Memorial
Plaque
As soon as he was back from France in 1992, after spending an entire day
at the Departmental Archives in Angers, going through the records of Aubigné-Briand,
Albert Cholette got in touch rapidly with Father Gérard Lebel, editor of La
Revue de Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré to inform him of his latest genealogical
findings.
Since Father Lebel was in the process of publishing a 2nd
printing of volume No 10 of the series Nos Ancêtres, he decided to
include the new findings. They are to be found on pages 50 to 59 of this new
edition published in 1993.
The years went by without any special happening until Saturday, August 12th
2000, when Albert Cholette was agreeably surprised by the unexpected visit at
his home of Philippe Lamy, the mayor of Aubigné-sur-Layon who was accompanied
by his wife Madeleine and his son Guillaume. Philippe Lamy knew of course that a
former citizen of his small community, Sébastien Cholet, had left for Canada
three centuries earlier and had numerous descendants there. He wanted to be
better informed.
After the first few casual exchanges on this beautiful Summer day, the
conversation soon shifted to the history of this Aubignese citizen who had
chosen to seek adventure in Canada. He whose origins had remained unknown for
almost three centuries had suddenly become the subject or the story of a
child lost and found. Aubigné-sur-Layon wanted to know more about its
former citizen and about his life in Canada.
The various subjects of conversation soon led to a tangible way of
remembering his past in his former community. Among others, the idea of a
memorial plaque dedicated to Sébastien Cholet was soon agreed upon.
It could be unveiled on a special occasion such as the one which was then
soon approaching. Indeed, each year since 1994, a large regional Feast is held
on the last Sunday in August which draws large crowds from the surrounding
country. It is the Feast of the Patrimony or Heritage, and of wine, of art in
music and of gastronomy. The organizers of that Feast could be approached so as
to include in the program for 2001 the unveiling of a memorial plaque dedicated
to Sébastien Cholet.
After having discussed several other subjects, Philippe Lamy repeated
before leaving that he was going to do all he could to ensure that a memorial
plaque be unveiled on Sunday, August 26th 2001. Upon his return home
he submitted the project to the persons involved who received it favourably.
Philippe Lamy was thus able to inform Albert Cholette in his letter dated
November 19th 2001 of his successful intervention. Here are some
extracts :
“ … I must acknowledge that recalling the memory of your ancestor Sébastien
Cholet, a child of the community of Aubigné, was a subject of deep emotion.
… the inhabitants who are passionately attached to their architectural
patrimony are putting in place the basic elements of the next Feast of the
Patrimony, of the Art and of Wine in Music which takes place every year on the
last Sunday in August. The next one
will take place on Sunday, August 26th 2001. It is very important for
the inhabitants of the community. The Feast is also greatly appreciated by a
great number of Angevines and numerous foreign tourists who stay in the region
(6000 visitors in the year 2000).
Why these different details ? Because I think of proposing that you
participate in the Feast for 2001. You could be the guest of honour. As part of
the Feast, a memorial ceremony could be organized in remembrance of mister Sébastien
Cholet. More generally you could head a Quebec delegation comprising Friends,
Musicians, Singers, Artists … this delegation would represent different facets
of Quebec culture
Albert
Cholette, who had long been dreaming of a way of perpetuating the
souvenir of his ancestor in Aubigné-sur-Layon, was very pleased to learn that
such an occasion presented itself that would actually achieve the desired goal
in a very noticeable way. In his reply to Philippe Lamy, dated November 28th
2000, he rejoiced that a ceremony was to take place whereby a memorial plaque
dedicated to Sébastien Cholet would be unveiled. The proposal went along very
well so that Philippe Lamy, after the fever of the municipal elections
where he was re-elected without hesitation, could write in his letter of April
16th 2001 :
“ … Henceforth we can devote our time to the preparation of the
coming Feast of the Patrimony, of the Art, and of Wine in Music. We are pleased
to confirm that you are the guest of honour.
The inaugural ceremony which is to take place on Saturday afternoon
August 25th or on Sunday morning, August 26th (decision
pending) will be devoted essentially to recalling the memory of Sébastien
Cholet and the unveiling of a memorial plaque.
As soon as possible, would you please give us the following information :
-
The
history of Sébastien Cholet and the inscription which is to appear on the
memorial plaque
-
the
date of your arrival and the length of your visit
-
the
number of people accompanying you
-
do
you wish to stay with a family or at the hotel ?
Within
the scope of the Feast we wish to put Quebec in evidence and some of its
cultural aspects … “
In his letter of April 28th 2001, Albert Cholette answered
that he was pleased with the arrangements as planned. While confirming his
presence at the ceremony, he submitted at the same time an outline of the text
which might appear on the memorial plaque. Philippe Lamy further wrote on June 8th
:
“I have learned with great satisfaction that you were coming to Aubigné-sur-Layon
for the purpose … Obviously, I transmitted this important information to all
the members of the Association AUBIGNÉ LAYON --- LAND OF REMEMBRANCE,
who organize this splendid manifestation. All of them, more particularly Claude
Bourron, the President, rejoice as I do at the idea of welcoming you in the
village of your ancestor … The inscription you suggest for the memorial plaque
seems excellent to me. With your agreement it could be possible to specify in
addition the date on which the plaque was unveiled by yourself”.
Philippe Lamy took charge of the preparation of the memorial plaque which
was cast at the Art Foundry “ La
Médusine “ in Vouvant en Vendée. On the other hand, the president Claude
Bourron and the wine-grower Jean-Paul Cochard went to Faveraye-Machelles, at the
chateau Chant d’Oiseau (Bird Song), and met mister Pierre de Saint-Pern,
owner of the farm known as “Les Chollets”. Their purpose was to
obtain his permission to fix the memorial plaque on the wall of his property
“Les Chollets” in Aubigné-sur-Layon. His authorization, dated August 17th
2001 reads as follows :
“I undersigned Pierre de Saint-Pern, owner of the farm known as Les
Chollets located in the commune of Aubigné sur Layon (formerly Aubigné-Briand),
authorize Mister Albert CHOLETTE, quebecer, a descendant of Mister Sébastien
Cholet born on March seventh, of the year one thousand six hundred and seventy
seven, in Aubigné Briand at the place known as Les Chollets, son of Sébastien
Cholet and of Perrine Hylaire, who arrived in Canada in the year one thousand
seven hundred and two, to affix, in the name of the numerous descendants of this
ancestor now living in the New World, a memorial plaque on the outside wall of
the property at the corner of the road going to Machelles”.
All was ready for the great manifestation which took place over a period
of four days. Albert Cholette was gratified all along, finding himself at the
very heart of all the manifestations as president of honour. He was greeted on
his arrival by the TGV at Angers, on Friday noon the 24th, by
Philippe Lamy who took him to the Prieuré (former monastery) in Aubigné where
he was graciously sheltered throughout his stay by the owners Claude Bourron and
his wife Catherine.
A gastronomic dinner had been planned for the opening of the Feast of the
Patrimony, on the evening of Friday the 24th. The menu carried the
following introduction :
Mister
Mayor, the Municipal Council,
the
members of the Association of the Patrimony
“Aubigné
sur Layon --- Land of Remembrance”
welcome
Mister
Albert Cholette
at
the Inn of Éventard
Article
which appeared in "Le Courrier de l'Ouest"
on
Saturday August 25th 2001
It was a memorable dinner, under the supervision of the renown Chef
Jean-Pierre Maussion, during which the president of the association of
wine-growers, Jean-Paul Cochard, presented to Albert Cholette three bottles of
the famous wine from Aubigné-sur-Layon, known as “Coteaux du Layon ---
Appellation Coteaux du Layon contrôlée”. Jean-Paul Cochard also presented
to Albert Cholette an imposing wooden sculpture of St. Vincent, the patron
saint of wine-growers. It was 50 cm high
and its size was such that it created logistic problems for its
transportation on the return trip !
On Saturday morning, August 25th, a ceremony took place at
the town hall, in the presence of numerous persons, whereby :
By
virtue of the deliberations
of
the Municipal Council of Aubigné sur Layon
on
July 16th 2001
Mister
Albert Cholette
is
named “HONORARY CITIZEN”
of
the Commune of Aubigné sur Layon
Article
which appeared in "Le Courrier de l'Ouest"
on
Sunday August 26th 2001
The
long-awaited event was naturally that scheduled for Sunday August 26th.
Aubigné-sur-Layon becomes on that occasion a commune where the streets are
reserved for pedestrians. In view of all the outside visitors coming from the
surrounding country, all the roads leading into the commune are closed at the
entrance. Large parking lots are available on the outside and the visitors get
free transportation to the centre of activities. The official invitation card
announcing the opening ceremony read as follows :
The
Mayor and the Municipal Council
The
President and the Members of the Association of the
Patrimony
“Aubigné sur Layon --- Land of Remembrance »
take
pleasure in inviting you to the opening ceremony
of
the Feast of the Patrimony, of Wine, of Art in Music
under
the presidency of
Mister
Albert CHOLETTE (Quebec)
Doctor
of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
representing
the CHOLETTE family from North America
whose
ancestor was born at Aubigné-Briand in 1677
in
the presence of
a
delegation from TZUZUKI-KU-JAPAN
and
of Mister Charles JOLIBOIS
Senator
President
of the Association of Mayors from Maine and Loire
10
h 30 : Reception and visit of the “Quebec Pavilion”
then
discovery of the iconographic works
of
Paolo BARONNI (XVIIIth c.)
Presentation
of the memorial plaque
dedicated
to Sébastien Cholet
Inauguration
of the Fountain of “Coteaux du Layon” wines
After the visit of the Quebec pavilion and of the paintings in
Saint-Denis church, it was with great emotion that Albert Cholette unveiled
the memorial plaque dedicated to his ancestor Sébastien Cholet, accompanied
by Mayor Philippe Lamy and by Claude Bourron, president of the Association of
the Patrimony. The plaque was unveiled on Sunday, August 26th, in
the Church Square and was moved the following day to the place known as “Les
Chollets”.
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SÉBASTIEN CHOLET
born on March 7th 1677 at Aubigné-Briand
son of Sébastien Cholet and of Perrine Hylaire
arrives in Canada in 1702.
On October 19th 1705, in Montreal, he marries
ANN HEARD
daughter of Benjamin Heard and of Elisabeth Roberts
captured in 1692 at Dover in New Hampshire
by a raid of Indians and Canadians
then brought back to Montreal as captive.
They are the ancestors of thousands of
CHOLETTE
in Canada and in the United-States
This plaque was offered and laid by
Mr. Albert Cholette on August 26th 2001
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Articles which appeared on August 27th 2001 in Le Courrier de l'Ouest published
in Angers (Maine and Loire) Saumur edition The memorial plaque was unveiled on
the Church Square on Sunday August 26th 2001 and moved the next day to be laid
permanently on a wall of the residence known as Les Chollets where Sébastien
Cholet was born and lived
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As president of honour, Albert Cholette was then invited to inaugurate the
Fountain of the 'Coteaux du Layon' wines which consisted in six large barrels
that were inter-connected. As he opened the faucet, the wine started flowing
into the large basin placed underneath. Not wanting to waste the precious
liquid, he closed the faucet just as quickly … but he heard … just as
quickly … "leave it open", which he did !
The visitors could buy for 20 francs a glass bearing the inscription
Aubigné sur Layon and for the modest sum of 15 francs they could drink all
the wine they wanted all day long. There were wine stations in the twelve
stands spread over the commune. Pastries and different local products were
also available.
The activities were to culminate on the following day, on Monday August
27th, when the memorial plaque was to be laid by Albert Cholette and Pierre de
Saint-Pern on a wall of the property known as "Les Chollets" in the
presence of numerous persons, of which historian Roger Gonnord, mayor Philippe
Lamy and Claude Bourron, president of the Association of the Patrimony.
As a last gesture, the organisers had planned the plantation of a grapevine
which Albert Cholette had the pleasure to perform in the company of two
wine-growers, of which Jean-Paul Cochard. This grapevine, together with the
memorial plaque, will recall the everlasting souvenir of Sébastien Cholet at
Aubigné.
Laying of the memorial plaque on Monday
August 27th 2001, by Albert Cholette and Pierre de Saint-Pern
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Historian Roger Gonnord, mayor Philippe Lamy, Albert Cholette, Pierre de Saint-
Pern, owner of the farm known as "Les Chollets", Roger Bourron,
president of the Feast of the Patrimony
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The memorial plaque was laid on the exterior wall of a building of the farm
known as "Les Chollets", at Aubigné-sur-Layon, on the road to
Machelles and Thouarcé, at the intersection of the small road toward Mihoudy on
the left.
Ceremony of the plantation of a small grapevine at the site of the memorial
plaque in the presence of two wine-growers, of which Jean-Paul Cochard who holds
the small grapevine in his hands
Needless
to say, Albert Cholette was very grateful to all those who participated in
different ways to ensure the success of this Feast. He is mostly thankful to
Philippe Lamy and Claude Bourron and to their spouses for their full devotion
in carrying out all the preparatory work and for the incredible reception they
reserved to their invited guest.
For Albert Cholette, it was the fulfilment of a
wonderful and beautiful dream.
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