The Gaspesian Mix |
|
| The uniqueness of the Gaspésian spirit comes from its founding communities. The relative poverty of these communities in the face of a harsh environment enabled a society based on warmth and tolerance to evolve. These characteristics are grounded in a genetic ‘quilt' which is both enviable and endlessly complex: an integral part of most initial Gaspésian exchanges is a ritual exploration of shared ancestry. A good example of this ‘commonality in diversity' is reflected in the story of our most recent acquisition:
In July 2009, this amazing 'square grand' piano was donated to Britville by William Busteed from Pointe-à-la-Croix. His family had imported it from Boston in 1863. His ancestors arrived in 1784 to the Listuguj area on a piece of land that came to be called 'Bordeaux'. The original William Busteed, a United Empire Loyalist, was first to settle in the area and easily convinced his brother to come directly from Ireland to his new country. While there were not very many Irish Loyalists, this family sided with the British because they were protestant. The name of the farm arose because, as a protestant Irishman, William had married a French Huguenot refugee who had settled in Ireland but was originally from Bordeaux. The present Busteeds trace their ancestry back to this Mixed couple. Please feel free to comment on our blog .
Come and enjoy this wonderful site, explore its forest trails, pebble beach and historical buildings: year-round. |
