Hello everyone,
At long last! A much overdue letter to the members of Potton Heritage Association, whom I feel I have personally neglected for some time … apologies to you – but c’est la vie what with juggling a private life with other commitments…!
As I write this, the sun shines brilliantly – spring is draping our landscape with the fragrant blossoms of spring! The season of hope and awakening – so welcome after the white mantle of the never-ending winter!
Our Annual General Meeting took place on March 24th with an attendance of 44 persons. It was good to see everyone. Detailed minutes of the 24th Annual meeting are available on our websites, so I’ll spare you any repetition, other than to say that it was, in my opinion, a very productive AGM. An excellent discussion resulted from a question posed early in the meeting « How do we assure the continuity of our association? » As usual, different points of view were raised, which is why I think I quite like listening to you! Those expressed by Claude Bouffard and Michael Head have given me both food for thought and optimism. Several others spoke of children and of how we, the grey haired set, might share our knowledge of history, heritage and perhaps a little life with them. All good suggestions! I have approached Trish Wood in the Municipal office with some of the ideas that were advanced. It is very possible that we will organize an excursion with the youngsters from the Day Camp, to enjoy an adventure together! I certainly hope this works out.
In April, I was asked by a teacher in Mansonville Elementary School if I would come talk for about 15 minutes to the children about the history of Potton and some of its people. I presented myself there at the appointed hour, armed with a few of our pamphlets and books. My allotted time expanded effortlessly to a full hour, and I was so heartened by their eager interest. That our children receive no local history as part of their curriculum in either school is appalling, in my opinion. At the teacher’s suggestion, I am currently working on an outline of Potton’s history that might be used in both schools. I intend to offer myself to École du Baluchon, although I am not as familiar with French Canadian family history in Potton. Because of it, I may have to enlist your aid.
Help, however, sometimes comes from the strangest sources! A serendipitous conversation with Denis Beaulieu, author of a brief review about our Round Barn published recently by La Tribune, has elicited some collaboration. Mr. Beaulieu is gathering, for eventual publication, the biographies of the sons and daughters of historical note from each of the Townships, including Potton. Within that framework, we have germinated an idea which may be very beneficial to our schools through capitalizing on the student’s family roots. A meeting is planned in the near future, after which I should have something concrete for our Board’s approval.
There is no shortage of Association projects, as you well know. Carol and Janine already have organized a varied activities and excursion schedule which should be most satisfying for all tastes. Keep track at www.pottonheritage.org.
For some time now Hans, ably assisted by Angèle, has been preparing an important exhibition sponsored by the Association. Hans, as you well know, gives heart and soul to causes he holds dear. Thankfully the heritage of our Township is one such cause! He has worked tirelessly to produce a timely and thought- provoking exhibition, entitled « Landscapes of Potton – our collective cultural heritage ». The pictures and texts of the exhibit are complemented by a brochure, the text of which Hans has prepared with help from our production team of Jean-Louis, Serge, Jacqueline and I. Serge has transformed our work with his usual taste and elegance. I know you will be as proud as we are when you see the finished product.
Thanks to the several who helped with freshening up the Barn itself. Nature’s decorations, dropped with abandon over many years, have disappeared! Stain and varnish have spruced-up the interior immeasurably – thanks to your determined elbow grease. Everything will be ready for opening day on Saturday, June 21st. Please be sure to include a visit to the Round Barn in your summer schedule. (Every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, from 10 a.m. until noon. The exhibition will be open until October 12, 2014 and I know you will enjoy it. The perspectives presented are thought provoking.
The natural beauty that surrounds is captivating and inspiring – in such abundance that we often take it for granted. Mother Nature is unrelenting. She goes about her efforts, insistently and unnoticed, until one day a distinct change becomes obvious. It is the economic imperatives of man that are more insistent and of a greater impact on our landscapes.
Promotion of the natural beauty of both our lake and mountains began in earnest in the 1850’s and has not ceased since. Discovered by the adventurous traveller, and followed by the well-heeled Victorian of sufficient means and leisure to build estates on rich farmlands. In the grand scheme, how little things have changed!
Farmers, who are the backbone of any rural community’s landscape, still abandon their vocation for many different reasons : Advancing age, lack of profitability, regulatory imperatives, taxation, and attractive offers from potential buyers are but a few. Properties then change hands for speculative or investment purposes, and priorities inevitably change. Grand and grander homes proliferate. Tax bases increase, and so too, an incumbent need for services. Enjoyed by all – though railed against by some! And the cycle is without end as demand and the desirability of our region brings different perspectives on land use and a new generation of settler to our midst.
Change of any description requires adaptation, accommodation and compromise – sometimes altering our comfort level. As pressures to develop Potton continue to mount, we will struggle to reassure ourselves of our relevance as a community in flux on several levels : demographically, linguistically, and economically. Potton Heritage Association has an important role to play in this environment. Our role is to protect our heritage, make it understood and appreciated. You’re aware that often ours is the first community group that the newcomer to Potton joins, and I’m aware that pride in where we have chosen to live can be infectious! It is a matter of continuing to do what we do well!
Speaking of economics my friends, I must remind you that it is again time to renew your membership fees for 2014, if you have not already done so. $25.00 per individual membership or $35.00 per couple. Your financial support is essential for us to continue with our objectives.
I’ll give a little advance warning as well that the Association will collaborate with the GBMP in another fund raiser for the Round Barn this year, the details of which will be sent later. What is being considered should be well appreciated!
And with this bit of news, I must be on my way. At some point in the not too distant future, I will write again! And remember, I always like to hear from you, too!
With kindest best regards
Sandra Jewett, May 2014
P.S. If you haven’t already done so…don’t forget to pick up your copy of Histoire Potton History. Some copies of our first three editions are still available on a first-come-first-served basis. For only $10.00 you’ll find interesting reading for all tastes. You won’t be disappointed.