“Mines & rails” exhibit in Bolton-est
There is something deliciously satisfying to local history buffs who walk upon the land, drive along the country roads and search along a riverbed imagining the landscape and lives of those who once existed and made their existence in any given location in being given the opportunity to learn about an area, its people and its journey. All too often when we take the time to learn and appreciate what came before, we then cherish the knowledge it gives new perspective and respect for any given place and its ancestry.
The Bolton-est Cultural Committee began its “Mines & Rails” exhibit on September 26-27, and another will be held on October 10-11-12 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Saint-patrick Centre, 854, Missisquoi Route, BoltonEst. Please note that admission is free. There will also be two lectures held to learn more about the era of mining and railway development in the Bolton area.
The Cultural Committee shares with us that at the beginning of the 20th century, the region produced 10 tons of ore per day. More than 300 workers were employed in the mines and mills bordering the railroad: men, women and children, all were involved.
The first lecture was entitled: “Bolton-est, An Appalachian Village - Geological History of Our Landscapes” and was scheduled for Saturday, September 26, at 1:30 p.m. Bruno Landry, geomorphologist, takes attendees into the geological history of the Appalachians, addressing the birth and death of an ocean, of continents and their successive movement up to present day. An examination of some of the mineral resources of the Eastern Townships and the legacy of the last glaciations’ was planned.
The second lecture will be: “Exploitation of Mines, People and The Environment” held on Saturday, October 10, 2020, 1:30 p.m. The lecture will be in French, but you may ask questions in English. Serge Wagner, member of the Bolton Historical Society, talks about the beginning of copper mining in Bolton-est, in the 19th century: the rudimentary methods of copper extraction and the exploitation of women, children, immigrants and French-canadians by capitalist elite. He also evokes the environmental disaster caused by this exploitation.
Those wanting to attend are asked to reserve your seat by registering with Amélie Marcotte-losier at 450-292-3444, ext. 29.
A word about St. Patrick’s Centre: The Municipality of Bolton-est acquired this community space (open from May to October) to give the citizens of Bolton-est a place to gather and partake in a variety of cultural events: music, classical concerts, exhibitions. This former church building is now a hub of activity and welcomes the community for events like this one, close to home and in celebration of culture at its best.