July 1978, Saint-Eustache

You wake up to the smell of coffee and toast. Your parents must be having breakfast. You can be sure that as soon as you arrive at the table, they will have something to say about how late you’ve slept. The family may have moved to a new home, but no one has changed a bit. You stretch, tumble out of bed and head down the stairs.

Nice of you to grace us with your presence!

Says your dad.

Right on cue.

The local newspaper is open on the kitchen table, and one of the headlines jumps out at you:

THE GREAT MERGER BETWEEN THE PARISH AND THE VILLAGE OF SAINT-EUSTACHE: SIX YEARS LATER

More than one Saint-Eustache? As you drink your orange juice, you learn that the City of Saint-Eustache as you know it only goes back to 1972. Before that, there were a parish and a village, which were separate. In the article, you notice that they have printed a copy of the original announcement of the merger.

The notice is framed and signed by the clerk of the City of Saint-Eustache, Henri Hemond.

Public announcement of the merger, 1971

Even though the merger went smoothly, the article explains that there is still a certain rivalry between people from the two areas. In an interview, Guy Bélisle, the mayor of the city since 1972, explains that a number of initiatives have been put implemented in view of bringing all the residents of Saint-Eustache together, including the Fêtes du Vieux Saint-Eustache.

Coincidentally, on the opposite page of the paper is a huge ad for the event. You have no idea what it is, but you’re definitely not going to miss an opportunity to party, especially when it’s so close to home.

You read:

To celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Fêtes, the Old Saint-Eustache neighbourhood will be decking itself out in all its finery. From August 5 to 12, come and discover the dances, tales, and traditions of yesteryear. Come and learn about our history, meet your neighbours, and let’s celebrate together! The week will end with a big old-time veillée – an evening of entertainment throughout the neighbourhood and a fireworks show that’s not to be missed!

An illustration of a group of men playing music and paddling a red canoe that is flying over a village at night. Above the village church is the full moon. At the top of the illustration are the words: “Les Fêtes du Vieux Saint-Eustache du 5 au 12 août” (“from August 5 to 12”) .

Poster for the Fêtes du Vieux Saint-Eustache, 1978

The paper’s photographer describes his first time at the Fêtes.

A photograph, edited to look like a comic strip, of Sylvain H. Boileau leaning on a low wall to look at a brochure.

Sylvain H. Boileau, photographer for the local newspapers, 1977

Discovering the Fêtes by Sylvain H. Boileau. Listen to the audio excerpt in French, the written transcription is available in English.

Dances, tales, traditions, veillée… they sound like words your grandpa would use. Maybe he can tell you more about it.

Celebrating in the Old Days