1996 - 1997
A GET-TOGETHER FOR THE PERRONS OF PORTNEUF (2 June 1996)
The very first regional get-together in the life of our Association took place on June 2nd 1996. Indeed, Jeannine Perron organized a brunch in the Portneuf region. More than 260 people accepted her invitation at the Petit Prince restaurant in Saint-Marc-des-Carrières, "la capitale de la pierre". A very good choice since the name "Perron" comes from the word "pierre" or stone.After Jeannine welcomed her guests, Joachim Perron gave us the history of the Perron families of Portneuf, from their French roots to the 18th century. After the coffee-break, Claude-G. Perron talked about the Association (objectives, activities, projects, etc.). He also enumerated the Association's achievements of the past five years.
Following a delicious brunch, the Perrons of Portneuf paid tribute to two of their own: Gaston and Roméo Perron. Gaston, owner of furniture store Perron Meubles Sélection, has been "furnishing" the region for the last forty years. As for Roméo, former owner of Auberge de La Chevrotière, he spent a great part of his life and joy to the region and as Jeannine said so well: "Roméo is our source of happiness".
GATHERING IN ISLE-AUX-COUDRES (17 and 18 August 1996)
This year the Perron's annual gathering took place at the Voitures d'Eau of Isle-aux-Coudres, 17 and 18 August, under the presidency of Mayor Jean-Claude Perron. More than 300 guests from both Canada and the United States showed up to meet other Perrons ans share many happy moments on that beautiful island.Activities
A table has been set up for the sale of videocassettes of the Perron's trip to France. Two albums of photos prepared by Guy Perron recalled past events as well as the "Back to our roots" trip. While some toured the island by bus or on bikes, others chose to walk or shop at the local arts and craft boutiques or visit Les Voitures d'Eau Museum.
Our Mass of Thanksgiving
The Perrons gathered in the church of Saint-Louis parish for the mass celebrated jointly by Father Racine, the parish priest, and Father Renaud Perron. A special prayer gave hommage to Reverend Joseph Octave Perron, a priest born in Isle-aux-Coudres who spent most of his ministery on the northern shore of the Saint-Lawrence and came back to the island where he died in 1880. Amongst the offerings taken to the altar was a carving of our family crest made by Jean-Claude Perron.
À la table du capitaine
After church all guests gathered on "Pointe à Antoine", opposite the hotel, where a cocktail was served. Then it was time to share more friendship and fun over a delicious meal during which tribute was paid to those who celebrated 50 years of married or religious life. The Association also launched the video of the 1995 trip to France.
Special tribute was offered to Captain Éloi Perron who was granted an honorary membership in the association. In her address, Josianne, the captain's grand-daughter, enumerated the numerous activities and achievements of his long working life. Still full of spirit, Mr. Perron added a few jokes to his speech and, joined by his wife, sang some old melodies for our entertainment.
The Perrons were entertained by a group of young people who, dressed in colourful costumes of the past, danced to the sound of the lively accordion. Then it was the Perrons' turn to dance, but not before our vice-president, paid tribute to Claude-G. Perron in the name of the Association and thanked him for having served with such dedication since the beginning and during his last mandate as president.
Annual General Assembly
On Sunady morning, more than one hundred members attended the annual general assembly. After the usual reports, elections took place to fill five positions.
Unveiling a plaque
Mayor Jean-Claude Perron and Captain Éloi Perron unveiled a plaque in hommage to Antoine and Alexis, first Perrons to settled on Isle-aux-Coudres. The plaque is on "Pointe à Antoine".
After a few words from the new president, everyone filed into the dining room for a final brunch together, a time to chat with parents, friends and cousins.
GET-TOGETHER IN OUTAOUAIS REGION (20 October 1996)
Under our former president's clever initiative, Claude-G. Perron, we had the great pleasure to attend a brunch-lecture, held 20 October 1996, a very first for the Association des familles Perron. It was the second regional get-together of the year. Eighty people accepted Normand Perron's invitation at the Rendez-vous du Dôme, in Hull.Our host, Normand, welcomed the crowd after which Cécile Perron, our new president, introduced the Association to the Perrons of the region ans spoke of its objectives and the various events organized by the Association in the past five years. Afterwards, Michel Perron talked of his present work in gathering data to build our family tree and emphasozed the importance of preserving the family patrimony. After the usual speeches, the Perrons savoured a delicious brunch during which they exchanged information and developed new friendships.
Then came the focal point of this event, our guest' lecture, Mr Daniel Turcotte. He transported us in the past and helped us imagine the life of our ancestors in the 17th and 18th century. Amongst other things we learned that bread was the common staple at the time, and that bakers such as Germain and Pierre Dugrenier, grandfather and father to ancestor Joseph Dugrenier dit Perron, were essential. We also learned about trading between France, the West Indies and New France, made possible by sea merchants such as François Peron, father to ancestor Daniel Perron dit Suire. We were reminded of sad events such as the Fronde, the Siege of La Rochelle, wars of religion, and their repercussions.