No, history did not begin 150 years ago. Yet, it can be hard to find information about what is now the Haut-Saint-François before the arrival of European settlers.
For example, Wikipedia tells us that the first inhabitants of our region were the Abenaki first nations, and that the Abenakis allied themselves with the French during the Seven Years’ War to fight the British. Period.
The Canadian Encyclopedia does somewhat better. There I find a map situating my very own Maple Leaf, Quebec, at the very heart of the traditional Abenaki territory that extends from Quebec City to Massachusetts, and from Montreal to mid-Maine. The Abenaki peoples, the “dawn-land people,” saw their population devastated by 98%, and their land appropriated by the settlers. So let us acknowledge with sorrow that we live on land that is unceded Abenaki territory.
SINGING IS IN
An hour of singing old familiar gospel hymns accompanied by an old-fashioned harmonium, some pre-chosen and some chosen by participants sitting in old-fashioned wooden pews. That would be the annual Hymn Sing in the former Congregationalist/United Church at 374 Route 253 in Eaton Corner, now the main exhibit area of the Eaton Corner Museum. The Sing is planned for Sunday, July 16, at 2 p.m. There’s no entrance fee, but a free-will donation may be placed in the old-fashioned collection box. And after the singing, there will be cookies and lemonade. Info: Call the Eaton Corner Museum at 819-875-5256.
1867 IS SOON
It’s 1867 again on Sunday, August 13, 2017, in the historic village of Eaton Corner, located in the Municipality of Cookshire-Eaton. That’s when the Eaton Corner Museum welcomes visitors to experience village life in Eaton Corner at the time of Confederation when it was a bustling village and a stage coach stop. There will be bustling, and much more. Historian Monique Nadeau-Saumier will offer a bilingual presentation highlighting some of the prominent residents living in the village at the time of the Confederation. Yes, it’s the Museum’s 150th birthday bash. Look for more information in the next issue or at www.eatoncorner.ca, but for now, ink the date into your calendar: August 13.
HEROINES ARE ON
On exhibit this summer in the Foss House at the Eaton Corner Museum is Housewife Heroines, highlighting contributions by women during World War II. Next door at the Congregationalist Church is its permanent exhibition, A Tale of the Townships. Across the road is the Museum’s reserve collections in the Academy. All told, the Museum holds over 4000 objects in its collections, depicting the life of the early settlers to the Haut-Saint-François region of the Eastern Townships. During July and August, the Eaton Corner Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: info@eatoncorner.ca or 819-875-5256.
NEIGHBOURS ARE HERE
On Saturday, July 15, is the second annual Neighbours Day in Sawyerville. Also known as the Fête du voisinage Sawyerville, it’s a get-together organized at the Parc de la Station rink with activities for all ages. There’s bingo under the big tent at 2 p.m. There’s volleyball. There are inflatable games with a water slide. There are restaurants and a bar. There’s a mechoui at 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for those who have pre-purchased their tickets at the CPL Depanneur ($20 for ages 12+, $10 for ages 6-11, and free for ages 5 and under). And in the evening, there is music with the Six Shooters.
THE MARKET IS NOW
The Village Market of the Sawyerville Community Garden opens Saturday, July 1st, featuring local gardeners who offer fresh products without pesticides or artificial fertilisers. Continuing every Saturday morning, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., from July to October, the market also offers scones or pizza baked in the outdoor bread oven. Info: Chantal Bolduc at chantalbolduc99@bell.net or 819-889-3196.
ENGLISH IS OFF
Services in English are taking a summer break at the Centre d’action bénévole du Haut-Saint-François, to return on August 21. But no need to go hungry: The bi-weekly frozen meals on wheels service will continue throughout the summer. Also, all services will still be available in French. Just call 819-560-8540 on Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m., or Friday, 9 to 11:30 a.m. The coordinator of English services, Diane Grenier, will be back after July 11, when you can reach her by calling the number above and pressing 9 for English, or by emailing coordo@cabhsf.org.
GILLES IS GRATEFUL
Gilles Denis of the Foundation of the CSSS du Haut-Saint-François sends a big thanks to everyone who helped make the classical music concert in Cookshire on June 17 so successful. That includes, of course, the Trinity United Church, which hosted the concert for the 15th year in a row.
CHURCHES
United. On July 9, the Sunday service is in Bishopton, followed by a Strawberry Social. on July 16, it’s in Cookshire, and this is the week of the Vacation Bible School, too. On July 23, the service is in East Clifton, and on July 30, it is in Cookshire. On August 6, the Service is in Brookbury, followed by a potluck lunch at the Brookbury Hall. Info: 819-889-2838 (listen to message).
Baptist. In Sawyerville, the Sunday worship service is at 9 a.m. in French, and 11 a.m. in English. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. in English and French. Info: 819-239-8818.
Anglican. On Sunday July 9, the service is at St. John’s Church in Brookbury, and on July 16, it’s at St. Peter’s Church in Cookshire. On July 23, the service is at St. Paul’s Church in Bury, and on July 30 is a special Deanery service at the St. John’s Church in Brookbury, celebrating the 175th anniversary of this church. On August 6, the service is at St. Peter’s Church in Cookshire, along with the Fraser Family Reunion. All services are at 10:30 a.m. Info: 819-887-6802.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email ra.writes@gmail.com by July 17 for publication August 9 and by August 14 for August 23.