2008 - 2009
GATHERING IN SAINT-GEORGES (9 and 10 AUGUST 2008)
2008: A Gathering filled with the delicious flavours of Beauce
In collaboration: Yolande (111), Cécile (129), Liliane (132), Raynold (304) and Normand (838)
Early Saturday morning, the welcoming party were getting ready at their post while board members prepared the AFPA table that would display promotional articles, books and other objects to be offered to interested participants.
As early as 8:30 Éric and Geneviève were handing out folders to the participants. Standing nearby, Louise, Martin, Nicole, Marc-André and Mario cordially directed them to the main hall. There, members could have their Perron-passports stamped; renew their membership and get their copy of Michel Perron’s autobiography. Old acquaintances happily mingled and talked before taking their seats. At the front, near the speakers’ stand, a screen, computer and projector were hinting at the presentation that soon would take place on the Perron families of Beauce.
Mme Suzanne Perron, head of the organizing committee, welcomed the crowd and introduced Manon, president of the Association. Mayor Roger Carette followed and told us all about the charms of his city, the joviality and generosity of its citizens and their natural talent as ‘patenteux’ (inventors) creating their own designs; adding that the future of St.George is assured thanks to the know-how in business of their talented young people. M. Claude Morin, deputy of Beauce South, gave us a good description of what Beauce really is and of the immense wealth it represents.
The Perrons of Beauce
Then came the moment that all were keenly awaiting, Pierre’s conference on the Perrons who settled in Beauce. Pierre first spoke of Joseph Dugrenier’s birthplace, Rouen, France, and showed pictures of that city including a few photos that were taken in 1995, during the Perron trip to the land of their ancestors. We saw ‘rue Martainville’, the street where the bakery owned by Joseph’s father once stood. Then we learned about Joseph’s story; his arrival in New Beauce at the time of the feudal system, his marriage in St. Joseph and the eleven children that he and his wife would have. The audience chuckled when Pierre related a situation involving the curate of the parish, a kind of mini-scandal at the time, that had led Joseph Dugrenier to write to Mgr Briand in Quebec City.
One generation after the other, the story unrolled down to Pierre’s family who resided in St.George. Of course, a bit of history of that city had to be told; the great flood of 1896, the arrival of young Polish women in the 1950s to work at the Dionne Spinning Mill due to a lack of local workers, the building of Sartigan dam in 1967. We learned as well that the region has known its own ‘Klondike’, and that in 1843 a gold nugget was found in the river at Saint-Simon-les-Mines, thus the name of the village.
Then Pierre switched to the Perrons who made it in business, such as photographer and jeweller Alfred Perron, a Suire descendant, who was the first Perron to settle in St.George. Others made it in politics: Gérard Perron at the time of the Social Credit Party; Joseph Émile Perron who was deputy at the National Assembly from 1937 to 39; and Daniel Perron, who is presently mayor of Saint-Séverin. Daniel is a cousin of Michel’s (152). Some Perrons were also involved in municipal politics such as Jean, Suzanne’s nephew. After Pierre’s presentation, Suzanne spoke about her father, Émile, who with his family arrived in St.George in January 1936. Then Michel (284) talked about his grandfather’s family.
Guided Tour
At 13:30 under a cloudy sky, 45 participants boarded the bus for a discovery tour of St.George and surroundings. First a ride on the heights of the east side introduced us to the students’ residences, the CEGEP (housed in the former seminary), CIMIC; then to the industrial sector regrouping well-known businesses such as Bois Franc, Procycle, Kennebec, Manac, Canam. Our guide informed us that for the last 12 years, Beauce has hosted a Woodstock music festival. Some pun lovers instead of saying Woodstock en Beauce, jokingly call it Woodstock en bouette (local slang for boue) referring to the mud that quickly appears on the grounds when it rains. We made a short stop near the covered bridge at Notre-Dame-des-Pins, the longest in Québec and, ‘Why did they build covered bridges?’ asked the guide. Of course, Yvon came with the right answer but someone else added: ‘So lovers could hide’. Close by we could see one of the numerous cycling paths, Le Sentier des Jarrets noirs (roughly translated Path of the Black Legs) again in reference to the appellation given so many years ago to the Beauce people who had to travel through many a muddy terrain. Only cyclists and pedestrians are allowed crossing there and a sign warns not to jog on the bridge. On the other side of the river the path leads to a park (Park of the Seven Falls) which has been superbly developed since the days when a day camp was held there. The guide continued narrating the history as we drove on: Rapides du
Diable (Devil’s Falls), the Seigniorial Domain, the inflatable dam, the foot-bridges, and the equestrian statue of St. George slaying the dragon, sculpted by the renowned Louis Jobin. The original statue that used to stand before the church has been moved inside the Marie-Fitzbach Cultural Center and replaced by a replica. During the tour the Perron tourists could admire many impressive views on both sides of the river; they drove by ‘La Roche d’Or’ a five-star camping ground located near the river where a few gold nuggets had been found; they stopped and shopped at Créativités Beauceronnes, a crafts boutique displaying quilts, knits, ceramic objects. Our last visit consisted of a guided tour of St.George’s Church, «magnificent treasure of architectural design» as described in a historical booklet produced by the parish. Upon leaving, several Perrons recorded their appreciation in the visitors’ book and signed it. The guided tour of the church had taken place between two wedding ceremonies.
Mass of Gratitude
Back at the hotel, participants had plenty of time to get ready for the Perron mass that would be celebrated in St.George’s Church. Mass has become a tradition ever since the first Perron gathering in 1992. Our prayers of gratitude are dedicated to the ancestors who worked hard and faced much hardship in order to pass on to us the rich heritage that we enjoy. As the celebrating priests Évariste and Raymond Perron, servers Yves Maheux and Jeanne Faucher, and bible bearer Gaston Cimon advanced in the central aisle, Suzanne read words of welcome to the congregation. Lectors were Gaston Cimon, Richard Perron and Manon Perron. Marc-André Perron, Martin and Jean-François Audet were assigned to the distribution of programs and the collection.
Before the blessing of the offerings, Cécile described those of the Association and, referring to our coat of arms, explained their symbolism. She invited the bearers to come in turn and present their gift to the celebrant. All bearers were descendants of the Perron branch that they were representing. The Perron offerings had been placed on a table with the Eucharistic bread and wine and Nicole handed them to the bearers. Jean-Claude came first with his sculpture of our coat of arms. On the right side of our blazon, the spike of wheat is a reminder that the Dugreniers were bakers by trade; representing that branch were Mme Blanche Perron-Drouin and M. David Perron who offered a sheaf of wheat from Rouen, the very birth place of Joseph Dugrenier. The tree (walnut) on the left side symbolizes the Desnoyers family; this branch was represented by Rheal who carried a bowl of nuts to the altar. The three waves at the base of the blazon symbolize the Suire branch and remind us that Daniel’s father was a ship owner. Honouring the Suire ancestor, Jeannine and Joachim carried a miniature sailboat to the altar. The bread and wine were carried by M. Simon Perron and Mme Nicole Nadeau. Organ music and singing provided by Mme Esther Bureau and violin music by her daughter, Mme Élisabeth Vachon, greatly pleased the participants and enhanced the solemnity of the ceremony. Thanks to Évariste and his committee, we enjoyed a very beautiful and most worthy celebration.
Social Evening
The Perrons started the evening sipping cocktails to the sounds of Nick’s accordion and Martial’s saxophone. Those local musicians who used to perform in the 60s in a band called Les Mélomanes (mad about music), softly played tunes of the good old days throughout supper.
Following a delicious meal came the time to render homage to various participants: first to Mme Rita Perron (285) and M. Marcel Thibaudeau who were celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary. Their daughter Louise introduced her parents and gave a brief account of their life. Manon, on behalf of the Association, invited Marie-Chantale Roy to present her grandmother with the traditional bouquet. Manon then offered the couple a certificate bearing the wishes of the Association.
The Association also recognized the merits of a young member, Justin Perron Théberge. Rhéal first introduced his grandson and talked of the difficulties Justin had encountered during his studies, and of his courageous decision to work harder and succeed, and indeed to prove his worth to that teacher who had doubted his capabilities. This shows that, no matter the situation, the encouragement provided by parents and grandparents will help a child find his future.
Tributes were paid to other Perrons living in Beauce; to Évariste for the numerous services he gave the Association, to Mme Alice Perron Cliche for her dedication in attending our yearly gatherings, and to Mme Blanche Perron-Drouin, the eldest Beauce native present. As well, Suzanne noted the presence of René and Dorothy, two long-time members who are proud to join us at each Perron gathering.
Tickets were sold during the evening for a draw, the prizes being a lovely oil painting ‘La cour à maman’ by artist Chantal Perron, and a sculpture of the Perron coat of arms by Jean-Claude. M. Michel Thibaudeau won the painting and the sculpture went to M. Gaétan Pelchat. Special honours were paid to Jean-Claude for his enduring contribution to the cause of AFPA. Numerous door prizes were also offered throughout the evening. Then it was dancing time.
It was a great evening. Our interest and pleasure lasted to the very end thanks to Suzanne’s and Gaston’s enthusiasm. Everything had been well planned and the committee deserves to be congratulated.
The last day already
Sunday morning members and spouses helped themselves to continental breakfast before attending the annual general meeting. The customary reports were followed by the election with Joachim presiding; he then introduced the new Board to the group. Perron members joined in a healthy discussion regarding the latest information on the FFSQ situation, proving that they indeed share the concerns of their Association. Without hesitation they made their ideas known and provided wise and pertinent advice. A tribute of gratitude was paid to Joachim, then all headed for the dining room.
The Perron gathering was drawing to a close but the organizing committee had one more surprise in store for us; a medley of music and songs ranging from classical to modern to country, performed by pianist Mario Bolduc, singer Margot and their son, Anthony, at the violin. This mini concert was as delightful as the lunch that followed. This year the usual brunch was replaced by a copious meal served at the tables. Dessert was a delicious maple syrup cake. Then it was time to say goodbye and head back home, having enjoyed yet another Perron gathering, a beautiful one that accentuated the music and talents of the Beauce region.
Our Commemorative Tree in St.Joseph
Last spring, the FFSQ gave all member family associations the opportunity to honour their ancestors in a special way, marking the 400th birthday of Quebec City. A tree dedicated to each pioneer would be planted in that community where he had settled. This was a cooperative project of the FFSQ and the Conseil de l’industrie forestière du Québec (Quebec Forest Industry).
To honour the Dugrenier ancestor of the Perron family, the Board naturally chose St.Joseph and commissioned Pierre to contact the authorities of that village. Pierre would also pick up the tree and be its guardian till planting time. Nothing but a maple tree could be more appropriate for a Beauce pioneer. It had been decided that the planting ceremony would take place at Park Roitelet after the annual gathering and members present at the general meeting were invited to attend.
Fourteen people of Suire and Dugrenier ancestry made the pilgrimage and Pierre had the honour of planting the tree. Following a few words by Manon, Évariste blessed the tree. He reminded us that however small our tree was, it would rely on its roots to draw nourishment from the soil and grow. It would at times bend with the winds but little by little would get the strength needed to resist whatever bad weather it might encounter. Évariste added that the family is much like a tree. From time to time a family must go back to its roots in order to renew its strength and accomplish its mission. He then praised the mission of the Perron family association for gathering its members year after year to pay homage to their ancestors.
Upon hearing such eloquent words, we felt that our little tree, which will be supported by a stake for many years, had already started to gain strength. Long live our maple tree in Beauce!
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