The University of Maine DigitalCommons@UMaine

Le FORUM Journal Franco-American Centre Franco-Américain

Fall 2009 Le FORUM, Vol. 34 No. 3 Lisa Desjardins Michaud, Rédactrice

Betty Doyon Ryder

Sévérin M. Béliveau

Albert J. Marceau

Alice Gélinas

See next page for additional authors

Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/ francoamericain_forum

Recommended Citation Desjardins Michaud, Rédactrice, Lisa; Doyon Ryder, Betty; Béliveau, Sévérin M.; Marceau, Albert J.; Gélinas, Alice; Sand, Virginie; Rivard, Bob; Brinkley, Tony; Chartrand, Yves; Germain, S. Ella Marie CSJ; Lafrance, Felix; and Labore, Henry J. Jr, "Le FORUM, Vol. 34 No. 3" (2009). Le FORUM Journal. 28. https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/francoamericain_forum/28

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; Betty Doyon Ryder; Sévérin M. Béliveau; Albert J. Marceau; Alice Gélinas; Virginie Sand; Bob Rivard; Tony Brinkley; Yves Chartrand; S. Ella Marie Germain CSJ; Felix Lafrance; and Henry J. Labore Jr

This book is available at DigitalCommons@UMaine: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/francoamericain_forum/28 Le FORUM “AFIN D’ÊTRE EN PLEINE POSSESSION DE SES MOYENS”

VOLUME 34, #3 FALL/AUTOMNE 2009

New Website: francoamericanarchives.org another pertinent website to check out - Franco-American Women’s Institute: http://www.fawi.net

$6.00 US Le Forum This issue of Le Forum is dedicated in loving memory to Marie-Anne Gauvin Ce numéro du “Forum” est dédié à la Le Centre Franco-Américain douce mémoire de Marie-Anne Gauvin, voir Université du Maine Orono, Maine 04469-5719 [email protected] page 4... Téléphone: 207-581-FROG (3764) Télécopieur: 207-581-1455 Sommaire/Contents

Volume 34, Numéro 3 FALL/AUTOMNE Features Éditeur/Publisher Yvon A. Labbé Letters/Lettres...... 3, 25-27

Rédactrice/Gérante/Managing Editor Lisa Desjardins Michaud L’État du Maine...... 4-10, 22, 23, 27, 44

Mise en page/Layout Lisa Desjardins Michaud L’État du Connecticut...... 11-22

Composition/Typesetting Robin Ouellette L’État du Massachusetts...... 23 Lisa Michaud

Aide Technique L’État du Minnesota...... 37, 38, 42, 47, 48 Lisa Michaud Yvon Labbé France-Louisiane...... 50, 54 Tirage/Circulation/4,500

Imprimé chez/Printed by Books/Livres...... 30, 31, 49 Centre Franco-Américain, Orono, Maine Publié 4 fois l’an par le Centre Franco‑Américain. Le Forum est distribué surtout aux Franco‑Américains Genealogy/Généalogie...... 54, 55 des États‑Unis. Les énoncés, opinions et points de vue formulés dans Le Forum sont ceux des auteurs et ne représentent pas nécessairement les points de vue Poetry/Poésie...... 28, 29, 33, 34, 43, 44 de l’éditeur ou de la rédactrice, ou de la Division pour l’Éducation Permanente à l’Université du Maine. Le Forum is published 4 times a year by the Coin des jeunes...... 46 Franco‑American Center. Le Forum is distributed in particular to Franco‑Americans in the United States. Statements, opinions and points of view expressed are Recipes/Recettes...... 32 not necessarily those of the editor, the publishers or the Division of Lifelong Learning or of the University of Maine. Baseball...... 35, 36, 43 Tous les textes soumis doivent parvenir à —For- ward all submitted texts to: Lisa D. Michaud, Rédac- trice-en-chef/Editor-in-chief, Le Forum, University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04469-5719, U.S., au plus tard quatre semaines précédant le mois de publication—at URGENT NOTICE!!! least four weeks prior to the month of publication. Les lettres de nos lecteurs sont les bienvenues— Letters to the Editor are welcomed. DUE TO BUDGETARY CUTS WE WILL NO LONGER BE PRINT- La reproduction des articles est autorisée sans ING PAPER COPIES OF LE FORUM. OUR PUBLICATION WILL BE préavis sauf indication contraire—Our original articles may be reproduced without notice unless otherwise AVAILABLE ON LINE AT: FRANCOAMERICANARCHIVES.ORG indicated. L’équipe de rédaction souhaite que Le Forum soit un mode d’expression pour vous tous les Franco‑Améri- WE ARE ASKING THAT IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO A cains et ceux qui s’intéressent à nous. The staff hopes COMPUTER THAT YOU NOTIFY US SO THAT WE CAN MAKE that Le Forum can be a vehicle of expression for you Franco‑Americans and those who are interested in us. ARRANGEMENTS FOR YOU TO RECEIVE A PAPER COPY. BUT Le Forum et son staff—Universitaires, gens YOU MUST NOTIFY US, OTHERWISE WE WILL NOT SEND YOU de la communauté, les étudiants --Angel et Naomi, THE NEXT ISSUE OF LE FORUM. SO PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO WRITE US. THANKS! MERCI! 2 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE Quintal states in the dedication to her book Le Forum noted above, the devoted orders of religious 110 Crossland Hall Sisters and Brothers have been advocates Orono, ME 04469-5719 of the French Fact, la Francophonie, in New England for almost 140 years now. And as Dr. Quintal and her book’s contributors show Coeurs Immacule de Marie (also known so well, these indefatigable teachers did so as the Soeurs du Bon Pasteur) originally without resorting to physical or verbal abuse. To the Editor: staffed an orphanage at St. Joseph parish, St. Andre’s Home for unwed mothers; St. In the fall/winter issue of Le Forum, Andre’s parochial school until 1904 and St. Sincerely, I noticed an allusion to the prototypical nun Joseph parochial school, which I attended, Michael Guignard with the “big ruler” who hit students on the and St. Joseph’s high school; the Freres fingers “If you said something incorrect” du Sacre-Coeur taught boys at St. Andre’s To the Editor: in French or religion class. It reminded me middle school; the Freres de l’Instruction of the movie The Blues Brothers in which Chretienne taught boys at St. Joseph’s I read with interest in the Forum that Jake (John Belushi) and Elwood (Dan Ack- middle school and St. Louis High School the Unitarian-Universalist church is prepar- royd) Blues come into contact again with a from where I graduated; and the Soeurs de ing to receive refugees. While their efforts big ruler-bearing nun, their former teacher. St. Joseph Hospitalieres staffed Notre Dame are to be commended, as a Franco-American While no doubt there were some Hospital. These numbers are a tribute to the originally from Biddeford, Maine, I am very instances of physical abuse in parochial incredible achievement of our ancestors who familiar with the racist writings of Robert C. schools in the past, it appears from mem- exactly 250 years ago, when Wolfe defeated Dexter, a prominent Unitarian-Universalist oirs and letters written today that such Montcalm on the Plains of Abraham, num- writer. While I never read any claim from behavior was a common, everyday occur- bered only 60,000 souls in North America. Dexter that he was speaking for his church, rence. While I attended parochial schools When he delivered a talk on this his numerous articles, including “the French- at about the same time as the writer featured subject in 1989 at a colloquium of the Canadian Invasion” and “Fifty-Fifty Ameri- in the last issue of Le Forum, I frankly can Institut francais at Assumption College cans” attacking my ancestors and the ances- say that I was never the recipient of any in Worcester, Massachusetts, Dr. Brault tors of all Franco-Americans in Maine, still verbal or physical abuse from a religious made a special mention of the Soeurs de leave a sour taste in my mouth. Does anyone sister. Memory plays strange tricks on the L’Assomption de la Sainte Vierge who had know what position the Unitarian-Univer- mind and perhaps memoirs and histories taught him in Chicopee, Massachusetts salist church took when the Maine state written today about events a half a century and recognized in the audience a former legislature passed a law in 1919 forbidding earlier describe what the writer “remem- teacher who had made the trip from Nico- the use of French in Maine public schools bers” rather than what actually happened. let, Quebec especially to hear her former and school yards by students other than those In his excellent and thorough his- student speak. I still correspond with my studying Parisian French in the classroom? torical study of Franco-American parochial fourth grade teacher, Mere Ste. Rolande That law stayed on the books for 50 years schools in New England called “L’oeuvre was her name then, who is now 100 years and, according to Ross and Judy Paradis, des communautes enseignantes en Nou- old and in retirement in St. Foy, Quebec. “spawned frustration, anger and psycho- velle-Angleterre 1869-1986: les ecoles Dr. Brault’s article was included in a logical scars among several generations of paroissiales franco-americaines”, Gerard-J. book called Les Franco-Americains et leurs students” in Franco communities in Maine. Brault counted thirty-five religious orders institutions scolaires published in 1990 by of French-Canadian nuns who taught in the Institut francais In Worcester. The book Sincerely, New England and six orders of Brothers. is dedicated “ a toutes les religieuses et a tous Michael Guignard They taught in 215 schools in 152 cities in les religieux qui sont devoues sans compter New England. In Maine, French Canadian pour que vive la francophonie en Nouvelle- Chère Rédactrice; religious orders thought in 35 cities, towns Angleterre.” The book has 23 articles about and villages – alphabetically from Auburn Franco-American parochial schools through- J’ai reçu Le Forum, et je te remercie to Winslow and geographically from Fort out New England and the religious orders of beaucoup. Je t’envoie un chèque pour re- Kent, Madawaska and Van Buren to Bid- Brothers and Sisters who taught in those nouveller mon abonnement. Je suis toujours deford, Saco and Sanford. And, because it schools, as well as an excellent introduction fière de voir mon petit bout de mon histoire. was beyond the scope of his study, Brault by Claire Quintal. Noted authors such as Ar- J’ai reçu une carte de Mr. Y. Chartrand qui did not even the hospitals, orphanages, mand Chartier and Robert Perreault, among me disait qu’il avait aimer mon histoire. homes for unwed mothers, and private many others, fondly describe the education J’éspère que tu n’arrêteras pas de faire boarding schools staffed by Sisters and they received in Franco-American parochial “Le Forum” sur papier, se serait une grose Brothers. In my hometown of Biddeford schools. The book has 363 pages and I perte pour les gens comme moi, qui ne alone, the Soeurs de la Presentation de did not read one mention of “big rulers.” savent rien des computors. La technologies Marie staffed the Pensionnat Stella Maris, In its mission statement, the editors a tèlement avansçer que je suis rester en chè- the Academie Marie Joseph, as well as St. of Le Forum write that they wish to be an min...avec l’écriture que je peu comprendre, Andre parochial school after 1904 and St. advocate of the French Fact “in the State of et tous la nouveauté a piton--sa m’embête. Andre’s High School; the Servants du Maine and in the region…” As editor Claire (Suite page 25) 3 Le Forum de trois ans en éducation de l’Aroostook récite l’histoire acadienne. J’ai été éberluée! State Normal School et elle enseigna le fran- L’histoire était une révélation absolue. On MARIE-ANNE GAUVIN çais pour quatre ans avant de recevoir son n’a jamais enseigné, et on n’enseigne pas (1929-2009) B.S. en éducation de Gorham State College. officiellement maintenant, l’histoire de la Elle a ensuite déménagé à Connecticut où Vallée dans nos écoles! Oui, nous sommes Votre Pie bavarde, c’est ce que Ma- elle a poursuivi et terminé ses études pour la américains, d’origine française, débarqués rie-Anne Gauvin signait sous ses articles maitrise à Central Connecticut State College au nouveau monde à partir de 1604; déportés dans Le Fanal, le bulletin mensuel de Le en 1965, pendant qu’elle continuait à ensei- en 1755; et arrivés dans la Vallée vers 1785. Club français (CF). Elle les accompagnait gner le français. Six semaines en France, Mais, la frontière est tombée sur nous en de vocabulaire français pour ceux qui avait sous les auspices de la University of Ohio, 1842 pendant que nous étions Acadiens et des difficultés avec la langue. Ses essais ont solidifié sa connaissance de la langue Québecois. Pourquoi pas enseigner un cours touchaient des sujets assez divers – un jour métropolitaine. Elle a aussi fait d’autres sur notre histoire à côté de l’histoire améri- de pêche avec son père; le contraste entre études avancées à Trinity College à Hartford. caine dans les écoles de la Vallée? Il faut le français et l’anglais dans le reportage des Elles étaient trois générations savoir d’où on vient pour savoir où on va! sports; et comment on s’amusait avant la d’institutrices – Marie-Anne, sa mère et sa Marie-Anne avait publié sa thèse et en télévision. Elle inventait des mots croisés, grand-mère. Sa mère, Bertha Caron Gauvin, avait confié plusieurs copies pour les vendent des devinettes, des jeux de mots et d’autres a publié un mémoire – “Au Temps des An- au magasin de mes parents à Ste-Agathe. trouvailles pour provoquer l’utilisation du nées Folles.” Bertha y récite qu’une très Mon père, un entrepreneur de construction, français. Marie-Anne a milité pour le bi- jeune et audacieuse Yanne, comme elle ap- la connaissait bien. À la fin des années ‘60, linguisme presque tous ses 79 ans, surtout pelait Marie-Anne, s’est élancée devant un il lui avait construit un petit chalet d’été à la depuis le début du CF qu’elle avait aidé à camion qui venait vers elle et son petit frère, Baie Creuse de Long Lake où elle revenait fonder en 1993, pour sauvegarder et pro- Bertrand, pour essayer de le stopper. Quand pendant l’été. Quand j’ai mentionné le nom mouvoir la langue française dans la Vallée le chauffeur les a vus, il a pu arrêter à temps. de Marie-Anne à mon père et que j’ai révélé de la Rivière St-Jean au nord du Maine. Nos vies se sont entrecroisées depuis le nom de mon père à Marie-Anne, j’ai bien L’ainée des enfants Gauvin, Marie- le moment où j’ai lu sa thèse de maitrise, compris qu’il y avait là un respect récip- Anne naquit à Daigle, Maine, le 8 juin 1929; Linguistic and Cultural Heritage of the roque. Assurément satisfaite de son chalet, mais sa famille déménagea à Madawaska Acadians in Maine and New Brunswick, elle parlait la langue de la construction parce pour qu’elle y commence l’école primaire. qui discute les différences entre les parlers qu’elle avait suivi un cours à Connecticut Après la secondaire, elle reçut un certificat québecois et acadiens dans la Vallée et pour apprendre à bâtir. Quand elle a pris sa (Suite page 5) MARIE-ANNE GAUVIN school, she received a three-year certificate and Acadian speech in the Valley and recites continued from page 4) in education from Aroostook State Normal Acadian history. I was astounded! The his- School and taught French for four years tory was a total revelation. The history of MARIE-ANNE GAUVIN before receiving her B.S. in education from the Valley has never been, and is not now, (1929-2009) Gorham State College. She then moved to formally taught in our schools. Yes, we are Connecticut where she finished her studies American of French origin; we disembarked Votre Pie bavarde (Your Garrulous for a master’s degree at Central Connecticut in the new world starting in 1604; we were Magpie), was how Marie-Anne Gauvin State College in 1965, while continuing to deported in 1755; and arrived in the Valley signed her articles in Le Fanal, the monthly teach French. Six weeks in France, under around 1785. But the border fell on us in bulletin of Le Club français (CF). She the auspices of the University of Ohio, 1842 while we were Acadian and Québe- provided French vocabulary for those who solidified her proficiency with metropoli- cois. Why not teach a course on our history had difficulty with the language. Her essays tan French. She pursued further advanced alongside American history in the schools in touched on diverse topics – a day of fish- studies at Trinity College in Hartford. the Valley. One must know where one comes ing with her father; the contrast between They were three generations of school from in order to know where one is going! French and English in sports reporting; and teachers – Marie-Anne, her mother and Marie-Anne had published her thesis how people entertained themselves before grandmother. Her mother, Bertha Caron and had left several copies on consignment television. She created crossword puzzles, Gauvin, published a memoir – “Au Temps at my parents’ store in St. Agatha. My father, riddles, word games and other inventions des Années Folles” (The Roaring Twen- a building contractor, knew her well. At the to promote the use of French. Marie-Anne ties). Bertha recites how a very young and end of the ‘60s, he had built a small sum- fought for bilingualism for most of her 79 audacious Yanne, her name for Marie-Anne, mer chalet for her at Baie Creuse on Long years, especially from the beginning of the threw herself in front of a truck which Lake where she spent her summers. When I CF which she had helped establish in 1993 was approaching her and her little brother, mentioned Marie-Anne’s name to my father to save and promote the French language in Bertrand, to try to stop it. When the driver and revealed to Marie-Anne who my father the St. John River Valley in Northern Maine. saw them, he was able to brake in time. was, I understood that there was a mutual The eldest of the Gauvin children, Our lives became intertwined from respect. Well satisfied with her chalet, she Marie-Anne was born in Daigle, Maine the moment when I read her master’s thesis, knew how to speak the language of construc- on June 8, 1929; but her family moved Linguistic and Cultural Heritage of the Aca- tion because she had taken a course in Con- to Madawaska so that she could begin dians in Maine and New Brunswick, which necticut to learn about building construction. elementary school there. After secondary examines the differences between Québecois (Continued on page 5) 4 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE MARIE-ANNE GAUVIN suite de page 4) – surtout les oiseaux. Membre et Secrétaire- solicité elle-même. Le résultat de sa de- retraite et elle est revenue à Madawaska pour Trésorière du Club d’ornithologie du Comté mande: le CF a pu créer son centre et une de bon en 1988, elle a fabriqué un modèle du Madawaska, à Edmundston au Nouveau bibliothèque française à Madawaska, ainsi réduit, elle a fait le plan et les bleus et elle a Brunswick, elle a fait plusieurs voyages que des bourses pour étudiants et d’autres supervisé l’assemblage, sur la 19e avenue, ornithologiques avec eux. La véranda de sa programmes. Au moment de recevoir ce de sa maison de rêve au style québecois maison était bien située pour observer les don, Marie-Anne m’a demandé de lui en- – toit relevé qui s’étend au dessus d’une nombreux oiseaux qui fréquentaient son voyé mon analyse et mes suggestions sur galerie étroite d’un bout à l’autre du devant arrière cour. Sa candidature a bien réussi l’administration des fonds au bénéfice du de la maison. Elle en était extrèmement fière. et sa photo dans le calendrier montre une Club. Je suis sûre qu’elle a cherché des Au début des années ‘90, j’ai contacté Marie-Anne souriante regardant le monde conseils dans d’autres coins. Elle voulait Marie-Anne pour lui parler pour la première avec équanimité et tenant à la main un faire le mieux possible pour le CF et pour les fois quand j’ai commencé l’écrit de ma exemplaire du bulletin de Le Club français. dons. Dans une de ses lettres, elle m’a aussi thèse de maitrise. Nous avons découvert Ah, Le Club français…Marie-Anne a confié ses soucis à propos de l’augmentation que nous avions le même but: la conserva- tout fait pour ce groupe. Elle était en charge des adhésions au Club – surtout avec des tion de la langue française dans la Vallée. des comités de finances et de bourses pour jeunes qui pourraient prendre la relève. Nous avons entamé une correspondance et étudiants ainsi que le comité qui administre Dans son discours, quand elle a été nous nous sommes rencontrées pour diner et un grand don. C’était elle qui avait fait la nommé docteur honoris causa à l’Université discuter au moins une fois par année quand démarche au donateur qui l’a nommée sa du Maine à Fort Kent en 2006, Made- nous allions au Maine, mon mari et moi. messagère personnelle parce qu’elle l’avait moiselle Gauvin, comme on l’a apelée, a Quand j’ai demandé à Marie-Anne raconté sa vie vécu en français (jouer à la d’élucider les honneurs qu’elle avait reçu, messe); le mandat pour étouffer la langue elle a été plutôt réservée. Je voulais la dans la Vallée; et le développement de sa nommé candidate pour le calendrier “Cel- philosophie vis-à-vis du bilinguisme (on ebrating Women of Aroostook,” publié en peut parler deux langues sans que l’une 2000 par le Maine Centers for Women, souffre au dépens de l’autre). On a rap- Work and Community. Ces dames ainsi cé- porté que l’auditoire était bien attentif. lébrées sont la crème de la crème du comté Pendant la période de nos visites avec d’Aroostook. Malgré sa réticence, j’ai appris Marie-Anne, elle a été atteinte par un can- que Marie-Anne aimait le ski et la nature cer du sein suivi par de la chimiothérapie. (Suite page 6) MARIE-ANNE GAUVIN continued from page 4) in Madawaska, as well as scholarships for In 1988, when she retired and returned to students and other programs. When this gift Madawaska, she fabricated a scale model, was received, Marie-Anne asked me to send created the plans and blue-prints and then her my analysis and suggestions on how to supervised the construction, on 19th Avenue, administer these funds for the benefit of the of her dream house in the Québecois style Club. I am sure that she sought out advice – upswept roof spread out over the full from other sources. She wanted to do the length of a narrow porch in the front of best possible for the CF and for the donation. the house. She was extremely proud of it. In one of her letters, she also confided her At the beginning of the ‘90s, I con- du Comté du Madawaska, in Edmundston, concerns about working to increase mem- tacted Marie-Anne and spoke to her for the New Brunswick, she went on several or- bership in the Club – especially with young first time when I started writing my master’s nithological trips with them. The veranda people who would be able to take over. thesis. We learned that we had the same goal: in her house was well positioned for her to In her address when she received the conservation of the French language in observe the many birds which frequented an honorary doctorate at the University of the Valley. We started a correspondence and her backyard. Her candidacy was favorably Maine at Fort Kent in 2006, Mademoiselle met for dinner and discussions at least once a received and the photo from the calendar Gauvin, as they called her, recounted liv- year when my husband and I went to Maine. shows Marie-Anne smiling and looking at ing her life in French (playing mass); the When I asked Marie-Anne to expound the world with equanimity while holding mandated stifling of the language in the on the honors she had received, she was rath- a copy of the bulletin of Le Club français. Valley; and the development of her phi- er reticent. I wanted to propose her as a can- Ah, Le Club français…Marie-Anne losophy concerning bilingualism (one can didate for the calendar “Celebrating Women did everything for this group. She was in speak two languages without one having to of Aroostook,” published in 2000 by the charge of the finance and student-scholar- suffer at the expense of the other). It was re- Maine Centers for Women, Work and Com- ship committees as well as the committee ported that the audience was very attentive. munity. The women who are thus celebrated administering a large donation. She was During the period of our visits with are the crème de la crème of Aroostook the one who had sought out the donor. The Marie-Anne, she developed breast cancer County. In spite of her modesty, I learned donor called her his personal messenger and was treated with chemotherapy. After that Marie-Anne liked to ski and liked because she had done the soliciting herself. a few years, she had to face pancreatic nature – especially birds. Member and Sec- The result of her request: the CF was able cancer. Marie-Anne suffered through this retary-Treasurer of the Club d’ornithologie to create its own center and French library (Continued on page 6) 5 Le Forum MARIE-ANNE GAUVIN suite de page 5) en anglais.” Nous avons de la chance de pouvoir garder un peu de Marie-Anne avec Belle lune; Après quelques années, elle a dû faire face nous grâce à un entretien enregistré en Jolie lune; a un cancer du pancréas. Marie-Anne a subi vidéo de Marc Chassé, l’ancien president Fais-moi voir dans mon sommeil, cette épreuve avec le même courage et la du CF, chez-elle en novembre 2008, où elle Ce que j’aurai à mon réveil. même grâce qu’elle avait montré pendant raconte sa vie après qu’elle avait fait face sa vie. Elle y a succombé le 14 avril 2009. à sa mortalité. En janvier 2009, quand jai Bon sommeil, Marie-Anne. Rosaire Paradis, un des fondateurs et vue Marie-Anne pour la dernière fois, elle Tu seras toujours dans nos coeurs! le Président actuel du CF, dans son éloge était de bonne humeur – même optimiste Jacqueline aux funérailles, l’a appellée Madame la – et elle acceptait sa condition avec sérénité. Chamberland Blesso Générale et l’a décrite ainsi: “Marie-Anne Notre Pie bavarde! Lorsqu’elle a Paterson, NJ avait une volonté de fer dans la lutte pour lu un article que j’avais écrit qui réci- sauver la langue.” Guy Dubay, le gérant de tait une petite comptine traditionelle [email protected] la bibliothèque du CF, a cité Marie-Anne: de Ste-Agathe, elle m’a envoyé une “On lit en français puis on travaille rimette que sa mère lui avait apprise: Lovely moon; MARIE-ANNE GAUVIN Anne with us thanks to a video interview by Make me see in my sleep, continued from page 5) Marc Chassé, the former President of the CF, What I will have when I awaken. ordeal with the same courage and the recorded at her home in November 2008, same grace she had shown during her life. where she recounted her life after having Have a good sleep, Marie-Anne. She succumbed to it on April 14, 2009. faced her mortality. In January, 2009, when You will always be in our hearts! Rosaire Paradis, one of the founders I saw Marie-Anne for the last time, she and the current President of the CF, in his was in good spirits – even optimistic – and Jacqueline eulogy at the funeral, called her Madame she accepted her condition with serenity. Chamberland Blesso la Générale and described her thus: Marie- Our Pie bavarde! When she had read Paterson, NJ Anne had an iron will in the struggle to save an article I had written which recited a the language. Guy Dubay, the director of the traditional tale from St. Agatha, she sent [email protected] CF library, quoted Marie-Anne: “We read me a rhyme that her mother had taught her: in French and we work in English.” We are lucky to be able to keep a little bit of Marie- Beautiful moon;

been interested in researching my family Moosehead’s Hidden heritage for years and do so “in fits and starts.” With this research has come some understanding By Betty Doyon Ryder Canada, took on another name to designate of who my people were, where they came Greenville, ME a particular lineage; our family was also from and why they moved. I have learned known by the name of Dyer. My grandfa- things about my parents, grandparents, and I remember my years of youth in ther, Duff, and his older brother, Bill, were the many ancestors that I have never known; Greenville in the 1950’s and 1960’s. The loggers, and my father drove a log truck for they are all a part of me and have had some towns in the Moosehead area didn’t look a the business when he was old enough. He influence on who I am today. I am the richer lot different from the way they do now; how- married my mother, Helen, just after WWII; for it; Yet, something is missing for me. ever, there were more jobs and more people. they bought my Uncle Bill’s home in town During the last part of the 19th and first The country was booming as it recovered and started their family. A few years later, half of the 20th Centuries, a large Canadian from the many years of war, and as industry Mom attended beauty school in Bangor – no population emigrated from Quebec (e.g. retooled for domestic needs, there was again small feat with two very young children at Doyon, Gagné, Boucher) or from Atlantic a market for the resources that our forests home. Dad, with the help of a housekeeper, Provinces with strong Anglo populations could provide. Independent loggers and The held things together at home until Mom fin- (e.g. Ryder, Morrell, Murray and Graham) Great Northern Paper Company employed ished school and returned home to set up her to the Moosehead area seeking work and many folks to log the eastern forests; some own business. They both were hard workers a safe place to raise a family. These folks mills sawed the logs into lumber for the and did a great job at raising a family, often found work, mainly in the woods and for the construction industry and others used the on a shoestring. In the early 1950’s, Dad railroads; they also found a mixture of ac- raw resource to produce paper products for gave up truck driving and went to work in the ceptance and prejudice. Throughout Maine home and business. During that period in plywood mill. He picked up extra work when and elsewhere, there lingered centuries-old, Greenville, there was a local plywood mill he could by hauling things with his Chevy negative feelings about the French, harken- (Atlas Plywood, which later became Stover dump truck (our only vehicle until 1960). ing back to colonial times. These feelings Plywood) that produced panels for home I remember those times and enjoy were heightened by the KKK who had a and office construction, and then shipped discussing with others about our community presence in Maine (peaking in the 1920’s). by rail to markets throughout the nation. and the people of my youth. However, I feel During this period of time, there were cross Our family’s original name was there was a richness in our community and burnings, threats, many derogatory jokes, Doyon, but as was the common custom in within our families that is no longer. I have (Continued on page 7) 6 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE (Moosehead’s Hidden heritage continued and “deedle-deedle-dee’d” to further the Saco, Waterville, Augusta and Madawaska from page 6) musical experience for us. I hear the same are some of the Maine communities that rumors, and general unrest directed at these sounding music today from Cajun country. celebrate their Franco and Acadian heritage. new settlers and migrant workers. The effect The ancestors of today’s Cajuns were from This awareness of the efforts of others have of such discrimination relegated these fami- the same Acadian communities as some of had me thinking about the large number lies to live a rather second-class existence in my grandmother’s ancestors. In the mid of folks of Franco-American descent in many areas of the state and country. Still, 1700’s, French people of Acadia were torn the Moosehead area who have been such many families carved out a place for them- from their lands by those in power in the an important part of this working-class selves and tried to fit in as best they could. British colonies (Massachusetts and our now community and of the relative invisibility They became more reluctant to speak French Maine), then dispersed in small groups along of their presence. We have a richness that in public places, gave in to their children’s the eastern seaboard of North America or is lost to us unless we work to revive and resistance at speaking French, and in the deported to France. Many of these people pass on the stories, family histories, foods, process of assimilation, lost much of them- eventually found their way to Louisiana, music (and other arts) and language of our selves. Sadly, in many cases, grandparents the only place at the time that welcomed heritage. I have joined efforts with Linda and grandchildren could not communicate new settlers, and the Cajun society formed. McBrierty, Renée Gagné, and Yvon Labbé well or at all with one another. This was Through all the hardships of this ethnic (Director of the Franco-American Center especially difficult if elderly parents found cleansing, they managed to keep important at the University of Maine and a part-time themselves living with their children and elements of their ancestral culture alive, Greenville resident) to begin to raise aware- grandchildren in later years, as was the case passing it on to subsequent generations. ness and interest in celebrating the culture with my daughter-in-law and her elderly My grandfather died when I was quite of the Francos among us. We will partner “Memère.” Without political support in young. I remember him, but do not remem- with the Moosehead Historical Society, the government and within the Catholic Church, ber his dancing; however, my mother said Franco-American Center at the University the French did not have the power, right that “Pepère” enjoyed clogging and that he of Maine, our schools , individuals of our and freedom to be who they were. Within was good at it. It may be that he learned to community, other communities who are one or two generations, most families were do it from family and friends, or he may have farther along in this process that are we, as no longer recognizable as being of French learned it during the long weeks and months well as any other organization who would heritage and culture. This is my story, too. in the logging camps where entertainment like to help us bring our goals to fruition. My father’s family came to Greenville was at a premium. I have seen clogging By participating in the various activities, from Quebec, settling on the edge of town a few times and found it fun to watch. I we will connect with friends and families in the early 1920’s. They were typical of the wish that these arts had been passed on to in ways that are meaningful and personal, thousands of other French Catholics who me, but they stopped with that generation. sometimes sadly reflective, and at other were emigrating from Canada in search of My grandparents also believed that times wildly fun. The elderly folks in our work. My Dad, his brother Duffy and sister they had special powers of healing. Pepère community hold many of the family stories, Margaret spoke only French until they at- believed that he could stop severe bleeding, can teach the songs, crafts, share the recipes, tended school in Greenville. Sometimes, and it was observed by my father on at least identify photos and tell us about the events the children attended the Catholic convent one occasion. Memère believed that she that have shaped all our lives. The clock is school in Jackman when “Memère” went could heal various illnesses or injuries. I did ticking on what they have to offer all of us. into the woods camps to cook; they may have not believe her and ridiculed her for saying A small group of us met recently spoken French at the convent, but I am not so (how rude of me!) I remember one time to begin discussion on these issues. We sure. Since the Greenville schools were not that she attempted to heal Chuck Crossman will invite many more of our friends bilingual, they had to learn their new English of his many warts that were spread over to join us for the subsequent activities language skills quickly. They were bright his hands. I did not believe that she had and ask that you (anyone, especially the and learned to fit in with the other children. any such powers; however, Chuck told me Francos) make an investment of time and Assimilation very often lessens the not long ago that the warts did indeed go talents to celebrate your/our families, en- influences of family traditions, religion, away after her procedure (I do not know livening the community with song, theater, music, art, and cuisine. In my own family, what to call it as I was not allowed to view dance and a deeper historical perspective. I remember the Sunday gatherings at my what was happening) and did not return. Please be on the lookout for grandparents’ farm. Memère and Pepère My grandparents believed that they could more information for upcoming events. would attend mass, and then we would pass on these powers to one other person in For more information or to offer help often gather as a family for dinner. In the their lifetimes. I am not aware of anyone to in planning, call Betty Ryder at 695-2287. afternoon, other Canadian-American friends whom they passed these special powers. It (the Aucoins, Perry’s, Thibodeaus, Goulets, certainly would not have been me, as I was Poriers, Gilberts and Morins from Guilford, very young and not respectful and open to name a few) would often come by for a to this Franco tradition.- my loss again! visit. There was laughing and, of course, sto- Other communities in Maine have rytelling in French. Sometimes “Memère” attempted to keep alive some of the cul- would play the accordion, harmonica or tural traditions and remember their heritage. spoons for us. Her music was lively and Folks in Monson celebrate their Finnish fun; she tapped her toes, laughed loudly, heritage; and Lewiston/Auburn, Biddeford/ 7 Le Forum some schools in the Saint John Valley bent University of Maine - the rules and allowed children to speak French in their free time, for example at Distinguished Presidential Lecture recess on the playgrounds. But there was always a danger that the state’s school Remarks of Sévérin M. Béliveau inspectors might visit. So when a school Maine’s French Reality inspector was sighted in town—you could tell who they were—the children were University of Maine - September 15, 2009 warned to be careful and—because they did not want to make a mistake—they stopped Let me thank you, President Ken- the students luck and gave them $500. But speaking altogether. So try to picture the nedy, for this honor which I gladly ac- at the same time, he predicted the initiative state inspector coming up to a school, and cept, not for myself, but for the com- would fail because the faculty was too con- finding a playground filled with silent chil- munity on whose behalf I speak today. I servative to change. But the students did not dren. Is there any more unnatural sight than a speak about la realité Franco du Maine fail, although sometimes it has been touch group of children playing together in silence. – the reality of the French in Maine. and go. One of those students, my friend In this way, Franco children learned that it I hope to do our story -- notre histoire Yvon Labbé, is the Centre’s director today. was a bad thing to speak French. Some -- justice. Because Francos in Maine have At the time the students wanted to catholic schools allowed teaching in French not always had justice in the past. I speak learn more about Franco-Americans in for part of the day or part of the curriculum. as a Franco myself, and I speak as a lawyer Maine, they discovered that the University The law was repealed in 1969. I was – un avocat—an advocate, not an academic. knew very little. There was nothing in the in the Legislature then. I remember when And I will speak frankly. Appar- curriculum. Although many of the buildings my friends Elmer Violette and Émilien ently our ancestors spoke so bluntly that were built by, and maintained by, Franco Lévesque sponsored “An Act Permitting the word for direct honesty – frankness workers, none had a Franco name. Nor Bilingual Education.” The playgrounds in – derives from them. So speaking frankly, the streets. Nor the rooms. The population the St. John Valley were never silent again. the University of Maine has not always been of one-third of the State of Maine had no The repeal was also remarkable for the fact a friendly place for Francos. For much of recognition at their public university. Even that Violette and Levesque, in speaking for the last century when Maine was governed today, they still don’t (and as much as I ad- the bill, actually spoke French on the floor by a Republican Anglo-Protestant estab- mire Harold Alfond, I must also remind you of the State Legislature. They were the lishment, the University of Maine was part of who made the shoes for him in Dexter). first ever to do so. In an emotional speech, of that establishment. The Franco-Ameri- Thirty-fiveyears ago the faculty at Senator Violette related how he spoke no can identity, the culture, the history, both the University of Maine had other interests. English when he entered primary school, and Québécois and Acadian (both of which I So the students began to do the research how it made learning much more difficult share) was not welcome here. Seventy-five for themselves. They began with a simple for him and the thousands of other children years ago the University of Maine played question. Where, they wondered, where was from French-speaking homes. Violette re- the same kind of role as part of Maine’s French la langue quotidienne – the everyday sponded to a southern Maine Senator who Anglo-Protestant establishment that the language -- to be found? They discovered called the use of French “un-American,” University of Georgia played in its state. that it was a language in Maine homes: first and declared that English was the official In Maine, as in Georgia, the Klan hovered between couples in the bedrooms, then more language of the land. Violette said he and in the shadows, hiding in their sheets. In publicly in the kitchens, but less in the liv- his fellow Franco-American legislators were Maine the targets were French Catholics, ing rooms and still less outside the home. hurt and stunned by the idea that helping communities like Rumford, where I grew For many of us, French was the mother- Franco children learn through bilingual up. My father told me often about watching tongue. Why did it hide outside the home? education was somehow not American. a cross burn above the river near Rumford It turned out there was a reason. That was an important day in our on a ledge overlooking the tenement build- In1919, the Legislature enacted a law, history. And now, at Maine’s landgrant ings occupied by Franco mill workers. This entitled “Relating to duties of State Super- institution, for the first time the Chair was in the 1930s, before he became a judge. intendent of Schools and Providing for the of the Modern Language Department, Like cowards everywhere, the cross-burners Teaching of Common School Subjects in Raymond Pelletier, is a Franco-American. fled before my father and his friends could the English Language.” Outside of for- For many years the Franco American find and deal with them. This happened eign-language classrooms, this law forbade Centre has published a journal, Le FO- throughout Maine – as late as the 1960s a the speaking of French in Maine public RUM. As with the Centre itself, the Forum cross was burned right on the doorstep of schools. Even in the French classrooms, began with students. It was recently edited this University —across from French Island. students were taught “Parisian” French, by Rhéa Côté Robbins, a novelist from Only a few years later, in the 1970s, a and not the “Quebecois/North American” Waterville, and today it is edited by Lisa glimmer of hope arose near that very spot. French that their families spoke. This is the Desjardins Michaud from Van Buren. And Here in Orono students at the University of reason that native French-speaking teach- as there is now a Franco-American Studies Maine created the Franco-American initia- ers had a hard time getting jobs teaching Program at the University of Maine, faculty tive, which eventually became the Universi- French in public schools – the authorities are joining with the students in doing the re- ty’s Franco-American Centre. It was a small didn’t want them to “corrupt” the students. beginning. President Winthrop Libby wished But getting back to the 1919 law -- (Continued on page 9) 8 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE

(University of Maine continued from page 8) Chase Smith of Skowhegan. Her mother’s This is why in every election it seems that search and teaching. The academic program name was Caroline Morin from the Beauce Lewiston, in particular, is a battleground was created at the Centre by Jim Bishop de la region in Québec. In Mike’s case, there is no city. Despite that loss, the Violette family famille Levesque,, a graduate of the Univer- question. He ran for Congress as a Franco. was undeterred. Elmer Violette went on sity of Maine, a scholar and Franco-Ameri- And for the first time, I believe I can say with to become a Justice of the Maine Supreme can poet from French Island in Old Town. confidence that the occupant in the White Court. His wife Marcella, a native of the It is now directed by Susan Pinette, also a House is aware of Maine’s French Reality. Saint John Valley, single-handedly prevent- graduate of this university, a remarkable There are other programs throughout ed the closure of the University of Maine at scholar of everything Franco, whose fam- our State which promote and celebrate Fort Kent to assure access to higher educa- ily is from Berwick and the St. John Valley. the French culture, language and history. tion for Franco-American students. Their In the University of Maine System, • La Kermesse – a fam- son, Paul, a former State Senator, heads the Barry Rodrigue, whose research has done ily event in Biddeford that attracts Maine Turnpike Authority for our State. so much to define the transformation of thousands to its summer festival We’ve come a long way. We have New England by Québécois in the late • Les Bavards – A group Franco novelists and artists and musi- 19thand early 20th century, leads an academic of Francos that meets weekly in Wa- cians and historians and politicians in program at the Lewiston-Auburn College terville to reclaim their French. Maine. But we still have not arrived yet. for the University of Southern Maine • Franco-American Mooseh- My Franco-American family illus- (Barry is also my father’s biographer and ead Lake Region Initiative – A group trates the distance we have traveled. My the archivist of his papers). Despite strong of men and women who have under- family (the part that is not Irish, but that resistance from the University of Southern taken an oral history project of Franco is another story) is both Acadian and Que- Maine Administration, Barry established the contributions and presence in that area. beçois. The Beliveaus came to Acadie from Franco American Collection and the French • At the University of Maine Farm- France in 1636, almost 400 years ago. When North American Studies Program in 2000. ington, Sylvie Charon, a French Profes- the English deported the French Acadians Because of the support of my friend John sor, has developed a relationship with the to the south in 1755 – an event lamented in Martin, a Franco-American University exists University de Maine in Western France. English by Longfellow’s poem Evangeline, in Fort Kent where Lise Pelletier, a graduate and remembered by the French as le Grand of the University of Maine, directs the Aca- My father taught Dérangement— my family was stubborn. dian Archives. She was intimately involved Or lucky. We did not get on the boats and in organizing the 2014 World Acadian Con- me to be proud go south. We went west. To Quebec. To our gress in the St. John Valley. Ross and Judy manifest destiny. And when nearly half of Paradis were and continue to be active in of my heritage. Quebec moved to New England in the late supporting French culture in all of its forms 19th and early 20th century (along the Old in the Valley. As Legislators, they were In Quebec as a result of the 1759 Canada Road through Jackman and the instrumental in establishing the Franco- conquest, the French used to say: On est Kennebec Valley that Barry Rodrique has American Day at the Legislature where our né pur être petits pains, on ne peut pas mapped), the Béliveau family came along— political leaders are graphically reminded s’attendre à la boulangerie—“we were first to Lewiston where they worked in the of our presence and contributions to Maine. born to be little breads, we cannot expect textile mills, then to Rumford to work in the Quite a change from 1919, when certain leg- the bakery”—but now we’ve added some paper mills. My father Albert Béliveau went islators openly criticized Franco Americans yeast to our expectations. We expect more straight from the paper mill to the University and the French language. The CFO at the and higher things. In 1972 when Elmer of Maine Law School, without going to col- University of Maine, my friend Janet Wal- Violette ran for Congress, I was Chair of lege in between – perhaps all of this higher dron, is a Franco-American. Even the Chan- Maine’s Democratic Party at the time and education is overrated! He served as an of- cellor of the University of Maine System my brother-in-law Frank Murray, a gradu- ficer and interpreter in the Judge Advocate is a Franco-American, albeit “from away”. ate of this University who later served as General Corps. in France in World War I, Then there are the numerous com- the Roman Catholic Chaplain of the New- and had a good time as well, a fact we only munity efforts. Rita Dubé has created a man Center here, was Elmer’s campaign discovered years later after his death when, dynamic Franco-American Heritage Center manager. When Elmer finished a speech cleaning out a trunk, we found a trove of in Lewiston. Willy and Elizabeth LeBihan here at this University in French by saying: photographs and letters from pretty French have created a successful language im- “excusez-là.” It was his way of saying thank girls. After the War he came back home mersion school in Freeport called L’Ecole you for indulging me. I won’t say that today. to Rumford, and entered into law practice Francais de Maine. And there are the politi- Elmer lost Lewiston. With the help of with an Irishman – whose daughter he later cal leaders. John Martin served as Speaker my friend Chris Potholm (I have a few Re- married, my mother Margaret McCarthy. of the Maine House of Representatives for publican friends and Chris is also a profes- My father taught me to be proud of 20 years and for 8 years in the State Senate. sor—at Bowdoin), Bill Cohen from Bangor my heritage. I remember walking with Mike Michaud represents Maine’s Second found he could win the election by slicing him down Lisbon Street in Lewiston, and Congressional District in Washington. Mike off a piece of the Franco vote. This strategy a man approached and introduced himself may seem to be the first Franco-American turned Maine Francos against each other. It as James Baker. “No,” my father replied, in Maine’s federal delegation. But he’s not. is still true today - you can’t win a state-wide “Your name is really Boulanger. You’ve an- Anyone know who was first? Margaret election in Maine without the French vote. (Continued on page 10) 9 Le Forum (University of Maine continued from page claim French or French-Canadian ancestry. Alfred North Whitehead once remarked 9) Maine is the most “French” state in New “Universities create the future.” I would glicized it.” Then there was the man named England. And all of these families are mak- add to that they do so by educating about Fisher, who my father pointed out really was ing great contributions to the present and the past -- those to whom the future belongs. Poisson. He wanted them, and me, to be future of Maine. We are now established. Recently I have been reading a num- proud of our heritage, and not try to hide it. It wasn’t always so. When Francos ber of books from the University of Maine Every night at dinner we spoke en fran- came from Québec to Maine and to the rest Press about Maine people, a book of plays cais. My father didn’t anglicize his name, nor of New England, where our Diaspora began, by the Waterville playwright Grégoire join the Republican Party, as other Francos it was not an easy move. Quebec was unhap- Chabot, a book of stories by the Lewiston were doing in order to become assimilated. py—often angry, some even felt betrayed--to writer Gérard Robicheau, a remarkable My father was a great lawyer, quick, see us leave. As a political leader said at the dictionary of the Malisset and Passama- witty and persuasive. In 1935 Governor time: Laissez les partir, c’est las canaille qui quoddy Dictionary by David Francis and Brann appointed him to the Maine Superior s’en va; “Let them go, it’s the riffraff that’s Robert Leavitt. I recommend them. They Court, the first Franco-American to serve on leaving.” Many of us hoped that Maine and represent the kind of research we need that court. At that time, one in four Maine New England would be a temporary home. from the campuses in the University of people were of French descent (today it is Many of us settled temporarily. For many Maine System. We need partnerships with one in three). Yet he was the first on the Su- of us, home remained Québec. We were the communities as equal partners, as col- perior Court, and he served there for 20 years also Americans, proud citizens of this state laborators. It is central to your mission—our as others of lesser talents were promoted to and of the United States—many of us died mission inasmuch as I am now a professor the Supreme Court. Finally, in 1954, at the in its wars, beginning with the Civil War-- from the community in your midst. We do age of 66, he was appointed to be the first but we had another home nearby. If France want la boulangerie. We do want the bakery. Franco-American to serve on the Maine had been the cradle for French Canadians, What do you have to gain? To begin Supreme Court. That was to be the end. He Quebec was the source and cradle for us. I with, you can become the University for didn’t become Chief Justice, because no gov- am using English translations for the French of all the people of Maine. You can gain ernor wanted to take a chance on a Franco words berceau and sources. Some of you the support of a third of the population of and a Catholic and a Democrat in that post. may notice how poorly these translations our state whom, in the past, you may have But my father cleared the way, not convey what the French words can mean, forgotten to welcome fully. You can become just for Franco lawyers, but for Franco des mots qui touchent au coeur – words more inclusive. You can gain a more fruitful politicians. He helped create the modern that touch the heart. But with all respect sense of Maine’s cultural realities that in Democratic Party in Maine as a home for and affection for Quebec and France, for turn can be the basis for a future, for a more Francos and the other workers of our re- Franco-Americans today, Maine is our creative, innovative economy and society. gion. This was what helped make Maine a home. Maine is our source for des mots Maine’s French reality is vital to Maine’s two-party state. He was un avocat in every qui touchent au coeur. Because here is role in the global community, that role on sense of the term, and I am my father’s son. where our stories are. Maine is New France. which our future prosperity will depend. I grew up with a love of all things And here at the University of Maine, Let me give you an example. An or- French, but with a tinge of the Irish from and at Fort Kent, and in Lewiston, those ganization that Francos created for Maine, my mother. My wife Cynthia grew up stories can be retold and preserved. the U. S office of the Forum Francophone Irish, with a touch of French blood from President Kennedy has told me that he des Affaires, organized the state’s first trade her grandfather, Frank Guité of Waterville. would like the University of Maine to be the mission to France in 2005. It was the most All of our children have Irish names and university of choice for Franco-Americans in successful trade mission in our State’s his- French/Irish spirits. Conor and Devin Maine and throughout our region. Obviously tory. Over $5 million in sales of new goods studied at the University in Dijon. Liam this must be done in collaboration with Uni- and services resulted from the trip. In 2010 has visited France. Emmett works for an versity of Maine at Fort Kent and Lewiston- there will be another trade mission to France. American president who is loved in France Auburn College of the University of South- I believe it will be even more successful. The for “son charme, son charisme, sa jeunesse.” ern Maine in Lewiston, with their faculty and University of Maine has a vital role to play A little over a year ago I received students—this must be a common effort— in this trade as well, by creating research an honor that I know my father would be but leadership from here, from Maine’s and development partnerships with French so proud and happy to see in his family. landgrant, research institution is essential. schools and businesses. An example of the The French government made me a Che- This brings me back to my subject, international opportunities for the University valier (that means “knight”) in the ordre to Maine’s French Reality and, to enlarge System is the 2008 Memorandum of Under- national of the Legion of Honor. And the scope of the conversation, the French standing between the University System and today I am honored to be appointed to be a Reality in our region, in New England the University d’Angiers in Western France, distinguished professor of Franco-American in particular and in New York, c’est las which created the vehicle for exchange of ed- Studies at the University of Maine. Our même grand famille.. Perhaps you still ucators, students and cultural organizations. family indeed has come a long way. And expect me to tell you what that reality is, I began by thanking President Ken- the journey continues with our children. but actually what I am here to suggest nedy and by offering my hand in partnership. Our family is not unusual. Accord- today is that together we discover what it I have mentioned others along the way this ing to the Census Bureau, today more than is, not only as a past, but as a present, and afternoon, but there are so many people 350,000 of Maine’s 1.3 million people particularly as a future. The philosopher (Continued on page 11) 10 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE A New Franco-American Society – La Bibliothèque nationale franco-américaine

By Albert J. Marceau, Newington, Conn. On Wed. Nov. 26, 2008, the day before Thanksgiving, the State of New Hampshire legally recognized the incorporation of a new Franco-American society – La Bibliothèque nationale franco-américaine. The founders of the BNFA are: Roger Lacerte and Roger “The founders of the BNFA after the meeting at the IHOP in Tewksbury, Mass., Brunelle, both of Lowell, Mass., Georges- Fri. Aug. 29, 2008, about 10:45PM. From left to right are: Roger Lacerte, Benoit Andre Lussier of Salisbury, Mass., Benoit Pelletier-Shoja, Marcel Raymond, Charles Martel, Roger Brunelle, Georges Pelletier-Shoja of Concord, N.H., Albert Lussier, with Albert J. Marceau seated Indian-style on the floor. The photo was J. Marceau of Newington, Conn., Michel taken with Marceau’s Pentax P3 SLR Camera on a tripod with a timer and a flash.” Michaud of Lynn, Mass., and Louis-Charles Martel of Manchester, N.H. The purpose order to make them available to a greater paperwork to Michel Michaud, who signed of the organization is: “To identify, collect, number of researchers. The first problem it while at the ACGS in Manchester, N.H., promote and preserve documents, books, that Martel had in creating the organiza- and then Martel brought the paperwork to and items important to the history of the tion was that he could not think of a name Concord, N.H. Martel’s signature appears Franco-Americans” as stated on the incor- for it. Michel Michaud thought of a name last on the document because he handed poration papers. The other two points which – La Bibliothèque nationale franco-améri- the paperwork to the clerk in the Secretary are mandatory in the Articles of Agreement caine – because it sounded impressive, of State’s Office, and then he realized that of a New Hampshire Nonprofit Corporation, and Martel himself was struck by it. All he forgot to sign it himself, so he asked are the establishment of membership, which voted in favor of the name, and while the for it back, and he signed the document Charles Martel wrote by hand: “Annual dues, others were admiring the name, Michaud before he finally handed it over to the clerk. the amount of which will be determined at joked and said: “It sounds better than The meeting of an unknown date, a later date,” and the other point, concern- ‘Charlie’s books,’” and everyone laughed. according to the undated meeting minutes ing dissolution, which Martel also wrote in The third meeting of the BNFA oc- of Michel Michaud, occurred in the Roger his hand: “Corporate assets will go to the curred on Fri. Aug. 29, 2008 at the Inter- Lacerte’s La Librairie Populaire on 18 Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Qué- national House of Pancakes in Tewksbury, Orange St., in Manchester, N.H. It is also bec.” The listed founders of the society do Mass., and its significance is that Charles known as “The Pizza Meeting” because not have titles in the corporation, since the Martel presented a blank set of the incor- (Continued on page 12) laws of incorporation for the State of New poration papers for the BNFA, and during Hampshire do not require a list of offices for the meeting, he began to fill in the four (Continued from page 10) the establishment of a nonprofit corporation. points necessary for the act of incorporation to recognize and acknowledge. So many The three most important meetings which are the previously mentioned points people on the journey whose names have in the foundation of the BNFA are the first of name, goals, membership and dissolu- been forgotten as well as the few who can and third meetings, and a meeting of un- tion for the society. The men who signed be remembered. And now we are here today. known date, but for the lack of date, it has the paperwork at the meeting in Tewks- Have you guessed yet what Elmer meant the colorful name of “The Pizza Meeting.” bury were Roger Lacerte, Roger Brunelle, when he said, “Excusez-là,” what it means to The first meeting of the BNFA oc- Georges-André Lussier of Salisbury, Mass., speak French in this place? I assure you on curred on Wed. July 9, 2008 at the Siam Benoit Shoja and Albert J. Marceau. The Elmer’s behalf that he was not asking to be Orchid Restaurant in Manchester, N.H., surprising statement during the meeting in excused. That was not Elmer’s way. Perhaps and the men in attendance were Roger Lac- Tewksbury came from Marcel Raymond, at that time some misunderstood, but now erte, Charles Martel, Benoit Shoja, Michel who did not sign the document, but offered you won’t: Elmer was extending his hand in Michaud, and John Kobuszewski. Charles $50,000 from his own personal funds to the friendship, and he was offering a gift. As I am Martel was the driving force behind the BNFA. The founders of the BNFA did not today to you and the University. Excusez-là. meeting, for he wanted to save books and then, nor now, make a final decision on the I want to close by thanking everyone artifacts by Franco-Americans from being very generous offer by Marcel Raymond. for listening patiently to my academic debut destroyed, or collections from being bro- The conclusion of the signing of and I trust that we will all leave today with ken and sold into individual items. Martel the incorporation papers that started at the a greater appreciation and understanding wanted to create an organization through Tewksbury meeting occurred on Wed. Nov. of the French Reality in Maine and the which he could get grants, and in turn, use 26, 2008, when Martel decided to finalize unique opportunity for the University Sys- the grants to preserve collections of materi- the submission of the incorporation papers to tem to capitalize on one of Maine’s finest als, or to digitize books and newspapers in the State of New Hampshire. He brought the resources, its Franco-American citizens. 11 Le Forum (A New Franco-American Society – La 2, 2008 at the Centralville Social Club on he wrote that it contained the Collection Bibliothèque nationale franco-américaine 364 West Sixth St., Lowell, Mass. Those Lambert, which was named after Adélard continued from page 11) in attendance were Lacerte, Martel, Shoja, Lambert, a former director of the American Michaud, Kobuszewski, Brunelle, Lussier, Folklore Society. (Ham did not mention Charlie Martel purchased two pizzas and the Chaputs, Bernard, Marceau and June that Lambert is the author of the Franco- some beer for the meeting. Those in at- Turcotte of Northampton, Mass. The only American mystery novel, L’Innocente tendance, according to Michaud’s notes, mention of the BNFA was from Martel, who )Victime. Ham wrote that the Collection were Lacerte, Martel, Shoja, Michaud, said that he was preparing the paperwork to Lambert contained in August 1936: “2,250 Kobuszewski, Roger Brunelle of Lowell, incorporate the organization in the future. books, over 1,400 pamphlets, and several Mass., and Don and Marie-Jeanne Chaput Most of the meeting was about the SHFA, hundred letters, all of which are with few of Manchester, N.H. Both Martel and Mi- and Brunelle said that he looked forward to exceptions related to French Canada and chaud remember that the meeting occurred meet with Marcel Raymond on Wed. Nov. New England.” Ham also described other in the Summer of 2008, while Michaud has 5, 2008 in Chelmsford, Mass., at the first holdings of the ACA Library that contained a vague recollection that it occurred on Wed. meeting of the officers of the SHFA in years. manuscripts by Henri d’Arles and Édouard Aug. 6, 2008, because he routinely visits the The practical factor in Martel’s deci- Richard, numerous Franco-American news- American-Canadian Genealogical Society in sion to save collections through the BNFA papers and periodicals, as well as the meet- Manchester, N.H. on the first Wednesday of was the then potential dissolution of two ing minutes of organizations, such as the the month during the Summer. According Franco-American collections that were Société Franco-Américaine du Denier de St. to Michaud, Roger Brunelle brought his owned by the Association Canado-Améri- Pierre and the Association Catholique de la stack of meeting minutes and other papers caine Assurance of Manchester, N.H., Jeunesse Franco-Américaine. Since Ham’s from the Société Historique Franco-Améri- because the ACA Assurance was forced to description of the Collection Lambert has caine since he was a director of it. Benoit divest itself of the collections at the behest 650 books and pamphlets more than what Pelletier-Shoja, however, is convinced that of the New Hampshire Insurance Depart- the Geisel Library was willing to accept, I the Pizza Meeting is the Sixth Meeting of ment. One was a collection of artwork that decided to speak to Robert Perreault himself. the BNFA, which occurred at La Librairie Msgr. Adrien Verrette P.D. donated to the On the evening of Tues. Sept. 29, Populaire on Fri. Jan. 20, 2009, and the same ACA decades ago, and the other collection 2009, around 6:30PM, I telephoned Robert people were in attendance at the meeting, ex- was the Collection Lambert, which the ACA Perreault at his home, and after he reminded cept Brunelle. Both agree that the significant owned since 1918. By the end of Summer me to make the conversation brief because aspect of the Pizza Meeting is that Lacerte 2009, both collections were sold to groups of his dinner was on the table, he confirmed and Martel argued about the direction of the buyers. Martel heard rumors that the group that the Geisel Library would only accept organization. Lacerte argued in favor of that purchased the artwork have decided 3,000 books. Of that number, Perreault preserving only books and printed matter, among themselves to reassemble the collec- said proudly that all of the Franco-Ameri- while Martel argued in favor of preserving tion sometime in the future. The rumors that can books were saved, that the best of the books, printed matter and artifacts. Martel Martel heard about the purchase of the Col- Quebecois books were saved, and that only suggested that the organization should get a lection Lambert are confirmed in theGeisel a couple books from France were saved. On place to store books, and those in attendance Library News of August 2009, for it reported the last point, Perreault remarked that the voted to save artifacts as well as books. that the Collection Lambert has been donated Geisel Library: “did not need another copy The meetings of lesser importance are by “a consortium of interested individuals” of Les Miserables.” Perreault noted with a the second, fourth, and fifth meetings of the to the Geisel Library at St. Anselm College mixture of pride and puzzlement, that while BNFA. The second meeting occurred on Fri. in Manchester, N.H. The same periodical the ACA held the Collection Lambert, no- July 25, 2008 at the Clam King Restaurant also reported that Robert Perreault, the first one knew about it, while now as it is being in Manchester, N.H., attended by Lacerte, librarian at the ACA to catalog the Collec- catalogued into the Geisel Library, there are Martel, Shoja, Michaud, Kobuszewski, tion Lambert, has been working with Betsy requests from various libraries outside of Brunelle, Lussier, and the Chaputs. I ef- Holmes, the Collection and User Services New England, from Iowa and England, that fectively did not attend the meeting because Librarian at the Geisel Library, to select are borrowing books from the collection. he arrived about ten minutes before it ended. 3,000 titles from the 8,000 titles in the Perreault reiterated to me that he could not The decision of the second meeting was to said collection, to comprise the core of the understand how quickly the requests were continue the work of saving the Société “ACA/Lambert Franco-American Collec- made by the other libraries, since the Collec- Historique Franco-Américaine. The fourth tion,” and that the collection will be avail- tion Lambert has not been fully catalogued. meeting occurred on Fri. Sept. 19, 2008 in able to the public in the Summer of 2010. Conversely, Perreault did not make it clear the office of Marcel Raymond on 5 Sever Since I was surprised by the reduction of the to me what would happen to the remaining Street in Worcester, Mass., and it was at- Collection Lambert as reported in the Geisel 5,000 books from the Collection Lambert. tended by Lacerte, Martel, Shoja, Michaud, Library News, I thought it was a mistake, When I mentioned Edward Ham’s article in Kobuszewski, Brunelle, Lussier, Raymond, and so I checked an early description of it. Modern Language Notes and the reference to Marceau and Bernadette Bernard of Man- Edward Ham, who was a member of the several hundred letters in the Collection chester, N.H. At times it was not clear if the Société Historique Franco-Américaine, Lambert, Perreault responded that the letters the meeting were about the BNFA or the wrote in the November 1937 issue of Modern were not part of the Collection Lambert, and Société Historique Franco-Américaine. Language Notes, a description of the Library that they were still at the Franco-American The fifth meeting was held on Sun. Nov. of the Association Canado-Américaine, and (Continued on page 13) 12 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE the latest two reports to the Secretary of (A New Franco-American Society – La Sirois and Lausier have State, and those reports are dated 1997 and Bibliothèque nationale franco-américaine 1998. It is not known as to why UFAC continued from page 12) goal to save UFAC did not submit reports for 1999 and 2000. Center in Manchester, N.H., but he added The last known convention of UFAC a foreboding proviso to his response: “…if By Albert J. Marceau, occurred on the weekend of Oct. 25-26, they have not been thrown away already.” Newington, Conn. 1997 at the Marco Polo Restaurant in Our conversation ended on the ominous note. East Hartford, Conn., and in the final Since neither collection formerly Evelyn Sirois of Windsor, and Patrick vote of the organization, it was decided owned by the ACA Assurance was saved Lausier of South Windsor, Conn., are both not to dissolve it, but to let it continue. by the BNFA, I spoke to Charles Martel on trying to save possibly the oldest Franco- In June 2008, I spoke by telephone to Mon. Oct. 26, 2009 about the BNFA and American organization in New England Therese Lachance of Bristol, Conn., and she the goals he has for it. When I asked him if – the Union des Franco-Américains du was the Secretary and Treasurer of UFAC for the any of the goals of the BNFA have been Connecticut (UFAC). The reason that they about 20 years, from the 1970s to the 1990s, achieved, he responded that one of them would like to save the organization is in when Robert Bisaillon of Waterbury was has been achieved – the digitization of the part because it is possibly the oldest Franco- President, and then under the Presidency of issues of Le Bulletin de la Société Historique American organization in New England, and Normand Morneault. Since I was in charge Franco-Américaine for the years 1937 to because it has a 501c3 status, so it could raise of publicity for the 1997 Convention of 1973 – which was done by the Boston funds, and use the funds for cultural exhibits. UFAC, I remember her well. My first ques- Public Library in the Summer of 2009. In When Evelyn Sirois was the Pro- tion to her was whether or not there was a early 2009, Martel had the intention to call gram Director of UFAC, in 1998, she did convention of UFAC after 1997, and her the BPL for permission to digitize the said apply for grants so UFAC sponsored the response was unclear, for she herself was issues of the BSHFA, and then, with the let- art exhibit “Sur Bois: Franco-American not sure if there were one of two conventions ter of permission from the BPL, he intended Woodcarvers of New England” that was after 1997, and she was not sure of the date to raise the funds through the BNFA, in on display in the gallery of the Institute for or dates of the convention or conventions. order to start the process of digitization of Community Research on 2 Hartford Square (I suspect that there were two conventions the BSHFA. During the process of phone West, Hartford, Conn., from Sat. Oct. 10 to of UFAC, one in 2000, and another in 2003.) calls and visits to the BPL, Martel spoke Thurs. Dec. 31, 1998. Although “Sur Bois” Lachance said that UFAC lost the meeting to Tom Blake, who is the Digital Imaging was shown in other parts of New England, minutes of its last convention, for she said Production Manager for the BPL, and Blake the exhibit under UFAC had items by four that the secretary of the last convention, offered to digitize the BSHFA, at no charge woodcarvers from Connecticut, three of Rita Angers, moved to Quebec and died to the BNFA. The only cost was a letter of whom were alive then – Richard Boisclair there without giving copies of the meeting gratitude to Blake from Pres. Roger Lacerte of Barkhamstead, Alan Reynolds of Burl- minutes to any other officer of UFAC. (Rita of the SHFA, a letter that Martel wrote and ington, and George Daigle of South Windsor Angers was a Vice-President of the ACA, Lacerte signed it in the name of the society. – and some carvings by Ronald St. Amand, and in November 1983, she was elected The issues of the BSHFA are available on whose carvings were lent to the exhibit the President of ActFANE, as reported in http://www.archive.org/, or they can be through his widow Julie St. Amand of East the Hartford Courant, Nov. 25, 1983, “No- found by typing: “Boston Public Library Hartford. In an e-message to me, dated Sept. table… Rita Angers of West Hartford….”) Le Bulletin de la Société Historique Franco- 22, 2009, Sirois effectively wanted to do Lachance expressed confidence that Nor- Américaine” as a search term on Yahoo or with UFAC what she has done in the past, mand Morneault would get the meeting Google. When I asked him what he plans for she wrote of her goals for UFAC as a: minutes, presumably from the family of to do beyond the digitization of the BSHFA, “conduit for cultural grants…, to be part of Rita Angers, through the ACA Assurance and he said that wants to continue the the tourism resource so we can list all Fran- in Quebec, where he was Chairman of the project of digitization of Franco-American co[-American] related sites in the State.” Board of the ACA Assurance. Lachance books, pamphlet and newspapers, at least Like other Franco-Ameri- expressed concern for the future of UFAC, those of the 19th Century and the Early can organizations in New England, because she said that Normand Morneault 20th Century. He said that he is searching UFAC has started to become defunct. told her that he wanted to dissolve UFAC, for a place for the archives of the BNFA, The last filing of UFAC with the and to donate the $6,000.00 in its coffers to likely in Manchester, N.H., and he said the Office of the Secretary of the State of Con- the ACA Assurance. Lachance clearly stated purpose to find a place for the BNFA is to necticut is dated Oct. 18, 2000, and the to me about herself: “I would not let him do provide: “a safe haven for Franco-Ameri- legal name of the organization is “L’Union it.” (Note: these are the words of Lachance can items.” Anyone who is interested in des Franco-Americains du Connecticut, to me, who stated Morneault’s intention, the BNFA, or helping Charles Martel in Inc.” The officers of UFAC, according at least as she understood it, and not what any of the cited projects, can contact him the file at the Secretary of the State, are happened, to the funds of UFAC. On Thurs. on his cellphone at (339)-645-4854 or on President Normand Morneault of Bristol, Oct. 29, 2009, at 8:10PM, I telephoned Mor- his e-mail at [email protected]. Secretary Rita Anger of East Hartford, and neault, but I was not able to speak to him, Director Jean-Paul Gilbert of New Britain. and I left a message on his answering ma- Although the file is dated Oct. 18, 2000, chine. He did not return the call in time for that is the date when UFAC submitted (Continued on page 14) 13 Le Forum (Sirois and Lausier have goal to save what UFAC did with the money, since nordale. A decade later, Danielsonville was UFAC continued from 13) $25,000 in 1924 is worth about $124,800 in renamed Danielson, and the borough within 2008, as figured by the Inflation Calculator, the Town of Killingly is remembered in the the deadline for the article.) Lachance also http://www.westegg.com/inflation/. In the 17th chapter of Robert Rumilly’s Histoire des said that UFAC would be remembered in a 1950s, UFAC published a compilation of its Franco-Américains, entitled “L’Affaire de monument in the Province of Quebec, and meeting minutes for the previous 50 years, Danielson.” Therefore, CAC was founded that the engraving for UFAC cost $1,000.00. and the copy is owned by Lucien Nadeau in the parish at the heart of the Danielson Af- She mentioned that her son was willing to of West Hartford, Conn., who lent it to Ev- fair. At the 21st Convention of CAC, in Sept. pay for an engraving for her. She also said elyn Sirois, during the UFAC Convention 9-10, 1913, Rumilly noted that there was a that she hoped that she would be well enough of 1997. When I spoke to Nadeau in May type of reconciliation between the Franco- to travel to Quebec, in order to see the 2009 by phone, he did not sound well, and American laity and the Ordinary of the Dio- unveiling ceremony. This was the last sig- he did not know what I was talking about, cese of Hartford, for Bishop John J. Nilan nificant conversation that I had with Therese while Sirois does not remember such a spoke a couple sentences in French at the Lachance because she died on Tues. Sept. book from Nadeau. (Sirois is also tired of end of the Mass for the convention. Rumilly 16, 2008 in the Bristol Hospital, in Bristol, me asking her about it.) I unfortunately did omitted, however, that the Governor of Con- Conn., and her obituary is published in the not note the title, but the book of meeting necticut, Simeon E. Baldwin, gave an entire Hartford Courant on Thurs. Sept. 18, 2008. minutes has the same style of binding as speech in French at the same convention. The monument in Quebec that she Silhouettes Franco-Américaines by Rosaire (“Governor Delivers Address in French,” mentioned in our conversation is the “Monu- Dion-Lévesque. I hope to find a copy of the Hartford Daily Courant, Sept. 10, 1913.) ment de l’Amitié/Friendship Monument,” book someday. Robert Bisaillon, a teacher UFAC had at least four other conven- and in the eight-page pamphlet about the by profession, and a former president of tions where a bishop presided at the Mass for monument by Jacques E. Staelen and UFAC, wrote a three-part series for the the convention. At the 35th UFAC Conven- David Amaral, UFAC is listed among the semi-annual journal of the French-Canadian tion in Waterbury, March 4-5, 1946, Bishop “Associations,” while Thérèse Lachance is Genealogical Society of Connecticut, the Henry J. O’Brien presided at the opening listed among the “Individus,” as “Famille Connecticut Maple Leaf from December Mass of the convention, attended by 1,000 Réginald et Thérèse Lachance, Bristol, 1983 to December 1984, entitled “A Capsule people. (“State French Clubs Open Con- Conn.” Based upon what Therese Lachance History of the French Catholic Presence in vention,” Waterbury American, March 4, told me in our conversation, UFAC likely Connecticut” which does mention various 1946.) Bishop Bernard J. Flanagan, the First paid for its engraving, while her son paid UFAC conventions after 1917, but before Bishop of Norwich, presided at the Mass for an engraving in honor of his parents. 1917, he called the organization UFAC. for the 39th UFAC Convention, May 2-3, As another example as to how the Bisaillon failed to cite the book of meeting 1955. (“Union of Franco-Americans Opens living memory of Franco-American or- minutes, Histoire et Statistiques as edited 39th Annual State Convention,” Willimantic ganizations are truly dying, the Director by Baribault in his articles, although he had Daily Chronicle, May 2, 1955.) Bishop Jean-Paul Gilbert died on Tues. June copy of it, and the proof of his ownership of Vincent J. Hines, the Second Bishop of Nor- 30, 2009 at his home in New Britain, the book is in the “Bisaillon Collection” at wich, presided at the Mass for the 44th UFAC and his obituary is in the New Britain the Connecticut State Library. Bisaillon died Convention, April 23-25, 1965. (“French Herald, on the same day, June 30, 2009. on Oct. 25, 1994 at the Connecticut Hospice Society Opens Convention,” The Day of UFAC has a curious and important in Branford, and in his will, he donated about New London, April 24, 1965.) Auxiliary history of publishing, for it started in 1885 as 1,000 books on the history and genealogy Bishop of Hartford, John F. Hackett, pre- the Canadiens-Américains du Connecticut, of French-Canadians to the Connecticut sided at the Mass for the 45th UFAC Conven- and the first book that CAC published is State Library, and Histoire et Statistiques is tion, April 22-23, 1967. (“Bishop Hackett Histoire et Statisques des Canadiens-Améri- part of the said collection. As for the book Will Celebrate Franco-American Conclave cains du Connecticut, 1885-1898, edited of meeting minutes of UFAC published in Mass,” Bristol Press, April 21, 1967.) by Dr. Arthur Baribault, and published by the late 1950s, Bisaillon apparently did not Two Presidents of UFAC were on L’Opinion Publique of Worcester, Mass., know of the book that is owned by Nadeau, the board of directors of the Holy Apostles in 1899. CAC officially changed its name and Bisaillon certainly did not own a copy, Seminary Corporation that was in charge to UFAC at the convention held in 1917, a since it has not appeared in the Bisaillon of the Holy Apostles College and Seminary fact noted by Alphonse Chagnon of Wil- Collection at the Connecticut State Library. in Cromwell, Conn. Romeo A. Gosselin of limantic, in his history of the local Société UFAC is also important to the history West Hartford was the President of UFAC St-Jean-Baptiste in Willimantic, in its 50th of Franco-Americans in Connecticut, for it from May 1955 to May 1961, and in 1959, anniversary pamphlet entitled Programme- started in 1885 as the Canadiens-Américains he was the Chairman of the Board of Direc- Souvenir du Cinquantenaire de la Société de du Connecticut by six men who resided in tors of the Holy Apostles Seminary Corpo- St. Jean-Baptiste de Willimantic, Inc., 1880- three mill towns or villages in eastern Con- ration. Gosselin died on March 14, 1966 1930. In 1924, UFAC amassed $25,000 to necticut. Four of the six men resided in the in Springfield, Mass., and the report of his publish a newspaper in Fall River, Mass., borough of Danielsonville – Francois-Xavier death in the Hartford Times noted that he entitled Le Réveil, as reported in the Hart- Tetreault, Dr. Joseph Dauray, Eloi Jetté, and was a Knight of St. Gregory, that he was a ford Daily Courant, June 4, 1924, “French Prudent Lepage – and the other two resided trustee of St. Ann’s Church in Hartford, and Societies Elect Gastonguay.” No copies of in neighboring towns – Dr. Omer Larue of that he was “responsible for 44 pending pat- this newspaper survive, and it is not known Putnam, and Louis P. Lamoureux of Grosve- (Continued on page 15) 14 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE (Sirois and Lausier have goal to save tion,” Hartford Courant, May 19, 1957.) UFAC continued from 14) Possibly the peak of political clout ented mechanical innovations.” (“Romeo A. held by UFAC occurred at the 37th Conven- Gosselin Dies, Franco-American Leader,” tion in Meriden, when both the incumbent Hartford Times, March 15, 1966. See also Governor Chester Bowles, Democrat, and in the Hartford Courant: “Decision Due his Republican challenger, John D. Lodge, on Renewal of Seminary,” Sept. 24, 1959; appeared at the formal dinner of UFAC on “Gosselin Again Heads French, American the evening of Mon. Sept. 25, 1950. The Union,” May 20, 1957; “New Britain Man Hartford Courant reported that they gave: Heads Franco-American Union,” May 1, “an impromptu debate on foreign policy in 1961.) The Hartford Courant reported on speeches before 200 members of” UFAC. the death of Albert E. Trottier of Bristol, who The effect of the impromptu debate is not died on July 1, 1962, and described Trot- known on the campaigns of either men, but tier as: “on the Board of Directors at Holy Lodge was elected Governor of Connecticut Apostle[s] Seminary in Cromwell, a member on Tues. Nov. 7, 1950. (See the articles in of St. Francis Third Order, [a member of] St. the Hartford Courant: “2 Candidates For “The Emblem of L’Union des Franco- Ann’s Church [in Bristol], a Knight of St. Governor Stage Debate,” Sept. 26, 1950, Américains du Connecticut. The shield is Gregory, an honor confirmed by Pope Pius and “Wethersfield: Every GOP Candidate similar to that of the Seal of the State of XII in 1957,” and a “past state president of” Wins by Wide Margin,” Nov. 8, 1950.) Connecticut, and the background within the UFAC, although his years in office are not It is clear that UFAC has a long and shield is that of the tricolor flag of France, given in the report. (“Executive of Bearing important role in the history of Franco- in blue, white and red. Other symbols in the Firm Dies,” Hartford Courant, July 2, 1962.) Americans in Connecticut, both politically emblem are the French fleur-de-lys, and the There were other Governors of Con- and religiously, and as such, it should not Canadian Maple Leaf, with the Cross at the necticut who spoke at various conventions be forgotten. As for the work of Evelyn center, symbolizing Christianity, and the of UFAC after 1913. Gov. John H. Trum- Sirois and Patrick Lausier who are trying shaking hands, symbolizing fraternity or bull spoke at the 27th UFAC Convention to revive UFAC, their work should con- co-operation. Notice that the cuffs indicate in Hartford, Oct. 24-26, 1926, and Gov. tinue, especially since both wish to see business suits. The last symbol, above the James C. Shannon spoke at the 36th UFAC the organization live, and sponsor cultural motto, is an eagle, and curiously, its head Convention in Norwich, May 23-25, 1948, events such as the exhibit of “Sur Bois” in is turned to its left, hence, in sinister posi- while Gov. Abraham Ribicoff attended the Fall of 1998. One such activity that tion. (The eagle on the Seal of the United the 40th UFAC Convention in Hartford they should do, once they have the sup- States is turned to its right, hence in dexter on May 18, 1957. (“Governor Greets port of Normand Morneault, is to compile position.) The emblem was first used at Franco-Americans,” Hartford Daily Times, all the meeting minutes of UFAC into one the 40th Convention of UFAC, May 17-19, Oct. 25, 1926. “Gov. Shannon Extols document, and make them available to any 1957, as reported in the Hartford Times, American Way of Life in Banquet Speech,” member of UFAC who wishes to read and May 4, 1957, “New Emblem for L’Union.” Norwich Bulletin, May 25, 1948. “Five study them. Thus, an overlooked facet of Franco-Americans Honored at Conven- Franco-American history can be known. Differences in the Franco- had died, and there was no desire from the concerning the former administration of the surviving members of the board to hold an SHFA and the expenditure of money for an American Society of 1959 election. In preparation to hold an elec- engraving on the “Monument de l’Amitié/ and 2009: The Obstacles tion, I searched the copies of Le Bulletin de Friendship Monument” on the northern bank st la Société Historique Franco-Américaine of the St. Lawrence River in Québec. It may faced by the SHFA in the 21 (BSHFA), in order to find the bylaws of the be wise to reconsider the relationship of the Century society. The latest published bylaws are SHFA and the Province of Québec concern- found in the BSHFA 1959, and the same is- ing the Monument de l’Amitié and the past By Albert J. Mar- sue has a list of the members of the SHFA. relationship with the Commission des Mon- ceau, Newington, It is fascinating to look at the BSHFA uments Historique in Québec. Aside from Conn. 1959, aside from the bylaws and the list of the advertisements, the same issue has a list members, because it is the size of a trader- of 16 patrons and benefactors of the SHFA. As readers of Le Forum already know, paperback book, containing 285 pages. I do According to the BSHFA 1959, the I was part of the take-over of La Société not know the cost of the issue at the time, but SHFA had 319 members, 67 were priests, 50 Historique Franco-Américaine (SHFA) that it has six pages of full-page advertisements were women, 43 were doctors of medicine occurred on Sunday, February 15, 2009, and from such institutions as the Association and ten were judges. To describe the demo- I have heard accusations about the unfairness Canado-Américaine, the Union St-Jean- graphics of the SHFA in 1959, 21% were of the election, and so forth. The intention Baptiste d’Amérique, and the College Anna priests, 15.7% were women, 13.5% were of the Resurrectionists, a term that I coined, Maria. One advertisement is from the Se- doctors of medicine, and 3.1% were judges. was to save the society from dissolution, crétariat de la Province de Québec, La Com- According to the latest records of the which seemed imminent in the Summer of mission des Monuments Historique, which SHFA in 2009, it has 94 members, 3 are 2008, since several of the board members is mildly ironic today, due to the controversy (Continued on page 16) 15 Le Forum (Differences in the Franco-American of the Mass had not changed significantly July 2008. The Collection Lambert was Society of 1959 and 2009: The since 1570, as standardized by the Coun- sold by the ACA, under pressure from the Obstacles faced by the SHFA in the cil of Trent. The growth of the Catholic New Hampshire Insurance Department, to st 21 Century continued from page 15) Church is shown in the establishment of a consortium of concerned individuals in 2009, and the collection will be available at priests, one is a deacon, 28 are women, a new dioceses in New England. In 1950, the Geisel Library at St. Anselm College in figure that does not include the three nuns the Diocese of Springfield, Mass., which Manchester, N.H. in the Summer of 2010. in the society, two are doctors of medicine, covered the counties of Berkshire, Franklin, Today, I know of two members of the As- and one is a judge. To describe the demo- Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester since sociation de la Jeunesse Franco-Américaine, graphics of the SHFA in 2009, 3.2% are 1870, lost the County of Worcester for the and both are current officers of the SHFA priests, one percent is a deacon, 3.2% are establishment of the Diocese of Worcester. – Roger Lacerte and Trudy Lamoureux – and nuns, 29.8% are women, 2.1% are doctors In 1953, the Diocese of Hartford, which both today are senior citizens. Likewise, of medicine, and one percent is a judge. covered the entire State of Connecticut since the Alliance radiophonique française de la It must be remembered that in 1959, 1872, was elevated to the Archdiocese of Nouvelle-Angleterre is hardly a memory of most of the women who comprised the Hartford, covering the counties of Hartford, the past, for I never heard any of the four 15.7% were wives, with few single women. Litchfield and New Haven, while two more Franco-American radiobroadcasters associ- Based upon the differences between dioceses were established, Bridgeport that ated with the SHFA mention it once. The 1959 and 2009 within the SHFA, it is important covers Fairfield County, and Norwich that four broadcasters are: Roger Lacerte (“Chez to consider the differences of Franco-Ameri- covers the counties of Norwich, Middlesex, Nous” Sundays 9AM-12NN, WFEA 1370 can society as a whole for the same years. Tolland and Windham. Robert Rumilly AM, Manchester, N.H.), Marcel Raymond In 1959, there were eight Francophone wrote in the conclusion of his Histoire des (“L’Heure Française” Saturdays 12NN-2PM, newspapers in New England, of which, Franco-Américains that the establishment WCUW 91.3FM, Worcester, Mass.), Su- four were in Massachusetts (L’Indépendant of the Diocese of Norwich, Conn., was a zanne Bernier (“Bonjour! Salut!” Sundays of Fall River, La Justice of Holyoke, La sign of hope for the continuance of Franco- 10-11AM, WNRI 1380 AM, Woonsocket, Liberté of Fitchburg, and Le Travailleur of American life, for 60 percent of the popula- R.I.) and Bernard Théroux, who retired his Worcester), two were in New Hampshire tion of the diocese was Franco-American. show in the Summer of 2008, “L’Heure Mu- (L’Impartial of Nashua, and Le Canado of Also, he noted that only a couple years after sicale Franco-Américane,” after nearly 35 the Association Canado-Américaine in Man- the establishment of the diocese, the Mis- years of broadcasting in Fall River, Mass., chester), one was in Maine (Le Messager sionaries of the Holy Apostles, a religious on Sunday afternoons, on WSAR 1480 AM of Lewiston) and one was in Rhode Island order founded by Fr. Eusèbe Menard o.f.m. from 1964 to 1974, and then from 1974 to (L’Union of the Union St-Jean-Baptiste and based in Montreal, established their 2008 on WALE 1400 AM, which changed d’Amérique in Woonsocket). The two major Holy Apostles College and Seminary in its call-sign in 1989 to WHTB 1400 AM. Franco-American fraternal insurance com- Cromwell, Conn., and one of the purposes In 2009, it is apparent that the Roman panies – the ACA and USJBA – published of the seminary was the training of French- Catholic Church it is in decline in both the two significant books about the history of speaking priests for the Diocese of Norwich. U.S. and Canada, and the reasons for the de- Franco-Americans – Silhouettes Franco- In 2009, none of the previously cline are numerous. The foremost important Américaines by Rosaire Dion-Levesque mentioned Francophone newspapers are change within the Roman Catholic Church in 1957 (ACA), and Histoires des Franco- published. Both Franco-American frater- that occurred as a result of the Second Américains by Robert Rumilly in 1958 nal insurance companies merged into other Vatican Council, which lasted from Oct. 11, (USJBA). Also, the same companies held fraternal insurance companies – the USJB 1962 to Dec. 8, 1965, is the establishment private libraries – the Collection Lambert in 1993 to the Catholic Family Life Insur- of the Mass of Pope Paul VI, (also known at the ACA and the Bibliothèque Mallet at ance of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the as the Novus Ordo Rite), that changed the the USJB. Rumilly, in the conclusion of his ACA Assurance in 2009 into two separate Ordinary of the Mass as well as the cycle of Histoire des Franco-Américains, noted two insurance fraternals – those in the U.S. to readings throughout the year. Moreover, the points of hope for the future continuance the Royal Arcanum of Boston, Mass., and Council decided to translate the Novus Ordo of Franco-American culture in the then those in Canada to L’Union Vie of Drum- Rite from Latin into modern languages so recent establishment of the Association mondville, Quebec, Canada. The private the laity could immediately understand what de la Jeunesse Franco-Américain and the libraries of the USJB and the ACA were the priest was saying during the Mass. (I Alliance radiophonique française de la moved to other institutions. The majority must note that the two forms of the Roman Nouvelle-Angleterre. Rumilly even noted of the Bibliothèque Mallet was transferred Rite have important differences between that some radio stations broadcast one hour to the third floor of the Emmanuel d’Alzon them, the most significant is that the Tri- per day in French, but he did not mention Library at Assumption College, Worcester, dentine Rite has very clear proclamations how many stations had such schedules. Mass., in March 2004, with the official open- of transubstantiation, with repeated state- In 1959, the Catholic Church was ing on Oct. 13, 2004, and it is currently on ments that the bread and wine are the Body in an era of growth, an important facet to permanent loan to Assumption College from and Blood of Christ, while the Novus Ordo remember since Franco-Americans were the Union St-Jean-Baptiste Educational Rite has vague terms for transubstantiation, strongly tied to the Roman Catholic Church. Fund. The remainder of the Bibliothèque the most notable in the original Latin are It is also important to remember that in 1959, Mallet went to the Franco-American Col- “panis vitae” and “potus spiritalis,” which the language of the liturgy of the Roman lection at the Lewiston-Auburn College Catholic Church was in Latin, and the form of the University of Southern Maine in (Continued on page 17) 16 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE

(Differences in the Franco-American makes sense, because Québec is no longer Polish newspapers in New Britain, and there Society of 1959 and 2009: The a Catholic culture. Rumilly noted in an is a Polish Hip-Hop radio show on WFCS Obstacles faced by the SHFA in the early chapter of his Histoire des Franco- st 107.7FM, Radio Emka, on the campus of 21 Century continued from page 16) Américains that Bishop Laflèche of the Central Connecticut State University in are translated into English as “the bread of Diocese of Trois-Rivières coined the phrase, New Britain, which is available through life,” and “spiritual drink,” while the French because of his experiences in the Mid-West the internet at http://emka1077.com/. translation is “le pain de la vie,” and the where French-Canadians emigrated in the Other changes in the Franco-Ameri- rather poetic “le vin du Royaume éternel.”) 1850s. Rumilly wrote that Laflèche noted can community that the SHFA should record The use of French in the Novus Ordo Rite that the French-Canadians who retained are the move of the archives, such as the that was heard in the various Franco-Ameri- their French, remained Catholic, while Bibliothèque Mallet and the Collection can parishes in New England from the mid- those who spoke English, tended to go to Lambert. Although both are referenced 1960s and into the 1990s is rare today. The Protestant churches. Curiously, in 1891, earlier, SHFA should have in depth reports only parish in the State of Connecticut that Fr. Édouard Hamon, S.J., questioned the about the changes, and answer the question has the Mass in French on Sunday morning validity of the syllogism in his introduction as to why the Bibliothèque Mallet was split is Ste-Anne/Immaculate Conception Church to his book, Les Canadiens-français de la into two locations. (Here is the link to the on Park Street in Hartford, where I am a Nouvelle-Angleterre, where he noted that Mallet Collection at Assumption College: parishioner, although Gérard Brault in the the speaking of French did not guarantee http://www1.assumption.edu/dept/library/ appendix of his book, The French-Canadian salvation, but he did not fully fault the Mallet/leaders.html. Here is the link to Heritage in New England, which was pub- logic of the syllogism, because he felt that the Mallet Collection at the University of lished in 1986, lists twelve Franco-American it was working on a cultural level. Hamon Southern Maine: http://www.usm.maine. parishes in Connecticut. As for Rumilly’s also noted that it was working for the time, edu/lac/franco/news/080719afr.html.) Other hope for a Franco-American culture through and he did not see it working in perpetuity. archives that the SHFA should examine are Holy Apostles College and Seminary, one So, what does all this mean for the the Franco-American collections that used can walk throughout the campus and not Société Historique Franco-Américaine? to be in public libraries. I know that the know that it is run by a religious order Since the SHFA is an historical so- Holyoke Public Library divested itself of its based in Montréal. Since the order and ciety, one of its primary goals is to record holdings of French language books within the priests who run the seminary are fully and analyze how Franco-American culture, the past decade. If it were possible, a study aware of the change in demographics in the language, society et cetera, has changed could be made of the library’s records of Catholic Church in the U.S., seminarians over the decades. One such examination the former holdings, and examine why it who are not native speakers of Spanish, could be the role of Franco-American ra- had such a collection, and why it divested must take at least one year of Spanish in dio-broadcasters in the Franco-American itself of the collection. One such study order to graduate, but the study of Latin community. Such a topic is timely, because could be repeated throughout New England. is optional. Proof that the administration I have already noted four Franco-American An important study that the SHFA of the seminary is not concerned with broadcasters who are members of the SHFA. should do is of the changes within the perpetuating their own ethnic heritage, the How has broadcasting changed in the past Catholic Church and the effect on Franco- Vice-President of the seminary is Fr. Gée- 40 years? What does it mean now to be in American culture. One study could be the goire Fluet, who is from Québec, and head a Franco-American community, such as effect of the Novus Ordo Rite on Franco- of the diocese is Bishop Michael R. Coté, Woonsocket, R.I., or Worcester, Mass., and American parishes, from its implementation who is of French-Canadian ancestry from broadcast over the internet, where anyone on the First Sunday of Advent in 1963 to Sanford, Maine, and formerly an Auxiliary on Planet Earth can receive the signal over the present. The shift from the Tridentine Bishop in the Diocese of Portland, Maine. the internet? This last question could be Rite to the Novus Ordo Rite was not simply The closing of parishes and the drop answered by Marcel Raymond or Suzanne of language, but a way of life, for in the in regular church attendance among the Bernier, since their stations are on the in- early 1990s, I spoke to a Franco-American Catholic laity is a common occurrence. The ternet, at www.wcuw.org and www.wnri. priest in Fitchburg, Mass., while delivering Franco-American parish of Notre-Dame des com. Conversely, the SHFA could study church bulletins to his parish, and he told Canadiens in Worcester, Mass., closed in why haven’t the Franco-American clubs me that when he grew-up in the parish in the Summer of 2008. In August 2009, the in New England added internet access to the 1950s, the class day in the parochial Diocese of Springfield, Mass., announced their facilities to receive internet broadcast- school was half in French, half in English, that it would close 19 churches, and that ing from French Canada, or even satellite and the liturgy was in Latin. He then left it would merge an additional 20 percent of television reception from French Canada? for Rome to study for the priesthood, and parishes throughout its diocese. In Sep- I have gone into Polish grocery stores and when he returned to his parish, and the No- tember 2009, Bishop Coté not only closed restaurants on Broad Street, New Britain, vus Ordo Rite was implemented, the liturgy five parishes in the Diocese of Norwich, and in Polish travel agencies and stores in and the education at the parish were entirely he placed the property of the parishes up Hartford, and I have watched Polish televi- in English. Another study could be of the for sale. Le Devoir reported in 2007 that sion via satellite, and I have heard radio diminution of Francophone religious orders. less than ten percent of the population of broadcasts live from Warsaw while in New Another study could be of Franco-American Québec attends the Mass on a regular basis. Britain or in Hartford. The connection to bishops, including the first Franco-Ameri- Therefore, the syllogism of “Qui Poland has not diminished the role of local can Bishop of Springfield, Mass., Bishop Polish media, because there are two weekly perd sa langue, perd sa foi” no longer (Continued on page 18) 17 Le Forum http://www.normandchartier.com/ (Differences in the Franco-American Society of 1959 and 2009: The Normand Chartier: Obstacles faced by the SHFA in the 21st Century continued from page 17) Artist, Author, Illustrator Thomas L. Dupré, and Bishop Donald Normand Chartier is a Connecticut artist, who lives Pelotte, S.S.S., the first Native American in the rural “Quiet Corner” of the state. He is an accom- Bishop of Gallup, New Mexico, who claims plished rising watercolorist and a nationally celebrated both Abenaki and French-Canadian ancestry, children’s book illustrator. His luminous impressionistic and who was born in Waterville, Maine. watercolor paintings have won numerous awards and have Other studies by the SHFA could be of found their way into more than two hundred and fifty NAFTA and its economic effect on French public and private collections around the entire country. He is an elected artist mem- Canada, how the rush to war in Iraq by the ber of the Mystic Art Association (Mystic, CT) and is a past member of the North- George W. Bush Administration effected east Connecticut Artist’s Guild and the Boothbay (Maine) Region Art Foundation. the teaching of French in schools, how the DOWN EAST BOOKS of Camden Maine recently published a 96 page volume on Nor- absence of manufacturing in the U.S. has mand titled “My Maine, the Coastal Watercolors of Normand Chartier”. It is a compendium of 90 effected immigration from French Canada. of his works spanning the last two decades, reflecting his love of that region and of painting itself. Another goal of the SHFA, which As an illustrator he specializes in children’s art. He has illustrated more than appears in its bylaws for May 20, 1960 and seventy children’s books (authoring three). He contributes regularly to the finest chil- April 20, 1985, is the co-operation with other dren’s periodicals such as Cricket, Lady Bug, Spider, and Sesame Street magazines. historical societies, “la Société… prête son Some of the numerous honors he has received include his selection to the New York Society of concours aux autres sociétés historiques.” Illustrators Original Art Exhibition three times. He is listed in Gale Research’s Something About This is a good goal, but I would advocate a The Author and is included in North Light Book’s The Very Best of Children’s Book Illustration. networking with the various Franco-Ameri- In 1996 he was awarded the Gold Medallion for the best preschool children’s picture can genealogical societies in New England. book of the year from the Christian Publishers Association. In 1999 he was one of forty- To conclude, there are numerous goals three of America’s most distinguished contemporary children’s book illustrators chosen of the SHFA in the study of the facets of the to contribute to TIKVAH ( SeaStar Books), a collaborative reflection on human rights for history of Franco-Americans and French- children aimed at an adult audience. His work is in the permanent collection of the Northeast Canadians. One of the goals to disseminate Children’s Literature Collection housed in the Dodd Library at the University of Connecticut. its work is through the publication of the In 2000 he was selected by the Hartford Courant/Mark Twain Committee as a Distinguished Bulletin de la Société Historique Franco- Connecticut Author. In 2004 a piece of his art was chosen to go on a 3-year international Américaine. Another is to create a viable goodwill tour from 2005-2008. His recent book of watercolor paintings “MY MAINE” website with useful information for anyone was selected by Publishers Weekly as a recommended Art/Gift book for 2005/2006. searching for a given topic, and I would advocate that the website be bilingual, for I My Maine, the Coastal Watercol- know many people from the St. John River ors of Normand Chartier Valley who can speak French fluently, but cannot read French at all. A third goal is Down East Books of Camden Maine to hold regular meetings with the member- has published a 96 page volume on Normand ship for the business of the society and the titled My Maine, the Coastal Watercolors education of its members. A fourth goal is of Normand Chartier. It is a compendium to encourage its own members to research of 90 of his works spanning the last two the histories of the various Franco-Ameri- decades, reflecting his love of that re- can organizations that the members are as- gion and of painting itself. Copies of My sociated with, and to possibly publish their https://secure.downeast.com/store/product. Maine are available for purchase direct findings in the BSHFA. On the last point, php?productid=1134&cat=0&page=1 from the publisher, Down East Books. the purpose of the SHFA would not be a means for the membership to admire the officers of the SHFA, rather, for the officers of the SHFA to empower the membership so they can record and write their own his- tories, so that, the history of the 16 million Franco-Americans in the U.S. can be known.

© Normand Chartier PO Box 161 Danielson, CT 06239 (860) 779 1104 View and purchase ORIGINAL ARTWORK: Email: [email protected] http://www.normandchartier.com/my_maine_art_for_sale.html 18 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE N.D.L.R. Ceci est le troisième installment de ramassée tout en sang et blessée grave- Waterbury L’exilé par Alice Gélinas. Voir la ment. Mes parents sont allés reconduire prochaine édition de Le Forum pour plus.) Laura à la gare, afin qu’elle aille en prendre soin. Ils pleuraient comme des enfants. Ce soir-là, papa nous a parlé de sa mère. Il se Waterbury rappelait la peine immense qu’elle avait eu lorsque grand-père Elie fut frappé par le cancer. Elle se tennait auprès de lui, jour L’exilé et nuit. Dans les dernières semaines de sa par vie, toute la famille veillait grand-père. Il Alice Gélinas Alice Gélinas avait appris à aimer DINA qu’il réclamait Waterbury, CT à son chevet. Il nous a dist comment ma- était pour Rosa aussi. Quelle douceur! man s’était dévouée pour lui. C’est elle Chapitre 3 qui lui a fermé les yeux, pendant que tante Parfois, il n’y a que des parents qui Adrienne récitait la prière des agonisants. peuvent comprendre nos larmes, apai- « C’est la faute d’Alice » Après sa mort, c’est grand-mère qui ser nos craintes et calmer nos inquiétudes. donnait la bénédiction au Jour de l’An, à Parfois, il n’y a que le coeur des Cet année là, 1926, mes par- tous les enfants. On disait qu’un homme, parents qui peut partager la joie que nous ents ont pensé à un portrait de famille. ça pleure pas, et pourtant, papa qui était ressentons de voir nos rêves se réaliser. Tante Laura qui demeurait avec nous, solide, quand il avait de la peine, les larmes Parfois, il n’y a que la foi de nos s’est trouvée photographiée aussi. coulaient sur son visage comme de l’eau parents pour nous donner l’élan et la Chacun de nous a reçu une photo en dans un ruisseau. Par la suite, on a eu confiance dont on a besoin pour sou- souvenir. Le plus grand portrait fut pour la nouvelle qu’elle allait s’en réchapper. tenir notre courage, jour après jour. papa et maman. Un jour, ils le léguer- Elle avait été près de la mort, mais ses Le coeur, la foi et l’amour constant des aient à Émile, car, selon la tradition, ce fractures étaient en train de se ressouder. parents sont frabiqués par les Anges du Ciel serait lui, le plus jeune fils qui prendrait On en parle encore dans les familles, et envoyés sur la terre par le Dieu Très-Haut. soin des parents, une fois rendu vieux. tellement cet événenement a été atroce. Tante Laura et Yvonne s’amusaient comme toute la jeu- nesse des années 1920 à 1930. Portrait de famille, Nos parents riaient en les voyant photo prise à Waterbury pratiquer le Charleston. Dans leurs danses, elles tapaient souvent en 1926 des mains et sur les genoux, et elles faisient tourner leurs longs Debout en arrière: Irène colliers entre leurs doigts. Elles 13 ans, Yvonne 17 ans, tante faisaient un noeud dans lerus col- Laura 19 ans, Armand 15 ans. liers et le reste revolait avec tous Assis: Papa 40 ans et leurs mouvements. La jambe est Maman 40 ans. devenue très importante après Debout en avant: Rosa 7 avoir été si longtemps cachée. La ans, Émile 3 ans, Rosélia 1 an, ceinture à jarretières a remplacé Alice 10 ans. le corset à baleine. Une très belle jarretière de couleur et garnie de décorations embellissait la jambe. Des bas Chez nous, Irène commença à Ce n’est que bien plus tard, que ce de couleur avec une ligne noir en arrière. traivailler. Maman s’occupait de la be- poème m’est venu à l’esprit. Petite, je Souvent, il y avait une fleur ou un papillon sogne et des repas. Dans la maison, il profitais de leur amour et leur tendresse. noir comme la ligne du bas. Que la ligne y avait des règlements, et tout le monde Rétablie, je retournais à l soit bien droite était de première importance. trouvait naturel de faire son lit le matin. Il école. J’étais contente de revoir Tout ce changement ne ressemblait plus au y avait des corchets en arrière des portes mon p’tit chum : Tony Descôteaux. portrait qu’on avait de nos mères. La petite pour suspendre nos vêtements et sac d’école. Peu après, maman retomba malade. jupe très godée faisait qu’on pouvait voir Comme j’étais petite pour mon âge, Elle vomissait toute la journée. Toujours la belle jarretière quand elles dansaient. le médecin a sugéré de m’enlever les sur le point de perdre connaissance, elle J’avais donc hâte d’être grande, moi aussi. amygdales. Papa m’a amené à l’hôpital de faisait l’ordinaire mais pas plus. Papa Puis, Tante Laura a dû retourner `à Waterbury. Le lendemain de l’opération, avait l’air inquiet. Elle avait été telle- St-Boniface, parce que grand-mère Annie j’avais mon congé, et encore une fois, mon ment malade durant ses grossesses surtout sétait fait encorner par le boeuf. Les coups père me transporta dans ses bras. Ma- celle d’Émile, et là, c’était encore pire. de cornes dans les jambes et les cuisses man avait préparé des petits plats, pour Régina Gélinas, Marianna Beaudoin lui brisèrent les os. Oncle Albert l’avait moi. J’ai reçu ma dernière poupée. Elle (Suite page 20) 19 Le Forum (Waterbury de page 19) que Rosa lui faire une visite a l’hôpital. Nous étions fatigués et tout à l’envers, et Ligouri se relayaient pour prendre soin des Elle avait l’air tellement malade ! Rosa et moi, ainsi que les deux petits. petits, Émile et Rosélia. J’ai le souvenir très Elle me dit: “Alice, va me cher- Tante Angéline, la soeur de ma- net: Maman nous regardant par le carreau cher de l’eau, de la bonne eau”. Ce fut man, nous a amenés chez elle et se de la fenêtre, Rosa et moi, pendant qu’on ses derniers mots pour moi. À rosa, comporta comme un ange avec nous. amusait les plus jeunes après l’école. Les ell a demandé de ne pas faire de bruit. Elle était tellemtn rassurante et gentille plus vieux arrivaient et chacun faisait sa part. Le mardi, l 5 Juin 1928, toute la ! Ell nous a pris sous sa protection. Maman malade, tout était au ralenti dans famille fut appelée à l’hôpital. Papa, Le lendemain, nous avons rejoint le la maison. Le père de ma mère aui voyait Yvonne, Armand, Irène ainsi que le Père reste de la famille. dans l’avenir, avait fait une prédiction. Un Comtois y sont allés. Rosa et moi som- Papa nous gardait près de lui du- soir, il a étendu les cartes sur la table, et il mes restées à la maison avec les petits. rant le jour, mais la nuit, nous al- aurait dit à mon oncle Clifford: “Dina ne Nous étions assis sur les marches lions dormir chez tante Angéline. passera pas au travers cette fois”. Triste- de ciment, en avant, et on attendait. Li- Maman est décédéee un mardi, et ment, il a vait rangé les cartes. Les mois ont gouri et des femmes étaient à l’intérieur. elle fut enterréee le samedi suivant. Ce passé. Maman ne se levait quasiment plus. Puis, Yvonne et Irène sont arrivées jour-là, il pleuvait. Nous étions à la fin Mai. Nous en pleurant. Elles ne disaient rien. Plus Au cimetière, le cercueil fut ou- étions tous inquiets. Yvonne et Irène tard, Papa et Armand sont revenus eux vert pour une dernière fois. C’était faisaient le lavage, repassaient les vête- aussi. Papa pleurait et Armand est venu l’anniversaire de Rosélia. Elle avait trois ans. ments, plus l’entretien de la maison. vers moi et m’a dit: “Maman est partie Nous n’avons jamais su ce qu’ils ont Je me revois, assise près du lit, au au Ciel”. Je poussais un cri, pleurant et fait de l’enfant que maman portait. Nous cas où elle aurait eu besoin de quelque gémissant. Je sortis dehors en courant, je ne l’avons jamais demandé. Il y a des chose. J’aurais tant aimé lui être utile. traversais la cour, m’élançais dans le che- vérités trop pénibles pour étre abordées. Lorsque papa n’était pas là, Irène min qui conduisait à la rue River, puis rue Tout ce qu’on a su, c’est que l’on a vu; son restait près d’elle la plupart du temps. Washington, pour ensuite revenir à la maison corps n’était plus celui qu’on avait vu à Un dimanche, papa l’a aidée et par la South Main. Armand m’a amenée l’hôpital. Elle avait été enceinte de sept mois. soutenue jusqu’au salon, et il a déposé dans la chambre en arrière et il demeura Nous étions désormais des orphelins. Rosélia sur ses genoux. Elle l’a prise, avec moi. Je ne pourrais pas dire combien Celle qui avait été pour nous, ce qu’il y a et elle a demandé à Rosa d’attacher les de temps s’est écoulé, mais on entendait de meilleur au monde, n’était plus, mais chaussures de la petite. Tout à coup, Rosa des pleurs et toutes sortes de commotions. son souvenir resterait dans now coeurs et dit: “Avez-vous vu la femme vêtue de noir, Aussi, on déplaçait les meubles de la nos esprits. Elle avait quarante-deux-ans. avec un voile noir ? Elle tient un bébé chambre en avant pour faire une place où dans ses bras.” En disant ça, elle regardait maman serait exposée. Toute la nuit, il y “ADIEU MAMAN CHÉRIE. la porte d’entrée, mais personne n’avait eut du barda. Nous ne pouvions être seuls. JE VOUS AIMERAI TOUJOURS.” rien vu, sauf Rosa. C’était pas bon signe. Plus tard, on amenait maman dans sa tombe. Maman restait toujours au lit maintenant. Les gens venaient chacun leur TON ALICE Le mardi suivant, dans l’après midi, tour, pour la veillée au corps. Un crêpe nous sommes allés à la neuvaine qui avait lieu noir fut suspendu à notre porte d’entrée. Sur son certificat de décès, à l’église Ste-Anne, avec tous les élèves de Toute la famille entourait le cétait écrit : cause de la mort: Nau- l’école, lorsque auelqu’un est venu chercher cercueil, mais moi, j’avais peur. sées pernicieuses de grossesse. le Père Comtois à l’autel. Il était demandé Irène et Armand m’ont parlé, me disant Irène écrivait un journal pour pour une personne malade. À notre retour comment elle reposait paisiblement. Alors se décharger le coeur. Je le reproduis à la maison, on a bien vu qu’il s’agissait de je consentis à y aller. En la voyant, ça m’a ici, car elle a mis les mots sur toute la maman puisque le Père Comtois était à son fait bien mal au coeur, mis la peur me quitta, peine que chacun de nous a éprouvé. chevet ainsi que le docteur Charles Audet et et par la suite, je restais avec la famille. un autre médecin. Dans ma chambre, il y Des amis nous ont confectionné des vête- JOURNAL D’IRÈNE avait une porte qui communiquait avec celle ments noirs, mais pas pour Émile et Rosélia. de ma mère. Je l’ai entrebâillée pour voir Maman avait demandé à papa, au cas ce qui se passait. Maman m’aperçut et elle où il lui arriverait quelque chose, d’être Dimanche, le 3 Juin 1928 me dit: “Alice, viens me frotter les mains”. ensevelie près de ses deux petits enfants C’est bien tristement que je com- Une infirmière fut engagée. Elle ve- au Canada. Tant qu’à moi, je vivais un mence à raconter cette partie de ma vie. nait achque matin pour lui donner des soins. mauvais rêve, car rien ne me semblait réel. Aujourd’hui, dimance 11:30 heure du matin. Le dimance suivant, le 3 juin, maman Je me rappelle d’être arrivée à St-Bon- Je n’aurais jamais pensé qu’un jour, est entrée à l’hôpital Ste-Mary en ambulance. iface, Canada, le lendemain. Deux chevaux une ambulance viendrait chercher ma- Nous l’avons vue sortir de sa chambre noir attelés à un corbillard attendaient. Puis, man pour l’amener à l’hôpital. Je la re- sur une civière et elle nous regardait les yeux nous avons reçu la parenté. On a entendu vois sortir de sa chambre sur une civière, pleins de larmes. Lews ambulanciers sont sonner le glas jusque chez mon oncle Alert, à et regarder chacun de nous, les yeux sortis par la porte d’entrée, celle qui ne ser- la maison de grand-maman Annie au Grand- pleins de larmes. Papa l’accompagnait. vait pas, car nous prenions la porte de côté. Quatre, où ma mère fut de nouveau exposée. Ce soir, j’ai été la voir avec papa. Les gens sont venus de partout. Le lundi, Yvonne m’a amenée ainsi (Suite page 21) 20 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE (Waterbury de page 20) chose. Elle me dit: «Irène, ta mère a nous les enfants, nous ne voulions pas partir. empiré, et ils te demandent à l’hôpital». À six heures trente, on servit le souper Sa chambre est au premier étage. Lorsque Saisie de surprise, j’ai quit- aux gens. J’ai remarqué que papa n’était pas nous sommes arrivés près de son lit, elle té le travail aec elle et Adem Lamy. avec nous. Je l’ai trouvé dans la chambre nous a regardés en souriant, mais elle À l’hôpital, j’ai commencé à cou- mortuaire. Il était avec Armand, et il pleurait semblait s’endormir. Elle dit: “Bonsoir”. rir vers la chambre de maman. En vain, comme un enfant. Il nous a dit: «Vous pré- Papa et moi, on parlait de chose et un homme a essayé de m’en empêcher. férez rester, mais moi! Je n’ai plus de vie ici, d’autre pour la distraire. Je lui dis: “Lorsque Oh ! Mon Dieu ! Qu’est-ce et ça sera pas long que je vais devenir fou!» vou serez un peu plus forte pour vous as- que je voyais? Une infirmière, chaque Tandis qu’il disait ces mots, des seoir, vou nous verrez passer quand on s’en côté du lit, et papa, Yvonne, Armand, sanglots entrecoupaient sa voix. La jour- va à l’ouvrage”. Elle me répondit: “Lorsque à genoux et ils priaient. Quelle pitié! née qu’il était en train de vivre resterait je serai assez forte pour m’asseoir, je m’en Je tombais à genoux moi aussi et à jamais la plus accablante de sa vie. irai à la maison”. Le coeur gros, j’allai vers je priais pour qu’elle revienne mieux, Il avait assisté, impuissant, à la mort la fenˆtre un instant pour essuyer mes larmes. mais ma mère adorée était à l’ago- de sa petite DINA, son grand amour! C’était bien triste, mais chaque nie. Elle se débattait en gémissant. On lui a dit, Armand et moi: «Nous fois qu’elle nous regardait, ell souri- Le Père Comtois arriva et il pria na’vons plus que vous, nous irons partout ait. J’étais bien loin de penser avec nous. où vous voudrez». qu’elle vivait ses derniers moments. Agneouillées tous ensemble, c’était Ce fut décidé. Nous quittions pour un appel au secours qu’on adressait au le Canada. Ce soir-là, les entrepreneurs Lundi, le 4 Juin 1928 Ciel. Le Père Comtois la bénit et elle arrêta de pompes funèbres sont arrivés avec un Aujourd’hui, j’ai été travaillée, mais de se débattre, mais elle continua à gémir. corbillard. Lorsqu’ils ont sorti la tombe, j’étais réelement inquiète. Chaque fois Le prêtre nous a dis de la laisser partir. Il ils avaient pris soin de fermer la porte de que le téléphone sonnait, mon coeur s’ar- pria de nouveau. Sa tête se renversa sur le la cuisine, de sorte que nous avons rien rêtait. Je pensais que c’était quelqu’un qui côté, et ell était morte. Mon Dieu ! Est-ce vu. Auparavant, ils nous l’avaient fait appelait à l’usine pour dire que l’état de possible ? Je croyais qu’elle respirait en- regarder. Elle reposait, le visage détendu. maman avait empiré. Les heures se sont core, mais on nous fit sortir de la chambre. Ma pauvre maman! Comme elle écouléees et en revenant de mon travail, Il était une heure et trente de l’après-midi. avait souffert ! je me disais que Mom devait aller mieux. Le Père Comtois nous disait: Au moins, ses souffrances étaient Ce soir, j’ai été la voir avec Yvonne «Vous ne devriez pas pleurer comme finies. Ses derniers moments nous reve- et elle avait l’air si malade ! Mais je coni- cela». Il continuait en disant: «Elle est naient à la mémoire. Cette mort était un nuais à penser qu’elle guérirait. Il le fallait ! heureuse, et j’aimerais tenir le bas de mystère. La nuit d’avant, j’étais allée près Avant de la quitter, j’ai pris sa main, sa robe et monter au Ciel avec elle». d’elle pour réciter le chapelet et j’ai posé et elle me regarda longuement comme pour Nous avons laissé notre amour de mère mes lèvres sur son front. C’est là que j’ai graver à jamais mon visage dans son esprit avec des étrangers, et nous sommes revenus senti le froid, et j’ai commencé à compren- ou comme si elle aurait su qu’elle me voyait à la maison. On avait plus de maman. Mon dre que ma mère était partie pour toujours. pour la dernière fois. Je lui ai dit que je dieu! Quelle douleur! Comment annoncer Ce même soir, Ligouri a appelé reviendrais le lendemain, après l’ouvrage. cette chose terrible aux petits qui pleuraient. grand-papa Alphonse et grand-maman. Elle me dit: «Oui, tu te dépêcheras». La maison était pleine de monde. Mes chers grands parents! Apprendre Papa est demeuré avec elle pour Lorsqu’Alice a demandé comment la mort de leur fille bien-aimée a dû connaître les résultats, c’est-à-dire, ce allait maman, je n’ai pas trouvé le moyen être la plus triste nouvelle de leur vie. que le médecin dirait. Il est revenu à la de la mettre au courant du grand mal- Mecredi, le 6 Juin 1928 maison vers onze heures. Il nous dit que heur qui s’abattait sur nous tous. Je le médecin gardait bon espoir de la sauver. ne savais pas comment m’y prendre. Aujourd’hui, je suis allée m’ache- tranquillisée, je respirais enfin. J’allais me À trois heurs environ, papa et Armand ter des vêtements noirs. Je me regardais coucher, espérant que dans deux ou trois sont revenus, et Alice a couru demander à et c’était comme si ce n’était pas moi. semaines, elle reviendrait à la maison. Armand si maman allait mieux. Il lui dit la Comme c’était cruel de partir ! Tous Durant la nuit, j’ai rêvé à elle. Nous vérité tout simplement: qu’elle était partie ces gens compatissants qui nous seraient nous en allions tous en pique-nique, et elle par- avec Jésus. Il savait qu’elle accepterait bien la main en nous adressant des paroles de lait et riait tout au long de mon rêve. Elle était mal la disparition de maman pour toujours. sympathies. On déposa maman dans le vêtue tout en bleu, était heureuse et très belle. Alcie s’est mise à pleurer et à crier: «Je corbillard. Nous sommes arrivés au dépôt, suis une orpheline, j’ai «pardu» ma maman, et des étrangers ont pris le cercueil, et l’ont Mardi, le 5 Juin 1928 je veux mourir moi aussi!» Nous avons es- hissé dans le compartiment à bagages. Ce matin, je me suis rendue à l’usine sayé de la consoler du mieux qu’on pouvait. Nous avons vu cela! Mon Dieu! C’eé- comme d’habitude. Les heures passaient Environ vers six heures du soir, le taot effrayant! Maman, toute seule en arrière. et j’avais le pressentiment de ce qui allait Père Comtois est venu à la maison afin de Qu’elle fut triste cette nuit-là, dans nous arriver. À midi, j’ai mangé et je suis savoir ce que papa allait faire. Papa avait le train qui nous amenait tous au Canada. retournée travailler. C’est alors que j’ai l’intention de rapatirer le corps de sa femme Jeudi, le 7 Juin 1928 vu Alice Descôteaux se hâtant vers moi. et de le faire enterrer au Canada. Le Père J’ai pensé qu’elle devait oublié quelque tâchait de le convaincre de ne pas faire cela, Nous arrivâmes à St-Boniface, et tout le monde disait comme le prêtre, et (Suite page 22) 21 Le Forum (Waterbury de page 21) C’est ce matin que ma mère adorée fut en- becca ainsi que la soeur de papa: Exina terrée. Toute la parenté a assisté aux funérailles. le lendemain vers une heure de l’après Le glas sonnait. Ah! Près de la ba- Son frère Clifford Lavergne, Arthur midi. Quelques uns de nos parents étaient lustrade, on pouvait voir la tombe. Cela Gélinas et Olivier Robert et Adem Déziel, ses là: oncle Arthur, Olivier Robert, Al- me crevait le coeur. Nous avions tous deux beaux-frères ainsi que le beau-frère à bert et William, les deux frères de papa. tant de peine. Émile et Rosélia étaient papa: Lucien Désaulniers furent les porteurs. Desux chevaux recouverts de draps trop jeunes pour comprendre la tragédie noirs tiraient le corbillard dans lequel qui nous frappait. Nous n’avions plus de Merci Irène de m’avoir prêté ton maman se trouvait. Le convoi funéraire mère, elle apportait avec elle tous nos rêves. journal. traversa le village. Nous vivions un cau- Au cimetière, la fos- chemar. Ce que je me rappelle surtout, se était pleine d’eau. Papa l’a vidée. c’est que les cloches sonnaient, sonnaient Avant de fermer le cercueil, ma cou- pendant tout le trajet jusqu’à la maison de sine Oglore déziel a pris un portrait d’elle. mon oncle Albert et grand-maman Annie Quand la terr retomba en pelletées où maman serait exposée de nouveau. boueuses sur le corps de ma mère, Oh!! Quelle Je ne reconnaissais pas ces gens. Ça fai- souffrance et quel vide nous allions ressentir. sait quatre ans que nous restions aux États Unis. Je suis allée souvent réciter le cha- ADIEU MAMAN CHÉRIE pelet, auprès du corps sans vie de ma mère et je me disais: «C’est pas vrai, ell n’est De nous tous qui vous aimaient si pas morte, c’est just un mauvais rêve». tendrement, nous ne vous oublierons pas.

Vendredi, le 7 Juin 1928 Ton Irène Aujourd’hui , les gens sont encore (15 ans) venus en grand nombre. On adressait à la famille des paroles de sympathies. Papa avait 43 ans; Yvon- Oh! Que les heures passaient vite. Il ne ne 19; Armand 17; Irène 15; Ali- «La dernière fois qu’on me restait plus qu’une journée avec ma ce 12; Rosa 9; Émile 5; Rosélia 3. a vu Maman au cimetière» mère. Je ne pouvais croire que le lende- main, nous ne la reverrions plus jamais. La bannière pourpre des dames 9 juin 1928 de Ste-Anne fut portée par ses trois Samedi, le 9 Juin 1928 soeurs: Alphonsine, Angéline et Ré- (Plus de Maine / More from Maine...) La culture de masse se base seule- ment sur les plaisirs immédiates. Dans la Rédaction : Une Culture sans pas- culture de masse, on vit seulement pour le présent, pas pour le futur. Dans la culture de Coco sé et sans avenir? masse, l’équilibre est perdu entre le passé et Par Virginie Sand l’avenir, entre la qualité et la quantité, entre Après avoir lu le texte de Gilles LI- la spiritualité et le matérialisme, entre la cré- Avant Chanel POVETSKY, « Une culture sans trace, » ativité à la main et la production de masse, et le texte d’Edgar MORIN, « Culture des et entre l’éternité et la mortalité. Alors, où Par Virginie Sand cultivées et culture de masse, » j’ai remar- l’éternité existe-t-elle ? Eh bien ! Elle existe qué une similarité entre les deux. Les deux dans la famille, bien sûr. Pourtant, la cul- textes semblent décrire une culture occiden- ture de masse ne soutient plus de continuité Coco Avant Chanel est un film tale basée sur l’industrialisation, le capital- de la famille, des générations de l’avenir. français bien fait. Le vendredi, le 13 no- isme, la consommation, les repas rapides, et En outre, le colonialisme et vembre 2009, j’ai regardé ce film de 17h00 la vie à toute vitesse. Chez les auteurs, cette l’impérialisme ont forcé les gens à oublier à 19h00 à Waterville, Maine au cinéma culture de masse ne respecte ni le passé ni leurs « cultures des cultivés, » y compris « Railroad Square. » Moi, j’ai choisi de l’avenir et est donc temporelle, éphémère, les traditions de leurs ancêtres qui étaient voir ce film parce que Coco Chanel est un et de courte durée, sans racines. Alors, c’est fondées sur la terre et sur la nature. Donc, guide à moi. C’est-à-dire, j’adore coudre une culture qui ne honore plus ceux qui sont les gens de la culture de masse ont perdu un avec le tissu depuis ma jeunesse, et je crée allés avant nous et leur rapport avec la terre, sens de leurs identités, le rapport avec leur et porte aujourd’hui mes propres vêtements ni honore les générations d’avenir. Ça c’est généalogie, la connaissance de leurs tradi- amérindiens à la mode avec mes propres évident avec la quantité des produits qui tions, leurs coutumes, leurs langues, leur idées. Je fabrique même les gilets améri- sont fabriqués pour jeter dehors en ajoutant spiritualité, etc. Ils ont aussi perdu leur plan ndiens pour les hommes tribaux. Comme au problème de la pollution. Cette mode pour les générations du futur. D’ailleurs, on Coco Chanel, je ne conforme pas aux ten- de vie ne soutient pas d’avenir de la planète doit savoir ses origines pour savoir où on va dances actuelles. Dans un sens similaire, pour les générations du futur. Donc, je dans la vie. De cette manière, la culture de Coco utilisait les vêtements des hommes crois comprendre le thème chez les autres. masse est aveugle quant au passé et l’avenir. (Suite page 27) 22 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE Une histoire en-famille (A pregnant story)

Par Bob Rivard Amherst, MA

“Je vous demande une fois de plus. chômage grecque? On m’a payé de causer Avez-vous travaillé pendant vos vacanc- en anglais avec les élèves. Les grecques es...... ?” Le douanier avait l’air sévère. ne peuvent pas faire ça, nom de Dieu. Le “Je jure monsieur, que je n’ai pas pris fait simple est que je pouvais causer en du payé une taxe de voiture au départ de une miette de pain de la bouche d’une mouche anglais jusqu’au bout d’espoir sans respirer cinq pour cent de la valeur de ma voiture. dans votre beau pays.” Je souriais à pleine une seul fois. Ça valait plus que l’argent. “Désolé” j’ai répondu. “Savez vous face. “Autrement dit, je n’aime même pas En plus, les élèves m’aimaient. Je que dans l’armée d’Alexandre quand travailler quand je ne suis pas en vacances.” ne leur donnais jamais plus que dix min- on se mariait il nous donnait un congé D’accord Monsieur Rivard, voici utes de devoir. La maîtresse, leur en d’un an pour faire un voyage de noces. vos papiers. Merci d’avoir resté si long- donnait assez pour nous deux. Quand à Ces dix mois ici c’était ma lune de miel. temps en Grèce.” moi c’était tout simplement a leur dire J’ai venue ici en Grèce pour décou- Le bonhomme avait es- des bêtise qu’ils pouvaient répéter l’un a vrir la sourire verticale de mon amour, sayé de me mettre sur la selette, et je l’autre, que je pouvait corriger par la suite. et maintenant je départ avec ma femme lui avait donné une danse à claquettes. “Hey baby, what are you doing tonight?” en famille, enceinte, un pain au four.” Bien sur il savait bien que dix mois Répéter après moi. “Get lost creep, I’m busy!” “Félicitations, Mr. Rivard,” il bou- en vacances dans un pays étranger ce n’est Oxi, Oxi! Not buzzy; busy, busy! leversait. “Avez vous choisis un nom?” pas un sinécure, et qu’un mendiant gamin Vraiment on ne peut pas trouver “Athena,” j’ai répondu, “la dièse conduit pas un tout nouveau char comme quelqu’un qui peut nous enseigner une d’amour.” celui que j’avais. Mais quoi faire de plus? langue aussi bien qu’un voyou. Ça c’est Le douanier prenait la main Trois fois il m’avait demandé “comment de rigueur. Quand on connais une langue de ma femme et la montait à ses ça se fait t’il” et “pourquoi si longtemps”, comme ça on peut traverser le monde. lèvres et lui donnait un petit baiser. et trois fois j’évita lui donner une réponse. J’avait gagné beaucoup d’argent “What is going on here”, my wife Ce n’était pas mentir, exacte- cet an la et en plus j’étais four- chimed in, “this is feeling a bit weird.” ment, c’était simplement un jeu de mots nis avec une cagibi vitrée à l’étage. “Smile, honey”, I replied, “I just pour lui donner l’impression de ma ré- Il n’y avait pas de taxe, mais même saved us a bundle on car insurance!” alité. Cet à dire, pas une blague non-dis- ça ne touchait pas à la plus belle aubaine..... As usual this is a fictitious ac- simulée mais un mensonge d’omission. Le douanier me remercia d’avoir count of an actual event. My life is a Oui j’avais travaillé depuis huit mois, demeurer si longtemps dans son pays et blur and even now I have trouble dis- mais qu’est ce que ça voulait faire avec le m’informait que si j’eusse travailler j’aurais tinguishing truth from my better half.

erations. That is evident with the quantity Further more, colonialism and im- A Culture without a of products that are fabricated for throwing perialism forced people to forget their “cul- past or future away and adding to the pollution problem; tivated cultures,” including the traditions a “throw-away society.” This way of life of their ancestors which were based on the By Virginia Sand does not support the future of the planet for earth and on nature. Therefore, the people of After having read the text by Gilles the future generations. Therefore, I believe the mass culture lost a sense of their identi- LIPOVETSKY, “A culture without trace,” to understand the theme of the authors. ties, the connection with their genealogy, the and the text by Edgar MORIN, “The culture The mass culture is based only on knowledge of their traditions, their customs, of the cultivated and the culture of the mass,” immediate pleasures. In the mass culture, their languages, their spirituality, etc. They I noticed a similarity between the two. The one lives only for the present, not for the also lost their vision for the future gen- two texts seem to describe a western culture future. In the mass culture, the equilibrium erations. Moreover, one must know her/his based on industrialization, capitalism, con- is lost between the past and the future, be- origins in order to know where one is going sumption, fast foods, and a fast-paced life. tween quality and quantity, between spiri- in life. In this way, the culture of the mass According to the authors, this culture of the tuality and materialism, between creative is blind regarding the past and the future. mass respects neither the past nor the future hand-made-products and mass produced and is therefore temporal, ephemeral, and products, and between eternity and mortal- short-lived, without roots. In that case, it is a ity. In that case, where does eternity exist? culture which no longer honors the ones who It exists in the family, of course. However, have gone before us and their connection mass culture no longer supports the continu- with the earth, nor honors the future gen- ity of the family, of the future generations. 23 Le Forum committees. He was a member of the Na- Day. He received the Plaque Commemorative tional Association of Wool Manufacturers, from the city of Tournai, Belgium and the Plaque the French Chamber of Commerce of USA Commemorative from the city of Roubaix, located in New York, the French Institute of France given by Senator Maurice Shuman. He Assumption College and was the President was given the key to the city of Woonsocket by “France Amerique” of Northern RI, the Rotary Mayor Baldelli, the key to the city of Manches- Club and the Woonsocket Chamber of Commerce. ter, NH by the mayor and the key to the city of In Addition, he was a corporator of Woonsocket Fall River by the mayor. He was given the As- Hospital and North Smithfield Merci Hospital, sociation Canado Americaine special award for Director of Rotary International, Chairman of the the Merci Train and was chosen as Woonsocket PTA at St. Claire High School, President of the Citizen of the Year by the Kiwanis Club. He Industrial section of the United Way, from1976- was inducted into the Rhode Island Coaches Jacques E. Staelen 1978 he was Chairman of the committee for a Association Hall of Fame and the New England professional soccer game for the Rotary Club, Soccer Hall of Fame. He was named Chevalier NO. SMITHFIELD- Jacques E. Staelen, Chairman of the food concessions at the Woon- of the French National Order of Merit given by 84, of White Parkway, No. Smithfield, died Mon- socket Autumn Fest, Treasurer of the Committee President Mitterand, which is the highest honor day, August 17, 2009 in Rhode Island Hospital, de vie Franco American and in 1995 he initiated France can give to a civilian and he was named Providence. He was the husband of Andree (Du- and organized a food campaign for the city of Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor given Bois) Staelen, whom he married August 5, 1950. St. Hyacinth in Canada when it was struck by a by President Jacques Chirac, which is the high- Born in Tourcoing, France, he was the son of the devastating ice storm. In seven days two buses est honor that France can bestow upon a French late Eugene and Claire (Gaereminck) Staelen. full of food worth over $22,000 were sent to the citizen, civilian, military or foreign person. In 1970, Mr. Staelen started Sport Sys- city. He was the initiator and committee chairman Besides his wife Andree, he is survived by tems Custom Bag Corporation with his two for the Banlon Week in Woonsocket sponsored by two sons, Jacques E. Staelen, Jr. and his wife Lor- sons which is still in operation today in Woon- the Dupont Company and Chemstrand Company, raine of Woonsocket and Marc E. Staelen and his socket. In 1965, he started Anjack Fashion, and which are both international nylon manufacturers. wife Claire of No. Smithfield, a daughter, Nicole had previously been employed in the textile Mr. Staelen was very involved in Club DeYoung and her husband Eric of Chapin, SC, industry and as a women’s fashion designer. Richelieu International (an international service a brother, Henri Staelen and his wife Ann-Marie Before coming to the United States in club) serving as Governor of the Region Roland of France and four grandchildren. Danielle and 1950, he was educated in the St. Louis School, Desjardins (clubs in CT, RI and So. Mass), Sophie Staelen and Kristen and Evan DeYoung. the Professional Institute, the Beaux-Arts of International Vice-President/Administrator His Mass of Christian Burial will be Roubaix Textile Division and had limited stud- from 1984-86 (clubs in ME, NH, MA, CT, and celebrated Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 10AM ies in Paris. He served as a Student Council RI), executive Vice-President in 1986-87 and in Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, 1409 President, President of Catholics Youth Soccer International President in 1987-1988. In 1988 Park Ave., Woonsocket. Burial will follow in Association, President of vacation camps for he founded the Cercle Horace Viau, named for St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Bellingham, textile workers which was organized by the local the founder of Club Richelieu International. MA. Calling hours are Friday from 2-4PM chamber of commerce, a Boy Scout and Scout Staelen also served as president of the Riche- and 6-8PM in the Holt Funeral Home, 510 Master and a Routier, which is the equivalent of lieu International Foundation in 1994-1995 So. Main St., Woonsocket. In lieu of flowers, an Eagle Scout. Upon his arrival in America, and was the charter president of the United memorial contributions may be made to the he continued his education at Brown Univer- States Richelieu Charity Fund from 1999-2006. Richelieu Charity Fund, Inc., c/o Diane Charette, sity and the Rhode Island School of Design. He was Chairman of the French Heritage Treasurer, 1 Parlee Street, Salem, MA 01970. Mr. Staelen was very active in Our Lady Award Committee, once a year recognizing the [ http://www.holtfuneralhome. Queen of Martyrs Church, Woonsocket. He had best French student from each of the RI High com/ ]www.holtfuneralhome.com served as a Special Minister, President of the Schools, served as Chairman of the Governor parish council, President of the parish carnival, a Aram Pothier Award, given once a year to a member of the Finance Committee and a Trustee deserving Rhode Islander, in 1999 he was the of the parish. From 1975-1977 he was Chairman Chairperson for the fund raising committee of of the committee for the renovation of the parish. the Governor Pothier monument in Woonsocket, He was very instrumental in organizing was on the fund raising committee for the addi- many youth activities serving on the board of tion of a nun mannequin at the Museum of Work the Narragansett Council of the Boy Scouts of and Culture and helped create the Lt. Georges America, the Thundermist District Chairman of Dubois Merci Train and Veterans Wing of the the Boy Scouts of America and was the Founder museum and was a member of its board, helped and President of the Greater Woonsocket Soc- with the renovation of the Rhode Island Boxcar cer Association, later becoming the Northern part of the Merci Train and from 2000-2006 was Rhode Island Soccer Association and growing the Chairman of the committee for the November enough support that each city and town was 11 Veterans Day celebration in Woonsocket. able to have its own team. He organized soccer Through all of his civic efforts, Mr. Staelen Ribbon cutting with Mayor Menard camps using the Yawgoo Boy Scouts of America was recognized with many awards. He received at the dedication on February 5, 2005 facilities and also started an Explorer Post for five citations from various RI Governors, six the Boy Scouts and participated in the Boys citations from the RI Senate, four citations from Pictured from left to right are Bernard Fishman Olympics in Fort Collins, CO where the soccer the RI General Assembly, a citation from the city (Executive Director, Rhode Island Historical team earned the Silver Medal. He also served of Geneva, the Citation de la Societe des Bains Society), Susan Menard (Mayor of Woonsocket), as President of the Northern RI CYO center for de Mer de Monaco and a citation from Mayor Roger Begin (President, Rhode Island Historical seven years when it was its own public corpora- Menard for extraordinary services to the people Society) and Jacques Staelan (Renovation tion independent of the Diocese of Providence. of Woonsocket. Mayor Menard also dedicated & Construction and Inaugural Committees He served on many local and national Saturday, February 7, 1999 Jacques E. Staelen Chairman, Lt. Georges Dubois Veterans Museum) 24 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE Lettres/Letters Le Forum Dear Editor: 110 Crossland Hall Two days ago I received the manila Orono, ME 04469- envelope with all the “info.” you found for me on the Dupont and especially the 5719 Hebert side. My gosh, that must have taken you a lot of time. It was astound- ing to go through many of the names. I never realized there was that many people. So now, I know what part of France, (Alice Gélinas, Lettres suite page 3) the family came from! That is, so exciting to finally have an idea of what their lives were Je me demande si il en a d’autres comme moi??? like, as far as the geography is concerned. Lisa!!! N’arrête pas de faire “Le Forum”. Also, I looked at the pages you Lynn ma fait une belle album avec les photos de ma fète, qu’elle beau sent on the Marcouiller surname? That’s souvenir...et avec tous mes neveux et nièce, j’étais heureuse de les voir the name that I need to trace to follow on s’amuser ensembles. Je les aime tous. Je vois grandir ma 4 ième génération. the path to my maternal line. I guess that is going to be more difficult to accom- Bonsoir! Ta Vielle Amie, plish. It makes a person ponder on what happened to those families so long ago. Alice Gélinas I want to express my deep appre- Waterbury, CT ciation for all the time and concern you put into this project. And , I want you to know that I don’t expect you to do more. It is very obvious to me, that this is a lot of work and takes time. Searching for the maternal line is going to take longer with the information you have sent me, I can start doing research also. You have sent me more than enough on the Hébert and Dupont line. Now it is the journey to first find out who Emelie Marcouiller’s Mother was and so forth down the mother line. Maybe she was adopted and that’s why it’s harder. I am more than satisfied for your dedi- cation that you generously do in your work. Oh, also, it was so exciting to know about The Wall with the 3,000 names. Ma 93 fète! That was great information to have ac- cess to. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Peace, Harmony & Pride, Frances Trudy Paine Northampton, MA

P.S. It was with sadness to read that “Le Forum”, will not be able to be pub- lished anymore. I’m sure there are many others who will be disappointed with that news. All the people involved in putting it together who have worked so hard!... Hopefully it will start up again in the near future.

Dear Frances;

Avec tous ma famille I am pleased to help you. I was able to find the names of your ancestors (Continued on page 26) 25 Le Forum (Lettres/Letters continued from page 25) with the help of a good friend of mine from Caribou, Maine. He is the true genealogist. He is the one that found Emelie’s parent’s and grandparent’s names. He is a wonderful genealogical resource for the Centre. (See the listing). Regarding Le Forum, we are con- tinuing to publish our journal, but in hopes of cutting costs it would be beneficial to be able to have those who have access to a computer to view the publication online or as a pdf file. Those that do not have access or wish to continue receiv- ing Le Forum we will continue sending it via mail. So, no fear, we are not going away, but are just trying to cut our costs. We thank you for your continued support.

La rédactrice Dear Le Forum; Dear Marie; Dear Le Forum Staff; My mother is Candide Desrosiers of I am very pleased to inform you that I’m writing to let you know that Sinclair, ME. In the late 1970’s or maybe “Yes” we do have the whole series of “La I’m “Old School” and have no Email ad- early 1980’s, my mother attended the Uni- Bonne Aventure”. But first of all I would dress and have no access to a computer. versity of Maine in Orono. She made a film like to extend a “bonne anniversaire” to I value your publication and called “La Bonne Aventure: in which she your Maman. And I will send you the re- am looking forward to the next issue. played the grandmother. There was also a quested copies of the series in which your I’m sending an extra check to help grandfather and two children, a girl and a boy. Mother played the role of Grandmother. cover the cost of your sending me paper My mother will be celebrating her 90th copies of my subscription. I know that these birthday in December and I am planning a Again, please extend to are hard economic times! I did send an extra surprise birthday party for her in August. your mother our birthday wishes! amount for my subscription. Please use the As you know, no one travels to Northern extra to help with anyone else who has a Maine in the winter). I would like to present La Rédactrice subscription but has no access to a computer. her with a copy of this film that she made. I viewed a film with that title at God Bless & Keep up the good work! the Univesity of Maine in Fort Kent, but Dear Le Forum; she was not in the picture nor was it her Ann E. Romano voice. It was about a visit to a sugar maple Included is a check in order to help Newington, CT “farm”. It included puppets/muppets as to continue the important mission of the well. The U of FK library personnel sug- Centre Franco-Américain and Le Forum. Dear Ann; gested I contact you. I’m afraid I have delayed this request but hope you can find Sincerely, I want to thank you for your contin- this movie. It was a pilot for educational George André Lussier M.D. ued monetary support, this is why “Our” purposed, but really never got off the ground. Salisbury, MA publication has been in existence since My mom is now in a nursing home 1972, because of people like you. And giv- in Madawaska, where she was chosen in Dear Dr. Lussier; ing a little extra for someone who is having the “Remember Me” program you have in financial difficulties is very heart warming. the State of Maine. I’m leaving the 31st for Sinclair. They are waiting for me to Through the years we have been truly blessed, for without you generosity Le Fo- I thank you for helping others. arrive to present her with this award. She still has lots of “Joie de Vivre” left in her. rum and the Franco-American Centre ini- If there is a charge for this movie, tiatives would have/be limited. Once again, just let me know and I’ll send you a check. we thank you and so do our subscribers for La rédactrice helping to keep “our” publication afloat. Sincerely yours, Marie J. M. Baller Merci Bien! La Rédactrice Joliet, IL (Continued on page 27) 26

Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE Lettres/Letters Dear Editor, Dear Le Forum; Enclosed is a US money order for my Thank you for sending me the Fall/ renewal to le Forum. I enjoy getting this Winter copy of Le Forum. I would be periodical which has assisted me in hav- interested in writing an article, eventu- ing a greater appreciation and knowledge ally, for the paper (in French and Eng- about my own Franco-American heritage. lish.) What is the criteria for articles? I know very little about my Franco- American heritage growing up in Haverhill, Merci bien, Massachusetts. My late mother was of pol- Bob Boutin Mes chers distingué(é)s au Forum; ish decent and my late father was the grand- son of an immigrant from Ile-Verte PQ and Dear Bob; Vous trouvez ci-joint un chèque pour an immigrant was Ste Anne do Ruisseau NS. continuer avec un abonnement annuel. As was the case of so many Franco-Americ- Thank you for taking the time to write Puisque je n’ai pas d’ordinateur chez-moi, ains, my father’s family quickly assimilated us. And we very much look forward to your je préfère la revue du Forum, parmi d’autres, into the larger culture. Their knowledge submission, in both French and English. reçues par voie de la poste. D’ailleurs j’ai of French soon disappeared along with We have a more difficult time finding the l’habitude de garder touts les numéros et the other traditions of their ancestors. French articles than the English ones, so les relire souvent. J’aime beaucoup toutes My interest in genealogy, which was your submission would be very welcome. vos rubriques et ça s’améliore surtout ce sparked about ten years ago, has made me printemps 2009 avec Virginie Sand en more aware of my paternal ancestry. I can I thank you in advance and we look “réduisant les ordures” (p. 8) et “Le Con- thank Le Forum for increasing my awareness. forward to sharing your story. sommateur Bioligique” (pp. 8 et 9) Je vous serais, donc, très reconnaissaint de Sincerely, Merci! m’envoyer encore votre revue imprimée. Robert C. Laprel Haverhill, MA La Rédactrice Recevey mes sincères salutations, votre fidèle lecteur, Dear Robert; How your letter warms the heart. Coco devient une amante d’Étienne et puis Anthony Socci Nice to hear that Le Forum is help- elle voyage au château d’Étienne dans la Needham Heights, MA ing you to increase your awareness campagne pour habiter avec lui. Là-bas, of your Franco-American heritage. Coco est inspirée de créer les vêtements Merci pour vos mots très gentils. That means that we are doing our job. qui fonctionnent mieux pour elle et pour Thanks for taking the time to les autres femmes dont elle rencontre au write and let us know. Merci bien! château. Par conséquent, Coco crée ses pro- pres pantalons pour monter plus facilement La Rédactrice à cheval, même si elle paraît unique à tout le monde. Coco est très pragmatique. Les (Coco suite de page 22) sous des bras pour empêcher la transpiration. femmes ne portaient pas les pantalons pen- pour récréer les vêtements pour les femmes, Pourtant, cette transpiration est nécessaire dant cette période. En effet, Coco coupe et pour simplifier les vêtements des femmes pour l’éloignement des toxines des nodus coud encore quelques vêtements d’Étienne en les faisant plus confortables et moins de lymphe au contact de la poitrine. Donc, pour qu’elle puisse les porter comme une restrictives. Avant Chanel, les femmes les produits qui empêchent la transpiration nouvelle mode. D’autre part, Étienne pense portaient les corsets et plusieurs couches peuvent peut-être contribuer au développe- que Coco paraît comme un garçon dans des vêtements et du tissu qui affectaient ment du cancer de poitrine. En outre, les ses nouvelles modes. Alors, il essaye de l’aspiration et le mouvement des femmes. brassières et les produits à transpiration cacher Coco de ses amis pendant les fêtes, Alors, les femmes s’habillaient pour plaire vont contre les fonctions naturelles du corps. mais Coco commence à créer les chapeaux aux hommes, pas pour plaire à eux-mêmes. Dans ce film, Coco Avant Chanel, de paille et les robes simples pour une amie En fait, il y a aujourd’hui le soupçon que les Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel et sa sœur sont d’Étienne qui joue dans les pièces du théâtre. brassières contribuent à la maladie du cancer abandonnées par leur père après la mort Surtout, Coco rencontre l’ami d’Étienne, de poitrine dans les femmes. Apparemment, de leur mère. Alors, les deux filles pas- Boy, qui encourage la créativité de Coco, les brassières resserrent l’écoulement du sent le reste de leur enfance ensemble dans et dont Coco tombe amoureuse. Ensuite, sang et donc empêchent l’éloignement des un couvent avec les religieuses. Ensuite, Boy amène Coco à danser à un casino. En toxines de la poitrine. Ensuite, les kystes toutes les deux sœurs sont couturières dans fait, il achète le tissu que Coco a besoin de peuvent former dans la poitrine. Par con- une petite boutique pendant les jours, et fabriquer sa petite robe noire pour danser. séquent, moi, une non-conformiste comme elles chantent dans une attraction pendant Puis, au casino, tout le monde regarde Coco. Coco Chanel, je choisis de ne pas porter les les soirs. Là, pendant que Gabrielle Cha- Enfin, Coco quitte Étienne et va à brassières. Elles sentent trop constrictive et nel chante la chanson, Coco (une chanson Paris pour commencer sa propre boutique inconfortable à moi. En plus, les femmes d’un chien), le soldat, Étienne, l’entend utilisent fréquemment les produits au des- et puis lui donne le sobriquet « Coco. » (Suite page 44) 27 Le Forum Greater Loves by Caroline LeBlanc Poésie / Poetry Adams, NY Poésie / Poetry

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).”

1.

When the trolley crashes, its pole spears her pelvis. Freda’s young Mexican passion tires of drawing butterflies on her white body cast, paints the suffering woman in the mirror above her bed in intense colors. Later, she takes her limping body, her paintings to Diago. He showers blessings until she wifes him and bears only his wanderings. JESSE She dies of her wounds, loving him, forlornly. by Donna Dubay Bristol, CT To my Scandinavian husband, sexual fidelity is A matter of greatest honor. “I hope I was When I stop and smell the freshly cut grass better to you than that,” he says in earnest. Do you smell it too? I sigh, “Other women were never my concern. When I hear the birds in the early morning Combat and country, your warrior’s battle lust Do you hear them too? were mistress enough to make my heart burst.” When I think of you a million times a day Do you think of me? 2. When I cry for you Do you know? In a moment, two centuries are gone and I am lost When I feel a breeze in Acadian love stories: Evangeline and her Gabriel Is it you ? deported on different vessels, their marriage vows Are you near me? postponed by government edict the eve of their wedding. Are you there and I can’t see you? Let me know Widowed Longfellow gave these young lovers a lifetime Give me a sign to search, chastely reunited on Gabriel’s deathbed. I miss you so... Acadian, like her exiles, Beausoleil and Pelagie, Maillet’s lovers meet seldom and always in dread. (Sadly Jesse passed away on Oct. 18, 2006) Night after night, Pelagie’s band heads North in rickety wagons, rag tags escaping exile. Rose Marie Beausoleil rescues scattered deportees, sails South, by Caroline LeBlanc pirates them to bayous and swamps in New Spain. Adams, NY These, and so many like them, crucified On power and appetite, the Colonial cross.

Pardonez moi, if what I write about Acadie is from articles and half-remembered stories. You see, my Pepérè was one who up and left for the better life in Massachusetts. Well, A story from Bouctouche, 1950: my cousin it was my Memérè really, who insisted on her chance Rose Marie, seven, boards at Ste Anne’s at the good life. Still, she spent every summer convent school three miles from the family farm. visiting family in Bouctouche, left Pepérè For the growing season and Christmas, her father in Leominster to build houses. It was the busy gathers her with the tractor, their only vehicle. season so he worked all the time anyway. She never knows what happened to their horse and wagon --only that her home is too far I have a photo-- Pepérè and my teen-aged father, for her to be taken there and back more often. circa 1930, proud in his young man’s knickers, Plus, the good sisters have toilets inside their convent. both men in driving caps and rakish smiles, leaning, elbows on Pepérè’s touring car. 28 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE

Oui, Les Femmes Jouent Poésie / Poetry Aux Cartes ! par Birthdays Danielle Laliberté by Annette Paradis-King Gouldsboro, ME Mon pépère a toujours dit Birthdays you say “come and go”... les femmes jouent pas aux cartes. La place d’une femme Have “they” actually figured out how to slice them off? pendant le jeux est d’emmener I’m aware of tucks taken to remove the sags. les peanuts pis la bierre froid. And read of programs to tone aging muscles C’est pas à elles compter ou penser. Seen pictures of people, who swallow pills to improve sex, There are shops advertising garments to hide ugly sights. Il tournerais dans son tombeau Shoes to make us feel taller s’il savait qu’aujourd’hui les femmes yinque jouer, And flats to make one a little shorter c’est elles qui brosser! Aids that will make us brighter, happier for a day And programmed systems to get about if limbs are lost PLUS QU’UNE ÉPOUSE Joints are replaced, hearing and sight made new. But— par So far, what’s been invented to make birthdays Danielle Laliberté “Come and Go?” Dame douce, maîtresse de maison I’m mature enough to know birthdays well mannered demoiselle, Show-up annually and stay! elle une vrai bonne-femme, We can choose not to count them in lady, fille d’Eve Or refuse to celebrate on their arrival. du sex qui met au monde les enfants, Go ahead and misplace a few... woman, or wife. No one’s deceived by that!

Please note,, my little declaration doesn’t mean You shouldn’t call on the eleventh of the month. À la recherche de la vérité I so enjoy the attention. I’ve always kept track of the day. Après Ourika Besides, after eighty, the years become public domain. par Ah, isn’t that a good reason to keep records strait? Danielle Laliberté Whatever, I’ll always feel birthdays are horrible things! Vous qui êtes tombé When you say these come and go. avec les dernières feuilles, I suppose it’s a lift you’re offering. je vous parle But I can’t lie, dans cette langue emprunté. It never works, Birthdays proliferate. Vous avez défraîchi de ce que vous avez caché- qu’est ce que vous avez ? Vous dit simplement ma position et ma couleur - LAST GAME est-ce que c’est vrais ? A story from Bouctouche, 1950: my cousin by Annette Paradis King Rose Marie, seven, boards at Ste Anne’s Gouldsboro, ME Confiez-moi votre secret! convent school three miles from the family farm. Les autres dit c’est l’amour non récompensé, For the growing season and Christmas, her father Through the eyes of the children Shinning through the tree-lot l’ évasion, ou la disparition lente, gathers her with the tractor, their only vehicle. Where the real magic is Of stately spruce and pines mais moi je pense She never knows what happened to their horse I watch once more It’s all there in his tear filled eyes que c’est la résistance silencieuse. and wagon --only that her home is too far His bat striking the baseball— The last homerun before bedtime. for her to be taken there and back more often. And see it spinning You are so right, my dear To learn more about Danielle visit her Plus, the good sisters have toilets inside their convent. toward the moon, the size of an orange. Life’s not always fair and square. website http://daniellelaliberte.word- press.com/ (More on page 33) 29

Le Forum was the last time I had to think about be- come you got boys here and no girls? BOOKS/LIVRES... ing sick or worry about my last days. I Well she too was determined and dedi- haven’t had time to think about it since. cated, and Abby moved out to the farm. I found a little old lady at that farm house. She too was on her last leg. She was about to sell her farm which would The Old Farm be the end of the dreams she and her By Langlais Enterprises husband had shared. As I listened to her Published: May, 2009 story, I couldn’t let that happen to her, and I started up a path that not only re- Format: Perfect Bound vived me but revitalized this old lady and Softcover(B/W) together we finalized the dreams that she Pages: 296 had secreted in her heart all those years. Size: 6x9 In helping this old lady I met the ISBN: 9781425179014 most wonderful people in the world. THE OLD FARM Then, this young boy decides he by JoeL likes our life style and he moves in with us. “As we make our way through Then other children decided they life and try to better ourselves - if we About the Book wanted to experience our life style, help someone else along the way - the I was driving along on a sunny fall but we didn’t have enough room for Lord will bless us and we will succeed!” afternoon enjoying the fall colors. Then all of them. This community decided I saw a sign that said “FOR SALE” on to build dorms to accommodate them. the lawn of this old house. I just drove The 4-H Club move out to the farm. http://www.trafford.com/ into the driveway to investigate. That Then a young girl says to me, how

Regional History / Maine and Canada History at the University of Ottawa. He The “land in between” is the upper St. obtained his BA in History from Concordia John Valley, a region straddling the Maine- University in 2003 and his MA from the Uni- New Brunswick border. A zone of contacts versity of Ottawa in 2006. His thesis “When between different Native American cultures on Active Service: Discipline and Illegal Ab- until the arrival of the Europeans, it was sences in the 5th Canadian Infantry Brigade” disputed by the British and the French in deals with French-Canadian military history. the colonial period and settled by Acadians and French Canadians in the eighteenth century. To this day, it has remained the Tilbury House, Publishers site of a distinct French-American 103 Brunswick Avenue culture, and its residents have striven Gardiner, Maine 04345 to preserve their specificity and unity telephone despite the international boundary. 800-582-1899 The Land in Between: The Land in Between is a narrative email survey history of this fascinating [email protected] and unique region and is also de- The Upper Saint John Valley, web site signed to serve as a reference for http://www.tilburyhouse.com Prehistory to World War I teachers, librarians, archivists, and historians. It includes documents Béatrice Craig and (many translated from the original), Maxime Dagenais maps, and an extensive bibliography. With the collabora- Béatrice Craig holds a PhD in Cana- tion of Lisa Ornstein dian-American history from the University and Guy Dubay of Maine. She is a full professor of History at the University of Ottawa (Canada), and the Paperback, $30, ISBN 978-0-88448- author of Homespun Capitalists and Back- 319-9 woods Consumers, University of Toronto 8 x 10, 464 pages, illustrations Press, 2007, as well as numerous articles on Published with Acadia National Park the history of the Upper Saint John Valley. & Saint Croix Island International Historic Maxime Dagenais is a doctoral can- Béatrice Craig and Maxime Dagenais Site and the Maine Acadian Heritage Council didate in Nineteenth-Century Canadian 30 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE Grégoire Chabot de South Hampton, N.H. charment tout en nous plongeant dans la BOOKS/LIVRES... raconte une histoire où de jeunes étudiants magie de la parole souple et colorée; Mi- sont provoqués par un enseignant acharné chel Courchesne de Lewiston, Maine se à la menace du communisme ainsi que rappelle de son enfance où les souvenirs l’histoire d’un homme presque aveugle et d’un enfant de choeur s’entremêlent avec la d’une parvenue qui doivent faire face aux présence des dominicains dans sa jeune vie; changements tout en rêvant d’un avenir “à Juliana L’Heureux de Topsham, Maine nous perte de vue” ; Cléo Ouellette de Frenchville, entretient de ses expériences vécues par le Maine nous parle du “bord d’en avant” moyen d’une rubrique qui traite de l’histoire de sa jeunesse au nord du Maine, le salon et la culture franco-américaines; et, Normand défendue, hors pour les fêtes et la “grande” Beaupré de Biddeford, Maine nous présente visite; Sylvain Johnson de Limerick, Maine quatre contes, un à propos d’un “petit garçon et originaire de Montréal écrit à propos d’un bleu” qui retrouve le Père Noël de ses rêves; jeune homme aveugle qui est poussé à com- un conte mexicain d’un petit joueur de flûte mettre un meutre afin de regagner sa vue qui vit dans un village envahi de nains; un et aussi d’un médaillon qui appartient à un conte à propos du charme des petits oiseaux passé culturel rattaché au Québec; Angelbert renfermés dans la gousse du laiteron; et Voix Francophones de Paulin de Lamèque au Nouveau Brunswick, un autre qui traite de l’environnement et Chez Nous ancien pêcheur acadien , nous entretient de d’un homme voué à la survie des petites sa propre histoire de la pêche en pleine mer; bêtes volantes et apprend aux villageois la par Michael Guignard de Alexandria en Virgine nécessité de la promenade du dimanche. Normand Beaupré et originaire de Biddeford, Maine raconte C’est la première anthologie franco- et autres l’histoire d’un homme adopté dès sa tendre américaine contemporaine à paraître. enfance qui apprend l’identité de sa mère Chaque conte et chaque histoire de naturelle; Normand Dubé, feu poète de chez ISBN: 978-1-60594-289-6 l’anthologie apporte à la collection une voix nous, originaire de Lewiston, Maine nous Paperback unique: Robert B. Perreault de Manchester, charme avec deux de ses poèmes; Louise Format: 6 x 9 in - 172 pages N.H. nous parle d’un petit écolier curieux Péloquin de Paris, France et originaire de Language: French de savoir où mène l’escalier interdit et d’un Westford, Massachusetts offre des billets Published by Llumina Press père et d’un fils qui font prévaloir leur habi- évocateurs d’un passé où les souvenirs de leté, un avec ses mains, l’autre avec sa tête; la petite enfance de sa fille, Raphaële, nous

he found that translating his work would result of which is this long monologue, as be a most difficult task since translating the she sits in her kitchen telling her stories and Franco-American dialect is a real challenge. talking about herself and others while giving However, once he got into it, he realized that her thoughts on her own experiences in life. he could do it, and do it well. He managed . to translate his play with similar language ISBN: 1-60594-354-1 Paperback that ordinary folks use in their everyday Format: 5 x 8 in - 118 pages activities that characterizes the language of Language: English la Souillonne. The play was performed in France in October 2008 : Paris, Dijon and Published by Llumina Press. Angers. It was also performed in Lamèque, N.B., Lewiston and Biddeford, Maine. La Souillonne is a very ordinary per- son with an extraordinary sense of humor coupled with a keen ability for observation. La Souillonne, English She is a former mill worker and has lived in the same neighborhood, the same parish, translation (2009) for some fifty-nine years. She knows the people of her surroundings, their quirks, Norman R. Beaupré their ways of thinking and speaking out, and Biddeford, Maine especially their way of life. Her anecdotes range from mill stories, old beliefs, wash- The long dramatic monologue, La ings and cleaning, things in nature, the old Souillonne, by Norman Beaupré, became button can, to her own story and the love of so popular that many people who could not her life, Willy. La Souillonne’s way of telling understand French asked the author if there things is direct and without embellishment. http://www.nrbeaupre.com/index.html was to be an English translation. At first, She likes to open up her heart to people, the MORE BOOKS ON PAGE 49... 31 Le Forum RECIPES/ Maine Potato Donuts RECETTES Ingredients: Poésie / Poetry 1 cup sugar 2 large eggs “sentenced to this tongue”: 3/4 cup milk Jim Bishop Reads 3/4 cup potatoes cooked, mashed, cold 3 3/4 cups flour, all-purpose 1/4 cup vegetable shortening melted 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 teaspoons baking powder were it music 3/4 teaspoon ginger I would always almost always Potato Donuts play soft Directions: Mix sugar and eggs, add milk and potato. This old-time potato donut recipe is Add shortening and vanilla. taken from my mother-in-law’s recipe col- Sift dry ingredients, add and mix well. Chill 1 hour before frying. lection. Apparently, her family purchased Roll, cut out and fry in deep fat at 375º. this recipe at an estate auction sometime in the 1930s, but it is believed to be much older. Tourtiere (pork pie) My wife Vicki uses about 3 liters (3 From the kitchen of: Leola Gagnon quarts) of oil to fry them in. She finds that Ingredients: canola oil works just fine, but her mother 1 1⁄2 lbs. of pork insists that using pure lard gives them a 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon better taste -- a nostalgic taste. You simply 1⁄4 teaspoon poultry seasoning have to try these yourself. People won’t 1 medium onion dried fine believe it when you tell them they are made 3 medium potatoes cooked and mashed (without milk or butter) from potatoes. They’re sooooo yummy! 1⁄2 teaspoon flour It has become a tasty tradition in salt and pepper to taste our family to make potato donuts each Preparation: year at Christmas, and they always get Start the recipe the day before by browning the ground pork, onion, and season- rave reviews. Why not make them a ings. Let simmer for 30 min., drain the fat, and refrigerate overnight. Next day, reheat holiday tradition in your family too? the pork mixture, cook, and mash the potatoes, add the flour, and combine. Place 2 cups mashed potatoes; mix butter mixture into pie pastry (double) and bake at 450 for about 30 min. or until brown. size of egg with potatoes; add pinch of salt, 3 This is a traditional recipe for Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve. Very popular for cups white sugar, 3 beaten eggs, 1 cup milk. Franco-Americans. Sift 7 cups all-purpose flour. Put 5 cups flour with eggs and milk mixture. Take remain- ing 2 cups flour and add 4 teaspoons baking Chicken Stew powder. Add bit of nutmeg. Mix. Fry in deep From the kitchen of: Leola Gagnon fat on a medium stove until golden brown. Ingredients: 3 lbs. chicken breasts or chicken parts onions salt and pepper to taste 6 potatoes Dumplings: 1 cup flour 1⁄2 cup milk 1 teas. salt Preparation: Boil chicken with onions, salt, and pepper for about one hour or until chicken is ten- der. Make sure you have enough water to cover the chicken. Remove chicken. Add cubed potatoes and cook until tender. Make the dumplings: mix the ingredients well to make a dough. Roll on floured board and cut up in squares. Drop in the stew and leave the cover off. Make sure the water doesn’t boil when adding the dumplings. Cook for ten minutes. Cover and add the chicken. Make sure you have deboned and removed skin from chicken. This must be made more than once to master. Served on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

http://www.fawi.net/ezine/vol3no4/Wilhite/Potatoesfinal.htm 32 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE

as, say, from a window your eye might fix over the lighthouse Poésie / Poetry on five stalks seed-tails of grasses tall over the gull in flight against their field so far out “sentenced to this tongue”: bend again again again in the we imagine Jim Bishop Reads breeze more than we see.

Reviewed by This way of becoming—to become “Something evermore about to be,” as Tony Brinkley the grass that you see, albeit in the con- Wordsworth wrote. Or, like the Hebrew davhar: ditional, as if—connects Bishop’s poetry I dream were it music through Whitman to the Wordsworthian the tree has turned I would always almost always “life of things,” which at first “you” might to words play soft see into, but in the future might become—as if you could live as well as “see into the life Jim Bishop says at the beginning of things” and reimagine this Wordswor- Or that of Jim Bishop Reads, a new CD by the thian sense of blessing. “Once again I see,” author of Mother Tongue. “I would want Wordsworth wrote. And in Whitman: “I loaf the sun is you bending toward me,” Bishop says, and invite my soul . . . observing a spear getting in “toward the slight distinction tween / an- of summer grass” that sometimes “seems the next to last word ticipation and the ever so slightly finer.” to me the beautiful uncut hair of graves,” of the dream Mother Tongue was published until “to die is different from what any one in 1975 by Contraband Press. Jim Bishop supposed, and luckier.” From the beginning Or: Reads was recorded by Bruce Holsapple in of Jim Bishop Reads, a generous voice in- June 2006, for Holsapple’s label, Vox Audio. vites at once a listening and a seeing: once the eye is just With one exception, the poems Holsapple again you see the “seed-tails of grasses” that there recorded are from the 1975 book, and the re- Whitman saw, that in the future you might cording enables listeners to revisit a volume willingly become: then “it would be gentler it is the light of poetry that is still singular in its power and brother”; dying would be “luckier.” How reaches out arguably among the finest by a contemporary should we characterize this good fortune, Maine poet. To think of Bishop as “a con- this poetics of a recurring spot of time? from things temporary Maine poet” is not to suggest that In contemporary criticism, Harold nearly stepped on Mother Tongue is restricted to some variety Bloom has become the critic of this poet- of American regionalism, but to recognize ics because more than any other literary so that it a distinctive significance—a distinctive critic writing in America today, Bloom has approach to significance—that offers a recognized the centrality for our poetry of might strike renewed sense of how the poetry of our blessing, both secular and spiritual, a legacy a mother climate might read. The voice in the record- of Judeo-Christianity which in English through her bedroom window ing is quietly generous. If it offers a way of found its defining articulations in early as a star listening to “slight distinction[s],” perhaps translations of the Bible. As an emerging this is because Bishop has a way of reading literacy, English came into being mid-wifed Wallace Stevens says that “the moth- that is itself a way of listening. “[W]ere by these translations and inherited a Hebraic er’s face” is “the purpose of the poem” it music,” Bishop begins, and the poetry sense of the word (in Hebrew, davhar) that, and that this purpose “fills the room.” that follows begins with this conditional, a unlike the Greek logos is also—simulta- Wordsworth says that the mother’s pres- fiction of music and of listening in which neously—thing, act, and truth. From the ence offers “the great birth-right of our “I would want you bending toward me.” Hebrew Bible, English inherited a verbal being.” In Bishop’s poetry, in the mo- The first poem inJim Bishop reads power to bear the Blessing, “the prospect ment of writing and speaking that Bish- ends with “grass” and, in that way, generous- of more life,” of living proleptically “into op calls “this disturbance in the air”: ly with Whitman and a tradition he fostered: an unbounded time.” It was in this sense Wordsworth could write in “Tintern Abbey” i imagine & trust it would be gentler brother that “all which we behold is full of bless- good ing,” It is in this sense as well that Bishop’s a woman (my sense of the living could you for the moment let writing offers readers a generous centering. room) —is right— and she yourself To listen as Jim Bishop reads mothers a boy in the hostile just be grass is to hear these moments of blessing: air the air Earlier in the poem as an in- the drift stance of the distinction that is of that single purple http://www.fawi.net/ezine/vol3no4/Wilhite/Potatoesfinal.htm “slightly finer,” the poem imagines cloud (Continued on page 34) 33 Le Forum “Sentenced to this tongue” continued from your strange son by whom they touch & how, are name page 33) so —sirocco, melmeti, mariah, still remembers . . . rife i’ve since heard —so, this wind, “mistral”, with these waves yr warm inflections cold, dry, rising, cold & dry, out of the north how: —warmed me should The woman in “the living / room,” have these daddywords outthrough the who “mothers” the “boy in the hostile (trahnsh? the sound, room’s hearth-lit / air,” offers a mother tongue that be- Canuck, for) comes both a poem and its purpose: air to my ears & would have, Lord, slice: could he, could you, dad, have said them one warm & holy mylilmama slicing for everyone RED word out to (waiting, you knew herbs slices fatherless on the floor, your word) were they anise (you said your son lah-nee or In a recent conversation, Bishop re- caraway called that “RED / slices” refers to “a dream i see my mother once recounted to me in which, From the chill wind of the “mis- us as a girl, she found a gigantic strawberry tral,” any warming will be conditional—it walking in a field growing wild in a field and brought it home “warmed me,” or rather, it “should / have,” this (was because it could be so that all her family could share it—they it “would have, Lord” (the language of sunny cut slices of it, as one would cut a water- Psalms might be transfiguring) “could you, field melon (the berry was watermelon big)”: dad” (not the Lord, now, but the name of a caraway(?) anise(?) child’s father, a child who no longer says to my knees dirtpoor farmgirl find- “daddy”), could you “have said them,” or ing said it, “one warm & holy word” you in the fields to “your son,” “your word,” “waiting, / stoop to touch fatherless on the floor.” If the father will the blooms a berry not speak the father’s word, if the father’s watermelon word becomes as fatherless as the tears of you Essau, how will “your son” find a mother name them tongue in “mistral,” the “chill wind”? Can a mother tongue find words in a father’s si- caraway(?) lence, in saying what was left unsaid before? l’anise(?) -big There is a dazzling moment in Bishop’s poetry in which transformation becomes pal- staggering homeward under pable, “where the mind shapes / Eden as / the weight the foot elects / its course.” On the printed Bishop’s mother tongue is metis, of page, the passage is in italics—as if slightly both Maine French and Maine English. your distanced, possible and impossible at once. It indexes a local reality and history, the In Jim Bishop Reads, this distance has been interplay of French and English in Maine, treasure softened through the proximities of a gener- but it also recalls that as a language modern ous voice that hesitates only slightly before English has always been hybrid to begin the imperatives of “what they know as real”: with, from its origins in many ways French. In Bishop’s poem, as a recollection “Caraway,” “caraway(?), “anise,” “lah-nee,” of “RED / slice, “trahnsh?” becomes like “l’anise(?)” name together in a dialogue, Proust’s madelaine or Wordsworth’s sound All my life i have lived in fear. And known persuasively, not authoritatively, in the of water, a recurring blessing of past things. freedom only briefly. And knew not what language the mother offers, “mylilmama” Among the most remarkable of i feared and only vaguely even that I was (a phrase that is itself a song), so that: Bishop’s poems are those that involve his afraid. My sole joy, when it came, was in nam- way of wrestling for a blessing in language: ing things rightly. Here nothing slithers in the dust. And the shadows are shadows only. But from this uncatagoried bliss i know i must mother my mother “daddy, what does mistral mean?” return to what they know as real. in this his darkest & he telling of a chill wind —as the year winds, (Continued on page 43) 34 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE spent the 1949 season with Hartford in the later with St. Paul in the Dodgers organiza- Eastern League. Of his 31 games, he started tion. Chicago recalled him from St. Paul 27, completed 19, won 14 and allowed only in early September, but released him to 175 hits in 211 innings pitched. He struck Montréal three weeks later. That’s how he By/Par out 162 batters and his ERA was 2.90. ended up with the Royals. He was offered a Yves Chartrand This time, the Pittsburgh Pirates took contract by the team in late January of 1959. (Ottawa, Ontario) him from the Braves on December 5. In Besides, being in Montréal was 1950, he was 10-7 with AA New Orleans an interesting thing for LaPalme since, and AAA Indianapolis. In 1951, he started according to the La Patrie du dimanche Efficient knuck- the season in Indianapolis before being reporter he talked to, he was still able to called up, at the age of 27, by the Pirates in speak French fairly well. The pitcher was les from the left late May. His first major league start was actually looking forward to speak French a success, a 5-0 shutout of... the Braves! more often since, at training camp, he had In the spring of 1959, pitch- However, he did not win another game met a Montréal pitcher named Raymond er Paul LaPalme was at a crossroads. during his next 21 appearances and with an Daviault who had been with the Royals After spending the 1958 season in ERA of 6.33, he was sent back to New Or- the past two years. However, Daviault the minor leagues, he was released out- leans by mid-August in order to make room was sent to another team in 1959 because right in late September to the Montréal for two other players on the Pittsburgh roster. he had trouble with his pitching control. Royals of the International League by the In 1952, mostly used as a relief As for LaPalme, he became more Chicago White Sox. His biggest hope, he pitcher in Pittsburgh, he again struggled concerned about another matter than told a Montréal reporter at the Royals train- by allowing more walks than striking out French, his left arm’s health. The first half ing camp, was to get back to the majors. batters. After being optioned to the Hol- of the 1959 season with the Royals looked He actually saw it as an advantage lywood team in the Pacific Coast League more like a nightmare. In mid-April, a that he was now in the Los Angeles Dodg- on August 9, he developped a knuckle ball sad LaPalme watched his teammates ers organization. Of the five left-handed that lowered his ERA to 1.29. He appeared head north for the regular season as he pitchers that the Dodgers have, he said, in 9 games, won and completed 6, lost only had to stay behind because of his ailing two have a sore arm. If only he could one and recorded three shutouts, which arm. He finally appeared briefly in a game stay away from his own wing trouble, he earned him his way back to Pittsburgh. on April 25. In a full-page published on would be helping the Royals and even In 1953, Lefty LaPalme continued April 29 to welcome the Royals back to any major league team would take notice. to work on other pitches (such as a reverse Montréal for their season opener, LaPalme More than anything, LaPalme was curve or screwball, which was actually wasn’t even portrayed with other players. hoping to get three more big league seasons more of a sinker, and a regular curve) to The reason might have been that he in order to qualify for the pension awarded counter for his not so great fastball. Of was put back on the disabled list. Even- to players with at least 10 years of service. his 35 games that year, 24 were starts. He tually, with consecutive doubleheaders Unfortunately, things didn’t was 8-16 with 2 saves and an ERA of 4.60. scheduled for May 17 and 18, the Roy- turn out the way he wanted. 1959 be- In 1954, his ERA increased to 5.50 as he als took him off the list and LaPalme came the last year that Paul Edmore won only 4 games during 33 appearances. pitched on these two days and even more. LaPalme pitched in organized baseball. On January 11, 1955, the Pirates trad- On May 29, the team announced He had been around since 1941 when, ed him to the St. Louis Cardinals for another that he wouldn’t go on the next road after attending high school in his hometown pitcher, Ben Wade, and cash. He became an trip in order to get more treatment for of Springfield (Massachusetts), he pitched as effective relief pitcher for the Cards, mak- his left shoulder. Released from hospi- a 17 year-old for Bristol. He was 10-4 with ing 56 trips to the mound in 1955, winning tal on June 11, LaPalme finally made the team in the class D Appalachian League. 4 and saving 3. LaPalme got bombed in his his way back to the mound on June 22. Before the 1942 season, he was obtained by only appearance with the Cards in 1956. After slowly getting back into a groove the New York Giants from Bristol as part of a On May 1, he was traded to Cincinnati for working a few appareances as a reliever, minor league working agreement. Assigned Milt Smith. In 11 games there, he was 2-4 LaPalme was given the ball as the starter to Erie’s class C team, his record was 12-11. with an ERA of 4.67. Placed on waivers, on July 19. In the end, according to official His baseball career was then inter- he was claimed on June 22 by the Chicago records, he would pitch a total of 84 innings. rupted when he served in the Army for White Sox. Now in the American League, Of his 28 games for the whole season, six about 32 months, from 1943 to 1945. LaPalme posted some of his best numbers: were starts often as the team’s only pitcher In 1946, again with Bristol, he was 29 games, a record of 3-1, 2 saves, only of one end of a doubleheader. His record 20-2 with 181 strikeouts in 191 innings 31 hits allowed in 45 2/3 innings pitched. was 5-5 with an ERA of 2.57. That wasn’t pitched. After the season, LaPalme got In 1957, LaPalme was 1-4 in 35 bad playing for a team with a 72-82 record married. In 1947, his overall record was games, allowing 35 hits in 40 1/3 innings and also lacking offence for long stretches. 13-6 pitching for the B team in Tren- pitched. After posting a 24-45 record On September 7, the last day of the reg- ton and the A team in Jacksonville. with 14 saves in 253 games, that was ular season in Montréal, the team organized In 1948, he returned to Trenton and the end of Lefty’s career in the majors. several events for the fans to watch. LaPalme won 13 games. On November 24, the Bos- In April of 1958, LaPalme was as- won a pitchers’ race around the base paths. ton Braves drafted him from the Giants. He signed to Indianapolis before ending up (Continued on page 36) 35 Le Forum

les majeures dans le but de se quali- En 1950, sa fiche a été de 10-7 avec les fier pour une pension remise aux joueurs équipes de la Nouvelle-Orléans (niveau avec au moins 10 années de service. AA) et d’Indianapolis (AAA). En 1951, il (Continued from page 35) Malheureusement, les choses n’ont a commencé la saison à Indianapolis avant pas évolué comme il le voulait. 1959 a d’être rappelé, à l’âge de 27 ans, par les Pi- Records at the Baseball Hall of été la dernière année que Paul Edmore rates vers la fin de mai. Son premier départ Fame in Cooperstown show that although LaPalme a lancé dans le baseball organisé. dans les ligues majeures a été un succès, un Montréal reserved his services for 1960, he Il était là depuis 1941 quand, après blanchissage de 5-0 contre... les Braves! retired in the spring. Since the Royals folded avoir étudié à l’école secondaire de sa Toutefois, il n’a pas remporté un autre after the 1960 season, he was released. ville natale de Springfield (Massachu- match durant ses 21 apparitions suivantes

setts), il a lancé à 17 ans pour Bristol. Sa et avec une MPM de 6,33, il a été renvoyé

fiche a été de 10-4 avec l’équipe de classe à la Nouvelle-Orléans à la mi-août dans D dans la Ligue Appalachian. Avant la le but de faire de la place à deux autres Des jointures effi- saison 1942, les Giants de New York l’ont joueurs dans l’alignement du Pittsburgh. obtenu du Bristol dans le cadre d’une en- En 1952, surtout utilisé comme un caces de la gauche tente de ligue mineure. Avec l’équipe de releveur à Pittsburgh, il a connu des ennuis classe C à Erie, son dossier a été de 12-11. en accordant plus de buts sur balles qu’en Sa carrière de baseball a ensuite été Au printemps de 1959, le lanceur effectuant de retraits sur trois prises. Après interrompue afin de servir dans l’armée avoir été cédé à l’équipe de Hollywood Paul LaPalme était à la croisée des chemins. pendant environ 32 mois, de 1943 à 1945. dans la Ligue de la côte du Pacifique le Après avoir passé la saison 1958 En 1946, de nouveau avec Bristol, 9 août, il a développé une balle jointures dans les ligues mineures, il a été envoyé il a montré un dossier de 20-2 avec 181 (aussi appelée balle papillon) qui a réduit sans condition vers la fin de septembre aux retraits sur trois prises en 191 manches sa MPM à 1,29. De ses neuf présences au Royaux de Montréal de la Ligue interna- lancées. Après la saison, LaPalme s’est monticule, six ont été des victoires et des tionale par les White Sox de Chicago. Son marié. En 1947, sa fiche cumulative a matchs complets, il a perdu seulement une plus grand espoir, a-t-il dit à un journaliste été de 13-6 pour deux équipes, le Tren- joute et a enregistré trois blanchissages, ce de Montréal au camp d’entraînement des ton (niveau B) et le Jacksonville (A). qui lui a permis de retourner à Pittsburgh. Royaux, était de retourner dans les majeures. En 1948, il est retourné à Trenton et En 1953, Lefty LaPalme a continué Il voyait actuellement comme un a remporté 13 matchs. Le 24 novembre, les à travailler sur d’autres lancers (comme avantage de faire maintenant partie de Braves de Boston l’ont repêché des Giants. la courbe dans l’autre sens appelée balle l’organisation des Dodgers de Los An- Il a passé la saison 1949 avec Hartford dans tire-bouchon, qui était plus une tombante, geles. Parmi les cinq lanceurs gauchers la Ligue Eastern. De ses 31 matchs, il en et la courbe régulière) afin de compenser que les Dodgers possédaient, selon lui, a débuté 27, a lancé 19 matchs complets, pour sa rapide pas nécessairement fameuse. deux avaient mal au bras. Si seulement il en a gagné 14 et a alloué seulement 175 De ses 35 matches cette année-là, 24 pouvait éviter d’avoir du trouble avec son coups sûrs en 211 manches de travail. Il a ont été des départs. Son dossier a été de bras, il pourrait aider les Royaux et même réussi 162 retraits au bâton et sa moyenne 8-16 avec deux sauvetages et une MPM toute équipe majeure qui le remarquerait. de points mérités (MPM) a été de 2,90. de 4,60. En 1954, sa moyenne a aug- Plus que toute autre chose, LaPalme Cette fois, les Pirates de Pittsburgh menté à 5,50 alors qu’il a remporté seule- espérait obtenir trois autres saisons dans l’ont obtenu des Braves le 5 décembre. (Suite page 43)

36 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE (N.D.L.R. It is with great sad- looked forward to, but yet I dreaded it. given a hunk of bread and a chocolate ness that I inform you that Sr. Ella Ma- On that day I would be leaving the home bar. There were many happy days, but rie Germain passed away on Oct. 28, I loved. I would be saying good-bye to also lonely ones. Between my family and 2009. See page 34 for her obituary.) Mom and Dad and to the family that would me there was an ocean! Letters took long be forever missed. I though of Leo, Den- to come -- sometimes two or three weeks. The Germain Saga nis, and Ralph who would be too young to September 4, 1934, was the year the by even remember me. I though of my little novitiate ended. It was on the feast of the S. Ella Marie sister, Rita, who would make her first com- Exhaltation of the Holy Cross that I pro- Germain, CSJ munion. I would not be home to celebrate nounced my first vows of poverty, chastity, Eighth Installment joyous occasions with the family. Mom and and celebrate, to rejoice and to give thanks. Dad would be celebrating their 25th wed- ding anniversary, and I would be far away A Paradox in France. I thought of a hundred things. On my way to the St. Paul Union De- What wealth to be a nun pot where I would go by train to Crookston, To have one’s possessions Minnesota, Dad stopped at Lonesome Trail Feduced to a minimum - School. There, I said good-bye to my Tob be empty-handed bother Delore who was the teacher, and An yet to share to some of his pupils -- Mae, Urban, Rita. The treasures of a King After nine months of study at the And multimillionaire! convent in Crookston, I received the Holy Habit along with four others on May 3, 1933. What joy to be set apart The church of St. Anne was filled with rela- To have one’s love tives and friends. Dressed in white wedding Unclaimed by human heart - New Pathways dresses and veils, we were seated in the front To be childless pews of the church. The Bishop came down And yet to own ELLA MARIE GERMAIN the center aisle with his miter and crosier. Our days on the farm with Mom and A million souls Suddenly, I heard and recognized the voice For Christ alone! Dad were happy, but the time came when the of a child who said out loud, “Santa Claus.” familiar road we had walked was leading us to It was my two year old brother, Ralph! I What freedom to be compelled new paths. I was the first one to leave home. was given a new name, Sister Rita Marie. I My two years of high school at St. To stay with a Spouse looked different but I was still Ella! My joy Chained by love and held - Joseph’s Academy in Crookston, Minne- was that I was a bride of Christ. I also had sota, were very special. During that time, I To be a prisoner; a happy reunion with my family. Mom and What a glorious liberty thought of becoming a Sister of St. Joseph. Dad, Andrew, Claire, and my baby brother In the fall of 1931-1932, I was back to New To have no goal Ralph came 300 miles to celebrate with me. But sanctity!. Richmond High School for my senior year. After my one day visit home in June There I found new friends. My interests of 1933, five novices from Crookston went -Sr. J. Morin were changing. Clothes and accessories by train to St. Paul and on to New York were now very important to me, and house City. From the harbor, we boarded our ship parties were so much fun. Football games the S.S. DeGrasse for Vigo, Spain, South- were a must where I saw the guys kick the hampton, England, and Le Havre, France. S. Ella Marie ball. Dances at the New Richmond Pavil- The crossing took nine days. Six hours Germain, CSJ ion were weekly events not to be missed. by train ended the long journey to Bourg, After graduation, on May 26, 1932, France. What an adventure for us who had the thought of becoming a Sister of St. traveled only in Minnesota and Wisconsin! Joseph preoccupied me very much. I As novices, we began the canonical was undecided. In fact, some days, the year at the novitiate in Bourg, France. It Another group of American novices thought of becoming a sister was no longer was a time of reflection and study of the what I wanted. This confusion was not from Crookston arrived at the Motherhouse gospels, Church history, the history fo the in Bourg, France in April 1934. Among them good. But the call of Jesus was persistent. Congregation, and the holy rule. Tehre was On the 9th of June, 1932, I decided was my sister, Claire. What joy to know that also the study of French, art, and music. I had a sister who was dedicating her life to to make a novena of prayers to Mary, ask- The défi was an exercise held on Sunday ing her to help me know what God wanted God as a Sister of St. Joseph! I was not very forenoon. It was not a favoite time, but long with my sister at teh Motherhouse. In of me. On the last day of the novena, God iwas one that was supposed to help us made it clear to me. “Rise up, clasp my early May I left to help at a summer camp know ourselves. Our faults were revealed! house in Chatillon in the Jura Mountains. hand, and come.” He invited me to follow Every Thursday was “un jour de Him as a Sister of St. Joseph. I accepted College girls from Paris came to Chatillon congé,” a free day, when we went on long for their vacation. I accompanied them on the Lord’s invitation, and I was at peace. walks in the country. Each novice was September 3, 1932, was the day I (Continued on page 38) 37 Le Forum (The Germain Saga continued from page He made a detour hoping to bypass the zerland, Austria, Italy, and Luxemburg. 37) storm, but we got the tail end of it. I won- One of my very special trips was the 4 interesting excursions in the mountains. dered about the lady’s promise if we landed 1/2 weeks in the Holy Land in 1990. To walk safely in New York. On the train, it seemed in the land where Jesus was born, lived, died, like we were riding the waves, but no, we S. Claire and rose in glory was a moving experience. were rolling ont he train to Crookston. Germain, CSJ In 1993, I attended the Interna- After my visit home, I went on to tional Federation Meeting of the Sis- St. Joseph’s Academy in Crookston where ters of St. Joseph held in Lyons, France. Mother Raphael had an assignment for me Together we saw our past, our pres- in October of 1935. I was to teach 3rd and ent, and a hopeful look into the future. 4th grades. During the summers I went to My eight summers at Laketrails the Diocesan Teacher’s College and the Col- Base Camp in Lake of the Woods proved One day the college girls and I planned lege of St. Catherine where I earned my B.A. to be a wonderful exzperience. It is a an all day hike in the Jura Mountains. The Most of my grade school teaching was at haven in a super wilderness area where weather was perfect. We were walking St. Joseph’s Academy in Crookston. I also teens come and go back home renewed. along enjoying the beauty surrounding us taught at grade schools in Argyle, Minne- when suddenly the girls disappeared. I sota, two years in Superior, Wisconsin, St. Sr. Clare Arel wondered what was happening. I looked Joseph’s Grade School in W. St. Paul for and Sr. Ella around, and a few yards before me I saw two years, and French for 14 years at Brady Marie Germain a snake. Thinking it was a garter snake, I High School, also in W. St. Paul. In 1978 with a baby eagle picked up a stone, aimed, and hit it on the I taught French and American History for at Laketrails head. I had killed it with one stone! The several years at Cretin and Cretin-Derham girls came back on the road. “Sister, that Hall. I earned my M.A. in French during the was a viper. If you had not killed it, the summers at the University of Notre Dame. viper would have killed you. It is a very poisonous snake. That’s why we all ran.” After five months, I was called back In 1932, I went to the convent in Som- to the Mother house when I received the erset to tell the Sisters that I had decided to news of my return to Minnesota in late become a Sister of St. Joseph. Fifty years September. I had been in France for 2 later, I was there again. This time to cel- 1/2 years. Traveling with me was Sister ebrate my Golden Jubilee in the parish of Ella Carufel and another sister. Reverend St. Anne along with Sisters Ella Carufel, Mother Amborse asked me to take charge Jeanne Therese Condon, and Frances Hasty. of the trip. We said good-bye to la belle S. Ella Marie Germain with My 50th Jubilee Celebration at Mary- France, and boarded the S. S. LaFayette, a Cretin French students wood in Crookston was wonderful. When much larger steamer than the S. S. DeGrasse. I saw All my brothers and sisters with There were over 1000 people on board I have been employed at Cretin- their spouses who had come from Som- ship. More than once we lost our way, and Derham Hall for 24 years. Now, 2003, I erset and St. Paul, I was deeply moved. had to ask directions to the dining hall, the am a support staff, and enjoy my work. I chapel, and our cabin. During the months duplicate, assemble spiral booklets, oper- of September and October, the ocean is very ate the folding machine, and distribute rough. We were told that there would be a the mail to 130 facutly and staff. It takes bad storm during the night. A lady came me twelve minutes to walk to work in the to us and said, “Sister, I promise, if we are spring and fall. During bad weather and saved, I will go tot confession when I get the long winter months, my dear friend, to New Your.” That evening the cabin boy Martha, comes right to my back door for me. knocked at our door. He wanted to check the double port holes, because the sea was very rough. We were given a life jacket, S. Ella Marie Fifty Years and number of our life boat in case we Germain, CSJ would need it. I looked out the port holes. My youthful looks are gone Teh waves were as high as the ship. All But my happy heart is young. through the nigth the ship rocked perilously. The next morning S. Ella Carufel was There’s song in my soul -- sick enough to die. As for myself, I was God’s blessings through time. fine. I went to the dining hall where I saw broken dishes all over the floor. No one was At different times during my teach- Countless joys I remember up because they were all sick. The captain ing years I chaperoned groups fo students And many dreams came true. had received a message about the hurricane. to Europe: England, France, Spain, Swit- (Continued on page 42) 38 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE Bruno Ramirez et Yolande Lavoie. doivent se trouver un autre moyen de sub- Les causes et les sistance. Pour la plupart fils de fermiers âgés entre 18 et 25 ans, ils sont réduits au candidats de l’exode I- Problèmes dans le monde chômage ou envoyés ailleurs chercher de francophone aux États- rural l’argent pour rétablir l’économie familiale. D’autres malheurs s’ajoutent au sur- Unis entre 1840 et 1930 Tout au long du XIXe siècle, le monde peuplement. C’est le cas par exemple des rural du Québec connaît des problèmes de mauvaises récoltes, qui arrivent à répétition. by/par toutes sortes. La population canadienne- En plus de subir les attaques de parasites Felix Lafrance française est plongée à la fois dans des crises (la mouche de Hesse) et des catastrophes économiques et agricoles, ce qui force une naturelles (grêles, sécheresses, pluies abon- bonne partie de celle-ci à quitter la campagne. dantes), les cultures s’amenuisent en raison Au XIXe siècle, le Québec connaît L’énorme hausse démographique et les de l’épuisement du sol. Ce dernier porte les d’importants changements économiques, terres qui s’accroissent trop peu entre 1784 marques des mauvaises habitudes devenues sociaux et culturels pendant le passage de la et 1844 provoquent rapidement un manque routinières des agriculteurs, de leur manque 2 société rurale à l’économie industrielle. En de superficie cultivable . Au cours du XIXe de connaissances et de l’absence de bêtes plein essor, le secteur manufacturier trans- siècle, le pays souffre terriblement de sur- pour le fertiliser5. Ignorants de l’agronomie, forme le paysage des villes et des campagnes peuplement et d’encombrement. Parce qu’il les fermiers de l’époque ne mettent pas leurs et bouleverse les rapports sociaux entre les n’y a plus suffisamment de surfaces arables exploitations en rotation, et trop pauvres différentes classes. La hausse démographique et que celles qui existent sont devenues pau- pour posséder des troupeaux, ils n’épandent de 400% qui s’effectue entre 1784 et 1844 vres, la rareté des terres agricoles s’accentue pas non plus de fumier. À cela s’ajoute la et l’augmentation de seulement 275% de la rapidement, laissant de plus en plus de baisse progressive des déjà maigres expor- superficie occupée font que la terre québé- Québécois sans domicile et sans emploi. tations agricoles, dont le blé, surtout, qui a coise ne peut plus subvenir aux besoins de Malgré cette situation, de grands de plus en plus de mal à concurrencer les sa population. En plus de faire face à une propriétaires terriens – souvent Canadiens nouvelles productions des terres fertiles surpopulation, l’économie agricole doit se anglais – maintiennent leur mainmise sur de l’Ouest canadien. Cette compétition spécialiser afin de s’ouvrir au marché si elle de larges domaines. Ces derniers sont appauvrie énormément les agriculteurs, veut survivre. L’exode qui s’en suit dans trop souvent laissés en friche ou en « bois qui doivent transformer leur exploitation le monde rural fait grandir l’urbanisation. debout », soustrayant de riches et grandes traditionnelle. Au final, caresser l’entreprise Mais se réfugier à la ville dans l’espoir d’y terres à l’exploitation agricole. Et si les de s’en aller pour résoudre ses problèmes dénicher un boulot qui permette de vivre spéculateurs telle la British American Land demande aussi beaucoup de courage, car les convenablement demeure hasardeux. Et Company acceptent de vendre ou de lais- chemins et ponts qui sillonnent le paysage puis la vie de l’ouvrier étant déjà pénible, ser en usufruit leurs terres, les prix et les québécois sont rares et de mauvaise qualité. celui-ci est aussi sujet à l’irrégularité de conditions qu’ils demandent sont beaucoup Entre 1850 et 1900, en faisant appa- l’emploi et au chômage saisonnier. Simul- trop élevés pour les fermiers québécois. raître une concurrence féroce avec l’Ouest tanément, ce sont les économies rurale et Le régime seigneurial se fait également canadien, l’ouverture à l’industrie et aux urbaine qui souffrent, ce qui pousse les pesant. En plus d’augmenter sans cesse les marchés commerciaux augmente la pau- gens à trouver d’autres alternatives pour cens et les rentes, les seigneurs refusent de périsation du monde rural. L’inexorable leur survivance. C’est ainsi qu’entre 1840 couper leurs forêts pour vendre le bois et baisse des revenus des cultivateurs cana- et 1930, plus de 900 000 Canadiens fran- ainsi créer de nouvelles zones cultivables, 1 diens-français les force à transformer leur çais s’exilent aux États-Unis . Les causes préférant attendre pour profiter d’une éven- activité, les faisant passer d’une agriculture de cet exode massif ne sont pas le fruit tuelle augmentation tarifaire des produits de subsistance à une agriculture industrielle. 3 d’un incident fortuit, mais l’aboutissement forestiers . Il n’y a pourtant pas d’autre Pour ce faire, ils doivent se moderniser et de facteurs complexes et multiples. possibilité de créer de telles zones après se spécialiser dans un secteur agricole en Dans le cadre des inégalités et des 1830, forçant ainsi bon nombre de Cana- particulier, engendrant des emprunts à prix rythmes du développement économique diens français à opter pour la colonisation fort prohibitifs, allant à des taux d’intérêt que connaît le Québec au XIXe siècle, on de nouvelles régions, pour le déménagement parfois au-dessus de 20%6. En s’endettant de pourrait expliquer le fait que les émigrants en ville ou à l’étranger. À cette population la sorte et en devenant dépendants aux fluc- aux États-Unis subissent l’une ou plusieurs en exode sans cesse grandissante et freinée tuations du marchés pour se mécaniser, les des influences suivantes: le manque de par les barons de la féodalité financière, il fermiers rendent leur situation très précaire 4 terres à la campagne, l’endettement agricole, n’y a pas d’autres « exutoires naturels » . et difficile. Il ne s’agit alors que d’une baisse l’incapacité de l’industrie québécoise à com- Devant ce surpeuplement rural, les prolongée des prix, d’une concurrence ac- bler le manque d’emplois en ville ou ailleurs, familles s’appauvrissent, le nombre de centuée sur les marchés internationaux ou une attirance quelconque pour les États-Unis. jeunes gens sans emploi se multiplie et d’une mauvaise récolte pour qu’ils soient Dans ce texte, nous nous propo- les départs s’accentuent. Puisque la terre dans l’impossibilité de rembourser leurs sons d’expliquer quels étaient les causes d’un cultivateur est déjà trop petite pour créanciers. De même, lorsque la rentabilité et les candidats de l’exode francophone pouvoir la diviser entre tous ses fils – la d’une terre est négative, son propriétaire vers la Nouvelle-Angleterre entre 1840 coutume de fractionner la terre entre les aime souvent mieux la délaisser plutôt et 1930, synthétisant les excellents ou- héritiers s’étant trop prolongée – ceux qui vrages de spécialistes tels Yves Roby, n’héritent pas d’une parcelle de celle-ci (Suite page 40) 39 Le Forum (Les causes et les candidats de facile qu’avant d’aller vers les contrées produits canadiens, l’économie québécoise l’exode francophone aux États-Unis sauvages à coloniser. Mais ces signes posi- repose presque essentiellement encore entre 1840 et 1930 suite de page 39) tifs cachent mal l’exode massif qui s’opère. sur l’agriculture et le commerce, en plus que de la cultiver à perte. La mécanisation L’option de partir vers les États-Unis d’être fortement régionalisée. Trop petits, obligée par la spécialisation fait également est malgré tout perçue comme un dernier ses marchés freinent considérablement leur 7 8 diminuer le besoin en main-d’œuvre dans le recours et comme une période d’essai . croissance en tardant à attirer les investis- monde rural, poussant ainsi nombre de gens Ceux qui émigrent en premier choix sont seurs. Petites sont aussi ses entreprises, dont à trouver d’autres alternatives pour survivre. en fait les plus téméraires, car selon John la majorité œuvre dans la transformation de En raison de l’insuffisance des A. Dickinson et Brian Young, « Partir aux produits agricoles, de vêtements et dans les marchés et du système de crédit aux mains States n’est qu’un élément parmi d’autres services, de sorte que l’industrie du Québec 9 d’usuriers sans cœur, du surpeuplement, d’une stratégie de survie » des gens dans travaille essentiellement pour son marché lo- de l’épuisement du sol ou des catastrophes la misère. Parmi les candidats, on retrouve cal et progresse lentement. Sa concentration naturelles, plusieurs fermiers doivent se surtout de petits agriculteurs appauvris et dans l’espace urbain et celle de ses capitaux départir de leurs terres et partir ailleurs. découragés, des familles complètes (72% dans les mains d’Anglais – à quelques ex- 10 Que l’on soit sans terre, sans emploi, sans selon Yolande Lavoie) , un père ou un fils ceptions près – ne favorisent en rien cette revenu ou débiteur, il devient pressant de famille allant amasser de l’argent pour situation. Même au tournant du XIXe siècle, de trouver un moyen pour vivre, car les soulager les dettes de la maisonnée. Les lorsque les investissements américains et chances de survie s’amenuisent rapidement. journaliers sans terre – devenus légion au canadiens-anglais commencent à affluer et À mesure que le XIXe siècle avance, de Québec – forment un des groupes prin- développer plus significativement de nou- plus en plus de gens s’initient aux travaux cipaux à gonfler les rangs des émigrants. veaux secteurs industriels du Québec (en saisonniers, partent vers la ville, vers de Par sécurité, les fermiers gardent toutefois particulier ceux reliés au bois), l’absence nouvelles régions ou vers la Nouvelle- généralement leur lopin de terre qu’ils de charbon et de marchés assez vastes sur Angleterre. Qu’ils optent pour l’une ou quittent, au cas où l’aventure en Nouvelle- son territoire rattrape sa population. Il faut l’autre de ces alternatives, les Canadiens Angleterre ou dans les travaux saisonniers ne en effet beaucoup plus de temps qu’en On- français exercent une mouvance particu- soit pas une réussite. Il représente pour eux tario ou aux États-Unis aux investisseurs lièrement imposante durant cette période. l’endroit où ils reviendront recommencer pour mettre en place des mécanismes pour Dans les années 1840 et 1850, les tra- leur vie avec les économies ramassées là- améliorer la productivité de la main-d’œuvre 11 vaux saisonniers constituent le choix préféré bas . Certaines migrations saisonnières et les rendements de l’industrie québécoise. de la majorité. Ils donnent la chance à l’agri- vers le Sud poussent aussi hommes et fa- La croissance de l’industrie de la ville culteur d’amasser un petit pécule durant une milles entières vers les usines américaines se faisant trop lente et sa population gonflant ou deux saisons, lui permettant de faire vivre avant le retour à la ferme le printemps par l’exode rural, les emplois manquent af- l’ensemble de sa famille ou de rembourser venu. Car si les chantiers de bûcherons en freusement pendant un siècle. Les sans em- ses créanciers. Dès 1835, l’industrie forestiè- automne, la drave au printemps, les scier- ploi, qui deviennent encore plus nombreux re profite du marché américain et procure en ies et les moulins embauchent plusieurs et plus misérables en temps de crise ou en effet de nombreux emplois saisonniers dans hommes au Québec, l’industrie améric- hiver, recherchent alors frénétiquement 12 la coupe et la drave, ou dans les moulins. aine, elle, accepte qui voudra travailler . des moyens de subsistance, allant jusqu’au Par contre, plusieurs de ses entrepreneurs De plus, les chemins de fer contribuent vol ou à la prostitution. L’irrégularité de sont grandement affectés par une période grandement à ce véritable phénomène l’emploi et les salaires peu élevés de ceux de crise qui se prolonge et doivent réduire d’exode vers les centres urbains américains. qui jouissent d’un travail engendrent aussi leurs effectifs, entraînant au chômage ou des attitudes déplorables chez certains indi- au départ des travailleurs qui comptaient II- Problèmes dans le monde vidus, tels le divorce et l’intempérance. De sur ce revenu saisonnier pour survivre. plus, la plupart des familles doivent faire tra- De façon permanente tout au long urbain vailler femme et enfants pour espérer joindre 13 de la période 1840-1930, beaucoup de les deux bouts . Cette marginalité pousse les Bien que la paupérisation du monde paysans quittent aussi la campagne pour citadins à agir comme les ruraux, soit à partir agricole constitue la principale cause aller s’installer – définitivement ou tempo- vers les régions de colonisation, les travaux des départs – la grande majorité de la rairement – en ville en espérant dénicher saisonniers ou la Nouvelle-Angleterre. Mais population québécoise étant de la cam- un boulot. Mais les villes gonflent plus cette dernière alternative représente souvent pagne –, la pauvreté pousse aussi de vite que l’industrie et ne peuvent absorber la dernière solution pour améliorer leur sort. nombreux citadins vers les États-Unis. la totalité du trop-plein des campagnes. Sous la misère qui les assaille, de La situation précaire de l’économie La colonisation de nouvelles régions nombreux artisans, charretiers, manœuvres, est le facteur principal des départs urbains. représente également une bonne option domestiques, journaliers et ouvriers de Malgré le développement qu’elle connaît pour les campagnards courageux. D’une toutes sortes quittent le Québec. Nombreux grâce à la spécialisation de l’agriculture, part, il y a certains arrière-pays qui ne sont aussi les notaires, avocats, médecins, à l’ouverture sur les marchés extéri- sont pas encore colonisés, retardant ainsi commerçants, plombiers, etc. à partir, car eurs, à l’amélioration des transports et à l’émigration vers la ville ou l’étranger dans puisqu’une bonne couche de la population l’innovation des techniques industrielles ces lieux. D’autre part, grâce à la mobilité urbaine s’en va et que les professions libé- après 1870, mais aussi à la politique na- qu’offrent les réseaux de chemins de fer rales et de service subissent l’encombrement tionale du gouvernement conservateur, depuis les années 1870, il est bien plus qui impose des tarifs protecteurs sur les (Suite page 41) 40 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE (Les causes et les candidats de du bois et surtout pour le travail industriel s’attirer les Québécois20. Les patrons améri- l’exode francophone aux États-Unis dans les manufactures. Ce sont d’ailleurs les cains apprécient le Canadien français pour entre 1840 et 1930 suite de page 40) industries du textile et de la chaussure qui ses capacités et son comportement au travail; 18 ils le trouvent docile, consciencieux, habile, 14 se développent au rythme le plus effréné . chronique, leur salaire s’en trouve affecté . Que ces manufactures ne demandent aucune guère exigeant et peu porté à faire la grève. Le phénomène de cet exode citadin débute qualification spéciale pour travailler est un Les stratégies pour le recruter sont diverses. d’abord dans les districts de Montréal, de autre puissant argument pour tenter sa chance Leur plus grand atout est l’agent recruteur, Québec et dans le comté de Dorchester, pour aux « States ». Lorsque le réseau de chemin souvent un migrant québécois lui-même qui s’étendre ensuite à l’ensemble du réseau parcourt les villes et campagnes québécoises 15 de fer du Grand Tronc fait son apparition urbain québécois . Les statistiques de Yo- entre Montréal et Portland, l’accessibilité à la recherche du compatriote qui serait fac- lande Lavoie montrent que 2/3 des émigrants de ce territoire se fait aussi plus facile, ilement séduit. Il lui fait miroiter les salaires Canadiens français sont de la campagne et et les avantages du travail dans les filatures, 16 surtout pour les travailleurs saisonniers. que le tiers provient de la classe ouvrière . Enfin, les prix pour aller aux États-Unis l’entretient sur les emplois disponibles et Comme pour les campagnards, s’ils veulent sont beaucoup moins élevés et le trajet as- lui explique les conditions d’embauche. Le trouver une façon de survivre, l’émigra- sez court comparé au trajet pour l’Ouest. patron américain utilise aussi les brochures tion vers l’industrie américaine représente Une bonne part des gens gagne égale- et les annonces de journaux pour faire pour les citadins un moyen parmi d’autres. ment la Nouvelle-Angleterre en raison des reluire la vie américaine et les belles condi- En somme, quoique énormément de circonstances d’adaptation et des rensei- tions de travail de son entreprise. Sans être gens – 900 000 entre 1840 et 1930 – optent gnements circulant sur le développement primordiales à l’émigration, ces stratégies pour l’émigration, il ne faut pas considérer ce des États-Unis. Les Canadiens français des employeurs réussissent à convaincre. départ des Québécois vers la Nouvelle-An- connaissent déjà les lieux d’arrivée de leur En somme, ce sont le succès matériel gleterre comme une expatriation, mais com- éventuelle migration par l’information que et la vie que procure l’industrie américaine, me une chance d’améliorer leur situation et leurs procurent parents et amis qui sont déjà les conditions favorables d’adaptation aux comme « un déplacement à l’intérieur d’une là-bas. Ceux-ci envoient de nombreuses États-Unis et les stratégies des manufactures réalité canadienne-française à laquelle [ap- lettres leur vantant la vie américaine et font qui agissent sur la décision des migrants. partient cette région] »17. Et pour les mieux des visites très persuasives, étalant leur entraîner là-bas, plusieurs attraits de la Nou- réussite matérielle (voiture neuve, montre velle-Angleterre s’ajoutent au phénomène. éclatante, beaux vêtements). Les renseigne- IV- Conclusion ments qu’ils fournissent sur les conditions d’emplois procurent aux proches une sorte La « fièvre du départ » vers les États- III- L’attirance pour les de police d’assurance sur la situation à Unis atteint plus de 900 000 Canadiens États-Unis laquelle ils vont faire face. Les émigrés français durant la période 1840-1930 et s’adonnent là à une véritable propagande s’intègre au phénomène plus large de la Si le manque d’emploi, l’endettement d’encouragement, cherchant à entraîner amis révolution industrielle américaine, qui at- et la pauvreté causent le plus de départs vers et famille avec eux. Mais la vie américaine tire plus de trente millions d’immigrants 21 les États-Unis, l’attirance qu’exerce ce pays en elle-même représente également un fort de partout au monde entre 1815 et 1914 . sur les Canadiens français n’est certes pas pouvoir d’attraction. Pour le jeune habitant Comme on l’a vu, cette migration se produit négligeable parmi les causes de l’exode. de la campagne québécoise, les loisirs de la en raison de causes multiples et complexes. Aux États-Unis, pendant que la ville réservent bien plus d’attraits que peut La pauvreté est la raison majeure, surtout Guerre de Sécession tue des centaines de en avoir son monde rural qu’il connaît à fond parce que le Québec est incapable de pro- milliers d’Américains, la conquête du Far et dont il se fatigue rapidement. Il anticipe les curer des terres et du travail à ses habitants. West s’achève et attire plusieurs pionniers plaisirs de la ville et n’a que des reproches à Pour survivre à l’appauvrissement, il ne reste vers sa colonisation. Par conséquent, dès faire à la terre. Pour lui, l’émigration vers les souvent qu’à partir aux « States ». Hormis la fin du conflit, l’industrie américaine qui centres manufacturiers est une bonne façon cela, l’attraction qu’exerce la Nouvelle- reprend son expansion se trouve en pé- d’échapper à la peine du travail agricole et Angleterre constitue l’autre grande raison de 19 nurie d’ouvriers dans tous les secteurs. La de voir de nouvelles choses . Avec le temps, l’exode. Ses filatures, ses communautés fran- surabondante main-d’oeuvre sans emploi cette migration en chaîne amène rapidement cophones et sa vie plus facile et plus agré- du Québec en profite alors pour lui offrir la reproduction de villages francophones. able en sont les principales caractéristiques. ses bras. L’urbanisation accélérée que con- Ces petites communautés franco-améric- Pour les contemporains, cet événement naît la Nouvelle-Angleterre a besoin de aines possèdent mêmes leurs propres institu- majeur de l’histoire canadienne-française est travailleurs pas trop exigeants en regard tions, ce qui attire de nombreux Québécois perçu comme la conséquence du goût pour des salaires – bien qu’ils soient plus élevés qui auraient eu peur de mal s’adapter là-bas. le luxe, de la cabale par l’exemple et la et stables qu’au Québec – et des conditions Malgré toutes les raisons réunies pour parole, de la négligence, de l’intempérance 22 de travail. Des travaux de toutes sortes sont lesquelles le Canadien français part vers le et de l’imprévoyance des gens . Or ceux disponibles: pour la construction de mai- Sud, il faut parfois plus à certains pour se qui partent sont de bons éléments de la 23 sons, de manufactures, de barrages et de décider. La « machine » de recrutement des société . Simplement, les circonstances canaux, pour l’installation et l’entretien de entreprises américaines entraîne quelques- de l’époque les poussent là-bas parce qu’il réseaux routiers, pour les systèmes d’égouts uns de ceux-là. En mal de main-d’œuvre, y existe une chance véritable d’améliorer et d’aqueduc, pour l’agriculture, l’abattage celles-ci tentent par tous les moyens de (Suite page 42) 41 Le Forum (Les causes et les candidats de bécois aux États-Unis de 1840 à 1930. Québec, 1930, op. cit., 17. l’exode francophone aux États-Unis Éditeur officiel du Québec, 1981. 68 pages. 9 John A. Dickinson & Brian Young, Brève entre 1840 et 1930 suite de page 41) histoire socio-économique du Québec (Sillery : RAMIREZ, Bruno. Par monts et par Septentrion, 1995), 16. leur sort. Mais aujourd’hui comme à cette vaux: migrants canadiens-français et italiens 10 Yolande Lavoie, L’émigration des Canadiens époque, bien des gens rejettent la faute sur dans l’économie nord-atlantique, 1860-1914. aux États-Unis avant 1930 : Mesure du l’inertie ou le manque de prévoyance du Montréal, Éditions du Boréal, 1991. 204 pages. phénomène (Montréal : Presses de l’Université de Montréal, 1972), 61. gouvernement québécois24. Il serait intéres- ROBY, Yves. Les Franco-Améri- 11 Bruno Ramirez, Par monts et par vaux: sant à cet égard d’étudier les actions que cains de la Nouvelle-Angleterre, 1776- migrants canadiens-français et italiens dans les élites étatiques et cléricales ont fait pour 1930. Sillery, Septentrion, 1990. 434 pages. l’économie nord-atlantique, 1860-1914 enrayer l’exode francophone vers le Sud. (Montréal, : Éditions du Boréal, 1991), 50. ROBY, Yves. Les Franco-Américains 12 John A. Dickinson, Brève histoire, op. cit., de la Nouvelle-Angleterre : Rêves et réali- 173. Bibliographie tés. Sillery, Septentrion, 2000. 526 pages. 13 Yves Roby, Les Franco-Américains… 1776- 1930, op. cit., 42. CHARTIER, Armand. Histoire des Fran- ROULEAU, C.-É. L’émigration, ses 14 Ibid., p. 44. co-Américains de la Nouvelle-Angleterre : principales causes. Québec, 1896. 149 pages. 15 Yolande Lavoie, L’émigration des Québécois, 1775-1990. Sillery, Septentrion, 1991. 436 pages. op. cit., 14. WEIL, François. Les Franco-Américains, 16 Yolande Lavoie, L’émigration des Québécois DICKINSON, John A. & YOUNG, 1860-1980. Tours, Éditions Belin, 1989. 251 pages. aux Etats-Unis de 1840 à 1930 (Québec : Brian. Brève histoire socio-économique du Éditeur officiel du Québec, 1981), 17. Québec. Sillery, Septentrion, 1995. 383 pages. (Footnotes) 17 Jean Lamarre, Les Canadiens français 1 Yves Roby, Les Franco-Américains de la du Michigan : Leur contribution dans le LAFLEUR, Normand. Les Chinois Nouvelle-Angleterre : rêves et réalités (Sillery : développement de la vallée de la Saginaw de l’Est ou la vie quotidienne des Québécois Septentrion, 2000), 11. et de la péninsule de Keweenaw, 1840-1914 émigrés aux États-Unis de 1840 à nos jours. 2 François Weil, Les Franco-Américains, 1860- (Sillery : Septentrion, 2000), 38. Ottawa, Éditions Leméac Inc., 1981. 111 pages. 1980 (Tours : Éditions Belin, 1989), 14. 18 Yolande Lavoie, L’émigration… de 1840 à 3 Yves Roby, Les Franco-Américains de la 1930, op. cit., 9. LAMARRE, Jean. Les Canadiens fran- Nouvelle-Angleterre, 1776-1930 (Sillery : 19 Normand Lafleur, Les Chinois de l’Est, op. çais du Michigan : Leur contribution dans Éditions du Septentrion, 1990), 14. cit., 14. le développement de la vallée de la Sagi- 4 François Weil, Les Franco-Américains, op. 20 François Weil, Les Franco-Américains, op. naw et de la péninsule de Keweenaw, 1840- cit., 14. cit., 37. 1914. Sillery, Septentrion, 2000. 224 pages. 5 Normand Lafleur, Les Chinois de l’Est ou 21 Armand Chartier, Histoire des Franco- la vie quotidienne des Québécois émigrés Américains de la Nouvelle-Angleterre : 1775- LAVOIE, Yolande. L’émigration aux Etats-Unis de 1840 à nos jours (Ottawa : 1990 (Sillery : Septentrion, 1991), 17. des Québécois aux Etats-Unis avant 1930 : Éditions Leméac Inc., 1981), 15. 22 C.-É. Rouleau, L’émigration, ses principales mesure du phénomène. Montréal, Presses 6 Yves Roby, Les Franco-Américains… Rêves causes (Québec : 1896), 1. de l’Université de Montréal, 1972. 87 pa- et réalités, op. cit., 23. 23 Normand Lafleur, Les Chinois de l’Est, op. ges. Coll. « Démographie canadienne », 1. 7 François Weil, Les Franco-Américains, op. cit., 32. cit., 17. 24 Ibid., 15. LAVOIE, Yolande. L’émigration des Qué- 8 Yves Roby, Les Franco-Américains… 1776- (The Germain Saga continued from page 38) Sister Ella Marie Germain, CSJ, of As a candle is consumed when it Somerset, Wis., died on Oct. 28, 2009, at glows and gives light, so too my life is the age of 96. She was preceded in death by her God’s goodness has blest me consumed for Christ and for His people as I parents; siblings, Sister Claire, Doris, And His love leads me on. wait for the day when all will be made new. Mae, Dennis, Donald, Delore, Andrew. Survived by Urban, Leo, Ralph and Rita. Yesterday’s cherished memories Sister Ella Marie taught at the grade Are today’s new joys. and high school for 72 years. Her latest mission was at Cretin-Derham Hall and St. Dear ones left on eagle’s wings, Anne’s grade school where she taught French. Leaving love traces behind. Sister was a graduate of St. Cathe- rine’s and the University of Notre Dame. I delight in a wonderful family - Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Sharing, singing, and loving. Saturday, Oct. 31, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Somerset, Wis. Visitation 4-7 p.m. With CSJ’s and God’s people, Friday and one hour prior to the service, all I work, pray, and rejoice. at St. Anne’s Church. Memorials preferred to the Sisters of St. Joseph or St. Anne’s School. I keep in mind that City of Peace To sign her guestbook: Waiting for God to make all things new. Sister Ella Marie Germain, 96 Oct. 28, 2009 http://www.legacy.com/gb2/default. aspx?bookID=4033109437258 42 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE dirigé vers Montréal trois semaines plus consécutifs prévus les 17 et 18 mai, les tard. Voilà comment il s’est retrouvé avec Royaux l’ont retiré de la liste et LaPalme les Royaux. Il s’est fait offrir un contrat a lancé les deux jours et même davantage. (Suite de page 36) par l’équipe vers la fin de janvier 1959. Le 29 mai, l’équipe a annoncé qu’il Il faut dire que d’être à Mon- ne participerait pas au prochain voyage ment quatre victoires en 33 apparitions. tréal était une chose intéressante pour sur la route afin de recevoir des traite- Le 11 janvier 1955, les Pirates l’ont ments à l’épaule gauche. LaPalme a obtenu échangé aux Cardinals de St-Louis pour LaPalme étant donné, selon le journali- son congé de l’hôpital le 11 juin et est un autre lanceur, Ben Wade, et une somme ste de la La Patrie du dimanche à qui il avait finalement remonté sur le monticule le 22. d’argent. Il est devenu un lanceur de relève parlé, qu’il pouvait encore parler français as- Après avoir repris lentement une efficace avec les Cards, faisant 56 voyages sez bien. Le lanceur espérait d’ailleurs parler vitesse de croisière à la suite de quelques au monticule en 1955, en gagnant quatre et français plus souvent après avoir rencontré, apparitions en relève, LaPalme a reçu la en sauvegardant trois. À sa seule apparition au camp d’entraînement, un lanceur de Mon- balle comme partant le 19 juillet. En bout avec les Cards en 1956, LaPalme s’est fait tréal nommé Raymond Daviault qui avait été de ligne, selon les dossiers officiels, il a matraquer. Le 1er mai, il a été échangé au avec les Royaux au cours des deux dernières lancé un total de 84 manches. De ses 28 Cincinnati pour Milt Smith. En 11 matchs années. Toutefois, Daviault a été envoyé à matchs durant toute la saison, six ont été à cet endroit, son dossier a été de 2-4 avec une autre équipe en 1959 parce qu’il avait des départs souvent comme le seul lanceur une MPM de 4,67. Placé au ballotage, il a des problèmes de contrôle avec ses lancers. de l’équipe durant l’un des matchs d’un été réclamé le 22 juin par les White Sox de Pour ce qui est de LaPalme, il est deve- programme double. Sa fiche a été de 5-5 Chicago. Maintenant dans la Ligue améri- nu plus inquiet de la santé de son bras gauche avec une MPM de 2,57. Ça n’était pas caine, LaPalme a obtenu certains de ses que du français. La première moitié de la mauvais pour une formation qui a terminé meilleurs chiffres: 29 matchs, un dossier de saison 1959 avec les Royaux a ressemblé avec un dossier de 72-82 et qui a manqué 3-1, deux sauvetages, seulement 31 coups plus à un cauchemar. À la mi-avril, LaPalme d’offensive durant de longues périodes. sûrs alloués en 45 2/3 manches lancées. était triste de voir ses coéquipiers partir vers Le 7 septembre, dernier jour de la En 1957, LaPalme a été 1-4 en le nord pour la saison régulière pendant que saison régulière à Montréal, l’équipe a 35 présences, allouant 35 coups sûrs en lui devait rester derrière à cause de son bras organisé plusieurs activités pour le plai- 40 1/3 manches lancées. Après avoir malade. Il a finalement lancé brièvement sir des partisans. LaPalme a gagné une montré un dossier de 24-45 et 14 sau- dans un match le 25 avril. Dans une pleine course sur les buts chez les lanceurs. vetages en 253 rencontres, ce fut la fin plage publiée le 29 afin de souligner le retour Les archives du Temple de la renom- de la carrière de Lefty dans les majeures. des Royaux pour l’ouverture de la saison mée du baseball à Cooperstown montrent En avril 1958, LaPalme a été en- à Montréal, la photo de LaPalme n’était que même si Montréal a conservé ses voyé au Indianapolis avant de se retrouver même pas avec celles des autres joueurs. droits pour 1960, il a pris sa retraite au plus tard à St-Paul dans l’organisation La raison pouvait être qu’il avait printemps. Quand les Royaux ont disparu des Dodgers. Chicago l’a rappelé de été remis sur la liste des blessés. Éventu- après la saison 1960, ils l’ont laissé aller. St-Paul au début de septembre, mais l’a ellement, avec des programmes doubles (“Sentenced to this tongue” continued trees,” the antecedents for “they” remaining And then: from page 34) unstated for the moment until they become with a single finger almost compulsively What seems breath-taking in this “crows in odd numbers” —“ragged as you stroke the bird’s feathers you are unable passage—and in the recording of Bishop’s pines”—on whom “at the last accounting” yet to cry beneath them you make out poetry—is how much this “sole joy”—its the final examination will depend: “the ef- something like bone like the smallest mother tongue—lives on its own, as if in fort here (remember) is to re- / member”: bones you are capable of feeling exile, and how quietly it reaches for what “you will be asked / to describe them.” And: Paul Celan once called “the heartland.” In this way, “like the smallest / bones Different readers will hear different you are capable of feeling,” the intensity of a presences in Bishop’s poetry—George further on other faculties come into play wholly original verse builds until it finds with- Oppen’s, for example, or Charles Olson’s. a section on comprehension example: out saying—since it can only be indicated, Bishop’s poems are equal to the company pointed out like the pulse in a phantom limb— they keep, in part, perhaps, because of his a small bird sits in your palm (hypothesis) palpable sense of a “heartland.” In “Final as the lids shut and cover the tiny something the bird never said Exam,” an extraordinary crisis-lyric and the points of light you are asked to close the bird in your hand makes a passing only poem Holsapple recorded that is not your own eyes and tell whether something imprint writ on air that was your heart from Mother Tongue, this heartland is ev- or nothing in in your hand this is not speaking you have no idea how to spell it erywhere to be found. Like the poems from a trick question your heart is expected Mother Tongue, “Final Exam,” reminds to find words and from a faroff sky the sound CAWCAW a listener of what a poem’s heartland can defines momentarily an unbridgeable distance become. “[R]emember?” the poem begins, you get the sense it is not so much you are left your self to deal with then offers a spot of time as its present a test as an examination you begin to see (“you are driving down a country road”) as this distinction “they appear from nowhere no from black / (Continued on page 44) 43 Le Forum both sisters are seamstresses in a small shop (“Sentenced to this tongue” continued Reflection on Coco during the day, and they sing in a cabaret from page 43) Before Chanel during the evenings. There, while Gabrielle Chanel is singing the song, Coco (a song But “your self” is only the begin- By Virginia Sand about a dog), the soldier, Étienne, hears ning. her and then gives her the nickname, Coco. From “something the bird never said,” Coco Before Chanel is a well made Coco becomes Étienne’s lover and then she and like a response to Whitman (to “Out of th French film. Friday, November 13 , 2009, travels to his castle in the country in order to the Cradle Endlessly Rocking,” “Crossing I watched that film from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 live with him. There, Coco is inspired to cre- Brooklyn Ferry,” and “As I Ebb’d with the p.m. in Waterville, Maine at the Railroad ate clothes that function better for her and for Ocean of Life” as a beginning), when “you Square cinema. I chose to see this film other women whom she meets at the castle. are left your self to deal with,” the unsay- because Coco Chanel is like a guide or Consequently, Coco creates her own pants able accumulates in Bishop’s poem, “the mentor for me. I have enjoyed sewing with for riding a horse more easily, no matter how refrain of a lullabye . . . your mother never fabric since my teenage years, and I now strange she appears to everyone else. Coco sang,” “the dark night after night” when create and wear my own Native American is very pragmatic. However, women were “my own voice now I remember it said / themed clothes from my own ideas. I even not wearing pants during this era. In fact, “Please God don’t let my mother die” / as make Native American vests for tribal Coco cuts and re-stitches some of Étienne’s if she had been a little bird in my hand,” men. Like Coco Chanel, I don’t conform to clothes so that she can wear them as a new the word “’father’ (mine / and the father current trends. In a similar sense, Coco was fashion. On the other hand, Étienne thinks of my sons) who leave / to go off to a bar using men’s clothes for recreating women’s that Coco looks like a boy in her new fash- or to heaven,” “the first line / of the Lord’s clothes, and for simplifying women’s clothes ions. In that case, he tries to hide Coco from Prayer,” and repeatedly the burden of a re- so that they would be more comfortable and his friends during parties, but Coco begins to sponsibility that registers both davhar and less restrictive. Before Chanel, women were create straw hats and simple dresses for one blessing in English and American poetry: wearing corsets and several layers of clothes of Étienne’s friends who performs in the the- or cloth which was affecting women’s ater. Above all, Coco meets Étienne’s friend, how long were you gone? did you breathing and movement. In that case, Boy, who encourages Coco’s creativity and return? can you say what you mean women were dressing themselves to please with whom Coco falls in love. Following, by gone? did you let fall men, not to please themselves. In fact, today Boy brings Coco dancing at a casino. In fact, from your hands the smallest bones there is the suspicion that bras contribute he buys the fabric that Coco needs to make you were capable of feeling? to breast cancer in women. Apparently, her little black dress for dancing. Then at did you spend the rest of your days bras restrict the flow of blood and therefore the casino, everyone has their eyes on Coco. trying to draw them? prevent removal of toxins from breast tissue. Finally, Coco leaves Étienne and goes As a result, cysts can form in the breasts. to Paris to begin her own hat shop with mostly I remember the points of life Consequently, as a non-conformist like Coco Boy’s help, her lover. There, Coco finds I could recite their eyes each one Chanel, I choose to not wear bras. They much success and is also inspired to create in that moment between words feel too constrictive and uncomfortable to dresses and other clothes that are practical when there is always a question me. Moreover, women often use products and comfortable for women to wear. She and I felt myself a ragged weight under the arms for preventing perspiration. leaves conformity behind and invents a stretching to stay airborne However, this perspiration is necessary for new fashion of clothes for women. Coco against a sharp infliction the removal of toxins from the lymph nodes therefore enters the world of men. Above connected to breast tissue. Therefore, under- all, she refuses the conformity and restric- In Whitman, a mockingbird intro- arm deodorants (antiperspirants) can perhaps tions of marriage and doesn’t marry. Mean- duces a child to death, and the ocean contribute to the development of breast cancer. while, Boy is killed in a car accident. He inflicts its sting. In “Final Exam,” which Furthermore, bras and under-arm deodorants hits a tree with his car. Even though Coco offers the unsayable by listening to its go against the natural functions of the body. is broken-hearted, she continues to build traces, “a sharp infliction” that is central to In the film, Coco Before Chanel, her own empire in creating fashions for American poetry becomes palpable again Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel and her sister women. Finally, Coco died in 1971, where and, like Whitman’s defining verse—but are abandoned by their father following her career spanned some 60 years. Of that with a renewed legibility—“mean[s] ten- the death of their mother. In that case, the time, the life of Coco Chanel showed that, derly by you and all.” Or, as Whitman two girls pass the rest of their childhood in breaking conformity, success is pos- wrote in “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry”: together in a convent with nuns. After that, sible. In fact, Coco Chanel was a visionary. (Coco suite de page 27) mariage et n’épouse pas. Cependant, Boy est We understand then do we not? des chapeaux avec l’aide de Boy, son amant. tué dans un accident. Il frappe un arbre avec What I promis’d without mention- Là, Coco trouve beaucoup de succès et est aussi sa voiture. Même si Coco a le cœur gros, elle ing, have you not accepted? inspirée de créer les robes et les autres vête- continue construire son propre empire en cré- What the study could not teach— ments qui sont pratiques et confortables pour les ant les modes pour les femmes. Enfin, Coco what the preaching could not femmes. Elle laisse la conformité et invente une est morte en 1971, où sa carrière a mesuré 60 accomplish is accomplish’d, is it nouvelle mode des vêtements pour les femmes. ans. D’alors, la vie de Coco Chanel a montré Coco entre donc le monde des hommes. Surtout, qu’en cassant la conformité, le succès est pos- not? elle refuse la conformité et les restrictions du sible. En fait, Coco Chanel était visionnaire. 44 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE

“Nous Parlons Français” ______You can Contact Sweet Claires via email: [email protected] Phone: 860- 410- 9881 Address: Sweet Claire’s 16 Ben Court Plainville, CT 06062

http://www.sweetclaires.com/ 45 Le Forum Coin des jeunes...

Coin des jeunes...

(Coin des jeunes soumis par Virginie Sand)

Après la pluie le beau temps: La joie succède souvent à la tristesse, le bonheur au malheur.

Every cloud has a silver lin- ing: You can find something posi- tive in even the worst situation.

46 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE

HENRY J. LABORE, JR.

I was born January 11, 1920 at home on 1195 Beech St., St. Paul, MN. My mother was 40 years of age and was attended by a midwife named Carrie Stemper. I was the 9th child in a family of 10, 7 boys –– 3 girls. We moved to 1117 Sims St. about a mile North in 1921 and I grew up in that house. There was no electricity but all the walls had This is the house where I grew up. I was a year old when my parents bought it one or more city gas outlets that could be lit in 1921. They paid $1,100 and did not get it paid off till 1939. It has changed for light. We had running water –– cold only. considerably since I lived there. The left window of upstairs level is where Joe and Heat for wintertime came from a large pot- I slept. The lower level (me Pointing) window is where Pa & Ma slept. Kitchen bellied stove in the archway between the din- window is over my head. Under my arm is the area that we played horseshoes. It ing and front rooms. A big range provided stands on the corner of Sims and Frank on the East side of St. Paul, MN. This picture heat for cooking and warmth in the kitchen. was taken by my daughter Susan in 1999. So many, many memories when I look at it. Our folks used the sewing room for their bedroom. The boys slept in one bedroom lot across the street from us on Sims St. It kind racers use and I was so proud of them. upstairs and the girls in the other. Brother was used primarily for playing ball. The lot I remember brother Joe and I begging Joe and I slept in a hallway at the top of the was 1/3 block wide and a full block long. for a two wheel bicycle every summer. We stairs and on the South side of the house. We played football, baseball and softball or never did get one, our parents could not afford It was just enough space for a small bed so kittenball as we called it. There were plenty it. Joe and I were disappointed but not angry. we got to know each other real well. Slept of kids in the neighborhood so we would Our house was the last one on Sims together till I was 15. I remember one inci- choose up sides and play ball for hours. We St. so we had plenty of open space to dent –– We fought for covers one cold winter did not have much for equipment. One bat, play. There were hills for ski jumping, night and ripped a home made quilt. Pa gave an old ball probably wrapped with black trees for climbing, it was really a paradise us a few whacks on the backside for that one. tape, no gloves. There were always plenty of for kids and we took full advantage of it. The kitchen had an icebox, large girls wanted to play so we mixed the teams, Cops and robbers –– cowboys and Indi- sink with running cold water only and the everyone played and ability did not matter. ans were favorite games. Both activities very big wood burning cooking range. We A new family moved into our neighborhood were hard on clothes. I can still hear Ma had a long table with chairs and a bench in 1935 and Clara Bill started to play ball –– “Junior, you tore your pants again” but for meals. This was the favorite room in with us. She was a good athlete. I was she never told us not to play our games. the house. It was warm in the winter and totally unaware that she would become my always had a mouth-watering smell of wife one day. The lot was used by the boys Sims St. something good cooking on the stove. The for building “cabeens”. We would work for I hope the above has provided you with youngest boys in the family always had days digging holes big enough for us to sit a bit of insight on the house at 1117 Sims the chore of keeping the kitchen wood box in, have a fire to roast potatoes, we thought it Street, St. Paul, MN. –– My home for 20 years. full, not an easy job in the middle of winter. was a big deal. When I think of eating burnt There was an outside trapdoor to the black potatoes now –– it does not sound NOW FOR SOME MEMORIES cellar. A basement would be built in the appetizing. The winter use was to build late 1930’s. Boy, none of us wanted to go snow forts with tunnels, etc. That empty One of the earliest was the memory into the cellar, it was dark and damp with a lot will never be forgotten. Just writing of sleeping in the upstairs hallway. Our musty smell and an occasional rat or two. about it brings back many pleasant thoughts. small bed was cramped in by the South All canned produce, potatoes, etc. were Wintertime came skating and ski- wall and stair railings on the other side with kept down there. We would take our dog ing. There were two fine skating rinks just enough room to get in and out of bed. Mugs with us and he would take care of the with warming houses within a mile of our There was a window on the South wall and rats. Pa’s huge garden was on the North neighborhood. Clara was an excellent being an old house, it was not very tight, side of our yard and the West of that was skater and we walked to rinks many times. wintertime often found snow on the window the woodshed. A garage was built about I remember when my parents bought me ledge and our bed. We did appreciate the 1930 at the far end of the lot by the alley. my first pair of skates. They paid $5.00, a window in the summer, a South breeze was We grew up in an era of relative safety. lot of money back then, The skates were very welcome. Joe was a heavy sleeper My parents never locked the doors and about 4 sizes too big so I stuffed cotton and I would wake up quickly. I can still as kids we had freedom to roam and play in the toes and each winter I would take a hear our Mother calling us, “Joe –– Junior, everywhere. I fondly remember the empty little bit out. We called them “Tubes”, the (Continued on page 48) 47 Le Forum (Henry J. Labore Jr., continued from page 1923 47) Henry LaBore, Jr. Age 3/12. 1117 Sims St. Our much used wooden wagon. We met time to get up and get ready for school”. I Ma at the stret car when she came home always had my clothes neatly piled by the from shopping. We used it to go get white bed so I could grab them and make a dash sand at Battle Creek Park, about 4 miles down the stairs to the warm kitchen to dress. one way. Note –– baby buggy to right Ma had to call Joe several times and even and long johns hanging on line to the left. go upstairs to rout him out of bed. Now all this would happen about 6:30 in the morning so we would have enough time to dress, use the toilet, eat and get off to school. It was a little over a mile to 1st graders that was a long walk. If the weather was very cold 1925 or a lot of snow, Ma would walk a ways LaBore cousins –– Henry Jr. far with us to see that all went well. There right. Brother Joe seated next to him. was always plenty of kids to keep company while walking as there were 3 or 4 Catholic families in our neighborhood that ha d chil- dren attending St. John’s Catholic School. The route to school work took us over the Earl Street Bridge. There were big steel abutments on the top of the bridge and when we used to dare each other to put our tongue on them. This was no problem in warm weather but when it got below zero our tongues would stick to the metal and big problems happened. We all had to BROTHERS try it to learn our lesson, some of us more Henry Jr. –– Joseph LaBore. 1117 Sims St., than once. In the winter we would roll St. Paul, MN. Standing by house where they huge balls of snow, lift them up on the rail grew up. Wearing the new suits their Mother of the bridge and try to drop them down the made. Henry is 8 –– Joseph is 6. 1928. smokestack of the trains going by below. Pa got word of that via the train crews and promptly put a stop to that. He knew most of them, as his job was railroad connected. We built a tire swing with a very long rope tied to a big branch of a huge tree. The tire would swing out over the edge of a steep drop into a valley below. Sure enough we decided one day to pile as many the streets were gooey. I would carry them of us as could hold on and swung out over across at the intersections. They would all the drop-off. The rope broke and we had have clean feet and mine would be tarred. some very bruised kids, including one with I would clean them with turpentine when I a broken arm. I was skinned up but noth- got home. Ma would not tolerate any tar ing broken. That was the end of the swing. in the house. We all grew up with so many Swimming was a favorite recreation happy memories of a wonderful childhood. for us in the summer. Lake Phalen, a very The years fly by, soon it was gradu- nice fresh water lake, was less than a mile ation time from Johnson High School. North of us. The beach had loads of sand, I was the first to graduate from high three diving towers, three deep-water rafts school. Joe followed a year later. and a very high slide that could be ridden Both of us joined the Minnesota Air into the water on a sled. We never had any National Guard 109th Squadron in 1939 –– go money to pay for the use of a sled but would to three weeks camp at Fort Ripley near Little work picking up trash on the beach and get Falls, MN in 1940. The 109th was assigned a sled to use as pay. Boy, that was a treat. to active duty and we left for Louisiana in A memory comes to mind –– the city Feb. 1941. Our lives would change forever. would tar all the streets sometime during It has been a pleasant journey for me to Clara & Henry LaBore wedding day, May the summer and it was very messy. I grew recall some of the happenings of my youth. I 16, 1942/ Clara’s mother in left background. up much faster than my friends so when hope it gives you some insight to my childhood. Picture taken at 1078 Sims St., St. Paul, MN. 48 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE incorporates a considerable amount of fur voyages, Tim pored over early eye-witness BOOKS/LIVRES... trade history, in which their direct French accounts of the route, as well as reams of ancestors participated from about 1618 other early documentation. As a result, the to at least 1758. A Modern-Day Voyageur text is chock full of references to the origins Family, written by one of the pre-eminent of old portage names, the con fi gurations historians of the fur trade era, serves as both of the waterways before some of them a source of inspiration and a guidebook for were dammed for hydro-electric power, other families, couples, and individuals who and myriad details about how they were wish to paddle all or portions of the historic navigated two to four centuries ago. This route, or various other wilderness water- alone makes the book an invaluable tool for ways. It also provides vicarious experiences anyone engaged in research on the fur trade. and myriad lessons for those individuals It is also a very accessible adventure whose venturing usually takes place in a story. At the beginning, the Kents were not safe reading chair on land. This work con- seasoned outdoorspersons, and their journey sists of a vivid adventure story, a how-to has a wonderfully Quixotic quality to it. It guide, and a primer on virtually all aspects was on-the-job training with a steep learning of the French fur trade, all in one volume. curve, and the book describes this process The hardcover book, containing 760 with self-deprecating frankness and o ft en A Modern-Day Voyageur pages, is illustrated with 36 color photo- hilarious detail. By the time they had com- graphs and maps, and is accompanied by a pleted their odyssey, they could scout a rapids Family stunning DVD containing 370 color photos, or read the sky for what the weather might Paddling the 3,000 Mile with a narrative and musical accompaniment bring like the voyageurs of old. But these by Tim Kent and Friends. This paired set will were acquired skills, and their acquisition is Fur Trade Canoe Route be of considerable interest to active paddlers, an important part of the story. Rather than as well as enthusiasts of fur trade, military, admiring the Kents from afar, as one does in Across the U.S. and missionary, colonial, and canoeing history. tales of heroics on Mt. Everest , the reader fi Canada nds himself a participant in the undertaking, Order From: which comes to seem eminently possible. by Timothy J. Kent Silver Fox Enterprises Finally, the narrative is a compelling P.O. Box 176, 11504 U.S. 23 South account of a family. In a world where mar- Ossineke, MI 49766 When Kevin and Ben Kent were ages riage and divorce seem to be running a dead www.timothyjkent.com seven and five, their parents conceived an heat, and parents and children apparently exciting, enriching, and educational project dwell in mutually exclusive universes, this Prepaid %$59.95 plus $6.00 shipping for the family. As a team, they began pad- long project became a shared mission unit- for each set for U.S. residents, and $69.95 dling the 3,000 mile length of the mainline ing husband and wife and the generations Canadian plus $20.00 Canadian (or$16.00 fur trade canoe route across the U.S. and in a common purpose. It was not always a U.S.) shipping per set for residents of Canada, retracing the steps of their French smooth undertaking, and Doree has some Canada, to offset the very high costs of ancestors. This ancient native route, which wonderfully droll observations on the ad- shipping to Canada. Michigan residents consisted of an extensive series of riv- ventures. She also o ff ers some profound add 6% sales tax. Dealer inquiries welcome. ers and lakes, stretched from Montreal thoughts on the nature of the commitments to the Great Lakes to Ft. Chipewyan on people make to one another. By their own For illustrations, excerpts, Lake Athabasca, in northern Alberta. This account, the journey gave the boys the op- and reviews of all of Tim Kent’s was the primary highway on which most portunity to explore the complex business works, visit www.timothyjkent.com fur trade, military, and religious person- of becoming men. Paddling bow in a rapids nel had traveled and hauled cargo into “For those of us with a hands-on on the French River , one of them describes and out of the interior regions of North historical bent, Tim Kent is something of a the pride and responsibility of taking on a America during the entire fur trade era. national treasure. The award-winning, mav- man’s job for the fi rst time in a situation Successfully paddling this ancient erick author of massive, deeply-researched where it ma tt ered. At a time when we water highway from end to end over a series books on such subjects as Michilimackinac, have legislated most of the risk out of ado- of fifteen consecutive summer trips, the Kent the early material culture of the French and lescent lives, have we not lost something? family experienced daunting challenges and native populations, and the history of the How do young people fi nd their way into terrifying calamities, as well as innumer- bark canoe, he has fi erce commitment to adult life without milestones such as these? able thrills and a great deal of satisfaction. a certain style of historical research. Kent As a portrait of the highways of the In the process, the members of the family ‘s new book is of a piece with his previ- fur trade, and an account of a remarkable also absorbed much geography and his- ous titles: it is big (760 pages), massively personal adventure, this book succeeds very tory, and, most importantly, developed an researched, and indispensable for anyone well indeed. And the DVD accompanying appreciation of their own inner strengths. with an interest in the fur trade, wilder- it is an invaluable addition. The pictures of This engrossing and thought-provok- ness, or the idea that family still works. the route provide the reader with a sense of ing account of the adventures of the family Before each of the fifteen summer (Continued on page 50) 49 Le Forum FRANCE-LOUISIANE FRANCO-AMERICANIE VIVRE L’HERITAGE FRANCAIS AUX ETATS-UNIS

Nº 137 Juillet-Août-Septembre 2009 (publication trimestirelle) - PRIX : 3,05´ - 17 avenue Reille - 75014 PARIS

Connexions Louisianaises par Rottet, avec la participation de Barry Jean d’élèves à se joindre aux membres de l’école Ancelet, du regretté Richard Gudry, Thomas pour accueiller le nouvel ambassadeur de Michèle Eccart A. Klinger, Amanda LaFleur. Cet ouvrage la France, Christophe Guilhus avec Anne très complet et détaillé recense en 800 pag- Miller, attaché culturelle er Séverin Be- ers le vocabulaire et les expressions utilisés liveau, consul honoraie du France au Maine. Teddy l’aimaut aussi Edward M. de 1930 à nos jours, par les francophone Au programme de cet événement Kennedy s’en est allé au soir du 25 août cajuns, créoles et amérindiens. Prononcia- figurait une dégustation de plusiers grands 2009. Parmi les nombreux hommages tion - y compris les différents variantes - vins de Bordeaux accompagnés d’une série qui témoignent de l’homme remarquable traduction en anglais, nombreux examples, de hors-d’oevre créés spécialement pour qu’il était devenu, celui de sa collègue index à partir de l’anglais, etc. témoignent accompagner chaque grand cru avec, notam- louisianaise au Sénat à Washington nous de la richesse exceptionelle de ce travail de ment, foir gras, queue de boeuf et huîtres. touche particulièrement. Mart Landrieu longue haleine d’une équipe de connais- Pour tous les jeunes élèves se sont raconte que Ted Kennedy fut le premier à seurs de haut niveau. Vendu 38 dollars, ce tenues des sorties champêtres sur le thème contacter après la désastre provoqué par dictionnaire deviendra vite incontournable, de l’environement et de la biodiversité Katrina : « Comment puis-je aider ? » in- Via internet : dans le cadre des cours de sciences. Elles terrogea-t il. Mary rappelle que le défunt upress.state.ms.us/books/1227 ont eu lieu dans les bois aux environs sénateur du Massechusetts finança de ses de l’école où l’on prit des notes et recui- propres deniers un important programme ellit des examples variés de végétaux. de transport d’élèves néo-orléanais vers Le chorale des petits, accom- des établissements en zone non sinistrée pagnée au piano, étudiait lors de sa leur permettant de poursuivre leur scolarité. dernière séance « la Mère Michelle » Nos lecteurs français ne connais- (Suite page 54) sent peut-être pas les liens qui unissaient le benjamin des Kennedy à l’Etat de (A Modern-Day Voyageur Family Pélican. Ted avait épousé en secondes continued from page 49) noces en 1992 la Louisianaise Victo- the country which words cannot ria « Vickie » Anne Reggie. Native de adequately convey. For scholars, it is an Crowley, Vickie est également diplômée important visual reference for the famous de l’université de Tulane où elle obtient landmarks contained in fi rst-hand narratives plusier diplômes dont un doctorat de droit. of New France and the Northwest Company. Le couple se promenait parfois dans Le coin des francos For teachers, the photographs o ff er instruc- kes rues de Crowley en tout discrétion. tional materials which provide students with Une habitante de la ville se souvenait les L’École français e du Maine a sense of the rugged terrain which dictated avoir croisés etm devant son étonnement, the nature of the Canadian fur trade for more Ted lui avait déclaré avec un sourire ma- Le très active école français du Maine, than two centuries. For arm-chair adventur- licieux « j’adore faire mes courses ici » située à Freeport nous tient régulière- ers, they convey the beauty, grandeur, and sans préciser s’il fasait allusion au riz, ment informés de ses diverses activités. menace of the Canadian North. Finally, for spécialité locale mondialement connue. Elle appartient au réseau de « la Mis- those who have traveled parts of the route, sion Laïque française » qui compte douze the photos bring back memories of days • Un dictionnaire incontournable autres écoles en Amérique, fondées pour lived intensely and never forgo tt en. See- « Dictionary of Louisiana French promouvoir la langue et la culture françaises. ing these scenes again, set to the haunting (DLF) as spoken in Cajun, Creole, and Parmi les événements récents, citons chansons of the old canoemen, I thought of American Indian Communities » voilà le les « mercredis ciné » qui permettent, Pierre Radisson’s description of the lure of titre du superbe dictionnaure qui vient de chaque seconde et quatrième mercredi the North, and like him, ‘...I did wish me paraître sous le direction de Albert Vald- du mois de voir un grand film français. in a canoe.’” - Claiborne Skinner, author man, professeur de français, d’italien et de Dans le cadre de leur programme of The Upper Country, French Enterprise linguistiques, directeur de l’Institut créole « Vrais Amis », soirée au bénéfice de l’école, in the Colonial Great Lakes, and paddler de l’université d’Indiana, associé à Kevin J. elle invitait, en septembre, les parents on major sections of the mainline route . 50 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE

HONORING OUR MILITARY HEROES...

Retirement Ceremony In Honor of CSM Ronald J. Desjardins October 9, 2009

Fort Campbell KY; 35th Signal Brigade Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Airborne, Fort Bragg, NC; 9th Army Sig- Armed Forces Service Medal; NCO Profes- nal Command, Fort Huachuca, AZ; and sional Development Ribbon; Overseas Ser- Command Sergeant of the USA Network vice Ribbon; Expeditionary Medal; Global Enterprise Technology Command/9th Army War on Terrorism Service Medal; Kuwait Signal Command, For Huachuca, AZ. Liberation Medal; SA Liberation Medal; He served in all Signal positions: Master Parachute badge; Air Assault Badge; squad leader, section sergeant, platoon Canadian Parachute badge; German Para- sergeant, operations sergeant, First Ser- chute ; and Koran Master Parachute badge. geant and operations Sergeants’ Major. Command Sergeant Major Desjar- Command Sergeant Major Ronald J. He assumed the position as Command dins earned a Bachelor of Science Degree Desjardins entered the United States Army Sergeant Major of the Chief Information’s in Business Administration with honors from Van Buren, Maine, in January of 1976. Office/G6 (CIO/G-6), Pentagon Wash- from Columbia Southern University and He Attended basic training and advanced ington, DC on 22 February, 2006. Com- a minor in Project Management. In addi- individual training for Military Occupational mand Sergeant Major Desjardins’ military tion, he also holds an Associate Degree in Specialty 72E at Fort Gordon, Georgia. education includes all levels of the Non General Education from Central Texas Col- His assignments have taken him to commissioned Officer Education System. lege. He is currently enrolled at Columbia the Signal Company 7th Special Forces His awards and decorations include: Southern University pursuing a Masters Group, Fort Bragg, NC; HHC 122D Sig- the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clus- Degree in E-Commerce and Technology. nal Battalion, Korea, 35th Signal Group ters; Defense Meritorious Service Medal Command Sergeant Major Desjardins Airborne; Fort Bragg, NC, XVIII ABN two oak leaf clusters; Joint Commendation is married to the former Yong Sun Choe of Corps (G6), Fort Bragg, NC and Joint Medal two oak leaf clusters; Army Com- Korea. They have two children, Ronald Communications Unit, Joint Special Op- mendation Medal two oak leaf clusters; Jr., a US Army Staff Sergeant currently erations Command, Fort Bragg, NC. Joint Achievement Medal two oak leaf stationed with the 112st Signal Brigade, He previously served as the Com- clusters; Army Achievement Medal; Army and Tricia an Art Director in Dallas, Texas. mand Sergeant Major for the 41st Signal Good Conduct Medal tenth award; National Battalion Korea; 501st Signal Battalion Defense Service Medal; Korean Defense Fernand Bourque died at the age of 19 serving his country 1924-1944 He was the son of George & Rosanna (Cliche) Bourque

Submitted by Diane (Bourque) Tinkham

(N.D.L.R. The following is a the family feeling, fine I hope. For me I am transcription of a letter he wrote to his feeling fine, only my feet hurt a little, but sister prior to being killed in action.) I will be alright in a few days. Well sis I Dear Sis, haven’t done nothing for a week , boy am Well sis here I am again, well how is (Continued on page 52) 51 Le Forum (Fernand Bourque continued from page your three little one, boy I guess they be shipping every day. I hope I stay here a 51) pretty big when I get home. Boy sis I give little while. Boy all we walk in here is anything to be back in the State, (Name?) mud? That all you see. Well I hope Ar- I lazy, but that the way it is, but we been said he far away from home, well he lucky mand come home soon. By (?) been over working like hell every since we been here, to be in the state, boy me and Armand (?0 there long enough. Well I bet the weather will it still rain all night last night, and boy we did stay long in the state were both in up home is fine, boy I give anything to be I woke up about 3 o’clock this morning, and the same outfit thats why. Well my pal is back home. Theres no place like home. my cloths were floating in the water, by those sleeping write near me, boy he awful sick, Well sis I will close now, and will say tent we sleep in aren’t too good. Boy my he had a fever of 100 this morning. Boy he good day, and may God bless you and pal this morning you what happen, he got can’t even speak. Boy the hospital up here your family, and hope to see you all soon. all dress and they call us out, and he took his and full of men sick. Well sis I give you one steel helmet and he put it on his head, boy idea where I am, buy the life magazine of Your brother, it was full of water, boy did he sweat for a Feb. 24, 1944. Well sis how is mother and Pvt. Fernand Bourque while . We laughed like hell. HA. HA. But Dad, I hope there all fine, boy heres one guy me I had to put my clothes on the line, and I that will never leave home again., because I had to wake with my long johns on. Well sis seen everything by every sent I been here I this afternoon its nice, boy it feel good too. saw more than a guy that been here a year. Well how is Arthur feeling these Well sis some guy that came in with day. I hope he feeling fine, and how are me, they ship out this morning boy there

Continued from page 52

52 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE Onias G. Martin Oct. 12, 1919 - Aug. 10, 1944 died serving his country He was the son of Denis & Alphonsine (Raymond) Martin of Madawaska, ME

He is buried in the St. David Cemetery in Madawaska, Maine

The Monument erected in Bonnétable, France in honor of 2nd LT Onias Martin.

(Fernand Bourque continued from page 52)

World War II Veterans database of over 1200 vets from the St John and Fish River Valleys to my web site - http://www.royand- boucher.com/veterans/WWII_search_form. php as a tribute to all those veterans who defended our freedom over 60 years ago. If you have never read about the Medal of Honor recipient from Mars Hill / Blaine - - Ed Dahlgren http://www.royandboucher. com/veterans/WWII_details.php?id=309 there was a great writeup on him in the Yankee Magazine that I anchored to the web site at the bottom of his detail page where it says More Information on Edward Dahl- gren http://www.yankeemagazine.com/ issues/2008-05/interact/10things/medals/ dahlgren He was a boy from Aroostook with the 36th “Texas” Infantry Division. Ken Roy [email protected] 1st Cav Div Spt Cmd in Bien Hoa, Vietnam from June 1969 to June 1970 http://www.royandboucher.com

53 Le Forum 1er juillet. Des stratagiares sont heurese- anglaise jusqu’au Grand Dérangement en ment venues renforcer les effectifs durant 1755. Puis ce sera la tragique déportation (Suite de page 50) l’été dont Érin Roussel, de l’université en Europe, dans les prisons anglaises et Tulane, venue depuis à Paris poursuivre ses l’impantation sur les côtes de Bretagne et études français cette année universitaire. en Poitou. Enfin, après 10 ans d’errance et Enfin on tenta d’inventer div- Le Louisiane a été choisie pour de souffrances, les 1600 Acadiens regrou- ers nouveaux jeux sportifs sur participer au forum des jeunes ambas- pés a Nantes vont s’embarquer en 1785 le terrain de football voisin. sadeurs de la francophonie des Améri- pour la Louisiane à bord de sept navires Profitant de beau temps, un piquenique ques. Ces jeunes hommes et femmes de dont les listes d’embarquement figurent fur organisé au parc Winslow, le lundi 14 18 à 35 ans contribueront au dynamisme en annexe. C’est la vie de ce peuple dis- septembre, auquel les parents étaient invités. du fait français e en Amérique du Nord. persé et le « êve américain » enfin ré- On joua ensuite au « jeu du drapeau » où Warren Perrin, président du CODOFIL alisé que l’auteur nous donne avec de très chaque équipe tente de ravir le drapeau (fou- a protesté au nom des Cadiens de Louisiane nombreuses informations et illustrations lard) de l’équipe adverse en protégeant le sien. à propos du film d’animation des studios choisies. Une mine de renseignements Si vous souhaitez en savoir plus Disney La Princesse et la grenouille. Eb pout les chercheurs et led généalogistes. sur cette école, je vous invite à con- effet, l’un des personnages montre les sulter leur « web site » : www.efdm.org. Cadiens sous un jour peux glorieux. Cela Section Romans et Nouvelles contribué, écrit Perrin dans sa lettre au pré- « Voix francophones de chez Jean Moisson sident des studios à perpétuer la mauvaise nous », ouvrage collectif de Normand Beau- réputation de la population en Louisiane. pré et autres. ‘ Llumina Press, Coral Spring, Échos Floride (E-U), 2009 (158 pages). Dans cette Section Histoire anthologie, onze écrivans franco-américains, L’Université du Maine, qui compte « De Nantes à Louisiane », l’histoire « d’une voix unique », nous offrent des 12 000 étudiants, située à Orono est dé- de l’Acadie, l’Odyssée d’un peuple exilé de souvenirs personnels, des contes magiques, sormais membre associé de l’Agence Gérard-Marc Braud. - Cholet (F) :Éditions des poèmes pleins de charme, des expéri- Universitaire de la Francophonie forte de l’Ouest, 2008 (191 pages). Cette édition ences vécues, le reflet des traditions famili- de 710 instituts à travers le monde. reprend l’ouvrage publié en 1994, revue, ales et culturelles, l’évocation émouvante La crise sévissant en Louisianne come complétée et préfacée par Alain Dubos, d’une double appartenance à leurs ancêtres ailleurs, le Conseil pour la Développement écrivain - médicin. L’auteur retrace d’abord francophones et à leur actuelle identité. du Français en Louisiane (CODOFIL) a l’histoire de l’Acadie, son origine, sa fonda- été amputé de la moitié de son équipe, au tion en 1604, la vie des colons, l’occupation (N.D.L.R. This is the second child of #2 in the right column of numbers. as possible. Please write to the FORUM installment of the Marquis family His parents are thus #1 in the left column of staff with your corrections and/or additions genealogy.) numbers. Also, it should be noted that all the with your supporting data. I provide this persons in the first column of names under column freely with the purpose of encour- Franco-American Families the same number are siblings (brothers & aging Franco-Americans to research their of Maine sisters). There may be other siblings, but personal genealogy and to take pride in their par Bob Chenard, only those who had descendants that mar- rich heritage. Waterville, Maine ried in Maine are listed in order to keep this listing limited in size. The listing can be used MARQUIS Les Familles Marquis up or down - to find parents or descendants. (Markee) Welcome to the seventeenth year of The best way to see if your ancestors are my column. Numerous families have since listed here is to look for your mother’s or FAMILY #1 Charles Le Marquis, born 1651 in been published. Copies of these may still be grandmother’s maiden name. Once you are France, died 1700 in PQ, son of Charles Le available by writing to the Franco-American sure you have the right couple, take note of Marquis and Jeanne Bignon from the town Center. Listings such as the one below are the number in the left column under which of Mortagne-s-Sèvre, department of Vendée, never complete. However, it does provide their names appear. Then, find the same ancient province of Poitou, France, first you with my most recent and complete file number in the right-most column above. married on 18 September 1673 in Québec of marriages tied to the original French an- For example, if it’s #57C, simply look for city to “Fille-du-Roi” Marguerite Baugran, cestor. How to use the family listings: The #57C on the right above. Repeat the process born 1649 in France, died before 1698 in PQ, left-hand column lists the first name (and for each generation until you get back to the widow of Sébastien Cousin and the daughter middle name or initial, if any) of the direct first family in the list. The numbers with of Nicolas Baugran and Marie Chevalier descendants of the ancestor identified as alpha suffixes (e.g. 57C) are used mainly from the parish of St.Gervais, Paris; second number 1 (or A, in some cases). The next for couple who married in Maine. Marriages married on 7 January 1698 at Ste.Anne-de- column gives the date of marriage, then the that took place in Canada normally have no Beaupré to Agnès Giguère, born 1675 in spouce (maiden name if female) followed by suffixes with the rare exception of small PQ, died in PQ, daughter of Robert Giguère the townin which the marriage took place. letters, e.g., “13a.” If there are gross errors and Aymée Miville. Mortagne-s-Sèvre is lo- There are two columns of numbers. The one or missing families, my sincere appologies. cated 5 miles southwest of the city of Cholet. on the left side of the page, e.g., #2, is the I have taken utmost care to be as accurate 54 Vol. 34 # 3 • AUTOMNE MARQUIS (Markee) FAMILY #1 18 Joseph m. 19 Apr 1836 Emilie Quinn St.André, Kam. 53 (the above Joseph is most likely not the same Joseph as the one below since the 1870 census of Frenchville gives his age as 41, i.e. born 1828-9 in Canada) Joseph m. 10 Nov 1856 M.-Emérence Dubois Frenchville (above Joseph was the son of Joseph-Benoît Marquis & Victoire Nadeau #10 per Frenchville book and belongs with his siblings under #36 below) Rémi 1m. 26 Feb 1838 Florence Quinn Andréville, PQ “ 2m. 10 Aug 1846 Marcelline Ouellette Frenchville 55 Henriette 1m. 05 Feb 1839 Honoré Roy Andréville, PQ “ 2m. 23 Jan 1860 Alexis Pelletier Frenchville Firmin 14 Sep 1852 Démérise Madore Frenchville 56 Eusèbe 18 Sep 1854 Justine Morneau Frenchville 19 André 1m. 22 Feb 1819 M.-Geneviève Nadeau St.Patrice, R.-Loup 57 “ 2m. 22 Sep 1863 Eléonore Soucy St.Anaclet Bénoni 19 Feb 1822 M.-Julie Bourgoin St.Patrice 58 20 M.-Nathalie 02 Feb 1830 Fabien Nadeau St.Patrice “ 2m. 25 Jan 1857 Théophile Lagacé Frenchville 22 Pierre-Étienne 01 Aug 1843 Osithée LaForest Andréville, PQ 63 24 J.-Octave 27 Aug 1860 Angèle Mercier St.Patrice 67 Israël 19 Oct 1880 Léopoldine Côté St.Patrice 69 25 M.-Malissé 15 Jul 1844 Jérémie Côté Isle-Verte (to Bradley) “ 2m. 05 Jun 1898 Pierre Ouellette Old Town(St.Jos.) 26 Amable 27 Jun 1843 Angélique Lebel St.Basile, NB 74 Marcelline 31 Jan 1848 François Bélanger Frenchville Nicolas 1m. 08 Apr 1850 Caroline Pinette Andréville 75 “ 2m. 21 Oct 1856 Marie Levesque St.Patrice 76 Jean-Ana 09 Nov 1852 Esther Levesque St.Patrice 77 28 Alexandre1m .25 Jan 1848 Flavie Bergeron Isle-Verte 79 “ 2m. 18 Nov 1886 Adèle Ouellet Cacouna Ange 05 Feb 1849 Emérence Pelletier Cacouna 80 Cyrille 07 Jan 1850 Adélaïde Jouvin Cacouna 82 Maxime “Michael” 23 Oct 1855 Olive Côté Cacouna 85 34 David 12 Jun 1870 Mélina Chaput Wickam 94 35 Joseph 1m. 22 Feb 1841 M.-Métaïde Albert St.Basile, NB 96 “ 2m. 02 Jul 1866 Marguerite Martin St.Basile, NB 97 M.-Rose 15 Apr 1844 Vital Daigle Frenchville Christine 08 Jan 1848 Joseph Gagnon Frenchville 36 Benoît 03 Nov 1847 Julie Sergerie Frenchville 98 [dit St-Jorre] Élodie 29 Jul 1851 Joseph-Geo. Lajoie Frenchville Fabianna 29 Aug 1853 Israël Roy Van Buren Théodule 30 May 1853 Adélaïde Marquis Frenchville 99 Joseph m. 10 Nov 1856 M.-Emérence Dubois Frenchville 54 SEE NOTE in #18 above Eusèbe 05 Aug 1861 Délima Cloutier Frenchville Marie 17 Aug 1863 Adolphe Thériault Frenchville Georginana 21 Nov 1864 Louis Plourde Frenchville Vital 1m. 13 Nov 1865 Flavie Daigle Frenchville “ 2m. 24 Feb 1868 Marguerite Martin Frenchville 101 Emma 20 Jan 1866 André Morneau Frenchville Flavie 12 Jan 1868 Maxime Lebel Frenchville Nathalie-Thaïs 28 Jan 1868 Fabien Nadeau Frenchville Délina 17 Feb 1868 Raphaël Morneau Frenchville 37 Pierre 05 May 1851 Germaine Gauvin Frenchville Salomon 14 Sep 1852 M.-Choise Ouellette Frenchville 102 Justine 27 Jan 1861 Damase Pelletier Frenchville Noël-Jean 15 Jun 1863 Anaïs-Eliz. Martin Frenchville 102a Maxime-Léo 13 Feb 1865 Lucie Michaud Frenchville 103 Régis 08 Sep 1867 Pheobée Sirois Frenchville (See the next issue for more...) 55 Université du Maine Non-Profit Org. Le FORUM U.S. Postage Centre Franco-Américain PAID Orono, ME 04469-5719 Orono, Maine États-Unis Permit No. 8 Change Service Requested

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