Everything went like clockwork thanks to the excellent planning by the organizers who were well assisted by numerous volunteers. The hotel setting was perfect. Arriving participants were greeted by our banner which reminded all that indeed the Perrons were there.
In the morning, following the official opening and speeches of welcome, Rhéal, Pierre and Joachim presented some genealogical information on the three Perron ancestors - Desnoyers, Dugrenier and Suire. Each presentation briefly outlined the life of each ancestor.
The president of the Fédération des familles-souches québécoises, Mr. Évariste Normand, joined us to offer his congratulations to our Association and to pay tribute to all family associations in general, emphasizing the substantial role that these play in the preservation of our heritage. Then he presented our president with a medal of merit in praise of our Association for its achievements in the past ten years.
Then everyone filed into the large, hospitable room which had been set up for fraternizing and viewing various exhibits. All around, numerous boards filled with photographs and pictures related the history of the Association since its foundation. Other boards, prepared by Joachim, told, here the story of the ancestor Jean and his descendants, settlers of Portneuf; and there, a piece of history on the Deschambault Seigniory. The Perrons who migrated from Deschambault to Minnesota, nearly 150 years ago, were also represented at a stand manned by Ronald F. Eustice, a very active member from the United States, and a very precious link between the Quebec Perrons and our American cousins, especially those of Minnesota. Ron had joined us in celebrating our 10th anniversary and was at hand to comment on various pictures and documents he had gathered about those descendants. As usual, many participants surrounded Michel at the genealogist's stand. Others used the occasion to make a few purchases at the AFPA stand and admire the beautiful wood sculpture of our Coat of arms carved by Jean-Claude (547). A new promotional item was launched this year: cards bearing our Coat of arms that can be used for various occasions. A personalized certificate was also given to each participating member in honour of our 10th anniversary. In short, the exhibit room overflowed with activity.
In the afternoon: back to our roots
Happy participants were bused to Deschambault under blue skies and radiant sun. Volunteer guides described and commented on historic sites. On the way, we passed the Laval University experimental farm research center. We first stopped briefly in front of the beautiful grey stone house that once belonged to Jean, then we visited the impressive mills of Lachevrotière where the way of life at the times of the seigneurs is being revived. Deschambault's principal historic sites are located in the heart of the village which spreads along the Saint-Lawrence river: the Old Presbytary (1816), the Convent (1861), the Town hall (1872) and Saint-Joseph church (1835) which holds a significant amount of heritage religious art. The Perrons gathered at the church for mass after the visits. The officiating priest was Évariste Perron (98) assisted by Brother Richard Perron of Salem, Mass. All participants were given a prayer booklet that Jeannine, Joachim and Pierre had composed for the occasion. Jeannine also guided the congregation and parish choir in the singing of hymns.
Following mass, the crowd attended the unveiling of a commemorative plaque in honour of Jean. The unveiling was performed by Mrs. Alice Perron Cliche (274), who represented the descendants of Portneuf, Quebec, and by Ron Eustice, who represented those who had migrated to Minnesota. What memorable and moving moments! Everyone was even more pleased when the mayor of Deschambault, Mr. Jacques Bouillé, announced the creation of a memorial site named Jardin des Ancetres (Garden of the Ancestors) in Deschambault where ancestors of the region will be honoured. He added that the Perron plaque would be the first to be installed there upon completion of the project. Then, he handed Joachim a copy of the pertinent resolution voted by the town council.
Late afternoon, a cocktail was served in the park right on top of Cap Lauzon with its spectacular view. We would have gladly spent more time in such a charming place, but more activities awaited us in Quebec City.
That evening, as part of its 10th anniversary celebrations, the Association wished to formally recognize all volunteer work performed by past administrators with a certificate of merit. The certificates, printed on beautiful parchment-paper of the renowned St-Gilles papermakers in the Charlevoix region, were issued to each past administrator. As special hommage to the Association's founding members, the Board of administrators had also prepared a plaque in their honour, recognizing their commitment and contribution. The first president, Francine (2), received warm applause from the crowd. In the absence of the second president, Claude G. (5), his sister, Mrs. Hélène Perron-Palardy (311), accepted the plaque on his behalf. Two other founding members, Guy (3) and Robert (former member # 4), could not be there, and their plaques were to be sent to them.
Now and then during the fine banquet, several door prizes were given; beautiful arts and craft articles including a large wood sculpture of our Coat of arms carved by Jean-Claude. As in the past, we honoured members celebrating 50 years of marriage; this year, congratulations and best wishes went to Mr. Jules Perron (34) and his wife, Mrs. Irma Hosquet.
To end that very busy day, we were entertained by Gaetan Leclerc who performed songs from the repertory of his uncle Felix, that well-known Quebec poet and singer. Ah! the memories that his warm and charming voice brought back...
Sunday
Sunday morning, close to 100 people attended the general annual assembly which went briskly with the reading of usual reports, approval of committee activities and election of three new administrators. On behalf of the Association, the president once more offered his congratulations to the organizing committee composed of Joachim, Pierre, Jeannine and Louiselle, and thanked all who had helped in any way in planning and implementing this gathering. As this is the International Year of the Volunteers, he also praised all volunteers whose work has made our Association progress, and declared Mr. Rodrigue Guilbault (73) as Volunteer of the Year. Over the past ten years, Rodrigue has supplied us regularly with valuable news for our bulletin. Then, we were already talking about our next get-together. Marlene presented her project on the July 2002 gathering in Joliette, within the framework of festivities that the region organizes yearly to celebrate their history. In response to Ron's invitation of the day before, we discussed the possibility of organizing a trip to Minnesota in 2002 to celebrate 150 years of Perrons settling there. Finally, the traditional Sunday brunch, a pleasure to the finer palate, marked the end of the celebrations. Cheerful ambiance! Sweet moments spent in the company of cousins.