The University of Maine DigitalCommons@UMaine
Le FORUM Journal Franco-American Centre Franco-Américain
Fall 2006 Le FORUM, Vol. 32 Nos. 3 & 4 Lisa Desjardins Michaud, Rédactrice
Dick Gosselin
Yvon Cyr
Denise Larson
Virginie Sand
See next page for additional authors
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Recommended Citation Desjardins Michaud, Rédactrice, Lisa; Gosselin, Dick; Cyr, Yvon; Larson, Denise; Sand, Virginie; Paradis King, Annette; Morneault, Jöel; Blesso, Jacqueline; Gélinas, Alice; Marceau, Albert; Côté, Fabienne; Peltier, William; and Pelletier-Shoja, Benoit, "Le FORUM, Vol. 32 Nos. 3 & 4" (2006). Le FORUM Journal. 22. https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/francoamericain_forum/22
This Book is brought to you for free and open access by DigitalCommons@UMaine. It has been accepted for inclusion in Le FORUM Journal by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@UMaine. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Authors Lisa Desjardins Michaud, Rédactrice; Dick Gosselin; Yvon Cyr; Denise Larson; Virginie Sand; Annette Paradis King; Jöel Morneault; Jacqueline Blesso; Alice Gélinas; Albert Marceau; Fabienne Côté; William Peltier; and Benoit Pelletier-Shoja
This book is available at DigitalCommons@UMaine: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/francoamericain_forum/22 Le FORUM “AFIN D’ÊTRE EN PLEINE POSSESSION DE SES MOYENS”
VOLUME 32, #3 & #4 AUTOMNE/FALL HIVER/WINTER 2006
This issue of Le Forum is dedicated in lov- ing memory to my nephew, Jesse Lee Pelletier.
A tender heart stopped beating Two loving hands are at rest. God did this to prove to us He only takes the best.
A Hundred times, we needed you, A thousand times, we'll cry. If our love could have saved you, You never would have died.
Now the things we feel most deeply Are the hardest things to say, But we, your family, loved you Jesse Lee Pelletier In a very special way. Now the family chain's been broken. September 3, 1979- And nothing will be the same. October 18, 2006 But as he takes us one by one, The chain will link again.
www.FrancoMaine.org www.Francoamerican.org other pertinent websites to check out - http://users.adelphia.net/~frenchcx/index.html and www.FFA-USA.com/ Franco-American Women’s Institute: $4.00 US http://www.fawi.net Le Forum Sommaire/Contents Joyeuses Fêtes et Le Centre Franco-Américain Université du Maine meilleurs voeux pour la Orono, Maine 04469-5719 [email protected] Features nouvelle année! Téléphone: 207-581-FROG (3764) Télécopieur: 207-581-1455 Letters/Lettres...... 3 & 37 L’États du Connecticut....13-15 Volume 32, Numéro 3 & 4 automne-hiver My Dear Lisa by Alice Gélinas Éditeur/Publisher L’États du Maine....4-12, 38, 44 Yvon A. Labbé Rédactrice/Gérante/Managing Editor Sitcha Continues to Wait for Justice by Madame Habel by Dick Gosselin Lisa Desjardins Michaud Albert Marceau Mise en page/Layout
Lisa Desjardins Michaud The Indians of Madawaska by Yvon Cyr Angel Sirois FCGSC Celebrates 25 Years by Albert Composition/Typesetting Marceau Women's Work by Denise Larson Aric Cloutier Angel Sirois L’États du New Hampshire...... 16 Lisa Michaud Have Trade, Will Travel by Denise Aide Technique Larson Lisa Michaud La tradition des bons souliers par Yvon Labbé Fabienne Côté Tirage/Circulation/4,500 Un Homme Rare/A Rare Man by Imprimé chez/Printed by Virginie Sand Centre Franco-Américain, Orono, Maine A Salute to Nicolas Pelletier by William Publié 4 fois l’an par le Centre Fran- Peltier & Benoit Pelletier-Shoja co-Américain. Le Forum est distribué surtout Deix Boïîtes de Conserve de Maïs de aux Franco-Américains des États-Unis. Les Crème/Two Cans of Creamed Corn by énoncés, opinions et points de vue formulés Virginie Sand Books/Livres..18, 25, 29, 30, 32, dans Le Forum sont ceux des auteurs et ne 33, 34, 35, 36 représentent pas nécessairement les points de vue de l’éditeur ou de la rédactrice, ou de Le chien français/The French Dog by la Division pour l’Éducation Permanente à Virginie Sand Genealogy/Généalogie...... 51-55 l’Université du Maine. Le Forum is published 4 times a year Grandchildren: Work Toward by the Franco-American Center. Le Forum is Music/Musique...... 45-47 distributed in particular to Franco-Americans Independence First by Annette Paradis in the United States. Statements, opinions and King points of view expressed are not necessarily Coin des jeunes...... 48-49 those of the editor, the publishers or the Division Latest by Jöel Morneault of Lifelong Learning or of the University of Maine. From Acadie to Kigali by Jacqueline Recipes/Recettes...... 50 Tous les textes soumis doivent parvenir Blesso à —Forward all submitted texts to: Lisa D. Michaud, Rédactrice-en-chef/Editor-in-chief, Life Comes-Life Goes by a hear broken Le Forum, University of Maine, Orono, Maine Mémère 04469-5719, U.S., au plus tard quatre semaines précédant le mois de publication—at least four weeks prior to the month of publication. Les lettres de nos lecteurs sont les bienv- enues—Letters to the Editor are welcomed. La reproduction des articles est autorisée sans préavis sauf indication contraire—Our original articles may be reproduced without notice unless otherwise indicated. L’équipe de rédaction souhaite que Le Fo- rum soit un mode d’expression pour vous tous les Franco-Américains et ceux qui s’intéressent à nous. The staff hopes that Le Forum can be a vehicle of expression for you Franco-Americans and those who are interested in us. Le Forum et son staff—Universitaires, gens de la communauté, les étudiants --Angel, Aric.
2 Vol. 32 # 3 & 4 • automne/hiver Lettres/ A call for help...
Letters ACADIAN PROJECT
Le Forum; I am writing to you for your opin - C'est toujours un plaisir de lire Le ion on the past and the future of the Acadians. Forum. Please let me introduce myself, my name is Di- J'ai par le passé envoyé quelques articles que vous avez fait paraître dans ane Doiron. I am Acadian. I was born and raised in ce journal interéssant. Je vous envois Pointe-Sapin, New Brunswick where my family still aujourd'hui un court récit des souvenirs lives and celebrates La Fete de L’Acadie every summer. de mon enfance. Si cela vous interesse? I live near Toronto, Ontario and work as the Assistant Photo Editor at the National Post, a Canadian daily na- Une abonnée, Fabienne Côté tional newspaper with a circulation of 250,000. Part of Auburn, NH the CanWest Global chain, Canada’s largest publisher of newspapers, with ownership of 11 major daily newspapers Chère Mme. Côté; and acombined average circulation of 1.4 million daily. Voir page 16 pour votre article. The next Acadian World Congress will be held in Merci milles fois! 2009 on the Acadian Peninsula in New Brunswick, Canada. For the event, I’m planning to produce a mul- Chere Rédactrice; Je tes écrit une petite histoire, timedia feature on the past and future of L’Acadie. comme tu vois, j’ai un peu de misère a As part of my research I’m asking Acadians their views écrire, ces pour Le Forum si tu l’accepte. on the most important places, historical or geographical, in Je t’envoie aussi $20.00 pour mon the birth of Acadians in New France. Also, what places will abonnement au Forum. Voudrais tu continue to be significant to Acadian culture in the future. verifier mon address? Il avait en- core l’address de la maison de con- Please list as many places as you wish and briefly explain valescent ou j’étais. Envoie moi le your choices. a l’address ou tu envoie tes letters. You can send your answers to my email or by mail at: Merci des beau souvenir de tes Diane Doiron parents a leurs 50 ème anniversaire de 8-245 Bay Street North mariage. Si ils étaient beau tous les deux dans leurs jeunesses, et ils le sont Hamilton, Ontario, L8L 1M2 encore. Je sais que tu les aiment de tous Canada ton coeur, profite s’en ils sont encore mailto:[email protected] jeunes tu les aura encore longtemps. Je’ n’est pas vûe le couple Nor- Chère Alice; man et Pat Landry que tu me parlais; si Je suis très heureuse de pouvoir un jour tu vièn par ici, je serais toujours vous écrire et vous parlez sur le télé- contente de te voir et de counaître ton phone. Vous êtes très aimable et si tendre. uncle et ta tante. Je ne peu plus recevoir C’est avec grand plaisir que je vous ma visite comme j’avais l’habitude, je ne écris pour vous dire que je vous apprécie suis plus capable, mais on peu toujours beaucoup. C'est toujours un plaisir de parler, se voir se connaître mieux, tu a publier vos soumissions et lire votre his- toujours été se gentille pour moi, je te toire. Vous êtes une personne très spéciale prend comme une de ma famille, que et je suis bénie de vous avoir rencontré. de beau souvenirs que tu ma donner. Je vous aime beaucoup, Surevoir Lisa, Rédactrice Je t’aime (Voir page 13) Alice (Voir la page 36 pour plus de lettres) 3 Le Forum There were also a few easy to beat pin bel passed away whichever came first. ball and baseball machines in there. Not Grand Union didn’t come equipped sure if Paul rigged them that way to draw with one of those Ray Vezeau mobiles Madame customers or if it was just that the floor with which to deliver groceries. Since was not level where the machines were. Mrs. Habel was the only person we de- While Paul busied himself ordering livered to, there was little justification for Habel explosives, pea shooters and lik-m-aid, a special truck. Delivering groceries usu- by Dick Gosselin Arthemise took care of the Habel house- ally meant walking with her and a cart to S. Portland, ME hold inventories like groceries. Ray her High Street home. I viewed it as a nice Vezeau had built himself a nice grocery break during the day. There was much When one thinks of the deal makers empire by offering green stamps and guilt associated with this duty however of the last century, Donald Trump comes free delivery. Few were as personable when Mrs. Habel chose a busy time to to mind. In my hometown of Somer- as the employee he had deliver those do her groceries. She would sometimes sworth, New Hampshire a certain Mrs. groceries much of the time. Armand do her shopping during those peak times, Habel crafted THE deal of the century. Dubois had the customer service charm when all three check out’s were operat- Arthemise Rheaume became Mrs. of a Ray Ferland (Black and White ing. If I left with Mrs. Habel, the only Arthemise Habel when she married Market) or Barber Harvey Nadeau or other bag boy had to sack groceries for 3 Somersworth’s future Mayor, Legislator Perley Giranis the Somersworth native registers. For much of my tenure there I and Storekeeper Napoleon “Paul” “Nap” who was an indispensable salesman at was the only bag boy who spoke French Habel on July 1st 1910 in St. Martins Shaine’s shoe store in Dover. I don’t so I was usually assigned to Mrs. Habel. Church. Both likely shared savy for doubt that Armand’s customer service This one day was ultra busy. Cus- winning friends, influencing people and skills built Ray Vezeau’s business even tomers backed up at the checkouts all some sense of the market value of things. more than S&H Green Stamps did. the way to the Meat counter. A cashier Kids growing up in 1950’s Somersworth To get to Ray’s Supermarket Mrs. gave the order. “Dick would you walk were drawn to “Paul Habel’s Store” in the Habel had to walk just under 3/4 of a home with Mrs. Habel.” Gosh....my poor Chandler building beneath the Library. mile and back. In 1959 Grand Union co-worker....left to bag groceries for what I think Paul Habel could have started a Champagne’s out of Manchester and seemed like five thousand customers all National franchise system of Paul Habel East Patterson, New Jersey opened a by himself. I’ve got to get creative about stores. What unique offerings he car- store at Orange and Washington a little this. I know I’ll box her groceries and ried. Penny Candy, lik-m-aid, fountain over a quarter mile from the Habel’s deliver them on my Vespa Motor Scooter. made vanilla cokes, 5 cent root beer, pea High Street home. At the height of The look on her face....I thought for a shooters in a variety of colors and low opening day festivities Mrs. Habel told minute I had personally driven her to end explosives packed in sawdust known a Grand Union executive that she would once again shop at Ray Vezeau’s. “Tu as Atom Pearls. These were volatile ver- shop there if, as Ray Vezeau did, they vas casse mez ouefs!!!!!! Tu vas casse sions of todays “snappers.” Atom Pearls would deliver her groceries. The deal mez ouefs!!!!!!” (you’re going to break didn’t just make a popping sound...... was sealed that day. As far as I know my eggs, you’re going to break my eggs.) they were louder,THEY EXPLODED she is the only person Grand Union ever You know, she was right. That’s prob- and sometimes a six inch flame was vis- delivered for and I am told, they did it ably exactly what would have happened. ible. O.K. make that a four inch flame. until the store closed or until Mrs. Ha- Oh well, it was a nice day for a walk.
LECITE tribe. The principal MALECITE The Indians of Madawaska villages on the St. John River were, Me- nagoneche (St. John), Aukupag (Sprin- O n a s c e n i c city of Edmundston is located. It was ghill, a small village seven miles above knoll not far from Ed- then known as Madoueskak. The tribal Fredericton) and Medoctec, eight miles mundston, New Bruns- council hall was just about where the below Woodstock and Madoueskak at wick on the road to St. “F.W. Woolworth” Store is today, and the mouth of the river of the same name. Basile, there is a village the Indian cemetery was located at equal The MALECITES themselves very different from surrounding villages. distances between the present Catholic were part of the ABENAKIS Nation and It is the Indian reservation of the Mada- and Protestant churches. Tradition has along with the PASSAMAQUODDYS, waska Territory and the remnants of the it, that this Indian establishment existed occupied the whole St. John Valley. The ancient capital of the St. John River. It several centuries before the French explo- two tribes were formerly known as the is the home of the valiant MALECITE, ration of Acadia and Canada. At the time ETCHEMINS. The ABENAKIS were the most faithful ally Acadia ever had of the foundation of Madawaska by the part of the ALGONQUIN Nation, one of and most feared enemy of the New Acadians, the Indian village numbered the more important Indian confederations England pioneer. The early site of this about three hundred inhabitants and was village was exactly where the present the most important center of the MA- (Continued on page 5) 4 Vol. 32 # 3 & 4 • automne/hiver (The Indians of Madawaska the men. They took part in the massacres memorable, recorded in Indian legend. continued from page 4) of prisoners and in barbaric rejoicings The courageous Pemmyhaouet had died that accompanied these scenes of cruelty. in combat, and his son was also fatally of Canada. The confedera- wounded. As the defendants fell under tion occupied almost all the We have seen that the tribe of arrows and tomahawks of the assailants, Canadian territory, east of the Great Madawaska occupied all of the St. John their wives and young girls replaced Lakes. It extended across New England Valley from Grand Falls, New Bruns- them. It was only after several days, and Acadia. The MICMACS, who lived wick (where I was born), to Sept-Isles when the besieged MALECITES ran in Nova Scotia and Eastern New Bruns- (Quebec), including the valley of Lake out of arrows and spears, that they gave wick, were also of the ALGONQUIN Na- Temiscouata. Their capital was, from up the struggle. The fierce MOHAWKS tion. The domain of the ABENAKIS, was time immemorial, situated at the mouth found, in a corner of the ruined fort, two the valleys of the St. John and the Ken- of the Madawaska River. This village women who begged for their deliverance, nebec rivers. The MICMACS are gener- was surrounded by a thick stockade by death. They were Necomah, the wife ally considered the original inhabitants of trees driven into the ground, form- of the fallen chief, and Malobiannah, his of the St. John Valley. The ABENAKIS ing an impenetrable wall. The Indians son’s fiancee. The chief’s son, had just of Maine, who were much more numer- from the Lower St. John Valley as died and the two women had braved the ous, invaded the territory and pushed furor of the MO- the MICMACS HAWKS, to bury into eastern New their loved ones. Brunswick and Encouraged Nova Scotia. The by their success, word “Madawas- the IROQUOIS ka” itself, is of warriors resolved MICMAC ori- to continue their gin. “Madoues” quest to the Lower m e a n s p o r - St. John Valley. c u p i n e a n d Since they did “kak”meaning not know the ter- place...thus, the ritory, they took land of the porcu- the two women pine. The true ab- captives, to guide origines of the val- them down the ley, then, could very well be the MICMACS. well as those of the Kennebec and the river. At nightfall, the bark canoes The MALECITES were, then Penobscot, took refuge in this enclave, were tied together and left in the care as now, a nomad people. They fished, during times of enemy incursions. of Malobiannah. Necomah, the chief’s hunted deer and moose, but most often Even though they were far re- wife, had already died of sorrow. they chased MOHAWKS, their foremost moved from the IROQUOIS, their Malobiannah mourned her fallen enemy. At certain times of the year, the consistent enemy, these latter on several fiancee, and wept over the calamities MALECITE’s village was almost de- occasions, engaged in bloody battle with that had befallen her nation. But in her serted. They often ate in leisure, what the MALECITE. Indian tradition relates heart, she kept the Indian emotion of was gathered in a burst of feverish two such MOHAWK incursions, with revenge. She resolved to sacrifice her activity, at the price of great privation. MALECITE forts burned and large own life, to avenge her loved ones and Though barbaric in their way of life, they numbers of their population, massacred. at the same time, save her brothers of were typical Indians. Equal to Romans The most noted of these war expeditions Aukapug and Medoctec, from the di- in their eloquence, their bravery and occurred when some two hundred MO- saster awaiting them. She would lead valor, they surpassed them in honesty HAWKS from Upper Canada, mounted the flotilla over the falls at what is now of their morals. In fact, it was extremely a major attack on the MALECITE. known as Grand Falls...my home town! rare that the Indians’ prisoner would be The IROQUOIS reached the St. At some distance from the chasm, insulted. They might torture their pris- John Valley through the Etchemins and the warriors who had fallen asleep, oner, but never treat them indecently! came on a small MALECITE village at were awakened by the noise of the falls. The wife of the MALECITE, was the mouth of the Allagash, and destroyed They asked their guide what made such his slave. She was forced to work much it. When they arrived at the village of the thunderous noise. She answered calmly, more than the men, who engaged only Madoueskaks, they found that Pemmyha- “it is a new river, the Walloostoock”. in hunting and war expeditions. She was ouet, the great chief of the MALECITE, All the while, the fleet was being drawn extremely devoted to her children, whom had organized the defense of his fort, with towards the abyss. The MOHAWKS, she raised with great care. Of singular the help of about one hundred braves. The note: the women were more cruel than ensuing combat became one of the most (Continued on page 6) 5 Le Forum
(The Indians of Madawaska continued from page 5) The legend of Malobiannah reassured by the composure of the young MALECITE girl, went back to sleep. They were only a few hundred feet from the falls, when they felt themselves caught in the treacherous current and realized their danger. They jumped from their canoes, but it was too late. Shouting curses, they disappeared in the foaming cataracts, accompanied by the triumphant shouts of the heroic daughter of the people they had vanquished. The last thing they heard, were the names of her fiancee and the praises of her avenged nation.
Note from Yvon Cyr: Ever wonder if you have Native Indian in your ancestry? Many Acadians do, because of the common inter-min- Cette oeuvre d’art des Mosaiculture 2003 représente une gling in the early years. The above-noted légende. Un village malécite est attaqué par 200 Iroquois et la is a reproduction of an interesting article jeune Malobiannah est prisonnière des Iroquois qui la force à les posted on my Acadian Genealogy Homep- age web site. The balance of this rather guider sur la rivière Saint-Jean en direction de Médotec durant extensive article, together with much la nuit. A cause la fatigue les Iroquois s’endorment et la jeune additional information pertaining to the indienne veille et les dirige vers les chutes Chickuenicgapiok et friendship which existed between the tous périrent en se fracassent sur les rochers au bas de la chute. Micmacs and Acadians. Connect to my [ http://www.acadian.org/indians.html This floral piece of art of the Mosaicultures 2003 represent a legend. According to the legend two hundred Iroquois warriors are attacking a Malisset village. The conquerors forced their prisoner Malobiannah to show them the way on the St-John River during the night. Under Malobiannah watchfull eyes, the weary warriors slept. Fifty kilometers later, a muffled sound awakened them, but Malo- biannah fooled them into thinking they had reached the Aroostook. By the time the warriors realized that the sound was the roar of the giant waterfalls, the Chickuenicgapiok, it was too late and all of them perished when they crashed on the rocks at the bottom of the falls.
family. They do women’s work. Women’s work In the early days of Quebec, By Denise R. Larson the mother of the first family from France to live in the New World The everyday life and labor of was Marie Rollet. She settled her family women often do not leave much imprint in a house that overlooked the great St. in the annals of history. Women don’t Lawrence River then opened the door to usually lead invading forces nor political orphaned native children and started a parties. They don’t amass great fortunes school. Among her students were Charity and create great corporations. Neither and Esperance, two girls who had been do most men, but women make their adopted by Samuel de Champlain. He and mark in highly visible ways even less his wife, Helene, did not have any chil- Marie Rollet Hébert frequently. Women perform the daily dren of their own and hoped that raising chores of life that sustain friends and (Continued on page 7) 6 Vol. 32 # 3 & 4 • automne/hiver dants joined one of the religious orders with decorative patterns incorporated into (Women's Work that were founded in Quebec and Mon- the weave. The traditional patterns fea- continued from page 6) treal for the care and education of the tured broad bands of geometric shapes. happy, healthy native chil- native people. Among the skills taught to Some anthropologists suggest that dren at the fur-trading post the young women was that of embroidery, men built an empire, women build a would encourage the native which was considered an art form and culture. The culture of the early French people to build more permanent settle- played an important role in the decoration Canadians was founded on faith, family, ments and develop farms near Quebec. of the parish churches. When silk thread and farm by women of endurance and Marie and her husband, Louis was scarce, the enterprising nuns devised imagination. The men put their talents Hebert, provided boarding for some of a way to use the hair of moose and quills to the trades of fish, fur, and forest. The the single men who worked at the post from a porcupine to stitch intricate pat- depth and richness of early French-Cana- as clerks and interpreters. Their house terns in cloth and the flexible inner bark dian heritage will be celebrated in Quebec was the first one built in the colony and of the birch tree. The bark was used to in 2007-2008 during the 400th anniver- was one of the largest, so they often construct decorated boxes and baskets. sary of the founding of the city in 1608. hosted community gatherings. She had Wool and linen were used as vest- On the Net: www.quebec400. brought with her from France a huge ments, wall hangings, book covers, and qc.ca For more information on early brewing cauldron for making beer, but even men’s and women’s pocketbooks, North American handcrafts, see: “The it was also used for potluck suppers. which were like present-day wallets. Age of Homespun” by Laurel Thatch- As the colony grew and more The native women developed ex- er Ulrich (Alfred A. Knopf, 2001). people arrived from France, Marie ceptional skills in embroidery. Their own Denise Rajotte Larson is writ- and her daughters and granddaughters culture provided them with the traditions ing a work in celebration of the became midwives, caregivers to the of basketry woven so tightly that the 400th anniversary of the found- injured, and took on prominent roles in baskets held water and were used to heat ing of Quebec in 1608. She can be the women’s assemblies of their church. water when placed on hot stones. Native reached at: [email protected]. Some of Marie’s female descen- women also made wall and floor mats a man and his family could rent the fur trading post at Quebec. Surveyors Have Trade, Will some acreage and develop it into had to lay out the lines of the seigniories a self-sustaining farm. and its subdivisions. Wheelwrights and Another way to ensure passage metalworkers constructed the cannons Travel to Canada was to request a fief, a and arquebusses for Fort Louis, which sat By Denise R. Larson smaller lot of land for personal use. on the promontory above the trading post Both seigniories and fiefs were on the St. Lawrence River. Pilots came to Though a hot topic here in Amer- first granted to men but could be inherited Quebec to learn the ways of the river and ica now, illegal immigration wasn’t a by their wives or daughters, who could guide the trading vessels to and from an- problem in New France in the 1600s. then hold or sell them as they saw fit. chorage at Tadoussac. In France, earning The only way from France master’s papers could take de- to the New World was by cades. Craftsman who agreed ship, and the gangplank to work in Canada could usu- was carefully monitored. ally earn the master craftsman Every emigrant had to have rating in about six years. official papers, and those not Added to the need for commissioned by the king skilled workmen was the or a mercantile company drive to clear some land in had to pay 30 livres to leave the thick forest and plant life- the country. At the time, sustaining crops so that the 300 livres was considered post workers weren’t com- the average annual income. pletely dependent on supply One of the ways to shipments from France. All gain permission to move too often ships went down in to Canada was to sign a the rough Atlantic. Some that contract with a seignior, a made it safely across the ocean man who had been granted were seized at the mouth of a large amount of land, called The most desirous of immi- the river by rival traders from other coun- a seigniory, with the understanding that grants to Canada were skilled craftsmen. tries, especially England. The English the seignior would recruit families to cre- Masons and carpenters were needed to had a toe hold on Newfoundland near the ate a settlement. For a small annual fee, build houses, stores, and fortifications at (Continued on page 8) 7 Le Forum j’avais mis de petits gâteaux de Noël et du thé de la tisane sur une table pour le UN HOMME Père Noël (pour mon mari en réalité). Ma maison était très joyeuse. Il RARE y avait beaucoup de couleurs partout, Par le rouge, le vert, l’or, l’argent, et le Virginie Sand violet. Je me sentais très contente. (Bangor au Maine, Il était maintenant dix heures aux Etats-Unis) pendant cette veille de Noël. Mon mari s’était déjà couché. Soudain, j’ai entendu le vent. Aussitôt, je suis allée Un jour, malgré le mauvais temps, à la fenêtre. J’ai vu deux choses ex- j’ai décidé de faire les courses pour traordinaires. D’abord, il neigeait dur Noël. Ce jour-là, il neigeait, il faisait et il y avait de la glace sur la fenêtre. Et très froid, et les rues étaient mauvaises. puis, j’ai remarqué la lumière rouge la Tout à coup, il y a eu beau- plus brillante dans le ciel. La lumière coup de circulation sur le boulevard se déplaçait lentement à travers le ciel. du centre commercial de Bangor. Il Tout à coup, j’ai pensé entendre le tinte- y avait beaucoup de voitures sur la ment des cloches, mais j’avais déjà fermé rue Stillwater et sur la rue Hogan. mon téléphone portable pour la nuit. Soudain, j’ai vu un homme avec Tout de suite, j’ai eu sommeil. Je me plusieurs cerfs. Le centre commercial suis assise dans la chaise à côté des petits de Bangor invitait cet homme et ses gâteaux de Noël, de thé de la tisane, et de (Have Trade, Will Travel continued cerfs toutes les années à ce temps. Cet la cheminée. Je me suis endormie et j’ai from page 7) homme portait un costume rouge avec pensé rêver du Père Noël et de ses cerfs. une bordure blanche. Il avait une barbe mouth of the St. Lawrence and trafficked Plus tard, j’ai entendu un grand et une moustache qui étaient blanches, in the fur trade, even though the English bruit au-dessus de ma tête sur le toit qui et les cheveux étaient aussi blancs. Ses claim lay south, starting in Maine and m’a réveillée. J’ai regardé l’horloge. cerfs portaient des cloches et s’étaient ranging to the Spanish claim in Florida. Il était une heure du matin de Noël. décorés des couleurs rouges et vertes. Un In spite of the French settlers Ensuite, j’ai encore vu deux choses des cerfs exposait un nez rouge qui bril- being legally barred from engaging in extraordinaires. D’abord, quelqu’un lait comme une brillante lumière rouge. the fur trade as individuals, many men avait mangé les petits gâteaux de Noël Enfin, je me suis approchée de cet spent countless days exploring the vast et avait bu le thé de la tisane à côté de homme rare et de ses cerfs quand je suis forest that surrounded Quebec. Hunting ma chaise. Puis, quelqu’un avait mis descendue de ma voiture. Cet homme and fishing were tightly controlled in a un autre cadeau sous l’arbre de Noël. avait un grand sourire et s’appelait well-populated and regulated country like Le cadeau s’était enveloppé d’un papier France, so the freedom of movement en- <
Pendant mon enfance, j’assistais à cour de récréation pour jouer au milieu l’école paroissiale qui s’appelait l’Ecole du matin et après le déjeuner. Pendant Deux Boîtes de du Cœur Sacré dans la ville de Waterville les jours saints de l’obligation, tous les dans l’état du Maine aux Etats-Unis. étudiants marchaient à travers la cour de Conserve de C’était une école catholique. J’étais une récréation, en aval de la rue Agréable et étudiante là-bas du premier grade au sep- à l’église du Cœur Sacré pour la messe. tième grade. Cette école se logeait dans A l’Ecole du Cœur Sacré, nous Maïs de Crème le vieux bâtiment de briques qui apparte- trouvions toujours les salles de classe très nait à l’Université de Colby. En effet, grandes. Même les corridors semblaient l’Ecole du Cœur Sacré se fixait à l’avenue grands. Les salles de classe s’éclairaient Par de Collège. Il y avait toujours beaucoup avec de grandes fenêtres. En bas étage, Virginie Sand de circulation sur l’avenue de Collège. il me semblait comme une basse-fosse, (Bangor au L’église du Cœur Sacré n’était pas un cachot où les fenêtres étaient petites. loin de l’école du Cœur Sacré. L’église C’était dans cette basse-fosse où les étudi- Maine, aux du Cœur Sacré se fixait à la rue "Pleas- ants mangeaient. Là, selon moi, la nour- Etats-Unis) ant" qui était derrière l’Ecole du Cœur riture était épouvantable. Je pensais que Sacré. Derrière l’école il y avait aussi la (Suite page 10) 9 Le Forum (Deux Boîtes de Conserve de basse-fosse, les religieuses conservaient conserve de nourriture bon marché. Une Maïs de Crème suite de page 9) bien de l’argent. Ces femmes étaient année, dans l’esprit de la saison de Noël, toutes les nourritures venaient des boîtes très frugales. Elles savaient étendre un j’ai décidé de faire les courses pour mes de conserve. Surtout, on pouvait prédire dollar. Elles savaient utiliser quelque cadeaux de Noël à l’école. Alors, quand le même repas chaque vendredi, etc. chose plus d’une seule fois. En plus, je suis rentrée chez moi, j’ai demandé Mais la seule chose dont je me souvenais pendant chaque automne, les religieuses à ma mère de quelle sorte de boîte de d’aimer bien était le thon, même s’il ve- nous mettaient à travailler pour l’école, conserve que mon oncle Joe préférait. nait d’une boîte de conserve. A mon avis, pour l’église, et pour les charités. Les Ma mère me disait qu’il préférait le les légumes qui se servaient toujours avec religieuses encourageaient les étudiants maïs de crème. En ce cas, le lendemain, les repas goûtaient affreux. Ils n’étaient à vendre du papier de Noël pour envel- aussitôt que j’étais à l’école, j’ai trouvé pas frais. Encore une fois, ils étaient des opper les cadeaux de Noël, des cartes de et acheté deux boîtes de conserve de boîtes de conserve. De toute façon, je Noël, et d’autres produits de Noël. Les maïs de crème pour dix cents (.10), un survivais. Cependant, j’avais finalement religieuses nous motivaient à vendre vrai marché. Je me sentais très fière de persuadé ma mère de me permettre à beaucoup de produits de Noël par nous trouver le cadeau parfait sans dépenser apporter mon propre déjeuner à l’école offrir des récompenses. Les récompenses beaucoup d’argent. Après l’école, j’ai tous les jours. Par conséquent, j’étais étaient souvent des petites statues de porté les deux boîtes de conserve chez beaucoup plus heureuse. Maintenant, je la mère de Jésus, la Vierge Marie. Par moi. Là, je les ai enveloppées avec le pa- pouvais déjeuner dans la salle à manger exemple, si je vendais plusieurs paquets pier de Noël que je vendais pour l’école. des déjeuners froids, une plus petite salle de papier de Noël, je recevrais une statue. Au moment où le jour de Noël dans la basse-fosse. Toujours, j’étais très Eh bien, après quelques années, ma mère est arrivé, ma mère m’a amenée chez contente à manger mes sandwichs avec avait ramassé beaucoup de statues de la oncle Joe. Là-bas, je lui ai donné son les autres étudiants qui mangeaient leurs Vierge Marie, parce que je lui donnais cadeau de Noël. Après qu’il a désen- sandwichs. J’ai gagné cette bataille. toutes mes récompenses. Pourtant, avec veloppé le paquet, il avait l’air surpris et Dans les salles de classe à l’Ecole chaque saison de Noël, mes voisins puis il a ri pendant qu’il me remerciait. du Cœur Sacré il y avait les religieuses devenaient plus impatients avec moi Plus tard, j’ai demandé à ma mère, Catholiques qui nous enseignaient. tant que je frappais à leurs portes pour <
school. I was a student there from the all the students were walking across Two Cans of first grade to the seventh grade. This the playground, down Pleasant Street, school was located in the old brick build- and to Sacred Heart Church for mass. ing which use to belong to Colby Col- (Continued on page 11) Creamed Corn lege. In fact, Sacred Heart School was B y Vi r g i n i a located on College Avenue. There was Sand (Bangor, always a lot of traffic on College Avenue. Sacred Heart Church was not Maine, U.S.A.) far from Sacred Heart School. Sacred Heart Church was located on Pleasant During my childhood, I use to Street which was behind Sacred Heart attend the parochial school, which was School. Behind the school there was called Sacred Heart School, in the city also the playground for playing in the of Waterville, in the state of Maine, in middle of the morning and after lunch. the United States. It was a Catholic During the holy days of obligation, 10 Vol. 32 # 3 & 4 • automne/hiver (Two Cans of Creamed Corn was appearing very rigid. I was often school. Consequently, many cans ap- continued from page 10) asking myself if there was hair under peared at the school. After that, there these black veils with the white foreheads was a designated time where the students At Sacred Heart School, we al- because the nuns were never remov- could buy these cans of food very cheap. ways found the classrooms very large. ing their black veils. The rosary beads One year, in the spirit of the Christmas Even the corridors seemed large. The were attached to the gowns of the nuns. season, I decided to shop for my Christ- classrooms were illuminated by large Like the food in the dungeon, the mas gifts at the school. Then, when I windows. On the lower story, it seemed nuns conserved money well. These returned home, I asked my mother what like a dungeon, a prison where the win- women were very frugal. They knew kind of canned food that my Uncle Joe dows were small. It was in this dungeon how to stretch a dollar. They knew how preferred. My mother told me that he where the students were eating. There, to use something more than once. More- preferred creamed corn. In this case, according to me, the food was horrible. over, during each autumn, the nuns were the next day, as soon as I was at school, I I thought that all the food was coming putting us to work for the school, for the found and purchased two cans of creamed from cans. Above all, one could predict church, and for the charities. The nuns corn for 10 cents, a real bargain. I felt the same meal each Friday, etc. But the encouraged the students to sell Christmas very proud to find the perfect gift without only thing of which I remember liking paper for wrapping Christmas gifts, some spending a lot of money. After school, was the tuna fish, even if it came from Christmas cards, and some other Christ- I carried the two cans home. There, a can. In my opinion, the vegetables mas products. The nuns were motivating I wrapped them with the Christmas that were always served with the meals us to sell a lot of Christmas products by paper that I was selling for the school. tasted frightful. They were not fresh. offering us some rewards. The rewards At the moment where Christmas Again, they were from cans. At any rate, were often some small statues of the day arrived, my mother took me to my I survived. In the meantime, I had finally mother of Jesus, the Virgin Mary. For Uncle Joe’s house. Over there, I gave him persuaded my mother to allow me to example, if I sold several packages of his Christmas gift. After he unwrapped bring my own lunch to school every day. Christmas paper, I would receive a statue. the package, he seemed surprised and then Consequently, I was a lot happier. Now, Well, after a few years, my mother had he laughed while he was thanking me. I could have lunch in the “cold-lunch- collected many statues of the Virgin Later, I asked my mother, “why room,” a smaller room in the dungeon. Mary, because I was giving her all of my did Uncle Joe laugh at my gift?” My Still, I was very content to eat my sand- rewards. However, with each Christmas mother explained that when my Uncle wiches with the other students who were season, my neighbors were becoming Joe first saw the shape of the package, eating their sandwiches. I won this battle. more impatient with me as long as I was he naturally presumed that he received In the classrooms at Sacred Heart knocking at their doors to sell something. two cans of beer! But to his surprise, School, there were the Catholic nuns who In addition, I was thinking about how there were two cans of creamed corn. were teaching us. They were very strict. the nuns were earning money when they Today, as an adult, I am still frugal. We all feared them. We were always were offering all of these free rewards. Each Christmas holiday, I can always praying because of our sins. Even the Each year, towards the Thanks- find the perfect gifts for my family and principal of the school was a nun. The giving holiday, the nuns were executing friends without spending a lot of money. nuns were wearing long, black gowns another entrepreneurial strategy. Sacred Meanwhile, I try to avoid canned food. with long, black veils. Around the throat Heart School was collecting cans of When I cook, I prepare fresh vegetables and the forehead, they were displaying food. In that case, the students were and fresh, whole food, if possible. something like a large, white collar that encouraged to bring canned food to the maîtresse, le chien marche l’escalier et il s’arrête à creuser pour le trésor. En Le chien français regarde l’action d’un jongleur. Quand effet, le chien français n’est pas ennuyé. Par Virginie ils explorent le village, ils font atten- Enfin, chez lui, ce chien vit comme Sand tion vers les voitures et ils regardent un roi. Il peut prendre un petit somme Il me semble que le chien aux fenêtres des magasins. Quand le quand il veut. Il peut être paresseux français vit une bonne vie. chien renifle du fromage dans le marché s’il veut. Quand le chien a faim, il peut Le chien français ne peut pas être de la rue, sa maîtresse achète un peu de s’asseoir et mendier pour un régal. Le ennuyé. Sa maîtresse le prend partout. fromage pour lui. Le chien français est chien a la liberté dans la maison sans Elle tient le chien en laisse qui garde gâté. Le chien français n’est pas ennuyé. laisse, mais il doit être patient pendant le chien sauf. Elle fait une promenade A la plage, le chien porte un qu’il attend sa maîtresse quand elle avec le chien dans le parc. Dans le parc chapeau pour la protection du soleil. est au bureau. Le chien français n’est le chien joue doucement avec les autres Là-bas, le chien a chaud et a soif s’il pas toujours ennuyé. Il peut mâcher chiens. Par conséquent, pendant la prom- nage dans l’eau et boit de l’eau. Le sur ses joujoux pendant qu’il attend. enade le chien peut observer le monde, chien voit des poissons à la plage et il De tout cela, il découle que le explorer la nature et les arbres, et obtenir se gratte. Le chien court avec sa maî- chien français doit vivre une vie longue. de l’exercice en même temps. Avec sa tresse sur la plage par la mer, et puis 11 Le Forum dog is hot and thirsty so he swims in and the obstacles these poor souls faced the water and drinks some water. The for decades. They dared not speak up dog sees some fish at the beach and he and were easily lead (or miss-lead) by The French scratches himself. The dog runs with factory owners and their overseers and his master on the beach by the sea, yes, even the parish priests.It took gen- and then he stops to dig for treasure. erations before independence appeared Dog Indeed, the French dog is not bored. across the board, as we know it today. Finally, at home, this dog lives I remember everyone my age By Virginia Sand like a king. He can take a small nap thought it necessary to get married when he wants. He can be lazy if he young and certainly to find a man who It seems to me that the wants. When the dog is hungry, he could support us. That idea in some can sit and beg for a treat. The dog has cases lead to a subservient woman, and French dog lives a good life. freedom in the house without a leash, if the wrong man was picked, women of but he must be patient while he waits my time stayed married, regardless. The The French dog cannot be bored. for his master when she is at the office. reasons are clear that retrospectively, His master takes him everywhere. She The French dog is still not bored. He women weren’t taught to think for them- holds the dog on a leash which keeps can chew on his toys while he waits. selves? I must have missed something but the dog safe. She goes for a walk with From all that, it follows that I don’t remember my mother or one of my the dog in the park. In the park the dog the French dog must live a long life. teachers saying, “Come on girl reach for gently plays with other dogs. Conse- independence and decide what vocation quently, during the walk the dog can or profession you’ll choose. then consider observe the world, explore nature and marriage if it is appealing. Thinking about the trees, and obtain some exercise at it. That’s a powerful bit of information. the same time. With his master, the dog The idea had me thinking after climbs stairs and watches the action reading Carolyn G. Heilbrun’s inter- of a juggler. When they are exploring esting book, Writing A Women’s Life. the village, they are careful around cars What I found most important in its 128 and they look in the store windows. interesting pages was that a woman must When the dog sniffs some cheese in work toward independence early in her the street market, his master buys a life, because if she can support herself, little cheese for him. The French dog is she will have money of her own, if she spoiled. The French dog is not bored. has money she has power. By power it At the beach, the dog wears a hat is meant to do anything she wants, I.e., for protection from the sun. There, the write, paint, travel, create and eventu- fuller? If only she had been equipped to ally even marry someone of equality. Grandchildren: write her experiences, things simple as It is dependency on another that her joys, or given a snapshot in words deigns all dreams from developing and Work Toward how she viewed the beginning of the if dreams are lost, we know laughter is, 20th century on the Island, I never knew too. A woman not only needs a room Independence First of one’s own, (Woolf) but a bank ac- By her very well. So in order to understand what her life was like I’ve had to draw count of one’s own, which comes by Annette Paradis from what life around the early 20th working hard at what one likes best. King century was like from reading what Looking back we were taught to search other wrote. These stories are engag- for and catch someone who would take I think up these short stories for a ing and enlightening but there is noth- better care of us then our fathers and column I write named Weather Report for ing personalized in the history found. soon as high school ended. Heilbrun our monthly Family News Letter, by the That’s why I write. Only today explains marriage by saying a good one dozens. My head is full of them. But only I am not writing about grandmother is formed on intellectual understand. one at a time can be published, making more about the independence of women. This is knowledge that I never gave my selection difficult. My reason for Knowing that my life has been a much thought to before. I don’t think May writing this one is centered around some comfortable one and my grandmother’s Satan addressed independence this way unchanged reasons: How I wish I had in comparison a hard one, enough so, nor did Willa Cather. Yet,I admired these known my grandmother’s inner dreams, she died at the age of 60. We read stories women as totally independent beings but worries, even some of her womanly feel- like this all the time. The Belles of New never analyzed them as such. That was ings, would life for me and perhaps, her England by Martin published 2001, tells the way they were and I was a woman other thirteen grandchildren have been how our ancestors came to the States (Continued on page 13) 12 Vol. 32 # 3 & 4 • automne/hiver Ma Chère Lisa;
Tout les plus belles choses doivent Waterbury CT. U.S.A. avoir une fin, et il faut que j’accepte le Oct. 23, 2006 coeur gros de dire “Adieu” a tout de cho- ses qui m’emportaient du vrai bonheur, mais dans mon coeur je garderais le sou- venir de la belle amitier, l'atachement qui My Dear Lisa; c'était instaler dans ma memoire depuis déja quelques années, j'aimais beaucoup Every beautiful thing must come voir mes courte histoires paraître dans “Le to an end, and I have to accept with Forum.” Je les corservais tous, et celle a heavy heart to say “Adieu” to so si sera ma dernière, si tu l’accepte Lisa. many things that brought me real hap- Mes 90 ans me rapelle que j’arrive piness, but in my heart I will keep the au bout du chemin. Tout devien un peu souvenirs of the beautiful friendship plus difficile pour moi. Ça fait mal la and attachment that have settled in vièllesse, et ses ce qui me fait t’ecrire ma my memory for a few years already. dernière histoire pour “Le Forum,” ses I loved seeing my short stories ap- que j’ai mal a la main depuis longtemps, pear in “Le Forum”. I saved all of them and mais là j’ai rejoins un point ou ses très this one will be my last, if you accept it Lisa. difficile d’écrire, de coudre, de faire My 90 years reminds me that I’m at de la peinture a l'huile, tous des choses the end of the road. Everything becomes que je fesais avant et sa m’amusait, il more difficult for me. Old age is pain- a falut que je diminûe un peu a la fois. (Grandchildren: Work Toward Indepen- ful. This is why I am writing my last Ecrire c’était mon plus beau passe temps. dence First continued from page 12) story for “Le Forum,” My hand hurts, Lisa voudrais tu remercier pour moi of another teaching or lack of. No one it has hurt for a long time, but now I've Mr. Yvon Labbé, Mme. Lucie Thibodeau, put into words that by being successful I reached a point where it has become too pour avoir été mes amis(e) et tous ceux qui needed to first be independent. It makes painful to write or sew or do paintings, c’étaient interresser a moi, sans oublier sense, what I endorsed here may in- all things I use to do, and it amused me, Mr. Jean Moisson de France, et aussi ceux spire the very young of today into fur- but I have to let it go, a little bit at a time, qui mon envoyer des cassettes de music ther thinking about total independence. writing was my best past time. Lisa et d’histoires du Bon Vieux temps. Leurs would you thank Mr. Yvon Labbé, Ms. souvenir sera toujours la dans mon coeur. Lucie Thibodeau for being my friends, Depuis mon operation pour le and all those that were interested in me, coeur, il me falait faire attention il y and don’t forget Mr. Jean Moisson from a 13 ans de ça et je sais encore là. Je France. Also those that sent me music fais des faiblesses de coeur de temps cassettes and stories of the good old days. en temps. Apart des pilule nitro il Thanks for all the books from you and n’y a rien a faire ses heart failure. your young friends. Their souvenir will Je ne peu pas me plaindre, je always be in my heart. Since my heart peu étre ici encore longtemps. Je surgery, I had to be careful. Its been 13 peu encore lire, peut-etre que j’auser years now and I’m still here. I do feel des lettres de temps en temps. Je Biography: Annette Paradis King weak sometimes, except for my nitro pills vais vous manquer... manquer.... man- lives on Frenchman Bay, fifteen miles nothing can be done, it’s heart failure. quer–– Je ne vous oublierer jamais. from Ellsworth, Maine with her spouse I can’t complain, I could be Gerry King. She enjoys creating po- here for a long time. I can still read, Bonsoir Lisa etry and writing short stories. Writing maybe I will have a letter now and Je t’aime toujours, came late in her life, consequently, she then. I will Miss…. Miss…. Miss spends most of her time now document- all of you, I will never forget you. ing what she remembers before it all disappears. Her greatest pleasure is Goodnight Lisa encouraging their thirteen grandchil- dren to read everything they can, and Love Always, to write as often as time is available, something she didn't understand the importance of until these later years. 13 Le Forum FCGSC Celebrates 25 Years Sitcha Continues By Albert J. Marceau, Newington, CT to Wait for Justice On Sat. Oct. 7, 2006, the French- served cake, in three large sheets, each By Albert J. Marceau Canadian Genealogical Society of Con- decorated with the FCGSC logo. (The Newington, CT necticut celebrated its 25th anniversary food was prepared by Big Y of Tolland, a at the Lodge at Crandall Park in Tolland, grocery store chain that was started in Chi- On Sept. 29, 2006, Richard Sitcha’s Conn. The festivity officially began copee, Mass., by the D’Amour Family.) attorney, Kevin Hoffkins, filed a motion to at 3:30PM with a business meeting There were approximately 130 the Federal Government to keep the case and the election of officers, like past people who came to the party, for Patrick in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals General Membership Meetings, minus Lausier, who manned the sign-in table in New York City, and not the Bureau of a featured speaker. The business meet- with his wife Doris, said there were Immigration Affairs. Attorney Hoffkins ing was truncated to a financial report, 128 people who signed the guest book. gave his reason for the motion, from an and the election of five officers to the Albert Marceau counted 121 people e-mail that he sent to Sitcha’s supporters Board of Directors of FCGSC. Those who signed the log. The musicians did on Sept. 27, 2006: “If the court orders elected were the incumbents Patrick not sign the log, and one person for sure this [remand back to the BIA] it would Lausier, Sue Paquette, Sam Wolkon, who did not sign was the youngest at the be disastrous for Richard. It would mean and Richard Blais. A fifth seat was event, nine-week old Jared Ryan, son years of more waiting in jail.” Proof open since Ray Cassidy did not want of FCGSC members Matt and Natalie that the wheels of justice turn slowly, to run for re-election, and Carol Stone Ryan, who was accompanied by his two the Federal Government has not given a was elected to the seat for the first time. and half year old sister, Anna, who also response to the motion, as of the extended The formalities of the busi- did not sign the log. (Matt and Natalie deadline for Le Forum, Nov. 24, 2006. ness meeting were dispensed quickly did sign, however.) The Lodge was at Richard Sitcha has always claimed with a few words by the President capacity, and there was food enough that his life is in danger if he were to be Ray Lemire, and a toast led by an- for 200, since 189 members of FCGSC returned to the Cameroon, due to his role niversary committee co-chair, Robert sent cards of attendance as of the board in aiding the families of the Bepanda Caron, who said that the two reasons meeting held on Tues. Oct. 3, 2006. Nine. On Sept. 18, 2003, his asylum we do genealogy is to honor our ances- There were three dignitaries out- status was revoked after the Dept. of tors and to pass it to our descendents. side of FCGSC who spoke at the event. Homeland Security presented evidence The party began in song, with The first was Rita Michaud, President of by telephone to the Immigration Judge Claire M. Deranleau of Torrington, the French Social Circle in East Hartford, in Hartford, Conn. On Oct. 6, 2004, Conn., singing “O Canada” (in French), Conn., who acknowledged the partner- Attorney McKenna stated in the First and “God Bless America” (in English), in ship between the two organizations in District Court in Springfield, Mass., a clear, but aged voice, which should not the 1980s, when FSC lent space in its that Sitcha was not allowed to cross-ex- be a surprise, since she was the oldest per- building in Hartford for the first library amine the evidence presented by DHS son at the party, at the age of 91 years. All of FCGSC. Janice Burkhart, President during the hearing of Sept. 18, 2003. were silent during “O Canada,” in part of the American French Genealogical due to ignorance of the words, and in part Society in Woonsocket, R.I., spoke of due to a collective stun at her voice. Dur- the sister genealogical societies, and she ing “God Bless America,” a few voices in urged greater co-operation among them
photo by Felix Siewe Felix by photo the audience began to intone the words. to coordinate special events. She even After the applause for Claire Deranleau, mentioned the Federation of Franco- the French-Canadian folk music began by American Genealogical and Historical the band “Michel et Ses Joyeux Copains” Societies, an organization that has not with guitarists Mike Grenier and Camille been spoken about at FCGSC for over 20 Richard and fiddler Rosaire Lehoux, years, for the name first appeared in the who opened with “Reel de Ste-Anne,” March 1982 issue of the FCGSC News- then “Quand le Soleil dit Bonjour aux letter as “Federation des Societies histo- Montagnes,” continued by other classics. riques et genealogiques franco-americ- While the music played on, the ain,” and the last time in the October 1985 feasting began, when the guests formed issue of the newsletter, in a report by Jack lines to serve themselves food, with Valois, entitled “Demise of FFAGHS?” Richard Sitcha choices of rolls, butter, cold cuts, fruits, (One wonders why the first step in such vegetables, mashed potatoes, and meat a federation of societies could not start pie with gravy. The dessert that was (Continued on page 15) 14 Vol. 32 # 3 & 4 • automne/hiver (FCGSC Celebrates 25 Yearscontinued from page 14) Patrick and by Marceau photo Albert Doris Lausier check with a web-ring on the internet?) In a in guests to the FC- generous offer, she presented to President GSC 25th Anniver- Ray Lemire the newest publication of sary. After sign- the AFGS, the three volume necrology, ing-in, each guest The Burials of the Aloon-Kelly Fu- neral Home, Pawtucket, Rhode Island. received a coffee The last to speak was Barbara Cook, cup and a pen with a Director of the Tolland Historical the society logo. Society, who said that she was greatly impressed to have been invited, and she called the FCGSC: “the best tenants in the whole world” for the Old Tolland
County Courthouse, a concern that she by Marceau photo Albert knows well, since she is in charge of the building for the town historical society. The final event of the evening was Claire M. Deranleau the raffle, held at 6PM. The prizes and sings “God Bless America” with winners were: sixth, En Avant with Our Michel et Ses Joyeux Copains French Allies ($15.00), winner Felicia L. in background. Bousquet of West Chester, Ohio; fifth, one year membership to FCGSC ($25.00), Raymond Breault of Sterling, Conn.; fourth, hat and tote bag with FCGSC logo ($27.00), Frances Swietlicki of Guilford, Conn.; third, maple leaf shaped handbag ($45.00), Patricia Dion of Enfield, Conn.; second, Jette books ($200.00), Paul Manzone of Coventry, Conn.; and first, Janice Burkhart, doll house ($500.00), John and Eliza- President of AFGS, by Marceau photo Albert beth Spaulding of Manchester, Conn. makes her address The party truly wound down after to FCGSC. To the the raffle, and it formally ended at 8PM, in left of her are the accordance with the contract between FC- GSC and the Lodge. The extra food was co-chairs of FCGSC given away to members and volunteers, Anniversary Commit- and at least one cake was given to a church. tee, Bobbie Paradis In the next issue of Le Fo- (seated), and Robert rum, the first of a two-part his- Caron, (standing). tory of FCGSC will be published.
French-Canadian Genealogical Society of Connecticut P.O. Box 928 Tolland, CT 06084-0928 http://www.fcgsc.org/index.htm 15 Le Forum neufs tous les printemps pour “étreiner” souliérs.. mais non! Toujours les mémes. à Pâques, ce que nous apprécions beau- Pour moi je fûs gateé, à l’àge de 14 “La tradition des coup. Mon pére se rendait à St. Georges ans je suis parti pour le couvent Jésus- avec le cheval et voiture, nous acheter Marie à Beauceville pensionnaire étudi- pour des années “toujours les mêmes ante là j’ avais eu deux paires de souliers, bons souliers” souliers,” vous dire que ça nous décevait, ne pas oublier bien entendu "la tradition nous aurions aimé changer de style et de des bons souliers", ma mère avait fait by Fabienne Côté couleur, mon père disait “c’est des bons certain que j’ aurais quelque chose que j’ (Auburn N.H) souliers,” ça dûre il avait raision, mais aimais, de beaux petits souliers bruns fan- nous aurions aimé qu’ils soient noirs ou cy, c'était pour porter que le dimanche, Souventes fois me revienment à la blancs avec une courroie, pas des lacets, que j’ai àimé çà ces beaux petits souliers mémoire les dimanches de mon enfance quelque chose de plus beau, on aváit aussi c’est certain que je ne les ai pas usés les ces jours d’été ensoleillés ou nous met- une robe neuve tous les étés que ma mère portant si peu souvent, je ne me souviens tions nos plus beaux atours pour se rendre et ma grande soeur fesait, du tissu acheté pas ce qu’ ils sont devenus, ma mère a du à la messe. Dans ce temps là, les diman- à St. Georges. Une qui m’est resté chère les donner à mes cousines plus jeunes, ches étaient observés comme il se droit, rien qu’ à y penser, c’était fait de soie c’est la que ça allait quand ça ne fesait pas de travail bien entendu, on ne portait “peau d’ange” bleu ciel, c’était sûrement plus (16 enfants) on était voisin, c’ était pas de jean’s à l’église, c’était les habits pas de la pûre soie; pour nous petites notre deuxième chez-nous, on aimait çà. bien presses et les souliers bien frottés filles de 8 et 9 ans c’était toute beauté, Ma robe de première communion d’un bon "shoe shine" qu’ on portrait ma mère nous habillait toujours pareil: c’était spéciale ma mère l’avait gardé. toute la journée, mon père bien habillé de beaux chapeaux à large rebord crin Alors que j’avais 16 ans une petite “sur son 36” comme on disait, nous les de cheval bleu ciel pour aller avec nos cousine est décédée à l’age de 5 ans ma jeunes ne comprenions pas ce que ça robes neuves, quelques petites fleurs et de tante n’ayant pas de petite robe blanche voilait dire mais on savait que c’était longs rubans en arriére. Une autre année à lui mettre j’ai dit à ma mère "donnons spécial, la chemise blanche et cravate ma les robes étaint jaunes avec un fil noir à lui ma robe de première communion. mère qui en fesait autant. Même les repas carreaux ce que nous n’ aimions pas au Que de mémoires sont restés étaient différents. “c’était dimanche.” commencement et des chapeaux à grand gravées. Nous avons tous "une histoire Chez nous nous étions quartre en- rebord en paille naturelle sans oublier les à raconter", choses petites, insignifiantes, fants pas douze ou seize comme c’était longs rubans en arriere rehaussé d’ une si précieuses à revivre en pensées, trésors le cas dans bien des familles. alors il était boucle, c’ était chic, nous étions les petites cachés que personne ne peut nous enlever. plus facile pour nos parents de pourvoir filles mieux habillées du village..... si seu- à nos besoins et caprices. Des sauliers lement nous avions eu eu des beaux petits à la prochaine. A Salute to Nicolas Pelletier by William H. Peltier III of Watkinsville, GA [email protected]
With Benoit Pelletier-Shoja of Nashua, NH [email protected]
(NDLR: This article would be returning to Gallardon for a for my wife and me was that our youngest first appeared in the grand event. On July 14th, which is Bas- son, Christopher, our grandson, Nathan, Michigan's Habitant tille Day in France, we found ourselves and his mother, Carina Madsen, were Heritage, Vol. 27 #2, back in Gallardon for the dedication of also present at the dedication. I was April 2006, pp. 80-84) a plaque honoring the memory of my very proud to have three generations of seventeenth-century ancestor Nicolas our family returning to Nicolas Peltier’s In the article that I wrote for the Peltier, whose descendants today bear birthplace for this celebration of his life. Michigan’s Habitant Heritage, “Walking the names Peltier, Pelletier, Antaya, Another descendant of Nicolas Peltier, in the Footsteps: A Trip to Nicolas Pel- Anteau, Antieau, Antaille, Chateauneuf, who came representing the Pelletiers tier’s Hometown of Gallardon, France” Pelkey, Pelkie and Pelky, among others. of North America, was our good friend (MHH vol. 20, no. 4, Oct. 1999, pp. The actual ceremony took place on the Benoit Pelletier-Shoja from Nashua, 166-169), I described the trip I had made outskirts of Gallardon, in the hamlet New Hampshire. And representing the with my wife, Dorothy, in March of that of Germonval, where many Pelletier Association des Familles Pelletier, Inc. year to my ancestral homeland. Little families lived at the time of Nicolas. of Canada was Pascal Pelletier and his did we know then that in July, 2005, we What made this trip extra special (Continued on page 17) 16 Vol. 32 # 3 & 4 • automne/hiver (A Salute to Nicolas Pelletier fluent in French, he was also able to col- leave after visiting New Orleans as he continued from page 16) laborate with Florine Perry on her early was due in Quebec where he was going spouse, Lise Lapointe. Pascal is not findings regarding the Peltier family in to study at the provincial university in a descendant of Nicolas but of Pierre the Gallardon Church Acts from 1578 to Chicoutimi. Florine, Eric and I contin- Pelletier, who was both a contemporary about 1640. (See MHH, Vol. 25, No. 2, ued on to visit Memphis, Tennessee, the and an acquaintance of Nicolas. Finally, April 2004, pp, 60-69, “Nicolas Peltier, A mountains of North Georgia, and the very much to our delight, that day we Chronicle, 1594 - 1678”, The continuing Smoky Mountain National Park. We had met a distant cousin, Jacques Pelletier, research into the Peltier family in Gal- a very good time exploring these areas. and his wife, Jacqueline. They had come lardon has resulted in some changes to It was a wonderful visit and during this from their home in nearby Chartres. the material found over two years ago.) time we again discussed what specific Jacques, who is a very young 81 years In May 2003, Florine Perry and her date would befit the ceremony to honor old, was originally a native of Gallardon. fiancé, Eric Blaise, came for a two-week our ancestor Nicolas Peltier. Sometime Now, one may ask how our visit visit to Quebec. During their fortnight in in 2006 had seemed appropriate as that to Gallardon in 1999 culminated in our the Belle Province, they met for supper would be the 340th anniversary of Nico- return six years later. The answer to that with Ben, Pascal and Lise, as well as las’ emigration from France, But July lies in great part in the wonders of the with Claude E. Pelletier and his wife, 14, 2005, was finally selected as the best Internet and countless e-mails to many Laure E. Gauthier, who were the gene- date, as the dedication could coincide friends around the world, along with find- alogists of the Association des Families with Bastille Day festivities in Gallar- ing multiple articles written on Pelletier Pelletier at that time. Florine’s research don and that seemed like a good idea. genealogy (Pelletier Genealogy, this site, and findings on Nicolas were the main A week prior to the July 14th cer- among others), and mostly, on the cul- topics of discussion that evening; over emony, Dorothy and I flew to Brussels, tivation of North American and French the course of the meal, friendships were Belgium, to visit with our son, Christo- friendships. As I sought help to continue forged. Also that evening Florine and Eric pher, and his family. After a week there my genealogical search in France, I came sprang a big surprise on everyone. They we rented a car and then drove down to to know Xavier Guyot, who was founder presented a letter from Mr. Beaufils, the Gallardon, arriving at the town hall on and president of the Genealogical Club Mayor of Gallardon. The Mayor indi- July 13th, where we were met by Florine, at IBM France. He was very helpful to cated his desire to honor his city’s native Eric, and Eric’s sister and brother-in-law, my initial research by going to Gallardon son, Nicolas Peltier, who had emigrated Joelle and Roger Alamichel. Ben Shoja, searching for and collecting information with his family from France in /636 and who had traveled to southwestern France on Nicolas which he sent to me. We sailed to Quebec City, and whose de- at the start of the month, had arrived in were very excited by his findings and scendants had returned to his homeland Gallardon earlier that week. Also there decided that we needed to go to France. seeking their roots. The letter stated that to greet us were Pascal Pelletier and Lise In 1999, in preparation for our voy- a plaque would be erected in the hamlet Lapointe. French hearts and homes were age to France, we contacted the Mayor of Germonval, which is just outside of opened to us during our stay as Eric and of Gallardon and told him of our plans to Gallardon, because it was the location of Florine hosted Ben, and Joelle and Roger visit our ancestral homeland. And that is a property that is still today referred to by hosted Pascal, Lise, Dorothy and me. how we came to know Florine Perry. Flo- locals as the “Pelletier Farm”. The Mayor Accommodations at a nearby bed-and- rine was the Mayor’s executive assistant extended an invitation to all those related breakfast were provided for Christopher, who was assigned to help us when we to Nicolas Peltier to come to Gallardon Carina and Nathan. That same evening arrived at the Mayor’s office. Ms. Perry for the dedication of this plaque; those Roger and Joelle hosted a down-home not only helped us at that time, but she who could attend this ceremony would BBQ cookout, French style, for all at also subsequently became our very good be welcomed as his honored guests. their home. The food was accompanied friend as she continued to search the When we learned of this invitation, my by a sampling of a variety of homemade municipal archives for information on wife and I initially feared we would and local wines, and some wines from the family of Nicolas after our departure be unable to make the trip to France the Loire Valley. Our entertainment was and kept in touch with us with her find- for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. provided by Christopher and Nathan. As ings. Returning home from this initial The following year Florine and Christopher played his guitar and sang trip to France, we made contact with a Eric visited with Dorothy and me in Ath- for us, Nathan danced happily along young man named Ben Shoja; we had ens, Georgia, for two weeks in August, with the music. We also lit sparklers learned that he could help us translate 2004. Ben Shoja was able to come down to celebrate the holiday. It was such a the documents that we had collected in to Georgia as well. Leaving Dorothy at memorable evening, setting the tone for Gallardon. Well, it turned out that Ben home as she had to work, Florine, Eric, the following day’s jubilant celebration. not only translated the documents we Ben and I headed down to New Orleans The next day, Bastille Day, the needed, but he provided notes and articles and the Cajun country of Louisiana, “delegates” from the United States and about his historical findings on Nicolas where many early French immigrants Canada, along with the Mayor and other Peltier in the archives in Quebec. Being had settled. Unfortunately Ben had to (Continued on page 26)
17 Le Forum
Compiled by Monique Gagné, Maureen Chicoine and Carmen Morin from the WWII Scrapbook of Marie-Ange Gobeil Cover by Normand Côté
18 Vol. 32 # 3 & 4 • Automne/hiver Library Hours: Wednesday Title: Memories of World War II 1:00 PM to 8:30 PM Saturday 9:00 Can be purchased by con- AM to 5:00 PM Tel. (207) 786-3327 Compilation of photos and stories Library located at: Great Falls about the servicemen of the Lewiston tacting: School, Corner of Academy & High Sts. & Auburn Area serving during WWII The Maine (High St. Entrance) Auburn, Maine 04210 who were either killed in action, wound- Franco-American (Across from Village Inn Restaurant). ed or taken POW. From the original Genealogical Society, WWII scrapbook of Marie-Ange Go- PO Box 2125, Lewiston, beil. The book contains over 232 pages. Website: C o s t : $ 2 5 . 0 0 p l u s ME 04241-2125. $5.00 Shipping and Handling Tel. (207) 786-3327 http://www.avcnet.org/begin/
Foreword their families waiting at home never the heroes of all wars, inluding the one Thanks to my dear late mother knowing if their young sons, daughters in Iraq and Afghanistan. Marie-Ange for letting the Maine Franco-American or brothers, or parents would return and Amédée Gobeil moved to Auburn in Genealogical Society copy her lovely home to them. The dread of a phone call 1931. Amédée died in 1991 and Marie- scrapbook of the servicemen and women or military personnel knocking at their Ange had been a resident at d’Youville from this area who were killed in ac- door was always present. What America Pavilion since 1997. She passed away tion, wounded or taken prisoner during meant to these people!! Our generation in November of 2004 at the age of 99. WWII. Her many hours, especially and future generations owe so much to Having had nine daughters, and Amédée Sunday afteroons, during World War being a barber by trade, the young men II, cutting and pasting names, clip- leaving for military service affected pings and photos of our local heroes, them personally and in his business as can now be shared with the people of well. Many of them his customers. Keep- Lewiston and Auburn and surrounding ing a scrapbook was their way of sharing areas. Even though I grew up with their grief with other families of the area. this scrapbook, it gave me a totally different perspective putting this book B y M o n i q u e G a g n é , together. I felt the sadness of the loss daughter of Marie-Ange Gobeil of so many young 18-22 year olds,
Je veux remercier ma mère pour 99 ans. Elle a eu neuf filles, et son mari, me laisser partager cette album de etant barbier, il connaissis beaucoups de photos avec La Société Genealogique ces jeunes hommes et garçons qui partait Franco-Americaine du Maine (MFGS) pour les pays lointains. Cela on affecté et les citoyens de Lewiston et Auburn Marie-Ange et Amédée dans leurs vies et tous les environs. Ce livre est pour personnelles et dans leurs travailles. honorer les jeunes hommes et femmes Garder un album comme celle-ci etait qui on servis leur pay durant la Deux- la meilleur maniere que Marie-Ange ieme Guerre Mondiale et qui on ete et Amédée ont decidé de partager les tuées en action, pris prisonnier or bles- peines et les angoisses de les autres fa- sées durant ce conflit. Ma mère a passer Marie-Ange Gobeil 1904-2004 milles de nos deux villes et les environs. plusieurs heures, surtout les dimanches phonique ou un camion militaire arriver apres midi, qu’elle a decouper les photos a leurs portes avec les nouvelles qu’il ne Par Monique Gagné, fille de et les petites histoires heroiques. Mainte- voullait pas entendre. L’Amerique a ces Marie-Ange et Amédée Gobeil nant on peut partager ce tresor avec les jeunes personnes voulait dire la liberté, gens de nos deux villes de Lewiston et et ils etait pret a donner leurs vies pour Auburn et les environs. Malgré que j’ai defendre leurs pays. On pourait jamais les The book was compiled été élevé avec cette album, je l’ai vu dans remercier assez pour les sacrifices qu’ils by Monique Gagné (daugh- un differente lumière en le mettant en on souffert ces heros. Marie-Ange et forme de livre. J’ai ressenti un tristesse Amédée Gobeil demenagèrent a Auburn, ter of Mrs. Gobeil), Maureeen pour la perte de ces jeunes hommes et Maine en 1931. Amédée est décedé en Chicoine and the late Carmen femmes, d’environ 18 at 22 ans. Leurs 1991. Marie-Ange a etait un residente Morin from the WWII scrap familles attendait chez eux, toujours en de d’Youville Pavilion depuis 1997. Elle book of Marie-Ange Gobeil. souhaitant de ne pas avoir une appel tele- decedait en Novembre 2004 a l’age de 19 Le Forum LaVenture. The Bonaventure family (the produce to market in Stillwater. He The Germain Saga liked to go to market because there by name was later changed to La Venture) was someone special who worked in S. Ella Marie has its roots in Montpelier in the southern the hotel where Joseph went to buy Germain, CSJ part of France, a short distance from the his dinner. She was tall and beautiful, Third Installment Mediterranean Sea. In the early 19th century, the Louis Hilaire Bonaventure and had a friendly smile. Who was this family settled in Lanoraie, a small town young woman? She was Marie Louise along the St. Lawrence River. Here on Beseau, daughter of Isidore Beseau and - November 11, 1863, Joseph was born. Matilda Letourneau Beseau. They came The family home on the banks of the from Saint Constant, Quebec. Isidore's St. Lawrence River was sturdily built of father was Jean Baptiste Beseau, and his stone walls. Today the home is a museum. mother was Sophie Pichette. Matilda Louis Bonaventure was a navigator Latourneau was the daughter of Pierre and builder of ships. His barge was the Letourneau and Mathilde Beaudin. Saint-Louis, and his son Maxime was the Joseph LaVenture and Marie Lou- captain. On June 29, 1864 , a catastrophe ise Beseau were married in November occurred on the Belaeil Bridge. At 1:30 in 1890. The reception and dance were the morning an express train composed of at the home of Joseph's parents. Many a locomotive and rail carriages filled with guests rejoiced with the newly married immigrants coming from Quebec and couple. Aimable Parent's peppy violin Cordelina Roi returning to Montreal were hurled into music added to the joy of the evening. the Michelieu River beneath the bridge Berengere, their first child, was which connected Belaeil to Saint Hilaire. born on June 20, 1891 the eldest of A Special The bridge was opened to allow eleven children. Berengere attended barges and a steam boat to pass. The the Riverdale Grade School for the danger signal was flashing red light. "Belle" The guard on the bridge swung his light The young people of Somerset to signal a stop. The engineer, unable enjoyed evenings at house parties. Time to stop, was going at a very high speed. was spent singing, talking, and dancing. The train fell on the barge cutting it in Talented ones played the violin or the two. Fifty people died, and the many accordion. John learned to sing square wounded people were taken from the dance calls. For years he was in popular wreckage and given immediate help. demand for his sung calls at the parties. Then they were transported to the The "belles" of the evening, includ- French or English hospitals in town. ing Berengere Laventure, were dressed Not long after the accident, Louis in long, full skirts and embroidered lace- Hilaire Bonaventure decided to leave trimmed blouses with puffed sleeves. Lanoraie with his wife Caroline Fagnant, They swirled around the circle from tow sons, Franck and Joe from his first partner to partner as John sang his calls. marriage, and their four children: Joseph John D. Germain "May I?" said John as he bowed (born in 1865), Adolphus (born 1859), before a special belle, Berengere. The Anna (later married to Antoine Constan- couple swirled away to his calls. "Ils tineau), and Emma (who later married se faisaient des yeux doux." (They had Joseph Lamirande.) Louis homesteaded sweet looks for each other.) Almost three miles west of New Richmond, Wis- weekly John would stop for Berengere consin. The land was cheap––$3.00 for at her home. One time on the way to the 200 acres! Trees and brushwood covered dance, John's buddy hid in the back of the land. Louis built a wooden house the buggy to listen to the couple's love on a hilly knoll. The family was happy talks. "Do you hear what I hear? There's there. Years later when their parents died, someone near," John whispered. He Adolphus who never married, inherited turned around and spied the intruder. He the farm. His brother Joseph farmed got rid of him in a hurry. It was done in half a mile away where he later built a fun, but to lovers it was not appreciated. large brick house on his 320 acre farm. Berengere LaVenture Who was this young woman who Joseph was a handsome, blue-eyed dazzled John? She was Berengere young man. Each week he brought his (Continued on page 21) 20 Vol. 32 # 3 & 4 • automne/hiver (Germain Saga continued from page 20) clerk at the Daylight Store. She was very perfect match for the beautiful bride. The well liked by everyone. Mr. Arnquist, for wedding day dawned in splendor. Even whom she worked, spoke highly of her. nature with its variety of colored leaves Berengere was blest with loving kindness, was dressed for the occasion. The sun friendliness, and beauty. Her sparkling shone brightly, and there was not a cloud blue-green eyes and her winning smile in the sky. A stylish veloured double- won her many friends. Is it any wonder seated carriage with lamps on each side that John D. Germain was attracted to her? was the limousine used for the bride and groom. Rose Laventure, sister of the bride was the bridesmaid, and Fred Germain, Wedding Bells brother of the groom, was the best man. The church of St. Anne was filled John courted Berengere for two with relatives and friends. Beautiful years. According to French custom, bouquets of cut flowers decorated the John who was 23 years old, knelt before altar. The choir sang French hymns, and Joseph Laventure to ask for his daughter's the wedding Mass in Latin. This was the hand, and Berengere, 19 years old, asked biggest wedding ever held at St. Anne's her father's forgiveness and blessing. Church in Somerset. John and Berengere prepared seriously to receive the sacra- ment of Matrimony. Father Caron offered the Nuptial Mass and gave the special Joseph LaVenture and blessing for the newly married couple. Marie Louise Beseau first five years. For the next two and half years, her parents decided to send Berengere and her two younger sisters, Rose and Victoria, to a Catholic school conducted by the Grey Nuns at Lano- raie in eastern Canada. It must have The summer of 1910 was a busy been hard to be away from home for one. John worked hard to save $100 for that length of time at such a young age. the wedding. Berengere continued to At the boarding school, the three work at the Daylight Store where she Laventure girls were loved. One morn- earned money to pay for her wedding ing oatmeal was served for break- dress. The material cost $2.50. There fast. Rose tasted it and whispered was an added cost for the lace trim- to Berengere, "I don't like this at all. mings, the buttons and the veil. The day There is no sugar in it." Her sister chosen for the wedding was September whispered back, "Eat it anyway." 20, 1910. The bride's mother, Marie "No, I can't." Rose looked behind Louise, worked for days to prepare for the her and spied a hole in the refectory floor great day. An excellent cook, she made where she dumped the oatmeal. No 30 pies. A beautifully decorated cake doubt, she was very hungry by noontime. was the centerpiece on the long table. All the lessons were taught in The bride was beautiful in the French by the Grey Nuns. For some dress she helped to make. It was white John and Berengere Germain's time, Berengere thought of becoming a with embossed braid adorning the Wedding, September 20, 1910 grey Nun, but God had other plans for her. overlay panels of the skirt. The high During the time the girls were in collar was embellished with silk braid. The New Family Canada, a Catholic school was built in Fine lace trimmed the bodice. Beren- Somerset. Their father, Joseph, was gere wore a long veil with a crown The brick house where the Damase instrumental in the decision to build the of white and pale pink flowers. She Germain family had been raised, now had school. In the fall of 1907, Berengere carried a bouquet of roses tied with a empty rooms. The upstairs was fixed enrolled at the new St. Anne's School. white ribbon. For jewelry, Berengere into an apartment for John and Beren- She was a boarder there, and graduated wore a pendant gold watch and chain. gere. It had a new look for a new family. from the 8th grade in the spring of 1908. John wore a navy blue suit, a white John and Berengere were At the age of seventeen, Berengere shirt with a bow tie, and white bouton- happy as they waited for the birth went to New Richmond where she was a niere. He was handsome and elegant, a (Continued on page 22)
21 Le Forum (Germain Saga continued from page 21) lye and cooked in containeers. It was with nobody in it. John spent days then cut into bars. John and Berengere making repairs and preparing it for of their first baby. "John, do you worked together, and were able to save. his wife and two children. The house think we will have a boy or a girl?" Living upstairs in small quarters came alive when the family moved in. "You are so big, it'sa boy for sure." with two babies was not easy. Mom As the years went by, and the The day finally came, it was August and Dad longed for their own home. family grew, additions were made––a 7, 1911. John Quickly harnessed the horse, Grandpa Joseph Laventure owned 160 kitchen and pantry, a back porch, en- and was off to get Dr. Phanoeuf, three hilly acres next to his farm. There were a larged rooms, a new front porch and miles away in the village of Somerset. few buildings on it––a small old house, a dormers were added upstairs. Gradu- "Come quickly, Doc - barn, and a chicken coop. Grandpa made ally, the old house had a new look. tor; my wife is about to give birth." them an offer. A few days later John and When evening came, kerosene As was the custom, John was not Berengere agreed to rent the farm for lamps were lit. The kitchen range burned present during the birth. With his father, two years, and then buy it for $5,500. wood. Attached to the store was a con- he waited in the adjoining room while his John's parents, Damas and Corde- tainer filled with water. This gave the mother assisted the doctor. Time seemed lina, had been kind to them, but now it family hot water when there was fire in endless when suddenly a cry was heard. was time to move on. They decided to the stove. During the cold winters, the "It's a boy, John, and he weighs 12 pounds!" leave on March 29, 1913. John loaded outdoor toilet "back house" was not used. The name chosen for the baby the furniture and their meager belong- There were indoor containers "pot de was Adelard (Delore). He was named ings into a wagon. Berengere traveled chambre" inside. Toilet tissues were the after John's youngest brother who had in a buggy. Seated beside her was 1 pages from Montgomery Ward catalogues. died at the age of seven. When baby 1/2 year ol baby Delore. She held the The barn and chicken coop were in Delore learned to walk, he was into reins in one hand, and cradled her 2 1/2 fair condition. John was kept busy doing everything. His mom put a halter on week old baby, Elizabeth Ella, in the the daily farm work of milking cows, him, and tied the cord to the leg of the other. The horse must have been a trusty gathering eggs, fall plowing and spring table. This did not work. He walked a old mare for Berengere to travel eight planting. He bought farm machinery––a few steps, fell and hurt himself. There miles over rough roads with tow little binder, drill, drag, rake and two wooden were no more halters from then on. ones. A spirit of faith was the young plows for $450, a team of horses, Joe A year and seven months had couple's stremgth as they moved on. and Queen, cost $300. John farmed passed since the birth of Delore. Beren- with these horses for many years. They gere was pregnant again and awaiting were strong, friendly, and nice to talk to. the birth of her second child. When the The day came when they were sold, but lavor pains were increasing in frequency, the new owner did not feed them well. John rushed to notify the doctor, but the John felt badly about this. These horses baby wasn't ready yet. The doctor and had helped John make a living for many John went outside, walked around the years, but now they were mistreated. farmyard and wiated. Berengere decided In 1923, the barn was lengthened to take a walk to the neighboring farm, by 50 feet, making it 96 feet long, and three blocks away, but there was no the floor was cemented. There were 33 change. Back to the apartment Beren- individual stalls with drinking cups for gere decided to wash the floor. That did the cows, cow pens for calves, and a pen it. She opened the window and yelled, for the big bull, stalls for six horses and "Come quickly, the baby is coming." It a manure carrier on an upper track for was Wednesday, March 12, 1913 when their baby, a girl was born. She weighed (Continued on page 27) 6 pounds 10 oz. Because the baby was frail, it was decided to have her baptized two days later at St. Anne's Church. She was named Elizabeth Ella. Berengere's Grandpa and Grandma LaVenture, mother and father were the godparents. Ella's godparents With two babies to care for, house- work, and cooking, Mom was very busy. Our Home The cream was skimmed from the top of the milk cans, churned by hand, and The little house on the farm would made into butter. Every week several be home for the John D. Germain fam- loaves of bread were made. The mak- ily for 54 years. It was an old house ing of soap was more complicated. in 1913. Berengere's grandparents Fat and lard were heated, mixed with had live there. Now it was a house 22 Vol. 32 # 3 & 4 • automne/hiver in the abstract, these two programs, to pay for the deaths of the Micmac and to relocate and absorb the Acadians, represented very simple thinking. The colonial authorities who endorsed these programs placed the inhabitants of Nova Scotia into two categories, Europeans and savages, and treated them accordingly.” In retrospect, I don’t believe that the Mi’kmaq and Acadiens could have La Petite killed and 45 wounded. Mr. Gorham, a ever escaped their fate. The paranoia very active English Officer, was among and racism harboured by the British Souvenance the number of the wounded. We lost 1 would never have permitted it. Today, Indian, and had three others wounded.” the Acadiens have in hand a half-hearted Number 19, Many Acadians went into hid- apology from the Crown for the hor- July 2005 Edition ing among the Mi’kmaq and remained rors committed against their ancestors. Commemorative Edition with them until the British and French However, the Crown stubbornly refuses 250th Anniversary of the ended their hostilities in 1763. A group to apologize for the horrors committed Deportation of the Acadiens of several hundred were hidden by the against the Mi’kmaq by Governors Ed- Mi’kmaq in the area known today as ward Cornwallis and Charles Lawrence. 1755 - 1763 Kejimkujik National Park. The Expul- Cornwallis, as the record witnesses, at- sion order was almost universal. Even tempted Genocide, yet he is still widely In early 1755 the Acadian Deputies individuals who had sworn allegiance to honoured. A blot on this society that no were summoned to Halifax by Gover- the British Crown and been promised the descent human being can ever defend. nor Lawrence and ordered to swear an right to live peacefully in their ancestral oath of allegiance to the British Crown. homes were included. Professor Jeffery Pennsylvania Gazette, This they refused to do, contending, Plank, University of Cincinnati, states: September 4, 1755. as they had with Cornwallis in 1749, “Everyone involved understood that if they did so the French would the conflict to be a race war.... During “We are now upon a great and set the Indians against them and they the 1750s the politics of Nova Scotia noble Scheme of sending the neutral would be massacred. The English lost centered on issues of national identity. At French out of this Province, who have no time in responding. Colonel Robert various times during the decade, the Brit- always been secret Enemies, and have Monckton rounded up the Acadians in ish engaged in combat with several dif- encouraged our Savages to cut our Chignecto, while Colonel John Winslow ferent peoples who inhabited, or passed Throats. If we effect their Expulsion, ordered those at Minas to assemble at through, Nova Scotia: The Micmac, the it will be one of the greatest Things Grand Pré. They were loaded into the French ... and the Acadians.... The Brit- that ever the English did in America; holds of ships and scattered to the four ish governors of Nova Scotia generally for by all Accounts, that Part of the corners of the world. Families were believed that they were surrounded by Country they posses, is as good Land separated, never to see one another again, enemies, that the Acadians, the Micmac as any in the World: In case therefore and untold numbers died in transport. and the French would soon find a way to we could get some good English Farm- The Mi’kmaq faithfully stuck by cooperate and overthrow British rule. One ers in their Room, this Province would their Acadian allies to the bitter end. of the principle aims of British policy, abound with all kinds of Provisions.” Some of the Acadians tried to escape therefore, was to keep these people sepa- and were aided and protected by the rated, to isolate the Micmac, the Acadi- Click http://www.daniel- Mi’kmaq to the best of their abil- ans, and the French. To achieve this goal npaul.com/AGreatAndNoble - ity. The Mi’kmaq also joined forces of segregation, the colonial authorities Scheme.html to read more about with them to drive back the British, as adopted two draconian policies. In 1749 A Great and Noble Scheme. was reported by the French Governor: the governor began offering bounties for “The British burned the Village, the scalps of Micmac men, women and including the Church at Chipoudy and children. The aim of this program was by Daniel N. Paul was responded to thus. Mr. Boishebert, to eliminate the Micmac population on at the head of 125 Indians and Acadians, the peninsula of Nova Scotia, by death overtook them at the River Pelkoudiak, or forced emigration. In 1755 the British (See Dr. Daniel N. Paul's Biography on attacked and fought them for three adopted a different but related strategy: page 24) hours, and drove them vigorously back it deported the Acadians, and relocated to their vessels. The English had 42 them in safer colonies to the west. Viewed
23 Le Forum nation of bigots. Thus, in late November and rewards. I began to hunt, fish, and trap of 1935, my parents and their five small when I was about eight. I also sold the Star children were rounded up and deported Weekly, Liberty Magazine, seeds, greet- by the city council from Saint John to ing cards, painted insides of houses, and Indian Brook Reserve, Nova Scotia, pursued any other means to make a buck. a place they had never seen before. This lasted until I left home Upon arrival at Indian Brook, with for Boston in 1953. My initia- little assets other than the clothes on tion to Boston was something else! their backs, and cold weather setting in, As this is not intended to be a full the Indian Agent gave them a roll of tar bio, I’ll just relate one incident of how a paper and told them to build a tar paper Mi’kmaq Hillbilly from the boondocks shack. Which they did, spending more performed when he hit the big city. In than two years living in it before moving your mind picture a scrawny skinny kid to the tiny log cabin where I was born. of 14, walking down the sidewalks of the The reason I mention the circum- Big Time, greeting all he met with a hearty stance about how I came to be born on “Good Morning.” I still can recall the in- Biography Indian Brook Reserve is to provide an credulous looks that said: “Is he for real!” example of the extent of the racism that Today, to keep myself occupied, Dr. Daniel N. First Nations Peoples had to contend with in addition to my writing, I lecture in at that time. Without any human and civil schools, run a small advisory business, Paul, C.M., O.N.S. rights laws to protect us, we were at the write columns occasionally for the I was born December 1938 to my mercy of a largely uncaring biased white op-ed page of the Halifax Chronicle- late parents, Sarah Agnes and William society. Therefore, legal redress wasn’t Herald and other newspapers, am a Gabriel Paul, in a small log cabin on available. Factually, the justice system Justice of the Peace for the Province Indian Brook Reserve, Nova Scotia, dur- was used by society more to persecute of Nova Scotia, a board member of the ing a raging blizzard. I was the eleventh than to dispense justice to us. From birth, Nova Scotia Police Commission, and of fourteen children. The doctor arrived as Indians, we were classified as “Wards set on several nonprofit boards, etc. two weeks after the fact on snowshoes. of the Crown,” and treated as third class Over the years I’ve served on many I now reside in Halifax in semi-retire- citizens at best. We had the same legal provincial commissions. For examples, ment with my wife Patricia. We have two status as drunks and insane persons. the Province’s Human Rights Commis- daughters, Lenore and Cerena. Lenore Beause of the humiliation that sion and the Nova Scotia Department of and husband Todd have made us grand- racial discrimination caused my family Justice’s Court Restructuring Task Force. parents twice, Jenna and Julia. I also have and other Mi’kmaq, and, for that matter, On February 3, 2006, I was named a son Keith by a previous partner, whose other minority groups in this country, to the Order of Canada, and I have an children have made me a Grandfather I’m an ardent spokesperson and activist honourary degree in letters from Uni- and great-Grandfather many times over. for human rights. For my efforts I’ve versite Sainte-Anne, Church Point, Nova My place of birth was preordained got some recognition. On October 2, Scotia. Among numerous other awards, three years prior by a blatant act of 2002, the Province of Nova Scotia in- on January 14, 2000, I was honoured by racism committed against my family ducted me and nine other Nova Scotians the City of Halifax with a millennium by white society. The gist of the story: into the Order of Nova Scotia. Premier award for contributing in a special way Until the fall of 1935 my fa- John Hamm stated: “These people have toward making the community a bet- ther worked on the Saint John, New been selected because of their outstand- ter place to live. And in June 2002, I Brunswick, waterfront as a stevedore, ing contributions and for bringing received a Nova Scotia Department of thus a taxpayer. That year, because honour and prestige to Nova Scotia.” Justice Certificate of Appreciation which of depression related work shortages, The following is the descrip- reads: “On behalf of the Provincial and he and many others were laid off. tive message the government used Family Courts and the government of the Unemployed, with a growing fam- in its press release to describe me: Province of Nova Scotia, this Certificate ily to support, he had to apply for city “He is a passionate writer who is bestowed upon Daniel Paul in recog- welfare to assure the family’s survival, gives a voice to his people by reveal- nition of your significant contribution which was granted. A white resident, ing a past that the standard histories to the justice system of Nova Scotia. ” viewing this as an affront to his warped have chosen to ignore . . . By bring- sense of fairness, went posthaste to the ing new understanding and perspec- city’s fathers and complained bitterly that tive to the past, he seeks to teach all they were feeding a bunch of Indians. people what damage racism can do.” The fathers agreed with his com- Although life was hard for us dur- plaint and reacted with the proper indig- ing my childhood, it wasn’t without fun (See page 25)
24 Vol. 32 # 1 & 2 • automne/hiver bounties for human scalps, massacre, BOOKS/LIVRES... starvation and germ warfare. These cruel methods of destruction were so effective First Nations History that the British came close to realizing their cleansing goal. All North American civilizations under their occupation were We Were Not the Savages badly damaged, many eliminated, and close to 95% of the people exterminated. Third Edition In fact, after reviewing the horrific Daniel N. Paul barbarities that the European invaders ISBN 1 55266 209 8 subjected First Nations citizens too, one finds it almost impossible to comprehend Fernwood Publishing how any survived. That some North We Were Not the Savages is a methods they used in the process. The American First Nations Peoples did sur- history of the near demise, caused by truth of this, as previously stated, is at- vive the best efforts of their tormentors the European invasion of the Americas, tested too by their own records, which to exterminate them, 1497 to 1850s, and of ancient democratic North American give minute details of what and how then from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s First Nations; with special focus on the they did it. A sample of the horrors used: a malnutrition existence under the rule of Mi’kmaq, from a Mi’kmaq perspective. Canada and the United States, is a testa- Although other European Nations, ment to the tenacious courage and faith Spain for instance, were in on the in the Great Spirit of our ancestors. slaughter this history relates in detail Today, although starvation and the actions of only one, Great Britain. malnutrition have been mostly elimi- In Great Britain’s case it isn’t nated, the systemic racism instilled hard to prove culpability because Brit- in the majority of Caucasians by co- ish colonial officials, while representing lonial demonizing propaganda about the Crown, recorded in minute detail our ancestors, which depicts them the horrors they committed. When as the ultimate sub-human savage, is reading their records one often gets still widespread. This is witnessed by the impression that they were proud of the level of discrimination still suf- the barbarous crimes against human- fered, which is a very heavy burden ity that they had committed in their for our Peoples to try to overcome. brutal efforts to disposes the sovereign Interestingly, although both First Nations Peoples of their proper- claim to be compassionate countries ties by exterminating them. From my with justice for all as a core value, knowledge of what they did I can, Canada and the United States are not without fear of contradiction from making any viable effort to substitute men and women of good conscience, demonizing colonial propaganda with use the term monstrous to describe it. the truth. This is why I wrote We Were That they worked without con- Not the Savages, my small effort to science to cleanse the land of its right- air as much of the truth as possible. ful owners is verified by the horrific DISTRIBUTOR CANADA BROADVIEW PRESS Email [email protected] Phone: 1-705-743-8990 Fax: 1-705-743-8353
DISTRIBUTOR UNITED STATES Independent Publishers Group, Chicago, IL Click To Email [email protected] Phone: 1-800-888-4741 Fax: 1-312-337-5985 25 Le Forum (A Salute to Nicolas Pelletier removed the flag and revealed the plaque. After the reception, an invitation-only continued from page 17) A very special feeling of pride came over- luncheon was held at a local restaurant citizens of Gallardon, and surprising us all of us when we viewed this magnifi- and crêperie, called the Entr’Act Café, all, Jacques and Jacqueline Pelletier, cent tribute to our ancestor. The marble which had been asked to stay open on who drove up from Chartres, assembled plaque was etched with gold lettering; this holiday especially for us. As Ben at the Place du Jeu de Paume, the square the French inscription translates to: Shoja said, “How could you go wrong in front of the city hall. While waiting It was here in Germonval that Nico- with succulent confit de canard (duck for everyone to gather, I noticed Ameri- las Pelletier was born September 2, 1594. conserve), ample bottles of Loire wine, can and Canadian flags waving beside Having left one day in the year 1636 fresh fruit, and fresh crepes for desert?” the French tricolor and the European to conquer “the New World”, he cofounded It was magnifique. This was truly one of Union flags. They were hanging from the best meals that we have ever enjoyed. the second-story balcony of the city Next on the agenda was a walking hall. I thought that this was a very nice tour through the narrow, winding streets salute to the North American guests. of Gallardon with local historian Maurice Vie as our guide; the man is a walking, talking encyclopedia. In 1999, when Dor- othy and I visited Gallardon, we were able to visit some of the major sites in town. This time, Maurice’s explana- tion at each of these sites made it much more informative and interesting for us and the others who joined in our walk- several large cities in Canada and America ing tour. Three main points of interest included the ruins of an early twelfth- The Plaque century tower partially destroyed in 1421; a carved-facade timber-frame house constructed in the sixteenth century; and Gallardon City Hall the magnificent Church of Saint Peter on Bastille Day 2005 and Saint Paul, the historic focal point of the town. Construction on the church When everyone had ar - had begun in the 1lth century and was rived, we proceeded about a mile finally completed in the 16th century. down the road to Germonval to the site of the dedication ceremony. The plaque, which was draped with a small French flag, was attached to a sixteenth century rock wall sur- rounding some very old farm buildings that were slowly being renovated into At the Plaque modern homes. The participants, who Front: Florine Perry and must have numbered between thirty and Jacques Pelletier, Back: Pascal Pel- forty persons, included the Mayor, other letier, Ben Pelletier Shoja, Chris Pel- city officials and townspeople, two local tier with Nathan, and Bill Peltier journalists and us the honored guests. We were also again surprised and de- Following the dedication cer- lighted to see that Xavier Guyot along emony, Florine had arranged a full day with his wife, Véronique, had traveled of activities, beginning with a reception from Orléans for this occasion and had at Gallardon’s city park. Champagne, arrived just in time for the dedication. fruit juices and pastries were provided. After an introduction and welcome The Mayor thanked Florine and many speech by the Mayor, Pascal, Ben and I others who helped in the preparation each made a small speech of apprecia- for the festivities. Gifts were presented tion and thank you to the Mayor and to by the North American descendants The Church of all the people of the city of Gallardon. to the Mayor and Ms. Perry. They in St-Peter and St-Paul Then my son, Christopher, joined turn presented us with framed pictures us at the wall and on the count of three we of early and present day Gallardon. (Continued on page 27) 26 Vol. 32 # 1 & 2 • automne/hiver (A Salute to Nicolas Pelletier for an outdoor dinner prepared and So it looks like we had come full continued from page 26) provided by the citizens of Gallardon. circle...France to America and then back Held under a large tent at the park, the to France again. Voila! What a wonderful At the church some of us more relaxed atmosphere lent itself to very ending to a fantastic day. To say that this adventurous tour participants climbed to animated discussions with our French was a memorable trip hardly describes the top of the bell tower. There we viewed hosts, our French and American cousins, what this day meant to us. We cannot say the exposed timber frames supporting the and our many new French friends, After enough about being treated so well. We roof. Some of us even tightrope walked dinner, a group gathered around Ben hope that the friendship we have forged along the beams that were holding up as he traced a chronology of Nicolas’ with the people of Gallardon will never be the ceiling of the sanctuary. We soon trip with his family to New France. He forgotten. Just as I concluded my speech realized that this part of the church now literally put pen to the paper tablecloth at the dedication of the plaque, I say here, served mainly as a large aviary for the and traced Nicolas’ journey to Quebec “Vive la France et vivent les descendants pigeons who flew back and forth and as City. During Ben’s genealogy lecture, de Nicolas Peltier!” (Long live France and a final resting place for those who un- townspeople began arriving at the park long live Nicolas Peltier’s descendants). able to find their way out. As we made for the evening’s grand finale, the annual our way back down to ‘terra firma’ and fireworks display to celebrate Bastille Note: Nicolas Peltier (this is as to fresh air, we found we were soaking Day. The fireworks were scheduled for 11 he signed his name) had a great-great with sweat. Later we learned that this day o’clock and the Peltier/Pelletier contin- grandson, Jean-Francois Peltier, who had been one of the hottest days of the gent was escorted front and center to the arrived in Detroit in 1706 with his year in Gallardon. After a quick visit to VIP section of benches set up in the park mother, Marie-Madeleine Thunay and his the local tourism bureau, which houses for viewing the show. Meanwhile, several stepfather, Pierre Mallet. Jean-Francois a collection of ancient tools and pottery hundred people began to assemble for Peltier’s great-great-great-grandson, discovered in and around Gallardon, the fireworks show and prior to the start Ezechiel Peltier, moved to Monroe, everyone decided that it was time for we were introduced to the crowd. The Michigan, in 1826, after marrying a break. Most of the touring group had show was entitled “The Conquest of the Véronique LeDuc. Ezechiel’s great- been going since early morning, and the World” and was a combination of syn- great-grandson, William H. Peltier III, effects of going from one outdoor venue chronized music and fireworks display was born in Flint, Michigan, in 1937. to another in stifling heat began to be felt. with Florine acting as commentator. William’s grandson, Nathan, was born A two hour time-out was scheduled, and Our friend Eric Blaise was in charge of in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2001, thus we all retreated to our hosts’ homes for the fireworks display and his title of the bringing this branch of the Peltier fam- some much needed rest and relaxation. show was very appropriate for both their ily back to Europe after four centuries. With renewed vigor, we reas- native son, Nicolas, and for the descen- sembled that evening at the city park dants of the voyageur to New France.
(Germain Saga continued from page 22) cleaning the barn. The upstairs contained Our Home straw and hay lofts. Lanterns gave way for electric lighting. The wooden silo was replaced by a concrete one, and an 80 foot machine shed with a corn crib at one end was built. The shed also served as a ga- rage. Across the road from the house was a hand pump. Dad had the drillers come to dig for a deeper well. After drilling down 180 feet, we had good, clean fresh water. A windmill was erected. When the wind blew, the big wheel turned, and there was water. When there was Our Home arial view no wind, a hand pump was used. Years later, the big wheel was removed, and a gasoline motor was added. Now, wind, (N.D.L.R. See next issue or no wind, there was water. We did miss for the fourth installment the large wheel shining in the sunlight, of the Germain Saga by S. and squeaking its call for axel grease. Ella Marie Germain, CSJ.) 27 Le Forum nursing care of patients there was a pic- nings. The second evening I worked 3-11 Part Two (1949-1953) ture which I looked at so often that it has p.m., the night nurse asked me what I had --Formation, Revelations, and been engraved in my heart for 50 years. done to the patients the evening before. I Decisions— It was a sick man in bed with a nurse asked, “Did something wrong happen to standing at his side and Jesus at the head the patients?” “Not at all. They slept the Chapter 21 of the bed. I was no longer in a public whole night. I thought maybe you had --First year of training— school. Here the Sisters of Charity (Grey given them sleeping pills without writing Nuns) of St. Hyacinthe were in charge. it on the charts.” “Of course not! I’d by Sr. Pauline Gastonguay One day I had an experience in the never do anything like that!” “Well then, Québec, Canada Male Ward which helped me understand what did you do to help them sleep so the picture. There was a man whom the well?” “Nothing special, except to give (N.D.L.R. The following police brought from jail because he had everyone a good back rub.” “Everyone? is the fourth installment of Sr. Pau- pneumonia. He had been given a good Even the ambulatory patients?” “Why line Gastonguay's book, "Faire de la bath and I was told to cut and clean his not? Isn’t it allowed?” “If you have time Luge sans Luge et les contes de ma nails which were long and very dirty. to do it to all 13 patients, all the better. vie", "Down the Luge Run without a While I was cutting his toe nails, I looked I hope you did it again tonight.” “Yes, Sled and other Stories of my Life".) up just a moment and saw the head of they even asked for it. They seemed so Jesus where his should have been. In calmed down after I had finished.” That’s I was leaving the house for the first 1989 in the infirmary of Sillery I had the how I found another reason for doing this time. Doris would take my room and I same experience while caring for a Sister course. I love to relieve pain and anxiety. would sleep on the livingroom couch on with Alzheimer. For an instant, I saw That spring I had had a meeting my holidays and vacations. I had the the head of Jesus crowned with thorns... with Sister Bouffard, the director of the impression that I was jumping into a big It’s true I was slow, but sometimes nursing school. She told me that her team void. I was not afraid of the studies, in that’s what is needed. Mrs. Lachance was had hesitated over whether or not I should fact the 8 hours of classes per day were of 39 years old and her bone cancer was continue for the second year because I no difficulty for me. It’s when I started to getting worse and worse. The bones of had so much difficulty in doing the work work in the wards that I’d react like some her back, legs and ribs were breaking one in the wards. However, they had seen that one with stagefright. The supervisors after the other. She was paralyzed from I’d finished first in my class in the courses were nice, but in my head I could hear the waist down. She had been put at the and I prepared some for their exams. Daddy say that I wasn’t fast enough—and end of a corridor with screens around her Therefore they decided to keep me and it’s true that I’m not as fast as the others. because she wanted to smoke. I nursed offer me a full scholarship at Catholic Everyday I’d go home for supper, her one day and she asked that I nurse University at Washington, D.C. to obtain returning for a 7 p.m. class with “poor” her everyday because I took the time my Bachelor of Science in Nursing Edu- Sister St. Cyr. I say “poor” because the needed and didn’t hurt her. During one cation on condition that I return to teach 25 girls in the class hated that 7 p.m. month I nursed her six days a week, then 2 or 3 years at this nursing school. When class on history of nursing. One evening I was named in the Male Ward. There I I told my parents, they were overjoyed. we each had to give a brief report on a found a bigger variety of patients. They person. One student had put an alarm were supposed to call us by our last clock set to ring during the class. We name. Since we were two Gastonguays, all knew it was hidden in a desk, but my name pin said P. Gastonguay. They we didn’t know where or when. When never succeeded. After one month with it rang, all laughed a bit, then took on the men, I returned to the Female Ward. the expressions of angels or saints. Mrs. Lachance was still alive Poor Sr. St. Cyr, she was very old— with new fractures bringing her added about my age today—in her late 60’s! suffering. As soon as she learned that Day after day, I learned much in I had returned, it was not long before several branches of Science: Anatomy, I was again nursing her everyday. Microbiology, Chemistry and methods That lasted until summer, that is three of nursing the sick. But there’s another months plus January. One week after I thing we’re taught that changes my whole started my three weeks vacation, Mrs. life. In anatomy class, Miss Michaud Lachance died. I went to the funeral says in passing, “What a marvel our parlor to wish her good-bye and God- body is—created by God!” For the last speed. It is she who taught me how to seven years I never heard the name of nurse persons in the terminal phase. I God in school. It was all as if he didn’t could see I had a special gift in that line. exist. Behind the desk of Mrs. X, who After my vacation, I worked either was teaching us the art and methods of 45 hours on days, or 40 hours on eve- 28 Vol. 32 # 1 & 2 • automne/hiver Aside from the usual MA theses and Ph.d. BOOKS/LIVRES... dissertations -- almost all of them stiffly written attempts to isolate academically ‘workable” and degree-granting minu- tia -- there is very little in print for the students of language that attempts to explain how contemporary languages in America have been and continue to be affected by their rubbing of elbows. What is noticeably true about the French dialectical variations in and sur- About the Author: rounding New England is generally true of the Spanish dialects spoken along Allen J. Ouellette is a retired our Mexican border too: both were at federal officeer. He was born in one time banned in their community a bilingual community in northern schools. both have created hybrid dialects Maine. He was an adjudications in English; both have retained vestiges training instructor at federal train- of their rhythms and stresses in these hybrids; both have adopted English ing centers in Georgia and in New nouns and altered them appropriately; Mexico. He worked in Europe be- both have applied their verb structures fore retiring to Larchwood, IA. He to English verbs; both have adopted and his wife have three children. English cuss and curse words; both fa- Mutt vor religious swears (unlike American Mutt Contay Saw: About French Contay English, which favors the sexual); both (and English) in New England have insinuated words and expressions Saw into contemporary American English. Our price: $11.95 by Allen J. Ouellette Mutt Contay Saw is about Format: Paperback French and what has happened to it Size: 6 x 9 Summary: In New England, in New England. But it’s also about Pages: 90 as elsewhere in the United States, col- English. It’s entirely in English, even leges and universities offer degrees in the French pronunciations are ren- ISBN: 0-595-37179-5 languages, but few make courses in the dered in English. There’s a brief his- Published: Oct-2005 history of those languages mandatory. tory tracing the development of English. Talking Acadian Communication, Work, and Culture by John Chetro-Szivos left eastern Canada to Settle in Mas- ationed interactions of this community, sachusetts in the 1960s. This book cap- demonstrating the capacity of communi- tures their stories about family and their cation to transmit the rules of grammar values, mores and morals. It also traces of a culture, and highlighting Cronen’s the ways that they use communication consequentiality of communication. to develop and maintain their culture. A Short Excerpt from What the reader learns is that to talk about Acadians you must talk the Book about work. This group gives us new Each fall congregants of Notre insights into the world of work - a Dame du Saint Rosaire (Our Lady of the central feature of living for the Acadi- Holy Rosary), a Catholic church located ans and crucial to their self-definition. in Gardner, Massachusetts, stage a fair About the Book There are few sources about this to raise funds for the support of the culture and their experiences in the church and its elementary school. This Talking Acadian: Communication, United States. This book makes contribu- annual event has been an important part Work and Culture provides a look into the tions to communications studies, more of the community ,one that members of lives of the French-Speaking American specifically the Coordinated Manage- the church have shared for nearly half a Acadians, and particularly those who ment Meaning by analyzing the situ- (Continued on page 31) 29 Le Forum NOW IN STOCK – ORDER NOW
FRENCH & NATIVE NORTH AMERICAN MARRIAGES & OTHER SOURCES VOL. 2
By Paul J. Bunnell, FACG, UE THIS NEW VOLUME WAS CREATED BECAUSE OF POPULAR DEMAND FROM MY VOL- UME 1 PUBLICATION. VOLUME 2 HAS OVER 500 LISTINGS OF FRENCH & NATIVE NORTH AMERICAN CONNECTIONS. THIS EDITION IS NOW AVAILABLE.
Because volume one was so popular, I decided to produce this edition containing over 500 listings with proven and suspected Metis connections from over 43 sources. As in previous works I always recom- mend checking and verifying your findings with other sources when possible. This helps us all validate the material we are working with. I did not stay within the time frame of 1600-1800. There are some re- cords going into the late 1800’s plus several mid-continent locations (Detroit, Mich., Manitoba, etc.), but with Quebec or Eastern Canada connections. And as always, I hope this edition will help you locate your Metis heritage, one that we are all proud of. This book was produced by the author and can be purchased through him: Paul J. Bunnell, 45 Crosby St., Milford, NH 03055. ISBN 0-9779682-4-3. Printed by King Printing, Lowell, Ma., May 2006, 125 pages. Cost $19 (US) plus S/H $3.75. (Canadian $22 plus S/H $4) My website: http://bunnellgenealogybooks.citymaker.com My email: [email protected]
Order Form Name:
Address:
Book Count:
Mail To: Paul J. Bunnell, 45 Crosby St., Milford, NH 03055
30 Vol. 32 # 1 & 2 • automne/hiver working among members of the Aca- as many significant ways. This text makes BOOKS/LIVRES... dian- American community. The Acadian a contribution by presenting and analyz- (Talking Acadian continued from Americans were selected because of how ing the life stories of Acadian Americans. page 29) intently work is featured in their interac- Their stories provide a meaningful and tions and lives. I recognize that work is valuable perspective about their com- century. The church has served Acadi- not the same in all places, but this is an munity and how a person lives as a ans and Acadian Americans, along with exceptional starting point to explore the member of this rich and unique culture. others who emigrated from Canada, for grammar of the term working because the past one hundred years. The Acadi- of its prominence among these people. ans are people who came from Eastern The Acadian Americans do not represent Canada, generally to find work. The all cultures, but they show us that the majority of the Acadians came in the meaning of “working “is not bounded by twentieth century to the city of Gardner accomplished tasks. They can show how to work in its mills. At the church fair, the meaning of the term extends into rules the items that draw the most interest ,and and practices that are made in interaction generate the most funds, are prepared among a community of people. I have dishes of traditional Acadian foods. I found the Acadian Americans’ under- initially entered this community as a standing of working is much more than par- ticipant-observer and volunteered of a word with a common definition. In by helping with food preparation. On fact it will be shown that working, the my first day at the fair. I stood in line act or process as well as the word, has peeling potatoes with approximately an inseparable link to many aspects of twenty members of the church. The their lives. I chose to study the concept talk around the table was about work. of working among members of the Aca- About the Author Members recounted and shared their dian- American community. The Acadian stories about their first jobs, best jobs, Americans were selected because of how John Chetro-Szivos is a com- and difficulties they had encountered intently work is featured in their interac- munication scholar and chair of the while working. There was laughter and tions and lives. I recognize that work is Department of Communication at Fitch- joking about how hard they, and other not the same in all places, but this is an burg State College in Massachusetts. members of their community work. The exceptional starting point to explore the He received bachelor’s and master’s Acadian Americans even talked about grammar of the term working because degrees from Assumption College, a how “outrageous “their actions must ap- of its prominence among these people. master’s from Anna Maria College, and pear to others outside of their community. The Acadian Americans do not represent his doctorate in communication from the I have lived among Acadian Ameri- all cultures, but they show us that the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. cans for several years, and when I have meaning of “working “is not bounded by He has published several works in the been with Acadian Americans, I am accomplished tasks. They can show how field of communication, specifically on deeply struck with their talk about work- the meaning of the term extends into rules the Coordinated Management of Mean- ing, how much of their life story is about and practices that are made in interaction ing theory and American pragmatism. working, and how important work- ing among a community of people. I have appears to be to them as members of a found the Acadian Americans’ under- To Order: community. There is something interest- standing of working is much more than of http://www.cmmandculture.com/order.htm ing about how pervasive the term work a word with a common definition. In fact Direct Order Discount - $18.95 is among members of this community, it will be shown that working, the act or Shipping and Handling - $2.50 and their awareness that their ways of process as well as the word, has an insep- Total Cost - $21.45 working are different from those of oth- arable link to many aspects of their lives. ers. As will be shown, “working” refers Because of the inextricable link to more than a paid job for the Aca- between working and the life of an Aca- dian Americans. Working, and especially dian American, this book also serves as a Contact Author: working hard, is a way of being in this study of Acadian Americans’ culture. For culture. Personal success and compe- various reasons there is little research de- Fitchburg State College tence are not measured by what a group voted to the Acadian-American culture. 160 Pearl Street member does for work, but by how hard There are excellent sources that discuss Fitchburg MA 01420 USA they work at it. Work extends beyond the lives of Franco-Americans, but usu- Work phone: 978-665-3261 the boundaries of a job and touches ally the focus of these works is the experi- Fax: 978-665-3065 leisure time, social life, and family life. ence of the Quebecois. The two groups I chose to study the concept of share many similarities, yet they differ in
31 Le Forum BOOKS/LIVRES... Winter Passage by Paul Raymond Côté & Constantina Mitchell Bordeaux, 1734. To honor a dying and serving on the editorial boards of man’s request, the Baron Jean Luc de several scholarly journals, they have col- Montigny sets sail with his young son laborated on numerous literary projects for Quebec City, the gateway to France’s which include a book entitled Shaping North American colonies. Within hours the Novel: Textual Interplay in the Fic- of his arrival, he is swept into an ethi- tion of Malraux, Hébert, and Modiano cal and emotional maelstrom when (Berghahn, 1996). Their articles have he meets a woman born in the French appeared in The French Review, Qué- settlement who takes him on a journey bec Studies, Modern Language Studies, through the tormented landscape of The American Review of Canadian her past. And his. Both have suffered Studies, Francographies, Romance Lan- irreparable violence and are haunted guages Annual, and L’Esprit Créateur. by the ghosts of remorse and carnage. They co-translated from French into Amidst accusations of sorcery and in- English The Cry of the Gull (Gallaudet fanticide, their passion drives them University Press, 1998), Deaf Planet (In- to defy the barriers that separate them. finity Publishing, 2002), Letter from Mo- The course of events is further rocco (Michigan State University Press, entangled by a surprise revelation that 2003), and I Nadia, Wife of a Terrorist brings into play the destiny of a vast (University of Nebraska Press, 2006). estate–and its bonded servants. The They now live in Montreal property’s majordomo, a Senegalese where they work as freelance transla- slave, holds the key to the elusive fate tors when they aren’t writing fiction. of the estate and has his own story to tell. Historical Fiction About the Authors 214 pages PAUL RAYMOND CÔTÉ and ISBN:1-933016-19-1 CONSTANTINA MITCHELL both $14.95 hold doctoral degrees from McGill address: University. They resided in France and Canada before moving to Washington, Behler Publications D.C., where they taught French language, 22365 El Toro Road, #135 literature, and culture for twenty years. Lake Forest, CA 92630 Constantina was a Professor at 949.716.3702 Gallaudet University. Among her other PAUL RAYMOND CÔTÉ accomplishments in Washington, D.C. are two Smithsonian Institution lecture Distributed by: series and a one-year stint at the U.S. Blu Sky Media Group Department of State Foreign Service Toll Free 1-888-448-2764 Institute teaching French language Fax: 615-217-3088 and culture. Paul was a Professor at Website: American University where he headed the French-to-English translation cer- www.bluskymediagroup. tificate program. He is a Chevalier in com the Ordre des Palmes académiques—an Email: honor conferred by the French Ministry order@bluskymediagroup. of Education in recognition of exem- com plary service to the field of education In addition to independently au- www.cote-mitchell.com thoring a significant number of critical or email: prc@videotron. studies and book reviews on contem- CONSTANTINA MITCHELL porary writers in France and Québec 32 Vol. 32 # 1 & 2 • automne/hiver BOOKS/LIVRES... They Came to Destroy America by Stan Cohen and Don DeNevi with Richard Gay also included. The stories of Pastorius About Richard Gay and Magpie have been well documented through the years and are important today Richard Gay is a native of Maine, as a predecessor of future military tribu- born in Bar Harbor and currently living nals proposed for accused terrorists. This, in Blue Hill. He is an alumnus of Lafay- however, is the first time that a thorough ette College, Université Laval (Québec), photographic search of these operations University of Maine, and University of and other Nazi incursions within and on Maryland. He speaks a number of Eu- American shores has been attempted, ropean and Asian languages, and since with the stories and photo evidence put returning to Maine has taught languages together in one volume. The authors at Husson College, the Maine Maritime have searched FBI files and dozens of Academy, and College of the Atlantic books and documents to piece together (Bare Harbor). He is a pilot and member the stories included in this book. Even of the Bar Harbor squadron of the Civil with this search, some facts could not be Air Patrol. He is a former CIA and NSA found; but work will continue to update operations officer, and special assistant to While the greater part of this book the stories in future printings. Although the president of AFIO. He is a member deals with the German landings on the a great quantity of defense-related infor- of the Phoenix Society of ex-NSA of- east coast of the United States-Opera- mation was relayed to Germany prior ficers, and is vice president of the New tion Pastorius, June 1942 and Operation to the Pearl Harbor attack, the FBI also England chapter of ex-CIA officers. Magpie, November 1944- it also delves turned several spy operations to their He served in that agency under Allen into some pre-war Nazi spy operations, advantage sending much false informa- Dulles, John McCone, William Raborn, the subversive organizations in the tion to Germany. Only three landings Richard Helms and William Colby. His United States and several other opera- of Nazi spies or saboteurs on American writing an espionage novel and has two tions planned but not executed such as shores occurred during the war. All were autobiographic short stories being pub- Operation Pelican. Other stories and quickly rounded up due to traitorous ac- lished in a book, Spies Lives, to out soon. photographs pertinent to the subject are tions by the saboteurs/spies themselves. Helms, right, home in Georgetown, DC
This plaque is located on the fifth floor of the Justice De- partment building on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C.
The Long Island Four This book is the definitve pictorial histroy of the Nazi spies and saboteurs in the United States before and during World War II. 184 pages, Hundreds of pho - tos and maps, softbound, full-color cover.
Price: 16.95 plus $4.00 postage and handling The Florida Four plus tax.
To Order: Richard Gay P.O. Box 1027 Blue Hill, ME 04614 33 Le Forum BOOKS/LIVRES...
34 Vol. 32 # 1 & 2 • automne/hiver fragmentaires, de documents d’archives j’aime passionnément l’histoire. Pas BOOKS/LIVRES... et d’écrits historiques. J’ignorais alors celle de la petite école où nous devions à quel point cette tentative de retisser souvent ne mémoriser que des dates les fils que la trame du temps a déliés et des lieux de guerre ou des noms de était une tâche colossale. Colossale, personnages illustres, mais l’Histoire mais ô combien passionnante et in- qui dévoile les mœurs, les croyances et structive! Marie Major m’a propulsée les mentalités qui modulent le quotidien à une époque dont je ne connaissais de gens moins connus certes, mais tout auparavant que les héros de guerre ou aussi importants et intéressants. J’ai les figures religieuses. Grâce à elle, été surprise de découvrir certains faits j’ai appris ce que pouvait être la vie tels que des animaux excommuniés non seulement des Filles du roi mais, par Monseigneur de Laval, certaines de façon plus globale, des femmes qui croyances magiques, des pendaisons ont vécu au XVIIe siècle. Vies qui n’ont par effigie, des corps jetés à la voirie, rien à voir avec l’image manichéenne des suicidés emprisonnés, des méthodes charriant l’idée qu’elles étaient soit des de guérison déconcertantes, des cas- filles de joie, soit de saintes mères de tors dont on disait qu’ils étaient des famille. La liberté de plusieurs d’entre poissons afin de pouvoir en manger le elles était soigneusement circonscrite. Il vendredi et durant le carême. Ces faits Marie Major a vraiment existé. leur suffisait d’être un tant soit peu mar- historiques, et bien d’autres, s’ils ne Cette Fille du roi, arrivée en Nouvelle- ginales pour être enfermées ou corrigées servent qu’à nourrir la trame de mon France en l’an de grâce 1668, a épousé par leur mari avec l’assentiment des roman, n’en sont pas moins véridiques. Antoine Roy dit Desjardins, un soldat hommes d’Église. Il n’était pas bien vu du régiment de Carignan. Seize ans non plus qu’elles affichent leur savoir. - Sergine Desjardins, Avril 2006. après leur mariage, Antoine fut as- À un point d’ailleurs, écrit la profes- sassiné dans le lit de sa maîtresse. Le seure Josette Dall’Ava-Santucci, que meurtrier, on l’aura deviné, était le l’on répétait qu’il “était grotesque pour mari trompé. Il y eut procès, l’assassin une femme de savoir signer son nom, échappa de justesse à la pendaison, la [...] grotesque de vouloir lire, étudier, maîtresse d’Antoine fut condamnée penser à autre chose qu’aux lancinantes au bannissement perpétuel et tous les magies d’amour et [aux] empoisonne- biens de Marie furent saisis. Issue d’une ments passionnels “. Quant au sort jadis famille bourgeoise de la Normandie, réservé aux femmes adultères, c’est Marie Major connut, dès son arrivée un euphémisme de dire qu’il était peu en Nouvelle-France, une véritable dé- enviable. Marie Major m’a entraînée gringolade sociale. Dégringolade qui at- dans les cours de justice où régnaient Je suis née en avril 1954, au teignit son point ultime après la mort de des méthodes inquisitoriales. Elle m’a Cap-à-la-Baleine, un lieu magnifique, à son mari, car elle perdit non seulement ouvert les portes des prisons du XVIIe l’est du village de Sainte-Félicité (près tout ce qu’elle possédait, mais aussi siècle et j’y ai trouvé une foule de gens de Matane). J’avais à peine quinze son honneur, lequel était, à l’époque, emprisonnés pour des raisons qui nous ans lorsque j’ai quitté cet endroit afin aux dires de nombreux historiens, “le apparaîtraient aujourd’hui saugrenues. d’aller étudier le secrétariat médical à bien le plus précieux”. Quand, enfant, J’ai été consternée par la dureté des la polyvalente de Rimouski. J’ai vécu à j’ai entendu pour la première fois des mœurs et par la complexité des procé- Montréal et à Québec où j’étais secré- bribes de son histoire, j’ai été touchée dures judiciaires. J’ai été abasourdie taire. Je n’aimais pas vraiment ce tra- par le destin de cette femme trompée de constater comment on gravissait vail, j’étais attirée par l’écriture, mais et déchue qui, je l’ai appris plus tard, les échelons de la hiérarchie sociale: je croyais alors que devenir auteure vivait à une époque où les femmes un boulanger pouvait devenir juge, m’était inaccessible. J’ai emprunté étaient jugées coupables des écarts de comme ce fut le cas pour l’un de ceux bien d’autres chemins de traverse avant conduite de leur mari. Tout au long de qui ont jugé le meurtrier d’Antoine. d’oser m’y aventurer : J’ai été fleuriste, ma vie, épisodiquement, il m’arrivait Plus ma recherche avançait, plus je j’ai complété un baccalauréat, j’ai fon- de penser à Marie. Plus je vieillissais, mesurais l’étendue de mon ignorance dé Les Grand(e)s Ami(es) de Rimouski plus le destin tragique de cette femme sur le XVIIe siècle, tant en Nouvelle- et j’ai vécu l’expérience la plus intense me touchait car, c’est un truisme de le France qu’en France. Pour la combler, de ma vie en mettant au monde mon fils, souligner, les années exacerbent sou- j’ai bénéficié du travail de nombreux Philippe. J’ai poursuivi des études de vent notre sensibilité. J’ai donc essayé historiens et historiennes qui ont écrit maîtrise à temps partiel. J’ai été ensuite de reconstituer sa vie à partir de récits sur cette époque. Grâce à eux et à elles, (Suite page 36)
35 Le Forum cette eau qui courait vers leur patrie. BOOKS/LIVRES... Profitez de cette lecture pour (Marie Major suite de page 35) découvrir les personnages dans le plus profond de leur être. En les connaissant assistante de recherche et j’ai collaboré à mieux il se peut que je me connaisse deux ouvrages. Ce n’est qu’après avoir mieux aussi. Remontons à la source et complété ma maîtrise que j’ai osé sou- aussi nous retrouverons notre entité mettre à un éditeur un manuscrit sur la propre. Laissons notre imaginaire nous pratique de la sage-femme. J’ai ensuite conduire aussi loin que l’auteur et peut- écrit plus d’une centaine d’articles pour être même plus loin. Aujourd’hui nous différents magazines. Mais l’expérience traversons l’Atlantique en quelques d’écriture que j’ai la plus aimée fut la heures. Traversons en compagnie de ces rédaction d’un roman historique inspirée valeureux pionniers sur des bateaux à de la vie de mon ancêtre, Marie Major. voiles et en plusieurs semaines le même J’offre aussi mes services dans les do- océan et remontons le même fleuve. maines de la recherche et de la rédaction. Suivons-les ensuite à la recherche de leur Roman historique inspiré de la nouvelle patrie. Alors qu’ils trimaient dur vie d’une Fille du roi dont l’époux, An- Siméon Bouchard dans son pour défricher la terre afin d’assurer à toine Roy dit Desjardins, fut assassiné troisième volume continue à raconter ses leurs enfants un avenir prometteur. Des souvenirs et nous entraine en plus dans arrivants venant de France leur rappor- Sergine Desjardins l’histoire de ses ancêtre. Ce roman n’est tent la phrase de Voltaire : « Pourquoi se [email protected] pas un récit historique, mais a ses sources battre pour quelques arpents de neige ! ». dans l’imaginaire de chacun de nous. Description : Une Fille du roi, Jean-Louis Bouchard Ptre un homme infidèle, un meurtre...Le Siméon Bouchard nous a livré dans déshonneur pour la veuve. un premier livre son inquiétude concer- Le prix , 23,00$ américain, trans- nant la faune et la flore de chez nous. port par la poste inclus dans le prix, Son deuxième livre nous a permis de cheque payable à Siméon Bouchard pour ISBN 2-89455-214-9 découvrir quelques-unes des anecdotes ceux qui désirerait se procurer un volume. 485 pages et aventures de la vie de nos ancêtres. 15 cm X 23 cm Voilà qu’avec son troisième livre, L’adresse : couverture souple il nous propose d’entrer librement dans Siméon Bouchard 26,95 $ la vie intime de ceux-ci. Ainsi nous 4 Claude Bouchard PRIX DEMANDÉ: 26,95 $ pouvons vivre avec eux leurs joies, leurs Petite Rivière Saint-François réussites et aussi leurs espoirs déçus Charlevoix. Q. C. Guy Saint-Jean Éditeur inc. et leur crainte du lendemain. Nos an- G0A 2L0 3154, boul. Industriel cêtres ont jeté les bases de ces villes et paroisses dont nous avons héritées. Ils (Voir le prochaine numéro pour le pre- Laval, Québec ont souvent regardé le fleuve et envié mière installment du livre, Le vieux cahier) CANADA H4L 4P7 Tél.: (450) 663-1777 Téléc.: (450) 663-6666 Courriel: info@saint-jeanedit- eur.com
Guy Saint-Jean Éditeur France 48 rue des Ponts 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine FRANCE Tél.: (1) 39 76 99 43 Téléc.: (1) 39 76 21 78 Courriel: [email protected]
36 Vol. 32 # 1 & 2 • automne/hiver Joseph F. Langlais Lettres/ 661 Center Rd. Garland, ME 04939-5211 Letters Dear Joseph; Thank you for sharing the above in- Dear Editor; formation with our readership. I have in- Thank you for the copy of "Le cluded your mailing address, perhaps one Forum". I also want to thank you for of our readers has information for you. all the information you sent me about The book you mention in your the "The Good Regiment". I found the letter can be purchased at Amazon. book "The Good Regiment", by Jack com (http://www.amazon.ca/Good- Verney at the state library, in Augusta. Regiment-Jack-Verney/dp/0773518185). I would recommend it to all the old French Families. Even those who don't La rédactrice realize that they are descendants of the men of the Good Regiment. I found the progeniture, not only of my fathers mater- nal line, "The Roys", as in An- toine Roy dit Desjardins, but also the progeniture of my moth- ers maternal line "the Soucys", 2006 11 09 as in Jean Soucy dit Lavinge. In my family histories, University of Maine the name Hudon-Beaulieau, Orono, Maine keeps showing up. I found USA 04469 that Pierre Hudon dit Beau- Objet: DVD de La Sagoine lieau was also in the regiment. Bonjour! Everywhere I resided I found the name Chabot. I thought Nous somme très heureux de vous informer que Le Pays de la Sagouine a maintenant en vente la collection des monologues de La Sagouine sur DVD (12 monologues, coffret that it was a french version of de 3 DVD). Cabot. I found that name in the roll of the regiment as Cherbot En effet, cette toute nouvelle version fut enregistrée sur le site même du Pays de la dit Des Moulins. This is an Sagouine, à Bouctouche au Nouveau-Brunswick, en décembre 2005 et janvier 2006. excellent book for anyone inter- La Sagouine, ce personnage de l'auteur Antonine Maillet, qui est toujours brillamment ested in Franco-American history. interprété par la comédienne Viola Léger, et ça depuis plus de 35 ans, sera à tout jamais Our families were remiss préservé pour les générations futures. in allowing the English Sector to Malange our history. Our Que ce soit votre bibliothèque, vos archives, votre département de littérature ou autre, ce riche héritage partimonial acadien est une nécessité pour tout campus universitaire. history has been distorted, even in the registery of the Maine Un coffret se vend au coût de 64,99$ (+frais de poste + taxe) et peut être obtenu par cour- Legislature, it distorts the his- riel ou en téléphonant le 1-800-561-9188. tory of the Maine tribes and the exploration of the North East. Nos dossiers indiquent que Madame Antonine Maillet a reçu un doctorat honorifique de They give no mention of Jacques votre université en 1990. Cartier's claim of the North East for the king of France, from the Dans l'attente de votre commande, je vous prie d'agréer mes salutations distinguées. Atlantic to the Hudson River. Thank you again for the L.-Paul LeBlanc information. If you give me the Directeur général names of your parents and your LPL/mm grandparents, I maybe able to locate them in my book of Roy's.
Your Distant Cousin,
37 Le Forum FROM ACADIE TO KIGALI... VIA LIMESTONE by Jacqueline Chamberland Blesso (Photographs courtesy of the Cyr Family and the author) (N.D.L.R. This article first appeared in Echoes Magazine, Caribou, ME Issue 72, April-June 2006.)
John Valley. Madawaskan Heritage has was no hospital in Limestone, so their taken its place amongst the important nine children were born in the house historical records of the Valley. This 20- where Laura and Louis lived until their year project received the prize for “the deaths. Leo George, the 6th child, was Leo Cyr reflects on his career in the foreign best genealogy or family history in the born in 1909 and weighed 12 pounds! service at his home in Bethesda, Maryland. 1985 Percy Foy Competition,” sponsored Leo explained that he still had the forceps “Mr. President, I think that I am by La Société Généalogique Canadienne- marks to prove it; and that, of course, perhaps your appointee from the farthest Française. I was fascinated and wanted to les sauvages (the Indians) had brought north in the United States. I’m from the find out how a young man from northern them all, according to the North-Ameri- northern part of Maine,” declared Leo Maine had risen in the foreign service can French legend imparted to children George Cyr when he was received at the making his way to central Africa. Look- to explain where babies came from. White House to shake hands with Presi- ing for successful role models who had When he was growing up, the Nouvelles dent Lyndon B. Johnson, who had just used French-English bilingualism to parish priest would come to their house appointed him to serve as Ambassador their advantage, I wrote to him asking every week to join his parents and to Rwanda. The President replied: “Oh for an interview. He graciously accepted. aunt in a game of Charlemagne, a bid- that’s true. That’s wonderful. I love the Leo Cyr, scholarly in wire- ding card game played in almost every people of Maine. They’ve always been rimmed glasses, a ring of white hair North-American French home. When good to me.” The picture taken on that and an engaging smile, greeted me at he was seven or eight, the family spent occasion shows them of equal height the door of his Bethesda, Maryland a week’s vacation at Valcour Lake near and standing nose-to-nose. “But, my home with a warm “bonjour.” I sat Temiscouata in the Province of Québec. ears aren’t as big as his,” joked Leo. The down while he draped long limbs into A bewhiskered old French Canadian who appointment to Rwanda culminated a his chair for a four-hour interview. operated the “resort” was forever sing- distinguished career in the foreign service His parents, Louis Cyr from Lille ing a little ditty which Leo never forgot: for this son of the St. John Valley, born Village in Grand Isle and Laura Franck, Ne pleurez pas, ma belle, and brought up in Limestone, Maine. were married on July 24, 1897 in French- Je vous la chanterai, I came across Leo Cyr’s Madawas- ville. Laura had been a school teacher and Je vous la chanterai sur le bord de l’île, kan Heritage several years ago, in my Louis had taken a commercial course at Je vous la chanterai sur le bord de l’eau, readings on the origins of the St. John St. Joseph’s Academy in Memramcook, Sur le bord du vaisseau. Valley, in which he recounts the travails New Brunswick. He went to work at [Do not cry, my lovely, of his ancestors’ emigration from France Honoré A. Gagnon’s store in Van Buren, I will sing it to you, in the early 1600s. His extensive research and later managed Gagnon’s branch I will sing it to you on the shore of the at the National Archives enabled him store in Limestone. Shortly after, Louis island, to trace his family’s lineage, and in the bought out the branch store and the fam- I will sing it to you at the water’s edge, process recount the history of the French ily was established in Limestone one On the rim of the vessel.] through Acadie and Québec to the St. mile from the Canadian border. There (Continued on page 39)
Nouvelles Me Christian Néron Pour toute personne, descendante de Français 594, rue St-Patrick arrivé en Nouvelle-France avant 1763, intéressée à Québec (Québec) obtenir une confirmation de nationalité française G1R 1Y8 par l'obtention d'un passeport français, bien vou- loir communiquer avec le signataire du mémoire:
38 Vol. 32 # 1 & 2 • automne/hiver (From Acadie to Kigali continued from previous lack of formation in French Limestone, he felt a particular bond with page 38) made it difficult for him, and he protested the people of Van Buren. From there he As a 10-year old, he followed his to his father, explaining that he needed went on to Holy Cross College in Worces- father from the store to their house accom- to make a living in English. But, even ter, MA, a Jesuit school. Having breezed panied by Maine State Senator Patrick though the year was difficult, he was through the French classes – often be- Therriault, who was contacting prominent grateful later because he had learned in ing consulted by the priests on French Acadians seeking patrons for the publish- spite of himself. He spent his last two vocabulary – he graduated in 1930. ing of L’Histoire du Madawaska by the high school years at St. Mary’s, a Marist Leo would spend another year in Reverend Thomas Albert, the first com- school in Van Buren, where classes were Maine. Father Sullivan, who had be- prehensive history of the St. John Valley. taught in English, except for French. He friended him at St. Mary’s, asked him to Louis and Laura took their Catholic graduated as Valedictorian in the last come back and teach there – English to religion and French language seri- seniors, plane geometry to juniors, ously. Laura used to admonish him American history to sophomores and his siblings to “parlez français and religion to freshmen. He then à la maison.” They would tease asked his father if he could go to her and answer in English, “yes the two-year Georgetown Foreign mom, we will.” Although French Service School. His father said was their maternal language, like that they would work on trying most French speakers who had to arrange that. Leo remarked moved south of the Valley, English what a wonderful unselfish man became their dominant language his father was to send him there Nouvellesonce they stepped out the door into while he was sending his brother, the anglophone world. Leo grew up Sylvio, to Georgetown Dental mostly bilingual, but with English School, all of this during the dominant. French was not taught depression. At Georgetown, he in grammar school in Limestone. roomed with his brother and added Leo was an altar boy when Spanish to his language repertoire. he reached his freshman year in On New Year’s day 1932, they high school. The parish priest, Fa- both went to the White House, ther Aimé Giguère, probably sens- along with the general public, ing Leo’s intelligence or “wanting to shake hands with President to put a collar on me, backwards” Herbert Hoover, a custom dis- as Leo put it, had him come to the continued by President Roosevelt rectory every day after school so Leo Cyr receives his appointment as ambassador to because of his infantile paralysis. that they could work on his French Rwanda from President Lyndon Johnson in 1966. Getting ready to write his and correct his pronunciation by thesis, Leo discovered the stacks reading the works of Alphonse Daudet year St. Mary’s was a Marist School. It on Acadie at the Library of Congress. which the priest called “the most per- became a public school with the priests After reading, reading, reading, he went fectly written French that I know.” The still teaching and gradually leaving. to his advisor and inquired about chang- priest and Louis arranged for him to go There he learned why they spoke French ing his subject from economics to “a to a Catholic private school, College de and English at home. He realized that historical subject having to do with my l’Assomption, in Worcester, MA, where the family had come from Van Buren ancestors.” He wrote his master’s thesis the French priests taught all the classes and the people there were different from on Acadie, the expulsion, its causes and (except mathematics and English) in the people in Limestone who were pre- effects on the U.S. His interest started French including Latin, Greek, history dominantly of English, Irish and Scottish then, but had been triggered by his en- and religion. It was total immersion. His descent. Although he loved the people in (Continued on page 40)
News M. Christian Néron For all people who are descendants of French 594, rue St-Patrick who arrived in New France before 1763, those in- Québec (Québec) terested in obtaining French nationality confirma- G1R 1Y8 tion by obtaining a French passport, Please con- tact M. Christian Néron at the following address:
39 Le Forum (From Acadie to Kigali continued from page 39) counter with Senator Patrick Theriault and his stay in Van Buren. Leo’s father had always been curious about the family background, and Leo’s research helped provide answers for both of them. They learned that the Bourgeois line of the family came to Acadie in 1642. His scholarship and research and the writing of Madawaskan Heritage told the history of the Valley and his family because the Cyrs, who were the Smiths of Madawaska, permeated the history. Louis A. Cyr Laura Franck Madawaska, of course, does not just refer to the Town of Madawaska, or to in handy. Walking by the rear entrance International, French and Spanish Zones Madawaska County in New Brunswick; it to the White House one day, he and two into the old Sherifian Empire. This was refers to both the Canadian and American other men received a wave and a “V” the end of colonialism with Morocco sides of the upper St. John river valley sign from Winston Churchill who was gaining its independence, an event he settled by Acadians and Québecois dur- leaving in a car with President Roosevelt. considers one of the highlights of his ing the latter part of the 18th century. After the war in 1945, Leo be- service. In 1960, he was sent to Yaoun- Leo declared, “I would like to have Val- came involved in disposing of surplus dé, Cameroon to replace the Chargé ley youngsters read that book so they’ll Lend-Lease war property specializing d’Affaires, who was ill. During his stay, know. I don’t want them to get depressed in aviation facilities, having a hand in a rebellion erupted against the central about it. I just want them to know their declaring the Burma Road “surplus” government. Being alone at the time, he background.” He agreed that it’s futile to and abandoning it. In 1949, he was ac- slept with a revolver under his pillow. wallow in one’s past, but one shouldn’t corded what he considered his greatest From Cameroon, Leo obtained the forget it either. We ought to know privilege – being chosen to attend the post of Deputy Chief of Mission in Tu- who we are and where we came from. National War College for nine months nisia in 1961. The family lived in a villa From 1933 to1935, Leo worked for at Fort Leslie McNair. President Truman totally surrounded by ruins in Carthage, the National Recovery Administration, presented the diplomas and Leo returned a suburb of Tunis. It was there that, after the first of the Roosevelt New Deals, until to his work at the State Department. leaving a soirée at the Lebanese Embassy the NRA was declared unconstitutional. 1957 brought Leo his first field as- and arriving at a party at an American While working at the National Archives, signment as Consul Général to Tangier, a residence, their host informed them of he decided to go to law school. His deci- cosmopolitan crossroads with hundreds President Kennedy’s assasination. They sion to work at the Archives would have a of languages. His assignment started set up a book for signing in the Embassy, profound influence on the rest of his life, during the process of consolidation of the and people poured in to extend their since it was there that he met co-worker, Katherine McCormick, whom he married in 1941. She recalled that a lot of their “dates” were spent at the Library of Con- gress where she quickly learned about Acadie. Leo received M.F.S. and LL.B degrees from Georgetown University. Six days after Pearl Harbor, on December 13, 1941, Leo finally reached the goal he had studied and prepared for when he was asked to work at the State Department where he would stay for the next 30 years. His first job was in the Economic Warfare Section. The assign- ment was to publish a blacklist which made it illegal for American firms to sell to pro-Nazi companies, effectively Louis Cyr's store in Limestone putting them out of business. As the Co- lumbia-Venezuela man, his Spanish came (Continued on page 41) 40 Vol. 32 # 1 & 2 • automne/hiver (From Acadie to Kigali continued French, Spanish and Arabic. Young Leo parties. They came, not to Kinshasa, but from page 40) graduated in the first high school class to Kigali because we had a wonderful condolences. He considered Tunis and of the American School in Tangier. He communication system in our Embassy. Tangier his two finest assignments. Dur- went with them when the family made I got a wire from Secretary of State Dean ing the Viet Nam War in 1965, he was its way to Cameroon in June, but left in Rusk saying: ‘Do everything possible recalled so he could be re-Americanized. the Fall to go back stateside to attend that you can to serve the International He told his daughters that they were “go- Georgetown. Kitty and Nancy, like their Red Cross.’ We were on 24-hour alert. ing to Athens.” “To Greece?” “No, to the father, were immersed in French – in a Eventually the situation was straightened University of Ohio in Athens, Ohio” un- Belgian convent school – while they out, and the mercenaries, brought over- der the Diplomat-in-Residence program. were in Cameroon, and then went to the land from Bukavu, were provided two or After a year, he was asked if he American School in Tangier. Although three C-130s at Kigali Airport and flew would be interested in being Ambassador French had been Leo’s native language, off to Europe. We were glad it was over.” to Rwanda, a small country in central for his daughters, it was not, making it Dealing with that situation, keep- Africa, the one place which was “still a lot harder for them. Nancy retained ing it cool, reporting and helping the Africa in the raw.” At that time it was Ru- more of her French, and would often International Red Cross turned into one anda-Urundi which became the two states tease Leo about his Madawaskan accent. of the highlights of Leo’s posting in of Burundi and Rwanda. When Leo met After nine months in Rwanda’s Kigali. Secretary Rusk spent 45 minutes the President at the on the phone with White House, Mrs. him congratulating Johnson quipped, him on his handling “I wonder if Lyndon of the affair. A sleepy knows where Rwan- posting had turned da is.” Because of into a challenging the high altitude, the one. He also had temperature hovered fond memories. In around 72 degrees 1970, he climbed the year-round, with the 10,000-foot Mount variation of rainy Visoke in Rwanda and dry seasons to visit the camp of – a huge contrast gorilla expert, Diane to Northern-Maine. Fossey with Ambas- K a t h e r i n e sador de la Bois- remarked several sière from France. times how much Daughter Nancy, they loved Africa. and her friends also She had attempted did the climb. As an to learn French, but The Cyr family home in Limestone where all nine children were born. American citizen, gave up when she Diane visited the once introduced Leo as her father rather capital of Kigali, they gave their first Embassy on a regular basis and would than her husband. In Tunis, she was very reception to celebrate the 4th of July. often drop in to visit Katherine. Di- much involved with the School for the Everything went fine until the Russian ane was later murdered in her cabin. Blind, and spent a good amount of time Ambassador got into an argument with Ambassador Cyr was respected at involved in civic affairs in other post- someone from the Canadian Embassy. home and abroad. Emperor Haile Selassie ings. When asked about raising children The next morning, Radio Rwanda an- decorated him with the Star of Ethiopia. while moving from one African country nounced that the European mercenaries in When he retired from the Foreign Service to another, Katherine said that their first Mobutu’s army in the Congo had revolted in 1971, Richard Nixon’s Secretary of posting away from the U.S., when Leo against Mobutu asking for higher pay. State, William P. Rogers, cited him for his was 14, Kitty 10 and Nancy 7, was the Because many of the boundaries in Africa 37 years of loyal and devoted service and hardest. They found it difficult to leave were set by Europeans, there was always for earning the gratitude and respect of home. At this point Ambassador Cyr, fear of tribal fragmentation. “That was his Government. After serving under six always the optimist, stated that they were a real can of worms,” Ambassador Cyr Presidents, he then spent a year as a visit- able to take things in stride, especially recalled. “Bukavu was much closer to our ing fellow in the Woodrow Wilson Fel- after they got involved. An amateur radio Embassy than it was to Kinshasa, so we lowship program at Princeton University. operator, he was able to stay in touch got the burden of the reporting. Eventu- When asked about the recent with family and friends in Limestone. ally, the Red Cross came into the area to genocide in Rwanda between the Tutsi Their children learned to speak some serve as an intermediary between the two (Continued on page 42) 41 Le Forum (From Acadie to Kigali continued from That is important as a matter of history.” that I was able to use French reasonably page 41) During the interview, I recognized well helped me. The country is enriched (tall Ethiopians) and Hutu (natives), he that Leo shared my views with regard by different ethnic groups. You know, I mentioned the genocide of approximately to bilingualism. In my classes, I always trace my interest in, and my recognition 200,000 Hutus in Burundi, but replied told the students that if they were new of, the importance of language to my that he only knew what he read in the to America, it was necessary to learn great-grandfather, Paul Cyr, Jr. He was papers. He had been back to the State English so that they could function in the first one born in Madawaska in 1796. Department only a few times since his their new country. But learning Eng- Paul, Sr. had brought the family, but he retirement. His papers are classified lish should not mean forgetting their died in 1812. Paul, Jr. went on. He was State Department property which may be language and culture because it is a the first American, and he was the third published after a certain number of years. part of them and should not be denied. man who represented Madawaska in the Although he had not lived in If you lose your native language and Maine State Legislature. Now just stop Aroostook County since 1923, he said culture, you lose a part of yourself. That and think what a row to hoe that man had, that he never thought of himself “as not is what happened to school children from Madawaska, not knowing a word being up there.” Leo became a member in the Valley when they were forbid- of English and with his rough clothing. of the Madawaska Historical Society den the use of their language in the He was the product of three generations and he and Katherine attended the Cyr 1950’s. The psychological scars persist. of fugitive existence, living in the New reunion in Madawaska in 1981. They Brunswick woods, just a few feet ahead thought it was wonderful. She said she Languages are of the British Army. He must have gone had never seen so many Cyrs in her life. great weapons when there, been embarassed hundreds of [There were approximately 4,000.] He times; and he said to himself: ‘brother, is a direct descendant of Jean-Baptiste you’re looking for jobs. I’m going to have my son learn English.’ Cyr, one of the petitioners requesting I’m sure that I wouldn’t He did say that because we have evidence land in Madawaska and whose prog- have got the assign- of it. In 1857-58, my grandfather, Alexis, eny were among the original Acadian went to Holy Cross College as a special families to settle in the Valley in 1785. ments that I did. student of English for one year. That When asked for a definition of an After years of the culture and the just shows that his father recognized the Acadian, Leo replied: “An Acadian today language being denigrated, many of the importance. Now Alexis had become a is the descendant of the people who in young people in the St. John Valley think member of the Maine State Legislature 1604 settled Acadia. They were French- that it’s not “cool” to speak French. There many more times than his father had. And men and they were so secluded that they is the availability in the Valley of easy he would have gone many more times, became a rather distinct people – distinct access to learning and nurturing French but he died at the age of 51. His widow from the Canadians [Québecois]. They because it is still spoken by people in educated her children as much as she suffered all sorts of tragedies, the primary the stores and restaurants. I asked Leo could. My father got, somewhere, a smat- one in 1755 – their expulsion. About what he would say to them about the tering of English. My mother understood 7,000 of them were sent to Europe, to importance of knowing other languages it but didn’t speak English much, because the American coast and many of them in today’s global community? “I think she felt her pronunciation was not good.” finally wound up in Louisiana as Cajuns. it’s tragic if you have the opportunity to When Leo first brought Katherine to meet Every refugee group has attained its own be able to know any language – French, his family, he and his father went fish- characteristics. One group, the one we’re Spanish, Italian, what have you – and ing at Lac Temiscouata and left the two most interested in, the Madawaskan, you don’t cherish that and stimulate it. women who managed to communicate landed up there in 1785. There were some If you absolutely lose it, you have lost and entertain each other for an afternoon. 16 families. They were soon joined by an asset, and it’s something you may Leo said his knowledge of Mada- Canadians. And the Canadian element regret. Now, it’s true that it’s very dif- waskan French assisted him in under- eventually outnumbered the Acadian. ficult to hang on to something of that standing regional French languages in But, by that time, the colony had its kind. I feel that I did what I could to Africa. “I understood the Cameroo- Acadian character, and I think that it hang on to the French that I had, and nians, I understood the Moroccans, I still has.” He stated that Acadian was an it proved extremely useful to me in my understood the Tunisians. All of them inclusionary term taking in the Canadians work. Languages are great weapons when had different accents. And that was who had arrived and intermarried with you’re looking for jobs. I’m sure that I one thing that made me relax in a sense the Acadians. He also pointed out that wouldn’t have got the assignments that because we all had accents. We had our in the fabric of America thousands of I did. You’ll notice that all my assign- own.” In Rwanda, he and Ambassador de la Boissière would rotate three days a people who have Acadian ancestors have ments were in francophone countries. week in each other’s Embassy to speak lost their identity – children orphaned by Before that it was very useful to me in my English for half an hour and French for the expulsion who were brought up and economic warfare work. All through my given family names that were not theirs.” career in the State Department, the fact (Continued on page 43) 42 Vol. 32 # 1 & 2 • automne/hiver (From Acadie to Kigali continued from page 42) another half hour, correcting each other. Ambassador Cyr’s advice to young Madawaskans was to encourage them to know more about their heritage and to make every effort to retain their French language. As Franco-Americans, they simply cannot afford to let bilingualism slip out of their grasp. It is more than a part of their heritage; indeed, it can pave the road to greater self-esteem. It is an invaluable resource that produces wealth, both economic and cultural; and it is indispensable to making a decent living. The U.S. has many uses for a ready- made bank of French-English speakers. Obviously, therefore, the community must address itself to ways and means of reversing the declining use of French. French must be taught along with English in the public school system of the com- munity. This won’t just happen. Work will be needed to bring it about. It is an urgent task for the present generation. Former U. S. Ambassador, Leo G. Cyr, passed away on July 27, 2003, at the age of 93 in Sterling, VA, survived by his wife, Katherine, to whom he had been married for 62 years; a son, Leo M. Cyr; two daughters, Kitty Godlewski and Nancy Keplinger; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Daughter Nancy recalled how, conscious of lan- guages, he had taught her son, Richard, to sing “Twinkle, twinkle little star” in latin. An offspring of the Valley, Leo Cyr had spent a great deal of time in Washing- ton and in Africa, but had never forgotten his roots. “I have always cherished the memory of the great State of Maine, my birthplace and the refuge of our Acadian ancestors. I shall never forget the sound of Aroostook’s dry December snow crunching under the weight of winter boots, the spectacle of northern lights playing in its January heaven, the smell of its wet snow melting in April, or the great intensity of its rumbling thunder and crackling lightning on a hot July day.”
Jacqueline Chamberland Blesso was born and brought up in St. Agatha, Maine, and now lives in New Jersey. A retired professor of French who has been published in French and English, she can be reached at [email protected]. 43 Le Forum
Life Comes-Life Goes
First breath taken signifies “life”, The Latest by Joël Morneault Time ticks, days, weeks and months pass, years seem to linger when one’s young. Then after the “teen-years”, humans quickly search high and low to full- fill their goals, “what’s ahead for me?", “what should I do, which way is best for my future?”
Life Comes-Life Goes Some succeed, others stay idle and dream of an easy solution of life’s trials, enjoying fun and partying the pleasure-path is wide and inviting, much easier to follow. While the narrow road means hard work, long tedious hours, tiresome boring days but builds moral strength and character
Life Comes-Life Goes After a while the sinking quick-sand is pulling on you, sucking you in a bottomless pit. Although you grab for help, no one’s around, “Where’s everybody?” “Where are my friends?” Nobody is there to help.
Life Comes-Life Goes But there’s a safety-net, yes, someone can and will save you, GOD. Yes, He’s stronger than your weaknesses, your pain and your sickness, because GOD is there to help you. “Ohhh, I see a tall figure walking towards me, approaching with an extended hand, a bright light surrounding HIM with a “smile” that means LOVE & TRUST
My BEST FRIEND is coming to help me, to save me from drowning. My LORD JESUS loves and cares for my security and my salvation.
Take my hand and come with me...
by a heart broken Mémère Nov. 18, 2006
44 Vol. 32 # 1 & 2 • automne/hiver
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DISC # 7 - Religious - (2006) 01-Let There Be Peace On Earth -- 02-Holy, Khalil Gibran, Le Prophète Holy, Holy -- 03-The Gift Of Love -- 04-Just As I Am -- 05-Faith Of Our Fathers/ Abide With Me -- 06-God Love You -- 07-In The Garden -- 08-Beyond The Sun- set -- 09-Nearer My God To Thee -- 10- Amazing Grace -- 11-We Remember You "When you are sor- -- 12-He Touched Me -- 13-This is The Day Of New Beginnings -- 14-He Washed My Eyes With Tears -- 15- Rain Down -- 16-How Great Thou Art -- 17-Because He rowful look again Lives -- 18-Sinfonia -- 19-You’ll Never Walk Alone -- 20-Auprès De Toi -- 21-Joy- ful, Joyful We Adore Thee -- 22-How Can I Say Thanks -- 23-Majesty -- 24-Panis in your heart and Angelicus -- 25-Agnus Dei -- 26-Ave Maria -- 27-All Hail King Jesus -- 28-May The Good Lord Bless And Keep You -- 29-Just A Closer Walk With Thee. = One Hour. you shall see, that in truth, you are weep- xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx also below...... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Joël A. Morneault --- at the Piano [One Hour] ONLY PIANO for Disc # 6. ing for that which DISC # 6 - For Lise - (2005) 01-I’m In The Mood For Love -- 02-For All We Know -- 03-Smile -- 04-Autumn Leaves -- 05-You’re My Everything -- 06-Embrace- has been your de- able You -- 07-The Nearness Of You -- 08-Misty -- 09-The Very Thought Of You -- 10- Days Of Wine And Roses --11-Moonglow -- 12-Crazy -- 13-Star Dust -- 14-I’m Getting light." Sentimental Over You -- 15-Dream A Little Dream Of Me -- 16-Try A Little Tenderness -- 17-Unforgettable -- 18-Till There Was You -- 19-I’ll Be Seeing You. = One Hour. Khalil Gibran, Le Prophète soumis par Rita Roy-Drouin xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx also below...... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx DISC # 5 - Dolly - (2004) 01-Dolly (Hello) -- 02-Rose-Marie -- 03-Diane Témiscaming, Québec -- 04-Dinah -- 05-Rosalie -- 06-Maria Elena -- 07-Margie -- 08-Lilli Marlene -- 09-Peg (O’ My Heart) -- 10-Mexicali Rose -- 11-Mona Lisa -- 12-Cecilia - - 13- Louise -- 14-Coquette -- 15-Laura -- 16- Peggy O’Neil --17-Tangerine -- 18-Ida -- 19-Charmaine -- 20-Mame -- 21-Monica -- 22-Marie. = One Hour.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx also below...... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx DISC # 4 - Silver and Gold - (2003) 01-When You’re Smiling -- 02-Sing- ing In The Rain -- 03-The Girl From Ipanema -- 04-We’ll Meet Again -- 05- Tennessee Waltz -- 06-Blue Skies -- 07-Moonlight Serenade -- 08-Lazy River -- 09-N’Oublie Jamais (French) -- 10-Close To You -- 11-Jingle, Jangle, Jingle -- 12-When Irish Eyes Are Smiling -- 13-At Last -- 14-September In The Rain -- 15-Le Bonhomme Et La Bonnefemme (French Reel) / The Old Man And The Old Woman -- 16- Sweet Georgia Brown --17-Twilight Time -- 18-It Happened In Monterey -- 19-Over The Waves / The Loveliest Night Of The Year -- 20-Cha- cun Garde Dans Son Coeur (French) / Have You Looked Into Your Heart? -- 21- What A Diff’rence A Day Made -- 22-Silver And Gold Two-Step. = One Hour.
(Continued on page 47)
45 Le Forum MUSIC LUCIE THERRIEN RELEASES TWO DVDs Lucie Therrien is simultaneously releasing two DVDs “Carnavals, Fêtes & MUSIQUE Festivals Francopphones” and “Les Peuples Français en Amérique,” formerly videos. Both DVDs have the same format: vignettes containing French tradi- Origins of tional songs separated by English anecdotes, relating the history and traditions popular associated with each vignette. They are both entertaining and educational. “My videos and DVD’s are viewed in many homes, bringing back cherished Christmas carol memories, as well as in schools and libraries across the country,” says Therrien. Probably the most well-known Christ- The two films have national distribution with thousands of copies sold todate. mas carol, Silent Night was written and first per- DVD 1: “Carnavals, Fêtes et Festivals Francophones” is a year-round celebra- formed on Christams Eve at St. Nikolas Church tion, beginning with Mardi Gras in February and winding up with the French tradi- in Oberndorf, Salzburg, Austria, in 1818. tional Holidays from December to January 8th. The visuals are an eclectic collection According to legend, the church organ of international footage, music and history, from countries with French cultures. The was broken and the town was snowbound. DVD covers 16 major feasts and orchestrated TRADITIONAL songs for over 52 min. Church Vicar Joseph Mohr wrote the DVD 2: “Les Peuples Français en Amérique” - The History & Music of the French- lyrics on the spot and handed them to organ- Canadians, Acadians, Franco-Americans and Cajuns. The delightful and captivating visu- ist Franz Gruber, who composed the original als filmed in Quebec, Louisiana and France, with music and history from these countries, melody for two voices and choir with guitar ac- companiment, just in time for midnight mass. as well as other parts of the US and Canada, are period re-enactments of gems of history. By 1955, Silent Night had be- The DVD contains 12 orchestrated TRADITIONAL songs and vignettes, come the most recorded song of all time. for over 53 min. Source: Indiana University. As always, Therrien sensitizes her audience to the ethnic differences in the various French cultures of America. “When a culture is transplanted to a new environment and climate, with new neighbors and influences, a new ethnic shade is added to the palette!” comments Therrien. As in her past vid- eos, now being launched on DVD, Therrien directs, films, edits, scripts, pro- duces, appears and sings on the DVDs, along with many other participants. Lucie Therrien has published 2 DVDs, four videos, thirteen recordings, two researches, and a songbook; all are distributed nationally and internationally. Therrien frequently performs nationaly and abroad, and has appeared in France, Quebec, Viet- nam, Martinique, North Africa, and Cuba. She, along with colleagues, represented N.H. Vicar Joseph Mohr Franz Gruber at the Smithsonian festival in Wash. D.C. in 1999. Therrien is included in the”Who’s who in International Music.” In l993, she received nominations for both the Folk Les origines d'un Heritage Fellowship of the National Endowment of the Arts, and the NH Governor’s chant de Arts Awards. She has been the recipient of four Traditional Arts awards from the NH Council on the Arts, the latest being in 2005. Her media interviews are archived at Noël préféré the New Hampshire State Library. Lucie Therrien maintains a studio in Portsmouth, Ô nuit de paix, le chant de Noël where she teaches piano, guitar, voice, French conversation and French folk singing. probablement le plus connu, a été écrit A companion 25-page booklet with lyrics, projects, dances, recipes and et chanté pour la première fois la veille cultural discussions, helps to study the music, history, geography and heritage de Noël en 1818 dans l'église St. Niko- las à Oberndorf, Salzburg en Autriche. simultaneously; something Therrien is often called upon to do when giving Selon la légende, l'orgue de l'église éta- conferences in universities, schools, historical societies, artist-in-residen- it brisée et la ville était enfouie sous la neige. cies, as well as teacher and student workshops. Grants are available for per- Le vicaire Joseph Mohr a écrit les formances and conferences in New Hampshire, through the state agencies. paroles séance tenante et les a remises à l'organiste Franz Gruber, qui a composé la To order the all-color DVDs or Videos (lyrics included) Carnavals, mélodie originale pour deux voix et une chorale avec un accompagnenment à la gui- Fêtes et Festivals Francophones, or “Les Peuples Français en Améri- tare, juste à temps pour la messe de minuit. que,” go to her Website to order online: www.LucieT.com, or send En 1955, Ô nuit de paix était devenue la $29.95 plus shipping$5.00 for one item, or $6.95 shipping for two items. chanson la plus enregistrée de tous les temps. The 25-page study-guide booklet is $9.95. (no charge for shipping if Source: Indiana University. ordered with the DVD or video), add $3.95 shipping if ordered separately. submitted/soumis by/par Make all checks payable to French American Music Ent., P.O. Box 4721, Rita Roy-Drouin Portsmouth, NH 03802. Témiscaming, Québec
46 Vol. 32 # 1 & 2 • automne/hiver MUSIC MUSIQUE (The Latest by Joël Morneault continued from page 12)
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx also below...... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Joël A. Morneault --- at the Piano [One Hour] ONLY PIANO! for Disc # 3. DISC # 3 - Piano Medley - (2003) (No other instruments, such as Violins, Gui- tars, Drums) 01-Facination -- 02-Melancholy Baby -- 03-As Time Goes By -- 04-The Dawn -- 05-I’ll Get By -- 06-Whispering -- 07-O Danny Boy -- 08-The Norwegian -- 09-Tenderly -- 10-Don’t Take Your Love From Me -- 11-I Only Have Eyes For You -- 12-I Don’t Want To Walk Without You -- 13-Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime -- 14-Scenes From The Finland Woods -- 15-So What’s New? -- 16-I’ll Never Smile Again -- 17-Blue Moon -- 18-Red Roses For A Blue Lady -- 19-San Francisco -- 20-To Love Again -- 21-If I Could Be With You -- 22-Laura -- 23 -- You Were Meant For Me. = One Hour. The Story of the Acadians Narrated by xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx also below...... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx DISC # 2 - Christmas - (2002) 01-Here Comes Santa Claus -- 02-It’s Beginning Layne Longfellow To Look Like Christmas -- 03-Jingle-Bell Rock -- 04-Silver Bells -- 05-Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer -- 06-Christmas Medley = The First Noël- Angels We Have The Story of the Acadians be- Heard On High-O Come All Ye Faithful -- 07-Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas gins with the arrival of the French -- 08-White Christmas -- 09-Joy To The World -- 10-I’ll Be Home For Christmas -- at Isle St. Croix off the coast of 11-Winter Wonderland -- 12-I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus -- 13- Maine in 1604. Learn how the first Frosty The Snow Man -- 14-Auld Lang Syne -- 15-Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town French settlers brought with them -- 16-Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree 17-Let It Snow, Let It Snow -- 18-Blue Christmas -- 19-Jingle Bells -- 20-I’ll Be Home For Christmas -- pre-fabricated homes, hear about 21-The Christmas Song -- 22-O Holy Night. = One Hour. their strong relations with the native people, and witness the in- xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx also below...... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx tricate system of dykes they intro- DISC # 1 - English & French - (2002) 01-You’re Nobody -- 02-C’est Magnifique duced into North America. Most of -- 03-White River Stomp -- 04-La Mer / Beyond The Sea -- 05-It Had To Be You -- 06- J’attendrai -- 07-Deep Purple -- 08-Que Reste-t-il de nos amours? / I Wish You Love -- all, learn how the French became 09-Avalon -- 10-La Vie En Rose /You’re Too Dangerous, Chérie -- 11- Acadians with a culture of their Old Jig -- 12-C’est Si Bon -- 13-Release Me -- 14-Joël’s Boston Fancy -- own - of family values, of hard 15-Sur La Plage Tous Les Deux -- 16-Five Foot Two -- 17-Et Maintenant /What work and of determination never Now My Love -- 18-Down Yonder -- 19-Les Yeux Fermés / I’ll Close My Eyes -- 20-Two to be destroyed despite numerous Step (Medley) -- 21-Chanson D’Amour / Song Of Love -- 22-Bye Bye Blues. = One Hour. attacks by the British, which cul- About Joël: Joël Morneault originates from Madawaska, ME. His early studies minated in their Deportation from were in the St. John Valley. He attended the Sacred Heart University in Bathurst, New Nova Scotia. Narrated by Layne Brunswick. This was followed by the Boston Conservatory of Music where he graduated Longfellow, whose relative Henry with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education. His teaching career, for 31 years, was in the public schools as a Band and Choral Director. He taught in Bucksport, ME, Edmundston, Wadsworth Longfellow immor- N.-B., Falmouth, and Fort Kent, ME. He now resides in Bangor with his wife Lise. talized the story of the Acadians in his poetry. Available in DVD.
To place an order contact: Joël Morneault Contact Brenda Jepson 812 State Street, Apt. #2 by e-mail at Bangor, ME 04401-5636 [email protected] for Phone: (207) 947-JOËL (5635) more information. E-Mail: [email protected]
47 Le Forum Coin des jeunes... Colorier le bonhomme de neige
Aide l’enfant à trou- ver ses cadeaux de Noël
How to Play: At the top of each game is a grid with two rows of letters. All of the letters of the alphabet are set out in the first row of Christmas Party Game the Secret Decoder. The Pin The Nose on the Reindeer second row of letters is the Holiday variation of Pin the tail key. Use the key to unscram- on the Donkey. Create a picture of a ble the Christmas words. reindeer’s head. You can draw it or An example of one use construction paper, make sure you decoder key might be: draw an outline for the nose, but don’t e=t complete it. You’ll want the picture o=r to go on a wall or flat surface. You’ll h=e also need to make noses to be placed b=a on the picture. Red or black work e=t great, or use different colors for each The word unscram- child so you can tell who placed which bled would be “treat.” one where or just number the noses. To play: Each child will be given a nose, you can use tape on one side Word List Santa of the nose so it sticks to the board. jolly Blindfold the who’s turn it is and spin Christmas merry sleigh them around 3-5 times, (so there a little candles mistletoe snowflake dizzy) now point them in the direction celebrate nutcracker toys of the reindeer (2-3 feet in front of it) charity presents tree and tell them to walk forward and place chestnuts workshop the nose on the reindeer. The one clos- reindeer est to the actual reindeer noses wins! icicle Rudolph elves 48 Vol. 32 # 1 & 2 • automne/hiver Coin des jeunes... D'où viens-tu A i d e le Papa Noël? Jusqu'à la Seconde Guerre Mondi- Père Noël à ale, on fêtait Saint Nicolas le 6 décembre t r o u v e r le et la naissance de Jésus le 25 décem- bre. Saint Nicolas, dont de nombreux chem in qui miracles lui seraient attribués, était vêtu de rouge et voyageait à dos d'âne. le co n d u it La Fête de Saint Nicolas, très à son renne largement fêtée dans les pays Nor- diques, a donné son nom à Santa Claus aux ´États-Unis lorsque les nordiques ont émmigré aux USA. Plusieurs écrivains ont contribué à l'apparition du Père Noël: un écriv- ain parlait de lutins et de distribution des cadeaux par la cheminée, un autre revêtit Santa Claus en roughe et blanc, un autre racontait que sa manufac- ture de jouets était située au PIole Nord, dans la neige, le vent et le froid! Mais le Père Noël est véritablement né en 1931 avec Coca-Cola! C'est Coca- Cola qui a habillé le Père Noël tel que nous le connaissons aujourd'hui: il repre- nait des forces en buvant cette fameuse boisson lors de sa distribution de cadeaux! The Origin of Santa Claus Up until the Second World War, we celebrated Saint Nicholas on December 6th and the birth of Jesus on December 25th. Saint Nicholas, to whom numerous miracles have been attributed, was dressed in red and traveled on a donkey. The feast of Saint Nicholas, very greatly celebrated in the Nordic countries, gave Santa Claus his name when they immigrated to the U.S.A. Many writers are respon- sible for the birth of Santa Claus; one writer talked about elves and the distribution of gifts down the chimney, another writer dressed Santa Claus in red and white, an- Santa other said his making of gifts was sleigh carried on at the North Pole in the snow, the wind and the cold! snowflake But Santa Claus was really born toys in 1931 with the Coca Cola Company! tree It's Coca-Cola who dressed Santa workshop as we know him today: he replen- elves ished hsi energies by drinking the famous Cola while handing out gifts! 49 Le Forum in a while, I would surprise friends and acquaintances, to my parents and siblings and be handed down to my children I would make an attempt at a and grandchildren to share Recipes/ meal and much to my surprise, with friends and family. It I succeeded. I was happy to have is important to preserve these helped out my parents and ev- recipes. They are part of our Recettes ery time I had compliments on heritage. They are treasures what I had prepared, it gave me that must be kept alive. And incentive to try another recipe. so this is why I decided to put As the years went by my recipe them in a book and preserve box grew and grew. Every time them for future generations. my sons or daughter would The recipes preserved in this say, "Mom this is so good," the book are all tried and true and recipe would automatically I want to thank everyone, espe- be saved along with my other cially my family, who contrib- recipes. My grandmothers on uted and helped make this cook- both my father and mother's book whole. I hope one day some side were wonderful cooks who of these recipes will be a trea- between the two of them had a sured family favorite of yours. diversity of gourmet and coun- try recipes with backgrounds of *Portions of the sales of Treasured Family both French Canadian and St. this cookbook are being do- John Valley Acadians of North- nated to the Edgar J. Paradis Recipe Cookbook ern Maine. So you see, the love Cancer Fund. If you wish to Past & Present of cooking was handed down. make personal donations to the The Treasured Family Rec- Now, many years down Cancer Fund, you may con- ipe Cookbook has been a labor of the road, my brothers, sisters tact them at: Edgar J. Paradis love for me. As a young girl, I and my children, occasionally Cancer Fund, Northern Maine discovered the pleasures of cook- call for a recipe. Sharing these Medical Center, 194 E. Main ing for others. I was raised in has been my biggest compli- St., Fort Kent, ME 04743. a family of nine children in ment and my greatest pleasure. which, for the last 7 or 8 years Over the years I have always To purchase a Cookbook: of my stay home, both parents wanted to put together a cook- Theresa Charette were working. I began observ- book of all my grandmothers', 410 Winter Street A/101 ing my mother as she prepared mother's, and my recipes along Madawaska, ME the family meals. Every once with those acquired from good 04756-1624 Evangeline's Holiday Meatballs (Taken from the Treasured Family Recipe book) Sauce Meatballs 1 can jellied cranberry sauce 2 lb. lean ground beef 2 T. brown sugar 1 c. regular or Italian bread crumbs 1 1/2 tsp. lemon juice 2 eggs Mix meatball ingredients and 6 tsp. soy sauce (low sodium if you like) shape into small meatballs (about 1 1/4 tsp. pepper inch each). Place them in a 9 x 13 inch 1/2 tsp. garlic powder pan. Prepare sauce ingredients and 1/2 c. ketchup pour over meatballs. Bake at 350º oven 2 T. minced onion or onion powder for 45 minutes to 1 hour. 50 Vol. 32 # 1 & 2 • automne/hiver (N.D.L.R. This is the fourth ancestor identified as number 1 (or A, in sible. Please write to the FORUM staff installment of the Paquette family some cases). The next column gives the with your corrections and/or additions date of marriage, then the spouce (maiden genealogy.) with your supporting data. I provide this name if female) followed by the townin column freely with the purpose of en- which the marriage took place. There are couraging Franco-Americans to research two columns of numbers. The one on the their personal genealogy and to take pride left side of the page, e.g., #2, is the child in their rich heritage. of #2 in the right column of numbers. His parents are thus #1 in the left column of LAGACÉ numbers. Also, it should be noted that all (Lagassé & Lagassey) the persons in the first column of names André Mignier [dit Lagacé], born under the same number are siblings 1640 in France, died 1727 in PQ, son of (brothers & sisters). There may be other Michel Mignier and Catherine Masson siblings, but only those who had descen- from the town of St.Martin-de-Ré, Ile de The French dants that married in Maine are listed in Ré, department of Charente-Maritime, order to keep this listing limited in size. ancient province of Aunis, married on Connection The listing can be used up or down - to 23 Octobeer 1668 in Québec city to find parents or descendants. The best way “Fille-du-Roi” Jacquette Michel, born Franco-American Families to see if your ancestors are listed here is to of Maine 1630 in France, died 1710 in PQ, widow look for your mother’s or grandmother’s of Jean-Baptiste Grondin and daughter par Bob Chenard, maiden name. Once you are sure you of Jacques Michel and Jeanne Dupont Waterville, Maine have the right couple, take note of the from the parish of Ste.Catherine, village number in the left column under which of la Flotte on the Ile de Ré. St.Martin- their names appear. Then, find the same de-Ré is 8 miles west-northwest of Les Familles Lagacé number in the right-most column above. the city of La Rochelle and la Flotte 7 W elcome to the seventeenth year For example, if it’s #57C, simply look miles west-northwest of La Rochelle. of my column. Numerous families have for #57C on the right above. Repeat the since been published. Copies of these may process for each generation until you get still be available by writing to the Franco- back to the first family in the list. The American Center. Listings such as the numbers with alpha suffixes (e.g. 57C) one below are never complete. However, are used mainly for couple who married it does provide you with my most recent in Maine. Marriages that took place in and complete file of marriages tied to the Canada normally have no suffixes with original French ancestor. How to use the the rare exception of small letters, e.g., family listings: The left-hand column lists “13a.” If there are gross errors or missing the first name (and middle name or initial, families, my sincere appologies. I have if any) of the direct descendants of the taken utmost care to be as accurate as pos-
A Michel before 1640 Catherine Masson France 1 1 André 23 Oct 1668 Jacquette Michel Québec city(ND) 2 2 André 1m. 10 Nov 1693 Charlotte Pelletier Rivière-Ouelle “ 2m. 31 May 1701 Françoise Ouellet Rivière-Ouelle 3 Michel 1m. 28 Jul 1705 Angélique Thibault Cap St.Ignace 4 “ 2m. 06 Aug 1736 M.-Louise Lafrance Ste.Anne-Pocatière 3 Bernard 05 Oct 1739 Josette Dubé Ste.Anne-Pocatière 7 4 Michel 09 Jan 1736 Marguerite Pelletier St.Roch-Aulnaïes 8 Joseph 1m. 29 Aug 1740 Geneviève Caron Islet “ 2m. 19 Nov 1750 M.-Anne Ouellet Ste.Anne-Pocatière 10 7 Jean-Bernard 18 Nov 1771 Madeleine Ouellet Ste.Anne-Pocatière 15 “ 2m. 31 Mar 1788 Elisabeth Dubé Ste.Anne-Pocatière 8 Joseph 09 Jan 1769 Catherine Bérubé Rivière-Ouelle 18 Basile 1m. 14 Jan 1772 Madeleine Leclerc-Franc. Ste.Anne-Pocatière 19 “ 2m. 11 Oct 1779 Catherine Dubé Rivière-Ouelle 20 François 1m. 14 Jan 1772 Angélique Leclerc Ste.Anne-Pocatière 21 [dit Francouer] “ 2m. 06 Aug 1787 Marguerite Morin Kamouraska (Continued on page 52) 51 Le Forum LAGACÉ 10 François 10 Feb 1777 Catherine Deschamps Ste.Anne-Pocatière 24 Jean-Clément 12 Nov 1781 M.-Anne Grondin Ste.Anne-Pocatière 25 Pierre 07 May 1792 Gertrude Ouellet St.Roch-Aulnaïes 29 Jean-Baptiste 01 Aug 1792 M.-Anne Corbin-Lacroix Kamouraska 30 Lambert 1m. 27 Nov 1786 Monique-Jud. Marcereau Ste.Anne-Pocatière 31 “ 2m. 25 Jul 1835 Angélique Rousseau Kamouraska Germain 13 Feb 1787 Josette Levesque Rivière-Ouelle 32 15 Joseph 03 Aug 1807 Victoire Bossé St.André, Kam. 36 18 Benjamin1m. 21 Oct 1805 Charlotte Ouellet Ste.Anne-Pocatière 40 “ 2m. 11 Feb 1817 Émilienne Gagnon Ste.Anne-Pocatière 19 Joseph 13 Jul 1795 Josette Pelletier St.André, Kam. 41 20 François 07 Oct 1811 Reine Pelletier Ste.Anne-Pocatière 42 21 François 28 Oct 1799 Angélique Levesque Rivière-Ouelle 43 Michel 01 Mar 1802 M.-Rose Michaud Kamouraska 44 Joseph 1m. 24 Jul 1809 Modeste Pelletier Kamouraska 45 “ 2m. 12 Feb 1816 Léocadie Dionne Kamouraska 46 24 Augustin 25 Jan 1802 Thècle Michaud St.André, Kam. 47 25 Hilaire 02 Oct 1826 Scholastique Ouellet St.André, Kam. 48 29 Honoré-O. 28 Jan 1828 Lucie Boucher St.Patrice, R.-Lp. 51 30 Éloi 10 Jan 1826 M.-Lucienne Chassé St.Basile, NB 30A 31 Pierre 05 Nov 1821 Josette Ouellet Kamouraska
LAGACÉ
32 Clément 1m. 03 Nov 1835 Angélique Ouellet St.Patrice, R.-Lp. “ 2m. 08 Jul 1838 Théotiste Marquis St.Patrice, R.-Lp. 54 36 Sifroid 08 Apr 1839 Virginie Bérubé St.André, Kam. 36A 40 Benjamin 02 Feb 1835 Justine Levesque Rivière-Ouelle 64 41 Germain 04 Nov 1823 Marie Leclerc St.Basile, NB 41A 42 Julien 19 Nov 1833 M.-Victoire Gagné Ste.Anne-Pocatière 66 François 1m. 03 Oct 1843 Julienne Dufour St.Basile, NB 67 “ 2m. 23 Sep 1861 Lucie Bérubé St.Basile, NB 42A 43 Pierre 1m. 11 Feb 1850 Henriette Pelletier St.Pascal, Kam. 43A “ 2m. 31 Jan 1882 Emilie Plourde St.Denis, Kam. 44 Michel 29 Jan 1822 M.-Rose Bouchard Kamouraska 70 45 Joseph 12 Jan 1857 Philomène Milliard Isle-Verte, R.-Lp. 45A 46 Edouard 05 Feb 1850 M.-Desanges Bérubé Trois-Pistoles 72 47 François 28 Apr 1829 Lucie Lebel St.André, Kam. 74 Jean 1m. 17 Sep 1830 M.-Rosalie Beaulieu St.Basile, NB 75 “ 2m. 01 Feb 1853 Salomée Beaulieu St.Basile, NB 47A Jacques 15 Sep 1835 Stéphanie Boucher St.André, Kam. 47B 48 Michel 1m. 22 Nov 1853 M.-Métholdée Castonguay Cacouna “ 2m. 03 Nov 1863 Virginie Dickner St.Arsène, R.-Lp. 77 51 Jean-Bte.-H. 08 Feb 1864 Henriette Moreau Ste.Hélène, Kam. 85 54 Adolphe 02 Aug 1886 Virginie Lebel St.Honoré, Témis. 54A 64 Benjamin 15 Oct 1866 Césarée Dionne St.Pacôme, Kam. 64A 66 Firmin 23 Sep 1861 Henriette Bérubé St.Basile, NB 66A Julien 1m. 04 Oct 1862 Justine Dionne St.Basile, NB 66B “ 2m. 12 Nov 1887 Clarisse Lagacé (#42A) St.David, Me. François 21 Feb 1871 Vénérande Dionne Grand Isle 66C Georges 1m. 21 Nov 1871 Délima Bérubé Grand Isle “ 2m. 17 Jun 1895 Léanne “Léa” Bellefleur St.David, Me. (dau. of Xavier & Ozithé Thibodeau per d. record) “ 3m. 26 Apr 1921 Vénérante Hébert Madawaska (Continued on page 53) 52 Vol. 32 # 1 & 2 • automne/hiver LAGACÉ Joseph 1m. 14 Nov 1881 Marie Levesque Frenchville 66D “ 2m. 08 Apr 1902 Marie Michaud Frenchville 66E 67 Onésime 10 Jan 1865 Clarisse Bérubé St.Basile, NB 67A 70 Michel 09 Sep 1862 Julie Roy St.Pascal, Kam. 70A 72 Joseph 03 Jul 1895 Rose-Anna Ouellet Trois-Pistoles 72A 74 Grégoire 10 Jan 1859 Hermine Bérubé St.Alexandre 91/74A 75 Hilaire 30 Sep 1851 Mathilde Michaud St.Basile, NB 75A Isidore ! 03 Mar 1862 Desanges Beaulieu St.Alexandre, Kam. 75B 77 Omer 28 Jul 1903 Célina “Alma” Bujold Carleton, PQ 77A 85 Jean-Bte.-H. 29 Feb 1892 Vitaline L’Italien Ste.Hélène, Kam. 85A 91 François 21 Feb 1887 Élise Bernier St.Éleuthère 91A
The following are descendants of the above who married in Maine:
30ADocithé 24 Jun 1851 Elisabeth Fraser Frenchville 30B David 12 Jan 1863 Césarie Michaud Frenchville 30C Éloi 21 Jul 1863 M.-Modeste Marquis Frenchville 30D Joseph 1m. 03 Sep 1867 Sophie Desrosiers Frenchville 30E “ 2m. 10 May 1869 Victoire Desrosiers Frenchville 30F Elzéar 12 Apr 1869 Elisabeth Desrosiers Frenchville
LAGACÉ
30BWilliam 07 Jan 1878 Maxite Dufour Frenchville Joséphine 01 Nov 1886 Paul Albert Frenchville Maxime-D. 29 Apr 1895 Ozithée Marquis St.Agathe, Me. Pierre 02 Aug 1896 Victoire Michaud St.Agathe, Me. 30G Jean-Baptiste 31 Mar 1913 Annie-T. Violette Lewiston(SPP) Joseph 05 Jun 1923 Henriette Dubois Ste.Anne, Madaw., NB 30CDamase 12 Jun 1894 Edith Daigle Ft.Kent William 26 Apr 1898 Ozithée Caron Frenchville 30DAnnie 14 Feb 1897 Louis Saucier Frenchville (b. 9-12-1878 Frenchville-d. 5-11-1921 Ft.Kent) Joseph 02 Jan 1912 Edwidge Bourgoin Frenchville (to Augusta) 30EGeorges-E. 26 Jun 1891 Amanda Ouellette St.Agathe, Me. 30H 30FÉloi 27 Oct 1897 Euphémie Hébert St.Agathe, Me. 30J Maxime-J. 07 May 1900 Clarisse Lizotte St.Agathe, Me. Paul-J. 05 May 1902 Alice-Rosalie Hébert St.Agathe, Me. 30K George 20 May 1918 Lena Thibodeau Millinocket Elizabeth 04 Nov 1925 Joseph MacDonald Madison(St.Seb.) 30GElisabeth-Lse. 20 Jun 1923 Albert-Frs. Thibodeau Skowhegan(OLL) Victor 18 Jun 1924 Bl.-Yvonne Violette Skowhegan(OLL) Agathe-Hélène 25 Nov 1929 Joseph-M. Poulin Skowhegan(OLL) Cécile-Hilda 26 Dec 1932 Rosaire-J. Caouette Skowhegan(OLL) M.-Alice-Ella 03 Jul 1933 Edouard-J. Dugas Skowhegan(OLL) 30HErnest 17 Sep 1917 Agnès Daigle St.Francis, Me. 30JElvine 31 Aug 1933 Amédée Caron Madison(St.Seb.) 30KArmand-J. 05 Jul 1927 Evelyn-May Lambert Skowhegan(OLL) 30L Léona-Cécile 28 Jul 1928 Michel-Frs. Breton Skowhegan(OLL) M.-Béatrice 03 Jun 1929 Adolphe-Arthur Fluet Skowhegan(OLL) M.-Oliva 18 Apr 1932 Lionel-Henri Michaud Skowhegan(OLL) Joseph-John 03 Aug 1940 Mildred-May Breton Skowhegan(OLL) 30M Albert-Henry 06 Jul 1957 Pauline-M. Barriault Skowhegan(OLL) 30N (Continued on page 53) (See the next issue for more on the Lagacé family) 53 Le Forum
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54 Vol. 32 # 1 & 2 • automne/hiver The Spirit of L'esprit Source: de Noël Christmas Le petit Paradis The spirit of Christmas re- Submitted/Soumis par L'esprit de Noël nous rap- minds us that we all live together pelle que nous sommes tous vi- on the same planet, all part of Rita Roy-Drouin vants ensemble sur la même the same life. This Christmas Témiscaming, Québec planète, tous participants de la spirit reminds us that there is même vie. Cet esprit de Noël nous something bigger than us that rappelle que quelque chose de plus surrounds us. Whether we believe grand que nous nous enveloppe. in God or not, we must recognize Peu importe que l'on croie en Dieu that life is bigger than us, that ou non, il faut reconnaître wue la our children outlive us, and with vie est plus grande que nous, que them there is hope. And that's les enfants nous survivent et avec Christmas: a big breath of hope. eux l'espérance. Et c'est ça Noël: To conserve this spirit, lots un grand souffle d'espérance. of families follow through with Pour préserver cet esprit, Christmas traditions and rituals. beaucoup de familles perpétuent They are the ones who recreate des traditions ou des rituels de the instant magic thirty years Noël. Ce sont eux qui récréent later, when we see these children la magie instantanément 30 in their turn cut out small stars. ans plus tard, quand on voit ses enfants tracer à leur tour Abonnement au Le FORUM Subscription de petites étoiles en pâte de sel... Si vous ne l’êtes pas abonnez-vous –– s.v.p. –– Subscribe if you have not Source: Le petit Paradis Nom/Name:
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55 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 The University of Maine Office of Franco American Affairs du Maine fut fondé en 1972 par des étudiants et des bénévoles de was founded in 1972 by Franco American students and community la communauté franco-américaine. Cela devint par conséquent le volunteers. It subsequently became the Franco American Centre. Centre Franco-Américain. From the onset, its purpose has been to introduce and inte- Dès le départ, son but fut d’introduire et d’intégrer le Fait grate the Maine and Regional Franco American Fact in post-sec- Franco-Américain du Maine et de la Région dans la formation ondary academe and in particular the University of Maine. académique post-secondaire et en particulier à l’Université du Given the quasi total absence of a base of knowledge within Maine. the University about this nearly one-half of the population of the Étant donné l’absence presque totale d’une base de connais- State of Maine, this effort has sought to develop ways and means sance à l’intérieur même de l’Université, le Centre Franco-Améri- of making this population, its identity, its contributions and its cain s’efforce d’essayer de développer des moyens pour rendre history visible on and off campus through seminars, workshops, cette population, son identité, ses contributions et son histoire conferences and media efforts — print and electronic. visible sur et en-dehors du campus à travers des séminaires, des The results sought have been the redressing of historical ateliers, des conférences et des efforts médiatiques — imprimé et neglect and ignorance by returning to Franco Americans their his- électronique. tory, their language and access to full and healthy self realizations. Le résultat espéré est le redressement de la négligence et de Further, changes within the University’s working, in its structure l’ignorance historique en retournant aux Franco-Américains leur and curriculum are sought in order that those who follow may histoire, leur langue et l’accès à un accomplissement personnel sain experience cultural equity, have access to a culturally authentic et complet. De plus, des changements à l’intérieur de l’académie, base of knowledge dealing with French American identity and the dans sa structure et son curriculum sont nécessaires afin que ceux qui nous suivent puisse vivre l’expérience d’une justice culturelle, contribution of this ethnic group to this society. avoir accès à une base de connaissances culturellement authentique MISSION qui miroite l’identité et la contribution de ce groupe ethnique à la • To be an advocate of the Franco-American Fact at the société. University of Maine, in the State of Maine and in the region, and OBJECTIFS: 1 – D’être l’avocat du Fait Franco- • To provide vehicles for the effective and cognitive Américain à l’Université du Maine, dans l’État du Maine et dans expression of a collective, authentic, diversified and effective la région. voice for Franco-Americans, and 2 – D’offrir des véhicules d’expression affective et cognitive • To stimulate the development of academic and non- d’une voix franco-américaine effective, collective, authentique et academic program offerings at the University of Maine and in the diversifiée. state relevant to the history and life experience of this ethnic group 3 – De stimuler le développement des offres de programmes and académiques et non-académiques à l’Université du Maine et dans • To assist and support Franco-Americans in the actual- l’État du Maine, relatant l’histoire et l’expérience de la vie de ce ization of their language and culture in the advancement of groupe ethnique. careers, personal growth and their creative contribution to society, 4 – D’assister et de supporter les Franco-Américains dans and l’actualisation de leur langue et de leur culture dans l’avancement • To assist and provide support in the creation and imple- de leurs carrières, de l’accomplissement de leur personne et de leur mentation of a concept of pluralism which values, validates contribution créative à la société. and reflects affectively and cognitively the Multicultural Fact in 5 – D’assister et d’offrir du support dans la création et Maine and elsewhere in North America, and l’implémentation d’un concept de pluralisme qui value, valide et • To assist in the generation and dissemination of knowl- reflète effectivement et cognitivement le fait dans le Maine et ail- edge about a major Maine resource — the rich cultural and leurs en Amérique du Nord. 6 – D’assister dans la création et la publication de la con- language diversity of its people. naissance à propos d’une ressource importante du Maine — la riche diversité
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