Les mots sont insuffisants pour exprimer ce que j'ai ressenti quand j'ai appris la nouvelle... j'ai vu des ruines devant mes yeux ... les rideaux de ma mère étaient en lambeaux..... Alexandre avait 7 ans et 6 mois.
photo prise chez Simonne et Roméo à Montréal le 25 d.cembre 1965
This area was first settled by United Empire Loyalists. The development of this area was encouraged by Sir John Johnson, a wealthy landowner loyal to Britain, who was forced to abandon his land holdings in New York State during the American Revolution. Johnson built a house in Williamstown near the end of the 18th century, The Manor House, which is now a Canadian National Historic Site. A grist mill and saw mill, now gone, were also built on the same location. Williamstown also contains the oldest log house in Ontario which was built in 1784. Occupants over the years have included the Reverend John Bethune, the great great grandfather of Doctor Norman Bethune, and David Thompson, Canadian explorer. The social atmosphere of Williamstown and surrounding area was enhanced by subsequent owners. They included: Murdoch McLennan, a businessman, and farmer; his nephew Col. D. M. Robertson Q.C.; and Mr. and Mrs. Lionel Devaux, thoroughbred horse breeders and trainers. In 1938 the Manor House and farmlands were sold to Lionel A. Devaux , a retired Montreal businessman. Devaux raised and trained thoroughbred race horses in the stables which were destroyed by fire in 1954.The Sir John Johnson House was declared a place of national historic significance in 1961 by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. It was acquired by Parks Canada in 1971 and became part of a national system of parks and historic sites. Currently the east wing houses the Williamstown Library.
Je suis vraiment impressionnée d'avoir séjournée dans un manoir devenu monument historique, ça ne me rajeunie pas!