1994 - 1995
GATHERING IN MONT SAINTE-ANNE (1st to 3 July 1994)
For the very first time in its history, the Association des familles Perron d'Amérique held its annual gathering over a three-day period at the Hôtel-Château Mont Sainte-Anne. Close to 300 accepted the invitation. They came from all over North America: Quebec, Ontario, British-Columbia, Minnesota, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, Maine...Official Opening
Participants were invited to the summit of Mont Sainte-Anne for the offical opening. What scenery stretched below: the coast of Beaupré, the Saint-Lawrence and Ile d'Orléans filled everyone with awe. Before the opening speech of Guy Perron, president of the organizing committee, a cocktail was offered to the participants. The honorary president, Mr. Jean Perron from La Sarre, businessman and former president of Normick Perron inc., told the members of the organizing committee how impressed he was by the work they had put in toward that very successful event.
Exhibition
Documents were exhibited concerning François Peron's commercial activities as a merchant employer from La Rochelle. He was the father of Daniel Perron dit Suire. Those who visited the exhibition found out about the city of La Rochelle in the XVIIth century, as well as certain characteristics of Calvinism, a reform religion practiced by many at that time. Also available were copies of documents written in Old French.
Regional Kiosks
A room housed several kiosks exhibiting various documents and photographs on Perrons from the Beauce region under the very appropriate name: Le Grenier de la Beauce; from the Saguenay; from Minnesota; and on the Pérons who re-embraced Protestantism. The latter kiosk was entitled: "Un autre son de cloche".
Genealogical Charts
Michel Perron exhibited numerous charts and documents. Many admired the huge amount of research he has accomplished especially the data that he entered by computer. He was kept busy all week-end, assisted by Marie-Jeanne and her husband, Pierre-Paul Clairmont who brought along several volumes from their well-furnished library. The volumes were there for whoever wished to research their ancestry.
Historic Surprise
A historic play on the life of the ancestor Daniel Perron dit Suire was presented in the evening. One by one appeared on the stage, François Peron, Daniel Perron dit Suire, Louise Gargotin, his spouse, and Ursule Perron, his grand-daughter. How moving it was when François made his peace with his son, Daniel! And how charming was the voice of Louise Perron who played the role of Louise Gargotin! The organizing committee hired a local television crew to tape the play.
Mass of Thanksgiving
At nine o'clock on Saturday morning, more than 150 people attended the Annual general assembly during which Claude G. Perron was elected president.
At 13:00, people started to board the school busses awaiting them at the front door of the hotel for the trip to the church of Château-Richer. Daniel Perron dit Suire and Louise Gargotin stood inside the church welcoming their descendants. That beautiful young couple attracted many looks as no doubt did the first one, on 26 February 1664.
Mass was celebrated jointly by Father Marcel Perron, of Grand-Mère, and Father Renaud Perron, of Sherbrooke. This celebration was very special since along with the Catholic rites were included Protestant prayers in honour of our ancestor's faith. The homily was read by Odette Perron, Anglican priest from Montréal. The first reading was done by René Péron, of Sutton, and the second by Ronald-F. Eustice, of Savage (Minnesota).
Unveiling of the Commemorative Plaque
After the mass, participants moved on the ancestral land. Speeches were given by Mr. Michel Guimond, federal deputy for the riding of Beauport, Montmorency, Ile d'Orléans, and by Mr. Jocelyn Vézina, mayor of L'Ange-Gardien.
To the sound of the trumpet, Francine Perron, president of the Association, Guy Perron, president of the organizing committee, and Jean Perron, honorary president, proceeded to the unveiling of the plaque commemorating the 330th anniversary of the marriage of DANIEL PERRON dit SUIRE to LOUISE GARGOTIN. Father Renaud Perron blessed the monument. It is located at 6279, avenue Royale in L'Ange-Gardien.
The plaque read: "Daniel Perron dit Suire, 1638-1678. Born in La Rochelle. Lived in New-France from 1657 to 1659. Returned in 1662 as assistant to his father, François Peron, hiring merchant. Recanted Calvinism in 1663. Married in Château-Richer in 1664 to Louise Gargotin, from Thairé (Aunis). Settled on this land purchased at aunction and assigned to him in 1664 by the Counseil Souverain then in 1674 by decree of the Prévôté de Québec. L'Association des familles Perron d'Amérique inc. 2 July 1994.".
The Banquet
As invited by the organizing committee, many wore period costumes that evening, making the event a very colourful and attractive one. After savouring the "Perron Menu", participants had another treat in store: the beautiful voice of Renée Lamarche who performed some of the best known Quebec folk and popular songs.
This was a first for the Perrons who had to offer bets until the amount matched a number which was kept in a sealed envelope. The winner was presented with his prize by the artist herself, Mrs. Lina Perron-Bergeron. Once more, the Association paid tribute to couples celebrating 50 years or more of marriage. Nine couples were honoured this year with presentation of an honorary certificate and flowers.
During the evening, the President honoured one of the founding members of the Association, Guy Perron, secretary of the Association, and president of the organizing committee, by presenting him with an honorary membership in recognition of his perseverance and dedication toward the Association.
Evening entertainment was provided by the group "La Grande Chaîne". After several well-known traditional songs, the group got everyone in a swinging mood. The Perrons did not need to be asked twice to do the polka, the farandola or join in a quadrille or a square dance to the sound of the violin, guitar and accordion.
Launching of the Trip to France
More than 100 people met for the launching of our trip to France scheduled to take place September 8th to 23th 1995. Mrs. Yolande Poulin of Groupe Voyages Québec inc., accompanied by Cécile Perron and Guy Perron who are in charge of the trip committee, presented the itinerary point by point. Cécile explained the activities which will take place in Rouen, birthplace of the ancestor of the branch Dugrenier dit Perron, while Guy talked about those of La Rochelle where the father of Daniel Perron dit Suire was born.
The draw for the free trip "Laissez-passer pour une personne pour le voyage des familles Perron en France" took place during the following brunch. The winner: Mr. Normand Perron of Gatineau.
MARIUS-BARBEAU MUSEUM (15 October 1994)
On October 15, the plaque commemorating the 250th anniversary of the marriage of the ancestor Joseph Dugrenier dit Perron to Marie-Anne Jacques was officially presented to the Marius-Barbeau Museum in St-Joseph (Beauce) by the Association des familles Perron d'Amérique. The bronze plaque had been unveiled 15 August 1992 during the Beauce gathering of the Perron families.
Our secretary Cécile Perron, herself a descendant of Joseph and Marie-Anne, presented the plaque to Mrs. Johanne Lessard, director of the Museum. A guided tour of the Museum completed that pleasant afternoon. Close to 50 people attended the ceremony.