Jim mentioned how the LVM receives people from around the world and on Aug. 30 Bill and Rosi Wyman from Russell visited the museum site with Rosi’s parents Alfred and Gisela Koerkel. They were visiting from Germany and are pictured in the Forbes Memorial Reading Room. From the left: Bill Wyman, Rosi Wyman, Jim Brownell, Alfred Koerkel and Gisela Koerkel. Thompson Goddard Photo

LONG SAULT – On the outskirts of Long Sault lies Ault Park, home to the Lost Villages Museum. Picturesquely situated amidst trees and flowers are 10 historical buildings which have been relocated from surrounding townships and the Lost Villages of Eastern Ontario.

Six villages and three hamlets along the historic St. Lawrence River were flooded on Inundation Day July 1, 1958, as a result of the St. Lawrence Seaway and Hydro Electric Projects. Prior to this, canals had been built to facilitate shipping by bypassing the majestic and dangerous Long Sault Rapids.

Residents of Moulinette, Mille Roches, Wales, Woodlands, Dickinson’s Landing, Aultsville, Maple Grove, Santa Cruz, and Farran’s Point had been relocated, their buildings were either moved or destroyed, with their history and way of life changed forever. While the village of Iroquois was completely relocated north of its original location and a portion of Morrisburg expropriated, the names are still present, unlike those of the Lost Villages of Eastern Ontario whose names were lost.

One evening a group of people gathered around the kitchen table at Donald and Wilda Stuart’s home and discussed the importance of ensuring the villages lost in July 1958 were not lost to history. The Lost Villages Historical Society (LVHS) was formed in 1977 with Fran Laflamme serving as the first president. The table around which these dreamers sat and discussed the preservation of the history of these villages and hamlets is located in the Stuart House which is now part of the collection of buildings in Ault Park, home of the Lost Villages Museum.

LVHS President Jim Brownell, a resident of the Lost Village of Moulinette, explained that the first building in the museum’s Ault Park location was the MacLeod Log House which was moved from Cornwall Township in 1985. He mentioned his late brother John was on the LVHS executive at that time and led the restoration committee on this project. After receiving permission from the former Township of Cornwall for the use of Ault Park as a museum site this log house, built in the early 19th century was dismantled and reassembled in its present location.

Work on the creation of the Lost Villages Museum began in earnest in May 1992 and a few months later on August 10, 1992, the museum was opened by Beryl Morrison who was at that time the eldest member of the society. There are currently 11 buildings in Ault Park, which contain a treasure trove of artifacts, most of which were used in the lost villages and moved with families when relocated.

Jim explained the creation of the LVM has enabled people to find a “home” for the photos, paper records, documents and a large variety of memorabilia which provides people with the opportunity to see and appreciate a way of life which disappeared with the flooding.

While the museum and historical society are dedicated to ensuring the history of the local community is preserved, protected and promoted, the Manson-Lapierre General Store from Mille Roches serves as an onsite store. It is in this historic building people are able to peruse the many items available for sale such as memorabilia, gifts, artwork and books, promoting the work of local artisans, authors and artists.

The Forbes Memorial Reading Room is the archive of the LVHS, with Jim commenting that people are very generous in sharing their precious mementos. “It makes you feel you are doing the right thing” he said. One of the challenges faced by the museum was ensuring donations were able to be easily located when required. Jim mentioned that over a three-year period, the accessioning of donated photographs, documents and artifacts has been completed, making it easier to assist researchers searching for information on a specific subject. He continued that researchers are welcome, but it is advisable to make an appointment to ensure the best results are achieved.

The museum allows “visitors to experience of a quieter way of life” commented Jim, as people can enjoy a self-guided tour with assistance from the knowledgeable museum staff and volunteers. They are able to enjoy viewing the many artifacts located in the various buildings in a park setting, enjoy a quite moment at the beautiful Farran’s Park Pavilion or perhaps have a picnic lunch. Also in Ault Park is a memorial to Canadians in the American Civil War, the only one of its kind in this country, which was created as a result of a partnership with the Municipality of South Stormont and the Grays and Blues of Montreal.

The LVHS works closely with the staff and council of the Township of South Stormont, for which the membership is thankful. Jim continued that the municipality is very forward looking in its relationship with the organization, realizing the importance of ensuring the information of this important part of its history will be available for generations in the future. There is an economic spin-off provided to businesses in the local communities by visitors to the museum, as well.

In 2023 there were almost 14,000 visitors to the site, who either before or after visiting the LVM would have spent time in the municipality. Throughout the year there are many special events at Ault Park, organized by the LVHS and supported by members of the community. He noted that while there is a core of 25 regular volunteers at the museum, people from the community step in to help when needed for special events. Jim told of a person from Montreal who answered the call for volunteers to work at the site after the departure of summer student interpreters.

When asked for some advice to give to people looking to begin a business, he replied how one should “dream big, but understand that it may take some time to fulfill your dreams”, continuing how “Fran had a dream, and we have accomplished it quite successfully.”

 

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