A grand exhibition of 120 heritage photos Potton and the Townships

Mountains and valleys, pastoral farms, covered bridges and round barns. Some 120 photos which illustrate the best of Potton Heritage Association’s exhibitions will be presented to the public every Saturday from June 23 to September 1, 2018.

In the 19th century, there were hundreds of them. Today, only 15 or so covered bridges remain in Waterville, Cowansville, Brigham and St-armand, all still in use. Pictures of Potton’s Pont de la Frontière and the Pont Drouin in Coaticook, which impatiently await restoration, are on display as well. Part of this exhibition is devoted to round

barns. In the Townships, only six of these spectacular structures, built around the end of the 19th century remain. These unique cylindrical structures provided were not only considered labour saving, but also provided efficient use of space. The Shakers favoured round barns, it is said, because the Devil could not hide in any corners. The Round Barn of Mansonville is featured, of course, but pictoral homage is also given to those in Barnston, West Brome, and in Austin. Images of our beautiful countryside, shaped largely by our rural agricultural past abound in a photographic testament to the rich history of Potton. The majority of the photographs displayed come from private collections belonging to Matthew Farfan (Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network), to author Louis Abbott, local museums and from the Potton Heritage collections.

Thanks to its programme of excursions, publications and conferences, Potton Heritage Association, founded in 1990, continues to promote historical, architectural and natural heritage of our Township.

At the moment, the Round Barn, uniquely situated in Mansonville, is not available for public use. According to Sandra Jewett, president of the Association, the Township of Potton hopes to obtain the financial aid necessary for its restoration.

‘The heritage of Potton through our exhibitions’ is open every Saturday from June 23 to September 1, from 10 a.m. to 3p.m. The exhibition is in the community hall of St Paul’s Anglican Church, located at 309 Main Street in Mansonville. Admission is free.