“All aboard! The train arrives at the Bury Station at twelve noon Saturday December 1st!” Although that may not actually be the case any more, some still remember the glory days of riding the rails in Quebec.
December 1st is the date to discover the History of Transportation in the Haut-Saint-François, at a bilingual public conference presented by the Bury Historical and Heritage Society and The Eaton Corner Museum in cooperation with other local partners.
A variety of exhibits and speakers are planned. Éric Graillon, archeologist at the Museum of Nature and Sciences of Sherbrooke will speak about the prehistoric movements of the aboriginal inhabitants of the Eastern Townships. Steve Cameron has some “Surprises of the Craig and Gosford roads” to share, from the early 1800s.
Alain Coulombe will give a presentation on the “Covered Bridges” of the region. Jean-Claude Vézina will discuss the challenges of accessing the eastern parts of the Townships, and Yves Bibeau will bring us up to date on trucking.
A short film by Emily Sylvester about the Grand Trunk Railroad will be shown. Danny Bousquet and others will share old photographs, maps and displays of transportation-related artifacts. Three door prizes will be awarded, and one lucky attendee will win an original painting by the noted local artist, Denis Palmer.
“We are presenting this bilingual, public conference as a community service to encourage young people, children and students of all ages to learn about our past and how we got to where we are now,” said John Mackley, conference organizer. “We invite all ages to come see, touch and experience our past and what it took to get ourselves and the things we needed to where they needed to be.”
The doors will be open from noon to 6 p.m., and the conference begins promptly at 1 p.m. Tickets are available now and at the door. Space is limited. A $10 voluntary donation is suggested. Children are welcome for free. Refreshments will be served. For tickets, contact John Mackley at 819-578-2301 or iones.unaean@gmail.com.