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.