1

Saint-André in winter
1900-1920
Saint-André de Kamouraska (Québec), Canada

Credits:
The Collection of the Musée régional de Kamouraska
The Desjardins Family Private Collection
Photographer: Éva Roy, known as Desjardins
N.A.C. P2005.204

2

After their marriage, Émilie and Charles settle down in Pointe-Sèche. Because of the diminishing population of the hamlet, Émilie is afraid she will find herself all alone in this somewhat sparsely settled area. She convinces her husband to move to her native village, Saint-André de Kamouraska.

3

The Church of Saint-André de Kamouraska
1900-1930
Saint-André de Kamouraska (Québec), Canada

Credits:
The Collection of the Musée régional de Kamouraska
The Desjardins Family Private Collection
Photographer: Unknown
N.A.C. P2005.197

4

One of the arguments Émilie invokes to persuade her husband to move to Saint-André is her piety. A devout person, she wants to be able to go to Mass regularly, which is not easy to do from their home in Pointe-Sèche. Moving would allow her to attend religious services more often.

5

A photo montage in honour of Charles-Alfred Roy, known as Desjardins (detail)
24 January 1926
Saint-André de Kamouraska (Québec), Canada

Credits:
The Collection of the Musée du Bas-Saint-Laurent
Photographs mounted in a frame by the sisters of the Convent of Saint-André
2001.04
The Collection of the Musée régional de Kamouraska

6

The family grows quickly. On October 5, 1868, Marie-Émilie is born. She will usually be referred to as Amélia, probably making a link with the name of her Uncle David's ship. Less than a year and a half later, on January 17, 1870, Joseph, the couple's only son, is born. In 1871, a terrible tragedy strikes the family. Little Elvina dies a few weeks after her birth. On April 16 of the following year, Émilie gives birth to Élisabeth. In 1874, the family expands with the arrival of Elmina. One year later, Alfredine arrives. On September 8, 1877, Marie-Léontine, usually referred to as Maria, begins her short existence. Émilie gives birth to her last child, Zoé-Éva in 1879.

7

Émilie Dumont and Charles-Alfred Roy, known as Desjardins, in front of a Christmas tree
Around 1900
Saint-André de Kamouraska (Québec), Canada

Credits:
The Collection of the Musée régional de Kamouraska
The Desjardins Family Private Collection
Photographer: Unknown
N.A.C. P2005.45

8

For Charles-Alfred Roy, known as Desjardins, his family will always be one of the pillars of his life. He instills in all the members of his family a strong, unifying clan spirit. Every year, and this will continue up until after his death, they all get together in the family home for special events (New Year's Day, marriages, summer vacation, etc.)

The Christmas season is the high point in the celebration of the family spirit in the Desjardins family. On New Year's Day, Charles-Alfred plays host to all his family and bestows the traditional blessing.

Throughout her life, Émilie will see to it that this feeling of family unity is nourished and carried on. She feels it is important for all of them to form a strong, unique group. She will therefore try to smoothe over any problems caused by her husband's fiery temperament.

9

Wading in the water
1900-1920
Saint-André de Kamouraska (Québec), Canada

Credits:
The Collection of the Musée régional de Kamouraska
The Desjardins Family Private Collection
Photographer: Éva Roy, known as Desjardins
N.A.C. P2005.187

10

Summer vacation at Saint-André
1910-1930
Saint-André de Kamouraska (Québec), Canada

Credits:
The Collection of the Musée régional de Kamouraska
The Desjardins Family Private Collection
Photographer: Éva Roy, known as Desjardins
N.A.C. P2005.199

11

Charles-Alfred Roy, known as Desjardins, and his family
Around 1891
Saint-André de Kamouraska (Québec), Canada

Credits:
The Hélène Fillion Martin Collection
Photographer: Unknown

12

Émilie Dumont with her granddaughter Carmelle Darisse
1909-1912
Saint-André de Kamouraska (Québec), Canada

Credits:
The Collection of the Musée régional de Kamouraska
The Desjardins Family Private Collection
Photographer: Éva Roy, known as Desjardins
N.A.C. P2005.61

13

Family picnic at Pointe-Sèche
Around 1910
Saint-Germain de Kamouraska (Québec), Canada

Credits:
The Collection of the Musée régional de Kamouraska
The Desjardins Family Private Collection
Photographer: Éva Roy, known as Desjardins
N.A.C. P.2005.181

14

The extended family is equally important to Charles-Alfred. One of its members, his brother Georges, will always be his right-hand man. This tall, jovial, very strong man will always stay near Charles-Alfred to serve him loyally. A jack of all trades, he will be what might be termed the bodyguard of his brother, but will also take on the role of protector of the members of his brother's family.