August 22 – Lost Village of Cascades Historical Walk
Saturday, August 22, from 10h-12h, Cascades Water Aerodrome & VVC
We would like to extend our warmest thanks to Betty Pavey for guiding us on a fascinating walk on Saturday morning, where she provided many insights into the history and heritage of the lost village of Cascades. Betty is a very knowledgeable and engaging guide: as the author of Cascades Club: 1920–2020, she has quite literally written the definitive work on the subject!
Around forty people joined Betty and SCT at the Cascades Club and along the VVC on a beautiful day, where we shared an enriching and enjoyable experience together. Many thanks to Betty and all the participants!
Event Details
Join us for a hike back into the early pioneer days of Cascades. Led by local author Betty Pavey, this walk will explore the pre-flooding and flooding history of the lost village of Cascades along today’s Voie Verte de Chelsea. Many stories of the farms, the early Cascades clubhouse and the local baseball team, of moving homes, rising waters and a lot of mud.
LOCATION: See attached map.
BIKING: For those who cycle, please plan not to bring your bike on the hike. It may be locked along the VVC.
**PARKING is available at the Cascades Club at 100 ch de la Rivière. It is about a 10-min (550m) walk down along River Road and right on Campbell, towards the Aerodrome. A shuttle ride down to the Aerodrome will be available for those with mobility challenges. The walk itself will be about 2.5km.
SCT HIKE 2: KIRK’S FERRY
About 40 people participated in the historical walk at Kirk’s Ferry last weekend, led by Harold Reid and Sentier Chelsea Trails board member, Alain Piché. The walk focused on the transformation of the Gatineau River valley, from primal forest inhabited and traveled by the Algonquin Anishnaabeg people to the clearing of the land by settler families and the establishment of what has become, the lost village of Kirk’s Ferry. The village disappeared under the Gatineau River with the creation of the Chelsea and Farms hydro dams and the flooding of the valley in 1927. In its time, the village counted 60 permanent residents, a post office, a school, a tavern, a butcher shop and the Fairy and McAlister hotels. The tour visited the site of the former ferry crossing at Hellard road. We laughed about how Harry Hellard changed the name of the Ferry Hotel to the Fairy Hotel as a result of the sign painter’s misspelling. Various buildings were relocated before the flooding and were identified, including the original Reid farmhouse and what is now the Maitland/Troop house.
Our very special thanks go out to Harold Reid, a respected long-time resident, for sharing his family history and his detailed knowledge of the area. Thanks as well to David Maitland and Donna Troop for detailing the history of their home, a building moved from the now lost village. Thanks as well to Jim Washbrook and Janine who live in the original Reid farmhouse.
Our next hike will be on Saturday, 22 August, from 10h – 12h. It will also be along the Voie Verte Chelsea, covering the history of the Cascades area. For those who cycle, please be prepared to lock up near the VVC. Parking is available at the Cascades Club at 100 ch de la Rivière. It is about a 10-min (550m) walk down along River Road and towards the Cascades Club. A shuttle ride down to near the Cascades Club will be available for those with mobility challenges. The walk itself will be about 2.5km.
Meredith Centre Bridge
Nic Hinsperger
Chelsea Forest school teachers thank Sentiers Chelsea Trails for the wonderful new bridge! It’s perfect!!
CHANGE OF DATE: July 19 – Historical Walk through Kirk’s Ferry
CHANGE OF DATE: Sunday, July 19, 10h – 12h, Kirk’s Ferry
Led by SCT board member Alain Piché, this historical walk will feature some of the local landmarks pre- and post-flooding, such as the actual ferry crossing, icehouse and various farmhouses. Harold Reid will join us to share stories about the original Reid farmhouse and lives of the original settlers. The walk is about 2 hours, and not far in length. Please come dressed for the weather.
There are 6 spots available at the VVC & Kirks Ferry. Please plan to carpool or ride your bike (bring a bike lock). Please plan to arrive early if you need to find a parking spot; we will try to help. Start time is 10am.
Facebook Event Link
