Le“AFIN D’ÊTRE FORUM EN PLEINE POSSESSION DE SES MOYENS” VOLUME 37, #2 AUTOMNE/HIVER 2014

Celeste & Scott Ringuette Travel From Indiana To Donate The Late

Adrien Lanthier Ringuette’s Genealogical Library (see page 3 for more)

Community Volunteers sleeving the binders. l to r: Lin LaRochelle (stand- ing), Pierrette LaRocque, Louella Rolfe, Emma Phillips, Martha White- house.

Walter Knox putting shelving up for the collection with Richard Phillips looking on.

Arrival of the books, over 1100 miles later!

Websites: http://www.francolib.francoamerican.org/ francoamericanarchives.org other pertinent websites to check out - Les Français d’Amérique / French In America Calendar Photos and Texts from 1985 to 2002 http://www.johnfishersr.net/french_in_america_calendar.html Franco-American Women’s Institute: http://www.fawi.net $6.00 US Le Forum Sommaire/Contents REMINDER! Lettres/Letters...... 4 Please check your address L’État du ME...... 5-20 labels to see if your subscrip- Ringuette Collection Found Its Way to Orono... Le Centre Franco-Américain by Lisa Desjardins Michaud Université du Maine tion to Le Forum has expired. Orono, Maine 04469-5719 L’État du NH...... 46-47 [email protected] Year/Month for example Téléphone: 207-581-FROG (3764) 15/01 would mean the sub- Télécopieur: 207-581-1455 L’État du CT...... 5, 26-30 scription will expire on Janu- Volume 37 Numéro 2 L’État du RI...... 23-25 ary of 2015. Autumn/Hiver 2014 Publishing Board Français où Franco?...... 21 We thank you for your Don Levesque Paul Laflamme continued support! Virginia Sand Roy Books/Livres...... 32-36 Lin LaRochelle Louella Rolfe Diane Tinkham Poetry/Poésie...... 38-39

Rédactrice/Gérante/Managing Editor Coin des jeunes...... 40-42 Lisa Desjardins Michaud Productions...... 31 & 37 Mise en page/Layout Lisa Desjardins Michaud “Crown of Maine, “Acadians of the St. John Valley” Composition/Typesetting Acadian Roots: Images of the St. John Lisa Desjardins Michaud Valley Aide Technique Endowment Lisa Desjardins Michaud One way to support Le FORUM while at the same time reserving life income is Tirage/Circulation/4,500 the establishment of a charitable gift annuity with the Franco-American Centre Imprimé chez/Printed by Le FORUM Fund at the University of Maine Foundation. Call 1-800-982-8503. Centre Franco-Américain, Orono, Maine Publié 4 fois l’an par le Centre Franco‑Américain. Abonnement au Le FORUM Subscription Le Forum est distribué surtout aux Franco‑Américains des États‑Unis. Les énoncés, opinions et points de vue Si vous ne l’êtes pas abonnez-vous –– s.v.p. formulés dans Le Forum sont ceux des auteurs et ne représentent pas nécessairement les points de vue de –– Subscribe if you have not l’éditeur ou de la rédactrice, ou du Collège des arts et des sciences libéraux à l’Université du Maine. Le Forum is published 4 times a year by the Nom/Name: Franco‑American Center. Le Forum is distributed in particular to Franco‑Americans in the United States. Adresse/Address: Statements, opinions and points of view expressed are not necessarily those of the editor, the publishers or the ; College of Liberal Arts & Sciences of the University Métier/Occupation: of Maine. Tous les textes soumis doivent parvenir à —For- Ce qui vous intéresse le plus dans Le FORUM section which interests you the ward all submitted texts to: Lisa D. Michaud, Rédac- most: 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 Je voudrais contribuer un article au Le FORUM au sujet de: least four weeks prior to the month of publication. I would like to contribute an article to Le FORUM about: Les lettres de nos lecteurs sont les bienvenues— Letters to the Editor are welcomed. La reproduction des articles est autorisée sans préavis sauf indication contraire—Our original articles Tarif d’abonnement par la poste pour 4 numéros may be reproduced without notice unless otherwise Subscription rates by mail for 4 issues: indicated. États-Unis/United States –– Individus: $20 L’équipe de rédaction souhaite que Le Forum soit un mode d’expression pour vous tous les Franco‑Améri- Ailleurs/Elsewhere –– Individus: $25 cains et ceux qui s’intéressent à nous. The staff hopes Organisation/Organizations –– Bibliothèque/Library: $40 that Le Forum can be a vehicle of expression for you Le FORUM Franco‑Americans and those who are interested in us. Le Forum et son staff—Universitaires, gens de la Centre Franco-Américain, Orono, ME 04469-5719 communauté, les étudiants -- FAROG, 2 AUTOMNE/HIVER 2014 (N.D.L.R.: To view a list of the collection: http://umaine.edu/francoamerican/franco-ameri- Canadian and Franco-American History. can-centre-reference-room/) A wealth of resources and information for history and genealogical research. How the Adrien Lanthier We must also thank our community Ringuette Collection Found Its Way to Orono... group who quickly stepped up to the plate... by Lisa Desjardins Michaud in total excitement to put the library to use. Emma and Richard Phillips donated all the materials for the shelving and paid On October 27th, 2014 the Fran- times exhausting work of creating a list of all for the expert carpentry work by Walter and co-American Programs were the recipients the contents of each and every box of books, Ken Knox. I stained all the shelving over the of an enormous genealogical/historical needless to say over 130 boxes. The col- weekend. Lin LaRochelle and Louella Rolfe donation. lection includes major periodicals, historical contributed the sleeves to protect all the Thought I’d share with you how the biographical dictionaries, census records, pages in the many binders. Virginia Sand, Adrien Lanthier Ringuette collection found Programme de recherche en démographie Martha Whitehouse, Pierrette LaRocque, its way to the University of Maine’s Emma Phillips, Lin LaRochelle & Franco-American Centre. Louella Rolfe helped in sleeving the Several years ago I was ap- pages. Lin LaRochelle designed the proached via email and phone by sign with the help of Morgan Jewett Roland Ouellette (Cousin to Adrien) Kent adorning the door on the way regarding this huge collection. Ro- into the library, and the books were land shared with me that Adrien’s shelved into their new home by widow was interested in donating Daniel Lapierre. Joe Arsenault has the collection but wasn’t sure where. worked and will continue to work My immediate reaction when Roland on the database/spreadsheet making mentioned books was, “Yes, Oui! We them searchable and user friendly. Ja- would love to have them!”. He quick- cob Albert for his advice and helping ly replied that he was going to let Ce- L to R: Eric Rolfson (President of Develpment and Alumni with ideas throughout this acquisition leste know that the Franco-American Relations, sitting back to you), Emma Phillips, Martha process. This is a total group effort Whitehouse, Louella Rolfe (next to Martha), Lin LaRochelle (on Centre was very interested. and a huge thank you to all! end of table), Virginia Sand, Terri Beyer (Senior Development I received a phone call from We are honored to be able to Celeste, she was pleased that we had Officer), Scott Ringuette, Celeste Ringuette, Tony Brinkley, Susan Pinette. share this collection with our commu- agreed to accept her husband’s collec- nity, both on and off campus. We are forever historique (PRDH) to mention a few items tion. I was just as thrilled. grateful to Celeste and Scott Ringuette for of this extensive library of resources. Also Celeste and I met the following sum- this priceless donation to the Franco-Amer- included are maps, a picture and two book mer at the Franco-American Centre...I gave ican Programs. May we do Adrien Lanthier cases. There are files upon files of research her a quick tour of our “home” and we sat Ringuette proud by offering his life’s work and supporting materials relating to French and talked for a bit. to others so that they too can trace their Celeste and her aid, Karen Singleton, lineage. Merci! spent countless hours organizing and some-

Morgan Jewett Kent near dedication sign. Shelving donated by Emma & Richard The sign was designed by Lin LaRochelle Phillips. Carpentry work by Walter and Ken Walter and Ken Knox. and layout by Morgan Jewett Kent. Knox and Richard Phillips. (See page 43 for more...) Aroostook County Genealogical Society ~ AC-GS.ORG Publications for Sale The Families of the Upper Saint John Valley in 1790 — Compiled and Edited by Brenda J. Bourgoine, Ann M. Cushman, Dennis J. Prue, Allen J. Voisine The Families of the Upper Saint John Valley in 1790 is a work which documents 68 families on both sides of the river. This pub- lication is a compilation of all the known original families now contained in one volume. From this small community, literally thousands of descen- dants are scattered to the four corners of North America. Each chapter includes the head of household, their spouse(s) and their respective parents, (Continued on page 45) 3 Le Forum Bonjour Lisa, Dear Le Forum; Ronald Héroux me suggère de Lettres/ vous acheminer l’article que j’ai écrit I hope all is well with you and that sur Léo Héroux , vétéran de la guerre Letters your Franco-American activities at the 39-45. Il parait que vos lecteurs seraient University continue to get the support intéressés par cette histoire inusitée. you need. The BDN reports spending Initialement, j’avais préparé cuts and reductions in staff at the Uni- Dear Le Forum; quelques chose pour commémorer la versity. Hopefully you are not affected. contribution des Héroux à cette guerre. Enclosed is a check for the renewal I would like to order and pay En 2005, nous avons visité le cimetière of my subscription to Le Forum and a little for three subscriptions. The first two canadien à Cintheaux/ Bretteville sur–Laize extra to help with postage costs. I read what are to include your spring issue and en France. J’ai d’abord démarré avec les I can on my computer, but always look for- the third to start the following issue. Héroux enterrés là-bas. Deux jeunes décédés ward to the hard copy to read at my leisure. My subscription is to start with your next dans une terrible bataille, une qui a été un We just returned from another winter issue since I already was given the spring issue. tournant majeur de cette guerre. Lors de ce at Hilton head. The weather this year was voyage , nous avions rencontrés de gens qui awful (as it was everywhere else)- the worst Sincerely, l’avait connu en Normandie, après la guerre. we have seen down there in the past 16 years. Philip & Claudette Michaud Entre temps nous avons connu deux I guess everyone felt the wrath of the weath- Bangor, ME de ses enfants. er gods this winter. I know Maine had record snow as well as cold temperatures for months. Dear Philip; En 2014 , j’ai développé un peu I hope your parents are doing well in plus en ce qui concerne Léo. Son histoire Keegan. I don’t know if we will ever return to I thank you for contacting the Fran- d’amour avec cette jeune française aidait à that area––too much driving for me these days. co-American Centre and for purchasing faire voir que dans des moments critiques, three subscriptions of our publication, il y a aussi de belles choses qui arrivent. Take Care, “Le Forum”. “Le Forum”, has been Nous connaissons 2 de ses enfants. Une Gene Michaud in existence for over 40 years and is de ses filles vit à Montréal et un de ses fils Alliance, OH the only bilingual journal by and about vit dans les environs d’ Avignon en France. Franco-Americans. This is due to the Ils étaient contents que j’écrive sur Dear Gene; continued support of our readership! l’histoire de leur père. C’est une modeste contribution de ma part mais une facon de Thank you for contacting the Fran- rendre hommage à ces descendants d cana- Bonjour Le Forum; co-American Centre. Regarding your diens français qui ont contribué à l’histoire. concerns, the Franco-American Centre is Voici donc cet article avec des photos. Un gros merci pour m’avoir not immune to these cuts and we are con- Ayant été professeur en management fait parvenir la revue “Forum”. stantly battling for what little budget we do public dans une université (Université du Aussi, merci a Monsieur Marceau have. We are truly fortunate to have con- Québec/ ENAP), je suis sensible aux efforts pour l’histoire de Chorale Orion, dont tinued community support which enables des professeurs qui participent au maintien je suis le fondateur ainsi que le directeur. us to continue our work and intiatives. du français en milieu académique. J’ai aussi Son information était précise en vue fait des prestations à l’Univ de Pittsburgh du disque “L’amour c’est comme la salade”. Once again, thank you! au programme GSPIA. Et en Californie. Un gros merci! Chaleureusements, Soulignons que Léo est bien vivant Normand L. Ayotte aux USA. Ronald Héroux son neveu Lowell, MA To the Editor: peut vous mettre en contact avec lui. My great-grand father, Joseph Dubay Dear Le Forum; (183201902) was a cousin of Joseph Murray Salutations sincères en cette période Deveau (1840-1923), Chief of the Maliseet d’été. You guys do a great job! Indian band at Woodstock, N.B. May grand Tu fait un grande travail! father Abraham J. Dubay, (1868-1943) was Juliette L. BRUNEAU, second cousin to Joseph Murray Deveau, Jr. (Ph.D.(Science Politique) Notre groupe français ici en Acush- (1887-1925) chief at Woodstock at the time net, MA, et-il fait beau, et nous célébrons he was shot and killed near Houlton, Maine. notre cinquième anniversaire cet été. Does this give me Indian blood? No, Merci Juliette et Merci Ron pour la belle absolutely none. Love, Barbara article sur Léo Héroux, vétéran de la Some of the Devoe cousins of my Mattapoisett, MA deuxième guerre mondiale. Voir page 23. Dubay line have Indian blood from their Félicitations! (Continued on page 5) 4 AUTOMNE/HIVER 2014 noçes à une acadienne à S. Francois-du-Sud Regardons la carte... (Montmagny, QC. Voici une grande carte sur la Dé- non! Je dis bien souvent en Anglais “Our 1772 Il fut épousé à une Québe- portation Acadianiennes, un oeuvres des people did not get on Evangeline’s boat. coise en deuxième noces au même lieu gens de L’Univesité de Moncton, C’est They evaded the deportation”. Il ne fut 1779 On lui trouvre parmi les une caret bien remarquable demontrant ce pas les gens décrit dans le fameux livre acadiens de Ste.-Anne-des-Pays-Bas Fred- que j’appelle, “ Une Chaptre imposante ‘Antonine Maillet, “Pélagie-La-Charrette” ericton, NB (documentation anglaise) La Histoire Acadienne”. Mais mon but ce Le quelle livre emportant à Mme Maillet 1785 Nous avons sa requête ad- soir est plus particulier que cela, donc ce le Prix Goncourt. Cela c’étit surement une dress´au Gouvernement NB demanda la qu’est mon but ce soir, c’est de demontrer grand distinction pour l’acadie puis que permission d’émigré au Madawaska l’origine bi-nationalle du peuple mad- Pélagie-La Charette reporta le prix Gon- 1814 L’acte du décès de Joseph-Si- awaskayen. C’est a dire de decrire la court pour la prmière fois à une écrivain, mon Daigle ce trouvre dans le régistre par- liasion historique entre les acadiens et les une écrivaienne hors de la France. Mais roissiale de St. Basile du Madawaska (NB) Québecois en place depuis les orgines du l’histoire madawaskayenne n’a pas suivit On pourrait désiner une carte semble- peuplement franco-phone du Madawaska. la cours que ce grand roman nous conte. ment pareil pour cinq sur neuf des frères du Regardons maintenant une autre carte. nom Cyr qu’ils émigra au Madawaska a la Une carte demontrant la course d’un de nos Regardons la carte et remarquons même époch. pionnier, Né en acadie; épousé au Québec; les dates: Guy Dubay pionnier et décèdé au Madawaska. Regar- Madawaska, Maine dons donce le trajet des acadiens de L’acadie 1738 Joseph-Simon Daigle est né Tel.: 728-7849 (residence) et comment ils son rendu au Madawaska. à Pisiquit, Acadie (Windson, Nova Scotia. 728-4649 (office) Une grand parti de nos pionnniers 1752 Il es récensé au Ruisee- fondateur ne font par le part de la deporta- au-des Matelots sur L”isle-Saint-Jean tion. Ils sont des gens qu’il se sont évadé (L’Isle Prince Edouard.) (Continued from page 4) de la déportation! Une parti du grand 1762 Ilf fut épouse en première mother, grandmother, Hannah SAPPIER dérangement? Oui! De la déportation, whom Joseph Murray Deveau married at St. Dunstan's in Fredericton Feb. 7, 1865. Attention Former Students of But nowhere will you find Hannah Sappier in MY pedigree. I have no genetic factor St. Thomas Seminary from Hannah SAPPIER but they do. I By Albert J. Marceau, Class of 1983, STSHS don't because ONE DOES OT DERIVE A GENETIC FACTOR FROM COUSINS. The second reunion of graduates, Go "on-line" google the name Joseph and non-graduates, of all classes of both Murray Deveau. You will find two beautifully the high-school and the college at St. and excellently done web-sites, but get this: Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, Conn., I do NOT derive any genetic factor from will be held on Fri. May 15, 2015 in the my great-grandfather's aunt, Salome Dubé alma mater. As the date of the reunion who became the mother of the Indian chief. nears, there will be more information We get our genetic bearings from our about it on the website, http://www.stsem- "direct" ancestors: parent, grand parents great- inary.org and on Facebook at http://www. grand parents etc. but absolutely none from facebook.com/pages/St-Thomas-Sem- our "collateral" relationships - with cousins, inary/135090466507375. To receive aunts, uncles, grand aunts, grand uncles. etc. further information by e-mail, please write The Deveau/Devoe websites created to: [email protected]. To speak with by members of the Maliseets of Houlton are a representative of the reunion committee, of great help to illustrate the point that cousins please call Mary Ellen Kunz at (860)-547- to the Indians do not all pick up Indian roots. 0513. In this case "cherchez la femme": Hannah Sappier, but all the others like me who do not have her as a great-grand mother or great- great grand mother acquire no Indian status. I encourage readers to go on-line accessible by keying in the name, Joseph Murray Deveau.

“The tower at St. Thomas Seminary, Guy Dubay Bloomfield, Conn. Photo by Albert J. Madawaska, Maine Marceau.” Tel.: 728-7849 (residence) 728-4649 (office) 5 Le Forum Tinkham’s Celebrate Golden Wedding Anniversary

By Virginia L. Sand

Diane and Ronald Tinkham of French family came from Orleans Is- Island in Old Town, Maine will celebrate land in Québec. The Tinkhams their 50th (golden) wedding anniversary speak both French and English. on January 9, 2015. They were mar- Diane and Ronald at- ried at Saint John’s Catholic Church in tend mass at Holy Family Winslow, Maine in 1965. Their wedding Church in Orono, Maine. was the first to be performed with the When asked how one suc- bride and groom facing each other, rather cessfully maintains a marriage than facing the altar during the ceremony. for 50 years, Diane answered: Diane Bourque (Diane’s maiden -Respecting one another name) Tinkham was born in Waterville, -Learning to forgive Maine on May 17, 1940, and is the daughter -Realizing that there is no of Emerie and Hazel (Dostie) Bourque. She perfect marriage attended Saint John the Baptist School with -Accepting both the good the Ursuline Nuns in Winslow, Maine. She and bad points in each other worked for Hathaway Shirt Company in -Finding a balance be- Waterville, Maine and later worked at Orono tween giving and receiving Nursing Home (Orono, Maine) for 23 years. (give & take) Ronald Tinkham was born in Old -Maintaining a strong Town, Maine on May 19, 1936, and is the son faith in the Catholic Church and attending of Walter and Doris (Richards) Tinkham. He church together attended Saint Joseph’s Catholic School with -Starting the marriage by attending the Brothers and served our country. Upon marriage courses at Saint John’s Catholic his return he worked for the local paper mill. Church for several months prior to the Diane and Ronald have one daughter wedding ceremony. (Lesley) and one son (Jason). They also have four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. When asked about her Franco Amer- ican heritage, Diane explained that her paternal grandparents, George and Rosanne (Cliche) Bourque, left St. Martin, Québec Send them a card at: for Waterville, Maine in 1924 by horse and Ron & Diane Tinkham buggy. Diane’s mother, Hazel Dostie, was 8 Union Street born in Waterville, Maine, but the Dostie Old Town, ME 04468 (N.D.L.R. the following articles were There are several eminently qualified John Valley. shared by Guy Dubay at the CMA 2014 genealogists here at this Michaud Family re- There are thousands of Michaud sto- for several Family Reunions this past union who can tell the Pierre Michaud and ries that could be told and their are manny summer.) Marie Ancelin story even vetter than I can. sources on line on of the most notable is the I'm not going to try to "devancer" Francoise Colin Michaud website. MICHAUD Michaud-Dufresne's work on the first four But I'd like to focus on two lines who generations of the family story in Québec. came from Québec to Van Buren, Maine and FAMILY So I hope you will understand if I leave that to Frenchville, Maine. part of the story to others. My grandmother, Euphemie Mi- REUNION If I may, sinc you have come to our chaud-Dubay (1879- 1979) own grandfa- (AUG 16, 2014) reunion here in "La République du Madd- ther Israel Michaud (1823-1902) was born by Guy Dubay awaska" also once called "The Madawaska in Rivière-du-Loup, Québec, the son of Madawaska, Maine Territory"even in official records of the State Jean-Baptiste Michaud and Anastasie Viel of Maine, I shall ocuc on theMichaud's who and grandson of Benoit Michaud and Marie came from Quebec to this region of the St. (Continued on page 7) 6 AUTOMNE/HIVER 2014 from La Grande Rivière to Violette Brook. land surveyor. Martine Pelletier included (MICHAUD The Michauds were given the construction some of his work in her book: Van Buren: FAMILY TALK continued from page 5) contract., but there is a story in the family A History. In 1831 two agents of the state Charette-for you who have your data on that not everyone was agreed with the of Maine wrote a report describing the land Kindles or google and what-not or whatever. change -especially parishioners in the west owners of the settlers here. Maurice took that The family was completely Québecois end of the plantation . They would have to data and translated it into a Map that may be as opposed to Acadien but once here in the travel further to get to church. The tradition seen in the book just named. Saint John Valley Israel Michaud married in the family as that once at work in the What I mean to show by all of this is Judith Cyr à Jean-Evangeliste Cyr and interior construction phase, the Michaud's that the Michauds were industrious people. Marguerite Soucy. The Cyr's had come to set up the staging to work on the walls and I haven't said anything about the woman but Madawaska two generations earlier when ceiling finish work. But when they came Anne Roy at Le Village Acadiens can show in 1785 and shortly there-after nine Cyr back to work in the morning, someone had you some of their work tools and creations. Brothers settled on the Upper St. John River pulled down all the staging.. This happened I personally remember my Father's above the Great Falls in what became the several days in a row until as the story has uncle, François Michaud 1887-1953 who Madawaska Territory. it the Michauds decided to sleep right in the once ran a jewelry store and provided Look at it this way: The nine Cyr church and when the vandals broke in to do watch-maker and repair services., but in my brother had an average of ten children their subterfuge, the work up with a start. life-time he ran a sporting goods tore and he a=piece, so by 1810 there's 90 littles Cyrs They made noises louder than the intruders taught my old brother Edward, everything running in the woods up here. he knows about hunting and But let's take that though a fishing. Among the papers we generation further say with found after his decease was a approximately 45 Cyr boys family genealogy listing all fam- and 45 Cyr girls you get by ily members from Jean-Baptiste 1840 45 Cyr marriages with Michaud and Anastasie Viel, ten children-a piece, then There is a tradition that folks in you have 450 littles Cyrs in Rivière-du-Loup may tell with the wood and the Black-Bear greater accuracy than I do. As I doesn't have a chance. understood it, Anastasie Viel's But leaving the Black- grandfather once got lost in the Bear aside and sticking with Cyrille and Remi Michaud woods and stayed among the the human story, there are Photo from “Van Buren, Maine History” Book Maliseet Indians some forty enough Cyr's here to Acadi- by Martine Pelletier and Monica Dionne Ferretti years. Then one day late in life anize all the in-laws coming he showed up at the Barbershop in from Québec. and some stretched version of the story in R-d.L He hadn't realized that he had And certainly one of those young suggested that they threatened to shoot, but walked into his son establishment, but get acadian woman did just that with Israel Mi- this may be a later 20th century retelling of this far-fetched aspect of the story. It seems chaud to make him fit right into the Acadian the tale. It's a family story, a legend if you that he had on the very same hat as on the community here. Their son, Remi Michaud, will but certain grist for the family history. day that the family had lost track of him. The baptized at St. Basile, N.B. in 1845 shows Israel and Judith Michaud had 18 son recognized the hat and so welcomed his up in his parent's family in the St, Basile children, Apparently there seems to have lost father back home. census records of 1851 and 1861/ He mar- been some kind of epidemic in 1885 and Francois Michaud's generation was ried Méthaide Sirois at St. Leonard, N.B. five of their children died with-in a week. perhaps the last generation to share some and we find him in the Van Buren, Maine At one point also there wee twins who died kind of intimacy with folks back in Quebec. census of 1870. and the family never knew which one died His hunting expeditions took him up to the Israel Michaud and his sons Remi and first. There's also the story told to me by my Temiscouata era where he well knew the Cyrille (vieux garcon) got an opportunity Grandmother that family members went to Griffin family there. He is supposed to have in 1868 to lease the grist mill (Le moulin- the funeral one day to bury the child and gone to St. André-du Kamouraska where à-farine) on Violette Brook in Van Buren, on coming back home the discovered yet he recognize this kinship with some folks Maine. I know that the Michaud's had devel- another child had died. named in on the grave makers. oped good carpenter's skills and Israel built But the rest of the family lived long He had two sisters who became his home where the credit union now stands and hearty lives. Mon Oncle BelonieMi- religious nuns one with the Holy Family across from the High school on Main Street chaud as my father called his mother's uncle Sisters of Sherbrooke and the other with and Remi Michaud built his home next door lived to 95 years and became the father of the Good Shepherd Sisters of Quebec. The where the Convent now stands. In 1872 the Samuel and Mike and Maurice Michaud of Marist Fathers of St. Bruno had set up St. grist mill got sold to Antoine Ouellette and Van Buren. Ron Michaud who will sell you Mary's College in Van Buren, Maine and Joseph Martin and the Michauds turned to a pair of skis any day (even in Summer) is they hired the Holy Family Sister to carry on their original trade as can be seen in the 1880 one of Sam's son who once sold John Deere the kitchen and laundry tasks at the college. census records. Tractors all over the Valley. But I'd like to Then in 1892 the Good Shepherd opened up In 1872, the parishioners of St. Bruno single out his brother, Maurice who never a convent and school in Van Buren and my de Van Buren decided to move the church married but became a respected and careful (Continued on page 8) 7 (MICHAUD Buren was State Representative in 1914. bit of Frenchville Michaud genealo- FAMILY TALK continued from page 7) He was a merchant and storekeeper who gy to explain Fortunat's orgins. I might passed on his work and establishments to also speak of Florence Michaud, long father's Michaud aunts were just of age to his sons and daughter. His home still stands time town clerk as was her father.) enter these communities. My Father would as a proud land-mark in Van Buren at the My Mother's name, Violette was Aca- have three sisters of his own who became corner of Main and Poplar Streets. The dian in origin, From Louisbourg, Isle Royale religious, two with the Marist Missionary Farrell-Michaud home, now a guest tourist (Cape Breton Island) and my Father's Dubay nuns who went off to Tonga, Oceania in the home was last occupied by his daughter Miss line was from Rivière-Ouelle, Québec. Bert South Pacific and the other with the Good Constance Michaud who un-faillingly could and Bernard's families present a similar case. Shepherd of Québec, but then I'm switching be seen at the 7:30 a/m mass at St. Bruno Abraham Michaud's line was Québecois the story from the Michaud's to the Dubays every day.. Her brothers Elmer and John the but their Mother's Hébert line is Acadian here and this is the Michaud family reunion!. clothing stores. One of her brothers became a in origin. And that's pretty much the case The Michaud's of Van Buren were priest after having served as school principal of the Madawaska families being of both professional craftsman and did not engage of St. John School in Van Buren. I believe sources, Quebec to the west, Acadie to the much in politics. But the other Michaud he died in Louisiana where the Marist east. Michaud may be Québecois in origins story that I want to get into does get us also serviced some parishes down there. but cherchez la femme et Vive la difference! into that area. Fortunat O. Michaud of Van (At this point I should go into a Ah! The Grist Mill! Le Moulin à Farine! by Guy Dubay Madawaska, Maine Ah! The Grist Mill!, Le Moulin à Farine! Alderic Violette wanted us to remember it - so he bought the gristmill equipment from Gedéon Corriveau in Frenchville and got it set up at Le Village Gristmill Acadian of Le Héritage Vivant in Van Buren, Photo from “Van Buren, Maine History” Book so that we might remember that a Moulin à by Martine Pelletier and Monica Dionne Ferretti Farine and Le Moulin à Cadre - the Carding constructed a grist mill here "40 years ago grist mill on the Picquanositac. His father Mill- were part of our original history here which has since fallen in ruin". had died the year before and Francois Junior at La Grande Rivière in Van Buren, Maine/ Now the words "forty years ago are was much taken up with settling the affairs St. Leonard, N.B. an oral testimony. Did Francois mean to be of the estate. We know from an 1824 listing Harold Violette~a Lawrence ~a Jo- exact -or was it just one of those approximate of the New Brunswick militia that Francois seph ~a Frederic likes to tell a funny story figures used in oral conversation? We have Violette held the rank of captain here just - that of his grandfather, Joseph Violette, not yet found a firm 1791 document speci- like Somonette Hébert did at Madawaska coming home from a day's work in his Fa- fying the presence of a gristmill at that day. or Little Falls (Now Edmundston, N.B.. but ther's mill and Memère Catherine taking off Certainly the date must not have been far Francois Violette Junior's petition is very his cap, shaking it over the pan and making of the mark and later historians have taken clear on his intention to build a new grist ployes for the family from the dusting. the quote quite literally. But remember the mill on Violette Brook. We have a picture of the old grist mill old expression - "On n'en prends puis on It's interesting that in 1831 Francois as it still stood in the early 1950s. If I recall n'en laisse. I leave you to determine if we spoke to his visitors about his father's mill rightly, the man in the photo standing by the are to take the 1831 oral remark as literal or but says nothing of his own. Was there a road is Leonard à Athanase approximate. delay in effecting his plans? Once given (308a, p. 161 in Rita V. Lippé's book. We have record of Francois Violette, his grant for the Violette Brook mill site, In 1831 two agents of the State of Senior applying for the right to occupy Francois would not have had to report to the Maine, John G. Deanne and Edward Kava- lands here above the Great Falls as early as registry of deed details of what he built on naugh came here to make a record of the 1786 and you can read details of that in the the land he received. So we haven't found a land claims of settlers already here.. They on-line book which David and Rod Violette record of the gristmill here until the mill gets stopped overnight at Francois Violette's and I have been working on for some years sold by Belonie Violette to Vital Thibodeau home on the edge of the Saint John River now. Dave may tell you more of that when of St. Basile on July 7, 1844, for $600. not too far from the outlet of Violette Brook it is his turn to speak tomorrow. If I choose The Violettes clearly were the first and -once called the Picquanositac by the Mali- to limit myself to l'histoire du Moulin à last owners of the mill -but deeds allow us to seet Indians.. I’m' referring here to Francois Farine, I must say that the earliest record I've see that the mill site got sold and re-bought. Violette (1770-1856) Married to Marguerite seen with reference to the mill is Francois Belonie Violette owned the grist mill. His Fournier. Junior's petition of 1825 asking the New son Ambroise owned the grist mill. Francois' He told his visitors that his father had Brunswick government the right to build a (Continued on page 9) 8 Le Forum AUTOMNE/HIVER 2014 (Ah! The Grist Mill! / Le Moulin à Farine! operating the grist mill. was a man of mark. continued from page 8) You Might say that the Michaud's had Family tradition has it that he had a other son, Frederic owned the gristmill and their hands full in the construction of the new good sized nose, and despite his generosity Jose à Fredric worked there when he gave St. Bruno Church. Legend tells us that now toward the church, neighbors would tease us cause to enjoy Harold's stories today.. every was happy with the move of St. Bruno him by saying, "Belonie!, Belonie! Autre-toi But where Stanley Cote's has his house on from La Grande-Rivière to Violette Brook. donc le nez-des jambes, qu'on peut voir Main Street, there once stood my paternal My Grandmothers relatives were hired to l'église!" (Belonie, would you kind moved grandfather's where the Dubay family had build that church and the story is told hour your nose over so that we may be able to moved in 1913 -but that house had been built at times their work was being sabotaged. see the church!" by Antoine Ouellette of Cyr Plantation when As they worked inside the building, the Belonie is my mother's paternal Ouellette owned and ran the gristmill. We staging that carpenters use to work up to the grandfather. What I've been able to learn of can see on an 1878 Roe & Colby Atlas map ceiling area was nightly being drawn down him from outside of family tradition is that of Van Buren Village, "G.M" for gristmill An and Cyrille Michaud, if now only Israel In 1844, When his father, Captain Francois A. Ouellette label for it/ Then next below B. had to camp and sleep in church to prevent Violette entered his retirement years, Be- Violette's house now Anne Violette's home further sabotage of their work. Incidentally, lonie gave a life support mortgage to his the other home site on Main Street labeled Cyrille's younger Brother Belonie Michaud parents, Francois and Marguerite Violette A. Willett. So at that point, shortly after married Ida Violette à Michel Violette whose and this is why when the States of Maine the Church of St. Bruno had been moved to home stands yet at the corner of what is now & Massachusetts issued the grant of 306 Violette Brook village, the gristmill is held in Champlain and Maine Streets. I remember acres of lot 301 in 1845, the American land other hands than that of the Violette Family. Larry à Donat à Emile à Michel growing up records begin with Belonie Violette down to If you take the 1845 land grant map - there. But I'd also like to note that one of Ambroise Violette, and then René Violette you see farm lots running from the St. John Belonie Michaud's sons, Maurice became a and then to Valerien Violette, late husband River to the rear line of lots a mile and a surveyor and he one attempted to map out of Anne Devost-Violette now owner of the half up the hill to what is now Castonguay the 1831 Deane & Kavanaugh survey that Violette house which we can see of the 187 Road.. When you take the 1850 census, I've already mentioned. Dave tomorrow will Roe & Colby map which we've shown you. you cane see that the land owners are still have occasion to tell you more about that. I must again in my off-the track man- pretty much spread out on their long farms I'm getting into a wider circle of the ner tell you more about Belonie Violette. We without much of a village at Violette Brook. Village story than I intended to get into have an 1844 census record of Van Buren St. Bruno Church was not even there, but up when I agreed with the Violette Association Plantation in which we see that Belonie river facing the Grand Rivière outlet across leaders to give you a talk on Le Moulin à Violette is one of three members of the the Saint John River. But if you look at the Farine. And I must get back to see how the Board of Assessors of Van Buren, Plantation 1878 Roe and Colby Atlas you can see that story runs back from the Ouellette’s to the along with Joseph Cyr and Paul Cyr, each a "village" has sprouted on lot 301 and lot Violette family in order for Harold's Father, of whom in turn would later serve as State 302 on both sides of Violete Brook. Lawrence to eat enough ployes to grow up Representative in the Maine Legislature. Watermill road is notices in 1878 but and become the Superintendent of Schools Then in the Aroostook Pioneer, published not in 1850. And the gristmill by itself in in Madawaska and so go one to author a as a weekly newspaper in Presque Isle we 1850 would not have attracted sufficient new Version of "How the Acadians came find notices that have Belonie Violette as employees to cause a village to sprout there, to Maine." one of three commissioners of Aroostook but in 1853 Belonie Violette sold four acres It my way off the track manner in County. Finally in 1867 we have record of land to Smith and Crosby of Bangor - for which both Rod and Dave have had to deal of his membership in the Maine House of a mill site at what is now the end of Water- with my input in the new Book, "Violette, Representatives, but nobody there is ever mill Road. In the 1860 census we note the A History", I'm still here going to keep on reputed to have said, "Belonie, Belonie, presence of a house carpenter, a blacksmith, my buckshot way of hitting the target by would you kind toss your nose over so that a tavern keeper all on lot 301. In 1860 my saying That when the Michaud's were busy we may see the rotunda of the State Capitol! paternal grandmother's grandfather, Israell sleeping in church in order to get the job At home, Belonie had initiate a per- Michaud moved from St. Basile and built the done, Belonie Violette, who sold four acres sonal program of deeding lands for each of home labeled I Michaud on the Van Buren of land for the St. Bruno church site is also his sons, And so we find Frederic as owner Village map already cited. In that year I on record as having given $800 for the new of a homestead in Cyr Plantation and Denis find a record of Israel and Cyrille Michaud altar of the church. That was quite a sum in owner of a homestead in Hamlin. Come leasing the gristmill on Violette Brook. With those days since $500 was sufficient then to time of his own retirement, It is the middle the saw mill further up the brook drawing to buy a hundred acres of farm land, as we cane son Ambroise who takes responsibility for the area new people like the Michaud's and see in valuations in census records of the day. the pensioning of his parents.. Two younger Nadeau, the blacksmith next door (where This points out Belonie Violette (1817-1878) brothers were still at home, Levite, who the convent now stands) we now saw new to have been quite an influential man in his later migrated out west, and my grandfather, people like the Michauds earning a living day. Certainly he had a part in convincing Abel Violette. The life support mortgage from the gristmill that originally had been the Bishop of Portland to allow the church says that Ambroise would have to provide the work of the Violettes. to be moved to Violette Brook. Ah What les homesteads for each of these brothers as he, The Michaud's as I've come to know Augustin Violettes of la Grande-Rivière had Belonie had provided to Ambroise's elder them were more carpenter's than millers to say about that, I do not know, But there is brother. And that's how come my mother was and by 1878 it's Antoine Ouellette's turn at ample record to show that Belonie Violette (Continued on page 10) 9 Le Forum The next record we have is the burial Héberts of the St. John Valley of Pierre Hébert at Québec on August 31, by Guy Dubay 1756 aged 3 years old. He was the son of Madawaska, Maine Joseph Hébert aged 19 in the census above. Why were the ancestors of the St. The record reads: Joseph Had married Marie Vincent on July 7, John Valley Héberts not deported. Charles "Charles Hébert, habitant, laboureur, 1754 at Isle-St. Jean). Now it was a terrible Hébert and Marguerite Saulnier do not figure natif a l'acadie, agé 60 ans, et il y en a deux refugee war camp situation for the Acadians among the Acadians who were deported to (ans) qu'il est dans le pays, marié avec in Quebec. Some four hundred of them died the British/American colonies in 1755. The Catherine Saulnier, native de L'accdie agée there in that situation like le petit Pierre figure among the evaders of the deportation 40 ans. Ils on 5 garcons, 2 filles - 2 boeufs, Hébert. Survival meant getting out of there and were already in French territory (Isle- 3 poulles. Le trrain est situé dans l'anse aux into the country side. So we find the next Saint-Jean/ Prince Edward Island when the Pirogues (Rivière-du-Moulin-à-Scie) donné son, SIMON Hébert marrying Madeleine "Evangeline Folk" got on the boats in Acadie verballement par M. de Bonaventure, su Poirier at St. Charles-de-Bellechasse on the (Nova Scotia) lequel ils on défriché deux arpents. Enfants, 8th of November 1758. His parents, Charles It all happened because in 1744/45 Joseph Hébert 19 ans, SIMON Hébert 15ans, Hébert and Catherin Saulnier are listed in the French backed up by the French from Jean Hébert 13 ans, Pierre Hébert 7 ans, that record, Bu Madeleine Poirier's parents Quebec attacked Annapolis Royal (formerly Francois Hébert 3 ans, Marie Hébert 20 ans are deceased. Witnesses present are Jean Port Royal), the a British fortress. Charles Hursule Hébert 11ans." Cyr, Charles Gautro and Jean Heber(t), his Hébert Figured among the few Acadians Thus, Charles Hébert was already brother and Jean Baptiste Trahen, Acadians who assisted in this French effort to retake safely tucked in French Territory when the all. That brother, Jean married Blanche Acadie from the British. deportation began at such places as Grand Vincent at Québec August 17, 1761 so When the effort failed, the British after Pré, Cobéqquid, Pisiguit and Port Royal in there's some going back and forth between founding Halifax, put out warrants order- the fall of 1755. So he wasn't there to be St. Charles-de-Bellechasse and Quebec. ing arrest of those Acadian who had taken deported. We mention that younger brother's wedding part in that French effort. Charles Hébert's 1756 proved to be a bad crop year at Quebec because we find next, a mouth name then figures on the warrant seeking on Isle-Saint-Jean, The French Governor later on Sept. 24, 1761 the burial record of his arrest.. For that reason Charles Hébert sought to reduce distress by shipping Charles Hébert at Québec. skedaddled from Acadie to French held "Useless Mouths" to the still French held The marriage of SIMON Hébert territory, leaving behind his old residence Québec. "Useless mouths, meant non-mili- and Madeleine Poirier was to be a short at Cobquid (Truro, N.S. Today). We find tary people, generally women and children. one since she died , aged 25 years, at St. him at Rivière-du-Moulin-à-Scie in Rev. Naturally the husband of these followed, Charles-de-Bellechasse Nov. 19, 1759. Paul Larocque's census of Isle-St. Jean in 1752. being loaded on ships and sailing to Quebec. (Continued on page 11) (Ah! The Grist Mill! / Le Moulin à Farine! could see the steeples of Valley churches as clearing new land., To which the younger continued from page 9) far away as Sainte-Anne du Madawaska and sister replied, "Bien voyons, donc, John, born and raised Au Concessions on what is Notre-Dame de Lourdes in Siegas. à ton age!" Sort like saying, At your age, now lot 22 at the end of what we now some- My mother, summers use to like to John, shouldn't you be retired? At that point times call the Massé road. Dan à Wilmot à go up to the farm to reminisce and have he was indeed retired but old habits are hard John à Abel still holds title to that property, us picnic there. And I remember one time to break and what does an habitant, a farmer where his father, Wilmot died tragically in a when we ran into mon oncle John then over do when his work does not press on him? Ils logging accident. I remember picking pota- 80 years old still working the land. Like fait de la terre neuve. toes on Uncle John's farm with Wilmot and brothers and sisters do they could chide Oh boy, has my memory ever run Vinal driving the potato trucks and I never each other, and so Mom, said, Bien John, away with me and taken me off the story being a great potato picker, but i enjoyed the C'est quoi que tu fait icit?" John Answered, line I'm supposed to give you of Le Moulin lunch breaks on top the hill from which we Je suis après faire de la terre neuve", I've à Farine! * After all my ramblings which you received, I believe I can come back to the Gristmill story by citing my article on the subject printed in St. John Valley Times Sept. 6, 1973. Ther I had as owners of the gristmill: Francois Violette, JR. 1826-1844 Denis Chasse 1913-1916 Belonie Violette 1844 Alfred Richard 1916-1947 Vital Thibodeau 1844-1868 Paul J. Maquis 1947-1949 Israel & Cyrille Michaud 1868- 1871 Charles T. Maquis 1949-1953 Pierre Cyr 1871 Alcidie Tardif 1953-1961 Antoine Ouellette and Joseph Martin 1871-1873 Antoine Ouellette 1873-1885 A deed from Alcide Tardif to Joseph Laplante dated 22 Dec. Patrick Lynott 1885-1886 1961 speaks of the site in these words; "a grist mill which once stood Salomon Madore 1886-1889 on said premises" Ambroise & Frederick Violette 1889-1891 I was long under the impression that Vital Violette once owned Frederick Violettee 1891-1911 it and had it torn down, but that "memory" requires verification. Susan Violette 1911-1913 10 AUTOMNE/HIVER 2014 (Héberts of the St. John Valley continued that SIMON Hébert received a land grant he received a New Brunswick land grant for from page 10) at Kinsclear, NB, near Fredericton on Aug. the Edmundston land on the Madawaska riv- Trahen and Joseph Hébert are witnesses at 7, 1789 and that he received title to lot er near the Indian Reserve.. In 1828 he was the burial the next day. She apparently died 35 comprising of 252 acres on the south a witness against John Baker in the famed from child birth situation as their daughter, shore of the St. John River on Oct. 1, 1790. trail of John Baker arising from a Flag Marguerite, was baptized three days later, In the Carleton County registry of deeds raising incident at Baker Brook in 1827. but the child would live less than a year with (Woodstock, NB) we find at Vol. 1 p. 156 Tradition has it that when the court bailiff burial noted at Bellechasse Aug. 22, 1760. that on April 26, 1815 SIMON Hébert and called for Simonette Hébert to come forward After appropriate mourning, SIMON Josephine Hébert deed 28 acres of lot 29 to as a witness, the bailiff called out in a loud Hébert re-married on May 13, 1761 to Jean-Baptiste Daigle, her brother. voice: "SIMON ATE A BEAR, SIMON Marie Thérèse Thiercy as the priest Rev. L There is an 1806 record where SI- ATE A BEAR!" The judges may have had a Saurault wrote the name in the register at St. MON Hébert makes a deal with his neigh- laugh, but they took his testimony seriously Charles-de-Bellechasse, Her family name bor, Francois Albert.. In essence the deal and John Baker lost his case. given in Bona Arsenault' Acadian genealogy says, Francois, let me build my grist mill In 1831, Simonette Hébert was not books is Caissy, but the Acadian likely gave on your brook and you can then grind all overly friendly to the Maine Agents, John the "C" a "Th" sound and the pastor wrote your oats and wheat in my mill free for the G. Deane and Edward Kavanaugh came up it that way. The father, Charles Hébert is rest of your life. The deal allowed both the here to draw up a list of settlers on both sides present at this wedding as like the next Hebert and the of the river. The agent’s journal complained one in Québec which we've already cited.. Albert family to develop some kind that Simonette Hébert fed them "rancid Other witnesses at the wedding were Pierre of prosperity and both families would end Pork". Hebert was a hostler and his place Cognac, Francois Gontier, (Jean Héber(t) up providing some community leadership as was where travels often stayed. In this case the brother and Jean Coté. We see here the in the case of his son-in-law, Olivier Sirois Hebert refused to provide the agents any Acadian developing acquaintances with (married to Angele Hébert) going as state details on his property holdings. Likewise Quebecois neighbors representative to the State Legislature, but for his brothers and sons. So there is an We find both SIMON Hébert and his that's the next generation's story. information gap in the Deane & Kavanaugh brother Jean at the burial of their sister Marie We have followed then the family trail report of 1831. In 1833, however when Lt. Rose Hébert. at St. Charles-de-Bellechasse from Acadie to Madawaska. Since SIMON James MacLauchlan, Warden of the disputed on Dec. 3rd 1765, She had married Paul Hébert, husband of Josephet Daigle died in territory for the British, Simonette Hebert Larouin at Port Lajoie, Isle-Saint-Jean on 1843 it was left to his Son SIMONETTE supplied the following information: 1 wife, April 24, 1752 the year of the census record Hébert, dit Le Riche to receive the first 5 boys, 5 girls, 4 horse, 6 oxen, 10 cows 50 we've already cited. This allows us to note American land grants from the States of sheep, 10 pigs 100 tons of hay harvested. the Hébert Family presence at St. Charles Maine & Massachusetts On July 12, 1848. The 1851 Madawaska, NB census from 1758 to 1765. Their residence would This includes land currently occupied by lists, Hébert, Simo 63, Latec 63, Vital 23, then be in the province of Québec through John Hébert at the homestead bordering on Christin (Bru) 28, Latc 20, Maxime 12, the French and Indian war years up to the "Factory Brook in the Parish of St. David, Modeste 9. Michel Plourde, 24 is listed as Treaty of Paris in 1763. Bona Arsenault Madawaska, Maine. "domestique" -farm handiman.Vital who had notes the presence of SIMON Hébert and Since there are four SIMON Héberts married Christine Cote in 1849 was the first Marie Cassy at Bathurst, N.B. in 1773. Their in a row it can sometimes get confusing in resident of Mawaska (then Victoria County) youngest daughter, Marie Josephe Hébert reading the paper work where each wife is to serve as a Member of the New Brunswick married Louis Melanson there on Oct, not named. The report of the Land Commis- Legislaltive Assembly in 1867. 30m1792. An Thomas Albert's Histoire du sioners of 1843 Gives Simonette Hébert as In 1861 we have Vital Hebert 33 as Madawaska tells us that Simon Hébert died granted of lots 137 and 139. This appears to head of the family, his wife Christie is given there in 1786.. be SIMONETTE Hébert (1798-1868) who as 40 years old, His Father Simon is in the The Madawaska story is taken up married Marie Thecle Martin at St. Basile 26 house aged 72, no doubt pensioner (Il est with SIMON Hébert (1764-1843).. His Feb. 1810. Vol. 1 p. 627 of the N. Aroostook a sa rente). His siste La tech 27, Modest, burial record at St. Basile on 20 May 1843 Registry of deeds shows that Simonnette Neice 7, Sophie, Neice 4 Maxime nephew gives him the age of 79 which would give Hébert deeded his lot 137 on the south shore 22 and get this, Pinguet, J.C. 42. médecin. us a birth year of 1764, but we have not of the St. John River to his son Simon Hebert Simonette had lost his wife March 4, located the baptismal record. Rev. Antoine on Aug. 4, 1848 1856, but retiree Simonette could always Bernard, author of Histoire de la Survivance The 1850 U.S. Census shows Simon ask, "Is there a doctor in the house? and the Acadienne writes: "Dans une petite cha- Hébert and his wife Louise (Belanger) in answer would be yes. We find Simonette pelle-cabane couverte d'écorce de bouleau, Madawaska, Maine. But the 1851 Madawas- passed away Nov. 5, 1868 aged 82. l’Abbé Leclerc célébra le premier marriage ka, NB, census shows Simonette Hebert the au Madawaska, entre SIMON Hébert et father in what is now Edmundston. In 1824 Josette Daigle." This may be more tradition Simonette Hébert was a captain in the New than fact since we find the marriage recorded Brunswick Militia. At some point he had at Ecouphaq, N.B, the Indian mussion near received a contract for roadwork along the Fredericton, N.B on July 1, 1788. Land Madawaska River to Lac Temiscouata. He grant records of New Brunswick inform us was well favored by the British and in 1825 11 Le Forum the deportation like several of our pioneers brother, Joseph Guilbeau. The next day fol- The Forest Family here.. In fact he was already out of British lowing this funeral, her Father, Pierre Guil- by Guy Dubay held Acadie when the deportation began in beau died.. The two days after her father's Madawaska, Maine Sept. 1755. But let us look at six point of his burial Marguerite’s 14 year old sister, Ursule life trail on a map. died, That's five family members deceased The Forest family is truly not my with-in a span of two weeks. lineage. I've become aware of the Forest 1738 His birth at Pisiguit, Acadie Now if Marguerite went on to be wed Family in Acadie firstly through the work (Windsor, Nova Scotia) four years later, might we not consider her of Bona Arsenault's Histoire et Généalogie 1752 Census records in as a teenag- to be a survivor? des Acadiens. On line I've figured out Forest er at L'Ance-au-Matelot, Isle St. Jean (Prince Joseph-Simon Daigle's father died at family tracings to Bonaventure, Quebec, Edward Island) St. Charles-de-Bellechasse July 12, 1757. Boston, Massachusetts and St. Jacques de 1757-1758 Migration from Isle St. His Mother. Madeleine Gauterot-Daigle L'Achigan on the St. Lawrence in Quebec. Jean to Quebec (both his parents decease in died there on Feb. 18, 1758, Joseph-Simon Bit I've receive an invitation to be your Quebec at those dates) Daigle, our Madawaska pioneer aged 20 at speaker tonight because of the tour I give at 1762 Record of his marriage at St. the time was a survivor.. But at twenty, much the Tante Blanche Museum in Madawaska, Francois-du-Sud, Quebec (Montmagny QC.) as the circumstances are stressful doesn't a Maine And what I shall present tonight is a 1779 British record sets him at St. young fellow yearn for life?.That's what the variety of just that.. I aim to explain to you Anne-des-Pays- Bas (Fredericton, NB.) two young acadian survivors exhibit when our visitor the Acadian story of this region 1785 Migration to Madawaska on in the midst of the French and Indian War, you are now visiting. the Upper St. John River. they are as yet lovers and wedding bells I'd like to use the life trail map of one 1814 Record of His decease in the rang out for them at St. Francois-du-Sud, of our Acadian pioneers, who it turns out is Parish records of St. Basile, NB, Montmagny, Quebec on Nov. 23, 1762. more of an in-law to the Forest Family of Msgr. Briand, Vicar General of the Acadie than a direct ancestors of yours.. Joseph-Simon and Marguerite Guil- diocese accorded the young couple a dis- Joseph Simon Daigle married Marguerite beau were survivors. This may well be pensation of third degree consanguinity, a Guilbeau at St. Francois du Sud, in Mont- illustrated by the record of here family in facto quite common among the close knit mgany, Quebec Nov. 23, 1762 and her Quebec. As a teenager On March 27, 1758 Acadian survivors who were often cousins of mother was Madeleine Forest married to she lost her mother, Madeleine Forest aged some kind of third or forth generation link.. Pierre Guilbeau in Acadie. So there is a link 50. So she would have had the opportunity The marriage record provides the names of to the Forest Family story even though I am to attended the burial services the next day the parents of both the bride and groom but speaking of the family indirectly. But bear at St. Charles-de-Bellechasse where we find of course lists them all as deceased.. Four with me, please as we look at the life trail the record.. The next day in the same parish witnesses to the marriage were Quebecois of a Madawaska pioneer. we have the burial of her 16 year old brother, with names of Labry, ,Rouleau, two Gervais, Joseph-Simon Daigle (1738-1814) Jean Guilbeau. A week later she may have but also one Acadian , Alexandre Como was never deported from Acadie - he evaded witnessed the burial of her seven year old (Comeau). (N.D.L.R. The following is an excerpt from the writings of Martha Cyr Genest.) Fifty Years As A Girl Friday by Martha Cyr Genest Van Buren, Maine October 1911 - January 13, 1914 were dress in a small boy’s suit and act around... among the best years of my young life... what memories to think of. working for and with the Lebruns gave me I had planned with Doc Hammond to such a vast experience, although I was the go to Presque Isle, although at the last min- office gal, I used to run up to the hat depart- ute I almost did not go, anyway, a promise ment, where Esther Cyr, was making lovely is a promise, so I did, and it was a lucky day hats, then tot he garment corner, where Mrs. when my sister Marie decided to marry... Lebrun was often telling one of the clerks of someone in Presque Isle, as it got me out the new dresses etc., coming in...the corner of a gad spot...my first nite at the hospital of my office on this ground floor was not was to me like a year of experience...and large but I had a double system for book- many times after that I used to hear one in March James Crawford, who was US keeping, also after a year or so, cash carriers, of the trainman holler “there goes my first Custom Officer and also part owner of the for the change form one end of the store to nurse”, I would blush even now if I went Van Buren Lumber Company offered me a the front counters, where the clerks were, into the details, be it said...Martha went to very good job, which also was clerk in the one in a special way was so well liked by visit her sister not long after he signing her Custom and Immigration Office and book- us all, was Margaret Tardif...now Dionne... young life for three years...and that ended keeper for the Van Buren Lumber Company. we did have swell times, especially when my nursing career. 1914-15 saw me as a lumber gal... the boss was away and Madame Catherine Coming back to Lebruns for a week sometimes in Cabano, P.Q. to get hold of was in her apts on the other floor, I used to or so off and on was like coming home, but (Continued on page 13) 12 AUTOMNE/HIVER 2014 (Fifty Years As A Girl Friday continued a scale rule...so in all my different work in those who are left behind, are very good and from page 12) lumber offices, I always thanked dear dad,for loyal friends and feel that “A loving note is some of the scale bills, other times in Blue having taught me this. the TIE that binds one friend to ANOTHER River, P.Q. too after a time to help organize I had a short vacation and then found FRIEND”. for the Van Buren crew to move there... an ad on the paper, Hedrich’s in Presque While visiting friends in Van Buren I Among the lovely people and VIPS I Isle, wanted a bookkeeper... I went there came across the LaCroix Family, who were worked under and for, were Bob England got the job, and worked with one of my taking over the Old Mills in Town, and one of the England Lumber Co., also Seigneur dear school mates Alice M. what a nice night when a bunch of us were giving a play W.W. Thomas, land owner, also the man who experience and what I learned there, I had in Town, Mr. LaCroix asked some friends brought the Swedes to New Sweden The the privilege of working with Fred Shean he was with, who the gal in the play prison Stetson Cutler Co., President, of Boston was, and some one said: “Not a convict, but Mass, was also one of the owners of the an office gal, so the next day Mr. LaCroix Lumber Companies, and then in 1916, dad saw me and described and interesting job... died, there was my dear mother left with funny how it happened, that I could not meet a house full of children not out of school, them that first time; a friend of mine from so when I was offered good wages to go to Quebec had given my address to Lou, and Blue River, as the Office gal, I accepted, we met for the very first time, which ended and I could help the younger ones better up in marriage in January 1926....and my with this job...what an experience I had, going to live in Quebec City.... getting more familiar with Immigration The time I spent at the Mill Office laws, and also with many restrictions we is one to be long remembered, I loved my did not have in Maine. One experience job, the mill hands, and Rose my office gal, was, that the first World had so many again I felt I had achieved another step in wild restrictions, that when I came home Édouard Lacroix my work, as I learned so many, many im- on the midnight train, I had to stay over in portant things pertaining to Consular work, St. Leonards, the gates were locked on the the accountant, and he did give me a lot of etc. when Mr. LaCroix and Mr. Delisle built bridge...going back one night, there was a new rules etc., I also took correspondence Sacred Heart School, I had a commission of wreck ahead of this train...cars of tin cans courses in accountancy and Spanish, as after Justice of the Peace and also Notary Public, overturned...and we had to walk, I say we... so many years of working here and there, I I did feel very important to those lovely as every time I left Blue River, Mr. Craw- felt an urge to get out of the Country...I did, bosses, and also to myself; I again used the ford or any of the other VIPS replacing him but only in Canada!!! different procedures, learned with my dear would say to the Conductor and Trainmen, Fifty years after, I am still friends with dad, like measuring wood, scaling, not being take good care of Miss Cyr, or Else...which one of the Presque Isle people, and we often nervous, I used to walk all over the mill, over meant...you better do it...I was very friendly talk about 1920...when we had this big event saws etc...to go and pay the men so they with Nora and also the Crawford boys, who of choosing a Queen for the 300th anniver- would not be late getting home’ Thursday were like brothers, and the friends I made sary of Plymouth Rock...the Pilgrims, etc... was pay day...I can remember that we 2 then are still among my best...but after a Phyllis O’Donnel was the Queen I was one gals, made up a pay roll, for over 400 men, few years I was very lonely for home, and of the attendants...what fun we did have. making checks etc., in less time that I have in 1918 I came back to dear old MAINE... The early 20s saw me back home for a made small group payrolls in the last years... of course I had vacations and came home, spell, I helped a lady buy her stock to open with three deductions...withholding I should my sisters also visited me, but somehow I a dry goods store, hats and ladies garments, call this part of the take-home pay...50 years wanted to come home. etc., of course often going back to help the ago, if our dads would have had at least a My lessons on how to measure wood, dear friends U.J.H. and his tobacco place...I few dollars a week, a good insurance, our when I was very young, I never forgot and met many fine friends during the years in dear mothers would not have worried about dad was surely the best man to teach me with Presque Isle, many of them are gone but the future.

Van Buren Lumber & Manufacturing Company Photo from “Van Buren, Maine History” Book by Martine Pelletier and Monica Dionne Ferretti

13 Le Forum From Maine to Thailand The making of a Peace Corps Volunteer by Roger Parent

ED. NOTE: This is the fifth in a series of excerpts from a memoir written by Lille, Maine, native Roger Parent in 2004, tracing the first 24 years of his life, from his childhood in Acadian French-speaking northern Maine to the end of his service as a member of the first group of Peace Corps volunteers in Thailand. This aritcle first appeared in “Echoes”, No. 91 pages 36 -40. My Roommate Carl of Grenada I’m listening to steel band music walked to the yellow house, knocked on the of St. George’s, Grenada in South Bend, door, and a very old man answered. I intro- Indiana, and remembering Carl. Carl duced myself as Carl’s former roommate at was my roommate in my senior year at St. Francis Xavier University, and asked if he St. Francis Xavier University. He had was Carl’s father: “Yes, I’m Carl’s father.” a large influence on me, but he doesn’t “Where’s Carl these days?” know it because I never told him. May- “He lives in Ottawa, but he’s here be I didn’t fully realize that until now. vacationing. He’s visiting friends and Carl and I were very different. Carl should be home in a few hours.” Later was self-confident, I was not; he was outgo- that day, we got reacquainted, introduced ing and gregarious, I was shy and reserved. our wives to each other, and talked about He had many friends. I had a few. He came the two things we always had in com- from a very small country. I came from a mon: our love of politics and economics. very large country. But the real difference between us was our world-view. Carl had Peace Corps? Christian a large world-view and I had a narrow one. Brothers? Soldier? I was too proud of my country and too quick to defend it, as someone tends Wanting to help poor people overseas to when not accepted as a full citizen in was one thing, finding a program to so was one’s country. French-speaking persons another. of long standing in northern Maine were I had heard about the need for teachers not always accepted as full citizens. Carl in high school run by Christian Brothers in didn’t take easily to my narrow view and Odo, Nigeria, and talk of the Peace Corps debunked many of my chauvinistic notions. had percolated during John F. Kennedy’s He was my passport to a broader world. Carlyle A. Mitchell of St. George’s campaign for President, and after his in- I met Carl in my freshman year Grenada, graduate of St. Francis Xavier auguration. I was inspired by President when he visited his friends from St. Lu- University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, 1961. Kennedy’s Peace Corps idea and wanted to cia in our large Mockler Hall basement be part of i, but I didn’t know when it would room. Fifteen students lived in the big were students from most Canadian Prov- be established, and could not wait very long. room, including two from St. Lucia, Pat inces, many from the northeastern United Still, I wrote to President Kennedy in Feb- and Bob. Through them and Carl, I met States, and from another 20 countries or so. ruary 1961, “If you are going to establish students from many other countries - India, I had my fist personal exposure to a world the Peace Corps, I would like to serve in it.” Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Trinidad, Latin very different from my own-the world of Acting much more quickly than I America, Bangladesh, Iraq, Switzerland, French-speaking Lille, Maine-through Carl had anticipated, President Kennedy, on and so on. I socialized with many of these and his friends, and through the internation- March 1, 1961, created the Peace Corps. students during school breaks when, be- al spirit of St. Francis Xavier University. Immediately, I wrote to Sargent Shriver, ing far from home, we stayed on campus. After graduation in 1961, our paths the director, and volunteered. However, I I was very lucky to have chosen St. diverged and we lost track of each other. was not optimistic about serving, because I Francis Xavier University. Today, it is de Carl pursued a graduate degree and became a believed it would take time to get this federal rigueur, obligatory for a university to be Canadian citizen. I joined the Peace Corps, program functioning. Furthermore, even if seen as diverse and worldly. In 1957, St. went to Thailand, did graduate work at Notre the organization was established quickly, Francis Xavier, with a student body of about Dame, and became involved in politics. In the publicity about the tens of thousands 1,000 students located in small Antigonish, 1989, when I directed the Peace Corps in who wanted to join, and the high standards Nova Scotia (less than six thousand people Grenada, I asked my barber if he knew Carl’s expected of volunteers, was daunting. By then), had an international flavor absent from family. By coincidence he did, and said they many larger universities and towns. There lived in a yellow house a few blocks away. I (Continued on page 15) 14 AUTOMNE/HIVER 2014 (From Maine to Thailand continued Anderson, clerk to local draft board #2, checked out the girls, and dated Rolande - a from page 14) had awesome power over me. Draft boards smart and beautiful woman I married a few were made up of volunteers from the area, years later. It was a carefree summer with but Katrina had much discretion in wielding no real worries. By fall, I’d be adventur- March 1, 1961, more than 30,000 people the power of the board, and it was Katrina ing somewhere. Nevertheless, it seemed had indicated interest in the Peace Corps. who had the power to decide my immediate a long wait and I was getting impatient. As a back up plan, I wrote to Brother future, not the faceless board members. The first good news arrived on August Maurice, a Christian Brother in Toronto, Katrina wore the now funny looking 8 in a letter from the Christian Brothers and volunteered to teach in one offering me a teaching of their schools in Nigeria. I position at St. Joseph’s got an immediate response of College in Odo, Nigeria. interest in my services, and my I immediately accepted letter was forwarded to Broth- their offer and petitioned er Broderick, in London, who Katrina for permission to was on his way to Nigeria. leave the county. She re- There were no email or fax fused. I pleaded with her machined, or practical interna- that teaching in Nigeria was tional telephone communica- serving my country, and tions in those days, so the back warranted deferring (not and forth of letters concerning replacing) my obligation credentials and references took to the armed forces for two much time. By graduation years. But my pleas fell on on May 17, I did not have a deaf ears and she denied definitive response from the my request. I was deep- Christian Brothers, nor had I ly disappointed, and pre- heard from the Peace Corps . pared myself to be drafted About a week after grad- into the service, as Katrina uation, I received a letter from said would happen shortly. Sargent Shriver, telling me I A few weeks later, had made the first cut from the Roger Parent (bottom left) and Carl I was ordered to report thousands who had applied for Mitchell (bottom right) with other mem- for the “Armed Forces the Peace Corps, inviting me to bers of the Caribbean Circle Physical Examination,” take the entrance examination on September 6. I didn’t on May 27 at the Post Office in Caribou, but then stylish glasses of the late 1950s understand why they needed me at that Maine. Sargent Shriver’s letter was imme- on the end of her pointed nose; she had a time. Many young men from northern diately followed by a letter from President pursed mouth with start-up wrinkles ra- Maine were being recruited and drafted, Kennedy congratulating me “for being diating upward, downward and sideways. and Aroostook County in particular, was among the first to volunteer for Peace Corps.” She exuded a strict professional demeanor certainly more than meeting its quota Getting letters from the President and which made her seem cold and uncaring; for soldiers - if there was such a quota. his brother-in-law was heady stuff, and I tried she may have been warm and consider- I became more convinced that Katrina not to get too excited and puffed up about it - ate, but that’s not how I remember her. had it in for me. It was not unusual for sons not something my family would have tolerat- The first thing I had to do after re- of farmers, professional people, and success- ed anyway. Although volunteering to serve turning from Antigonish, Nova Scotia to ful merchants to avoid military service alto- abroad and not seeking a paying job was far Lille in May 1961 with a college degree gether. I felt I was not being treated fairly from the norm in those times, I sensed a real in my back pocket, was to visit Katrina in because of my parents’ working-class status. approval from my patents; they must have Caribou. I had to report my change of status This feeling exacerbated my tendency to felt that volunteering for the Peace Corps from college student to carpenter’s helper. resent the rich and powerful who use their was a worthy thing to do. But they didn’t It was to Katrina I had to earlier ad- privileged position to benefit themselves comment much on my plans; they shied from dressed my requests to defer my military at the expense of poor, old, sick people. unduly influencing my major life decisions. obligation for college. She had approved Good news. On September 2, I re- The summer after my graduation, those requests, but I felt she had done so re- ceived a telegram from the Peace Corps I returned to my old jobs-carpentry work luctantly. I assumed rightly or wrongly that director. Sargent Shriver said I had ‘suc- with my father and part-time work at Law- she thought I was trying to evade the draft, cessfully completed initial requirements rence Parent’s General Store in Lille-not but I only wanted to go to college. I reported for service in the Peace Corps,” and he knowing what I would end up doing. I my change of status and started the waiting asked if I could report for training at the no longer held deferment from military game. What would I be? Peace Corps volun- University of Michigan October 7, to be service, and I expected to be drafted in the teer? Christian Brother volunteer? Soldier? part of the first group of volunteers for army shortly. Serving in the armed forces The summer of 1961 was not just Thailand. I was ecstatic. I knew little about was one job I didn’t have to apply for. about waiting and working. Evenings and In Aroostook County, Maine, Katrina weekends, I sent to dances, lake beaches, (Continued on page 8) 15 Le Forum (From Maine to Thailand continued from page 15)

Getting letters from the President and his brother-in-law was heady stuff and I tried not to get too excited. (Continued on page 17) 16 AUTOMNE/HIVER 2014 (From Maine to Thailand continued from page 16) Thailand - had to look it up on September 18, I was notified of the map - but I was ready to go. my acceptability for the armed I called Katrina imme- forces. On October 10 I received diately, and told her of my my “Order To Report For Induc- invitation. She didn’t sound tion.” Fortunately the wheels happy, but she would not deny of the young Peace Corps were my permission to leave the moving even faster under Sar- country for Peace Corps Ser- gent Shriver’s sure hand, and vice; it was one of President I reported for training at the Kennedy’s high priorities. She University of Michigan on Oc- instructed me to write her a letter tober 7, three days before I was requesting permission to leave to be inducted into the service. the country for this purpose. The Peace Corps secured Meanwhile, to my deep permission for me to leave the consternation, the wheels of country, which Katrina granted the military were turning fast, a few months before my de- faster than usual it seemed to parture for Thailand. Katrina me. I had to report for my made it very clear in a little physical and psychological note attached to the permit that examinations on September it was for one year only, and it 6, even though I had already would have to be renewed each requested a deferment, and on year. She was not done with me. Roger Parent lives in South Bend, Indiana, where he served as city councilor and mayor in the 1970’s and ‘80’s. He is trustee of the South Bend Community School Corporation and found of World Dignity, a non-profit organization focused on educational programs in Thailand, India and South Bend. In 2005 he assisted victims of the Dec. 26, 2004 tsunami as deputy director of the Tsunami Volunteer Center in Khao Lak, Thailand. He and his wife, Rolande (Ouellette), have four chil- dren and six grandchildren.

17 Le Forum their travels up the road with a boxed lunch, Mirror Into The Past on their way to Aroostook County where Town of Passadumkeag, Maine the potato fields offered work for many. The depression years were hard Sesquicentennial on many families. The custom of the “open door” continues to this day. 1835-1985 inquired as to the ownership of the property. Clement, Amos’ youngest son, stayed In 1889 the property was owned on the farm following his father’s death, by Edward P. and Eleanor F. Tibbetts; buying it back from the Farm Lands Com- it contained 400 acres with a house mission in 1946. He made a home for his and barn which has been formerly widowed mother and sister, Blanche, until owned by Calvin Commins, deceased. their deaths. Clement had a large herd of Charles L. Hathaway owned the dairy cows, selling his milk to the milk property in 1889. In 1892 Mr. Hathaway market. He also had a fluent Christmas sold the house and out-buildings, plus tree business, selling trees to the University twenty-five acres of land, to Wesley A. of Maine and out of state. In 1980 he sold Edgett for $600.00. The balance of the the farm to tenants from Paris, France. He property was awarded to Benjamin B. married Lillian Y. Marquis and they built a Thatcher and Hugh R. Chaplin in 1893. new home just south of the old homestead, In October, 1893, all lots 4, 5, 6 and in a large field along the Penobscot River. 7 (except 25 acres owned by Mr. Edgett) From records: Ida O. and Bertram were sold to Joseph W. Porter for $1,300. Corro did not have any children. Alphena November 8, 1907 the property and Clement J. Martin had six children: Mrs. became owned by Charles D. Wittier. In Richard (Theresa) Moeller, Mrs. Raymond 1910 Mr. Whittier added more land to the (Yvette) Tarte, Mrs. Wilber (Dorothy) Al- farm by making a purchase from Mary J. len, Mrs. Verle (Joan) Drinkwater, Ronald Libby, an heir of Charles L. Hathaway. and Jan Martin, and Richard never married. After the death of Mr. Edgett in Wilfred and Ann (Murphy) had 1913 his wife, Mary A., sold the house one child, Wilfred Jr.; Ralph and Lillian Amos E. Marquis (1898) and outer building along with the land to (York) had three children, Mrs. James Amos E. Marquis was born in the Mr. Charles D. Wittier on January 7, 1914. (Mary Lou) Williams, Frederick and town of Ile Verte in Canada, the son of June 14, 1927, Mr. Marquis pur- Joyce (Harkins), and one child deceased. Maxine and Olive (Côté) Marquis. It was chased the property from Charles and Marcia Harold and Louise (Carroll) had one about 1890 that he migrated to the United Whittier. Amos used this property as a home child, Harold Jr., who died in his teens. They, States. In this country he worked int he for the less fortunate people; friends who then adopted another boy, John. Loretta and birch mills of the area, making spools. were out of work and needed a place to stay. Emile Guichard had two children, Patricia He married Ophelia M. Ouellette In 1930 Amos brought his wife and Michele. Blanche was unmarried. (1876-1949) of Lowell, Massachusetts, and family to live at the farm. He was Eugene and Mable had three children, daughter of Pierre and Mary (Dubay) now the father of nine children: Blanche Alan, Patricia and Ronald. After the death Ouellette. He settled in Bradley, Maine. (1914-1974) unmarried. Eugene (1917- ) of his first wife he married Ethel Thurston, He was a butcher by trade at this time, and married Mable Shorette, Bradley; Ethel Stillwater. soon had a meat cart drawn by a fine horse, Thurston, Old Town; Clement A. (1919- ) Clement and Lillian (York) did not going from home to home selling freshly married widow, Lillian Marquis; Ida O. have any children. butchered meat to the housewives. His wife (1898- ) married Bertram Corro, Lincoln; was a great asset in his business, as she made Alphena (1900-1983) married Clement J. all the hogshead cheese, “blood” sausage Martin, Old Town; Wilfred (1902-1937) and creton, products very popular among married Ann Murphy, Milford; Ralph L. the French families of the communities. (1907-1975) married Lillian M. York, In 1916 he moved with his wife Howland; Harold (1909- ) married Lou- and family to Old Town, bought a large ise Carroll, Costigan; Loretta (1911-1957) home on Howard Street. He opened a married Emile Guichard, Nashua, H.H.. meat and grocery store located on Treat Amos operated a dairy farm and raised & Webster Island, making deliveries to market vegetables. the homes about the city. About 1926 he Amos and his wife were well-known opened “Marquis’ Cash Market” located at for their open-door policy for all who trav- 19 South Main Street the following year. eled along Route 2. During the depression It was in 1925 that he came to year, although times were lean, no one Marquis Farmhouse 1933 Passadumkeag on an outing, saw the went away from the home without having empty house and buildings of the Tibette been served a hot meal. Many stayed for a Farm. He returned some time later and night’s lodging, then they would continue on (Continued on page 19) 18 AUTOMNE/HIVER 2014 (Mirror Into The Past continued from page 18)

Marquis Family, 1924. Front: Ralph, Eugene, Ophelia, Clement, Amos, Blanche. Back: Alphinia, Harold, Loretta, Wilfred, Ida.

Ophelia and Amos Marquis, 1938

Blanche Marquis Marquis’ Home 19 Le Forum An Aunt to be remembered

By Virginia L. Sand (10 October 2014)

My aunt, Marie (“Merease”) Cunning- ham, at almost 96 years old, passed away into the Spirit World on Sunday, September 7, 2014, at Mount Saint Joseph nursing home in Waterville, Maine. Merease was born in Winslow, Maine on September 20, 1918, daughter of Adelard and Virginia (Derosby) ALBERT, my grandparents, who immigrat- ed to Winslow, Maine from the Gaspésie peninsula of Québec. My Aunt “Merease” Photo that I took of my Aunt Merease (left) with her sister, Albertine (my mother) at was one of Virginia Derosby’s 18 pregnan- Mount Saint Joseph nursing home in Waterville, Maine on Christmas Day 2013. cies. Merease has only one surviving sib- ling left, my 87-year-old mother, Albertine gave me money to purchase my first bed miniature furniture that she formed from Albert Pimperal, who resides in Waterville, when I was out on my own. She also gifted cardboard. She also illuminated these Maine and who will turn 88 years old on me with $500.00 to help pay for my Mas- miniature buildings with interior lighting December 15, 2014. My Aunt Merease ters Degree in Education at the University that could be seen through the windows also leaves behind a son, Robert Cunning- of Maine in Orono. I will always remem- she created on these miniature buildings. ham, Jr. and his wife Sylvia (of Winslow, ber her acts of kindness and generosity. Aunt Merease was bilingual like my ME), two grandchildren, four great grand My Aunt Merease was also one of mother and her brothers. She could speak children, and one great, great grand child. the pioneers of recycling. She would save both French and English equally well. She I will always remember my aunt and collect cardboard (boxes, etc.) for the spoke the French dialect of the Gaspésie Merease for passing onto me the passion of purpose of making it into furniture (small in Québec. Aunt Merease and my mother working with beads (jewelry-making) and tables, shelves, etc.), small dollhouses filled (Albertine Albert Pimperal) inspired me fabric. In fact, when she used to babysit with cardboard miniature furnishings, wall to earn a BA degree in French language my twin sister and I, she would often bring sconces, decorations, etc. Aunt Merease at the University of Maine in Orone. over scraps of fabric for us to play with. She was truly the “Queen of Cardboard.” From I interviewed my Aunt Merease at was always making her own colorful clothes cardboard, Aunt Merease even constructed Mount Saint Joseph nursing home a couple and many things to decorate her home with miniature models of at least two histor- of years ago with a video camera. That as well, like slipcovers, pillow covers, etc. ical buildings in Waterville, filled with interview can be seen on-line at the Uni- Aunt Merease was a very talented, creative miniature models of the authentic furni- versity of Maine’s Franco-American Center woman. When I would visit her home, she ture and wall hangings. With her fabric website at the following URL address: would often be working with beads, making scraps, Aunt Merease would upholster the rosary beads, necklaces, etc. She gave me everything I needed to start beading at my http://francoamericanarchives.org/?s=Virginia+sand house and I still have many containers of beads that she had passed onto me. Also, Once you find the love of fabric that Aunt Merease instilled the above website, in me had inspired me to earn a degree in scroll down to my Home Economics at the University of Maine interview, titled “Vir- in Farmington, Maine, where I studied ginia’s Oral Histo- textiles and clothing construction, among ry: Growing Up other things. I have designed and created Franco-American in many of my own clothes over the years just Waterville, Maine.” as my Aunt Merease did for herself. I have Then simply click on also sewn for others and made jewelry for the arrow in the center. others, thanks to Aunt Merease. Over the years, Aunt Merease had given me several pieces of jewelry to remember her by. She was also very generous in other ways. She 20 AUTOMNE/HIVER 2014 (N.D.L.R.: The following is printed with permission from Portland Magazine, April 2013 Issue) We're a food-crazy border state, so where are the starry Franco-American restaurants? BY CLAIRE Z. CRAMER

Everyone knows poutine, the retro pile-up of french fries, gravy, and cheese curds.111e hearty Canadian treat has rocketed into the wider foodie-sphere and can be found all around Portland, induding in a few fancy iter- ations like the East Ender's lobster poutine and Duckfat' s silken version with local cheese curds and duck gravy. But where is the rest of traditional Franco-American or Acadian cuisine? Not the fancy dishes from France that everyone knows, such as escargots and boeuf bourguignon, but the hearty, filling home moking based in French and French Canadian tradi- tional recipe's, later invigorated with seasonal ingredients avail- able in Acadian settlements in Aroostook and Hanccck Coun- ty-pork, salmon, and pototoes. Ployes, the pancakes or griddle bread, spring from milled Aroostook buckwheat. Tourtii!re, a holiday meat pie made of ground pock and onions ina pastry crust. wasoncefue traditional meal aftermidnightma&Son Christmas Eve, and tarle au saumon (salmon pie) also baked in pastry, can be wrapped and taken into tha woods fur a day oflog- ging, hunting, or fishing. Cretans, tha lightly spiced coarse pate of minced pork, make a sturdy breakfast when spread on bread. The legendary E. W. Mailhot Sausage Co. in Lewiston

producesRANCO? pork sausages, blood sausages, cretons, salmon pies, and pork pies and distributes fuem to markets large and small, from mom and pop shops to Hannaford supermarkets, all over Maine ard into New Hampshire and Massachusetts. So why does the wholesale business extend to just a few restaurants? Is there no way to recast these savory specialties as upscale offal in the manner of sweetbreads and brains? Remember when everyone was mad for bone marrow? "You got me there.l just don't know," says Marc Mailhot. 'Tm doing what my father and grandfather did, and this is my market. Peo- ple cook at home. They tell me new things they do with ourproducts. Someone told me they put cretons into crab rangoon shells and fried them up for appetizers. People put it on crackers with cream cheese to have with drinks." Alive and well in home kitchens, must Franco food remain on the fringe, the stuff of ethnic fairs and festivals?

AU CONTRAIRE "You can find Franm-American food at restaurants and diners in Aroostook,” says Lisa Michaud of the Franco-A.merican Centre at the University of Maine in Orono. Two Rivers Lunch in Allagash serves a few Franco dishes, such as pea soup, chicken and dump- lings, raisin pie, and sugar pie. At Crystal Lynn's in Madawaska, The cretons chronicles, from top: Pork cretons on toast with a dab of mustard make a classic Franco-Amer- ican breakfast; Sunday brunch at the Frog &Turtle inWestbrookincludes subtly spiced, house-made cre- tons in thei signature franco-American egg benedict; country pâté at Petite Jacqueline is very french and very likely the inspiration for the New-World cretons that followed in Acadian Canada and Maine. (Continued on page 22) 21 Le Forum (Français où Franco continued from page ican food economy, serving Grant’s pies, in Maine and get the full-fledged real-deal 21) Mailhot’s sausages, and using ploye mix atmosphere of the culture at some of the you can order cretons with your from Bouchard Family Farms in Fort Kent. festivals in the French heritage towns, ployes, as well as chicken stew and patates Bags of Bouchard’s mixes, like Mail- [where] you can find the traditional food fricassées. Then there’s Robin’s Restaurant hot’s sausages, can be found in markets all for sale. [But] class is assigned to those in Van Buren; “Oh sure, we have the pou- over Maine. The company grows and mills foods, and that is an invisible barrier.” tine, and ployes with butter and syrup for its own buckwheat and has been packaging Regarding the concept of a four-star Fran- breakfast. And stew on Saturdays,” says and selling it for 30 years. As a fat and glu- co-centric restaurant: “Given the climate in server Velma Ouellette. “It’s kind of a thick ten-free vegan product, ployes, the humble which the Franco-American culture exists, soup, with chicken, potatoes, and dumplings, breakfast companion to maple syrup and dip- a parallel or underground universe, it will and that’s pretty much it, but the big think per for chicken stew, is poised for stardom. take some time. We need some type of is the dumplings. They’re really good.” youthful creativity that takes the ordinary In Auburn, Rolly’s Diner is a cheerful THE INVISIBLE BARRIER to places such as the [Frog & Turtle does] outpost of Franco tradition and assimilation, in Westbrook. But I bet it will happen.” owned by Ken and Rolande (Rolly) Blais And maybe we ought to just appre- for the past 19 years. “We serve salmon Delicately spiced house-made cre- ciate the similarities between French and pies from Grant’s Bakery in Lewiston on tons headline the Franco-American eggs Franco food and not over-think the issue. Fridays. A wedge of pie with a choice benedict offered for brunch at the Frog You can order crèpes at Rolly’s, made with of potato and egg sauce-real simple, but & Turtle pub in Westbrook. Owner/chef Mémère Blais’s recipe, and you can find traditional-it’s a bechamel sauce with James Tranchemontagne says the story of French crèpes in Portland at the Merry Table hardboiled eggs chopped up in it,” says Franco cuisine is “complicated...it doesn’t crèperie and at Petite Jacqueline, after all. Ken. He acknowledges the difference be- translate to commercial success...a lot of it Steve Corry, executive chef and owner tween French and Franco-American food. is filler food-turnips, apples, carrots, head of Petite Jacqueline with his wife Michelle, French restaurants” are really fine French cheese, sugar pie. I do a lot of stuff here insists, “We stick to classic French bistro dining.” Deep down, “Franco food is [at the pub] that stems from my upbring- dishes here.” But when Jacqueline’s chef comfort food.” He calls patates fricassées ing, but...French-Canadian is more of the Ian Hayward presents a wooden board on thrifty reuse; “They’d take cold leftover culture of the people than a style of their which neat triangles of pâté de campagne potatoes and fry them like home fries with food. I come from a large family. There with baguette toasts and grainy mustard are pieces of salt pork. We don’t make them was no money to go out and the meals at prettily arranged, who can argue that this here, but we serve cretons-people spread it home were way better.” is not the city cousin to country cretons? on toast or make it into a sandwich. Then Rhea Côté Robbins, author of None of which will put Justin Tim- there’s our creton-and-cheese omelet. And the memoir Wednesday’s Child, echoes berlake at Rolly’s Diner in Auburn, as was ployes, sure. A lot of the traditional Franco Tranchemontagne’s sentiments. “Atmo- claimed in a Trip Advisor posting that spread things make great breakfast.” Call Rolly’s sphere provides the flavor in which the elsewhere on the internet. “Just a prank, a full participant in the local Franco-Amer- dishes are served...You can go to places but we got a kick out of it,” says Ken Blais.

Bouchard Family Farms For generations the Bouchard Family to try a product rich in taste and history. Contact: has been milling a unique light buckwheat "C'est Magnifique!". Bouchard Family Farm 3 Strip Road flour in order to prepare "Ployes" (rhymes Ployes Mix -- The first-ever original French Fort Kent, ME 04743 with boys). A recipe based on the one Acadian buckwheat pancake mix farm 1-800-239-3237 created by the French Acadian exiles who produced in Northern Maine since 1983. or settled in Northern Maine, Ployes are as The Bouchard Family Farm is com- elegant as a fine crepe, as hearty as a break- mitted to bringing to the general public the (207) 834-3237 fast pancake and as versatile as any bread. delicious, versatile and nutritional benefits (207)834-7422 Ployes are creating their own identity. of our mixes. From appetizers to main course to desserts and snacks, they keep finding new ways http://www.ployes.com to make meals interesting. We invite you 22 AUTOMNE/HIVER 2014 Léo Héroux, un vétéran pas ordinaire de la Deuxième Guerre mondiale Par Juliette L. Bruneau, Ph.D (Science Politique) Québec Canada 2014 commémore le 70ième anniversaire du débarquement de Normandie. Chaque famille nord-américaine a ses héros de guerre. Parfois des frères, des cousins proches ou des voisins. Il y a aussi des cousins éloignés, comme le cousin Léo Héroux qui a participé précisément au débarquement de Normandie le 6 juin 1944.

Ascendance française, canadienne et américaine de Léo…

Jean Héroux Blonville-sur-Mer Marie Royer Normandie, France (parents de l’ancêtre Jean Héroux. Ne sont pas venus en Nouvelle-France)

Date et endroit du mariage

Jean Héroux 6 février 1674 Jeanne Pépin Trois-Rivières

Pierre Héroux 24 janvier 1701 Françoise Benoist Trois-Rivières

Étienne Héroux 14 novembre 1757 Catherine Grenier Yamachiche

Jn-Baptiste Héroux 7 janvier 1787 Anastasie Lemay Yamachiche

Médard Héroux 16 février 1841 Sophie Martel Deschaillons

Adol.-Delphis Héroux 30 septembre 1872 Philomène Lemay Léo avant la guerre Deschaillons tirer les vaches. Au fil des jours, le fermier et le soldat deviennent des amis. Sa maitrise de Fortunat Héroux 10 septembre 1906 Anésie Rousseau la langue lui facilite le contact avec les gens Lowell, MA. du pays. Le jeune soldat visite le fermier tous les soirs, raconte Léo. «Puis un soir, j’ai Léo Héroux 25 janvier 1947 Anne-Marie Broecks vu la plus belle fille du monde descendant Central Falls RI. l’escalier dit-il. C’était Anne-Marie Bro- eckx, Léo admet qu’il est tombé en amour Norman, Nancy, Béatrice, Leslie avant qu’elle ne touche la dernière marche».

Carrière militaire de Léo : En début l’amène à des activités dangereuses telles de guerre, Léo travaille dans une usine qu’enlever les mines et autres obstacles, de textile à Central Falls. Il n’a que faire des routes, bâtir des ponts, préparer 19 ans lorsqu’il s’enrôle dans l’armée l’arrivée des bateaux et enlever les corps. américaine. Il s’embarque vers l’Eu- Le lendemain du Jour J, son capitaine rope, là où un destin unique l’attend. lui demande d’aviser le fermier français Débarquement : Léo participe au qu’il devrait retirer ses vaches du champ débarquement du 6 juin 1944 à Colleville- voisin. Léo a appris le français et l’anglais à sur-mer. à 10:30 (Omaha Beach ). Léo est l’Académie du Sacré Cœur de Central Falls alors un jeune soldat affecté au 348e corps et ses parents sont d’origine québécoise. Il d’ingénieurs de combat. (348th Engineer tente de faciliter la situation avec le fermier Combat Battalion A stationed in South en l’informant que forces américaines pas- Wales, Great Britain) Son travail d’ingénieur seront dans ce champ et qu’il vaut mieux re- (Suite page 24) 23 Le Forum (Léo Héroux suite de page 23) tres étaient allongés, ils attendaient d'être nous parlent de cet homme. Pour eux, c’était Malgré la guerre, il s’est rapproché de ramassés par la Croix Rouge. J'avais envie tout un personnage. Un soldat d’origine la jolie fille du fermier Broeckx. L’échange de vomir, l'odeur insoutenable. On n'avait franco-canadienne, parlant français qui fait de lettres se poursuit pendant les déplace- pas le droit de leur donner à manger …pas la guerre avec les troupes américaines….! ments de Léo en France et en Allemagne. Ils même un petit morceau de chocolat...! » Ils ne tarissaient pas d’éloges. Léo est celui continuent de se courtiser alors qu’ils sont Il continue sa route vers le nord qui a fait passer l’examen de conduite auto- des deux côtés de l’Atlantique. Les lettres de l’Allemagne. De retour en France, mobile à Marc. Moment marquant pour un se font de plus en plus sérieuses. Ce n’est il prend le bateau à Marseille pour re- jeune garçon que celui d’obtenir son permis que le début d’une longue tourner aux É-U. Nous sommes en 1945. de conduire une automobile à l’époque. histoire d’amour pour le Son retour aux Son retour aux É-U : jeune Léo comme nous États-Unis après la Léo vit en France jusqu’à 1975, le verront plus loin . guerre : la correspon- moment où il est reparti vers les É-U. IL Dans ce film de dance se poursuit entre enseigne alors aux jeunes américains à PBS, le jeune militaire Anne-Marie et Léo. Un conduire l’automobile. Est-ce son secret qui y parait au début de sa jour Léo lui demande lui vaut de conduire encore sa voiture à plus carrière militaire puis de l’épouser, ce que la de 90 ans ? Il aura donc enseigné des deux à son mariage et lors belle accepte. Anne-Ma- côtés de l’Atlantique. Aujourd’hui, il vit à d’un voyage souvenir en rie prend l’avion et ar- Central Falls, R.I. à proximité de sa famille Normandie sur les lieux rive à Central Falls en canado-américaine. C’est grâce à Ronald G. même du débarque- 1946. Léo épouse donc Héroux, son neveu, que nous avons pu le re- ment. On le voit sur les la fille du fermier, Fer- tracer. Ronald et Nancy, sa femme, ont déjà lieux de souvenirs. Il est nand Broeckx, celui-là visité Blonville et la Normandie historique. sur la plage de OMAHA même où il s’est re- Nancy, la fille de Léo, et son mari mais ce ne sont pas des trouvé un matin de juin Gilles participent aux rencontres de l’As- souvenirs de vacances 1944. Ils se marient le 25 sociation des familles Héroux d’Amérique. qu’il raconte…! Léo janvier 1947 à l’église Norman son fils ainé et sa femme Liliane dit «qu’il avait peur Notre Dame du Sacré sont venus nous visité en 2011. Nous en attendant son tour Coeur de Central Falls, l’avions rencontré à Paris en 2005. Mal- pour débarquer. J'avais Rhode Island. Leur fils heureusement nous ne connaissons pas très peur ainsi que tous Norman Héroux est né les deux autres enfants vivant en France. les autres soldats…! le 10 décembre 1947. Chaque année, pendant sa vie en Peur de mourir? Non, Léo, 10e anniversaire France, Léo visite le cimetière américain en pas de mourir mais débarquement, June 1954 souvenir de ses camarades morts au combat. de me faire tuer. Il Cette année, il n’y sera pas. y a une différence entre mourir et se Son retour en Anne Marie n’est plus là faire tuer. Tout le monde va mourir, France, sa famille, ses et les jambes de Léo sont mais se faire tuer et tuer c'est différent». occupations profession- trop peu fiables pour le nelles : porter jusque-là. Mais les Suite de sa vie militaire en Europe : Léo retourne en souvenirs sont là….! Et Léo courtise toujours Anne-Marie, France avec son épouse Norman sera Colleville- cette jeune enseignante à Bayeux. Il va et son jeune fils en sur-mer le 5 juin 2014…. ensuite à Arromanches pour aider les 1948. Ils ont 4 enfants. C’est une histoire Alliés. Puis à Cherbourg. Son travail est En France, Léo travaille unique, n’est-ce pas….? de décharger les tanks, les munitions, créer dans l’entreprise de son Juliette. des ponts et approvisionner les soldats. beau-père soit l’école En décembre 1944, il traverse Paris de conduite automobile libéré pour ensuite se diriger vers la Bel- à Colleville-sur-mer. Tous n’ont pas eu la gique, là où les allemands résistaient aux À l’occasion de son même chance que Léo… américains. Son travail consiste à construire 90e anniversaire, sep- Mais Léo n’est pas le des ponts pour que les soldats américains tembre 2013, une fête est seul Héroux d’Amérique à puissent passer. La bataille est très proche organisée chez sa fille avoir contribué à cette et il doit rester près du pont, prêt à le faire Nancy avec ses enfants, guerre. Deux autres sauter si les allemands avancent. En avril ses proches et ses amis Mariage à Léo et Anne-Marie Héroux, morts dans la 1945, il part pour l'Allemagne où il arrive à Howick près de Mon- (Broecks) 1947 fleur de l’âge, début de au camp de Buchenwald. Ce qu’il voit est tréal. Trois de ses 4 en- vingtaine, reposent au ci- horrible. «Dans le camp de concentration, fants habitent en France dans les environs metière de Cintheaux/Brettéville-sur-Laize, il y avait des juifs polonais et russes. Cer- d'Avignon (Leslie, Norman et Béatrice Vial). en France. Ils sont morts en début du mois tains d’entre eux pouvaient marcher, mais Lors d’un souper à Blonville en 2005, d’août 1944. Trois autres Héroux ayant marcher vers où ? Je ne sais pas. Les au- Mme Auzerais Henriette et son ami Marc (Suite page 25) 24 AUTOMNE/HIVER 2014 (Léo Héroux suite de page 24) le Régiment de Maisonneuve fait partie de participé à cette guerre sont enterrés au la 5ème Brigade. Comme le Régiment de Canada dont 2 au Cimetière Notre Dame Maisonneuve, ce régiment entreprend les des Neiges à Côte des Neiges à Montréal. combats à partir du 19 juillet 1944, dans En 2005, nous cherchions des indices un secteur au sud de Caen pour s’emparer de participation de Héroux à cette guerre en de la crête de Bourguébus. Il s’attaque vue d’un voyage en Normandie. Après un ensuite au secteur de Tilly la Campagne arrêt au cimetière de Benny-sur-mer non à partir du 25 juillet appuyé des Blindés loin de Courseuilles, nous nous dirigeons de Sherbrooke. L’effort du harcèlement vers Cintheaux/Bretteville-sur-Laize, où se canadien contre les troupes allemandes trouve un autre cimetière militaire canadien. au sud de Caen s’insérait dans un plan Ce village est près de Flers dans la région où d’attaque allié. Ainsi, cette pression des habitent Madeleine Héroux et Marcel Fourez. Canadiens maintenait les blindés alle- Cette fois, on se recueille sur la mands et facilitait le déclenchement d’une tombe de Hervé Héroux, du Régiment de percée américaine au sud-ouest du Con- Hervé Héroux, du Régiment de Maisonneuve, fils de Eugène Héroux et Éva tentin (sud du département de la Manche). Maisonneuve, fils de Picard de Montréal. Il était l’époux de Anita Le 30 juillet, les Fusiliers Mont-Royal Eugène Héroux et Éva Picard Héroux. Le nom de famille de l’épouse….? remplacent pendant deux jours le Rég- On y retrouve également la iment de Maisonneuve. A partir du 7 tombe de J. Roland Héroux, des Fu- août, les Fusiliers Mont Royal entre- siliers Mont-Royal, fils de Paul Héroux prennent les opérations "TOTALIZE et et de Myrza Cloutier de Montréal. "TRACTABLE" à destination de Falaise. Tous deux sont tombés au champ d’hon- Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal pénétraient neur lors de la libération de la région. Une dans Falaise le 16 août et combattent des "jeu- étude dans les archives militaires du Canada nesses hitlériennes". Ils terminent les com- et de France nous permettrait peut-être d’en bats en Normandie le 18 août après le "nettoy- savoir davantage sur ces deux jeunes soldats. age" complet des forces ennemies à Falaise. Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal débarquent Rappelons que c’est à la fin d’aout avec les unités de la 2ème Division à partir (23-24)1944 que les canadiens libèrent du 7 juillet 1944. Ce régiment avait partic- Blonville à la faveur de la nuit. On se rap- pellera que Blonville est le pays d’origine ipé à la bataille de Dieppe le 19 août 1942. J. Roland Héroux, des Fusiliers de Jean Héroux l’ancêtre de tous les Héroux Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal font partie Mont-Royal, fils de d’Amérique. de la 6ème Brigade d’Infanterie alors que Paul Héroux et de Myrza Cloutier Name Regiment Rank Death ROLLAND WILFRID HEROUX Royal Canadian Artillery Gunner July 9, 1947 MAURICE HEROUX Royal Canadian Infantry Corps Private May 19, 1945 JOSEPH ARTHUR ROSAIRE G HEROUX Royal Canadian Air Force Flying Officer April 8, 1945 HERVE HEROUX Le Régiment de Maisonneuve, R.C.I.C. Private August 13, 1944 JOSEPH ROLAND HEROUX Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal, R.C.I.C. Private August 14, 1944

Nancy, Léo et Norman Héroux, 2011 Norman, Liliane, Nancy et Gilles Léo et famille

25 Le Forum N.D.L.R. Ceci est le onzième installment de mère. Même si elle nous disputait, on Waterbury L’exilé par Alice Gélinas. Voir la trouvait cela normal et on l’aimait pareil. prochaine édition de Le Forum pour plus.) Nous amenions papa avec nous. Je me souviens d’oncle Albert. Dans le fond, ce n’était pas un mauvais gars, il Waterbury avait réussi à payer sa terre du Sept. Il sem- blait heureux là, enfin, il avait fait installer L’exilé une vraie toilette dans la maison pour sa par «blonde». Tante Imelda a vendu plusieurs Alice Gélinas terrains sur cette terre là, qui longeait le Waterbury, CT cimetière, et elle en a donné à ses enfants. Oncle Albert avait une maladie de Armand avait travaillé à l’usine, puis, coeur et il était devenu aveugle. Il est il s’était mis à peindre des maisons, des allé acheter son lot au cimetière avec sa logements, etc. «blonde», et il s’est fait poser un monument. tenait avec de vrais bons gars et qu’elle Nous, qui le connaissions si vaillant, La dernière fois que je l’ai vu, j’étais les amenait chez eux, sans cachette. c’était surprenant de voir qu’il ne se levait plus avec Frisé et papa. Les deux se sont donnés L’église faisait partie de nos traditions: à l’heure pour aller travailler. Lui, si en vie, la main en se disant: C’est pas mal certain la messe du dimanche, neuvaines et retraites. commença à se coucher et à dormir souvent. qu’on se reverra dans la vallée de Josephat.» Un soir de retraite paroissiale, Nicole Il avait beau changer de lunettes, sa Ils se sont serrés la main un long moment. rencontra Paul, et elle nous le présenta. J’étais vue diminuait. Il a commencé à dire que C’était comme un adieu. J’avais le coeur fière, car la famille Pelletier avait bonne ré- lorsqu’il grimpait une échelle, il ne sentait gros. Ils ne se sont pas revus. Oncle putation. Je connaissais déjà Léna et John. plus les barreaux, il fallait qu’il regarde ses Albert est mort lui aussi. Papa l’aimait. Ce que je voulais pour elle, c’était pieds pour être sûr qu’ils étaient dessus. Nicole devenait une adolescente. qu’elle profite de sa jeunesse, car c’est Il y avait quelque chose! Nous lui avons acheté un tourne-disque, le plus beau temps, mais en même Il continuait à travailler, mais c’était et elle a commencé à inviter ses amis à la temps, qu’elle sache se faire respecter. devenu pénable. maison. Ils étaient nombreux. Nous les re- Paul était le quatorzième d’une fa- Un jour, il a eu un accident d’auto, et cevions avec toute sortes de bonnes choses. mille de seize enfants. Il avait été élevé c’est à ce moment alors qu’il était à l’hôpital, Ils dansaient. Frisé se montrait à Fort Kent au Nord du Maine, sur les que les médecins ont découvert qu’il souf- aimable avec eux. Ils se rencontraient à lignes du Canada. Toute la famille, ils frait du’une forme de diabète très avancé. un petit restaurant: SHAHERS SPA, au avaient connu le froid et la neige, ainsi que Frisé et moi avons repris la vie com- coin de West Clay et South Main Street. l’ouvrage des fermiers de l’ancien temps. mune. Il a vraiment essayé de rester sobre. Je la surveillais sans trop le faire voir, Nicole fit la connaissance de cette Il regrettait ses abus de boisson, et je peux et je regardais dans ses tiroirs. Elle aurait grande famille. Elle allait à leurs veillées, dire qu’il était presque sincère quand il fai- aimé fumer la cigarette, et moi, je préférais et le samedi soir, ils allaient danser au sait des promesses de ne plus recommencer. qu’elle ne fume pas. Je savais que dans mon Club Franco Américain. Tous les copains Nicole avait, de nouveau, sous le dos, elle fumait, car dans son uniforme de étaient réunis à cet endroit, ainsi que même toit, son père et sa mère. Nous étions coiffeuse, je trouvais des graines de tabac, les cousines : Lise et Hélène avec leur tous les trois réunis. que j’enlevais avant de faire le lavage. ami. Ils étaient jeunes et ils s’amusaient. Il s’est trouvé des gens pour me repro- Un bon jour, j’ai eu tout une surprise: Paul était menuisier. cher de lui donner une autre chance, mais j’ouvre son tiroir et, écrit en grosses lettres Ils se sont fiancés! moi, je l’aimais. se trouvait une note pour moi: «MA, I Pour nous, les choses allaient bien trop Quand on a été marié si longtemps à KNOW YOU’LL LOOK HERE TODAY». vite. Un jour, elle vint vers moi pour me notre Église, et qu’il faut se séparer, c’est (Ma, je sais que to vas regarder ici au- dire qu’elle voulait se marier et elle me de- dur à passer. Avec les souvenirs des jours jourd’hui). Cela me fait encore rire, mais manda de l’annoncer moi-même à son père. heureux qui reviennent à la mémoire, en je me souviens d’avoir arrêté «d’écornifler». A cet age, je ne cherchais pas un mari plus de l’ennui qui est le pire ennemi des Pendant un été, elle sortit avec Ronald pour ma fille! Puis, en y réfléchissant, nous femmes seules. Parfois, ça devient insup- Clément, puis un jour, elle arriva avec un pur avons pensé qu’elle n’était pas à l’abri d’une portable. Un de mes cousins me dit: «C’est- étranger. Je m’inquiétais. J’aimais mieux grossesse. Nous la savions bien jeune, mais tu vrai que tu reprends avec cet homme?’ connaître les jeunes qu’elle fréquentait. d’un autre côté, elle était en amour...alors, Je le revoie debout, près de la porte. Toute ma vie, j’avais suivi l’exemple le mieux à faire était d’aller dans la même Je lui ai répondu que oui, en effet. de deux guides, mon père et ma mère, qui direction, et de les approuver, après tout. Alors, il me dit: «Dans ce cas, je ne veux m’ont tracé la voie, alors je pensais que les On donna un «shower» en son hon- plus te revoir chez nous». J’ai répliqué: «Tu jeunes ont besoin de leurs parents qui im- neur. es près de la porte, prends la». D’un autre posent certaines limites, comme de rentrer Ils firent un contrat de mariage. côté, tante Laura n’acceptait pas ma sépara- le soir à une heure convenable. Il n’était pas En septembre, le grand jour est arrivé! tion. J’était la première de ses nièces à di- question qu’elle devienne une «excitée». Nicole avait l’air d’une petit poupée vorcer et Frisé avait toujours été fin avec elle. Je côtoyais Corinda Dupont et na- dans sa robe de mariée «Chantilly Lace» et Nous retournions en Canada pour turellement, nous échangions nos in- aller la voir. Elle était comme notre quiétudes. Elle me dit que sa fille se (Suite page 27) 1725 26 AUTOMNE/HIVER 2014 (Waterbury L’exilé suite de page 26) pirant. Il ne travaillait plus. Ses gar- Puis, ce jour-là, j’écoutais la télé çons faisaient vivre la famille. avec Frisé et on le voyait agité la main son voile blanc. Il eut une attaque de coeur, des ul- et saluer la foule... et nous l’avons vu Au son de l’orgue, je me suis avancée cères d’intestins. Le docteur a voulu lui tomber. Il avait été tiré et il est mort. La avec un placier, à la place réservée à la mère couper les orteils, mais il n’a pas voulu. nouvelle se propagea et toute l’Amérique de la mariée. Un neveu de papa: Jacques Géli- était en état de choc. Quelle tristesse! Lise, à son tour, apparut dans l’allée. nas, qui voyageait en Bolivie et aidait Son frère Robert fut assassiné lui Elle était demoiselle d’honneur. Revêtue aussi. Ils sont enterrés l’un près l’autre. d’une robe fuchsia, un voile rose recou- En 1963, papa retourna au vrait ses cheveux et lui retombait sur les Canada pour y vivre avec sa soeur, épaules, surmonté d’une couronne de tante Laura, religieuse à l’hôpi- petites roses rouges. Qu’elle était belle! tal St-Joseph de Trois Rivières. Nicole et Lise avaient été éle- Il avait besoin d’une opération pour vées ensemble, comme des soeurs. les yeux (cataractes) et les frais médicaux Paul, debout près de l’autel, atten- étaient gratuits. J’avais écrit au gouver- dait. Il portait un pantalon noir, veston nement du Québec, et papa ayant demeu- blanc et boucle noire. ré au Canada assez longtemps, il avait Ma gorge s’est nouée lorsque j’ai droit aux soins de santé. Et c’est de cette aperçu Nicole au bras de son père, s’avan- façon qu’il n’est pas devenu aveugle. cer jusqu’à l’autel. Puis, Frisé releva le Tant qu’à Tante Laura, son cou- voile qui descendait sur son visage. Il vent ne l’a jamais détachée de sa fa- l’embrassa tendrement, ensuite, il lui prit mille. Elle a toujours voulu avoir la main pour la remettre dans celle de Paul. quelqu’un près d’elle: grand-mère Annie Elle était mariée! C’était en 1962. et Tipitte, oncle José...et pour finir: papa. On perdait notre petite fille. Elle lui défendait de parler des Elle avait dix-sept ans et Paul vingt. femmes. Papa n’a jamais eu honte Les parents du marié, ainsi que tous ses les gens là-bas, est venu à Waterbury. d’admirer une belle «créature», surtout frères et soeurs étaient présents. La cé- Jacques est allé voir Armand, Ce fut si elle était bien en chair, qu’elle avait rémonie à l’église terminée, une récep- une grande consolation pour notre frère qui de belles jambes et des courbes. Il di- tion suivit au Club Franco Américain. acceptait sa maladie plus courageusement. sait: «Pourquoi pas, je pense qu’elles Grand-papa Joseph Dumas, Mimi, Pour moi, Jacques reste le pré- sont les chefs-d’oeuvre de Dieu». Claire et Romuald Dumas sont venus de féré de mes cousins, et j’ai aimé Même s’il ne croyait pas à l’Enfer, Sherbrooke. faire la correspondance de papa avec il était certain qu’il y avait un ciel, et qu’il Papa y était, et tous mes parents et amis. lui. Il était le fils de tante Adrienne. avait besoin là-haut de Saints pour faire rire Frisé dansa avec Nicole, et Paul avec Papa se promenait entre le Canada et le monde, et lorsque tante Laura lui repro- sa mère. La jeunesse avait du plaisir. Moi, les États-Unis. chait ses histoires trop crues, il ne voyait pas j’étais triste de la voir partir, et ils nous Il partait avec des amis qui l’ame- comment il aurait pu faire rire le monde, et faudraient apprendre à vivre sans elle. Ils naient se promener quelques jours. Il- en même temps chercher des mots «fancy». sont allés à Fort Kent pour leur lune de miel. dège Diamond, originaire de St-Élie Aujourd’hui, nous comprenons qu’elle avait Les Dumas sont restés avec nous se faisait accompagner par lui chaque parfois raison d’être scandalisée de notre pendant quelques jours. J’aimais mes fois qu’il allait «par chez-nous». parler et de nos farces, mais au fond, tante beaux-parents, tellement du bon monde. Je me souviens qu’une fois, il est resté Laura était comme papa. Elle a toujours Frisé connaissait quelqu’un qui devait un mois au Foyer du Sourire à St-Boni- cherché à rapprocher et à rassembler la quitter son logement, et qui, en plus, vendait face. Papa était l’aîné de la grande famille famille. Elle n’était pas une Soeur comme ses meubles. Ce fut leur premier logis: d’Élie Gélinas et d’Annie Hill, et il allait les autres. Elle pensait par elle-même, et en un trois pièces sur la South Main Street. assister à leur enterrement les une après restant en contact avec les gens, elle savait ce La vie continué. les autres. Il sotrait son chapelet pour les qui ce passait dans le vrai monde. Elle s’est J’avais fini par gagner ma vie comme accompagner jusqu’à la Vallée de Josaphat. peut-être trompée, mais elle était sincère. couturière dans les magasins. J’ai cousu Tant que leur sang se mêle à Ella a aidé un grand nombre d’or- dans trois magasins: «Le Claire Bridal mon sang, disait-il, ils sont ma parenté. phelins. Elle apportait à ces petits enfants Shop», le «Mustler Women Store» et Il y avait le député Bellemare de du manger à la cachette. J’ai aussi connu mon dernier: «Worth Smiling Service», Trois-Rivières. Papa disait qu’il était le beaucoup d’adoptés. Au Québec, ils don- les dames riches demandaient la French fils de la soeur à grand-père Élie: ma tante naient les bébés, pour rien, et c’était un Lady! Elle préféraient mon ouvrage. Je Luce. Il le visitait, c’était son cousin. secret à mort. Trefflé Lampron en avait leur faisais la barbe aux italiennes dont Je me rappelle la visite du Président adopté deux, de huit ans, et elles étaient les diplômes tapissaient pourtant les murs. Kennedy à Waterbury. Je me trouvais parmi heureuses chez les Lampron, mais j’en ai Pour coudre, je n’ai jamais eu de difficulté. la foule, debout sur le trottoir avec Nicole connu d’autres qui se sont fait battre et Frisé travaillait toujours à la Rubber lorsque le défilé passa sur la South Main Street. maltraiter, et personne ne se souciait ja- Shop. C’était la première fois qu’un L’état d’Armand allait en em- président venait dans notre ville. (Suite page 28) 27 Le Forum (Waterbury L’exilé suite de page 27) ne pas retarder et d’agir au plus vite. approchait ses quatre-vingts ans. Sans attendre, nous lui avons té- mais de ce qui arrivait à ces petits. C’est Elle l’entourait de mille soins, bref, LES QUATRE DERNIERS JOURS léphoné pour lui demander s’il vou- mon souvenir des adoptions du Québec. elle le gâtait. Il ne voulait absolument per- DE MON PÈRE lait bien revenir parmi nous. Il nous Pendant le dernier séjour de papa sonne d’autre qu’elle pour lui laver les che- ADIEU PAPA dit: «Yes! aussitôt que possible». avec tante Laura, on lui donnait souvent veux! Il était revenu parmi tous ses enfants! 24 JUIN 1964 de nos nouvelles et on s’ennuyait de lui. Il m’a demandé de faire son chan- Nous allions lui rendre visite. On lui fai- En 1964, nous avons décidé gement d’adresse. J’avais fait cela tant sait des amours en l’appelant P’tit père. Tous d’aller le voir, Irène, Fernand et leurs de fois! Je connaissais les procédures. ses enfants l’aimaient. Il était bien avec nous. filles: Denise, Rosa, Rosélia et moi. Rosa lui a aménagé une chambre Il aimait beaucoup les trois en- En route vers le Canada, sur la route très claire avec une fenêtre en avant. Elle fants d’Armand: Jacques, Roger et 7, nous avons eu un accident. C’était était prête à l’accueillir dans sa maison. André qui sont les seuls à porter et à froid et glissant. Fernand a voulu dé- Nous avions compris qu’il ne transmettre aux autres générations le passer, lorsque le chauffeur de l’auto voulait pas demeurer un jour de plus nom de Gélinas, de la branche à Lisée. d’en avant fit une fausse manoeuvre, en dans cet endroit qui ne lui plaisait pas, Lorsqu’ils étaient petits, ils avaient donnant un coup de volant de notre côté, et qu’il nous attendait en patientant. été des enfants sages et peu exigeants. et pour l’éviter, nous avons plongé dans Deux semaines plus tard, Rosa et Armand a bénéficié d’une pen- une falaise. Notre auto a rebondi et s’est son mari: Alex, Ralph Monti, le mari de sion d’invalide. Cela a aidé la famille. arrêtée à quelques pieds d’un gros arbre. Rosélia et moi-même, nous sommes allés Ses pieds se sont dessé- Figés de stupeur, personne n’a dit un mot. le chercher à l’hôpital St-Joseph. Tante chés et sont devenus comme du bois. Puis, nous avons vu des gens, avec des Laura était bouleversée. Elle nous dit Marcel, le fils de Rosa, devint le lampes de poche qui venaient à notre secours. que ce que l’on faisait n’était pas bien. compagnon de papa. Il jouait continuel- Les policiers sont arrivés et nous ont conduit Nous avions besoin d’éclaircir cer- lement dans la chambre de Pépère. Les dans un hôtel. L’auto fut remorquée au ga- taines choses et on lui fit remarquer qu’elle ne supports devenaient des autoroutes pour rage, mais à part le pare-choc qui était écrasé ses petites autos. Il se couchait dans le sur la roue, c’était pas si pire. Remerciant le lit de Pépère avec son petit chien Rusty. Ciel, nous avions eu plus de peur que de mal. Papa a demandé un habit neuf. Frisé On s’en est tiré avec des noirs et des bleus. et moi, nous l’avons amené au magasin L’auto réparée, le lendemain, bien connu: Robert Hall. Il s’est choisi nous sommes arrivés au Trois-Rivères. quelque chose qui lui allait bien sur le dos. Papa avait eu une attaque de coeur Moi, je trouvais qu’il faisait un beau vieux. et nous n’avions pas été averti. De plus, Souvent, il allait s’asseoir dans l’église, ce que nous ne comprenions pas, c’est tout seul. Il disait: «Lui, il sait! Que je suis icitte». que la Communauté lui faisait payer une À la Fête des pères, Frisé est allé le pension plus élevée que les autres. Elles chercher pour qu’il vienne dîner avec nous. savaient qu’il recevait un petit chèque Paul et Nicole, nos jeunes mariés y étaient. de sécurité de vieillesse. Aussi, elles lui J’avais invité aussi Armand et Laurette. avaient enlevé deux cents dollars qu’il Il marchait à petit pas, comme avait dans son porte-monnaie. Il nous fit un vieillard. Ses gestes étaient plus Mai 1964 voir le reçu sur lequel c’était écrit: «Elisée lents et il avait toujours l’air épuisé. Papa Élizée et Nicole Gélinas doit à la communauté etc...$200». Papa a eu la chance de voir la qua- Là, cétait sérieux. Il y avait un malen- nous avait pas prévenu au sujet de son attaque trième génération. Sylvie et Johanne ne tendu quelque part. Papa ne leur devait rien! de coeur et qu’elle ne nous avait en aucun se rappelent pas de leur grand-père, mais Nous avons cru discerner qu’il n’était temps tenu au courant de son état de santé. Lucille les a photographié. Lise aussi, la pas heureux. Après avoir passé trois Et puis, son argent enlevé et fille de Rosa a une photographie de sa fille: jours avec lui, il fallait bien que Fernand le faux papier, et surtout le fait qu’il Denise, la journée du baptême. Il disait: retrourne travailler. Nous devions le avait payé plus cher que les autres vieux. «Mes petits, je les aime tellement que ça quitter. Ce fut pénible. Nous l’avons pris Finalement, elle donna son accord, fait mal»! À cette époque, je ne compre- par le cou pour le serrer dans nos bras et et les Soeurs lui ont redonné le deux nais pas trop bien ce qu’il voulait dire. l’embrasser, mais déjà, nous savions qu’il cents dollars. Elle nous a expliqué que ce Puis, il s’est mis a à décliner y avait un problème et qu’il fallait y voir. n’était pas elle qui arrangeait les finances rapidement. Rosa ne le laissait plus Il redoutait l’avenir, nous l’avions de sa communauté. Pauvre tante Laura! tout seul. Lorsqu’elle devait sortir, ressenti. Il avait peur de mourir tout seul Nous avons repris le chemin de j’en profitais pour aller jaser avec lui. dans une chambre, car c’était ce qu’il Waterbury. Son état de santé nous obli- Il se plaignait d’un mal à l’estomac, voyait: des vieillards qui mourraient tout geait à voyager par étape et à arrêter et il avait de violentes migraines. Je le ser- seul, sans leur famille autour d’eux. Pour au restaruant. Il était si faible que sans rais dans mes bras en l’embrassant et j’es- lui, ce n’était plus tenable de voir cela. l’aide d’Alex et de Ralph, il aurait tombé. sayais de lui montrer combien je l’aimais. Revenus à Waterbury, Rosa et moi, Nous somme enfin arrivés! on s’est consultée. Tout était remis en Rosa fut un ange pour lui, et il question. Puis, nous avons décidé de s’est senti réellement bien chez elle. Il (Suite page 29) 19 28 AUTOMNE/HIVER 2014 (Waterbury L’exilé suite de page 28) Blanche April l’ont veillé jusqu’au matin. battue pour se lever. Il a dit aussi: «At- Émile apporta un lit d’hôpital, et tends-moi Dina, j’arrive avec toi tout de LES QUATRE DERNIERS JOURS Alice, un masque d’oxygène. Même suite». Cher papa adoré avait vu maman. DE MON PÈRE s’il respirait avec peine, le masque était Le samedi matin, Fernand a quitté la ADIEU PAPA si inconfortable qu’il ne voulait pas le maison très tôt pour aller aider Alice et Rosa 24 JUIN 1964 garder. Nous lui disions: «Papa, faites- à lui donner un bain. Ses jambes étaient Ce matin, j’étais à préparer le dé- le pour nous». Il faisait signe que oui. bleus. Malgré les précautions, il a échappé jeuner de Fernand, lorsque le téléphone Il avait un cancer dans la tête. Nous quelques plaintes mais il n’a pas parlé. a sonné. C’était Rosa. Elle m’appe- changions son pansement, inséré dans Rosa voulait le faire manger deux lait pour me dire que papa ne se sen- le creux de l’oreille, à un demi-pouce de petites cuillerées de gruau. Elle le sup- tait pas bien et qu’il désirait me voir. profond. C’était rempli de pus. Il avait pliait d’avaler. Elle m’a téléphone J’ai aussitôt devancé l’heure une marque bleu sur la joue, c’était très pour me dire: «Ne te dépêche pas, il du lever de ma fille et de la petite sensible et comme prêt à aboutir. Pauvre va mieux ce matin». L’instant d’après, fille que je gardais: Joanne Perron. Dad! «Ça fait mal beaucoup hein, papa?» elle me rappelle pour me dire: «Vient- Je me dépêchais. Alice a arrêté chez Nous étions tous dans sa chambre, en au plus vite, il est après mourir». nous en s’en allant travailler, et après avoir alors, nous lui avons demandé s’il pré- Son visage s’est crochi sur un côté. parleé à Rosa au téléphone, elle partit en férait qu’on se limite à deux personnes à Il devait souffrir terriblement. Il n’a plus toute vitesse pour se rendre auprès de papa. la fois. Il a répondu: «Le peu de temps reparlé. En l’espace de quelques minutes, Tant qu’a moi, je suis arrivée à huit qu’il me reste, je vous veux tous avec la famille, au complet, était assis et avait heures... Je l’ai vu, assis, dans une chaise moi». Notre père se mourait, et on voulait l’air si triste. Emile, Gertrude et Rosélia berçante que je lui avais prêté. Il gémissait. sont arrivés, ainsi que tous les petits-enfants. Il souffrait le martyre. Rosa a appelé le Rosa disait: «Papa, papa», mais il docteur Audet et un prête. Celui-ci, répondit ne semblait plus entendre. Son oeil droit qu’il viendrait vers onze heures. J’ai couru était fermé, mais celui de gauche restait au presbytère pour leur dire que c’était ouvert. Le docteur Audet est venu lui très urgent et de venir immédiatement. donner une piquêre, et il nous laissa. Il est Le Père St-Germain est venu et il l’a revenu, une demi-heure plus tard. Il régla confessé. Il lui a demandé s’il désirait re- l’oxygène au numéro trois, nous expliquant cevoir l’Extrême-Onction. Papa a répondu: qu’il ne pouvait en prendre davantage. «Je ne mourrai pas, je ne veux pas mourir». Alors, il s’est mis à respirer de plus Il a reçu quand même les derniers sa- en plus lentement, et ça s’est arrêté, seule- crements. Tout le monde était groupé autour: ment sa gorge continuait à trembloter. Le Rosa, Rosélia, Alice, Armand et moi-même, docteur nous a dit: «Son coeur est mort». ainsi que nos époux et épouses de nos frères, Il a ouvert la bouche deux fois, et ce fut et la plupart des petits-enfants. Papa était ses derniers mouvements. Tout était fini. toujours assis dans sa chaise. Le docteur Au- Le docetur Audet lui ferma les yeux, det nous a dit qu’il venait d’avoir une grosse mais celui de gauche s’ouvrit de nouveau, attaque de coeur. Il lui a donné une piqûre alors Alice, doucement, lui a fermé la paupière. en nous disant qu’il passerait au travers. Nous n’avions plus de père ni de mère. Nous l’avons allongé sur son Vous, cher père, devez être heureux lit. On se relait près de lui tour à tour. avec maman et les autres, mais pour nous qui Toute la journée, il souffert. Il étouffiat. restons, si vous pouviez vous rendre compte, Il glissait ses jambes hors du lit, combien nous allons souffrir de votre absence. alors, je l’ai assis près de moi sur le l’accompagner autant qu’il le souhaitait. Hier, Alice et moi, nous sommes allées lit pour qu’il puisse s’appuyer sur moi. Armand, très malade, est venu prier sur votre tombe, mon cher papa. Si Vers quatre heure de l’après-midi, le chaque jour. Il s’assoyait à la tête du vous saviez comment nos coeur sont cha- Père St-Germain apporta la communion. lit. Laurette, qui en a tant pris soin, grinée par votre départ. quand on pense que Les remèdes n’apportaient que peu de répit. l’aidait à marcher. Que c’était triste! tout est fini, et qu l’on ne vous reverra jamais. Chaque souffle lui arrachait une plainte, Le jeudi soir, Fernand est arrêté après De celle qui vous aime et ne vous comme une souffrance atroce: aw! aw! son travail, pour prendre la relève, afin que oubliera pas. Je ne peux décrire ce que c’était. Rosa prenne son souper. Soudain, pour Nous avions tant de peine. Il essayait papa, Fernand est devenu son frère Wil- Votre Irène de s’asseoir et il disait: «Vite, vite» ou liam. Il a mis sa main sur sa tête et il a dit: bien «Oh boy, oh boy» et il se laissait «William, comme je suis content de to voir». P.S. Papa avait peur de rester seul. retomber sur son oreille. Son visage, Rosa est revenue, et elleg s’est pla- Celui ou celle qui se tenait près de lui, aux traits ravagés, était comme vide. cée de l’autre côté du lit, près du mur. devait lui tenir les mains. Je lui disais: Ce soir, Émile apporta un «Lazy boy» Dad dit: «Rosa!! Ne reste pas là, tu ne «Papa, ne vous inquiétez pas, je suis ici, pour l’asseoir, afin qu’il puisse se reposer vois pas? Elle est dret à côté de toi». votre Irène». Ça me faisait tant de peine! du lit. Ce fut ainsi toute la nuit. Alice et Il fixait la porte d’entrée, et il s’est dé- Rosa m’a dit, la semaine dernière, (Suite page 30) 29 Le Forum (Waterbury L’exilé suite de page 29) la maladie de Lisa, son bébé. Pépère avec ses doigts qui devenaient engourdis et qu’il avait pleuré amèrement en lui di- était penché sur le berceau, et il soi- insensibles. Il pouvait manger seul, c’est tout. sant: «Je m’en vais, te rends-tu compte?» gnait l’enfant. Elle a voulu s’approcher Il y a des jours où il ne parlait plus. Et les larmes inondaient son visage. de lui, mais il disparaissait à l’instant. Le docteur nous a expliqué que le sang Il a dit à Alice et à Rosa: «Si ça La statue de la Sainte Vierge était res- ne se rendait pas dans la partie du cer- pouvait ne pas être trop long!» Désespéré, tée sur le bureau, comme avant sa mort. Le veau qui contrôle la parole. Tout d’un il avait montré le sol avec sa main. Elles chapelet, dont il se servait à tous les jours, coup, il reparlait. Il avait des quintes avaient compris qu’il faisait allusion à sa était enroulé autour de la Sainte Vierge. de toux épouvantables. Tout ça causé mort, et à la terre qu’il voulait pas quitter. Rosa prêtait la statue à Hélène, quand par le diabète. Puis, les grands comas Il est mort, entouré de tous ses en- celle-ci avait des faveurs à demander, ou ont commencé. Parfois, il réveillait. Il fants. Nous aimions tous papa. C’était bien lorsqu’elle avait des inquiétudes. La n’a jamais dit qu’il avait peur de mourir. le 27 juin 1964 à dix heure trente de statue était imprégnée d’une bonne odeur Il a été admis à l’hôpital Ste-Mary. l’avant-midi. Il a été enterré le 30 Juin de tabac, et Hélène aimait la senteur. Laurette, qui fut d’un dévouement à toute au Mount Olivett Cemetery, Watertown. Un jour, Rosa l’a lavée. Hélène fut très épreuve, l’entourait, ainsi que ses trois désappointée. Elle a dit: «Le senteur, fils. Nous y allions, nous aussi, sa proche FIN DU JOURNAL D’IRÈNE c’est tout ce qui nous restait de Pépère». famille, mais il s’éteignait sous nos yeux. Merci Irène de me l’avoir prêté. Nous avions comme souvenir, deux pe- La dernière fois que je l’ai vu, je tits calepins, écrit à la main, dans une vieille lui ai demandé si je pouvais faire quelque Le petit Marcel à Rosa avait trois ans. boîte de métal. Dans un des ces calepins, chose pour lui. Rosa lui a offert son aide, Or, il ne comprenait pas trop ce qui arrivait il avait noté ses dépenses. Il avait payé des elle aussi. Il fit oui, avec sa tête, car il ne à Pépère. messes pour Alice et il me mettait entre les pouvait pas parler. J’ai pris sa main et j’étais Rosa ne voulait pas l’amener au salon mains due Sacré-Coeur et de la Sainte Vierge. si affligée. Je l’ai quitté et une heure plus funéraire. Tante Sara ne s’en est pas mêlée, Cela m’a fait de la peine. Pauvre père! tard, il était mort. C’était le 12 Août, 1965. mais tante Laura était d’avis que Rosa devait Il s’était inquiété à mon sujet. Aujourd’hui, Il n’avait pas tout à fait cin- l’amener. Rosa opta pour cette solution, je comprends qu’être parent, c’est pas facile. quante-quatre ans. et elle décida qu’il viendrait. Il ne voulait Nos enfants, on ne voudrait pas qu’ils aient Il repose ici à Waterbury, dans pas voir Pépère dans sa tombe, et rendu au de malchance. Papa avait payé des messes le plus grand cimetière: The Cavalry. cimetière, il pleurait à chaudes larmes. Le pour sa «riganière». Dans la vie de tous Nous l’avons tous regretté. Je n’avais Père Laurion dans son oraison funèbre a dit: les jours, il disait: «ras de cul», mais pour que des bons souvenirs de lui: Armand, «Élisée n’était pas seulement un paroissien, prier, il utilisait le mot qu’il avait inventé. m’accueillant à bras ouverts après l’école, il était mon meilleur ami». En même temps, Ça devait faire plus poli dans une prière. Armand, à la mort de maman, et la façon Marcel se mit à crier: «Ne mettez pas Pépère Il nous restait la chaise berçante dans qu’il m’avait supportée à la mort de maman. dans le trou, je veux qu’il revienne à la mai- laquelle il avait reçu les derniers sacrements. J’avais aussi de lui des souvenirs son». Nous l’avons ramené dans l’auto. Il Cet objet est devenu un meuble de famille drôles. Quand sa Laurette lui repro- agitait la main en disant: «Bye, bye, Pépère, à transmettre d’une génération à l’autre. chait son parler à St-Mathieu. Il riait bye». Les larmes coulaient des yeux de tous. Elle grince toujours quand on de tout ça et si elle disputait, il chantait: Ce jour là, nous avons enterré la s’y berce. Même les petites filles l’ont moitié de notre coeur avec l’inoubliable entendue la nuit, et elles étaient sûres Une petit femme ça vaut bien des amis «Pépère Lisée». que c’était Grand-Pa qui se berçait. Se faire un petit nid, c’est si gentil, etc. Lucien Tremblay, Jean-Guy Racine, Peut-être, Pépère, dans son Gaétan April, Fredy Bard, Wellie Biso- monde spirituel, nous rend visite à sa Adieu Armand chéri, je ne t’oublierai nette et Jerry Beaulieu furent les porteurs. façon. Il fait partie de nos vies, et il pas et je t’aime. Nous avions été le reconduire jusqu’aux reste présent dans chacun de nos coeurs. dernières Portes, ensuite, c’était l’invisible. Bye, bye, Pépère Lisée, Bye, bye. Ta soeur Alice. Je me suis souvent demandeee pourquoi, sur son lit de mort, papa avait confondu Fernand P.S. Chacun de nous prenons soin du avec William: Je suis content de te voir terrain de cimetière, mais ça arrive qu’on William! Je me souviens combien il avait y va, et qu’on s’aperçoit que quelqu’un peur pour William durant la guerre de 1914. d’ature est passé. Un jour, nous y avons Armand, malade comme il recontré la fille d’Émile: Lise. Elle faisait était, a suivi le cortège jusqu’au bout, du ménage sur la tombe. Pour une fille qui jusqu’au cimetière. Jamais une plainte! ne parlait jamais pour ne rien dire, son at- Nous savions qu’il n’y avait plus au- titude nous réconforta plus que mille mots. cun espoir pour lui. Cela nous attristait. Ses Mais il fallait continuer à vivre et se sé- garçons le soutenaient par dessous les bras. parer de tout ça, comme tout le monde, mais Son mal était trop grave. Il était condamné. le souvenir m’est resté, et je peux dire que j’ai Hélène, le fille de Rosa, nous assure passé de beaux moments de ma vie avec papa. qu’elle aurait vu la silhouette de Pépère L’état d’Armand s’aggravait. Sa fa- deux fois, après sa mort. C’est lors de mille l’aidait à marcher. Ce fut la même chose 30 AUTOMNE/HIVER 2014

Coming Soon: Capturing and "Acadians of the Preserving St. John Valley" Part 1 Due out on Our History and December 21st! Culture "Acadians Of The St. John Valley, a one hour DVD," follows the plight of Brenda Nasberg Jepson graduated these refugees as they carve out a new with a degree in Journalism from the Uni- life for themselves in a harsh landscape, versity of Maine (UMO) in 1974 before making do with very little, but succeed- emigrating to Europe where she lived for Alan & Brenda Jepson ing by carrying with them values and fourteen years. There she learned the craft of skills that helped them thrive in Acadia. television production, training under a BBC "Too few Americans know producer/director for four years, and then about the "Great Deportation" I can't owned and ran her own award winning pro- wait to see your upcoming produc- duction company in London for five years tion on Acadia." - D.T. Medway, ME

Productions Jepson has directed and produced for PBS include "The Copper Kettle,” “A Maine Chance For Scotland,” “Homecoming,” “A Bowdoin Expedition,” “Stan’s – A Jewel In The Crown Of Maine,” “The Coming Of The Swedes,” “Don’t Fence Me In,” and “Tater Raisin Folk” Alan Jepson has a degree in entomolo- gy from UMO, and he worked in forestry for eleven years before training and joining his wife in the production of television programs for Maine PBS, which he has done since 2000. Their company, Crown Of Maine Pro- Patricia Theriault Ezzy of Van Buren, Maine ductions, Inc., also produces commercials, plays the role of "Tante Blanche" in our film. training videos and promotional videos on Featured Video She is a descendent of Marguerite Blanche digital formats for a variety of clients such Maple Meadow Farms Thibodeau, who is credited with saving the as the Institute for Global Ethics, Maine DVD Disk $19.95 Valley in the Black Famine of 1797. International Trade Center, Aroostook Medical Center and Aroostook Tourism. Some of their other productions: "Acadian Festival," "The Story Of The Acadians," and "The Story Of The Cajuns." They may be purchased by contacting Bren- da and Alan at:

Alan & Brenda Email: abjepson@CrownOfMaine Jepson filming on a Productions.com recent production YouTube: http://www.youtube. com/user/CrownofMEProductions Facebook: Crown of Maine Pro ductions Page Phone: 207-896-3416 Address: 645 South Shore Road, http://www.crownofmaineproductions.com/index.html Stockholm, ME 04783 31 Le Forum himself, from digging holes with pick and BOOKS/ shovel, to harvesting summer’s bounties of cherries, apples, cranberries, plums, pears, and grapes. “Hard work,” he’s been heard to LIVRES... say, “is as good for the body as it is the soul.” Once a hunter and a fisherman, he his ink broke. Following 2000 hours of now hunts with a camera, but still can’t labor, his printer gave birth to a 421-page resist the lure of a freshly caught rainbow manuscript. The little bundle was chris- trout. An avid hockey fan, he splits his tened The Godless King. From the onset, loyalties between the Montreal Cana- he resolved that if the novel was the least diens and the Boston Bruins. He enjoys bit mediocre, it would be banished to dwell traveling, and has visited more countries forever under the bed with the dust bunnies. than he can count on his fingers and toes. As his strictest critic, JC was proud Since 1975, JC has written scores of his accomplishment. But would his novel of articles and features for a number of be favourably received? He threw it to the national and international publications. He lions, with the understanding that no one served five years as Editor of a regional was allowed to hold back derogatory crit- publication, and was a columnist for a icisms. When the dust settled, the verdict national newspaper. Readers appreciate his was unanimous: everyone loved it! The attention to detail, his description of settings, book was launched, and has since enjoyed what makes characters tick, and a knack for For years, JC Levesque has entertained worldwide sales. Encouraged by its success, storytelling that has been labelled “unique.” (some would say aggravated) family and JC returned to the keyboard and is currently He writes in English as well as French. friends with short stories of his adventures. hard at work on the next Rick Hunter novel. Born in Canada in 1953, his fami- After several friends suggested he write a In addition to a passion for writing, ly moved to Maine where he spent most book, JC cranked up the laptop, cracked JC enjoys landscaping. He has transformed of his childhood and adolescence before his knuckles, and the keyboard clacked. his entire backyard into an oasis of trees, returning to his native land. He now The seed inseminated in JC’s mind plants, pathways, a rocky stream, and a veg- lives in the Republic of Madawaska, grew, and after twelve months of gestation, etable patch. He prefers to do all the work on the United States/Canada border.

THE GODLESS KING SECOND AND MAINE seems, and nobody is telling the truth. Rick is under so much pressure that he hasn’t noticed someone is targeting him! Someone so desperate, they’ll do any- thing to keep the truth from coming out! Second and Maine is an unrelenting roller coaster of plot twists, punctuated by the author’s unique blend of humor, emotion and suspenseful storytelling. Visit my website at www.JC-Levesque.com

Idyllic Valley, Maine is shocked after Things don’t look good for Mel- I can be reached by email at a priceless rare coin is taken in a vicious anie Hart after the police discover the [email protected] robbery. When friends and business partners brutally murdered body of the wom- or by phone at Rick Hunter and Melanie Hart pursue the an who broke up Melanie’s marriage. 800-564-6775 thief, they soon find themselves caught up in Determined to clear the woman he (Mon-Fri 7AM-3PM Eastern). a seedy underworld of counterfeiting and in- loves, Rick Hunter races to uncover the Stories from... ternational intrigue. They encounter the thief truth behind the killing, but soon finds My mailing address is in Paris, but events quickly take a terrifying himself plunged into a cesspool of drugs PO Box 277 turn, and the hunters become the hunted and corruption where nothing is what it Madawaska, ME 04756.

32 AUTOMNE/HIVER 2014 BOOKS/ LIVRES...

" Les Belles Histoires de Fort Kent, Maine USA" written and compiled by historian Dr. Marc Chassé photograph accompanying each essay. Marc has also added, between stories, humorous anecdotes (many in French) that only some- one who is from Fort Kent would under- stand. A few contributors of this work have passed away since the project began two years ago. Please see the Fort Kent Histori- cal Society's Facebook page for a complete list of the people who contributed and told their stories to Dr. Marc for this publication. This limited edition treasure can be purchased for $20.00 at these locations: " Les Belles Histoires de Fort Kent, Chassé Chiropractic in Fort Kent and Maine USA" written and compiled by histo- Madawaska, Paradis Family Supermar- Dr. Marc Chassé rian Dr. Marc Chassé. Dr. Marc, Fort Kent's kets in Fort Kent and Madawaska, John's storyteller and dedicated preservationist Shurefine, Acadian Archives/Archives has collected over one hundred stories of acadienne at UMFK, Fort Kent Cham- Please send checks to Dr Marc Chasse, Fort Kent citizens and friends and put them ber of Commerce, and at the Fort Kent 155 East Main St, Fort Kent ME, 04743 together in a wonderful bound volume that Historical Society Train Station museum. or the Fort Kent Historical Society, PO will be enjoyed for many years to come. Proceeds from the sales will be contrib- Box 181, Fort Kent Historical Society, The 8 1/2" x 11" soft cover book fea- uted to the FKHS Capital Campaign for Fort Kent, Me 04743. Orders may also be tures 215 pages of stories of many genres the new Visitor and Preservation Center. placed via Paypal on the Fort Kent Histor- including logging, veterans, potato picking Copies can also be ordered directly ical Society's Facebook page .https://www. and precious memories of Fort Kent with a from Dr. Marc Chassé for $25.00 postpaid. facebook.com/fortkenthistorical?ref=hl. Many years ago (1940s and 50s), players and followed the program religiously. on the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad, when I was a youngster in Ste-Agathe, all This book’s title is “Les belles his- going to school, moving to Connecticut, etc. activities stopped at 6:45 every week night, toires”, not about “Séraphin”, but about us. All stories are written in English, so that we could listen to, “Un homme et Some of the stories are almost 100 years except for an occasional French expression. son péché - une autre des belles histoires old, but most of them occurred within my There are many more stories to be told. des pays dans haut.” This program came on lifetime. How life was on the farm, in Maybe other similar books could follow. I a French Canadian radio station out of Ed- the woods, in our schools and families. think that it’s important that we don’t forget mundston, New Brunswick, the only station There are almost 100 stories covering our past and those who came before us. we ever listened to. The main character was people living in Fort Kent, or having Fort “Séraphin”, and his péché (sin) was avarice. Kent connections. They remember picking Marc Chassé People in the St. John Valley knew all the potatoes, working in the woods, working Stories from... Would make an excel- SHINING “IVE BEEN lent Christmas present!!! SHOES IN FORT WORKING ON THE KENT IN THE RAILROAD” Order Now! LATE 1950S Richard E. Beurmond Daigle Banville And More... 33 Le Forum BOOKS/ LIVRES... The Secret World of Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus (written under Pelletier’s pseudonym of K.C. McKinnon) land of ice and darkness? What does it take Funeral Makers (NYTBR Notable Book), to prepare for that big night each December, The Weight of Winter (winner of the New the one we know as Christmas Eve? Are the England Book Award) and Running the Bulls elves similar to the ones we see in books and (winner of the Paterson Prize for Fiction). As on Christmas cards? Who takes care of the K. C. McKinnon, she has written two novels, reindeer, and do they really have names? In both of which became television films. After this small book about love, endurance, and years of living in Nashville, Tennessee To- the power of belief, K. C. McKinnon takes ronto, Canada and Eastman, Quebec, she has us into a world where Santa Claus, his wife, returned to Allagash, Maine and the family They are Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, Milly, and even his elves are more like us homestead where she was born. She is at and they belong to Christmas. They have than we ever realized. work on a new novel. existed in the lives of most of us since we were children. Are they just figments of our About the Author To purchase: imaginations? Or has our conjuring them up Cathie Pelletier was born and raised 64 pages, hardback 6” x 8.5”, full-col- for so many holiday seasons given them the on the banks of the St. John River, at the or will illustrations, Symthe-sewn, 100 lb. power to become real? What is life like at end of the road in Northern Maine. She is matte pages. the North Pole? How do they survive in a the author of 11 other novels, including The No Shipping = $25 If you live near Fort Kent, buy a copy, have it signed, and pick it up. Call Allen Jackson 207-834-6221. First Class = $30 $25 + $5 shipping and handling. Contact: Email: [email protected] Cathie Pelletier Launches New Publishing Phone: 207-398-3206 Company, Ethel Books... FUTURE BOOKS. All the books for About ETHEL BOOKS this small company will have a special look. They will be 64 to 168 pages, hardback, and the next books to come full-color, with a still life painting for the My mother, ETHEL TRESSA cover art, and colored illustrations to begin O’LEARY PELLETIER, was a major each chapter. I have already written four influence in my life. I was the youngest such “niche” books over the years. Our child in a family of six children. Almost six second release, in 2015, will be GOOD years separated me from the next sibling, NIGHT, GUS: A Storybook for Grown-Ups, so I had Mama all to myself until I started also a K. C. McKinnon book. Written many school with the others. She and I had a lot years ago, it has to do with a long-term of fun from Monday to Friday, days filled relationship breaking up, whether it’s a with imagination and poetry recitals, even as marriage or just many years together as a she did her housework and cooked pastries, couple. In other words, it will be the perfect and bread, and big meals for the family. gift for the brokenhearted! And someday, down the road, will be Evangeline, my prose ETHEL TRESSA version of the Longfellow poem, another O’LEARY PELLETIER http://www.ethelbooks.com tribute to my mother. Thank you for reading. 34 AUTOMNE/HIVER 2014 BOOKS/ LIVRES...

plete? Will Santa and Moosey be able to get all the presents where they need to be? Award-winning children's book author Lynn Plourde turns her illustrious storytell- ing skills to this hilarious, unique holiday story and Russ Cox's whimsical illustrations are sure to make this title a perennial favorite. and whittling away the hours. After gradu- About the Author ating from art school, with a portfolio in his hand, he ventured into the world of design Lynn Plourde is the author of more and illustration. He opened his own studio, than 25 children's books, including "Pigs in Smiling Otis Studio, where he presently spe- the Mud in the Middle of the Rud," "Wild cializes in illustration for children. He is the Child," "At One in a Place Called Maine," illustrator of "Freddie the Frogcaster" and and "You're Wearing THAT to School?!" "Whatever, Says Mark." When not drawing, She also co-authored the graphic novel running amok in the snow, or training his "Lost Trail: Nine Days Alone in the Wil- four cats to sing Bohemian Rhapsody, Russ Merry Moosey derness" with Donn Fendler. Lynn's books enjoys some quiet time, working on his pic- have won a variety of honors, including ture book stories. He also enjoys playing the Christmas Chicago Public Library Best of the Best, banjo but his wife would prefer him to play by Lynn Plourde Junior Library Guild selection, Smithsonian the triangle or build a sound proof room. Illustrated by Magazine Notable Book, IPPY Bronze Medal, Lupine Honor Awards, Los Angeles Contact: Russ Cox Times Best Children s Book, Maine Liter- Snail mail Islandport Press ary Award, and Oppenheim Gold Award. PO Box 362 Lynn is a Maine native who grew up in Winthrop, ME 04364 It’s Christmas Eve! If Rudolph’s Skowhegan and currently lives in Winthrop on the beach, who’s pulling the sleigh?!? with her husband Paul Knowles. She enjoys Call: reading, walks, snowshoeing, and kayaking. Another year, another Christmas Eve. 207-377-4456 This year, Rudolph just wants to enjoy the holiday without having to work. So he About the Illustrator Email: convinces Santa to accept a substitute. The [email protected] search for the perfect replacement results Russ Cox was raised by a pack of in an eager and resourceful moose, who crazed hillbillies in the back woods of knows just how to use a headlamp and Tennessee. Without much in the way of a GPS. But on Christmas Eve, Rudolph modern conveniences, like a television set www.lynnplourde.com worries: Was the moose’s training com- or running water, he spent his time drawing

35 Le Forum Acadians from around the world are BOOKS/ showcased in a unique new book (in English and French) about the Acadian diaspora, LIVRES... which focuses on their communities in the United States, Canada and France. In 1605, French colonists settled Acadie Then and Now: A People's History Acadie (today Nova Scotia, Canada) and for the next 150 years developed a strong and L'Acadie hier et aujourd'hui – unique Acadian culture. In 1755, the British L'Acadie hier et aujourd'hui – L'his- conducted forced deportations of the Acadi- L'histoire d'un peuple toire d'un peuple est un recueil d'articles ans, rendering thousands homeless, and for Acadie Then and Now: A People's rédigés par 55 auteurs d'Amérique du Nord the next 60 years these exiles migrated to History is an international collection of et d'Europe, qui rendent compte des réalités seaports along the Atlantic Ocean and the articles from 55 authors, which chronicles historiques et contemporaines des Acadiens Gulf of Mexico, eventually settling in new the historical and contemporary realities of et des Cadiens à travers le monde. En 1605, lands. This tragic upheaval did not succeed the Acadian and Cajun people worldwide. In des colons français ont établi l'Acadie (au- in extinguishing the Acadians, but instead 1605, French colonists settled Acadie (today jourd'hui, la NouvelleÉcosse au Canada) et planted the seeds of many new Acadies, Nova Scotia, Canada) and for the next 150 au cours des 150 années suivantes, ils ont where today their fascinating culture still years developed a strong and unique Aca- développé une culture riche, distincte et thrives. dian culture. In 1755, the British conducted singulière. En 1755, Les Britanniques ont The collection provides the readers forced deportations of the Acadians render- brutalement déporté des milliers d'Acadiens with new insights on the past, present, and ing thousands homeless, and for the next 60 qui se sont retrouvés sans foyer. Au cours des future of the Acadian descendants from all years these exiles migrated to seaports along 60 années qui ont suivi, ces exilés ont erré the Acadies of the world. the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, de port en port, le long de l'océan Atlantique The book was directed by Warren eventually settling in new lands. This tragic et du golfe du Mexique, pour enfin trouver Perrin, lawyer, Acadian and environmen- upheaval did not succeed in extinguishing refuge sur de nouvelles terres et s'y installer. tal activist, and author; Mary Broussard the Acadians, but instead planted the seeds Ce terrible bouleversement, loin d'écraser Perrin, artist and author; and Phil Comeau, of many new Acadies, where today their à jamais les Acadiens, a plutôt ensemencé filmmaker and author, during several years fascinating culture still thrives. de nombreuses Acadies nouvelles, dont la of preparation. This collection includes 65 articles culture fascinante fleurit encore aujourd'hui. All profits from the book will be on the Acadians and Cajuns living today in Ce recueil regroupe 65 articles sur donated to 22 Acadian museums which the American states of Louisiana, Texas and les Acadiens et les Cadiens qui vivent are located in three countries. Prior to his Maine, in the Canadian provinces of New aujourd'hui dans les États américains de death, Cajun artist George Rodrigue gave Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Is- la Louisiane, du Texas et du Maine, dans his permission to use his painting for use land, Newfoundland and Quebec, and in the les provinces canadiennes du Nouveau- on the books' cover. French regions of Poitou, Belle-Ile-en-Mer, Brunswick, de la NouvelleÉcosse, de Two of the book directors are avail- and St-Pierre et Miquelon. This book takes l'ÎleduPrinceÉdouard, de TerreNeuve et du able to do interviews: an international perspective and provides the Québec, et dans les régions françaises du Warren Perrin, (337) 501-3049 or readers with new insights on the past, pres- Poitou, de Belle-Île-en-Mer et de SaintPierre (337) 233-5832 ent, and future of the Acadian descendants et Miquelon. Ce livre offre un point de vue Mary Broussard Perrin, (337) 501- from all the Acadies of the world. international et, de ce fait, apporte un nouvel 3053 éclairage sur le passé, le présent et l'avenir Publisher: Andrepont Publishing LLC des descendants acadiens de toutes les Format: Paperback | 496 pages Acadies, où qu'elles soient dans le monde. Publication date: 18 August 2014 ISBN 10: 0976892731 Shown are authors (kneeling), left to right, ISBN 13: 9780976892731 Jean-Marie Nadeau (NB), André-Carl Vachon (QUE), and George Arsenault (PEI); standing, left to right, Raymond Gaudet (QUE), Évangéline Richard (QUE), Mary Broussard Perrin (LA), Gregory Wood (MD), Marty Guidry (LA), Sandra Pettipas Perro (NS), Gisèle Faucher (ME), Marie Rundquist (Md), Natial Perrin d'Augereau (LA), Warren A. Perrin (LA), Barry Ancelet (LA), Phil Comeaux (QUE), Michèlle Touret- Bodin (FRANCE), Marie-Claude Rioux (NS), and Richard Holledge (ENGLAND).

http://www.acadianmuseum.com/Acadie_then_and_now.html 36 AUTOMNE/HIVER 2014 ACADIAN ROOTS: Images of the St. John Valley

ACADIAN ROOTS: Images of the St. John Valley . 26 North Street PMB 137 . Presque Isle, ME 04769 . Email: dottie@dottiehutchins. com

In ACADIAN ROOTS, author Dot- Photo Credit: Sha-Lam Photography Photo Credit: Sha-Lam Photography tie Hutchins and Paul Cyr Photography combine their talents to create a unique ​ DOTTIE HUTCHINS PAUL CYR view of the Upper St. John River Valley. Dottie Hutchins fondly recalls grow- Paul A. Cyr is a native of the St. John Lise Pelletier, director, Acadian Archives ing up in OxBow, a small settlement in Valley town of Hamlin. He now lives in acadiennes, University of Maine at Fort northern Maine where her parents owned a Presque Isle, Maine, with his wife Karen. Kent, provides French translation of the hunting lodge. She holds a graduate degree Paul first took an interest in photography as text and adds cultural flavor by inserting a in entomology and believes the 20 years a teenager to help pay for his first car. Now series of short stories and sayings typical she spent working in Mike Lavoie’s aerial that he has more time, he enjoys photogra- spraying business taught her the value of phy as a challenging and satisfying hobby. WHERE TO BUY THE BOOK creating an occupation that never feels He is well known for his knack of being AND DISC like a job. ACADIAN ROOTS is Dottie’s at the right place at the right time and his You may purchase ACADIAN ​ second book. In 2013, she published The creative way of capturing the moment. Find ROOTS at: NorState Federal Credit Union Whole Fam Damily (1602-2013) about the Paul on Facebook. - All branches - Madawaska, Van Buren, Aroostook County ancestors of Forrest Tru Fort Kent, Eagle Lake, Ashland, Presque Isle Lovley of Jordan, Minnesota. Dottie lives in FORT KENT: Acadian Archives, Presque Isle, Maine, with Mike and Shadow. Bouchard Family Farms, and John's Surfine MADAWASKA: Chamber of Com- merce, Inn of Acadia, Robert's Jewelry, and Valley Fuel VAN BUREN: Acadian Village, He- bert Rexall Pharmacy, and Tulsa SAINT-LEONARD: Daigle's Motel CARIBOU: Brambleberry Market HAVE QUESTIONS? CONTACT US DIRECTLY and Cary Medical Center's Gift Shop PRESQUE ISLE: Aroostook Centre ACADIAN ROOTS: Images of the St. John Valley . Mall (Customer Service) and Bradley's 26 North Street PMB 137 . Presque Isle, ME 04769 . Citgo & Convenience Store Email: [email protected] 37

Le Forum

POÉSIE/ The Trunk POÉSIE/POETRY

POETRY It is almost midnight on the dial of the years I clear my drawers of dated souvenirs La malle That, in their time, so beautiful, so new, so modern Made the older ones appear colorless Il est presque minuit au cadran des années Je vide mes tiroirs des objets surannés I see the past in ivory medallions Qui, en leur temps, si beaux, si neufs, si modernes Here our wedding and there a newborn Donnaient aux plus anciens un reflet un peu terne Then a few long trips and the evenings sweetness And our children’s joy, playing around us Je revois le passé en médaillons d’ivoire Ici notre mariage et là un nouveau-né On that yellowed paper, you wrote, “I love you” Et puis de longs voyages et la douceur des soirs Instead of a signature below the short note Et la joie des enfants qui, près de nous, jouaient That you wrote to me perhaps the same day When you gave me the album as a gift Sur ce papier jauni, tu inscrivis: “Je t’aime” En fait de signature, au bas du petit mot I now close it and place it tenderly Que tu m’avais écrit peut-être le jour même Among dear notes written by the children Où tu m’avais offert un album en cadeau Among many relics given by our parents In that ancient trunk of which the key is gold Je le ferme à présent et pose tendrement Parmi bien des mots chers qui viennent des enfants Before closing it, I scatter the petals Parmi maintes reliques léguées par nos parents Of the roses I kept between layers of silk Dans cette malle ancienne dont la clé est d’argent. They often made me think of a love that’s total

Which was not false, since they came from you Avant de la fermer, j’égrène les pétales Des roses conservées dans du papier de soie But how to decide what we are to do Qui souvent m’ont fait croire à des amours totales Of that trunk ready to cross the river Ce qui n’était pas faux, puisqu’elles venaient de toi Leave it up to the tide or keep it on shore For a child, one day, to add new souvenirs? Mais comment décider ce qu’il nous faut en faire De cette malle prête à traverser le fleuve? by Michelle Goriou Barany La livrer au courant ou laisser en arrière Translated by Ross W. Winterowd Pour qu’un jour un enfant ajoute des choses neuves Huntington Beach, California

par Michelle Goriou Barany Fountain Valley, California Sawed and corded, of course What a sight! GREAT NORTHERN A man’s delight! At sunset the day is done Sub-zero weather, up at sunrise To camp we go, my son. In the woods at first light Crunching snow A hot meal and a good pipe Cold wind blow A well deserved rest, is ripe Have to earn a living For a tune Listen to the birds singing. Tou-re-lour An old guitar and an accordéon Pray God, for winter to end Are the joy of the bûcherons. To see family, and friends Another tree down Every man to his bunk, at last Fell to the ground For a good night’s rest With a big splash, scat! No snoring Snow all over my hat. No trashing Par Adrienne Pray God for clement weather, part(ner) To be hauled, by the horse Pelletier LePage While the fire dies on the hearth. Saco, ME 38 AUTOMNE/HIVER 2014 POÉSIE/POETRY Thanksgiving

L’Actions de Grâce By Virginia L. Sand

Par Virginie L. SAND Good appetite My little daughters, Bon appétit Here’s a meal for a good life, Mes petites filles, Very nourishing, these carrots and peas, Voici un repas pour une bonne vie, Which we eat four times a month. Très nourrissants, ces carottes et petits pois, Que nous les mangeons quatre fois par mois. Then, here’s a slice of fish, The rose color of salmon Puis, voici une tranche de poisson, For my daughter Albertine, La couleur de rose du saumon And here are three salami sausages Pour ma fille Albertine, For my young daughter Martine, Et voici trois saucissons Pour ma jeune fille Martine, And for me, a bit of turkey. Don’t forget a glass of milk, Et pour moi, un morceau du dindon. That’s well made N’oubliez pas un verre de lait, For good health. Ca c’est bien fait Pour la bonne santé. Including dessert, of course, Apple pie for each daughter. Y compris le dessert, mais oui, We are very lucky La tarte aux pommes pour chaque fille. With the harvest and good food. Nous sommes très chanceuses Therefore, we are very happy, Avec la moisson et la bonne nourriture. Thanks to Mother Nature, Donc, nous sommes très heureuses, Of course. Grâce à la Mère de Nature, Bien sûr. In the backyard COQUILLAGES Faceless cartoon children necks and heads wrapped in pink and yellow scarves Coquillages, au bord des flots plastered in wool chooks, Tu me fascines dangling in tassels, pompoms. Les vagues te ramènent de où? Fur-edged boots, puffed mittens. Dis-le moi. Fermette roofs iced in snow. Que dites-vous de tous ça? Back porches hung in rope clotheslines Ce va et vient wood-pinned in striped socks and floral underwear. Qui t’amène à mes pieds? Hockey in a yard on a frozen pond. J’aimerais comprendre ton but Black, white skates, white-laced tight. Dans tout ça. Long baggy sweaters, green and red, white, blue, Es-tu conscient de ton sort? purple and pink with stars. Que dis-tu de la mort? Legs in splits, flat on tummies, Tu te balances au gré des flots A stick tipped to a rubber ball, a net. Comme des marionnettes Pepper green fluffed pines, leggy maples snow-dipped Sur un fil d’argent. under a slate sky, a powder-sugared fog of flakes. Tu vas, tu viens sans but, On a painting in a tiny shop in Saint Saveur, Québec, Rien ne t’arrête a flower box-hung cutout town in the Laurentian Mountains. Ta vie est une bascule Brought me back to steamy giggles, frozen braids, Que les flots bousculent. sticky hot chocolate lips, and baggy snowsuits, Moi, j’aime mieux ma vie. teetering tightrope skates, Nous en resterons là, Voilà! hockey games with my big brother on a backyard by Maureen Wallner skating ring with Domino, our collie-shepherd Par Adrienne Moline, IL Pelletier LePage goalie dog, best there was in Montreal. [email protected] Saco, ME 39 Le Forum that you’re real, and not just a Halloween decoration. Coin Yvette: Me to. Good job, Pierrette! Pierrette: Thanks, everyone! Now, des it’s your turn to share, Brigitte. I’m eager jeunes... to hear your creative plan. Brigitte: Well, I don’t know if my strategy is as creative as yours, but hopefully I will gather some Halloween treats. Here’s my plan. As the trick-or-treaters come down Frenchmans Lane, I will be watching from Crow Conference on the large pine tree there. You know the one. Then, as soon as I see some of the children wearing the usual tall witch’s hats, I’ll swoop Acorn Lane down and remove the hats from their heads, Copyright 2014 by catching them by surprise. Then the chil- dren will hopefully drop their candy-filled Virginia L. Sand Halloween bags from fright, giving me the opportunity to swoop down, open the bags, A utumn is here again and the I will perch myself very still, on top of the and gather candy in my beak and claws, and same five crows are meeting in the same jack-o-lantern. Like that, I will pretend to then to fly off with the treats to my stash at giant oak tree on Acorn Lane, in order to be a Halloween decoration instead of a real the big Oak tree. I’ll repeat this through plan their annual Halloween escapades crow. Then, as soon as trick-or-treaters Halloween night. in the cozy little village of Frenchville, arrive and come close to the jack-o-lantern, Pierrette: That’s a great strategy, Bri- Maine. The names of these crows are I will flap my wings and make loud “caw” gitte. I wonder what Jacques has in store for Pierrette, Philippe, Yvette, Brigitte, and sounds, scaring them out of their wits. the trick-or-treaters. Jacques. Following is the conversation Hopefully, they will drop their Halloween Jacques: Me! I don’t know. My plan between these five mischievous crows: bags at that moment there, and run away is simple. On Bouchard Avenue, there are Pierrette: (addressing the other four from fright, leaving their Halloween bags many houses with porches. There, mothers crows) on the porch. I will then fly down to the and grandmothers sit with bowls of candy, Happy autumn my fine feathered bags and grab Halloween treats in my beak as they await trick-or-treaters. Me, I will friends. I have a new plan this year to swoop down to these bowls, carrying away get more Halloween candy than last year. as much candy as I can in my beak and claws Philippe: Oh ya? Care to share your to my Halloween stash at the giant Oak tree strategy with the rest of us? on Acorn Lane. Pierrette: Only if you all share your Yvette: Nice plan, Jacques. Those strategies with me. mothers and grandmothers are in for a big Yvette: That’s why we’re here each surprise. Me, I plan to land directly on the year, to share our creative ideas and to scare shoulders of trick-or-treaters and “caw” in up a little fun with the trick-or-treaters. their ears, hopefully causing them to drop Brigitte: I’ll share my strategy with their bags of candy and run away. Then I can you and the others after you explain your enter the bags and gather pieces of candy in strategy, Pierrette. my beak and claws to fly back to my stash Jacques: And me, I’ll go after Brigitte. at the old Oak tree. Yvette: Super! It sounds like we’re Philippe: You’re brave, Yvette. off to a good start. I’ll share my plan fol- Good luck with that. lowing Jacques. Yvette: Thanks, Philippe. So tell us, Philippe: Now we’re talking. Voilà! and claws, and fly back to the old Oak tree what is your strategy this Halloween? Me, I will present my plan or strategy after where I’ll keep my “Halloween stash.” Af- Philippe: Me, I plan to fly around Yvette. And remember, the winner takes terward, I’ll return to the porch of Madame the trick-or-treaters, distract them, and then all. That’s to say, the crow who gathers the Desjardins and repeat the same strategy with sneak into their Halloween bags to steal a most Halloween candy will win the candy other trick-or-treaters. piece of candy here and there. This will that the others gather. Brigitte: Bravo, Pierrette. That’s also give me the opportunity to view the Pierrette: If we each employ a dif- a brilliant idea, to play the part of a fake children’s Halloween costumes. Me, I love ferent strategy, then we can discover which crow on a pumpkin. Very creative strategy! seeing the variety of creative Halloween strategy brings in the most candy, okay? As You’re a genius. costumes each year. Plus, I’ll scare up a always, this will be great fun. Now, here’s (All the crows agree, while laughing) little fun for the children who are searching my strategy: Each year, Madame Desjardins Jacques: Incredible idea, Pierrette! for a little mystery and magic on Halloween greets the trick-or-treaters with a giant jack- Me, I’d like to see the facial expressions night. I’ll help conjure up a bit of fright o-lantern, all lit-up on her front porch. Me, of the children as soon as they discover (Continued on page 41) 40 AUTOMNE/HIVER 2014 (Crow Conference continued from page 40) way, often leaving their bags on Madame Halloween totes all night long. Some of the with my wings. Desjardins’ porch. older children tried to smack me when I tried Pierrette: We all know you have a Brigitte: Unbelievable, Pierrette! Me, to get into their tote bags. They weren’t soft spot for the children, Philippe. Wow, I count 30 treats in my Halloween stash from very good sports. I’ll have to come up with we all have such great strategies to scare my escapades of removing witch’s hats from a different strategy next year. up a little fun on Halloween night here in children’s heads. I must say, my strategy Pierrette: Sorry to hear that, Philippe. Frenchville. Okay then, let’s depart and then also sent quite a few trick-or-treaters fleeing Better luck next year. Meanwhile, it appears meet back here at midnight on October 31st, in fright. that Jacques is the winner of our Halloween in order to count our treats and see which Jacques: Me, I count 65 treats in my competition this year, with 65 Halloween strategy brings in the most candy or treats. Halloween stash. I found the mothers and treats, thanks to those generous mothers and Remember, winner takes all. (All the crows grandmothers on Bouchard Avenue to be grandmothers on their porches. Congrat- nod “yes” in agreement and fly off.) very generous with me. Some found me ulations, Jacques! You can also have our Midnight, October 31st arrives, and very charming and amusing, perching on Halloween candy and treats. If you recall, all five crows have returned to the giant Oak the bowl of candy, picking up candy from winner takes all. (All the crows congratu- tree on Acorn Lane. The Crow Conference the bowl with my beak. Some mothers late Jacques and offer him their Halloween reconvenes: and grandmothers even tried to stroke my treats.) Pierrette: Happy Halloween every- feathers. Jacques: Thank you all very much. I one! I hope you all had a fun, frightful Yvette: I think I’m jealous, Jacques. believe we made Halloween more amusing Halloween night. Are we ready to get down Me, I’m counting only 25 treats from my and entertaining for the neighborhood. The to business? (All the crows nod “yes” in strategy of landing on the children’s shoul- Halloween treats are our reward for a Hal- agreement.) Okay, well, with my strategy of ders. Unfortunately, many of the trick-or- loween night of hard work. Therefore, keep playing a fake crow on Madame Desjardins’ treaters ran off like lightning, taking their your treats and enjoy them. Happy Hallow- jack-o-lantern, I gathered 46 Halloween Halloween sacs with them. een everyone! (All the crows thank Jacques treats during the night. When I flapped my Philippe: That’s too bad, Yvette. Still, whole-heartedly, nuzzling up to him.) wings and made loud “caw, caw” sounds, you beat me. I’m counting 21 Halloween And so another Halloween goes by in many trick-or-treaters felt that the “trick” treats in my stash, after flying around the Frenchville, Maine with the annual Crow was on them. They high-tailed it the other trick-or-treaters and attempting to enter their Conference on Acorn Lane.

Chaque année, Mme Desjardins accueille les « trick-or-treaters » avec un « jack-o-lantern La Conférence de Corbeau » géant, tout illuminé sur son porche. Moi, je vais me percher très calme, au-dessus du « Jack-o-lantern. » Comme ça, je vais faire sur Acorn Lane semblant d'être une décoration d'Halloween à la place d'un vrai corbeau. Puis, dès que « Droit d'auteur 2014 par trick-or-treaters » arrivent et se rapprochent Virginie L. SAND du « Jack-o-lantern, » je vais battre mes ailes et faire des sons « caw » bruyants, leur faire L'automne est là de nouveau et les avec les « trick-or-treaters. » peur de leurs esprits. Nous espérons qu'ils mêmes cinq corbeaux se réunissent dans Brigitte: Je vais partager ma stratégie vont déposer leurs sacs d'Halloween à ce le même chêne géant sur ​​Acorn Lane, avec toi et les autres après tu expliques votre moment-là, et de s'enfuir de peur, laissant afin de planifier leurs escapades annuelles stratégie, Pierrette. leurs sacs d'Halloween sur le porche. Je vais Halloween dans le charmant petit village Jacques: Et moi, je vais aller après ensuite voler vers le bas pour les sacs et pren- de Frenchville, Maine. Les noms de ces Brigitte. dre friandises d'Halloween dans mon bec corbeaux sont Pierrette, Philippe, Yvette, Yvette: Super! Il semble que nous et griffes, et rentrer au vieil arbre de chêne Brigitte et Jacques. Voici la conversation avons un bon commencement. Je vais part- où je vais garder ma cachette d’Halloween. entre ces cinq corbeaux malfaisants: ager mon plan suivant Jacques. Ensuite, je reviendrai sur le porche de Mme Pierrette: (répondre aux quatre autres Philippe: Maintenant, nous parlons. Desjardins et répéter la même stratégie avec corbeaux) Bonne automne mes beaux amis Voilà! Moi, je vais vous présenter mon d'autres « trick-or-treaters. » à plumes. J'ai un nouveau plan cette année plan ou ma stratégie après Yvette. Et rap- Brigitte: Bravo, Pierrette. C'est une pour obtenir plus de bonbons d'Halloween pelez-vous, le gagnant prend tout. C'est- idée géniale, à jouer le rôle d'un corbeau faux de l'année dernière. à-dire, le corbeau qui ramasse le plus de sur une citrouille. Stratégie très créative! Tu Philippe: Eh bien? Veux-tu partager bonbons d'Halloween va gagner les bonbons es un génie. votre stratégie avec le reste d'entre nous? que les autres ramassent. (Tous les corbeaux d'accord, tout en Pierrette: Seulement si vous partagez Pierrette: Si chacun de nous employ- riant) toutes vos stratégies avec moi. ons une stratégie différente, nous pouvons Jacques: Idée incroyable, Pierrette! Yvette: C'est pourquoi nous sommes découvrir quelle stratégie apporte le plus de Moi, je voudrais voir les expressions du ici chaque année, de partager nos idées bonbons, d'accord? Comme toujours, ce sera visage des enfants dès qu'ils découvrent que créatives et d'effrayer un peu d'amusement très amusant. Maintenant, voici ma stratégie: (Suite voir page 42) 41 Le Forum (La Conférence de Corbeau suite de Yvette: Merci, Philippe. Alors dis- à fuir de peur. page 41) nous, quelle est votre stratégie pour l'Hal- Jacques: Moi, je compte 65 friandises tu es réelle, et pas seulement une décoration loween? dans ma cachette d’Halloween. J'ai trouvé d'Halloween. Philippe: Moi, j'ai l'intention de voler que les mères et grands-mères sur Bouchard Yvette: Moi aussi. Bon travail, Pier- autour des « trick-or-treaters ,» les distraire, Avenue étaient très généreuses avec moi. rette! puis se faufiler dans leurs sacs d'Halloween Certaines m'ont trouvé très charmant et Pierrette: Merci à tous! Maintenant, de voler un morceau de bonbons ici et là. drôle, perché sur le bol de bonbons, en ra- c'est à ton tour de partager, Brigitte. Je suis Puis, j’aurai l'occasion de voir les costumes massant des bonbons du bol avec mon bec. impatiente d'entendre ton plan créatif. d'Halloween des enfants. Moi, j'aime voir la Certaines mères et grands-mères ont même Brigitte: Eh bien, je ne sais pas si variété des costumes créatifs d’Halloween essayé de caresser mes plumes. ma stratégie est aussi créative que le vôtre, chaque année. De plus, je vais faire peur un Yvette: Je pense que je suis jalouse, mais j'espère que je vais ramasser quelques peu de plaisir pour les enfants qui sont à la Jacques. Moi, je compte seulement 25 bon- friandises d'Halloween. Voici mon plan. recherche d'un peu de mystère et de magie bons de ma stratégie de l'atterrissage sur Comme les « trick-or-treaters » descendent le soir d'Halloween. Je vais aider à évoquer les épaules de l'enfant. Malheureusement, Frenchmans Lane, je vais regarder dans le un peu de peur avec mes ailes. beaucoup de « trick-or-treaters » se sont grand pin là. Vous savez l'un. Puis, dès que Pierrette: Nous savons tous que tu enfuis comme l'éclair, en tenant leurs sacs je vois quelques-uns des enfants portant des aimes les enfants, Philippe. Oh là là, nous d'Halloween avec eux. chapeaux de la grande sorcière d'habitude, je avons tous ces grandes stratégies pour ef- Philippe: C'est dommage, Yvette. vais fondre et enlever les chapeaux de leurs frayer un peu de plaisir à l'Halloween nuit Pourtant, tu as mieux fait que moi. Je compte têtes, les attraper par surprise. Ensuite, avec ici à Frenchville. Bon alors, partons-nous 21 friandises d'Halloween dans ma cachette, chance les enfants déposeront leurs Hallow- et puis retrouvons-nous ici à minuit le 31 après avoir volé autour des « trick-or-treaters een sacs {remplis de bonbons} de peur, de Octobre, pour compter nos friandises et voir » toute la nuit pendant que je tentais d’entrer me donner l'occasion de fondre, ouvrir les quelle stratégie apporte le plus de bonbons leurs sacs d’Halloween. En fait, certains des sacs, et de ramasser des bonbons dans mon ou des friandises. Rappelez-vous, le gagnant enfants plus âgés ont essayé de me frapper bec et griffes, puis de s'envoler avec les prend tout. (Tous les corbeaux hochent la quand j'ai essayé d'entrer dans leurs sacs. friandises à ma cachette à la grande Chêne. tête "oui" en accord et s'envolent.) Ils n'étaient pas très bons joueurs. Je devrai Je vais répéter ce par la nuit d'Halloween. Minuit, le 31 Octobre arrive, et tous employer une stratégie différente l'année Pierrette: C'est une excellente straté- les cinq corbeaux sont de retour à l'arbre de prochaine. gie, Brigitte. Je me demande ce que Jacques chêne géant sur ​​Acorn Lane. La conférence Pierrette: Désolé d'entendre ça, a en réserve pour les « trick-or-treaters. » de corbeau reconvoque : Philippe. Meilleure chance l'année pro- Jacques: Moi! Je ne sais pas. Mon Pierrette: Joyeuse Halloween tous! chaine. Cependant, il semble que Jacques plan est simple. Sur l'avenue Bouchard, il J'espère que vous avez tous passé une est le gagnant de notre compétition d'Hal- y a beaucoup de maisons avec des porches. nuit amusante et effroyable d'Halloween. loween cette année, avec 65 friandises Là, les mères et les grands-mères s’assey- Sommes-nous prêts à passer aux choses d'Halloween, grâce à ces généreuses mères ent avec des bols de bonbons, comme elles sérieuses? (Tous les corbeaux hochent la et grands-mères sur leurs porches. Félici- attendent les «trick-or-treaters ». Moi, je tête "oui" en accord.) Bon, eh bien, avec tations, Jacques! Tu peux aussi avoir nos vais fondre à ces bols, emportant autant de ma stratégie de jouer un corbeau faux sur le bonbons et friandises de l'Halloween. Si tu bonbons que je peux dans mon bec et mes « Jack-o-lantern » de madame Desjardins, te souviens, le gagnant prend tout. (Tous griffes à ma cachette Halloween à l'arbre de j'ai ramassé 46 friandises d'Halloween au les corbeaux félicitent Jacques et lui offrent chêne géant sur ​​Acorn Lane. cours de la nuit. Quand je battais mes ailes leurs friandises d'Halloween.) Yvette: Belle régime, Jacques. Ces et faisais le son fort « caw, caw, » de nom- Jacques: Je vous remercie tous beau- mères et grands-mères trouveront une grosse breux « trick-or-treaters » ont estimé que coup. Je crois que nous avons fait Halloween surprise. Moi, j'ai l'intention d'atterrir di- le «truc» était sur ​​eux. Ils sont sortis dans plus amusant et divertissant pour le quart- rectement sur les épaules des « trick-or-treat- l’autre direction, laissant souvent leurs sacs ier. Les friandises d'Halloween sont notre ers » et de crier «caw» dans leurs oreilles, sur le porche de Mme Desjardins. récompense pour un soir de l'Halloween de en les causant à abandonner leurs sacs de Brigitte: Incroyable, Pierrette! travail acharné. Par conséquent, gardez vos bonbons et à s'enfuir. Ensuite, je peux entrer Moi, je compte 30 friandises dans ma ca- friandises et bon appétit. Joyeuse Hallow- dans les sacs et ramasser des bonbons dans chette d’Halloween de mes escapades du een! (Tous les corbeaux remercient Jacques mon bec et griffes pour rentrer à ma cachette déménagement des chapeaux de sorcières de tout cœur, en caressant à lui.) au vieux chêne. des têtes des enfants. Je dois dire, ma straté- Et si une autre Halloween passe à Philippe: Tu es courageuse, Yvette. gie a également fait les « trick-or-treaters » Frenchville, Maine avec la Conférence an- Bonne chance avec ça. nuelle de Corbeau sur Acorn Lane.

42 AUTOMNE/HIVER 2014 Adrien Ringuette genealogy book collection gift to Centre Franco-Américain

THE FRANCO-AMERICAN BLOG by Juliana L’Heureux A substantial collection of genealog- over 4,500 books, maps and research mate- ical materials was donated by the family rials donated by Celeste Ringuette. of Adrien Ringuette to the Centre Fran- Susan Pinette is the interim director chronicled in a 1960 New York Times co-Americain, at the University of Maine of the UMO Franco-Americaine Program. Magazine article, “The South in the North” in Orono. “This is an important milestone in the on- and in a book by Harry and David Rosen Lisa Michaud and a group of UMO going establishment of a Franco-American published in 1962, entitled, But Not Next Centre community supporters are working research center at the University of Maine,” Door. He became interested in French-Ca- to construct the shelving space within the said Pinette. nadian history and genealogy because he Centre’s location, at Crossland Hall, to Ringuettte was born in Attleboro, was a descendant of the original settlers of house over 4,500 books, maps and research Mass, on September 9, 1925 and was a New France (Quebec Province, Canada). materials donated by Celeste Ringuette, in descendant of the first French settlers in Although genealogy was a hobby, it became memory of her late husband, who died in New France (Quebec). He wrote about an avocation in later years. In 1983, he began 2010, in Indiana. French-Canadian history and genealogy for writing and publishing about his research. Adrien Riguette Library is currently several publications. Mr. Ringuette was an emeritus mem- being constructed within Crossland Hall, His parents were Joseph and Anita ber of the Board of the Food Drug Law organized by Lisa Michaud and the Centre’s (Lanthier) Ringuette. Institute, and held memberships in the Am- Interim Director Susan Pinette. He served in the US Army Air Corp herst College, and Yale Law School Alumni Michaud is in the process of working during World War II and graduated magna Associations, the Tabor Academy Alumni with the Centre’s program staff to catalogue cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa after 3 years Association, The Yale Club of New York the collection. After the organization is com- of study from Amherst College. In 1951, and the University Club of Chicago. pleted, the library will be open to the public. he graduated from Yale Law School and A funeral Mass was held on January “This collection includes unbroken subsequently worked between 1951-54, at 15, 2010 at Sacred Heart Church, in his runs of most of the major periodicals in Dwight, Royal, Harris, Kagel and Caskey hometown of Attleboro, Mass. He was French Canadian genealogical research. in New York. His career in the Midwest is buried at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Attleboro It also contains genealogical dictionaries, described in several on line obituaries. Falls. historical biographical dictionaries, 17th Celeste Aaron Ringuette is assisting and 18th centuries French Canadian census http://www.legacy.com/Obituaries. the Centre’s program to establish a sustain- records and a large library of supporting asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=138465582 ability fund to provide ongoing support for materials relating to French, French Cana- the genealogical collection, says Michaud. dian and Franco-American history,” says In 1960, Ringuette spearheaded the For more information contact Lisa Michaud. defense of an open housing development Michaud at 207-581-3789 or email lisa. Adrien Ringuettte collection contains in Deerfield, Illinois. These events were [email protected].

The collection Community Volunteer Some of the books Daniel Lapierre A list of the collection can be found on our website: http://umaine.edu/francoamerican/franco-american-centre-reference-room/ Under SPECIAL COLLECTIONS: The Adrien Ringuette Memorial Library (received 10/27/2014) 43 Le Forum RINGUETTE Franco-American Families of Maine Jean Ringuet, born about 1719 most probably in France and died in PQ, son par Bob Chenard, of Pierre Ringuet, born 1696 in France, and Catherine Buisson from the town of Coul- Waterville, Maine gens, department of Charente, ancient province of Angoumois, was first married on 25 November1738 at Baie St.Paul to Marie-Geneviève Duchesne, born 1719 in PQ, died in Les Familles Ringuette PQ, daughter of Simon Duchesne and Ursule Perron; married a second time to Catherine Welcome to my column. Over the Vaillancourt probably at Baie St.Paul. His father, Pierre, was a miller and died at Baie years Le Forum has published numerous St.Paul in 30 or 31 March 1765. Coulgens is located 12 miles north-northeast of the city families. Copies of these may still be avail- of Angoulême. able by writing to the Franco-American Center. Listings such as this one are never A Pierre before 17__ Catherine Buisson France 1 complete. However, it does provide you with 1 Jean 1m. 25 Nov 1738 M.-Geneviève Duchesne Baie St.Paul 2 my most recent and complete file of mar- “ 2m. 17__ Catherine Vaillancourt PQ riages tied to the original French ancestor. 2 Jean-Pr. 1m. 30 Sep 1765 M.-Reine Campagna Baie St.Paul 3 How to use the family listings: The left-hand “ 2m. 31 May 1796 M.-Victoire Blanchet Cap St.Ignace “ 3m. 20 Jun 1810 Angélique Méthot Cap St.Ignace column lists the first name (and middle name 3 Louis 04 Apr 1796 Angélique Ligny Montmangy 4 or initial, if any) of the direct descendants of Antoine 26 Nov 1805 Elisabeth Lemieux Cap St.Ignace the ancestor identified as number 1 (or A, in François 12 Jun 1809 Marguerite Dussault Lauzon some cases). The next column gives the date 4 Louis 1m. 16 Sep 1821 Julie Guimond Cap St.Ignace 4A of marriage, then the spouce (maiden name “ 2m. 12 Aug 1845 M.-Anne Perreault Van Buren if female) followed by the town in which the “ 3m. 24 Jun 1851 Julie Thériault St.Basile, NB marriage took place. There are two columns of numbers. The one on the left side of the The following are descendants of the above who married in Maine: page, e.g., #2, is the child of #2 in the right 4A Hermine 20 Oct 1846 Bénoni Saucier St.Basile, NB column of numbers. His parents are thus Pierre 06 Nov 1855 Philomène Beaulieu St.Basile, NB 4B #1 in the left column of numbers. Also, it Julie 13 Oct 1857 Joseph Saucier Frenchville should be noted that all the persons in the Gilbert 15 Jul 1867 Philomène Saucier Frenchville 4C first column of names under the same num- Hippolyte “Paul” 07 Oct 1867 Obéline Thériault St.Basile, NB 4D ber are siblings (brothers & sisters). There Louis 12 Nov 1888 Emélie Tardif St.Basile, NB 4E may be other siblings, but only those who 4B Florent 16 Mar 1875 Célanire Picard Grand Isle 4F had descendants that married in Maine are Thomas 13 Jul 1886 Annie Cyr St.Basile, NB 4G listed in order to keep this listing limited in Antoine 23 Jul 1888 Annie Lee St.Basile, NB 4H size. The listing can be used up or down - to Georges 15 Jan 1894 Christine Martin Edmundston, NB 4J Frédéric 04 Feb 1896 Catherine Smith St.Basile, NB 4K find parents or descendants. The best way Irenée 16 Jun 1913 Clara Martin St.Basile, NB to see if your ancestors are listed here is to 4C Béloni 01 Mar 1897 Catherine Parent Ste.Anne, Madaw.,NB look for your mother’s or grandmother’s Alfred 1m. 30 Jul 1908 Béatrice Peletier St.Agathe, Me. maiden name. Once you are sure you have “ 2m. 19 Feb 1917 Flavie Ouelette St.Agathe, Me. 4L the right couple, take note of the number 4D Sophie 01 Jul 1897 Denis Morin Frenchville in the left column under which their names Joseph 12 Nov 1900 Praxède “Brigite” Michaud Frenchville 4M appear. Then, find the same number in the Louis circa 1900 Angèle Dubé NB ! 4N right-most column above. For example, if Zéline 1m. 03 Jul 1905 Désiré Saucier St.Agathe, Me. it’s #57C, simply look for #57C on the right “ 2m. 26 Dec 1911 Léon Raymond Eagle Lake 4E Lévite 29 Aug 1916 Anna Dupéré St.Basile, NB above. Repeat the process for each genera- Louis 07 Jan 1918 Anne Sirois Ste.Anne, Madaw.,NB tion until you get back to the first family in 4F Félix 26 Nov 1894 Henriette Moreau Ste.Anne, Madaw.,NB 4P the list. The numbers with alpha suffixes Louis 05 Sep 1898 Anna Martin Ste.Anne, Madaw.,NB 4Q (e.g. 57C) are used mainly for couple who Paul 15 Apr 1901 Louise Sirois Ste.Anne, Madaw.,NB 4R married in Maine. Marriages that took place Joseph 15 Jul 1902 Élise Martin Ste.Anne, Madaw.,NB 4S in Canada normally have no suffixes with the Edouard 23 Feb 1903 Marie Devost Ste.Anne, Madaw.,NB rare exception of small letters, e.g., “13a.” Alice 07 Aug 1905 Joseph Roy St.Basile, NB If there are gross errors or missing families, Clovis 26 Aug 1919 Yvonne Fournier St.Basile, NB my sincere appologies. I have taken utmost Denis 29 Jun 1920 Sophie Dubé St.Agathe, Me. 4GNélida 22 Sep 1924 Joseph-Enoil Michaud St.Basile, NB care to be as accurate as possible. Please 4HCôme 09 Oct 1916 Christine Thériault St.Basile, NB write to the FORUM staff with your correc- Georges 21 May 1918 Délina Cyr St.Basile, NB tions and/or additions with your supporting Patrice 04 May 1920 Délina Fournier St.Basile, NB data. I provide this column freely with the Élona 31 Aug 1927 Denis Cyr Edmundston, NB purpose of encouraging Franco-Americans 4J Lévite 15 Jan 1929 Ida Martin Edmundston, NB to research their personal genealogy and to 4KWilfird 06 Feb 1923 Marthe Cyr Parent, NB take pride in their rich heritage. (Continued on page 45) 44 AUTOMNE/HIVER 2014 (Ringuette genealogy from page 44) Alphée 26 Nov 1929 Yvonne Beaulieu St.André, NB Jean 23 Aug 1932 Marthe Doucet Riv. Verte, NB 4L Sylvio 02 Aug 1943 Marguerite Pelletier Saco(NDL) 4M Isabelle 22 Nov 1921 Fortunat Bourgoin St.Agathe, Me. 4NEdmond-Laurent 04 Mar 1930 Célia Lajoie St.Hilaire, NB 4P Abel 08 Jan 1920 Arthéline Martin Ste.Anne, Madaw.,NB Délina 04 Jun 1923 Wilfrid Ringuette (A16) Rivière Verte, NB 4QErnest 27 May 1919 Marie Quinn Ste.Anne, Madaw.,NB 4R Wilfrid 04 Jun 1923 Délina Ringuette (A14) Rivière Verte, NB 4S Armand 24 Jul 1923 Irène Lavoie Rivière Verte, NB Alma 24 Nov 1925 Rémi Cyr Ste.Anne, Madaw.,NB ------A Pierre before 17__ Catherine Buisson France 1 B1 Richard-V. 15 Sep 1951 Theresa-M. Doiron Bath ARCH 1 Jean 1m. 25 Nov 1738 M.-Geneviève Duchesne Baie St.Paul 2 ------“ 2m. 17__ Catherine Vaillancourt PQ C1 Edmond 24 May 1944 Edwina Ringuette Caribou ARCH 2 Jean-Pr. 1m. 30 Sep 1765 M.-Reine Campagna Baie St.Paul 3 ------“ 2m. 31 May 1796 M.-Victoire Blanchet Cap St.Ignace D1 Agnès 21 Oct 1945 Gérard Pelletier St.Agathe, Me. ARCH “ 3m. 20 Jun 1810 Angélique Méthot Cap St.Ignace ------3 Louis 04 Apr 1796 Angélique Ligny Montmangy 4 E1 Délia 31 Jan 1928 Lévite Gervais St.Agathe ARCH Antoine 26 Nov 1805 Elisabeth Lemieux Cap St.Ignace ------François 12 Jun 1809 Marguerite Dussault Lauzon F1 Délia 27 Dec 1934 Ernest Michaud St.Agathe ARCH 4 Louis 1m. 16 Sep 1821 Julie Guimond Cap St.Ignace 4A ------“ 2m. 12 Aug 1845 M.-Anne Perreault Van Buren G1 Éva 11 Jun 1934 Lévite-L. Cyr St.Agathe ARCH “ 3m. 24 Jun 1851 Julie Thériault St.Basile, NB ------H1 Hélène 15 Oct 1935 Roméo Cyr Van Buren ARCH The following are descendants of the above who married in Maine: ------J1 Hélène 23 Jun 1936 Onézime Dumond St.Agathe ARCH 4A Hermine 20 Oct 1846 Bénoni Saucier St.Basile, NB ------Pierre 06 Nov 1855 Philomène Beaulieu St.Basile, NB 4B K1 Irène 03 Nov 1944 Antoine Gagnon St.Agathe ARCH Julie 13 Oct 1857 Joseph Saucier Frenchville ------Gilbert 15 Jul 1867 Philomène Saucier Frenchville 4C L1 Isabelle 22 Nov 1921 Fortunat Rossignol St.Agathe ARCH Hippolyte “Paul” 07 Oct 1867 Obéline Thériault St.Basile, NB 4D ------Louis 12 Nov 1888 Emélie Tardif St.Basile, NB 4E M1 Léonide 12 May 1936 Marie-R. Ringuette St.Agathe ARCH 4B Florent 16 Mar 1875 Célanire Picard Grand Isle 4F ------Thomas 13 Jul 1886 Annie Cyr St.Basile, NB 4G N1 Nora-S. 07 Aug 1950 Woodford-G. Sands, Jr. Bangor ARCH Antoine 23 Jul 1888 Annie Lee St.Basile, NB 4H ------Georges 15 Jan 1894 Christine Martin Edmundston, NB 4J P1 Priscilla 13 Nov 1946 Joseph-E. Ouellette TWP 17 R4 ARCH Frédéric 04 Feb 1896 Catherine Smith St.Basile, NB 4K ------Irenée 16 Jun 1913 Clara Martin St.Basile, NB Q1 Solange-A. 20 Sep 1954 Lucien Martin St.Agathe, Me. ARCH 4C Béloni 01 Mar 1897 Catherine Parent Ste.Anne, Madaw.,NB ------Alfred 1m. 30 Jul 1908 Béatrice Peletier St.Agathe, Me. R1 Thérèse 20 Apr 1952 Robert Boutot St.Agathe, Me. ARCH “ 2m. 19 Feb 1917 Flavie Ouelette St.Agathe, Me. 4L ------4D Sophie 01 Jul 1897 Denis Morin Frenchville S1 Joseph 27 Jan 1932 Rita Violette Van Buren ARCH Joseph 12 Nov 1900 Praxède “Brigite” Michaud Frenchville 4M ------Louis circa 1900 Angèle Dubé NB ! 4N T1 Louis 04 Aug 1952 Mary-J. Albert Madawaska ARCH Zéline 1m. 03 Jul 1905 Désiré Saucier St.Agathe, Me. Louis 04 Aug 1952 Mary-J. Cyr Madawaska “ 2m. 26 Dec 1911 Léon Raymond Eagle Lake ------4E Lévite 29 Aug 1916 Anna Dupéré St.Basile, NB U1 Joseph-W. 27 Dec 1943 Marie-A. Cyr Madawaska ARCH Louis 07 Jan 1918 Anne Sirois Ste.Anne, Madaw.,NB page 3) 4F Félix 26 Nov 1894 Henriette Moreau Ste.Anne, Madaw.,NB 4P (AC-GS.ORG continued from Louis 05 Sep 1898 Anna Martin Ste.Anne, Madaw.,NB 4Q their children and who they married. Other inform-ation that will be found is the head of household’s occupation(s), applicable crown land grant(s) Paul 15 Apr 1901 Louise Sirois Ste.Anne, Madaw.,NB 4R and acreage received. An all name index can be viewed on the ACGS website. Joseph 15 Jul 1902 Élise Martin Ste.Anne, Madaw.,NB 4S As a resource work, it also gives citations to research lines back to Acadia, Quebec and beyond thus facilitating research using other genea- Edouard 23 Feb 1903 Marie Devost Ste.Anne, Madaw.,NB logical works/sources. It is a companion to the original 1790 United States Federal Census for the Province of Maine, State of Massachusetts. Alice 07 Aug 1905 Joseph Roy St.Basile, NB To find out if a person you are searching for is in this book, see website AC-GS.ORG: 1790 Families Name Listing. Clovis 26 Aug 1919 Yvonne Fournier St.Basile, NB The cost of this 68 chapter, 240 page book, fully indexed: U.S funds $34 plus $6.00 shipping and handling, Canadian funds $38 plus $11.00 Denis 29 Jun 1920 Sophie Dubé St.Agathe, Me. shipping and handling. 4GNélida 22 Sep 1924 Joseph-Enoil Michaud St.Basile, NB 4HCôme 09 Oct 1916 Christine Thériault St.Basile, NB The 1850 – 1880 Aroostook County Censuses and Mortality Schedules Georges 21 May 1918 Délina Cyr St.Basile, NB — Compiled by Allen J. Voisine Patrice 04 May 1920 Délina Fournier St.Basile, NB The Aroostook County Genealogical Society presents their first publication. Please note that the 1850 Census has been updated. Each individ- Élona 31 Aug 1927 Denis Cyr Edmundston, NB ual Census has a complete index with standard and variant spellings of all known French and Acadian last names used in the particular census along 4J Lévite 15 Jan 1929 Ida Martin Edmundston, NB with a complete explanation on how to read the complete census document is also included in the preface of the document. 4KWilfird 06 Feb 1923 Marthe Cyr Parent, NB The price in American Funds is: $55, which is the price of CD, including sales tax and shipping and handling. The price in Canadian Funds is: $60, which is the price of CD including shipping and handling. (Continued on page 45) 45 Le Forum Franco-American research from New Hampshire

THE FRANCO-AMERICAN BLOG by Juliana L’Heureux Margaret Langford is a retired profes- beginnings in New England, the French-Ca- sor of French and Franco-American studies nadian immigrants and their children began from Keene State College in Cheshire to trace an upward trajectory of social and Margaret Langford Ph.D. is a retired County, New Hampshire. Her report about public influence in their new communities. professor of French and Franco-American New Hampshire’s Franco-Americans mir- Langford reports how Franco-Amer- studies. rors data about Maine’s population helps when tracing family geneal- demographics. ogies. A link to her power point Other shared characteristics of presentation is included in this blog Franco-Americans are their interest (link below). in connecting to at least some of Maine and New Hampshire their ancestral French language and share about the same population to maintain family traditions. Those demographics regarding the percent who renew their linguistic and cul- of Franco-Americans who claim tural experiences find they are able French-Canadian ancestry. to move easily into Francophone A University of Maine study, cultures elsewhere in the US, in conducted with the support of the Canada and, indeed, throughout the Task Force on Franco-Americans, Francophone world. reported an average of 25 percent A link to Langford’s power of the state as Franco-Americans. point presentation: https://dl.drop- Not surprising, this is the same boxusercontent.com/u/34272167/ percentage as New Hampshire. Moving%20into%20History%20 http://umaine.edu/francoamerican/ French-Canadian immigrants learned how to be self PowerPoint_3rd%20edit-6.ppt or at files/2013/09/FAC_OP_No1.pdf sustaining because of skills learned on the Quebec farms. the http://tinyurl.com/nxz8lyj Langford prepared a work- (photo circa 1908) An excellent selective bib- shop for kindergarten thru grade liography of resources about Fran- 12 teachers, first presented in 2009, titled ican descendants today comprise about 25 co-Americans is available at: https:// “Moving Into History: The Franco-Amer- percent of New Hampshire’s population. dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/34272167/ icans of Cheshire County (New Hamp- Moreover, their family stories tell about the Franco-American%20Fact%20sheet.doc shire)1860’s-1930’s”. This report mirrors steady trajectory of upward mobility. the Franco-American immigration experi- As a matter of fact, in January 2009, ences throughout Maine and much of New the US Library of Congress finally provided England. a definition of “Franco-Americans” with French-Canadians came to New a description as follows: “…people of England because they faced desperate eco- French-Canadian birth or ancestry who are nomic conditions in Canada, beginning in permanent residents of the United States, in- the 1840’s. cluding naturalized citizens.” This descrip- An estimated 900,000 French-Cana- tion is differentiated from the search term dians came to the United States during this “French-Canadian” or “French-Americans”. immigration, as a result of being promised Franco-Americans are most easily work in booming manufacturing mills. identified by their surnames. Although the immigrants were attracted to Obviously, some French-Canadian Juliana L’Heureux is a freelance cities like Manchester NH, Lowell Mass, surnames were anglicized. For example, writer whose articles about Maine’s Fran- or cities in Maine, they brought along with the name LeFebrvres might have become co-American history and culture have ap- them skills learned from their lives on “Bean”; LeBlanc was often translated to peared in Portland newspapers for 25 years. self-sustaining farms in rural Quebec. They “White”; Dubois became “Woods”. A She serves on the Maine Franco-American understood the value of hard work learned website to help find most of these names Leadership Council. Juliana and her hus- on the farms. They had the abilities to make, is at the site http://www.rootsweb.ancestry. band Richard live in Topsham ME. Feel free create, bake, sew and preserve everything a com/~canqc/alias/anglopqrs.htm to contact her at [email protected] family needed to survive. From industrious Knowing about the anglicized name 46 AUTOMNE/HIVER 2014 Although most French-Canadians Juliana L’Heureux: Blogger writes about flocked by the thousands to Maine work Brunswick, Topsham Franco-Americans in the state’s industrial cities, many fully BY JULIANA L'HEUREUX intended to return to their homes in Canada. But, Brunswick’s Francos were some- Franco-Americans can access online Charles Vermette, originally from Saint-Ger- what different in that regard. Vermette says genealogy and history data written by vais, Quebec, arrived in Brunswick with his the Brunswick Franco population seemed to researchers who share their data on their brother François. They came to the area from favor naturalization. In fact, a lively natural- websites and blogs. the Eastern Townships region of Quebec. ization society began in the 1880s. One information-packed blog titled Another brother had already established Despite this movement toward citi- “French North America,” by David Ver- himself in the area and soon, other family zenship, a Ku Klux Klan chapter formed mette, is loaded with history about Bruns- members arrived as part of a chain migration in Brunswick during the 1920’s, targeting wick and Topsham’s Franco-Americans to the mid-coast area. Many of Vermette’s propaganda against Roman Catholic “for- as well as other New England Francos. forebears, including his grandparents Al- eigners.” Vermette also hosts a website dedicated to bert and Ida (Lavigueur) Vermette and his Regardless of the hardships they ex- his research. great-grandfather Charles and his wife Albi- perienced while working long hours in the He began writing about the Bruns- na (Ouellette) are buried in Brunswick’s St. mills and the ethnic discrimination, Bruns- wick-area French-Canadians wick’s Franco-Americans, in in 2001, and his research the early to mid-20th century, continues. enjoyed a rich cultural life in- “I’m continuing to learn cluding arts and music, sports, more about Franco-Ameri- games, religious and cultural cans as I research my blogs,” events. They created a joie de he says. vivre through soirees where Along with being a ge- they participated in theater, nealogy enthusiast, Vermette, music, and other entertain- 48, is a storyteller, who takes ments. Their faithful support his findings beyond basic data for the beautiful St. John the collection. Baptist Church and the parish He describes the condi- parochial school, both locat- tions Franco-Americans lived ed on Brunswick’s Pleasant in when they arrived in Bruns- Street, continues today. wick to find jobs in the Cabot Vermette used several Manufacturing Company, a sources to write his blogs, textile mill, which opened in like census records, church 1857, using hydropower pur- Charles Vermette (b. St-Gervais, Quebec, 1860), Albina (Ouellette) (b. records, naturalization pa- chased from the Brunswick pers, town vital records, and Roxton Falls, Quebec, 1868), and family in 1904. Standing, from left, dam on the Androscoggin newspapers. are: Alice, Marion, Geoffrey, Sylvia, Eva. Seated, from left, are: Albert, River. (In 1857, the Cabot One of the published Albina, Ludger, Charles, and Benjamin Vermette. Mill reported 235 looms, sources on Franco-Americans 9,000 spindles and employed he found were the publica- 175 workers, http://learn.bowdoin.edu/apps/ John the Baptist Church cemetery. tions of William N. Locke, who attended es/drupal/node/215). When he was growing up, Vermette Bowdoin College as an undergraduate. In Almost all the French-Canadian im- traveled to Brunswick to attend family 1946, Locke published “The French Col- migrant workers lived in mill-owned tene- events. These memories supported Ver- ony at Brunswick Maine” and also wrote ments. Conditions where the workers lived mette’s familiarity with Brunswick and the a book on the French language spoken in in the late 19th century were brutal and they places he describes on his blog. Brunswick. were exposed to diseases like diphtheria and “I recall one reunion in particular in Vermette’s blog and website are avail- typhoid fever, he says. which French was commonly spoken and able at http://frenchnorthamerica.blogspot. Vermette is a Massachusetts native French-Canadian music was featured,” com and http://www.francoamericanhistory. who currently lives in Annapolis, MD, in Vermette said. “Some Brunswick residents com/ a family home he and his wife purchased may recall my great-uncle Lucien who was from his mother-in-law. His father was a an accomplished fiddler in the area.” second generation Franco-American, born Many Brunswick and Topsham Fran- in Brunswick. co-Americans came to the mid-coast area “I will always consider myself to be from the region of Quebec known as L’Is- a Franco-American from New England,” let. Others immigrated from other parts of he says. Quebec as well as a few from the Acadian Around 1881, his great-grandfather, communities in the Maritimes.

47 Université du Maine Non-Profit Org. Le FORUM U.S. Postage PAID Centre Franco-Américain Orono, Maine Orono, ME 04469-5719 Permit No. 8 États-Unis 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 5555 riche diversité