PLAMONDON, JOSEPH + MATHILDA GAUTHIER (2a)
part 2:
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"Anticipation and yet misgivings were involved in this major decision to leave their establied homes. Some precious household goods and personal belongings were sold or given away. Relatives and friends would be left behind. Dellamen daughter of Joseph Plamondon recalls, "We had a large home; an orchard with many fruits, lovely trees with blossoms, cows, horses and sheep, a large clay hill in which we would collect material to make little dishes and in the winter there was a snow covered hill which would be perfect for sleigh rides."
On May 7th, 1908. the families of Joseph, Philip, Evangéliste, Ferdinand, Plamondon, Francis Duperron, John Lamay. Joseph Harpe, Grégoire Bélanger, Isidore Gauthier, Olivier, Joseph and Evangéliste St-Jean and Denis Cagle, departed on the train for the seven day journey to Morinville,(AB)
Dellamen Plamondon, (daughter of Joseph) describes the journey: "The train rolled along and there was quite a crowd of young people. We enjoyed being in the same immigrant coach as dad played the violin and the accompaniment of good singers, guitars and accordions (players).
In the evening, we would recite the rosary, praying for a safe trip and asking God to protect our future.
At the Straits of Makinow (Makinaw?) the coach were all embarked on a huge ferry. William, Plamondon, a young man who was in charge of the children. took us to visit this immense boat. We became so intrigued in our tour that our parents became very worried, when we arrived only a few minutes before the train was ready to depart!
The days passed: all the young folks were getting restless, but kept up their laughter and music. At noon of the thirteenth, everyone cheered when the conductor called in a loud voice "Morinville."
We were met at the station by our relatives and friends who had been there since the previous year. It was a grand reunion for everyone.
The next day, the children registered at th Morinville School. Everyone was busy, the women folks were getting things placed in theie homes and the men started immediately to locate their needs for their upcoming adventurous trip.
On July 16th, 1908, the first caravan left Morinville in search of homesteads. The caravan consisted of eight teams of horses and four oxen. Most of the women and children went along, but some remained behind until their menfolk would erect the necessary accomodations.
Here follows is a letter written by Mme Joseph Plamondon:
Morinville, Alta, Canada August 4th, 1908
To Mrs. Mada Richard, Provement, Michinga, U.S.A.
Dear friends, Mr. Mada and sister-in-law.
Margaret, a few words to let you know we are all well and hope
you are the same. We are a little lonesome but the weather is fine.
Joe is gone with the rest. Well here is a postal that will give you
an idea how our crew were rigged up when they when on their
homesteads.
They brought all they need (ed) along with them,they are going
to build and make the prairie hay. Jos is starting up Isidore on his
homestead with all what he needs and then he will come back to get
us. They found a very nice place to live. Margaret to and see Isabel.
and she will show you the map we sent her.
Answer soon - From you sister
Mme Jos Plamondon
ref: taken from the Plamondon book.
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