Sentimental Sunday: Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad

Photography by Jim Bruno, 13 November, 1965.

Treasure Chest Thursday: A L'Occasion des Noces d'or de M. et Mme J. A. Maille - 1881 - 1931

On the Occasion of the Golden Wedding of Mr. and Mrs J.A. Maille 

1881 - 1931

Earlier, during the summer, I had attempted to feature the 50th Anniversary of my maternal g-g-grandparent's, Joseph Adam Maille & Marie Amamda Prud'homme. Married at the Immaculate Conception rectory in Lowell, Massachusetts on 30 Jan., 1881, I had planned on featuring, in installments on Treasure Chest Thursday, a four page card that they received from their children in honor of that celebration. The card, as you can see below, is written in French and I had originally planned to feature 1 page a week for four weeks. Unfortunately, along the way I realized that my translation skills just were not up to par. Even with help from Google translate, all of the words just did not seem to make sense all the time.

Click images to enlarge

   Fortunately, while I was in the process of translating the card, I was contacted by my cousin Ron Maille via e-mail. Ron is actually my mother's 1st cousin, he is my 1st 1x removed. Anyway, while Ron and I were corresponding I mentioned the card and asked him if he could translate. Ron told me that he had been told that he spoke French before English when he was baby and that his French vocabulary skills were quite good at one time. But not worry, because he had a friend from his years in the Navy that was fluent in French and he would contact this friend for me.

Well, I thought that was just wonderful, and a few weeks later Ron wrote back and told me that his friend, Herman 'Frenchy' Ouellette in Florida, would help me out and that I should contact him. If you follow me on facebook you already know all about this, but for those who don't, I'll tell you. So, I contacted Herman and he was so nice. Willing to translate the card, I sent him 3 pages of the text. He told me to give him a few days and that he would be back in touch.. We corresponded a bit during the process and 5 days later I had the full translation and it's wonderful. It reads like fine poetry and I have to admit, with my poor translation skills, I never would have been able to do it any justice. In his final e-mail to me, Frenchy wrote, "..I enjoyed doing the translating and took great pleasure in reading this fine prose. No one writes like this nor in the Old French anymore."

I  am so grateful to Ron and Frenchy for the help they offered on this lil project of mine. I wouldn't have been able to do it and have it make sense with out their help. Thank-you both.

So with out further ado, I bring you Frenchy's translation:

January 1930


Dear Parents,


January 1931 brings to your children the incomparable happiness of celebrating the Golden Anniversary of your marriage.


The holidays are evocative:  Let us carry our thoughts back to 30 January 1881; the priest blesses a cutting of the ancestral oak, transplanted in the fertile soil of Lowell.


The young stem took root, grew strong, grew tall, and produced ten branches, of which, one, whose sap was so religious only found her corresponding ideal in the hothouse of the monastery.  Four detached themselves in turn from the Mother tree to multiply, for example, the field of the Master; four children, too weak to brave the storms, succumbed to the first Northwind; and to protect the trunk, weakened by so many losses, by the years of hard labor, consecrates to the training of these beloved limbs, by the shock of the years, there remains only one branch, but so strong, so solid, that is resists all the winds of storms, and stands upright, that stem, old woman of fifty years; she preserves the foundation and has affection for her cherished, tender foliage.


So this faithful branch keeps for us this Golden Relic, until the Diamond Wedding.


This is the wish to Heaven for you – Beloved parents.  From your Grateful children.

Beautiful, isn't it?

To read more about the 50th anniversary of Joseph and Marie Maille please see this previous blog post that features an article from the Lowell Sun which was published on 2 Jan., 1931.

Sentimental Sunday: Happy 298th Anniversary to Charles Chandonne et epouse Elisabeth-Isabelle Bourget

Charles Chandonne, son of Gatien and Marguerite Legeay, married Elisabeth-Isabelle Bourget, daughter of Pierre and Marie-Jean Viens, on this day, 13 June, 1712 at the parish of Notre-Dame-de-Quebec, Quebec..

According to my current research, Charles and Elisabeth had 13 children.

Descendancy Narrative of Charles Chandone (765)

I. Charles1 CHANDONE (765) was born at la paroisse de St-Calais, eveche du Mans, France (Sarthe). He was a Sergeant dans les troupes de ce pays in In 1712 he married Elisabeth-Isabelle BOURGET (766), daughter of Pierrre BOURGET (788) and Marie-Jean VIENS (789), on 13 Jun 1712 at la paroisse de Notre Dame, Quebec, Quebec, Quebec. He witnessed the baptism of Charles CHANDONE (771) on 12 Aug 1714 at la paroisse de Notre Dame, Quebec, Quebec, Quebec. He witnessed the burial of Charles CHANDONE (771) on 12 Aug 1714 at la paroisse de Notre Dame, Quebec, Quebec, Quebec. He witnessed the baptism of Marie-Marthe CHANDONE (772) on 15 Feb 1716 at la paroisse de Notre Dame, Quebec, Quebec, Quebec. He witnessed the marriage of Pierre LANCLU DIT LAPIERRE (768) and Marie-Charlotte CHANDONE (767) on 26 Aug 1730 at la paroisse de Notre Dame, Quebec, Quebec, Quebec. He died on 27 Jun 1756 at Quebec, Quebec. He was buried on 28 Jun 1756 at le cimetiere de la paroisse Notre Dame, Quebec, Quebec, Quebec.

A. Marie-Charlotte2 CHANDONE (767) was baptized on 9 Jun 1713 at la paroisse de Notre Dame, Quebec, Quebec, Quebec. She married Pierre LANCLU DIT LAPIERRE (768), son of Martin LANCLU (769) and Marie OVARD (770), on 26 Aug 1730 at la paroisse de Notre Dame, Quebec, Quebec, Quebec. She had 12 children. Marie Charlotte Chandone died 9 days after the birth of her last child. She died on 21 Mar 1750 at Quebec, Quebec, at age 36. She was buried on 22 Mar 1750 at le cimetiere de la paroisse Notre Dame, Quebec, Quebec, Quebec.

B. Charles2 CHANDONE (771) was born on 11 Aug 1714 at Quebec, Quebec. He was baptized on 12 Aug 1714 at la paroisse de Notre Dame, Quebec, Quebec, Quebec. He was buried on 12 Aug 1714 at la paroisse de Notre Dame, Quebec, Quebec, Quebec.

C. Marie-Marthe2 CHANDONE (772) was born on 11 Feb 1716 at Quebec,
Quebec. She was baptized on 15 Feb 1716 at la paroisse de Notre Dame,
Quebec, Quebec, Quebec. She married Etienne GLENE (773) on 24 Jul 1747
at la paroisse de Notre Dame, Quebec, Quebec, Quebec.

D. Charles2 CHANDONNE (732) was baptized on 3 Apr 1718 at la paroisse de Notre Dame, Quebec, Quebec, Quebec. He married Cecile GODIN DIT BELLEFEUILLE (733), daughter of Jacques Philippe GODIN DIT BELLEFEUILLE (754) and Marie-Anne BERGERON (755), before 1754 at Ste-Anne des Pays-Bas, Riviere St-Jean, Acadie. He was buried on 25 May 1792 at le cimetiere de la paroisse de St-Edouard, Gentilly, Nicolet, Quebec.

1. Charles3 CHANDONNE (741) was born circa 1754. He married Marie Louise BEAUDET (742), daughter of Jean-Baptiste BEAUDET (743) and Marie-Catherine LEMAY DIT POUDRIER (744), on 25 Aug 1783 at la paroisse de St-Pierre-les-Becquets, Nicolet, Quebec. He died on 18 Jul 1812 at Gentilly, Nicolet, Quebec. He was buried on 19 Jul 1812 at le cimetiere de la paroisse de St-Edouard, Gentilly, Nicolet, Quebec.

2. Pierre Ignace3 CHANDONE (738) was baptized on 7 Feb 1759 at la paroisse Notre-Dame, Quebec, Quebec, Quebec. He was born on 7 Feb 1759 at Quebec, Quebec. He was buried on 29 Jul 1773 at la paroisse de St-Pierre-les-Becquets, Nicolet, Quebec.

3. Agathe3 CHANDONNE (753) was born circa 1760. She married Louis Modeste MAILLOT (756) on 22 Jan 1788 at la paroisse de St-Edouard, Gentilly, Nicolet, Quebec. She died on 18 Mar 1806 at Deschaillons, Lotbiniere, Quebec. She was buried at age 47 on 20 Mar 1806 at le cimetiere de la paroisse St-Jean-Baptiste, Deschaillons, Lotbiniere, Quebec.

4. Alexis3 CHANDONNE (739) was baptized on 2 Jan 1761 at la paroisse de la Nativite-de-la-Bienheureuse-Vierge-Marie, Becancour, Nicolet, Quebec, His god-parents were Alexis Brubell and Jeane Carpentier dit Bailly. He was buried at age 16 months on 22 Apr 1762 at le
cimetiere de la Nativite-de-la-Bienheureuse-Vierge-Marie, Becancour, Nicolet, Quebec.

5. Marie Marthe3 CHANDONNET (734) was born circa 1762. She married Benoni MARCHAND (735), son of Louis MARCHAND (736) and Josette MONTANDRE (737), on 3 Feb 1777 at la paroisse St-Francis-Xavier, Batiscan, Champlain, Quebec. She died on 13 Aug 1825 at Champlain. She was buried at the age of 63 on 15 Aug 1825 at le cimetiere de
Notre-Dame-de-la-Visitation, Champlain, Champlain, Quebec.

6. Michel3 CHANDONNET (673) was baptized on 30 Mar 1763 at la paroisse de Notre-Dame-de-la-Visitation, Champlain, Champlain, Quebec.2 He witnessed the marriage of Marie Louise BEAUDET (742) and Charles CHANDONNE (741) on 25 Aug 1783 at la paroisse de St-Pierre- les-Becquets, Nicolet, Quebec. He married Claire MAILLOT (674), daughter of Nicolas MAILLOT (746) and Clothilde BRISSON (747), on 5 Aug 1788 at la paroisse de St-Jean-Baptiste, Deschaillons, Lotbiniere, Quebec. He witnessed the marriage of Augustin BARIL (752) and Marie-Josephe CHANDONET (740) on 22 Sep 1789 at la paroisse
de St-Edouard, Gentilly, Nicolet, Quebec. He died on 29 Jan 1827 at Deschaillons, Lotbiniere, Quebec, at age 63. He was buried on 31 Jan 1827 at le cimetiere de la paroisse St-Jean-Baptiste, Deschaillons, Lotbiniere, Quebec.3

7. Marie-Josephe3 CHANDONET (740) was baptized on 25 Aug 1765 at la paroisse de Notre-Dame-de-la-Visitation, Champlain, Champlain, Quebec. She married Augustin BARIL (752) on 22 Sep 1789 at la paroisse de St-Edouard, Gentilly, Nicolet, Quebec. She died on 13
Sep 1847 at Gentilly, Nicolet, Quebec, at age 82. She was buried on 15 Sep 1847 at la paroisse de St-Edouard, Gentilly, Nicolet, Quebec.

8. Joseph3 CHANDONNE (745) was baptized on 15 Jun 1767 at la paroisse de Notre-Dame-de-la-Visitation, Champlain, Champlain, Quebec. He married Marie-Anne POISSON (748), daughter of Alexis POISSON (749) and Marie Madeline RIVARD DIT LANOUETTE LAVIGNE (750), on 14 Feb 1791 at la paroisse de St-Edouard, Gentilly, Nicolet,
Quebec.

E. Andre2 CHANDONE (774) was born on 13 Apr 1720 at Quebec, Quebec. He married Marie Charlotte FRICHETTE (775) on 22 Apr 1743 at la paroisse de Notre Dame, Quebec, Quebec, Quebec.

F. Marie Elisabeth2 CHANDONE (776) was born on 27 Feb 1722 at Quebec, Quebec. She married Charles Nicolas SANSREGRET DIT DUPERRON (777) on 23 Sep 1748 at la paroisse de Notre Dame, Quebec, Quebec, Quebec.

G. Marei Madeleine2 CHANDONE (778) was born on 28 Mar 1724 at Quebec, Quebec. She died on 10 Jan 1730 at Quebec, Quebec, at age 5.

H. Marie Anne2 CHANDONE (779) was born on 15 Feb 1728 at Quebec, Quebec. She married Francois ONELLE (780) on 22 Nov 1751 at la paroisse de Notre Dame, Quebec, Quebec, Quebec.

I. Marie Anne2 CHANDONE (781) was born on 15 Feb 1728 at Quebec, Quebec. She died on 23 May 1733 at Quebec, Quebec, at age 5.

J. Antoine2 CHANDONE (782) was born on 22 Sep 1729 at Quebec, Quebec. He died on 28 May 1730 at Quebec, Quebec.

K. Jean-Baptiste2 CHANDONE (783) was born on 25 Jun 1732 at Quebec, Quebec. He died on 2 May 1733 at Quebec, Quebec.

L. Marie-Josephe2 CHANDONE (784) was born on 1 Jul 1734 at Quebec, Quebec. She married Pierre-Ignace ONELLE (785) on 13 Nov 1753 at la paroisse de Notre Dame, Quebec, Quebec, Quebec.

M. Etienne2 CHANDONE (786) was born on 4 Sep 1738 at Quebec, Quebec. He married Genevieve PERRAULT (787) on 7 May 1764 at la paroisse de St-Pierre-les-Becquets, Nicolet, Quebec.

My first cousin, 1x removed, Emma Loofbourrow is Charles and Elisabeth's 6th great granddaughter descended through their son Charles2 CHANDONNE (732).

Married Fifty Years: Mr & Mrs. Frank Wells, Lowell, Massachusetts

Published in The Lowell Sun Monday April 11th 1938, pg. 12.

Fifty years of wedded life was celebrated on Saturday by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wells, of 113 School street. In the morning, a solemn high mass was celebrated at St. Rita's church by Rev. Fr. McGrath, with Masters Milton Williams, J. Ganley, Edward Eichstadt and Paul Eichstadt as acolytes. Mr. and Mrs. Wells were attended by thir oldest daughter Mrs. Leandre Bourque, and Mr. Bourque, and by Lorraine Parent and Thelma Wells, as flower girls. More than 175 friends and relatives attended the dinner served at 113 School street in the afternoon. A reception followed, marked by the presentation of a purse and many other gifts to the celebrants. Music was provided by George Vane.

Mr and Mrs. Wells aare widely known locally. They were married in Hinsdale, N. H., and came to Lowell 36 years ago, where Mr. Wells became employed at the Merrimack mills and later at the Saco-Lowell shops as a mechanic. Thirteen children have been born to them, nine of whom are living, as follows: Agnes, now Mrs. Leandre Bourque of North Billerica; Victoria, now Mrs. Raymond Chandonnet of Crystal Lake North Chelmsford; William of Lilley avenue; Helen, now Mrs. Samuel Goulet of Hampshire street; Francis, of 565 Stevens street; Flora, now Mrs. Joseph Silva of 113 School street; Viola, now Mrs. Wilfred Parent of 44 Adams street; Kenneth and Charles, of 113 School street. There are 19 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

William H. Wells' daughter, Thelma, one of the flower girls, was born 18 August 1930 in Lowell, Massachusetts. She married my father's brother, Francis H. Robillard on 4 Sept. 1954 at St. Michael's church in Lowell and passed away on 3 Jan 1983. Please see the label Wells for more information.

The Golden Anniversary of Mr & Mrs Joseph Adam Maille of Lowell and Dracut Massachusetts

Dracut Couple, Honored by Family and Friends
Surrounded by their family and intimate friends, Mr and Mrs. J. Adam Maille, of Arlington Street, Dracut, celebrated the golden anniversary of their marriage yesterday rather than on the usual date, Jan 30. The party in their honor was a great success and had many attractive features. The Maille home had been attractively decorated, illumination of the Christmas colors lighting the exterior while Yuletide novelties were artistically arranged inside. Dinner was served at 2 o'clock by the grandaughters of the celebrants, Mrs Alfred Dufour, Miss Juliette Maille, Miss Claire Daigle, Miss Rachel Maille, Miss Rita Daigle, Mr and Mrs Moise Daigle were in general charge.
Among those at the dinner were Rev. J. J. Tremblay of St. Louis parish, Rev. Leo Savignac of Mainville, R. I., Rev. Sister St. Jean d'Avila, a daughter; Rev. Sister St. Pierre Celestin of St. Joseph's convent; Mr. and Mrs. Edmond Maille, Mr and Mrs. Fabien Maille of Lowell, Osias Jasmin of Dracut, Mr and Mrs. Henri Cayer of Woonsocket, R. I., Mr and Mrs. Pierre Jutras of Providence, R. I., Azarie Z. Coutu of Nashua, N.H., all relatives of the celebrants, as well as all the sons and daugther and the latter's children.
J. Adam Maille and Maria Prud'homme were married in Lowell by Rev. Andre Garin, OMI, the ceremony being performed at the Immaculate Conception rectory as St. Jean Baptiste parish had not established a rectory at that time. Mr. Maille was a well known builder of Lowell and about 23 years ago they purchased their first home in Arlington street, where Mr. Maille carries on his farming business, but he specializes in Milk. Their place known as "Elm Farm." They have 6 children, Adam Jr., and Ernest both of Dracut; Rev. Sister St. Jean d'Avila of St. Joseph's convent of Lowell, Mrs Moise Daigle of Dracut, Cuthbert of Nashua, N.H., and Ludger Maille, who resides with his parents. They also have 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Following dinner there was an address by Adam Maille Jr., and Priscilla Maille presented Mr and Mrs. Maille a purse of gold and a huge bouquet. Little Rita Daigle presented the bouquet while Elmer Maille presented the couple a five dollar gold piece in his own name. The superior of St. Joseph's convent presented a basket of flowers to the couple with the best wishes of her community.
An enjoyable feature of the celebration was the singing by the Sisters of the Grey Nuns of St. Joseph of the cross, who sang "Le Carillon des Noce Il'Or, " Contique de Nouvel An" and several Christmas carols. Other entertainment numbers included violin selections by Alfred Dafour; piano solos, Juliette Maille, Rachel Maille, Mrs Alfred Dufour, Mrs. Ernest Maille, Mr Moise Daigle, and songs by Mrs. Edmond Maille and other of the company. Adam Maille Jr., acted as a master of ceremonies for the day.
Published in The Lowell Sun 2 Jan 1931, pg. 24