For our 40th anniversary, on the 17th and 18th of August, the Gosselin Family Association gathered on the Ile d’Orléans (I.O.)
and at Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. Quite a program had been put in place for this event! More than 79 Gosselins participated,
of which 23 came from the United states and 1 person came from France.
On Saturday, the site of the gathering was at LOGISPORT of St-Pierre I.O. for greetings and a lunch before departure for
a guided tour in two buses. The visit started at the "Maison de nos Aïeux" (House of our Ancestors) at Ste-Famille, I.O.,
where Jacques (History and Genealogy Specialist) gave us a talk about Major Clément Gosselin. Painter Cathy Lachance was
on hand to offer reproductions of her canvas dedicated to Major Gosselin and the Maison Drouin. Thereafter, we visited
the "Parc des Ancêtres" (Ancestors Park) where we admired a plaque in honor of Major Gosselin which was erected in the summer of 2017.
The visit continued to the historic Maison Drouin where guides related the history of this house built in 1729 and inhabited
continually until 1984. Then, next door, a small snack was served at the Fromagerie de l’Île d’Orléans (Cheese House). Finally,
to end the afternoon, a cocktail was served on the ancestral land of St-Laurent, a property owned by Jean-Robert Gosselin.
For supper, a banquet was held at the restaurant Le Moulin de Saint-Laurent (formerly Moulin Gosselin). As usual, several door
prizes were drawn, including a painting by painter Pierre Audette of the ancestral property of our ancestor Gabriel. It was won
by Marie-Anne Gosselin. the supper ended with songs by Felix Leclerc, initiated by Charles Gosselin, all sang with gusto.
On Sunday, as is tradition, several Gosselins gathered for a mass at the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica. After the service,
a few members took the opportunity to buy souvenirs at the Basilica shop. Thereafter, the group travelled to the Auberge Baker
for a brunch of traditional Quebec dishes of yesteryears. Following the brunch, Nicole Gosselin gave an overview of the
Association's 40 year history. She interviewed those present who had witnessed many of the events since the beginning to the present days.
It all started with a big gathering on May 27, 1979. What was supposed to be a one day event, has continued yearly for 40 years.
Based on the positive comments, the Gosselin Family Association (L'Association des Familles Gosselin) was created.
Several people joined, among them, the first life members, Ronald Gosselin and his wife Louise Lavallée. Ronald gave us a short
history lesson of his activities with the Association.
The association sponsored two (2) trips to Combray, France, the birthplace of our ancestor Gabriel. Lucie Hope who participated
in the second trip was in attendance. Lucie gave us a brief report of this event. In 1987, we had the honor to host members
of "The Friends of the Gosselin Families in Canada". This was a group of French cousins who came to visit their Canadian cousins
and the sights of Quebec and the Island of Orleans. This year, we had the honor to have the visit of Anne Vandelhelsken, whose
parents were part of the visitors in 1987. Anne gave us a bit of her reasons for visiting and explained that her mother was a Gosselin.
In 1989, in an effort to keep in touch with all the members, the association's newsletter, "Le Gabriel" was launched with
Jean-François Gosselin as its first editor. In 2009 Andre Pageau got involved in the revival of the newsletter. Finally, in 2010,
France Gosselin became the editor and continues to this day. These great volunteers were asked to stand and receive a round of
applause as a "Thank you" for their service.
Of course, the genealogy component is very important. Thousands of genealogical data have been compiled by Father Laurent Gosselin,
L'Abbé Dominique Gosselin, Jean-François Gosselin, and Jacques Gosselin (history and genealogy specialist). Jean-François and Jacques
were asked to stand as we gave them a round of applause as a "Thank you" for their service. Father Laurent and Abbé Dominique are deceased.
In the past 40 years, several Gosselins invited the Association to their region and planned the Gathering themselves. Many areas were
visited including Manitoba, Plessisville, St-Victor-de-Beauce, and Matane. Lorraine Poulin and Guy Fluet of St-Victor-de Beauce, along
with Bertrand and Georgette Gosselin of Matane, gave us a short history of their respective Gatherings.
In closing, Nicole described the essential contribution of a person who was there 40 years ago. This is Suzanne Toulouse-Gosselin.
Until she became sick two (2) years ago, Suzanne was a important pillar of this Association. She was with us today because of the memories
that were brought to mind by Nicole.
The day ended with the annual general meeting. There were elections for 4 expiring positions (Diane, France, Jacques, and one (1) vacant
position by the departure of Robert Gosselin). All were re-elected and Jean-François Gosselin was elected to fill the vacant position.
All accepted these duties and joined the board of directors. In addition, Denise Gosselin and René Gosselin will join the Association as collaborators.
The final order of business was a discussion on next year's Gathering. Many suggestions were made on location for our next rally.
Nothing was decided at that time.
Thank you to all those who contributed directly or indirectly to the success of this beautiful gathering and see you next year!
(Pictures can be seen in the
Photo Album)