in Boston, teach the general public about the history dignitaries. (The Promenade Champlain as well as representatives of the governors of the Franco-Americans. His first state- itself was formally opened nine days earlier, of Maine and New Hampshire. Approxi- ment was short, for he said the monuments on June 24, 2008.) The Prime Minister of mately 60 people attended the unveiling. were: “A history lesson for the Quebecers Canada, Jean Charest, opened the event Marcel Raymond of Worcester, Mass., themselves, because they don’t know about with his words: “Today is the occasion to and the current Vice-President of the Société us [Franco-Americans].” As for the three celebrate one of the greatest friendships in Historique Franco-Américaine, was one of monuments, he was most impressed with the world – that of Canada and the United the attendees at the unveiling of the three the Monument of New England, which he States.” David Fetter, the General Consul Franco-American monuments in Jetty Park called the “Franco-American monument.” of the United States in the Province of Que- in the Promenade Champlain. He has almost Mr. Raymond said: “The Franco-American bec, gave the speech for the unveiling of the 30 slides of Jetty Park and the three Franco- monument is the most eloquent, the most Monument of the United States. Senator American monuments. The first slide in his telling, the one most revealing of the three. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, and the Gover- collection is of the sign at the entrance at The other two monuments are commemora- nor of Vermont, Jim Douglas, spoke at the the park, where one can read that it is open tive; good relations between the U.S. and unveiling of the Monument of Vermont, and from May 1 to October 31 and then Decem- French-Canada. Champlain did not reside in they invited the Quebecois to visit Vermont ber 1 to March 31 of the year. Aside from Vermont. The Franco-Americans reside in for the 400th anniversary of Champlain’s walking, bicycles are permitted, as well as the New England States, and the monument, founding of the lake in 2009. Claire Quintal, cross-country skiing, but no motor vehicles. in the names of the cities and states and the the former director of the Institut français Also on the sign is the original website ad- list of donors, reflect this fact, forever.” We at Assumption College, Worcester, Mass., dress about the park – [ http://www.prom- continued to converse for a while, and I men- and a director of the SHFA, spoke at the enade2008.qc.ca ]www.promenade2008. tioned to him that the SHFA has a precedent unveiling of the Monument of New England, qc.ca. (The website has since been updated for erecting plaques in commemoration of and the kernel of her speech is: “By means to: [ http://www.capitale.gouv.qc.ca/realisa- historical events, although I admitted to him of this monument, we have sought to dem- tions/promenade-samuel-champlain/ ]http:// that I could not remember who or what was onstrate… [that] … we have not forgotten www.capitale.gouv.qc.ca/realisations/ honored, nor where the plaques were placed. our origins.” Other dignitaries at the event promenade-samuel-champlain/.) Marcel In the Bulletin de la Société Historique were Regis Labeaume, Mayor of Quebec Raymond did not photograph the ceremony Franco-Américaine 1955 (BSHFA 1955), City; Jean Leclerc, President of the Board of of the unveiling of the monuments itself. one can read the preparations for, and the Directors of the 400th Anniversary Society On Monday, April 26, 2010, I inter- speeches for the dedication of a plaque in of Quebec; Mario Dumont, the Leader of viewed Marcel Raymond, and I viewed his commemoration of Samuel de Champlain’s the Opposition in the National Assembly collection of slides of the monuments. Aside landing on Noddle’s Island in Massachusetts of Canada; Monique Gagnon-Tremblay, from being proud that he had witnessed the Bay on July 15, 1605. The plaque was erect- Minister of International Relations and La unveiling ceremony, he made two statements (Continued on page 15) 14 Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS (The Three Franco-American Monuments the grounds of the historic site. (Archbishop or the “Mémorial Franco-Américain” at in the Promenade Champlain, Roy later became Cardinal Roy on Feb. 22, Fort Ticonderoga sponsored by the Comité Quebec continued from page 14) 1965, and he died on Oct. 24, 1985.) The de Vie franco-américaine, the Monument of plaque itself was sponsored by la Comité de New England in Jetty Park commemorates ed at Gate 16 of Logan International Airport Vie franco-américaine, and Fort Carillon is not a famous person, but a migration of a in Boston, and it was dedicated on July 15, better known by the name it was given in people. As such, the Monument of New 1955. The officer of the committee within July 1759 when the British retook the it, Fort England can be easily criticized as being the SHFA that oversaw the preparations for Ticonderoga. (BSHFA 1958, pages 11-46.) incomplete. It is incomplete, for how can a the 350th anniversary was Judge Arthur L. In the BSHFA 1963, one can read history of a migration of one million people, Eno, the same man whose name appears on about the dedication of a plaque in com- over one century, be complete in four para- the Monument of New England in Jetty Park. memoration of General Lafayette at the graphs of text? Rather, the Monument of Judge Eno said at the dedication of the plaque Wayside Inn in Sudbury, Mass. The board New England should be thought of as a first in Logan Airport: “The story of Champlain’s of the SHFA chose to put a plaque in the step, a stepping-stone perhaps, in learning founding of Quebec and his discovery of Wayside Inn because of the persistent legend about the history of the Franco-Americans. the great lake which now bears his name, is that Gen. Lafayette stayed in it in 1825 while Marcel Raymond considered the monu- well known to every student of American en route to the dedication of the Bunker Hill ment: “A history lesson for the Quebecers History. What is not as well known, how- Monument ceremony. (BSHFA 1957, page themselves, because they don’t know about ever, is that he also visited Massachusetts 49.) However, due to a fire at the inn, the us [Franco-Americans].” He is correct, for at least on two occasions, the first being in installation of a plaque was delayed until the monument is available to anyone walk- 1605, or 15 years before the landing of the May 19, 1963, when it was placed at the ing past it, and as museums have been called Pilgrim Fathers.” (BSHFA 1955, page 14.) entrance of the grounds to the inn. The places for voluntary learners, the Monument In the BSHFA 1958, one can read ultimate reason for the plaque was given of New England can teach anyone willing about a plaque named “Mémorial Franco- in the dedication speech: “This memorial to read the text on it, while stopping to take Américain,” placed on the grounds of Fort presented by La Société Historique Franco- a break from walking, biking, or cross- Ticonderoga in Ticonderoga, New York. Américaine should help to entertain in some country skiing along the northern bank of The plaque was dedicated on July 13, 1958 measure the everlasting friendship that binds the St. Lawrence River. The current board on the bicentennial of General Montcalm’s two great peoples, France and the United and the members of the Société Historique victory celebration held on July 13, 1758 States as a symbol of the common liber- Franco-Américaine should take some mea- for his conquest of Fort Carillon, which ties we cherish.” (BSHFA 1963, page 14.) sure of pride that the previous board of the occurred on July 8, 1758. The means In the examination of the two ear- SHFA completed such a project, for it is Gen. Montcalm celebrated his victory was lier plaques dedicated by the SHFA, on the keeping in the tradition and goals of the through the erection of a large wooden 350th anniversary of Champlain’s landing SHFA, and it is not a commemoration of cross. The means the plaque was dedicated on Noddle’s Island near Boston, and in famous French figures from the 17th and was not only through speeches, but a mass honor of Lafayette at the Wayside Inn in 18th Centuries, but of the Franco-Ameri- said by the Primate of Canada, Archbishop Sudbury, Mass., it is clear that the SHFA can people of the 19th and 20th Centuries. Maurice Roy of the Archdiocese of Quebec, has a tradition of sponsoring historical who also blessed a large wooden cross on markers. However, unlike either marker, in the life of the SHFA, to hold semi-an- nual meetings and lectures, and to publish 14 Months of the New Board a new edition of Le Bulletin de la SHFA. The SHFA has not dissolved, but the new of the SHFA board has fallen short of the other goals.

By Albert J. Marceau, Problems with the Bylaws Newington, CT On the day of the controversial elec- tion, Sun. Feb. 15, 2009 held at Assumption The current board of the Société cause I felt that Roger Lacerte, Charlie Mar- College in Worcester, Mass., the latest set of Historique Franco-Américaine came to tel and I were trying to resurrect the SHFA. bylaws known to the Resurrectionists were office in an election held on Sun. Feb. 15, The term was meant to be both serious and those published in Le Bulletin de la Société 2009 in La Maison Française at Assumption flippant, and the source of inspiration for the Historique Franco-Américaine 1959. The College in Worcester, Mass. The follow- term was the title of the short story by H.P. 1959 bylaws mandated that the four officers ing report is a summary of activities of the Lovecraft, “Herbert West – Reanimator.” of the Executive Board are elected for a new board for the past fourteen months. Since I felt that “Reanimator” sounded too term of one year and without term limits, However, the following report is not one sinister, I coined the term “Resurrectionist.” while the nine directors of the Lower Board hundred percent complete, which is to write, The goals of the Resurrectionists, are elected for three-year terms and with a there will be another report in the future. at least as I saw them since the Summer limit of one term. The clause can be found For the matter of record, I am the person of 2008 were to stop the SHFA from dis- on page 238 of the BSHFA 1959, Titre III, who coined the term “Resurrectionist,” be- solving, to have the membership involved (Continued on page 16) 15 Le Forum (14 Months of the New Board of the SHFA the Society by ballot shall elect a trustee to resolution is the different definition of a quo- continued from page 15) serve for a term of three years to succeed rum between the bylaws of 1959 and 1985. the trustee whose office expires at the time.” The 1959 bylaws defined the minimum for Article 9: “… les officier sont élus pour un Therefore, the term of office for one of the a quorum for board meetings as six (Règle- terme d’un an à la première réunion semi- trustees ends in 2010, the second in 2011, ments article 11: “Le quorum de réunions du annuelle, sauf les neuf conseillers, dont trois and the third in 2012. The election of Feb. bureau est de six.”), while the 1985 bylaws élus chaque année pour un terme de trois 15, 2009 did not assign terms of office for concentrated more power into fewer officers, ans. Un conseiller n’est pas réélégible pour Gilbert, Clapin, or Champigny-Boulanger. for it defined the minimum for a quorum un second mandat succesif.” Therefore, the The Board of Honorary Officers, as four. (Titre V, article 15b: “Le quorum people who were elected on Sun. Feb. 15, which is implied in the 1959 bylaws, were requis aux réunions du bureau sera de 4 2009 to their various offices, with the date not even considered during the election of membres.”) The lowering from six to four of the end of their terms of offices are: Presi- Feb. 15, 2009. Nevertheless, on page 238 officers to achieve a quorum in the bylaws dent Roger Lacerte Lowell, Mass., (2010); of the BSHFA 1959, in Titre III, Article 9, of 1959 and 1985 is evidence that the fewer Vice-President Marcel Raymond of Worces- one can read: “Les officiers honoraries sont officers in the later period were truly inter- ter, Mass., (2010); Secretary Trudy Lamou- élus à vie.” The two honorary officers are ested in the board meetings of the SHFA. reux of Woonsocket, R.I., (2010); Treasurer listed in the inside front and back covers Donald Chaput of Manchester, N.H., (2010); of the BSHFA 1992, and they are Marthe A List of the General Membership Dir. Armand Chartier of Achusnet, Mass., Biron-Peloquin and Arthur L. Eno Jr., both and Board Meetings (2012); Dir. Charles Martel of Manches- of Westford, Mass. The bylaws are not ter, N.H., (2012); Dir. Ronald Heroux of specific as to what the honorary officers From February 2009 to May 2010, the Middletown, R.I., (2012); Dir. Benoit Pel- are supposed to do, but Hon. Pres. Biron- SHFA held two general membership meet- letier-Shoja of Concord, N.H., (2011); Dir. Peloquin was supposed to have chaired the ings (GMM), and six board meetings. The Paul Papineau of Woonsocket, R.I., (2011); election of Sun. Feb. 15, 2009, since Pres. first GMM was the controversial election Dir. Richard Deslauriers of Longmeadow, Paul Chasse died on March 26, 2008, but she held on Assumption College in Worcester, Mass., (2011); Dir. Georges-Andre Lussier appointed Dir. Claire Quintal of Worcester, Mass., on Sun. Feb. 15, 2009, and the sec- of Salisbury, Mass., (2010); Dir. Michel Mi- Mass., to be her representative at the meet- ond GMM was the “Reunion Gala” held in chaud of Lynn, Mass., (2010); Dir. Albert J. ing, and so, Dir. Quintal chaired the election. Le Foyer in Pawtucket, R.I., on Sun. Nov. Marceau of Newington, Conn., (2010). Due The Resurrectionists discovered their 22, 2009. The dates and places of the six to the chaos at the election, the last people to other major error at the first meeting of meetings of the Board of Directors of the be elected to the board of the SHFA were the the new board, held on Sunday, March 15, SHFA are: Sun. Mar. 15, 2009, Marcel three trustees, and names were called from 2009 in the office of Vice-President Marcel Raymond’s Office, Worcester, Mass.; Fri. the floor. Two men in attendance at the elec- Raymond, when Sec. Trudy Lamoureux May 8, 2009, Westford Grille, Westford, tion withdrew their names from the pool of produced a copy of the latest set of bylaws Mass.; Thurs. July 16, and Fri. Sept. 25, candidates – Robert Fournier of Pembroke, of the SHFA, passed on April 20, 1985. The 2009, both held in the Allora Restaurant, N.H., and Lionel Frappier of Slatersville, consensus of the board was to follow the Marlborough, Mass.; Sun. Jan. 31, 2010, R.I. Since there were three names in the latest set of bylaws, but the board did not J.V. Fletcher Library, Westford, Mass.; Sun. pool and there were three offices open, those pass a resolution to follow the latest set of Feb. 28, 2010, Acton Memorial Library, nominated were elected by default, and they bylaws. Also, the board collectively failed Acton, Mass.; Wed. March 31 and Thurs. were Real Gilbert of Manchester, N.H., to examine the differences between the two April 22, 2010, both held in the former ACA Louise Champigny-Boulanger of Woon- sets of bylaws. The two most important Building, 52 Concord St., Manchester, N.H. socket, R.I., and Jean-Louis Clapin of North differences in the two sets of bylaws are Westport, Mass. Of the three people elected the terms of office for the board members, Three Newsletters to the Board of Trustees, Louise Cham- and the definition of a quorum. In the 1985 pigny-Boulanger did not attend the election. bylaws, the Executive Board and the Lower The SHFA sent three newsletters to its The Resurrectionists made a couple Board have two-year terms of office, and the members. The first, the unofficial, was writ- of errors at the controversial election of clause is found in Titre III, Article 8: “Les ten and mailed by me, Albert Marceau, and Feb. 15, 2009. One error was the oversight officiers et les conseillers sont élus pour un dated June 25, 2009. The second, the first that the trustees are elected just like the terme de deux ans à la première reunion official, was written and mailed by Dir. Ben- directors of the Lower Board. The clause semi-annuelle.” The most practical solution oit Pelletier-Shoja. It is dated “été 2009,” can be found on page 239 of the BSHFA concerning the terms of office would be to let and it was mailed around Aug. 2, 2009. The 1959, Titre VIII, Article 16, paragraph one, the terms of office stand as they were on the third, the second official, was also written which is in English in the original text: day of the controversial election, and then and mailed by Dir. Shoja. It is dated “au- “Each of said Trustees shall be elected by elect the officers and the directors under the tomne 2009,” and it was mailed in October ballot for a term of three years excepting terms of office under the 1985 bylaws at the 2009. Possibly to make the newsletter the as to two of the three first elected so that next election. As for the Honorary Board voice of the SHFA, Dir. Shoja did not credit one of these shall be elected for a term of and the Board of Trustees, the 1985 bylaws himself as the editor on either newsletter. one year, one for a term of two years, and simply repeated the text from the 1959 one for a term of three years and thereafter bylaws. The other problem that the current at each annual election the membership of board has accepted by practice and not by (Continued on page 17)

16 Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS (14 Months of the New Board of the SHFA themselves, and choose their own officers, Rumilly’s history, Histoire des Franco- continued from page 16) in Titre IV, Article 12, paragraph one: “Each Americains, was a censored work, and she of said trustees forthwith after the election, knew this information from her own life Changes in the Board of Directors shall meet with his co-trustees and organize experience. In the 1950s, she worked as by selection of a chairman, a secretary and a typist in the home office of Union Saint- Two directors were replaced at the a treasurer.” It also must be noted that the Jean-Baptiste d’Amerique in Woonsocket, board meeting of Sun. Jan. 31, 2010, held board of the SHFA voted to make Real Gil- R.I., and she would see the latest installment in the J.V. Fletcher Library in Westford, bert the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the manuscript by Rumilly, who would Mass. Armand Chartier and Charlie Martel at the meeting held on March 15, 2009, a send approximately ten pages to the home were replaced by Roger Brunelle of Lowell, vote which also did not follow the bylaws. office, and then Lamoureux would take the Mass., and Mary Chaput of Manchester, N.H. original, and retype multiple copies of it, so On Sun. Feb. 14, 2010, Benoit Pelle- The Fall ’09 “Réunion Gala” the board of USJBA would be able to read it tier-Shoja sent an e-mail to the board mem- during the week, and then discuss the latest bers of the SHFA at 12:56PM that stated he One can look through the various is- installment at the next board meeting. (Pho- resigned from the board. On Wed. Feb. 17, sues of the BSHFA and note that the SHFA tocopy machines did not become common 2010, he resigned from the Publications Com- held two general membership meetings until the 1970s.) After the members of the mittee, which comprised of himself as head, (GMM) a year. The Spring GMM was board discussed the latest installment, and with Dir. Michel Michaud and me, Albert called the “réunion annuelle,” and the Fall made deletions, or corrections, Lamoureux Marceau. Shoja’s resignation has not been GMM was called the “réunion gala.” (The would gather them, and then send them accepted by the other members of the board. terms “réunion annuelle” and “réunion gala” back to Rumilly, who would rewrite his text, On Mon. March 29, 2010, Louise do not appear in either bylaws of 1959 or which would be sent back to the USJBA, Champigny-Boulanger sent an e-mail to all 1985.) Pres. Lacerte kept the tradition of along with new pages, and so went the the board members of the SHFA at 5:03PM the “réunion gala” because he wanted a process, until the manuscript was complete. that stated she was resigning her office of positive experience for the members, and I responded to Lamoureux, stating that trustee of the SHFA “effective immediately” he wanted to avoid a business meeting I interviewed her by telephone several years because of her commitments at Catholic where the membership could have debated earlier, in which she explained the process Family Life Insurance due to its merger and accepted the meeting minutes of the of how the manuscript was developed. (I with the Catholic Knights that occurred on controversial election of Feb. 15, 2009. interviewed Trudy Lamoureux on Feb. 23, April 1, 2010. Her office was filled by Don Dir. Benoit Pelletier-Shoja planned 2001 for a survey of the historical literature Chaput at the emergency board meeting of all aspects of the réunion gala that was held about the Danielson Affair for an Indepen- Wed. March 31, 2010, held in the former in Le Foyer in Pawtucket, R.I., on Sun. dent Study with Dr. Norton Mezvinsky, for ACA Building on 52 Concord St., in Man- Nov. 22, 2009. The two speakers were Fall 1999 at CCSU. The paper has a long chester, N.H. Trustee Real Gilbert proposed Albert Marceau (myself) and Gregoire title: “A History of the Danielson Affair: A to make Don Chaput the Treasurer of the Chabot, the Franco-American playwright, Study in the Power Politics of a French-Ca- Board of Trustees, and the motion passed known for “Un Jacques Cartier Errant.” nadian People versus the Bishop of Hartford, with a quorum of four – Gilbert, Brunelle My lecture was “A Brief History of Connecticut. Part One: Catholic History and Lacerte in favor, Marceau against. the Role of Fr. Jean-Baptiste Proulx in the in Connecticut Written by the Religious, A It must be noted that Trustee Gilbert Danielson Affair and the Manitoba School Study of History as Propaganda.” I turned- admitted at the emergency meeting of March Question,” and it was based upon my mas- in the 72-page paper to Dr. Mezvinsky, and 31, 2010 that he did not meet at all with ter’s thesis from Central Connecticut State a second copy to Dr. Stanislaus Blejwas, on Jean-Louis Clapin and Louise Champigny- University in New Britain, Conn. About two April 25, 2001.) I said that the censorship of Boulanger since the election in order to weeks before the lecture, I spoke to the head Rumilly’s Histoire des Franco-Americains choose among themselves who has the of- of the History Department at CCSU, Dr. was not part of my thesis, for Rumilly did fices of Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer Glenn Sunshine, who advised me that a 30- place important information in his text that of the Board of Trustees. Trustee Gilbert minute lecture would be typewritten as 18- slipped past the censors at USJBA. Since claimed at the meeting of March 31, 2010, pages, double-spaced. Due to my inexperi- I knew the process as to how the book was and during informal conversations with ence at editing a lecture for a public lecture, written, I knew to look for clues within his other directors at earlier meetings, that he I attempted to include as much as possible, text. In particular, Rumilly gave the true could not reach Trustee Jean-Louis Clapin and so, I edited my lecture to fifteen pages end of the Danielson Affair, not at the end for a meeting. On May 6, 2010, I telephoned long, single-spaced, or roughly one-fourth of the 17th chapter of his book, which is Jean-Louis Clapin, whose name, address and the length of my master’s thesis. I attempted entitled “L’Affaire de Danielson,” but in phone number can be found on [ http://www. to read it at a breakneck speed before the the opening of the 19th chapter, which is whitepages.com ]www.whitepages.com, and audience, and at about 40 minutes into the entitled “Fondation de L’Union St-Jean- I asked him, if he were ever telephoned by lecture, Pres. Lacerte stopped me, and I Baptiste d’Amerique,” where he wrote that Trustee Gilbert. Trustee Clapin clearly stat- had to improvise the remainder of the talk. the Diocese of Hartford won the court case ed to me that Trustee Gilbert never contacted The two most important statements concerning the election of lay-trustees at the him in order to have a meeting of the board or questions from the floor were from Superior Court in Putnam, Conn., but that of trustees. The 1985 bylaws clearly state Trudy Lamoureux and Ernest Guillet. the Connecticut Supreme Court of Errors that the board of trustees must meet among Lamoureux’s statement was that (Continued on page 18)

17 (14 Months of the New Board of the SHFA within the Missionaries of LaSalette, which Former Director Charlie Martel was continued from page 17) was also known as the Franco-American instrumental in the digitization of nearly all reversed the decision of the lower-court. Province since it was French-speaking, and of the old issues of Le Bulletin de la SHFA, Rumilly wrote in an obtuse manner that the it was based in Enfield, N.H. On May 31, (BSHFA). In April 2009, he knew that the French-Canadian laity at Danielson won 1960, he was awarded the Ordre du Mérite first issue of the BSHFA 1906 was already the court case concerning the election of Franco-Américain by the SHFA, given to digitized by the Page Delivery Service of lay trustees at the Parish of St. James in him by Adolphe Robert of the SHFA, in Harvard University Library at [ http://pds. Danielson, Conn., but he wrote it in such Enfield, N.H. Robert’s speech is found in lib.harvard.edu ]http://pds.lib.harvard.edu. a way that the censors at USJBA did not the BSHFA 1960, pages 65-68. One can In order to have the later editions of the realize its significance. I also told Lamou- read in the obituaries of the day that his BSHFA digitized, he contacted Tom Blake reux, and the audience as well, that I used two fellow Franco-American priests were of the Digital Imaging Lab at the Boston Rumilly’s Histoire des Franco-Americains forgotten at the time of his death, for the Public Library, who in turn, digitized the and the seventh and eighth volumes of his title of his obituary in the Catholic Transcript following issues of BSHFA: 1937 No. I,1937 Histoire de la Province de Quebec, where is “Funeral Mass Sung for First American No. II, 1938 No. II, 1939 No. I, 1941, 1942, Rumilly clearly wrote that Fr. Proulx used La Salette Priest,” while his obituary in 1943, 1944 et 1945, 1946 et 1947, 1948 et the Danielson Affair as a cover story for his the Hartford Courant (Sept. 22, 1964, page 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, covert diplomatic mission to the Vatican four), contains the text that he was: “… the 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, on behalf of Prime Minister Laurier of first American Seminarian recruited by the 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, Canada in order to settle the matter of re- French LaSalette priests….” The reality is 1970, 1971, 1972, and 1973. The digitized ligion in the schools in Manitoba, which is that Fr. Armand Potvin was the first true, issues of Le Bulletin can be found through known as the Manitoba School Question. Franco-American LaSalette priest, since the catalog of the Boston Public Library at [ The question from Ernest Guillet he was born in Holyoke, Mass., but he has http://www.bpl.org/ ]http://www.bpl.org/ or was about the Missionaries of LaSalette, been forgotten, due to his death in 1916. through the Internet Archive at [ http://www. and in particular about Fr. Zotique Choui- A facet of the death of Fr. Chouinard archive.org/ ]http://www.archive.org/. The nard who founded the Franco-American which may indicate that he is a saint, is list has some missing issues of the BSHFA, Province of the Missionaries of LaSalette. the day of his death, for he died on the day which are: 1935 (le séance de 9 mai), 1935 Unfortunately, I cannot remember his exact before the major feast day of his order, the (le séance de 19 novembre), 1936 Nos. I et statement or question, but the following is Feast of Our Lady of LaSalette, which is II, and 1938 No. I. As one can examine the an improvement upon the answer that I gave. September 19. St. Maximilian Kolbe, who digitized copies of the BSHFA, it is appar- Fr. Donald Paradis, M.S., wrote on was highly devoted to the Virgin Mary, was ent that the master images of the BSHFA page 87 of his history, The Missionaries of martyred on August 14, 1941, the day before were from bound volumes, for between LaSalette: From France to North America, the highest of the Marian feasts, the Feast the issues 1938 No. II and 1939 No. I is that three Franco-Americans entered the of the Assumption of Mary, which is August a program for the banquet and reception LaSalette College in Hartford, Conn., on Fri. 15. Also, Pope John Paul II, who instituted sponsored by the SHFA for the French Sept. 16, 1898, named Zotique Chouinard, Divine Mercy Sunday for the entire Catho- Ambassador to the U.S., Rene Doynel de Emile Plante, and Armand Potvin. Each of lic Church, died on Sat. April 2, 2005, the Saint-Quentin, which occurred on Oct. the three made their perpetual vows in 1904. day before Divine Mercy Sunday in 2005. 26, 1938 at the Statler Hotel in Boston. Fr. Armand Potvin M.S., died on the morn- The only publications by the SHFA ing of May 11, 1916 in St. James’ Church After the question and answer that were not digitized by the Boston Public in Danielson, Conn., and his obituary in the period, there was a break for lunch. Library was the book Les quarante ans de Catholic Transcript, (May 11, 1916, page la Société Historique Franco-Américaine, two), states that he was born in Holyoke, Gregoire Chabot began his perfor- 1899-1939, published in 1940, and the last Mass., on Sept. 17, 1883, and he was or- mance of “Tabarnak,” sitting in a chair, four publications of the SHFA – Le Cahier dained as a priest on July 3, 1910. Fr. Emile simply speaking, as if off the cuff. He was 1983, “The Spirit of Laws and the American Plante M.S., according to his obituary in the performing Armand, the narrator of the one- Constitution” by Alain Briottet in 1988, Catholic Transcript, (Jan. 21, 1954, page act play, who was telling the audience of his Le Cahier 1990, and BSHFA 1992-93. eight), states that he was born in the Prov- life, with the repeated theme of change not ince of Quebec on May 5, 1884, that he was for the better. Since the performance was in Conclusion ordained on July 9, 1910, and that he died on French, I could not understand all of it, and Jan. 13, 1954 in Attleboro, Mass. Fr. Zotique a few times, I would miss the punch-line of In the past fourteen months of the Chouinard M.S., according to his obituary a joke, because I could not understand the new board of the SHFA, the successes that in the Catholic Transcript, (Sept. 24, 1964, last words. Nevertheless, his performance it could count are, that the society did not page 14), states that he was born in the Prov- was effective, for I spoke to Ernest Guillet dissolve, that it made an attempt to involve ince of Quebec in 1883, that he was ordained a couple days after the réunion gala, and the general membership in the life of the in Rome in 1910, and that he died in East Guillet told me that he initially thought that society with the three newsletters and the Brewer, Mass, on Sept. 18, 1964. Of the Chabot was talking about Chabot’s own life. reunion gala on Nov. 22, 2009. Possibly three, Fr. Chouinard is the most significant, the most accessible accomplishment is the for he was instrumental in the establishment Le BSHFA on the Internet digitized copies of Le Bulletin de la SHFA. of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Province (Continued on page 19) 18 Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS (LETTERS/LETTRES who drove from Manchester to Concord commitment and concern of those willing to from page 9) with Charlie as his passenger, stopping first incorporate such an entity by putting their at the NH State Archives (where I work) to signatures to the Articles of Agreement. collect me before heading downtown to the In conclusion, apart from these minor The business identification number as- NH Corporate Division office, located on errors and omissions, I am thankful to Albert signed by the NH Department of State the third floor of the State House Annex, 25 for having written about the creation of La to the Bibliothèque nationale is 605527. Capitol Street. By that time, it was already Bibliothèque nationale franco-américaine. I Next, to give credit where credit is mid-to-late afternoon and we were in a hurry likewise applaud him for championing the due, it was Albert who created that whimsi- to get there and file the paperwork before cause, critical to all us incorporators, of iden- cal designation, “Pizza Meeting,” mentioned the end of the business day and the start of tifying and collecting, promoting and pre- in the second paragraph; he is likewise the the long Thanksgiving break. In my rushed serving documents, books and other items only person who uses it. Personally, I am departure from work, I forgot to bring with important to the history of Franco-Americans. not convinced that this alleged other meet- me the typed copy of the Articles of Agree- It is vital that we understand our ing took place—at all, never mind in the ment that I had prepared in advance, which past if we are to continue to create our summer of 2008—, and I will explain why. error I realized en route to the Corporate future. I encourage all those who read this First and foremost, I do not remember such Division office. This explains the handwrit- article—and the other articles featured in a meeting. Next, each proposed agenda ten paperwork, filled in with a pen provided Le Forum—to look around your homes and subsequent set of minutes notes its by the State of NH. Roger had brought along and to recognize the historical and cultural chronological order in its heading. So, after the sheet of incorporators’ signatures (previ- significance and the craftsmanship inher- the “Première Réunion” on Wed., July 9, ously signed by the people Albert names in ent in the otherwise simple and everyday 2008, a “Deuxième Rencontre” took place his article), and we simply attached it to the items and articles found there: books, art, the following Wed., July 25; a “Troisième completed document, along with a check for toys, photographs, tools, utensils. Think of Rencontre” took place on Wed., Aug. 29; a $30, which funds Roger likewise provided. how many of these things have appeared “4e Rencontre” took place on Fri., Sept. 19; In the seventh paragraph, Albert twice and disappeared in your own lifetime, in a “5e Rencontre” took place on Sun., Nov. mentions the presence of one “Bernadette your parents’ and grandparents’ lifetimes. 2; and a sixth and final meeting took place Bernard” of Manchester, NH, but this Think of how such unobtrusive examples of on Fri., Jan. 30, 2009 (and not January 20, person’s name is in fact Bernadette D. Bé- living human creativity and artisanship might one as Albert says, which was in fact a Tuesday). nard. He also mentions the office of Marcel day disappear without any future generations ever One will note that nowhere in this Raymond in Worcester, MA, as being the having laid an eye—or a hand—on them. Their progression is there room for an additional site of the fourth meeting (on Fri., Sept. 19) significance to previous generations, instead of meeting. Besides, no meeting could have without adding that Mr. Raymond’s office being felt and understood first hand, is in danger taken place on Wed., Aug. 6, 2008 (as Albert is called the Franco-Centre. Further, at that of being lost. Our hope in creating and promoting suggests), without the following meeting, same fourth meeting, Georges-André Lus- the Bibliothèque nationale franco-américaine is on Fri., Sept. 19, being designated the “5e sier was not a participant, but this last error to save from ruin, neglect and obliteration those rencontre” (in addition to the agenda and is hardly Albert’s fault, for the minutes for simple, everyday items that populate our base- minutes headings, an e-mail from Roger La- that meeting erroneously list Dr. Lussier ments, attics, dens, kitchens, workrooms and certe, dated Wed., Oct. 29, 2008, refers to the as having been there. These minutes were sheds, and which are testaments to the lives and November 2 meeting as the “5e rencontre”). later amended, at my request, at the next enduring spirit of Franco-Americans everywhere. As further proof of why the so-called meeting, on Sun., Nov. 2, in Lowell, MA. “Pizza Meeting” did not occur during the Finally, at that fifth meeting, on Benoît Pelletier Shoja summer of 2008, an e-mail from Roger La- November 2, there was not “only [one] Concord, NH certe, dated Sat., Jan. 24, 2009, relative to mention” of La Bibliothèque nationale [email protected] the upcoming January 30 meeting, reveals franco-américaine, as Albert advances later the relaxed atmosphere that one would find in the seventh paragraph. One mention did there: “On fera venir de la pizza et on jasera.” come from Charles Martel, who reported (More LETTERS/LETTRES Likewise, an e-mail from the Franco-Ameri- on the status of the Internet website he was on page 20) can Institute of Salem, dated January 30, creating, but it was I who spoke about the mentions “LA PIZZA,” in capital letters. incorporation of the Bibliothèque nationale (14 Months of the New Board of the SHFA So, there is no “Pizza Meeting.” and explained that the State of NH dis- continued from page 18) There was simply a meeting that took place tinguishes between an organization and a on Fri., Jan. 30, 2009, and at which pizza corporation. Any group of people can work However, the new board failed to hold its happens to have been eaten. I remember together as an organization (the very fact of 110th anniversary in 2009, and as of the that it was Domino’s Pizza, but I can as- organizing makes this so), but it is necessary board meeting of April 22, 2010, the next sure you, having been there, that this was to file paperwork and pay a fee in order to general membership meeting will be held hardly central to our getting together. create a legal corporation. The majority of in the Fall of 2010, which is in violation Now, in the fifth paragraph, when Al- the people present that afternoon thought it of the 1985 bylaws. The next issue of Le bert notes that “[Charles] Martel brought the was important to create, legally, a nonprofit Bulletin de la SHFA is no longer discussed paperwork to Concord, N.H.,” he omits that corporation, and this is of great significance, at board meetings. Nevertheless, the work Charlie had company. It was Roger Lacerte I think, because it demonstrates the level of of the board of the SHFA will continue. 19 Le Forum (LETTERS/LETTRES THE NAME FAROG from page 19) Annette Paradis King

I was the mother of four teenage sons when my brother sent me my first copy of Salut! FAROG. There is a memory of flipping Je cherche les nobreux aticles géné- its pages disinterested, mostly because the alogiques qu’a préparé Bob Chenard pour la funny name FAROG had me wondering of their heritage in honesty and candor. revue Le Forum. En auriez-vous un index? what kind of a paper would have the name Years later, the name was changed Encore, les articles du Forum son- of that particular amphibian? You probably from FAROG to Le Forum, asofter gentler ils accessibles sur l’internet, sur CD, ou know where I’m going but let me continue, heading in my view. I had my own sub- seulement en bibliothèque? Et peut-on please. The word FAROG took me back to scription by that time, fascinated over the y faire des recherches par mots-cléfs? when I was called one. I remember it being occasional stories of how new rulings in Y a-t-il projet de numériser Le Forum spoken inanger, disgrace, and more often public schools had affected children and how et les journaux franco-américains du Maine? than rarely when making fun of me. The ourFranco American history was excluded name pushed me back into my old inferior from the Maine history books. People who Merci! slot. I can’t put a dateon these nightmarish wrote what this meant to them as children times but the confusion is felt as strongly were writing what I had hidden from Robert Gagné writing this morning at my desk. There myself. What was different was that their Englewood, NJ were other incidences similar that took non-fiction stories carried self admissions place in my childhood seven decades ago. and how they overcame taught me to exam- Dear Le Forum; There were no explanations that I remember ine my own attitudes, which were boastfully as to why we were called ‘frogs’ or why negative at the time. What followed was the Enclosed is a check for renewal and a kids yelled out frog with such resentment. discovery of a new vocabulary to describe donation for the work you all have done over Anguishes like those are not news my identity. It couldn’t have happened the years on behalf of the Franco community. anymore, but the courage to share them without reading Le Forum. How wonderful I would like to continue to receive “Le Fo- is new. I wasn’t such an open minded to have had the curiosity to look through rum” via the US mail. (Yes, I’m over thirty person notlong ago. I remember how it myfirst copy a brother had sent to me. My and still like to read a paper print). When allbegan to change. It was after reading ancestors have become honorably important the “FORUM” arrives I quickly peruse the those early issues of FAROG. Once I got to me because ofthis darling magazine. And pages and then take my time in reading both past the disagreeable name Ifound it to be on amore personal note, it continues to be a the French and English versions of each a friendly magazine, accenting pride and reliable source of information that on occa- article. My mother is 90 plus and I do share dignity that was sharedby people who spoke sion lets me express my thoughts, as well. Le Forum with her, thus I need a printed Dear Le Forum; copy. Thank you and I do hope and pray like to continue my support in the future. I enjoy the Le Forum publica- that your meager funds from the State of If you have already sent out the tion so much! However, the last time Maine will be augmented in the near future. latest publication and it might be in the I received the magazine was this past Is your organization a not-for-profit mail, then ignore this note. If I’ve been early Spring I believe it was in April. (501c3)? If so, maybe readers need to inadvertently omitted from the list of I do not have a computer and cannot know that any donations made to the subscribers, please check your records. receive “Le Forum” on line. I did notify you Forum are tax deductible. And if tax de- I do look forward to my next issue. immediately that I would have to continue G o d B l e s s Y o u ! ductible how and where to send donations. receiving the publication via snail mail. I sent 2 checks to cover my subscription plus a Love and Prayers, Sincerely, little extra for expenditures incurred through Ann E. Romano Lucille Langlois “snail mail” for myself and perhaps others Newington, CT Quinebaug, CT who could not afford the extra cost. I’d Les Français d’Amérique / French In America 1605-2010 = 405 ans passés les Français s’implantaient au Nouveau Monde. Le temps est opportun de rappeler leur histoire (300+ photographs). All texts are bilingual

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Project of: Virgil Benoit, Red Lake Falls, Minnesota Planning & Execution by: Marie-Reine Mikesell, Chicago, Illinois 20 Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS Without his support, placing one foot after have a more philosophical connection. the other is done cautiously, but thoughts We relax there on the beach repeat- BOOKS/LIVRES...are of our fist years together. I look down ing stories of old, watching the actions choosing and picking stones or an occasional of the surf and simultaneously finding sea urchin shell. I amuse myself until both amusement discussing the changes our feet make it known I need to end walk- roles have taken. Gerry points the camera ing. Gerry has placed my chair as close at me freezing the moment. We look out to the water as possible, knowing I needed to the sea, now a mirror for an August sky to breathe and hear the sounds of the sea. on this hot afternoon. It’s an unforgettable His chair is placed next to mine and celebration. I know it can and does happen’ he’s poured himself an ice cold martini but no more than once or twice between a from the L.L. Bean silver thermos bottle, multitude of concerns, disappointments or so old it doesn’t keep his drinks cold for losses, which are as certain. We spoke of very long. Bottled water is taken from our blessings there in sunlight. For me., the picnic basket. Gerry unscrews the cap the memory that Will last longest is how I and pours me a drink. We lift stemmed- clung to the present while continuing to day glasses taken from home toasting the won- dream and for long moments my eyes went ders of arriving fifty-three years together. from the horizon to spouse; if they closed The waves rolled in the closer. The there was solace; opened again, there was freshness of the summer breeze reinforced in front of me all that is familiar and true. my affection for what surrounds me––there is no place I’d rather be. The sea’s familiar - August 2003 sounds of rocks pulled back and under until Announcing a new book: they find a deeper place to settle are remind- A PLACE CALLED SPRUCE ers of our years together. There were times KNOLL -- by Annette Paradis King we went back to step or two, and when lucky, forward again bringing us to this day. The happiest of times can be just An excerpt: August 20, 2004 the ability to grasp or clutch a happy mo- ment. A good example is the time I sat in And when all else about them has been for- the car and watched Gerry walking across gotten, the tradition of the grace remains, the parking lot pushing a week’s supply as much a part of the house as the bricks of food. I noticed the big grocery sign of the chimney and the boards of its floor. behind him and momentarily, I knew we –– E. Coatsworth had opened a new and different chapter of togetherness. Another moment is re- ABOUT THE AUTHOR: What will be remembered this an- membered when watching him coming up Annette Paradis King lives with her niversary? Surely, one thing will be the the driveway carrying the morning mail. spouse Gerry in Gouldsboro, Maine. For house we made into a home for all who Without warning in some deep place inside more than fifteen years, she has enjoyed come. The sons with their families who a thread of devotion became known and sharing with family and friends her non- keep in touch driving long distances, and the for the remainder of the day I rejoiced. fiction short-stories. She believes that grandchildren who have grown like spring That’s what happiness is that moment even insignificant moments are jewels greens. Here we are on the beach remember- when the present is grasped. The kind of and surely as valuable as every important ing things that happened long ago, feeling happiness I’m speaking of isn’t something documented development. She is devoted like old warriors, which of course we are. you can take a lump of anytime you want to poetry and continues to create one on oc- Gerry offers his arm for stability. We to. Happiness can be a time when you catch casion. A second chapbook is in progress. walk slowly on the cool wet sand watch- your breath over something so insignificant ing the white caps roll up to our sandals. that if you’re not aware you’ll miss it and if The ocean floor is bare as the tide is way you catch it, it’s enough to last a long time. “A Place Called Spruce Knoll” out. It’s not a sandy beach making it less Many levels of this new place keep coming can be ordered from the author, for popular for swimmers, possible. A few to light. I mulled over how much longer it $8.00 plus $3.00 shipping, at: people stroll around and about the seaweed takes to accomplish what’s important. Are 454 South Gouldsboro Road brought in by a recent storm. The huge fluffy we just slower? I like to think that people Gouldsboro, Maine 04607 gray clouds move in and out of different of retirement age are slower because they shapes working my imagination. Mussel want to go deeper, not like younger ones shells along the shoreline are inches deep. who tend to go faster and farther. It’s a new Or by via email: “Annette King” Shortly, my spouse went back to the place in the cycle of life. It has a deeper [email protected] car to carry what we packed from kitchen aspect concerning imagination, curiosity, to an unoccupied picnic table: I watch. and in a sense even relationships like ours (More on page 36) 21 Le Forum cluded her letter by saying that our oldest farm where the children had loads of fun. The Germain Saga brother was happily married. Claire and I by After five years of suffering from read and re-read the letter including the New S. Ella Marie cancer, Elsie died on April 27, 1972. She Richmond News clipping. Elsie’s sister Ber- Germain, CSJ loved her family, and remains very close nice was the bridesmaid, Delore’s brother, Ninth Installment to each one. Her son, Richard, preceded Andrew, was the best man. The flower her in death after years of suffering also girls was Ruth Holmquist, and the ring from cancer. It was sad to see a young man bearer was Delore’s youngest brother, Ralph. leave his young wife, Frances, with three The newly married couple rented a small children: Thomas, Marjorie and Julie. farm house east of New Richmond. Here Delore was lonely after Elsie’s death. two sons were born, Arlin and Richard. He joined the Don Bosco Singles’ Club Delore’s job was in St. Paul about 30 in Minneapolis, and met Alcie Black- miles away. To be closer to his work wood. Later that year they were mar- the family moved to St. Paul in 1937. ried on October 6, 1972. Delore sold Both Delore and Elsie loved the his house on Minnehaha. They lived in country and the outdoors. After renting a McKnight Apartment for many years. for some time, they bough a house with a For fifteen winters Alice and De- few acres of land off Minnehaha Avenue. lore enjoyed nearly perfect weather DELORE There Delore had a large garden, an or- in Hawaii. Delore collected, crushed, chard, chickens, bees, and two goats. I and sold enough aluminum soft drink After two years of teaching, Delore often wondered how my brother could cans to pay for trips to the sunny island. decided to look for a better paying job. In take care of all this besides his regular job In 1997, Delore and Alice celebrated 1933, he went to St. Paul, and was hired at at Seeger’s and then at Hamm’s Brewery. their 25th wedding anniversary with their chil- Seeger’s Refrigerators. When the weekend On the side he sold Electrolux Vacuum dren, family and friends. They both looked came Delore was happy, because he drove to Cleaners, Fuller Brushes, and Aluminum young and happy. After almost twenty-eight New Richmond to see his girl friend, Elsie Windows. Delore also spent many hours at years together, Alice died in February of 1998. Knutson. During their courtship, Elsie took a laundromat which he owned in partnership Delore is alone again. His children instructions, and became a Catholic. This with his brother-in-law, Thomas Mitchell. are very good to him. In May of 2001, was a great joy for Delore and our family. Elsie was the loving mother who Delore went to live in the Good Samari- May 17, 1935, was the day chosen for cooked delicious meals for the family. She tan Home in Stillwater. He enjoys play- Delore and Elsie’s wedding in St. Anne’s went about her work quietly and efficiently. ing cribbage with his sons and relatives. Church in Somerset, Wisconsin. Sister Delore and Elsie were blessed with eight On August 7, 2002, his children Claire and I were in Bourg, France, for our children: Arlin, Richard, Joy Marie, Judy and family met at his daughter Judy’s Novitiate when we received the news in and Janice (twins), Robert, Mary Gail home to celebrate his 91st birthday. De- Mom’s letter. She described the wedding and David. The family frequently visited lore is the proud grandfather to 23 grand- at the church, the festivities, and she con- Grandma and Grandpa Germain on the children and 28 great grandchildren.

Elsie Knutson Germain & Delore Germain Alice & Delore’s Wedding Anniversary - 1997 Delore, Elsie, and Twins Judy & Janice

Four Generations –– 2002 –– Four Generations: Delore with Janice Roe, Lee Judy, Alrin, Robert, Delore, Baby Tommy, Richard, Ann Locken, and the twins, David, Janice, Mary Gail, and Joy Delore & Grandpa Germain Lauren & Michaela Locken (Continued on page 23) 22 Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS (The Germain Saga continued from page 22) missiles at them. Andrew saw one coming was not meant to be. Years later they were ANDREW GERMAIN right toward him. He jumped in the 50 divorced, and the marriage was annulled. foot hole, and got to the bottom without In God’s plan Andrew and Ruth Montbri- touching a step, and came out unhurt! and were brought together. The marriage After Andrew’s graduation in 1932, Andrew’s division of the Interna- took place on January 3, 1980, in Hawaii. he worked with Uncle Phil Laventure in his tional Morse Secret Codes successfully Ruth and Andrew bought some land machine shop in New Richmond. Here An- transmitted messages, and eventually were from Urban on County Road C. They drew began learning the trade of a mechanic. of prime importance in winning the war. built a beautiful country home nestled in Always active and eager to try some- After the war, Andrew went to An- tall pine trees. North of the house Andrew thing new, Andrew joined the Walk-A- twerp to wait for a return boat to the planted a large garden. He spent several Thon Contest during the summer 1933 United States. While waiting he played summers bringing his produce to markets at the Terrace in Somerset, Wisconsin. poker, and won $2000. On his return he in Hudson, New Richmond, and Stillwa- Crowds gathered to watch the contestants used the money to buy 12 cows and 100 ter. Ruth kept the bird feeders well sup- walk and walk. Mom did not like this sows. He bought a farm east of New plied, which attracted a variety of birds. because she was worried about Andrew’s Richmond, and lived there until 1951. In their spare time, Andrew and Ruth health for lack of sleep. After it was all Andrew was a successful farmer, but play a little poker with the family. The over, Andrew told us that they slept all decided to sell his farm and return to Cali- cold winter months led them to Las Vegas night after the crowds dispersed! Who fornia. He was rehired at Griffin Wheel. It for twelve winters. In 1992, Andrew and won? The winner was Andrew Germain! was only after three months that he was Ruth sold their country home to Jeanne and In 1936, Andrew went to California. named foreman. Ten years later he was Ted Germain. They bought a town house Uncle Phil sent a letter of recommendation to transferred to the new plant in Bensenville, on Raymond Street in Somerset. It is in a Griffin Wheel Company in Huntington Park, Illinois. On his way to Chicago, Andrew had quiet area and close to St. Anne’s Church. and he was hired. Andrew worked there a heart attack in Kansas. He was hospital- In his retirement years, Andrew is until 1941 when he was drafted. He went ized for three weeks, and then recuperated very active. In 1946, Dad spoke to An- for training in Shepherd’s Field, Texas where at Mom and Dad’s home for two months. drew about the Knights of Columbus. He he attended the Army Airforce Instrument While there Dad gave Andrew a book to joined in New Richmond where Uncle School. From there, he was sent to Scotts- read, Old Folk Medicine. The book stated Phil Laventure was a Grand Knight. In man’s Field, California to work on Aircraft the benefits of taking apple cider vinegar and 1975, Andrew was reinstated as an active Instruments. In Chicago, Andrew studied honey. Andrew has been taking it ever since. member in Somerset. Today he is Fourth Radio Mechanics and the International It was several weeks before An- Degree Grand Knight and trustee. He has Morse Code. It was in 1943 that Andrew drew went back to work at Griffin Wheel received several awards––”Knight of the married Venita Fortune in Chicago. She was as General Foreman and manager of the Month” for his services. St. Anne’s School a widow with a small child named Bruce. plant in Chicago. In 1979, at the age of 62, receives scholarships from the Knights. During the war, Corporal Andrew Andrew retired. At his retirement party, Andrew is a prayer partner with his grand Germain transmitted the secret codes to all Andrew was praised for his achievements nephew, Gavin Germain. They celebrate bases in Liecester, England. After D-Day, especially for his inventions which saved the their birthdays together on March 19. Andrew and his group were transferred to company millions of dollars, for his loyalty Andrew is a life time member of the La Val in southwestern France. As terri- and fairness in dealing with his employees, American Legion and Chaplain for the tory was gained, the group advanced usu- and for his friendliness toward everyone. Somerset chapter. Since 1987, Andrew ally 40 or 50 miles behind the front lines. The year 1979 was the beginning of a is the president of the Somerset Senior At the Battle of the Bulge, British new part of Andrew’s life. Divine Providence Center. His active service and his hearty troops bombed at night, and the Ameri- directs and guides the events of each day. laugh keep him young at the age of 88! cans during the day. After this battle, What happens has a purpose and leads ulti- Andrew’s outfit occupied a hole built by mately to God. Andrew’s marriage to Venita (Continued on page 24) the Germans. German fighter planes fired

In Andy’s California pool: Andy, Mom, and Dad

Ruth Montbriand Germain and Andrew Germain

23 Le Forum (The Germain Saga continued from page 23)

Corporal Andrew and Urban, Fourth Andrew Germain Degree Grand Knights

24 Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS

THE DIGGIN’S les Piroches

287 ans des Français dans le comté Washington (287 years of the French in Washington County)

Volume 16, Issue 1—Winter 2010 Old Mines Area Historical Society, Inc. www.rootsweb.com/~moomahs La societé historique de la région de la Vieille Mine Spotlight Biography married Mary Louise Clermont in 1768. crossing in Ste. Genevieve and had several Fifth Annual French HeritageHer family canSeminar be traced Scheduledto the first settlers for Aprilchildren. 10 Records-11, 2010 show Mrs. Boldoc and from France which was lead by Jacques Mrs. St Gemme were godmothers for two Of DaysMusic was Gone always By a part of homeCartier. entertainment The names of andthose socializing early settlers in Frenchof the DaPronhomes andchildren. this Theyear family we moved are on a monument in Quebec. Soon after will be Harry welcoming Dapron ―The Irish Sessions‖ to our Annual French Heritage Seminarto Carondelet which whereis scheduled more children for were they were married they traveled down the Mary April 10-11, 2010. The Irish Sessions will make two presentations to us on born.this day.Their Once son Nicholas presenting married to Wabash River to the small French trading Daganet and they had a son Nicholas, who us the transitions between French Celtic music and Irish music and later in the afternoon, a perform- On May, 15, 1986 my father, Harry post of Vincennes, Indiana. It was there was my great-great grandfather. He married ance in concert. Presenters this year also will include Geoffrey Pratt who will give us a history of the Nicholas DaPron was laid to rest in Calvary they established their home and raised a Eugenia Soutier, a young lady who had just CemeteryPratt in Family Desoto, in Mo. Washington As I stood County,by large descendants family. Guillaume of Jean DaPron Baptiste died Pratte. at arrived Carole from Goggin France will with give her us twin a brother the gravepresentation site I began on to theexamine cemeteries the other of Washingtonan early age Countyand Mary and Louise how remarried. to make theEugene, most ofwho your married cemetery Nicholas’s visit sister and tombstoneswhen in searching our family for plot. your It was French then I Ancestors. Donald Smith will share withthey us thesettle history in the ofsmall barite French min- community realizeding how in Washingtonlittle I knew about County. our family of St. Paul, which is located north of St. history. We decided with the encourage- Charles on the Quiver River. We believe they ment of my Oncousin Sunday, Harry Douglas we will Allen be meeting at St. Joachim Church and then moved going there to breakfast to be near atthe OzarkDaganet family, and myFreeze. wife’s curious We will nature. then So be we touring began the Mining Museum at Park Hills and backwho to owned Potosi land for on a thespecial river tourjust east of the the arduousat the Maxwelltask of tracing House the Store DaPron and their personal display of antique tools. present day bridge over the Quiver River name back to the early American settlers. near Old Monroe. It was quite a surprise Nicholas Remember Duperon that married with 1748-your registration, an abundant continental breakfastto find with in the homemade church records bread, that in 1864 Isabellerolls Chardonnett, and fruit is Quebec, available Canada. plus a substantial lunch. No one has complainedmy about grandfather going away Nicholas hungry John af- was born Guillaumeter this day! DaPron born1750 there. He also had sisters, Clementine, Rose, married 1768 Sandwich, Detroit Julia and brothers, Theodore and Narsis. Nicholas It’s going DaPron to be a wonderful b o r n day and we look forward to seeing as many of youThe as family possible moved participate to the Lemay area 1804 married 1830 Marie Lou - in this annual event. Register early because the price goes up if you pay at thewhere door. Nicholas and Theodore entered the ise Racine, New Madrid, Missouri. insurance business for a short time. During Nicholas DaPron b o r n this period the rest of the family moved to 1834 married 1856 Marie Eug - Capital Campaign Update Shibboleth in Washington County, Missouri. enie Soutia, Carondelet, Missouri. Nicholas John opened a dry goods store in NicholasCabin John# 2 is DaPron almost born completely 1864 mar -finished and it is as charming as can be! Pleasethe remember booming totown continue of Wellston, with Missouri ried Eugeniayour Schmitt, pledges Manchester, and we are Missouri. working to have a gathering possibly in May at the Villageon Derby site Ave. so you He metcan andsee marriedour Sophia Harry Nicholas DaPronprogress! born1904 Funds permitting, Cabin # 3 will be next: PortellSchmitt Cabin from Valley Park, Missouri. They married Edna Wischropp Desoto, Missouri. Edna K. Dapron had a son, Harry Nicholas DaPron. When Harry Alvin DaPron born 1931 mar- Continue to send your pledges to OMAHS, c/o Pathe Moore,was one year old, the family moved ried 1951 Rowena Akins Desoto, Missouri. Their sons Peter and Nicholas DaPron jour- into a log house Nicholas John built in the David Andrew DaPron a d -807neyed Joyce down Ann, the Ohio Ballwin, River to MO a trading 63021 post Old Mines Area. His early childhood was opted 1963 single, Harry Nicho- at New Madrid on the Mississippi River. spent at Happy Hollow, were his father, l a s D a P r o n born 1966. Single In 1799 they obtained a Spanish land grant Nicholas Vol.John 16, DaPron Issue 1, Page had 1 moved in because at that time the territory west of the a futile attempt to make a living mining Guillaume DaPron The name of Mississippi River was under Spanish rule. lead in the early 1900’s. This land joined first appears in the Catholic Church Parish Nicholas DaPron married Mary Louise his sister, Clementine and Charles Wall`s of Sandwich of Windsor, Canada where he Racine and they made their home on the (Continued on page 26) 25 Le Forum (Spotlight Biography Of Days Gone stop at Red Roderick’s store and buy a amazement how those belts that hung from By continued from page 25) Royal Crown Cola and a Tip Top cake, the ceiling would drive those different ma- property. After several years and with chines that could hammer red hot steel into little success, he traded the property for horse shoes, sharpen picks and make wagon Tony Koch’s home in Desoto. Nicholas tires and repair wagon wheels. What would John and his young son Harry Nicholas we have done without John Boyer`s Store built and operated Fountain City Lumber and Joe Bourisaw`s Jot Em Down Store. Co. They provided the material for Wash- What a treasure those stores would be today. ington State Park during the W.P.A. days. I spent a lot of time with the Carrick Nicholas John died in 1937 and Bourisaw family, which I admired very the lumber yard was sold to Newell much. Mr. Bourisaw would let me go with Hopson. My father, Harry Nicholas him and Pauly when they plowed, cut and DaPron built a road house in Racola and put up hay, haul pole wood or butchered hog. called it Racola City in 1937. It was like Mrs. Bourisaw’s brother, Pat Declue would coming back home for him, for me it Picture #1 students top row r to l: Adrain use his trucks rear wheels attached to a saw had many new and exciting experiences. Jack Coleman, Roy Reder, Walter Reando rig to cut the winter wood into stove length. I was six years old when we moved and Sidney Coleman. She would always cook a big chicken and to Racola. I started the second grade at dumpling dinner, which I looked forward Racola School. The school was located to be invited. Mrs. Bourisaw would bake across the swinging bridge and up the hill biscuits every day and where light bread was behind the tavern. My teachers were a treat. On rare occasion I would spend the Miss Cartona Dougherty and Mrs. Ma- night. We would play cacina under the light rie Higginbotham. I loved them both. of a lamp around that big table, then kneel The school had no electricity and a down on a chair and say the rosary before bed. large pot bellied stove for heat, one of the It was a lot of fun to wade in the Old older students was paid 25 cents a week Mines Creek and hand fish or go hunting to come in early and start the fire. If we with Meesh and Joe (Baleash) Coleman. wanted a drink we went to the pump house All we had to hunt with was an axe, some and the toilets were down the hill. During strips of old inner tube to set on fire and drop recess we would play softball, we also had down in the hole to run the squirrel out after a red rubber ball but it always needed air. Picture #2 r to l: Joe Coleman, Agnes the dog treed. Some days we would go all There was a large wild cherry tree on the Kincade, Leona Coleman, Vincent the way back to Mineral Fork and maybe kill play ground with a basketball rim grown Kincade, Henri Ann Hargus, Rose DeClue, a squirrel, a groundhog or a fish caught in in it. I could never figure out what it was League Hargus, and Grace DeClue. middle branch. Meesh’s mother Irene could for. How sad! When I graduated the eighth cook anything we brought home. On the way grade, there were thirteen students in the That’s the best I can do on names. If you home we would stop by Paul and Evelyn school. They were Grace Declue, Rose have nay questions, feel free to email us. Flynn’s house on Middle Branch. That would Declue, Francis Declue, Catherine Declue, (Harry) bring us home after dark and it always wor- Henri Ann Hargus, League Hargus, John ried my mother who would be calling for me. Coleman, James Wilkerson, Nancy Wilk- During the war years the tavern was erson, John Bequette, Dennis Coleman only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and I, Harry Alvin DaPron. Charlie Pashia with his Moving to Racola in fiddle would arrive on Sat- 1937 was like going back urday night in his Model to the 1800`s. No electric- A truck. The dance would ity, no telephone, no run- begin. Who could forget ning water and no inside Lou Coleman doing his jig plumbing. All farming was or Boose Bourisaw play- done with horses. I fond- ing the beer barrel polka ly remember the families on the piano, occasion- in the area and how gra- ally; Roy Queen’s band cious they were to me even would play on Saturday though they had very little. night. I can remember his It took a lot of know how pretty wife dressed in that Racola City to raise a family on those farms. western outfit. She stamped your I spent a lot of time in the Old Mines then coast my bicycle down Highway 21 hand, as you entered the dance hall. Creek, especially the old swimming hole to Racola City. Occasionally I would On Sunday morning after church the below the church in Old Mines. I would ride down to Noah Bequette`s store and pool game would start around that big pot swim all day and on the way home I would the black smith shop. I would watch with (Continued on page 27) 26 Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS (Spotlight Biography Of Days Gone By continued from page 26)

Left: Harry A. DaPron Center: Joe Coleman and Vincent Pulet Kincaide Right: Harry N. DaPron

bellied stove. The coal was always deliv- could attend high school and bought the My deepest thanks and sincere appre- ered by Daley Courtaway. There were Commercial Hotel. I felt it was a privi- ciation for the dedicated people who make some rumors that some gambling went on. lege to have lived there during my early the Old Mines Historical Society possible. I graduated from the eighth grade years. I have a warm spot in my heart for in 1945. Mother and dad sold the tavern. all those people who shared their life HARRY ALVIN DAPRON We moved back to Desoto, Missouri so I with me. Those memories are priceless. Pennies of HOPE... for Edgar J. (Guy) Paradis Cancer Fund

The Edgar J. (Guy) Paradis Cancer with them, especially when treatment Fund, originally known as the Paradis Leuke- was required great distances from home. mia Fund, was founded in 1978. It is named Throughout the years, Guy’s “seed” in the memory of Guy Paradis, a resident of money, in conjunction with such annual the St. John Valley who had erythro-leuke- fundraising events as the Paradis Fund An- mia. Guy often had to leave the familiarity nual Auction, the Tour de La Vallee, and the of the Valley in order to receive treatment in Van Buren Support Group Walk-A-Thon, Please send your pennies of hospitals that were unfamiliar and far from provide assistance to St. John Valley families. HOPE to: family. While his family was able to be with In order to accommodate as many him throughout most of his hospital experi- people as possible and in accordance ence, there were times when he was alone with Guy’s wishes, there are no financial Theresa (Terry) St. Pierre and despaired of the loneliness and isolation parameters that must be met in order to 108 Cyr Avenue he felt while separated from loved ones. qualify to receive assistance from the Fund. When he died, he wanted those who Van Buren, ME 04785 were in similar circumstances to have the comfort of having family nearby. He willed start-up funding so that other pa- Or for more info: tients receiving cancer treatment therapy 207-868-5206 would have members of their families 27 Le Forum tout autour de la chambre et en plus on avait Les jours d’innocence manqué haussé la toilette sur une petite tribune. par Bob Rivard C’était là dans la chambre de bain que ma Amherst, MA tante avait tombé la première fois, quand elle - 1 - enjambait la baignoire et ma mère ne pouvait pas la soulever du plancher sans mon aide. Pendant ma jeunesse je demeurait à tait la maîtresse à faire l’inspection. Si J’ai perdu mon innocence de la forme fémi- Lowell dans un coin qu’on appelait Paw- tout était à l’ordre, la maîtresse claquait nine ce jour là, quand j’avais seulement huit tucketville. Dans ce temps là, mille neuf sa claquoir et on déboulait l’escalier. ans et demi; l’affaire a failli de m’aveugler. cent cinquante, tous le monde sur la rue Le capitaine du jour, comptait les La deuxième fois était moins grave. était francophone, le sermon se disait en têtes, distribuait les petites bouteilles de Ma tante était en train de se maquiller un français le dimanche, et les Soeurs Grises lait, ramassait les devoirs, et souvent il beau Dimanche en printemps quand le tapis de la Croix enseignaient à l’école Ste avait le grand honneur de prendre le pu- a commencé de glisser et ma tante ne pouvait Jeanne d’Arc. J’ai commencé l’école quand pitre en arrière. C’est à dire pas de devoir pas s’arrêter de se coincer au ralenti entre le on enseigna tous les sujets en français. ce soir là. Tous les élèves luttaient, vrai bureau et la coiffeuse. Au moins elle portait Beaucoup de nos Soeurs ne savaient dire, conspiraient de se faire nommer... sa peignoir et j’évita un coup d’oeil mortel. pas parler anglais, où s’ils connaissaient -Le Capitaine du Jour-. Je ne sais pas pourquoi, mais Raymond n’ la langue, elles évitaient de nous répondre Les trois mousquetaires, sel- était jamais là au moment du dérangement, en anglais. J’ai soupçonné très tôt qu’ils on notre pacte, mettraient notre plan et sa tombait sur mes épaules de dresser nous comprenaient quand nous parlions en marche quand le premier de nous la grande dame époustouflante. C’était anglais ensemble, mais il y avait tou- soit nommer -Capitaine-, où manquant l’épreuve de ma jeunesse et de ma puissance. jours un peu de doute, et pour savoir la l’occasion au plus tard le premier avril. La troisième fois, un lundi avant vérité j’ai conçu un projet de les tromper. l’école, il y avait un coup de tonnerre Un bon jour j’ai approcher ‘ti Jean et Ma tante Gracieuse tombe pour la qu’ébranlait la maison. Je songeait que Jean-Claude mes meilleur copains quand troisième fois les Russe commençait la troisième guerre on était en chemin à l’école le matin. mondiale. Ma mère a poussée un cri per- çant, un hurlement vraiment effrayante... -Hey guys, wait up!- -2- J’e balbutiait comme un fou. -ma tante s’est cassée la figure! Ma mère a bondit l’escalier en avant, - Robert Léon, qu’est-ce que tu La maison où j’habitait avait deux j’ai bondit l’escalier en arrière et on c’est as manger pour ton petit déjeuner ce étages. À la mort de mon père, deux jours rencontrer dans la cuisine où on a trouvé matin. Tu est exciter comme un chien fou.- après ma septième fête, c’ést devenu absolu- ma tante, les quatre fers en l’air, une -J’ai songé un poisson d’avril! On ment impératif de louer le deuxième étage. main sur la poignée du poêle, la porte commencera comme toujours à la dérobe, Ma mère, une veuve avec cinq enfants, sur l’estomac, et une sauce piquante d’un et quand on finira on va savoir sans aucun espérait contre toute raison, de trouver une bout à l’autre dans la pièce. Inutile de dire doute si la Soeur Agnes comprends l’anglais.- famille francophone locataire qui pourrait que je sera en retard à l’école ce jour là. -Mais alors, nos oreilles brûles, dis nous rendre service. Deux fois manqué, la Bien sur c’était avantageux, j’avais nous quoi faire pour mettre le mis en scène.- troisième famille qu’on à trouvé, avait le pas fait mes devoir pendant trois jours. Pour un dizaine de jours, chemin même surnom que nous. C’était une grande Après qu’on avait installé ma tante dans faisant à l’école, le plan se peaufinait. dame, Gracieuse Langlais Rivard, et son sa fauteuil, une propre robe de chambre Nous trois, les mousquetaires de la rue neveu Raymond. Je dis grande dame, grosse au dos, et une tasse de thé à la main, Robert, jurait nos grands dieux de ne dame est peut être un peut plus précis. je dis à ma mère - Maman, je finira de jamais admettre, sous peine de l’enfer, Ma tante Grace, ce qu’on l’appelait, nettoyer ici, il est presque midi, il me qu’aucun de nous avait fabriqué l’affaire. chancelait avec une canne du chambranle au faudra une note pour la Soeur Agnes. Deux fois par jour on prenait quinze bureau, du bureau au lit, du lit à la vitrine, de minute de récréation dans la cour près de la vitrine à la porte, de la porte à la fauteuil. l’école. Les garçons filait au petit coin quand De temps en temps elle tapait au plancher La Maîtresse ne faisait pas le poids dans les filles finissait leur écriture, et on descen- avec sa canne, et ma mère m’envoyait en ces circonstances difficiles. dait l’escalier en avant. Pendant quinze haut pour l’aider. La fauteuil était si creuse minutes on avait la cour de l’école à les gars. que ma tante Grâce pouvait pas se lever. J’avais neuf ans au quatrième. Dans ce A leur tour, les filles faisaient leur be- J’avais davantage que quatre-vingt-dix temps-là aux écoles catholiques les Soeurs soin aux cabinets et descendaient l’escalier en livres, et ma tante pesait deux cents quatre- savaient mener les élevés avec un bâton, avant au même temps que les gars montaient vingt-dix livres. C’était là, à la fauteuil une petite lanière de cuir, et un pupitre en en arrière. C’était absolument nécessaire de de ma tante, que j’eus ma première leçon arrière avec des crayons de couleurs. C’était nous séparer pendant la récréation dehors. de physique. Le principe d’Archemides. le pupitre du Capitaine du Jour; la chaise Les Soeurs savaient bien que les jeunes de -Une canne au cul fait le - sans douleur, sans chagrin, sans devoir. huit et neuf ans pouvaient attraper un coup ver la plus grosse dame au monde- La bonne Soeur était une nerveuse. de folie s’ils nous laissaient jouer ensemble. Une fois à pied, Grâce pouvait faire On était quarante dans la classe. vingt Quand les garçons finissaient ses besoins à la chambre de bains tout seul filles et vingt garçons. La Soeur était aux toilettes, le capitaine du jour, invi- parce qu’on avait installé une main courante (Suite page 29) 28 Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS (Les jours d’innocence manqué suite de autres, gérant mes soldats dans l’armé du gauche!- page 22) bonheur. Une fois dans la cours de l’école, J’ai passé un coup d’oeil à mes j’ai pris mon post près de la porte et quand copains. Ont le savait maintenant. Sans toujours deux pas de l’asile. Elle avait j’apercevais la bonne Soeur Agnes je disais aucune doute la Soeur Agnes comprenait installé deux autres pupitres en arrière, à mes copains pour qu’elle pouvait entendre, l’anglais. Ont avait réussi! L’affaire était fini. les pupitres à gauche, les pupitres nulles, -You’ll never guess what Stongee did!- -Une chose en plus, - La Soeur faces au mur. Je les connaissais bien. Parbleu! François St.Onge c’est un Melanie menaçait! J’ai rentré à l’école après midi ce jour peu loin en français de son nom de guerre en - C’était qui le Capitaine hier?- là, manquant me devoirs, avec une note d’or. anglais. Aucune personne à dit aucune chose - C’était moi ma Soeur - je me levais. de plus. Les filles sont descendu dans la cour - Venez ici s’il vous plaît. - Chère Soeur Agnes; S’il vous plaît, quand nous sommes rentrés à l’escalier op- Savez vous quelque choses pour mon enfant Robert Léon est en retard posé. Pas un mot s’est passé de l’un à l’autre. éclairer ce qui c’est passé hier?- aujourd’hui parce qu’on a eut un éclat Le lendemain, un Mardi que je ne - Le seul que je peut vous dire Ma chez nous qui m’a rendue au bout. Ma tante vais jamais oublier, nous nous sommes Soeur, c’est que les responsables ont Gracieuse eut une crise épouvantable et mon rendu à l’école pour découvrir que notre démontré l’organisation, la planifica- cher enfant a traversé des moments très dif- maîtresse ce jour là était la Soeur Melanie. tion, et l’exécution d’un équipe. Alors, ficiles pour mettre de l’ordre à là maison. -Monsieur St. Onge!- ils étaient si méticuleux, jusqu’a vous -Présent, ma Soeur.- faire pensée que l’élève que vous avez Veuillez agréer mes sentiments, -Est ce qu’il y a quelque choses juste puni était le responsable. Je jure que Emelia Rivard.- que vous voulez dire aux jeunes filles?- François ne pourrait pas être le coupable, -Pardons, ma Soeur?- j’avais un oeil sur lui la pleine après midi.- La Soeur Agnes a mis la note La Soeur Melanie a sorti sa - Vraiment! Alors, je peut pas dans son bureau et à voix douce m’a lanière de cuir et balançait d’une jambe les défaire les trois coups mais je peut donné un congé - Alors, Robert Léon, à l’autre. Ça c’était pas une bonne signe. les augmenter. Ouvrez vos mains!- prenez le pupitre à droit en arrière, il est - Venez ici s’il vous plaît.- J’ai reçu trois coups chaque main. vide maintenant, et dessiner à votre gré. Déjà, sans aucune hésitation, François Je n’ai pas pleurer une goutte ce jour là. a commencé de pleurer. Lentement il se dres- Quand j’ai repris conscience, il était Le plan s’est lancé. sait devant la classe, et la Soeur Melanie lui déjà trop tard. a demandé s’il voulait faire une confession. Je ne suis pas fier de vous dire qu’on Chez une heure quarante cinq, les -Pourquoi?- n’a jamais vu la Soeur Agnes après le lundi de garçons filaient dans le couloir pendant que -Etes-vous le coupable qui a enlever le la tombé de grâce, et je connais aujourd’hui les filles faisaient une écriture, et c’était papier hygiénique de les cabinets des filles?- que c’était moi qui tombai ce jour là. mois, Le Capitaine, qui dirigeait les affaires La peur lui tordait la langue. Par trois Je pleur chaque fois que je à là toilette. J’envoyait deux garçons à là fois la lanière tombait sur sa main ouvert. pense à la bonne Soeur Agnes. fois au petit coin et de temps en temps deux -Allez vous asseoir dans le pupitre à

The little angel at first communion– before the fall

Three years later–– after the fall

29 Le Forum and later, the ride home was filled with silence. Gazing at it, she felt both a surge of joy Sanctuary Now, as they sat across from and of sorrow. Her mother had told her by Beverly Sheresh each other at their kitchen table, more than once, “Dont’t even think about a pitcher of lemonade between them, going into your father’s cabin...that roof Bonita, CA she waited for the inevitable question. is about to collapse at any time and you In the heart of the forest, settled Her mother, maybe a bit angry, don’t know what kind of animal or other on a slight rise and sheltered by sugar with a tiredness around her eyes and a wild creatures could be living in there.” pines, stood the cabin. Long abandoned, pallor to her skin, sighed deeply before “Sorry, Ma,” she said as she ap- with it’s sunken roof and empty win- speaking. “Claire why did you leave proached its door. dows, it seemed a forlorn sight. But the cemetery before the services for Partially ajar, it hung on rusty hinges. for Claire’s father, it had been special. your father was over? People noticed.” When she stepped inside, old boards As a young man, nearly for- “I just can’t explain it, Ma.” creaked under her feet and the musty smell ty years ago, in a burst of youth- Yet in her thoughts, lines from a of mildew and rotting timbers perme- ful independence, he’d lived there. poem she’d heard and somehow had ated teh room still, she’d expected that. “Built it myself,” he’d told her in his never forgotten had seemed fitting: Rushes of memories, of her father’s many stories of his life there. “Even built “Do not stand at my grave and many stories, his voice excited in the telling. that fieldstone fireplace...rock by rock... weep. I am not there, I do not sleep.....” The fieldstone fireplace, covered with well, with a little help from Ed Down the “I don’t understand you,” her cobwebs, still had chunks of pine logs in road. Living in the outdoors...well I felt mother said, as she blinked away threat- it. Across those stones and reaching for like I belonged there. Won’t soon forget it.” ening tears. “While you were there, the roof, clung some kind of wild ivy. The Eventually, after going to did you at least say a prayer for him?” old pot belly stove, rusted yet still standing trade school and getting married, he’d “I wanted to...I tried.” erect, squatted in one corner. She recalled moved to their present home, in a vil- No more questions, and Claire was stories of her grandmother, visiting with lage only a few blocks from the woods. grateful. him every so often, and bringing with her As a young child, Claire recalled Outside their kitchen window, chicka- the fixings for a meal. His favorite was her bumping along with her father in their old dees in the trees, called to each other. Their fresh haddock fried in an old cast iron pan. Ford pickup to different building sites, sounds magnified the silence between them. They would sit at his rickety table and enjoy where he helped in construction. Though Claire desperately wanted to comfort it together. (Her mother never approved of short and stocky and with a baseball cap her mother, to say what was in her heart. Fi- his Thoreau-like leanings and seldom visited jammed down on his head, he scaled those nally, she reached over to squeeze her moth- the cabin.) Near a back wall, a cot still with ladders with agility, hammer and nails at the er’s hand. “Mom, we won’t forget him... faded blanket, that may have been a nest for ready and the sharp sound of nails driven we’ll get through this together...we will.” the birds. And on several walls, fastened deep echoed and reechoed. She was happy A slight nod from her mother. with thumb tacks, old newspaper clip- to just watch him and later they would share Then, a few moments later, her pings, brown and fading, heralding the Red lunch of fired chicken and blueberry cake or mother leaned back in her chair, gazing Sox, his favorite team. And near the door, maybe just peanut butter sandwiches...what- out the window. “You know, you and snowshoes hanging from a nail, brought ever her mother had at hand. She so missed your father were so alike. When you went thoughts of those snowy days of the past. those days and her father’s quiet love. with him to his work on building those And then, through a crack in the floor, But this cabin...his first “creation,” a houses, I swear if he’d let you , you’d climb she saw a flash of colors, green and gold... beginning of what was to be his life’s work. those ladders with him, hammer in hand.” reaching for the light...a lone daisy. Amazing. Though the family wanted to tear “Yes, but of course, he’d never Overwhelmed, she felt her father’s it down, he’d refused. “Now, it belongs let me. But, you’re right, I wanted to!” presence, in this room. Being there soft- to nature and to God.” He proclaimed. Her mother smiled....a good thing to see. ened her grief, giving her a kind of sol- But, since his death a few days ago, That night, Claire’s sleep was restless, ace. As long as she could, she would try Claire wondered about the fate of that cabin. filled with guilt and a kind of emptiness. to save this cabin, this place...his place. So sudden, her father’s passing...the She awoke early the next morning, know- And as she stood listening to the hear, so strong and yet so fragile. Claire still ing what she needed to do, leaving her bed sighing of the wind, the scent of bayberry couldn’t believe it...didn’t want to believe it. before her mother was up. After throwing leaves filled the room, like incense from And today, at his memorial ser- on some clothes, she left the house quietly. the altar stair. And the music, birdsong. vice at the grave site, she’d left early. She walked through empty streets, then At last, a place to pray. Heads turned. down a hill where a path through the fields Filled with joy and with sorrow, she knelt But, she needed to walk away from lead to the forest. Early morning mist drew on the fireside hearth, and bowed her head. the long faces, the weeping, the overpower- from the pines their pungent scent before ing scent of hothouse flowers. Her father settling on the meadow. Song sparrows and wouldn’t have wanted this. She knew him so warblers, long up, sang lustily as a squir- well. Rather in remembrance, a simple bou- rel hustled up a tree when she passed by. quet of wild flowers, picked from their fields... These woods, those sounds, lifted her spirits daisies...buttercups, might have pleased him. as she breathed deeply of the morning air. She’d waited in t he pickup for her mother At last, she reached her father’s cabin.

29 30 Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS to the waist and wash in the kitchen sink. Re- HENRY JOSEPH LABORE, Sr member – we had no bathtub or warm water in the upstairs bathroom. Water splashes all Dec. 19, 1878 – July 5, 1954 over as Ma tries to keep supper going and

attend to Pa doing his cleansing ritual. It He was born on the family farm, lo- ing in their converted sewing room on the was something out of a storybook and I can cated on Schuneman road, White Bear Lake, main floor. It is 5am and they climb out of see it unfold very clearly to this day in 2007. MN. He was the 3rd child in a family of 11. their warm bed. Pa immediately attends to He goes into his bedroom, changes Not much is known of his childhood or his the big space heater in the archway between clothes, puts on his slippers and comes education. I assume he attended a one room the dining & front rooms. When that is taken to the kitchen table for supper. Pa was a school house in the vicinity of the family care of he gets some hot water from the creature of habit. He sits at the head of the farm and was taught English. French only kitchen range, hauls it upstairs to the bath- table, has his own knife, fork and spoon. was spoken at home. He stayed on the farm room (a sink with running cold water and The youngest son is to his right and by age till he married Marguerite Paul, Jan. 3, 1899. a toilet commode) and shaves. Heads back around the table. Ma and the daughters sat The farm was not big enough to support downstairs to eat breakfast. Goes outside to to his left so they could serve the food, etc. all the married children so Henry & Mar- feed and take care of the various animals that We say our “grace” and eat. When the meal guerite rented a house in White Bear Lake. we have. Back inside to dress for work, one is over, He retires to the front room to sit in Henry worked as a bartender. He piece long underwear (longjohns), heavy his leather easy chair. We had no radio or drove horses for White Bear Lake Mercan- shirt & pants, big work shoes, huge overcoat, telephone and many times he would play his tile store. Delivering goods to and from St cap with earmuffs, homemade mittens and harmonica. Ma might make popcorn and Paul, MN. An all day trip in those days. He off he goes to work. It is about 7:15am, his bedtime came about 8:30pm. Pa stokes the loved animals of all kinds but horses were work schedule is 8am to 5pm, Monday thru big heater for the long night ahead. It has his very favorite. I remember him talking Friday. The first several years he worked in been a typical hard working day for him, of his horse Ginger and how he courted the foundry section of Griffin Wheel Works, to be repeated many, many times before he Marguerite. It was 15 miles each way and pouring molten steel into molds to form retires. They sell the house on Sims in 1949 in the winter it was a real challenge. Henry wheels for various boxcars, etc. It was very and build a small 2 bedroom one on a half (Pa) moved his family to St Paul about 1916 hot and dangerous work. Later he worked acre of land that his brother Duesty gave and got a job at Griffin Wheel Works. It was on the wheel press machine. He and his part- him on Schuneman Road, across from the less than a mile from where we lived and he ner Bill would roll wheels onto a platform, farm where they were born. He has chick- walked to work for almost 29 years. Pa was a a by hand hoist would position an axle, the ens, ducks, geese and a huge garden to tend one of a kind individual. A man of excellent machine would press the wheels to the exact too. Duesty builds a home next door and it character and morals who taught his children distance apart. They would roll the pair off is a special time for all of them. They have by example not words. When his children the platform and go get two more wheels. 5 wonderful years before Pa dies in 1954. broke the rules they were punished yet we all He worked that machine till he retired. I repeat what I said about Mar- knew how much he loved us. I have always When the whistle blew at 5pm, all machines guerite (Ma). Pa lived a very full life, been proud to be one of his sons. He was a were turned off and the men went home. enjoyed every minute and left a legacy to strong Catholic who practiced his religion He would bundle up again and start for be proud of. He was a special person who in a quiet yet loud (by actions) manner. home, down the railroad tracks till the alley lives in my heart and memory every day. As I did with Marguerite (Ma), lets between the coal yards and on to our house go back to the year 1924 and relive a day on the corner of Sims & Frank. Now comes Written by Henry J. LaBore, Jr. in the life of Henry (Pa). We are living at a memory that I will tell here because it fits 1117 Sims St. St Paul, MN. It is the middle so well. Pa would come in the house, take Feb. 23, 2007 of January, 10 below zero. They are sleep- all his outer clothing off on the porch, peel MARGUERITE PAUL Dec. 13, 1879 – April 27, 1974

She was born on a farm in the small sound. Marguerite grew up on the farm and community of French Lake near Osseo, was educated in a one room schoolhouse MN. Most of the farmers having migrated where she was taught to speak English. from Quebec, Canada in the mid to late French was the spoken language at home. 1800’s. It was a French speaking com- We know very little of her younger years. munity with very large families being the She met Henry LaBore at a barn norm,. Marguerite’s parents, both born dance in 1897 at age 18. They were married in Quebec, had 19 children. Marguerite January 3, 1899 in St. Mary’s of the Lake was the 8th child, all children were born Catholic Church, White Bear Lake, Minne- at home. The following are some of the sota. They settled in White Bear and started names of her siblings, Eugenia - Narcisse a family, ten children in all, with 9 living to - Nazarene - Mose Celina, all have a French (Continued on page 32) Marguerite Paul - age 14 - 1894 31 Le Forum (MARGUERITE PAUL continued from It is served with home made bread, butter, page 31) coffee or milk to drink. Every one eats their fill and there is some left over, just what Pa adulthood. The first 7 were born at home wanted. Ma will warm it up the next day. with a family relative or a midwife attending. The dishes are done - kitchen is Marguerite or “Maggie” as she was cleaned up. Maggie sits down for another called by her many friends and relatives was steaming hot cup of coffee, she loved her an excellent wife, mother and friend. She coffee very hot. The time is 7 p.m. and it’s was “Ma” to her large family and always put time to get the small children ready for bed. them before her own health and safety. So All the children are in bed by 8 p.m. and she much can be said about her character, reli- goes into the kitchen to put things in order gious convictions, family commitment, but the next day. Bedtime at 9 p.m. comes for let’s just say “They were without blemish”. Maggie and Henry. The circulating heater Let’s go back to the year 1924. We is banked up with coal to last the night and are living at 1117 Sims St.. on the East side the kitchen wood bin is checked to make of St. Paul, MN. It is the middle of Janu- sure it’s ready for tomorrow morning. ary, 10 below zero. Henry and Maggie are They kneel by their bed say their evening sleeping in their converted sewing room prayers in French. Climb into bed, cover on the main floor. It is 5 a.m. and Maggie with the feather filled comforter and to sleep. climbs out of the warm bed to start the wood Maggie has been non-stop burning kitchen stove to warm the kitchen Marguerite Paul - age 15 - 1895 - Osseo, MN. for 9 hours and will sleep sound- and prepare for cooking breakfast. Two Note: the short hair style, very unusual 110 ly. Tomorrow is a repeat of today. boys - ages 2 & 4, a daughter age 7, son years ago. Marguerite (Maggie) lived a age 11 and 3 adults, including Pa to feed very full life and left a wonderful leg- attention. Crying we took turns doing what and get ready for school and work. No time acy filled with many beautiful memo- she said. When we were done, she hugged or actions are wasted as she starts cooking ries. She was a very special person. each of us and said, “Now there will be no oatmeal, frying eggs & potatoes, toast, cof- more fighting”. We never fought again. fee. While they eat she makes lunches for all She was a wonderful cook. I vividly to carry to school or to work. She oversees MEMORIES remember her booya & potatoes, ragu - pork the table as everyone eats and the adults of hocks in brown gravy & potatoes, baked off to work. She bundles the children up I remember many things about my beans with home made ketchup, vegetable well and sees them off to school, everyone Mother, Marguerite, (Paul) LaBore. It seems soup and more, always served with many, walks as they did not own a car. Dishes that I can still hear her calling us to get out of many slices of homemade bread. Ma did are piled up in the sink. She has been go- bed in the morning and get ready for school, not make many cookies or cakes but her ing full tilt for 3 hours already. When the “Joe - Junior. Time to get up”. It is were pies were really good - raisin - apple - syrup baby is fed she sits down for a steaming winter, we would grab our clothes and race - sliced pumpkin. We did not have much hot cup of coffee and eats the leftovers. downstairs into the kitchen where it was dessert during the week as she did most Her day slows down a bit with the warm. We would dress in the warmth of the of the baking on Friday & Saturday. I can family members off to work and school. She kitchen with its mouth watering smells. The still smell the aroma of fresh baked bread. starts cleaning up the kitchen. Remember big double boiler pot was on the stove filled Oh, what a treat when we came home from - water had to be heated on the kitchen with bubbling oatmeal. Slices of home- school or from swimming at Lake Phalen. stove. She does dishes, puts the kitchen in made bread were toasting on the top of the We have to remember that all cooking and order and starts making beds, picking up stove. Milk, jams, jellies were on the huge baking was done on or in the wood burning dirty clothes at the same time. When things kitchen table. Some mornings there were kitchen range. It was a very large appliance are in order upstairs she starts cleaning the some fried potatoes left over from the early and served our family well for many years. main floor. The house has warmed up nicely bird eaters who had to get to work. There I remember the stove pipe coming out of the now but she has to keep adding wood to were 3 of us to eat and get off to school, in back of the stove, up to the ceiling, across the kitchen range and coal or wood to the order, Dolores, Junior (me), Joe. Ma would the kitchen and out the chimney located on big circulating heater in the front room. bundle us up warm, give us our lunch bag the North side of the house. If Ma had a Dinner is a quiet time as it’s just her and send us off to school, always with a big dish for supper with meat as an ingredient, and the year old. She starts working on hug. There was a lot of love passed around the adults were served first, if any meat was the supper meal. There are usually 8 to 10 in our family but we also had to toe the line left in the dish, the younger children could people for supper time so it’s a real chal- set forth by our parents. Ma’s favorite way have some. This time frame is from 1915 to lenge to get it prepared and ready to serve of getting out attention was to grab one of 1930, very lean years for working families. about 5:30 p.m. She will have a “Booya” our ears and say, “Now listen to me, etc. We always had a huge garden to supplement for supper, a favorite dish of Pa’s. She puts etc. “ The only time I remember her really the meager income of the times. Ma would a big beef bone in the kettle, adds a couple getting angry is when brother Joe and I can, pickle, preserve everything she got whole onions and many, many peeled and were fighting. She came outside, grabbed her hands on. I remember my brother Joe halved potatoes. This boils all afternoon our ears and said, “Now each of you will and is ready to be served at supper time. slap me in the face”. That really got our (Continued on page 33) 31 32 Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS (MARGUERITE PAUL continued from hand the patches of materials, making dif- page 32) ferent patterns, etc. to complete the quilt. and I helping to make sauerkraut. What a Of course, there was much talk and coffee busy time that was. Cutting cabbages into drinking going on too. Most of the ladies wedges and pushing them by hand thru were of French descent so French would be the kraut maker. Filling the large crock, mixed in with the English making for noisy salting it all down and putting a wooden and interesting conversations. It would be cover weighed down the heavy rock. All difficult to count the number of quilts the of the above items would be stored in our ladies made. There were wedding gifts, cellar that had an outside entrance. None baby gifts, shower gifts, and just plain the designated chores and than play cards. of us kids wanted the chore of going down gifts. It was an activity that all the ladies Ma was a very good card player and re- into that dark cellar and get some canned thoroughly enjoyed. This leads to another mained so until she was past 90 years of age. goods but we all had to take our turn. activity also thoroughly enjoyed by all. About the year 1937 a new kitchen Marguerite (Ma) had a pedal sewing Playing cards - a game called 500 - They range is installed and Marguerite has to learn machine that she used with great skill. She would walk to one another’s house to play. how to cook all over again. Soon a refrigera- was always making a shirt, dress, suits, and Our family belonged to St. John’s Catholic tor replaces the old icebox and hot water is constantly mending something. The rare Church located about a mile or so from our piped to the kitchen sink and the upstairs bath time that she sat down, a glass or light bulb home on 1117 Sims St. in St. Paul, MN. where a new bathtub was just installed. It is would appear in her hand for mending socks, Many of the quilting ladies also belonged to a whole new environment and relieves her of etc. This activity brings another memory to St. John’s and members of the Alter Society so many chores during the course of the day. mind - QUILTING. An afternoon would be that cleaned the alter and linens a couple She was a special lady, I think of her set aside and the quilting ladies would gather times a month. Marguerite (Ma) would every day. to make a quilt. Material was stretched walk to church in the heat of summer, rain- out on the quilting frame and the ladies, storms, snowstorms and 20 below weather Written by her son Henry Jr. sometimes as many as 7 or 8 would sew by to help clean. They would hurry through SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2010 Changes from the Past to Now My blog page: Last week two of my granchil- when the men would use a bucksaw to cut http://www.blogspot.com/acadianroots dren did their Confirmation which got down trees and now they have chain saws. me to thinking about how things have I wonder what kinds of changes there will changed from the time of my youth. be fifty years from now,we won’t see them The following is my website, lots to see When I did my first communion, but some of our descendants will. Will they http://www.acadian-roots.com/ it was mandatory, the girls had to wear say “ If only grandmother Cormier could see a white dress, a white veil, white stock- this new gadget.She would be some pleased. This is my store, lots of stuff that would ings and white shoes as you can see in the Now the image on the upper right is make great gifts.T-shirts,Mugs,funny picture on the right. And it was a beautiful a first communion card I created, what a stuff,fishing,hunting,postcards,greeting ceremony, we all walked down the church’s nice way to have the old tradition remem- cards ,acadian ,cajun, Irish and much main aisle all the girls together, and then bered, by giving such a card to your special more the boys dressed in little suits or sport coats little girl. You can find it in the greeting and dress pants followed behind us. Today cards at http://www.zazzle.com/allicor* http://www.zazzle.com/allicor it isn’t like that, the girls and boys wear Thanks for the visit do stop by again. their everyday clothes. For our confirma- tion it was the same thing we had to wear Have a great day! a white dress.The boys dressed in shirt and Aline Cormier tie or sport coats and dress pants. I attended my grandchildren’s confirmation as I said, and I was so very proud of them during this ceremony. I would have loved to see Email: my grandaughter in a little white dress and [email protected] veil. But times have changed and we have to change with the times. Of course this can be said for my things that have changed. When the first wood stove came out, imagine what our great grandmothers thought ,or when the washing machines came out after our ancestors had been washing their clothes on a scrub board and rinsing them in a tub by hand. We don’t have to go back that far even, 33 Le Forum

Donna Hébert, Franco-American artist

“Outstanding artistic achievement” – Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, 2009 Commonwealth Awards.

In Full Bloom/en pleine floraison: NEW! Band with Irish accordionist NEW! May 2010 Newsletter - new “Un vrai délice!” Benoit Bourque, John Whelan, exploring the boundaries be- bands, summer camps, book & CD releases La Bottine Souriante tween Irish and French-Canadian music. 6/23 NEW! Donna’s musical partner Max concert in Lowell MA for Franco-American Cohen has a new website! Check it out! His Heritage Center, other dates in October in- new “In the Wood” CD is also available. clude NYU’s Blarney Star Concert Series, MA Artist’s Fellow for Fran- Old Songs Concert Series and Blackstone co-American fiddling, MA Cultur- River Theatre in RI >> Donna’s other bands al Council Creative Teaching Partner: NEW! “Fiddling Demystified certified for school residencies in fid- should be required reading for all string dling, Massachusetts Cultural Council teachers hoping to branch out into fid- Fiddling Demystified channel on dling.” Laura Risk, Strings Magazine, YouTube. >> Donna’s other media samples 9/09. Now available online in fiddle, viola, cello editions >> Donna’s other books Upcoming NEW! Amherst College - Donna’s 2/28 Faculty Recital streamed online on Amherst Community TV and broadcast lo- 23 Jun 2010 cally in May 2010 >>Donna’s other dates Donna Hébert, John Whelan and friends NEW! Summer Camps: Fiddle & – The Irish-French Connection in Lowell Strings July 5-9 for ages 6-18 with Donna, MA at Immaculate Conception School Hall Donna’s NEW CD In Full Bloom / En Jane Rothfield & Max Cohen | Fiddling pleine floraison - French-Canadian fiddling Demystified Aug 9-13 with Donna, Liz 25 Jun 2010 - 27 Jun 2010 with Pascal Gemme, Max Cohen, André Carroll & Jane Rothfield | French Mu- Groovemama in Altamont NY at Old Brunet, Rachel Aucoin, Sabin Jacques, Stu- sic Camp Aug 16-20 with Donna, Pas- Songs Festival – coaching the Great Groove art Kenney, Marie Soleil-Pilette and Denis cal Gemme, Steve Normandin, Marc Band of young musicians BUY TICKETS Fréchette. Online downloads of the last Maziade, Marie-Soleil Pilette & Daniel song, “A Place Called Beautiful,” benefit Boucher, Donna’s other teaching programs the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund in honor NEW! Online fiddle lessons through of Franco-American artist Martha Pellerin. Skype video chat. This is catching fire with students from far away! Sign up for one lesson or a series >> Donna’s other lesson materials

CONTACT: [email protected] • 413-231-3107

33 34 Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS OUR WINE FRUIT WINES Raspberry Riot~ Raspberry Riot is the first wine we made w h e n w e s t a r t e d experimenting with wine making. The raspberries come from my parents raspberry Above is the Wine Garden in late June. patch. Every year it is LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 20 a challenge for them to keep the deer and MILES NORTHWEST OF BANGOR OUR CABANE À SUCRE other small animals from destroying the AND 7 MILES EAST OF NEWPORT ON bushes before they bear fruit. Raspberry THE MULLEN ROAD (ROUTE 222) Riot makes a great dessert wine, and is very popular with our customers.

We are a small family run vineyard, winery and maple syrup producer. We have Blueberry Bliss~ taken our love of German Riesling Style Blueberry Bliss is made wines and started a vineyard right here in from Maine Blueberries. Maine! Most of our white wines are hybrids It is a sweet dessert wine, of the Riesling Grape. Our reds are French that is best served cold! Hybrids. We have seven varieties of whites, four reds and two fruit wines; a selection that Tapping of the trees will satisfy most palates! Take a look around RED WINES our site and see what we have to offer. If you love the thought of grape growing in Sabrevois~ Maine, where it’s not expected, then browse S a b r e v o i s g r a p e s around and see how we do it. If you love p ro d u c e a m e d i u m Maine Maple Syrup, and are interested in bodied complex red how it’s made, then you’ve found it here. wine with good tannins. But most importantly, if you want to see how dreams can become reality, look no further. Dragonfly Farm & Winery is our proof that if a family can dream, a family can do. Maple Syrup for Sale! It’s hard to beat St. Croix~ OUR HISTORY the syrup that comes from the Cabane! St. Croix is a deep r e d , s m o o t h , d r y When we first started in the spring GIFT BASKETS Rhone Style Wine of 2005, we planted 275 vines. This spring, we will have 600 vines. When O t h e r R e d Wi n e s : we started our Wine Garden, our goal Frontenac, Jelly Juice was to produce a Riesling Style Wine that St. Pepin~ was affordable and easy to drink. So far, WHITE WINES St. Pepin has a fruit we think we are meeting our objectives. quality that is similar to Riesling. One of our most popular wines this past Christmas. We expect to triple our production of Dragonfly Farm & Winery can make Gift St. Pepin this fall. Baskets for any ocassion. Contents can include homemade jams, maple syrup and More white wines: our wine. We can even make custom labels! “Shorty”, Edelweiss, By The Numbers, Clarity. Prices will vary depending on the contents. Contact Todd & Treena Nadeau for more info. and to verify availability of the above products at email: [email protected] or check out their website: http://www.mainewinegrower.com/Home_Page.html 35 Le Forum BOOKS/LIVRES... FEMME SUR UNE MISSION/ WOMAN ON A MISSION

Comme petite fille au nord du Maine, second question, “Anne Marie what?” j’e´tais curieuse et j’aimais tacquiner. “Tu sais,” I insisted again. Lorraine Jusque a l’age de sept ans, j’e´tais enfant was only teasing me, I suspected, trying unique, tout a fait adore´par mes parents not to let on in front of the other students et ayant l’habitude d’etre le centre de and their parents, that she knew me. leur univers. Dans ce petit paradis, je Our verbal pas de deux went on parlais français et je comprenais un peu for a few minutes and while the precise d’anglais—une situation commune dans la details of the exchange have been mud- ville de Van Buren, partie d’une socie´te sol- died by the passage of time, I’ve long idement franco-americaine durant les an- retained the emotional memory of that day, neés dix-neuf-cent cinquantes et soixantes. one foot in my parents’ French-speaking All that changed on my very first world, the other in the world controlled visit to Sacred Heart Elementary School. by the English-speaking powers that be. to me; solace; the familiar in a world that There, amid the Lilliputian chairs and At some point, my parents must’ve moves ever faster, and where landmarks tables of my future kindergarten class explained to me the new facts of my life, or of our past often disappear before we do. and surrounded by the smell of paste more likely, I pieced them together. Over In those moments when I hear Val- and crayons and the cool spring breezes time I surmised that while they could speak ley patois, or French of any kind, I am that blew them through the classroom, English, my parents had chosen, in their forever thankful that I grew up on the reality quickly and unexpectedly set in. native northern Maine, to speak the French shores of the upper St. John—dans la Val- On that day in 1958, I glanced around of their forbearers. Once I started school, lee St. Jean—un endroit qui est au bout me at boys and girls whose names I didn’t however, they’d switched over to English- du monde et a la meme fois, qui reste tou- know, children whose faces would soon be only because they thought it important, in jours au centre de mon etre—a place that as familiar to me as my own, and I took that way, to help me do well in school. Other is at once on the “edge of the earth,” and, satisfaction in the sight of them clinging to families in the small and culturally insulated more important, at the core of my being. their mothers’ hands in much the same way Acadian enclave that was our world fell into I was holding tight to mine. When it was the linguistic schizophrenia to which two INVALUABLE LESSONS my turn to move forward, I set aside shyness generations had already been subject, living and approached the teacher’s desk to register in a place where business was conducted A number of years ago, a popu- for “baby grade,” as it was known then. I mostly in English, the official language lar little book called ALL I REALLY wore shoes scuffed slightly at the heel, of the land, and at home speaking mostly NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN dimpled knees, and a favorite dress with a French, the language of family and fun. KINDERGARTEN was published and “flarey” petticoat. My pretty teacher-to-be, Ultimately, I came to be grateful for quickly rose to the heights of the New York a family friend named Lorraine, smiled the advantage that my parents’ sacrifice be- Times Best Seller List. Readers were at- and asked me, “What’s YOUR name?” stowed. Because they compromised comfort tracted to its simplicity and to its truths. I answered in a voice that wasn’t and familiarity in favor of my academic I thought at the time if I were to much more than a whisper, “Tu sais mon performance, because indeed they were able author a similar book for myself and nom.” I understood what Lorraine was to make this compromise, I became the ben- for my Acadian friends, I might call it asking but wasn’t confident enough in eficiary of a legacy that, to this day, makes something like EVERYTHING I NEED my English-speaking skills to readily me love and appreciate my native culture TO KNOW I LEARNED FROM THE respond. Besides, I’d heard her speak- even as I embrace the things that make me NUNS . . . pi ma Me´mere Cormier. ing French in my home many times and uniquely American. While I’ve been away Among the more useful piec- wondered why she wasn’t doing so now. from northern Maine for almost four de- es of advice in this, my imagi- Pourquois pas me parler en français? cades, I can state categorically that hearing nary book, would be the following: “Why don’t you remind me what the language of my early childhood spoken your name is,” Lorraine urged, again in aloud in our local elementary school’s im- 1. Fait toujours la grande fille/le English, and like the relatively obedi- mersion classes here in Virginia or catching grand garcon. ent child that I was, I responded, though a few familiar words as transplanted Cana- Be a big girl/boy. on my own terms, “C’est Anne Marie.” dian, French, or Haitian shoppers pass me in A smile played at the corners of the grocery store, makes my heart seize just 2. Attends ton tour. her lips, and I thought for a moment a little. In my first visit to France last year, Wait your turn. she might relent, that she might speak I reveled in the language of my fore-fathers to me in French, but there followed a and mothers because its cadences are home (Continued on page 37) 36 Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS (FEMME SUR UNE MISSION/ me, NEVER) told how special I was, and yet they will admit, if challenged, that we had WOMAN ON A MISSION continued my grandmothers’ hugs, my aunts’ frequent a pretty spectacular preparation for life from page 36) fawning, and the good-natured teasing that at the hands of the men and women who 3. C’est pas bon d’ avoir les yeux was a hallmark of Cormier and Picard family taught us. Armed with the strong skills they plus grands que la panse. gatherings assured me that, in fact, I was. provided and an enviable work ethic that I Don’t have eyes bigger than your “Dis y pas ça; ca va y monter a tete!” consider emblematic of our home region, we stomach. This bit of wisdom is often spo- This warning was often repeated by my par- ventured into the world. We took personal ken in my grandmother’s voice (or that of ents to friends and family who dared compli- and professional challenges in stride, and we a surrogate aunt or neighbor) even as she ment me on a nice report card, a decent stage accepted responsibility as it was required of encourages or bullies me (ironically) into performance, or an especially flattering out- us. “Pi on a fait notre chemin,” as our ances- eating every last bit of food on my plate. fit. Don’t tell her such things; it’ll go straight tors might say; On a laissez nos marques. to her head. The technique was my parents’ We made our way in the world and left our 4. Chaque guenille a son torchon. well-intentioned way of keeping me humble marks—our uniquely Acadian marks—on it. This is a pearl that defies di- that, by today’s standards, would be deemed rect translation but colorfully express- at best inadvisable and at worst, cruel. LA DIFFERENCE es the thought that there’s someone, Somehow though, I survived the practice. in romance, for everybody. No, I did more than survive. In the final analysis, how did a young I became the little girl who, despite the life spent straddling the Acadian and English- In my theoretical book, I might also fact that no one in her family before her had speaking worlds, affect me? In brief, I think it have described for the reader the unique gone to college, planned all the way through made me hungry for experiences, for knowl- educational system that was the norm in elementary and high school that she would edge, and for the world that was, “away.” my hometown, many of our public el- find her way there. There was no money Specifically, after high school, I ementary and high school classes taught for such an extravagance and certainly no completed a two-year program in radio- by the Good Shepard sisters (Société´du expressed expectation that I pursue a college logic technology at New Hampshire’s Coeur Immaculé de Marie) and Marist degree. Further, I didn’t know how, when, or Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. priests whose discipline was consistently where this ambition would be fulfilled, but Following that, I earned a bachelor’s de- imposed and pretty much undisputed. I had an intuition, a sense of assurance (not gree in political science from Brigham “Don’t come home complaining about entitlement) that higher education was in my Young University and was later awarded being scolded,” my parents warned very future. And so it was that, as I waited for that a Master’s degree from the University of early in my academic career. “You’ll get future to arrive, I read, often voraciously. North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At various a double dose of it at home.” A related In the summer before my Freshman year times, I’ve worked as a radiologic technolo- corollary went something like, “Viens pas of high school, I consumed thirteen books gist, a writer/editor, a background investiga- nous conter des pachettes des maitresses.” AND wrote up all the reports that would tor, and more recently, as a French tutor. Don’t tattle on your teachers. Things be expected during the school year, in that In my personal life, I married, gave did not go well for that kind of snitch. way making time for Drama Club, basket- birth to two sons, and proudly (nostalgi- But I digress. ball, and assorted other extracurriculars. cally) enrolled both boys in the French The blended educational environment From the time I was tiny, I stayed up immersion programs available to us, first of sacred and secular in which I came of late reading and imagining myself in the in Maryland and later in northern Virginia. age, together with two sets of grandpar- places where my heroes and heroines went. I Je n’ai jamais trop aimer habit- ents, and by extension, aunts, uncles, and was a solver of mysteries (å la Nancy Drew) er Washington, D.C.,, mais j’etais au cousins, who rarely hesitated to say what or a nurse (like Cherry Ames). Through paradis la journeé que j’ai pu enroller was on their minds—all of these contrib- various characters, I was a teacher, a busi- mes enfants a l’e´cole d’immersion. Ce uted to the adult I eventually became. nesswoman, a judge. The love of reading morceau de mon he´ritage que j’ai passe “Benh. Weyons! Vingt-cinq pi- I learned from teachers like Stella Chasse, a mes fils, cela ma fait chanter l’esprit! aces pour une paire de p’tit soullier! or Sister St. Charles Regis, or Martine In October of 2009, I attained the C’t’enfant la va etre gater pourris!” my Pelletier (the town’s librarian and later, goal I’d set for myself several years ago: parsimonious grandmother was heard its unofficial historian), served me well. It I published my first novel, a medical muttering on a long-ago family shopping similarly played a major role in the lives of adventure story entitled, MISSION, a trip. Twenty-five dollars for shoes! (By those little friends I’d seen on my first day at book that draws on my years as a medi- way of explanation, they WERE “correc- Sacred Heart and led them to success as well. cal radiographer, on my knowledge of the tive.”) The child will be spoiled rotten! If you asked my early elementary Washington area and the political air one While I don’t believe my grandmoth- school classmates their opinion of our educa- breathes here morning, noon, and night, er’s prediction was borne out in reality, her tional experience, you might find that many and most important, brings to life my style of Acadian candor had a lot to do with still chafe at the memory of compulsory First fondness for things and for people Acadian. the individual I am now. She and other Friday confessions and (the infrequent) use family members rarely spared me their frank of corporal punishment. Those who have MISSION’s heroine, Parise “Parry” assessments, and—big surprise—when I got turned away from our common Roman St. Amand, is a native of northern Maine. out into it, the world didn’t either. Similarly, Catholic faith, focusing on the restrictive She lives in a suburb of Washington, D.C. if memory serves, I was never (you heard rather than the redeeming, however, even (Continued on page 38) 37 Le Forum ISBN 978-0-557-19739-2 With contributions from: Publisher Boom Pier Press Ken Adair, Justin Aube, Jerry and Copyright ©2009 Rachelle Beau Jill Aube, Lucille Barr, BeatriceBeaudoin, doin (Standard Copyright License) MUSIC/MUSIQUE Claude Beaudoin, Frank Bellefeuille, Dave Language English Bergeron, Rene Bergeron, Rachel Berube, Country United States Dan and Darlene Blais, David Blais, Muriel Publication Date: November 13, Blais, Susan Boucher, Tim Brannen, Rita 2009 Breton, Dan Campagna, Cecile Chabot Lulu Sales Rank: 1190 Page Count 98 pages Wester, Janie Chartrand, Lousie Connelly, Size: U.S. Trade Roberta Conway, Eric Cote, Jesse Croteau Binding: Perfect Bound and Keith Blanchette, Romeo Danais, Clark Interior Color: Black And White Danderson, Lisa Dodge, Sister Theresa $18.00 Ships in 3–5 business days Dube, Michael Dumont, Jim Duncan, Bill Dyer, Don Fournier, Dr. Barry Gendron, (FEMME SUR UNE MISSION/ Jeanne Ivory, Shirley Jackson, Rebecca WOMAN ON A MISSION continued L’Heureux, Louise Lachance, Carla LaPi- from page 37) erre, Lucille Lavoie, Tracy Lefebvre, Dan and, like many Acadian women before her, Mackin, Shawn Marquis, Chris Martel, Jas- is gutsy and hardworking. Most notably, mine Montminy, Rachel Montminy, Theresa she retains a love for her native culture that Morgan Perry, Roberta Morin Migetz, Lor- colors everything she does: how she thinks; raine Morin Pasciak, Benita Morin St. Pierre, the things for which she yearns; the ways Can you press that, er um, /piton/? Sister Cecile Morrisette, Jackie Nadeau, in which she gives of herself to the world. Let me get that /mousse /off of your Rev. Gerald Oleson, Linda Paquet, Melanie Parry, in truth, is a composite of the Lucie Therrien sweater. If you know what the words /pi- Payeur, Dick Poulin, Linda Poulin, Dave many wonderful women who populated my ton/ and /mousse/ mean and if you have no Ramsey, Kris Richards, Jennie Roberge, early years in the Valley, women I’ve known, idea what the words /piton/ and /mousse/ Larry Roberge, Susan Roberge, Kelly Ross, admired, and loved. She accepts what life mean, the Berlin Dictionary is for you. Ben Roy, Darlene Roy, Guy Sanchargin, sends her way and rises to challenges in ways George Stanley, Celia Nicotra Sullivan, Jan that are surprising to others, if not to herself. *The Berlin Dictionary* Szumierz, Lisa Thompson, Angela Vaillan- En effet, Parise St. Amand est la meil- court and Becky Roberge, Carolyn Vasquez, leure de nous et le meilleure qui est dans nous. edited and illustrated by Claire Villeneuve Rennison and Amy Welch. Parry is the best of us and the best that is in us. Rachelle Beaudoin Rachelle Beaudoin is an interdisciplin- She is the person I wish I could be. ary artist and professor of art at Chester Col- Is now available! lege of New England and Saint Anselm Col- Anne M. Cormier lives and writes lege. She was born and raised in Berlin NH in a suburb of Washington, D.C. She and is currently living in Peterborough NH. has been married for almost twenty-seven The Berlin Dictionary is a partici- She is interested in video, performance and years and is the mother of two grown sons. patory dictionary written by overseventy socially engaged art. This is her first book. Her first novel, MISSION, is available contributors who submitted their favorite The Berlin Dictionary is available at on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble. and most memorable “Berlin Words.” the Wonderland Bookstore, 10 Exchange com under her pen name, A.M. Cormier. With definitions ranging from the /Arena Street in Gorham NH, Savoir Flare at 52 Interested parties may contact Anne at /to /the Yoko/ and everything in between, Main Street in Berlin NH, at the Berlin [email protected] if they would /The Berlin Dictionary/ is a must-have for Historical Society Moffet House, 119 High like to purchase an autographed copy of current and former Berlin New Hampshire St, Berlin NH and online at Lulu.com. It MISSION or by calling 703.904.7246. residents. Featuring over thirty illustrations. will be available on Amazon.com in 6-8 According to Beaudoin, “Consider- weeks. The ISBN is 978-0-557-19739-2. ing the changes and challenges facing the city in recent years, the dictionary seemed like a fun way for citizens to take pride Rachelle Beaudoin in or poke fun at aspects of the commu- 395 Old Street Road nity while recognizing and enjoying its uniqueness.” The book is part historical Peterborough NH 03458 document, part reference and part humor. [email protected]

The book is available via the link: http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/the-berlin-dictionary/7915941

38 Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS Michael Parent, storyteller, author and musician, draws upon his Franco-Ameri- MUSIC/MUSIQUE can heritage to perform a unique blend of stories, songs, and one-man shows. Michael Parent Internationally Renowned July 29-31: National Storytelling Conference, Los Angeles, CA Storyteller August 14: Mohegan Storytelling Festival, Crompond, NY

October 1-3: National Storytelling Festival, Jonesborough, TN

October 15-17: The Forest Storytelling Festival, Port Angeles, WA

For information regarding performances, including school assemblies and residencies, contact Michael at [email protected] or (207) 879-0401

For exact time, please keep checking my Spectacles” Beginning of July (dates t.b.a) Lucie Therrien website [ http://www.LucieT.com ]http:// www.LucieT.com • Springfield Massachusetts : for the 5TH TIME: The Big E (Eastern Expo for all • Hampton, NH: Hampton Seniors Annual New England States) the NH building, banquet, June 10th, l:15, concert. Mem- 9/17, 1 & 3pm bers only. • Manchester, NH: New Hampshire World • Portsmouth, NH: The Press Room, Beat Assoc. of Language Teachers, Radisson Night, Poetry recitation to the music of Hotel, 10/29, exhibitor & speaker (to be Larry Simon’s Groove Bacteria band. confirmed) 6/17, 7pm

• Biddeford, Maine: La Kermesse Festi- French American Music Enterprises val, Authors and Composers’ Tent June 25 PO Box 472l to 27. Portsmouth, N.H. 03802-4721 Tel. (603) 430-9524 • MONTREAL, Quebec, Canada: In- www.LucieT.com http://www.LucieT.com/ ternational Jazz Festival, “Le Carre des e-mail: [email protected]

June 20, 2010 Reading, PA - with the Reading Pops Orchestra, Reading Museum outdoors, 3pm June 26, 2010 Lowell, MA - Franco-Americain Day, Lowell Senior Center, 276 Broadway St., 6pm July 10, 2010 Augusta, ME - Festival de la Bastille, Saturday 3:45, Sunday 1pm July 11, 2010 Greenville, ME - Holy Family Catholic Church, 7pm September 11, 2010 Putnam, CT - French Festival, Rotary Park, 1-6pm (concert tentatively at 3pm), www. putnamct.us or www.winyradio.com http://www.joseevachon.com/index.php CéVon Musique PO Box 157 Kutztown, PA 19530 (610) 683-7814 39 Le Forum Ont, in the late 1940s. He also performed on ‘Main Street Jamboree’ (CHML radio, Ham- ilton, Ont) and on various US TV shows, before joining the CBC’s ‘The Tommy MUSIC Hunter Show’ as a regular on radio 1963-5, and on TV from 1965 from until his death. A virtuoso of the banjo, Bolyer attempted in MUSIQUE his last years to extend its stylistic range. He was interested, for example, in exploiting it ‘King of the as a solo (rather than rhythm) instrument in jazz. Several of his own tunes are included on his LPs King of the Banjo (Arc 252), Banjo’ Country Banjo (Banff SBS 5324), Golden Maurice (Joseph) Bolyer (b Beaulieu). Banjo Classics (Cachet 1005), and Pure Banjoist, composer, b Edmundston, NB, of Gold Banjo Favourites (RCA KNL-0108). Acadian parents, 1 Dec 1920, d Toronto He also may be heard on LPs by Hunter, 18 Aug 1978. Bolyer, who was to become Graham Townsend, and others. Bolyer known as ‘King of the Banjo,’ began play- ments and piano. He played on radio station was inducted posthumously into the Cana- ing the instrument in his late teens with a CKCW, Moncton, NB, with Hank Snow in dian Country Music Hall of Fame in 1989. country band in Edmundston after becoming the early 1940s, and was heard regularly on proficient on various other string instru- the ‘CKNX Barn Dance’, from Wingham,

Lorsque vous consultez la défini- tion de « famille » dans le dictionnaire « Webster », on peut lire « unité sociale formée d’un ou de deux parents et leurs enfants ». La « Famille Arseneault », une unité familiale constituée de 3 générations et 5 familles formées de grands-parents, leurs enfants et petits-enfants, affirme que ses racines acadiennes se trouvent au Nouveau-Brunswick, Canada. La Fa- mille Arseneault est fière de ses origines acadiennes, lesquelles remontent à Pierre Arsenault né en France vers 1650 et qui s’est établi en Acadie (région de Am- La Famille Arseneault is a family and new songs and the combined talents of herst, N.-É.) aux alentours de 1671. Cette unit of 3 generations and they claim their the family propel Acadian dance and music formation musicale, qui est animée d’une Acadian roots in New Brunswick, Canada. to there present day capturing the imagina- énergie renouvelable tout à fait inouïe, joue La Famille Arseneault are proud Acadians tion of audiences of all ages and cultures. avec ses tripes, ce qui lui permet de con- who have traced their roots back to Pierre No audience gets bored at one of their tinuer à enthousiasmer les foules à travers Arsenault who was born in France around two hour Kitchen Party shows as they draw le Canada atlantique et les États-Unis. Leurs 1650 and settled in Acadia (Amherst, N.S. on almost 20 different instruments and an spectacles de chansons, de musique, de area) around 1671. This group has a unbe- array of percussion instruments (fiddles, gui- danse et de chorégraphie sur scène de style lievable renewable source of energy that tars, mandolin, spoons, harmonicas, drums, « party de cuisine » évoluent sans cesse et has come from deep in the heart as they congas, tambourine, washtubs, washboards, chaque spectacle est unique en son genre. continue to excite audiences throughout step shoes, etc. etc. etc. Their performance L’idée de se produire en spectacle Atlantic Canada and the United States. Their has the ability to make you want to join them sur le plan professionnel a pris naissance awesome Kitchen Party shows of songs, on stage for a rousing step dancing perfor- dans l’esprit des grands-parents Émerie music, dance and stage choreography is ever mance of good cheer, singing, foot tapping et Bella qui rêvaient de s’adonner à cette changing, as no two shows are ever the same. and clapping along. They are known to ask activité en compagnie de leurs enfants et There was always music and dance go- members of the audience to join them on petits-enfants. La cuisine des Arseneault ing on in the Arseneault kitchen as the chil- stage as well. Their performance brings you vibrait toujours au rythme de la musique dren were growing up as the parents bought back a little in time and will touch you like et de la danse à mesure que les enfants all kinds of instruments to try and interest the no other show as they promote their Acadian grandissaient et Bella a cru bon d’acheter kids at a young age. Their Acadian Kitchen Culture on stage. La Famille Arseneault toutes sortes d’instruments de musique afin Party shows are drawing in new genera- are passionate about performing and will d’inciter les enfants à s’y intéresser dès leur tions of people as they continue to nurture continue to tour and entertain their legions plus jeune âge. Les spectacles acadiens de the live roots of Acadian music and dance. of fans and a good time will be had by all... style « party de cuisine » de la famille at- This group draws on Acadian traditions, old (Suite page 41) 40 Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS http://www.famillearseneault.com/welcome.html MUSIC

MUSIQUE heures puisque les membres de la famille DAYS font appel à une vingtaine d’instruments différents en plus de recourir à une pano- Contact: James Small plie d’instruments à percussion (violons, Address: 450 Dominique Court guitares, mandolines, cuillères en bois, Dieppe, New Brunswick harmonicas, batterie, congas, tambours de Canada (Suite de page 40) basque, bacs à laver, planches à laver, souli- E1A 6T3 teignent de nouvelles générations d’adeptes ers à claquettes, etc. etc. etc.). La prestation E-mail: et continuent d’alimenter les racines de la offerte par la famille vous donne le goût de [email protected] musique et de la danse acadiennes. Cette la joindre sur scène pour participer à une [email protected] formation tire son inspiration des traditions gigue énergique dans la joie de vivre tout acadiennes, qu’il s’agisse de chansons bien en chantant, en tapant du pied et en frappant EVENINGS connues ou de nouveautés, et du mariage dans les mains. D’ailleurs, la famille est bien des talents familiaux, ce qui a contribué à connue pour inviter des gens du public à la Contact: James Small propulser la danse et la musique acadiennes joindre sur scène. La prestation de la famille Address: 450 Dominique Court jusqu’à aujourd’hui en interpellant des pub- vous fera remonter dans le temps et saura Dieppe, New Brunswick lics de tout âge et de différentes cultures. vous charmer comme nul ne peut le faire Canada Il est impossible que le public se puisqu’on y fait la promotion de la culture E1A 6T3 morfonde aux spectacles de « party de acadienne sur scène. La Famille Arseneault Telephone: (506) 855-0357 cuisine » dont la représentation dure deux éprouve une passion pour le spectacle et

http://www.thenadeaufamilyband.piczo.comNADEAU FAMILY BAND http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fus songs to help Butch out. Gary stopped playing with us in the late 80’s. Harold Lausier was the next bass player to start with us. He also sang songs to help Butch out. In 1991 Harold stopped playing with us. Then came the great Mike Nadeau our last bass player. Mike played with us till we all stopped playing in 1993. In 2004 the band started back to get together and just The Road Less Travelled CD have fun playing music. We made it a point to get together on thursday nights to jam. 1. Chevy Ford Pick-up It was fun again to try new songs and old 2. She Don’t Know (What She’s Got) About the BAND: ones. One night Jay Green came to one of 3. Listen our jamming sessions. He liked jamming 4. Shady Lady Five piece band, Butch Nadeau, Wayne with us so much that he came almost every 5. Lost Nadeau, Glenn Nadeau, Mike Nadeau and thursday night. One day Jay said he would 6. Hearts On Fire Jay Green. The band started in the 60’s, like to join the band. We welcomed Jay with 7. County Girl when Butch and Wayne started first with open arms. Now a five piece band, we are 8. She’s Goin Down each a guitar. Butch singing and Wayne going to play as long as we are having fun. 9. One More Day singing harmony. They did this for a cou- 10. Boys In the Band ple of years. Then their sister Debbie came into the picture as a singer and a dancer. Not too long after, the youngest brother, FOR MORE INFO; Glenn started drumming. This went on for BUTCH 1-207-498-2204 years. Debbie stopped singing in the ear- GLENN 1-207-498-3170 ly 70’s. Butch, Wayne and Glenn played MIKE 1-207-498-8417 on as a trio for five more years or so. The first new menber that started with the band JAY GREEN 1-207-492-1609 was Gary Sirois, a bass player. Gary also WAYNE 1-506-473-5277 played a mean harmonica and sang some 41 Le Forum performance of the National An- them for the Boston Celtics in 1985, MUSIC Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon live on WCVB TV in Boston, a performance MUSIQUE with Jerry Auerbach of NBC’s “Law and Order” who sang with Mr. Nadeau’s band, and a big band contractor for “Late Night’s” Brian Nadeau Conan O’Brien when he visited Bangor. Brian has also appeared at the Press Room Trumpet in New Hampshire as a featured soloist, and has performed with many groups as lead It all began as a three year old drag- trumpeter, including Portsmouth’s Seacoast ging an antique cornet around the house and Big Band, the Mt. Washington Hotel Big honking away. Brian Nadeau began playing Band, Maine’s Bellamy Jazz Band, Shrine trumpet in jazz combos and big bands as a Circus Band, Bo Winiker Band from Boston, performer and soloist at the age of seven in MA, the Gene Krupa Big Band, New Trad 1974. His first gig was with Don Doane at Septet, the Blue Hill Brass, Bangor Sympho- the Bridgeway Restaurant in South Portland. ny Orchestra, and many more. Previously a group of talented community musicians At age 12 Brian was asked to be a special he played in pit orchestras for the follow- from all walks of life in the Bangor area. guest on the Milton Berle Show at Lake- ing shows: “The Music Man”, “Cabaret”, This group has been rehearsing and perform- wood Theater. Mr. Berle, impressed with “Mame”, “Brigadoon”, “Guys and Dolls”, ing under Nadeau for eight years. Many area the young Nadeau’s talent, said “you’re a and “Bye, Bye, Birdie”. Recent show ap- schools utilize his expertise in teaching jazz coming star”! Early on, arrangements were pearances include The Manhattan Transfer phrasing and style and many have placed in created for Brian to perform with the Al Christmas show in 2004 in which he was the top three at state jazz festivals as a result. Corey Big Band as an elementary school lead trumpet and featured soloist. In 2000 he It’s notable that in 1998 Mr. Nadeau audi- musician. Mr. Nadeau has played with the played lead trumpet for the Leslie Gore show. tioned for and was offered the lead trumpet Corey Band for most of his life. For the past Most recently, Nadeau brought world chair of the Glenn Miller Orchestra led by 15 years he has been the lead trumpeter. Mr. renowned trumpeter Wayne Bergeron to Larry O’Brien. However, around that time Corey selected Brian to be his successor Maine for the first time to give a clinic to he met his love and future wife Lanissa, a to lead the big band which has a 60 year area musicians and perform in concert with music educator in Brewer, and decided to history. When Mr. Corey passed away in Mr. Nadeau’s big band. A duet featured stay home and make music a part time hob- 2003 Brian became the band’s sole leader. the two trumpeters playing in tribute to the by. Brian and Lanissa celebrated their 10th Mr. Nadeau is an in demand brass late Maynard Ferguson on “Maynard and wedding anniversary in December of 2008. instructor and big band phrasing clinician Waynard”. Ferguson and Bergeron recorded having studied with Wayne Bergeron, this selection on “Plays Well With Others”, CONTACT: Jim Manley and Stan Mark (all of whom Mr. Bergeron’s latest CD. Another recent played for Maynard Ferguson). His clinics engagement included playing for Noel Paul Brian Nadeau focus on the breathing and embouchure Stookey (of Peter, Paul, and Mary) and 207-944-7274 techniques that contribute to efficient family last July at his Blue Hill residence. http://mainstreetmusicstudios.com/ and enhanced mastery of the instrument. Current musical projects include Mr. Performances include: solo Nadeau directing the Queen City Big Band, [email protected]

April 7, 2010: Good Times Cafe, Hinesburg, Vermont. May 1, 2010: St. Albans Maple Festival - a tradition of fiddle music and Franco-Ameri can songs in my hometown. May 28, 2010: Farewell Reunion Concert, hosted by Mark Sustic at Grace Church, Sheldon. June 5, 2010: Haskell Opera House - Stanstead, Quebec/Derby Line, Vermont. With Don Roy Ensemble, Will Patton and the boys. This double bill is a fundraiser for the Memphramagog Arts Collaborative - and a must see concert! June 24, 2010: One Longfellow, Portland, Maine. More information to come. July 23-25, 2010: Lowell Folk Festival, Lowell, Massachusetts. Aug. 8, 2010: Skye Theater, East Dixfield, Maine. With the Don Roy Ensemble! Aug. 22, 2010: Alburgh, Vermont Heritage Festival. November 6, 2010: Blackstone River Theater, Cumberland, Rhode Island. Michèle Choinière http://www.michelechoiniere.com/index.html 41 42 Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS ARTIST/ Portraits By Lulu ARTISTE “There are no failures when creating art, the only failure is never trying.”

Celebrities: From the Kids Gallery:

Lulu Pelletier

Expressing myself through art is as Portraits: natural to me as breathing. My life is simply not complete without art. I wouldn’t want to exist in a world devoid of creativity. My earliest recollections are of pencils, paper, scissors and paint. My whole family was creative and artistic. We each strived to complete a project that each would be proud of and anxious to show to everyone. I grew up in a predominately French speaking rural community in Northern Maine Black and White: From the Animal Gallery: with three older siblings. I learned very early in life that I had to be capable of amusing myself. Finding ways to keep myself busy has served me well throughout my lifetime. I’ve always been fascinated with drawing. It is difficult to recall one day in my life that some type of art activity didn’t make up the bulk of my day. I received encouragement from family, neighbors http://mainstreetmusicstudios.com/ and friends, and this was the catalyst in my effort to improve each drawing, painting Drawings created from your photographs. [email protected] or project that I completed. My preferred mediums range from pencil, oils, watercol- These are some examples of my work; some previously sold, some still for sale, but the ors, and presently colored pencils. Graphite majority of my work is commissioned special orders. and colored pencil are my primary modes of expressing my self at the moment. I still I just added a new section of people you just might recognize, I hope you like them. enjoy working in other mediums from time to time. The details that colored pencils pro- Your orders for commissioned work may be requested by contacting me by email or vide fascinate me. It enables me to achieve to my postal address. I had to remove my guestbook because it was getting filled with dramatic effects of light and shadow. I use automated stuff but please mail with your greetings! graphite and colored pencils to develop into the fine detailed style you see here. If there is any artwork displayed here that you would like to purchase, please contact me My formal training consists of years as well to check on its availability. of classes with Claude Picard, a Canadian portrait artist. I also did undergraduate work My preferred medium ranges from pencil, oil painting, watercolor and now colored at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, pencil. Graphite and colored pencil are my primary means of expression right now, but I Maine. I continue to participate in special- still work in other mediums from time to time. ized classes as frequently as I am able. Mostly, however, I am self-taught and have [email protected] been refining my art skills for over 40 years. http://www.michelechoiniere.com/index.html http://www.portraitsbylulu.com 43 Le Forum ARTIST/ARTISTE Lucie Therrien ART WORK BY chanteuse LUCIE THERRIEN www.LucieT.com

Well-known chanteuse, recording artist, and author/poet Lucie Therrien has an- other side! After a twenty-year hiatus, she has resumed painting. Her preferred medi- “ A c t 1 , S c e n e 1 ” ums are watercolor, gouache and pen and “Flamenco Dancer” “Carnaval” framed, framed $350., pen ink. In her student days, she studied fine art Cost unframed $165.00 part of the Dr. D. & i n k , c o p y r i g h t for 4 years at l’Ecole des Beaux-Arts, fol- + shipping, watercolor/ Morris collection. 11/09 2010, Lucie Therrien lowed by 2 more years of commercial art, pencil/pen & ink, copyright c o p y r i g h t 2 0 1 0 , and professional photography, in Montreal, 2010, Lucie Therrien Lucie Therrien before graduating with a B.A. and Masters at UNH. Lucie worked for various printers as a graphic artist, and painted, exhibited, and sold paintings for several years, until becoming so involved with a music career, that she had to put her brushes away. She designed her CD, DVD & publication cov- ers, and became a videographer for her videos and DVDs. She has taken awards for her art, film making, as well as her mu- sic. Last year she decided to start painting again. Her most productive month is Feb- ruary, which she spends in Southern Spain. “ A B u s h e l a n d a “ K o a l a ” m a t t e d , “Mixed Arrangement” All paintings are copywrit- P e c k ” , m a t t e d , watercolor, pen & Sold in France to F. ten 2010 by Lucie Therrien $180.00 + shipping ink, pencil, $250.00 & Maryse Cornet- c o p y r i g h t 2 0 1 0 , + shipping, copyright Carayol 8/09 OEUVRES D’ART par la chanteuse Lucie Therrien 2010, Lucie Therrien c o p y r i g h t 2 0 1 0 , LUCIE THERRIEN Lucie Therrien www.LucieT.com

La chanteuse, auteure/poète Lucie Therrien a un autre côté! Après trente ans, elle a dé- cidée de se remettre à peindre. Elle préfère la peinture à l’eau, la gouache, et plume avec encre de chine.Antérieurement, elle a complété 4 ans à l’Ecole des Beaux-Arts, plus 2 ans de dessin commercial et de pho- tographie professionelle, à Montréal, avant “Lakeview” matted, $175.00 de graduer avec un brevet et une maîtrise “Lady with a Black + shipping copyright 2010, “Rhonda, Espana” H a t ” u n f r a m e d en musique, à UNH. Lucie a travaillé pour Lucie Therrien unframed, $165.00 maintes imprimeurs comme artiste, et a ex- $145.00 + shipping + s h i p p i n g posé et vendu ses tableaux pour plusieurs c o p y r i g h t 2 0 1 0 , c o p y r i g h t 2 0 1 0 , années, avant de se plonger dans une car- Lucie Therrien Lucie Therrien rière de musique, à plein temps! Elle a créé les designs de ses couverts de CD, DVD, et publications, et est devenue cinéaste pour ses vidéos/DVDs. Elle a gagné des prix pour son art, ses films ainsi que sa musique. L’an dernier elle a décidé de se remettre à peindre, surtout durant les mois de févri- er, qu’elle passe au sud de l’ Espagne. This matted, unframed watercolor/pen & ink, Tous droits d’auteurs des peintures sont “Portland Maine I” framed, $495.00, + is called “Cat on the Bed” priced at $225.00 la propriété de Lucie Therrien 2010 shipping copyright 2010, Lucie Therrien + shipping copyright 2010, Lucie Therrien 43 44

Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS v. POÉSIE/ MEDITATIONS ON YELLOW by Steven Riel A lifetime’s passion POETRY for detailing suffering i. in minute exactitude couldn’t the same be done A frowzy blaze of forsythia: for joy? scrawled alephs aflame, Where to begin? hint of a hatchway torched open, A ‘57 Plymouth’s yellow fins? a fiery blink each spring once stone is rolled vi.

from the entrance to A calculated abundance of shine winter’s tomb. gets shot through a stage-set window, brushes a cornucopia with a buttery cast ii. so Pepperidge Farm can remember.

Honest soul at last, propose an autumn No, Madison Avenue, of grown-up games of Candy Land though you use what’s most dear so you can be Yellow. as coinage to seduce, Hope the card you draw I won’t let you prostitute Postcard from P-town sends you to a yellow square the power of light. to emphasize you’ve aligned Poetry. Postcard from P-town, Steven Where with What you wanted to be. vii. Riel’s third chapbook, has been selected as the first runner-up for the inaugural Robin iii. Even if yellow was the color of forgiveness, Becker Chapbook Prize and was published could we ever honestly in March 2009 by Seven Kitchens Press. Easter’s raiment almost too rich forgive ourselves? Keep walking Robin Becker, who served as judge, to be deserved: a surfeit wrote, “What do Tennessee Williams, of yellows snug in the grass: toward the light, Lena Horne, Chris Evert, Robert Goulet fuzzy chicks, ducklings, one self-help guidebook says. and Kitty Carlisle have in common? Ste- pale eggs, and peeps ven Riel celebrates them all in this stylish this sweet overwhelming, viii. collection of poems that examines the social construction of ‘effeminancy’ with iv. Midnights throb with peepers’ song an ironic artfulness, looking at gender while distant daylight bathes the moon. performance in fresh and probing ways.” its nested pledge Blossoms of forsythia glow in rows; defenseless against late branches trace each constellation. ISBN: 978-0-9820372-5-6 blizzards and crows, Fleshy petals flare out wide, Format: 28 p., hand-trimmed and when all but one plucked feather hand-tied goes black. Language: English

Order from: » the author using this order form - $7 - Autographed and inscribed » or online from SevenKitchens http://sevenkitchens.blogspot.com/2009/02/ steven-riel-postcard-from-p-town.html

Steven Riel P.O. Box 679 Natick, MA 01760

45 Le Forum POÉSIE/POETRY Est à jamais entachée Les premières armes bactériologiques On leur donnait des couvertures Qc History X remix Imbibées d’varioles Webster avec Karim Ouellet Tu vois la suite Un choc microbiologique J’vous ramène dans l’temps Et viol culturel Pour quelques instants Être vu en étranger Vous dévoiler des faits Sur sa propre parcelle Qu’on n’apprend pas forcément De Terre ancestrale J’vous entretiens d’une autre histoire C’est l’ère industrielle Celle qu’on ne voit pas dans les cours Qui fait qu’encore au 21e siècle Amérindiens et les Noirs L’âme des ancêtres râle Celle qu’il faut remettre à jour Un métis antillais On parle de viol, de colle Par où commencer A fondé un poste de traite en Illinois Et d’alcool dans les fioles Pour vous dire comment c’est Nowadays on l’appelle Chicago Le haut taux d’suicide D’abord faut nuancer Un Black francophone a fondé Chicago Démontre un ras-le-bol L’Histoire est romancée Jackie Robinson Dans les réserves Manipulée Oliver Jones J’comprends qu’il en ait qui aille s’attaquer Elle est écrite par les vainqueurs et Oscar Peterson Au gouvernement Dont une partie dissimulée La liste est longue Comme dans le temps à Kanesatake Les hypocrites ne datent pas d’hier Mais pas tant que ça Back in the days Trop d’héros oubliés Webster est né et a grandi dans le Autour de 1604 Qui ont contribué à notre passé quartier Limoilou à Québec. D’un père Champlain débarque Mais peu veulent le souligner Sénégalais et d’une mère Québécoise, il a Avec à son bord un Black toujours été fier de ses origines et se présente Mathieu Da Costa 400 ans d’histoire comme un SénéQueb métis pure laine. Sa dit l’Interprète 6 millions de raisons passion pour l’Histoire l’a amené à faire Il parlait micmac De nous faire oublier de croire des études universitaires dans ce domaine. Français et hollandais Et puis se souvenir Militant hip-hop et anti-raciste, Webster En 1629 C’est tout ce que j’ai peur de devenir s’implique beaucoup socialement : il fait ré- Arrive Olivier Lejeune Quand on y pense 10 minutes gulièrement des conférences sur l’influence Premier esclave répertorié L’ignorance diminue du hip-hop chez les jeunes et la question Dans la jeune ville de Québec multiculturelle à Québec. Côté musical, Au moins 10 000 esclaves Au 19e siècle le Web est actif depuis 1995; il est un des Au Canada C’est pas du tout fini pionniers de la scène hip-hop de la Vieille Jusqu’à l’abolition de ce droit Ils ont envoyé les Chinois Capitale. En 2000, il offre un premier projet en 1833 Faire les chemins de fer dans tout l’pays au public : Winter Walk avec son groupe de C’est fou Détonateurs vivants l’époque, Northern X. En 2002, il élabore À force de fureter en masse On les envoyait creuser la roche Limoilou Style avec le collectif Limoilou J’ai découvert que Lionel Groulx Avec d’la nitroglycérine Starz. L’année suivante, il sort le premier Prônait la pureté des races Et ça sautait à leur approche album double de rap québécois : Shoddy C’est la même pour Garneau Le pâté chinois Ça vient de là & Webster présente L’Album Double. Ce projet englobait les projets solos de deux F.X.-Garneau Boeuf, maïs et patate artistes de l’avant-garde de Québec. En Québec History X Tout ce qu’on retrouve dans le Westside 2006, LS revient en force avec l’album Les Ils nous ont effacés du tableau Entre toi pis moi Boss du Quartier.Webster rap d’une façon Mais pourtant Ça n’a rien d’oriental particulière. Son style unique est issu d’une Il y avait des hommes d’affaires noirs C’est une mixture qu’on leur donnait fusion entre 8 ans d’expérience de pose On était dans les régiments Pour les nourrir en tas en anglais et 7 ans en français. Son riche Et d’autres étaient coureurs des bois Maintenant les Indians vocabulaire et sa manière de vulgariser des Il y avait aussi des aubergistes Ah les Indians concepts compliqués font de lui un artiste Et ils veulent nous faire croire Man, ils l’ont eut bad universel pouvant toucher plusieurs types Que les Noirs sont ici Les Indians de personnes. Pour Web, son art est un outil Depuis les années 70 Genocide à grande échelle qu’il affine depuis plus d’une décennie afin 1779 À trop grande échelle d’étayer de la manière la plus cinglante son Pointe-du-Sable Jean-Baptiste La mémoire des Amériques bagage culturel et intellectuel. Avec des http://www.myspace.com/websterls textes et des flows hors du commun, Webster www.abuzivemuzik.ca s’impose comme un artiste révolutionnaire. 45 46 Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS UN DIALOGUE DE PRINTEMPS POÉSIE/POETRY Par Virginie SAND La Femme du Buffle Blanc Par Virginie SAND LA FILLE Hélas, Maman, le printemps, Un jour, lorsque je faisais ma méditation, Chantons comme les oiseaux, Dans ma chambre très tranquille et silencieuse, Danser dans le grand gazon, J’ai reçu une petite visitation, J’aime ce temps, il fait beau. Et avec un message tellement sérieuse. LA MERE Là, où je me permettais de sentir la paix, Voici une image d’une femme réelle, Ben, oui, ma belle fille, Alors, dès que je peux percevoir mes pensées, Le printemps est gratuit, Dans sa robe blanche, je vois qu’elle est très belle. Célébrons la saison, Pour beaucoup de raisons. Peut-on voir une image avec les yeux fermés ? Cette femme, ses cheveux longs et bruns; un ange ? LA FILLE Bien sûr, dans mon troisième oeil, la femme est vraie, En portant une robe longue avec la frange. Faites-vous les grosses crêpes, Moi, le sirop d’érable, Surtout, cette vision m’a montrée un foulard Le souper est une fête, Turquoise, qui embrassait doucement son cou, Les saveurs agréables. Et j’ai compris son message important plus tard, Que je dois développer ma voix, après tout. LA MERE

L’image est-elle la Femme du Buffle Blanc ? Le Mardi Gras, bien sûr, La Sacrée Amérindienne, « Lakota Sioux, » A Pâques avec ses oeufs, Qui apporte le calumet de paix, je sens Puis la Fête de Mère, Pour m’apprendre à vivre dans une sacré façon. Et le Fête de Père. A SPRING DIALOGUE The White Buffalo Woman By Virginia Sand By Virginia SAND DAUGHTER

One day, as I was doing my meditation, Alas, Mother, the spring, In my very tranquil and silent room, Let’s sing like the birds, I received a little visitation, Let’s dance in the tall grass, And with a very serious message. I love this weather, it’s pleasant.

There, where I was allowing myself to feel calm, MOTHER Here is an image of a real woman, In that case, as soon as I am able to collect my thoughts, Of course, my beautiful daughter, In her white dress, I see that she is very beautiful. Spring is free, Let’s celebrate the season, Can one see an image with closed eyes? For many reasons. This woman, her long, brown hair; an angel? Of course, in my third eye, the woman is real, DAUGHTER In wearing a long dress with fringe. You do the large pancakes, Above all, this vision showed me a scarf Me, the maple syrup, Turquoise, which was softly embracing her neck, Supper is a feast, And I later understood her important message, The flavors pleasing. That I must develop my voice, after all. MOTHER Is this image the White Buffalo Woman? The Sacred Indian Woman, Lakota Sioux, Fat Tuesday, of course, Who brings the peace pipe, I sense At Easter with her eggs, For teaching me to live in a sacred way. Here is Mother’s Day, And Father’s Day. 47 Vol. 34 # 4 • HIVER POÉSIE/POETRY

Mon Totem, la Baleine Par Virginie SAND My Totem, the Whale By Virginia SAND J’avais six ans quand j’ai rencontré la baleine. Je passais les jours à l’école maternelle, I was six years old when I met whale. Où la salle à sommeil était toujours pleine, I was passing time at nursery school, Et les religieuses étaient les personnels. Where the sleeping room was always full, And the nuns were teachers. Après-midi, nous tous faisions la sieste, Sur les matelas dans la salle à sommeil, Afternoons, we were all taking a nap, Aussitôt que les religieuses ont fait un geste ; On the mattresses in the sleeping room, Rideaux fermés et l’absence du soleil. As soon as the nuns made a gesture; Closed curtains and the absence of sunshine. Moi, je détestais l’absence de la lumière. Puis, un jour, je me suis réveillée de bonne heure, Me, I hated the absence of light. Mes camarades demeuraient en arrière, Then, one day, I woke up early, Je me suis levée et je suis sortie sans peur. My classmates stayed behind, I got up and I left without fear. Ensuite, je me suis approchée du tableau, Dans la chambre vide à côté, pour dessiner Following, I approached the chalkboard, Une image de la baleine, mais sans eux ; In the empty room next door, for drawing Le grand animal noir dont je viens de rêver. An image of whale, but without water; The great, black animal of which I was dreaming. Je croquais la baleine à la première fois, Pour que mes amis aient pu se sentir la joie, I was making my first sketch of whale, Dès qu’ils ont vu l’image forte comme un roc, So that my friends could feel joy, Mon totem, la baleine à la Nation micmaque. As soon as they saw the picture, strong like a rock, My totem, the whale of the Micmac Nation. Là, la baleine m’a apportée quelques dons, Tels que le grand pouvoir de chant et des chansons, There, whale brought me some gifts, Et de couleur, de lumière, de magie, Such as the great power of song and the songs, Et de l’inspiration créatrice de vie. And of color, of light, of magic,

Housing Discrimination circa 1955 A GOOD FRENCH WOMAN by Danielle Laliberté by Caroline LeBlanc

A good French woman marries a Frenchman, Before the war, I married well. gives him all the love that she can After the war, I was put out makes sure his dinner is on time by my wandering husband cooks chicken with bread and wine, and our devout mothers, all dishes served hot and made by hand. shamed by my shame. No longer a young woman, She helps him tend the fertile land I knocked door to door, her face growing hard and tan, looking for rooms to rent. hangs the wash to dry on the line a good French woman. Everywhere, good Catholic women shunned me and my children. She bares him as many sons as she can Their lesser misfortunes in marriage throughout her short and fruitful lifespan, left them secure with husbands teaches them to be good and kind they only feared would be led astray raises them Catholic and keeps them in line, by a divorced woman in an upstairs flat. leaves time to take care of her man a good French woman. 48 Vol. 34 # 4 • HIVER Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS Coin des jeunes...

My Totem, the Whale By Virginia SAND

I was six years old when I met whale. I was passing time at nursery school, Where the sleeping room was always full, And the nuns were teachers.

Afternoons, we were all taking a nap, On the mattresses in the sleeping room, (Cette page de Coin des jeunes soumis par As soon as the nuns made a gesture; Virginie Sand) Closed curtains and the absence of sunshine.

Me, I hated the absence of light. “Children are one third of our popu- Then, one day, I woke up early, My classmates stayed behind, lation and all of our future.” I got up and I left without fear. ~Select Panel for the Promotion of Child Following, I approached the chalkboard, Health, 1981 In the empty room next door, for drawing An image of whale, but without water; The great, black animal of which I was dreaming.

I was making my first sketch of whale, So that my friends could feel joy, As soon as they saw the picture, strong like a rock, My totem, the whale of the Micmac Nation.

There, whale brought me some gifts, Such as the great power of song and the songs, And of color, of light, of magic,

A GOOD FRENCH WOMAN by Danielle Laliberté

A good French woman marries a Frenchman, gives him all the love that she can makes sure his dinner is on time cooks chicken with bread and wine, all dishes served hot and made by hand.

She helps him tend the fertile land her face growing hard and tan, hangs the wash to dry on the line a good French woman.

She bares him as many sons as she can throughout her short and fruitful lifespan, teaches them to be good and kind raises them Catholic and keeps them in line, leaves time to take care of her man a good French woman. 49 Le Forum Coin des jeunes... DESSINER UNE LIGNE DU MOT À L’IMAGE

melon d’eau

fraise

bleuets

cerise

framboise

pêche

pomme

citron

orange

banane

poire

ananas

raisins

50 Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS RECIPES/ RECETTES

Recipes submitted by Rita Nadeau...

St. Aurille’s Sugar Camp Maple Syrup Pie

1 cup Half and half 1/4 cup flour Grand-Pères Maple Popcorn 3/4 cup maple syrup dash of salt (dumplings cooked in 2cups sugar and 1/2 cup 1 egg maple syrup) maple syrup 1 tbs. butter 2 cups maple syrup 1/4 cup 1 1/2 cups water and 1 tsp. vinegar Heat half and half , stirring in milk 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp. maple the flour, syrup and butter. When 1 1/2 cups flour flavoring heated (stirring constantly) add 2 tsp. baking powder 5 quarts popped popcorn the beaten egg yolk and boil until 2 1/2 tbsp. butter thickened. Pour into an already 1/2 cup water Butter the sides of a large cooked pie shell and cool. Top saucepan. Combine sugar, syrup, with whipped cream or topping. Combine dry ingredients and cut in the butter, then add the milk, salt,vinegar, and water. Cook until hard ball stage (use a candy thermom- Note* I like to add a spoon- stir well. Add water to the syrup eter). Add the maple flavoring then ful of vanilla and use dark and bring to a boil in a deep pot. slowly pour mixture over the popped syrup for a more maple flavor. Drop batter in the syrup as large corn. mixing gently. Butter hands and as you wish, then cover pot. Turn down the heat slightly and sim- shape into small balls...Yummy stuff. mer. Takes about 15 mins...dump- ling should be dry inside when There are many versions of done. Before serving cool slightly. these recipes because in French Canada, the “fin becs” (gourmets) are every where. Some of the best food in the world comes out of the French Canadian tradition. Rita’s Mustard Hope you enjoy some of my favorite recipes made with Maple 1/2 cup brown pub style mustard Syrup from my Cabane à Sucre. 1 cup dark maple syrup. –– Rita Nadeau Blend well and keep in the refrigerator

* I love this on pork and chicken...great as a BBQ sauce.

51 Le Forum RECIPES/ Maple Cheesecake Recipe RECETTES Easy cheesecake is rich with the flavor of maple syrup. Since it is the main flavoring ingredient, make an effort to use real maple syrup and not imitation. You will not regret it. Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Ingredients:

Maple Fudge Crust: –– Lumina (Cyr) Morin 1-1/2 cups graham cracker or vanilla wafer crumbs 5 Tablespoons butter, melted 2 Tablespoons sugar Mix: 1 Tbsp. flour . 1 Cup sugar Filling: Add: 2 Cups Maple Syrup 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1/4 Cup White Karo 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 1/4 Cup Milk or Cream 1/3 cup lemon juice 2 Tablespoons maple syrup Cook 232º on candy thermometer. . Remove, add 1 Tbsp. Butter. Let cool to Topping: lukewarm and beat until glossy look starts 1 cup maple syrup to leave. Pour into buttered pan. 1/2 cup water 1 egg, beaten Maple Drop Cookies 1-1/2 Tablespoons cornstarch –– Lumina (Cyr) Morin 1/2 cup chopped walnuts Preparation: Sift together: To make the crust: combine the graham cracker or vanilla wafer crumbs, sugar and 2 1/4 cups of flour butter. Mix well. Press into a 9-inch pie pan. Chill the crust while you make the filling. 2 tsp. baking powder To make the filling: beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Add the condensed milk, lemon juice, 1/2 tsp. soda and 2 tablespoons maple syrup. Beat well. Pour into the prepared pie crust. Chill for several hours. 1/2 tsp. salt To make the topping: bring the 1 cup maple syrup and 1/2 cup water to a boil. Mix together the egg and cornstarch. Add a little bit of the boiling syrup to Cream: the mixture so the egg does not cook before before incorporating it all together. 3/4 cup shortening Stir and cook until the syrup is thickened. Spread over the cream cheese filling. 1/2 cup sugar Garnish with the chopped walnuts. Keep refrigerated until served. Yield: Serves 8. Add: Maple Syrup Cake –– Maple Icing 1 egg and 1 tsp. maple flavor Blanche Cyr 1/2 cup maple syrup Measure 1/2 cup maple syrup and 1 egg white Cream: add alternately with dry ingredients to the 1/8 tsp. salt creamed mixture, blending well after each 1/2 cup shortening 1/2 cup sugar addition. Boil syrup until it forms a 3” hair Pour slowly –– beating constantly Add: Add: ––into the stiffly beaten egg white with 1 egg plus 1 yolk (use egg white in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts. Drop by salt added. When cool spread on cake. teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheet. icing) Makes 5 dozen. Bake at 350º. 1 cup maple syrup Blend and add inthirds with cup hot water: 2 cups flour 1/2 tsp. soda 2 tsp. soda 2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. ginger 1/2 tsp. salt Bake at 375º in a 9” x 13” pan for 30-35 minutes. 52 Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS While you’re at it, be sure to view the many changes I have made on my [ Aroostook http://www.acadian.org ]Acadian Geneal- ogy Homepage web site (including the new County Genealogical http://www.acadian.org/ “menu” on each page. For example, you will Society find many new Power Point Presentations as Hi Cousin(e): well as Acadian and Cajun songs. My site The Aroostook County Genealogi- By now you must be wondering if can now easily be ‘searched’ and even trans- cal Society presents their first publica- I’ve died and gone to... actually, the ‘ole lated (well, sorta...) to French at the click of tion: The 1850 - 1880 Aroostook County boy’ is alive and doing well. Thanks to a button, using Google’s translation service. Censuses and Mortality Schedules as one of Microsoft’s security (?) update, I’ve also been very busy updating compiled by member Allen J. Voisine, #04. my previous Newsletter Program crashed the “specific surname” CDS, to conform Each individual Census has a com- and IT has gone to ‘heaven’. with the published data in Stephen White’s plete index with standard and a variant Many of you on my mailing list, have Dictionaires. Connect to [ http://www. spellings of all known French and Acadian sourced one (or more) “specific family” acadian.org/family.html ]http://www.aca- last names used in the particular census genealogy CDS from me and, again thanks dian.org/family.html for added information. along with a complete explanation on how to Microsoft, you are no doubt aware that Finally, I invite you to vis- to read the complete census document is their introduction of Vista (especially) and it the [ http://www.cafepress.ca/acad- also included in the preface of the document. Windows7 has created havoc with many store/460851 ]Acadian-Cajun & French- The price for individuals within the software programs. If you are one of those Canadian Online Boutique, to which State of Maine is: $55.00, which is the price who has moved to Vista or Windows7, I’m I have added many new family crest. of the CD, including sales tax and shipping pleased to announce that Brother’s Keeper and handling. The price for non-residents has recently issued an update to their pro- Here’s wishing you a wonderful within the U.S. and for nonprofit organiza- gram which is available “free-of-charge” (and safe) Summer. tions and other sales tax exempt organiza- and corrects all the issues created by the tions regardless of location is: $52.52, which two most recent Microsoft operating sys- Yvon Cyr is the price of the CD and shipping and tems. For complete details, connect to my handling. The price for Canadian residents [ http://www.acadian.org/familyCD.html is $55.00 (in American Funds), which is the ]http://www.acadian.org/familyCD.html price of the CD and shipping and handling. and view the detailed instructions (includ- Please mail checks to: A.C.G.S. Census Or- ing the link to source the new version 6.4.5 der, P.O. Box 142, Caribou, ME 04736-0142. of Brother’s Keeper). If you purchased a CD from me _after_ April 2010, then Société de you may have the latest version of BK. Généalogie du Comté The Guillemet Family... d’Aroostook La Société de généalogie du comté d’Aroostook présente sa première publica- The Franco-American Centre received two tion: Les recensements et l’inventaire des décès du comté d’Aroostook 1850-1880 CD’s filled with the following information: compilé par Allen J. Voisine, membre no 4. Chaque recensement a un index com- Nicolas Desendant Book, Association news- plet avec l’orthographe standard et adaptée de tous les noms de famille français et letters, Federal Census 1840-1930, Canadian acadiens utilisés dans le recensement avec Census 1911, Social Security Death Index, une explication détaillée incluse dans la préface sur la manière de lire le document. WW1 Draft Registration Card, Maine Mar- Le prix de cet ouvrage à l’intérieur de l’État du Maine est de 55$, ce qui riages, Marriage/Birth Missing List. We have comprend le prix du CD avec les taxes de vente, la manutention et les timbres. Le added these resources to our Genealogy library. coût pour les non-résidents des États-Unis est de 52,52$ plus envoi et manutention. We would like to thank Richard “Rich” Guil- Pour les résidents canadiens le coût est mette for his generosity. 55$ (en argent américain). Faire le chèque au nom de: A.C.G.S., Census Order, P.O. Box 142, Caribou, ME 04736-0142.

53 Le Forum (N.D.L.R. This is the third installment the ancestor identified as number 1 (or A, in column under which their names appear. of the Marquis family genealogy.) some cases). The next column gives the date Then, find the same number in the right-most of marriage, then the spouce (maiden name column above. For example, if it’s #57C, Franco-American Families if female) followed by the townin which the simply look for #57C on the right above. of Maine marriage took place. There are two columns Repeat the process for each generation par Bob Chenard, of numbers. The one on the left side of the until you get back to the first family in the Waterville, Maine page, e.g., #2, is the child of #2 in the right list. The numbers with alpha suffixes (e.g. column of numbers. His parents are thus 57C) are used mainly for couple who mar- #1 in the left column of numbers. Also, it ried in Maine. Marriages that took place in Les Familles Marquis should be noted that all the persons in the Canada normally have no suffixes with the Welcome to my genealogy column. first column of names under the same num- rare exception of small letters, e.g., “13a.” Numerous families have since been pub- ber are siblings (brothers & sisters). There If there are gross errors or missing families, lished. Copies of these may still be available may be other siblings, but only those who my sincere appologies. I have taken utmost by writing to the Franco-American Center. had descendants that married in Maine are care to be as accurate as possible. Please Listings such as the one below are never listed in order to keep this listing limited in write to the FORUM staff with your correc- complete. However, it does provide you with size. The listing can be used up or down - to tions and/or additions with your supporting my most recent and complete file of mar- find parents or descendants. The best way to data. I provide this column freely with the riages tied to the original French ancestor. see if your ancestors are listed here is to look purpose of encouraging Franco-Americans How to use the family listings: The left-hand for your mother’s or grandmother’s maiden to research their personal genealogy and to column lists the first name (and middle name name. Once you are sure you have the right take pride in their rich heritage. or initial, if any) of the direct descendants of couple, take note of the number in the left MARQUIS (Markee) FAMILY #1 David 17 Feb 1868 Christine Morin Frenchville Anna-Marie 18 May 1868 Napoléon Roy-Lauzier Frenchville Emélie 18 Jan 1869 Octave Ouellette Frenchville François 07 Feb 1869 Priscilla Nadeau Frenchville 104 Philomène 02 Aug 1875 Eugène Gagnon Frenchville 38 Jean-Baptiste 23 Aug 1853 M.-Louise LaRouche Cacouna 105 42 Emma 12 Jan 1868 Michel Lajoie Frenchville 45 Pierre 28 May 1871 Louise Caouette Frenchville 118 46 Alexandre 1868 M.-Anne Ouellette ______121 Amable “Abel” 1862 Emma Conard-Mazzerole Ft.Kent ! 122 Théodore 16 Jan 1882 Adèle Michaud St.David, Me. 49 Sophie 13 May 1850 Théophile Lavoie Van Buren 50 Marie 19 Oct 1879 Sifroid “Cephus” Ouellet Old Town(St.Jos.) Florent 28 Jul 1885 Médée Plourde Benedicta John 22 Jun 1890 Catherine Desrosiers Old Town(St.Jos.) 53 Henriette 08 Nov 1859 Georges Thiboutot Frenchville Alexandre 1m. 26 Oct 1868 Marcelline Ouellette Frenchville “ 2m. 16 May 1869 M.-Euphémie Ouellette Frenchville 130 Catherine 25 Oct 1880 Pierre Blier Frenchville Delphine-Elvine 16 Feb 1895 Octave Martin Frenchville 54 Saturnin 1m. 14 May 1877 Euphémie”Phemie” Michaud Frenchville 131 “ “Frank” 2m. 16 May 1897 Célina Ouellette Frenchville 132 Anna 06 May 1878 Germain Roy Frenchville Moïse 10 Aug 1880 Clarisse Chassé Frenchville 133 Ozithée 20 Nov 1880 Nicolas Bouchard Frenchville Elvine-Adéline 11 Jul 1881 Simon Martin Frenchville Jules 1m. 04 Jul 1887 Henriette Caouette Frenchville 134 “ 2m. 24 May 1897 Eléonore Fournier Grand-Isle Firmin 24 May 1897 Dosithée Pelletier St.Agathe, Me. 55 Georges 20 Jul 1863 Catherine/Vic. Michaud Frenchville 134a Clarisse 30 Jul 1866 Charles Couturier Frenchville Calite 06 Apr 1874 Raphaël Soucy Ft.Kent 56 Rémi 1m. 29 Feb 1892 Justine Morneau St.Hilaire, NB 137 “ 2m. 20 Aug 1906 Virginie Dick St.Hilaire, NB Eusèbe 09 Oct 1900 Léopoldine St-Pierre Sheridan 57 André 10 Jan 1843 Léa Deschênes St.Patrice, R.-Lp. 141 58 Chrysologue 29 Nov 1855 Jane Dall Riv.-Lp.(Anglican) 144 Joseph 10 Aug 1868 Marie Tardif Van Buren 63 Pierre-Étienne 15 Feb 1870 Joséphine Paradis St.Alexandre, Kam. 153 67 Joseph 08 Jun 1886 Palmyre Raymond St.Patrice 158 Alice-Alexandrine 27 Sep 1892 Léon Beaulieu St.Patrice “ 2m. 20 Aug 1895 Napoléon Bolduc Lewiston(SPP) Elzéar-Isidore 06 Sep 1897 Dorcina Croteau Lewiston(SPP) 159 Aurèle 1m. 29 Oct 1900 M.-Anne Deschênes Lewiston(SPP) 160

54 Vol. 34 # 4 • PRINTEMPS MARQUIS (Markee) FAMILY #1

“ 2m. 07 Sep 1914 Lydia Massé Lewiston(St.Mary) 69 Adélard 19 Aug 1913 Élizabeth Boucher Lewiston 164 74 Gédéon 1m. 20 Feb 1871 Arthémise Ouellette St.Léonard, NB 169 “ 2m. ____ Louise Ouellette ______“ 3m. 22 Nov 1914 Marguerite Levesque Lewiston(St.Mary) Joseph 24 Jul 1876 Cédulie Magnan Lewiston(SPP) 170 Honoré-E. 1m. 25 Feb 1878 Célina Gilbert Lewiston(SPP) 171 “ 2m.! 14 Jul 1884 Mathilda Levasseur Winn(JOP) “ 28 Jul 1888 “ “ Winn(SH) “ 3m. 24 Feb 1897 Clara-Belle Pelletier Waterville 172 John 2m. 18 Jul 1913 Marie Latulippe Waterville(Prot.) Florent 1m. 07 Jan 1879 Malvina Nadeau Lewiston(SPP) 173 “ 2m. 23 Jun 1884 Rebecca Boisvert Lewiston(SPP) 174 Angélique 2m. 21 Jul 1892 Joseph Beauchesne Lewiston 75 Romuald 1m. 11 Feb 1878 Anaïs Bérubé St.Honoré, Témis. 175 “ 2m. 26 Jan 1904 Henriette Robichaud St.Modeste “ 3m. 29 May 1919 Apolline Ouellette St.Épiphane William 28 Feb 1881 Claudia Bérubé St.Antonin 176 77 Edouard 21 Nov 1877 Philomène Côté ND-du-Lac 178 79 Eudoxie 20 Feb 1871 Achille Dumont Isle-Verte (185) Edmond 12 Aug 1873 Élise Thérriault St.Frs.-Viger 186a 80 Louis 2m. 07 Apr 1902 M.-Délina Charron Lewiston(SPP) 82 Georgiana 24 Feb 1873 Éloi Beaulieu Van Buren Cyrias 1m. 8 Mar 1886 Angélique Pagé Grand Falls, NB “ 2m. 14 Oct 1889 Marguerite Nadeau Grand Falls, NB 190 Octave 1m. 14 Sep 1886 Angélique Durepos Grand Falls, NB David 17 Feb 1868 Christine Morin Frenchville “ 2m. 07 Sep 1913 Sophie Thériault Van Buren Anna-Marie 18 May 1868 Napoléon Roy-Lauzier Frenchville Métaïde 30 Jan 1890 Félix Francoeur Van Buren Emélie 18 Jan 1869 Octave Ouellette Frenchville Clara 26 Sep 1892 Pierre Desjardins Old Town(St.Jos.) François 07 Feb 1869 Priscilla Nadeau Frenchville 104 85 Alphonse 22 Aug 1880 Césarie Desjardins Old Town(St.Jos.) 193 Philomène 02 Aug 1875 Eugène Gagnon Frenchville “Alfred” “Serenia Gardner” 38 Jean-Baptiste 23 Aug 1853 M.-Louise LaRouche Cacouna 105 George 1898 Mary ____ (b. 1876 MA) Massachusetts ! 42 Emma 12 Jan 1868 Michel Lajoie Frenchville Henry-Napo. 01 Oct 1905 Alice Chouinard Old Town(St.Jos.) 194 45 Pierre 28 May 1871 Louise Caouette Frenchville 118 Amable “Amos” 11 Feb 1899 M.-Orphélia Ouellette Old Town(St.Jos.) 195 46 Alexandre 1868 M.-Anne Ouellette ______121 94 Palmyre 02 Aug 1893 Hilaire Drouin Somersworth, NH Amable “Abel” 1862 Emma Conard-Mazzerole Ft.Kent ! 122 Ludovic 25 nov 1895 Graziella Lebland Somersworth, NH Théodore 16 Jan 1882 Adèle Michaud St.David, Me. Annonciade 13 Jul 1896 Jérémie Auclair Somersworth, NH 49 Sophie 13 May 1850 Théophile Lavoie Van Buren Arthur 16 Aug 1903 Mary Stokes Somersworth, NH 50 Marie 19 Oct 1879 Sifroid “Cephus” Ouellet Old Town(St.Jos.) Joseph 18 Jun 1907 Emma Perron Somersworth, NH Florent 28 Jul 1885 Médée Plourde Benedicta Edmond 1m. 19 Feb 1912 Angélique Desharnais Somersworth, NH John 22 Jun 1890 Catherine Desrosiers Old Town(St.Jos.) “ 2m. 22 Oct 1919 Olida Lessard Somersworth, NH 53 Henriette 08 Nov 1859 Georges Thiboutot Frenchville Albina 24 Nov 1919 Timothy Collins Somersworth, NH Alexandre 1m. 26 Oct 1868 Marcelline Ouellette Frenchville 96 Philomène 1m. 16 Nov 1862 Paul Caron Frenchville “ 2m. 16 May 1869 M.-Euphémie Ouellette Frenchville 130 “ 2m. 17 Feb 1868 Antoine Gagnon Frenchville Catherine 25 Oct 1880 Pierre Blier Frenchville (problem here - see Caron file) Delphine-Elvine 16 Feb 1895 Octave Martin Frenchville Modeste 21 Jul 1863 Éloi Lagacé Frenchville 54 Saturnin 1m. 14 May 1877 Euphémie”Phemie” Michaud Frenchville 131 Nathalie 24 Jul 1866 Alexandre Chassé Frenchville “ “Frank” 2m. 16 May 1897 Célina Ouellette Frenchville 132 Narcisse 16 Feb 1868 Anastasie Pelletier Frenchville 224 Anna 06 May 1878 Germain Roy Frenchville “Nancy” Moïse 10 Aug 1880 Clarisse Chassé Frenchville 133 Paul 03 Aug 1868 Euphémie Picard Frenchville 225 Ozithée 20 Nov 1880 Nicolas Bouchard Frenchville Joseph 20 May 1878 Marguerite Lagacé Frenchville 226 Elvine-Adéline 11 Jul 1881 Simon Martin Frenchville 97 Honoré 25 Nov 1889 Elizabeth Michaud Frenchville 228 Jules 1m. 04 Jul 1887 Henriette Caouette Frenchville 134 Maxime 20 Jul 1896 Alice Rioux Ft.Kent 229 “ 2m. 24 May 1897 Eléonore Fournier Grand-Isle 98 Georgiana 25 Apr 1871 Joseph Dubé Frenchville Firmin 24 May 1897 Dosithée Pelletier St.Agathe, Me. Joseph 01 Aug 1874 Lucie Fortin Biddeford(St.Jos.) 55 Georges 20 Jul 1863 Catherine/Vic. Michaud Frenchville 134a Maxime 18 Jun 1877 Véronique Côté Biddeford(St.Jos.) Clarisse 30 Jul 1866 Charles Couturier Frenchville Benoît 25 Jul 1880 Catherine St-Germain St.François, NB 230 Calite 06 Apr 1874 Raphaël Soucy Ft.Kent Adolphe 26 Jun 1882 Edith Marquis St.Hilaire, NB 231 56 Rémi 1m. 29 Feb 1892 Justine Morneau St.Hilaire, NB 137 Henriette 04 Jul 1887 Jules Bourgoin Frenchville “ 2m. 20 Aug 1906 Virginie Dick St.Hilaire, NB 99 Sophie 19 Nov 1882 Anthime Lucas(Ducasse) Frenchville Eusèbe 09 Oct 1900 Léopoldine St-Pierre Sheridan Octave 08 Nov 1886 M.-Aglaé Bérubé Ft.Kent 232 57 André 10 Jan 1843 Léa Deschênes St.Patrice, R.-Lp. 141 Nazaire 03 May 1887 Ozithe “Edith” Guimond St.Hilaire, NB 233 58 Chrysologue 29 Nov 1855 Jane Dall Riv.-Lp.(Anglican) 144 Joséphine 28 May 1896 Pierre Blier Frenchville Joseph 10 Aug 1868 Marie Tardif Van Buren 101 Vital-J. 19 Feb 1901 Alesse Martin Frenchville 63 Pierre-Étienne 15 Feb 1870 Joséphine Paradis St.Alexandre, Kam. 153 Benjamin (b. 15 Apr 1873 St.Hilaire, NB - d. 4 Aug 1954 Lewiston, single) 67 Joseph 08 Jun 1886 Palmyre Raymond St.Patrice 158 102 Joséphine 1885 Abraham Saucier Kinnon, Me. Alice-Alexandrine 27 Sep 1892 Léon Beaulieu St.Patrice Marie 07 Nov 1887 Frédéric Paradis Caribou “ 2m. 20 Aug 1895 Napoléon Bolduc Lewiston(SPP) Kate 23 Dec 1895 Ubald Martin Presque Isle Elzéar-Isidore 06 Sep 1897 Dorcina Croteau Lewiston(SPP) 159 102a Denis 30 Apr 1896 Laura Ouellette St.Agathe, Me. 236a Aurèle 1m. 29 Oct 1900 M.-Anne Deschênes Lewiston(SPP) 160 (See the next issue for more...) 55 Université du Maine Non-Profit Org. Le FORUM U.S. Postage Centre Franco-Américain PAID Orono, ME 04469-5719 Orono, Maine États-Unis Permit No. 8

THE FRANCO AMERICAN CENTRE LE CENTRE FRANCO AMÉRICAlN DE OF THE l’UNIVERSITÉ DU MAINE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE Le Bureau des Affaires franco-américains de l’Université du The University of Maine Office of Franco American Affairs Maine fut fondé en 1972 par des étudiants et des bénévoles de la was founded in 1972 by Franco American students and community communauté franco-américaine. Cela devint par conséquent le Centre volunteers. It subsequently became the Franco American Centre. Franco-Américain. From the onset, its purpose has been to introduce and integrate Dès le départ, son but fut d’introduire et d’intégrer le Fait Fran- the Maine and Regional Franco American Fact in post-secondary co-Américain du Maine et de la Région dans la formation académique academe and in particular the University of Maine. post-secondaire et en particulier à l’Université du Maine. Given the quasi total absence of a base of knowledge within the Étant donné l’absence presque totale d’une base de connais- University about this nearly one-half of the population of the State of sance à l’intérieur même de l’Université, le Centre Franco-Américain Maine, this effort has sought to develop ways and means of making s’efforce d’essayer de développer des moyens pour rendre cette popula- this population, its identity, its contributions and its history visible on tion, son identité, ses contributions et son histoire visible sur et en-de- and off campus through seminars, workshops, conferences and media hors du campus à travers des séminaires, des ateliers, des conférences efforts — print and electronic. et des efforts médiatiques — imprimé et électronique. The results sought have been the redressing of historical neglect Le résultat espéré est le redressement de la négligence et de and ignorance by returning to Franco Americans their history, their lan- l’ignorance historique en retournant aux Franco-Américains leur his- guage and access to full and healthy self realizations. Further, changes toire, leur langue et l’accès à un accomplissement personnel sain et within the University’s working, in its structure and curriculum are complet. De plus, des changements à l’intérieur de l’académie, dans sought in order that those who follow may experience cultural equity, sa structure et son curriculum sont nécessaires afin que ceux qui nous have access to a culturally authentic base of knowledge dealing with suivent puisse vivre l’expérience d’une justice culturelle, avoir accès French American identity and the contribution of this ethnic group to à une base de connaissances culturellement authentique qui miroite this society. l’identité et la contribution de ce groupe ethnique à la société. MISSION OBJECTIFS: 1 – D’être l’avocat du Fait Franco-Améri- • To be an advocate of the Franco-American Fact at the cain à l’Université du Maine, dans l’État du Maine et dans la région. University of Maine, in the State of Maine and in the region, and 2 – D’offrir des véhicules d’expression affective et cognitive • To provide vehicles for the effective and cognitive ex- d’une voix franco-américaine effective, collective, authentique et pression of a collective, authentic, diversified and effective voice diversifiée. for Franco-Americans, and 3 – De stimuler le développement des offres de programmes • To stimulate the development of academic and non-aca- académiques et non-académiques à l’Université du Maine et dans demic program offerings at the University of Maine and in the l’État du Maine, relatant l’histoire et l’expérience de la vie de ce state relevant to the history and life experience of this ethnic group groupe ethnique. and 4 – D’assister et de supporter les Franco-Américains dans • To assist and support Franco-Americans in the actualization l’actualisation de leur langue et de leur culture dans l’avancement of their language and culture in the advancement of careers, per- de leurs carrières, de l’accomplissement de leur personne et de leur sonal growth and their creative contribution to society, and contribution créative à la société. • To assist and provide support in the creation and imple- 5 – D’assister et d’offrir du support dans la création et mentation of a concept of pluralism which values, validates and l’implémentation d’un concept de pluralisme qui value, valide et reflète reflects affectively and cognitively the Multicultural Fact in Maine and effectivement et cognitivement le fait dans le Maine et ailleurs en elsewhere in North America, and Amérique du Nord. • To assist in the generation and dissemination of knowledge 6 – D’assister dans la création et la publication de la con- about a major Maine resource — the rich cultural and language naissance à propos d’une ressource importante du Maine — la riche diversity of its people. diversité 55