A Canadian Family

The Desmarchais Family of Blvd. Demarchais (Verdun, Quebec) | Pt.2

This is a follow-up to the Desmarchais Family post in which we have been looking at the ancestors of Don Desmarchais in order to determine whether he is related to the Desmarchais family who gave up the farmland which is now covered by Desmarchais Blvd. and Parc Desmarchais in Verdun, Quebec.

1. General Note

Don descends from the Durand/Desmarchais. The founders of this line were Pierre Durand/Desmarchais and Jeanne Chartier who were married in 1673 in Quebec. Like so many others, Pierre came to Quebec as a soldier in the Carignan-Salieres regiment  [Source: Fichier Origine, Michel Langlois]

2. Genealogical Notes

Joseph Durand-Desmarchais (son of Joseph Durand-Desmarchais and Marguerite Poirier) married Tharsile Latour (daughter of Francois Latour and Marie-Marguerite Sedilot-Monreuil) on April 23^rd, 1848 in St-Laurent (Montreal, Quebec).

Joseph-Zephirin Durand-Demarchais was born (and baptised) on October 28^th, 1866 in N.D.G. (Montreal, Quebec). The godparents were Jean-Baptiste Sarrazin and Emma Desmarchais. [Source: BMS2000] Read more »

December 17, 2011 Posted by Evelyn Yvonne Theriault | . | Desmarchais, Verdun | Leave a Comment

The Desmarchais Family of Blvd. Demarchais (Verdun, Quebec) | Pt.1

Some time ago I shared a vintage postcard of Desmarchais Blvd During The Depression Years and Don Demarchais left the following query:

My great grandfather was from Verdun. Does anyone know who Desmarchais Blvd was named after?

General Notes:

Verdun’s Blvd. Demarchais was named after the Demarchais family (“……Les grandes fermes sont subdivisées et leurs limites deviennent, pour la plupart, le tracé de nouvelles voies. En 1907, le secteur fait encore partie de la ferme de la famille Desmarchais. Source:  http://patrimoine.ville.montreal.qc.ca/inventaire/fiche_zone.php?zone=oui&requete=simple&id=1206) .  There is also a Parc Demarchais which is believed to have been named after a rich farmer -  Julien Demarchais – who owned much land in that area of Verdun in the 1880s. (“Tire probablement son origine en mémoire du riche fermier, Julien Desmarchais, qui avait une terre dans les années 1880 dans les environs de l’actuel parc Desmarchais.” Source: http://infoverdun.com/page/Parc_Desmarchais.html).

Census Information:

Ancestors of Don Demarchais in the twentieth century.

Source 1 : 1901 Census of Canada, Subdistrict: Saint-Antoine (Ward/Quartier), MONTRÉAL (City/Cité)/175, QUEBEC, District Number: 175, Subdistrict Number: a-34. Archives Microfilm: T-6534

Desmarchais Zeph   Nov 6   1867   33

Desmarchais Mary   Nov 17 1867  33

Desmarchais Elvia July 26 1889  11

Desmarchais Harry Dec 25 1892  8

Desmarchais Walter Jun 13 1896  4 Read more »

December 15, 2011 Posted by Evelyn Yvonne Theriault | . | Desmarchais, Verdun | Leave a Comment

Desmarchais Blvd During The Depression Years | Historical Verdun

When Desmarchais Blvd. was built in 1920 Verdun was midway through a decade in which its population tripled, the roadway system branched out, new schools were built and the retail sector grew.

This photograph was taken between 1920 (when the buildings were constructed on the land of Julien Desmarchais) and 1935 (the date on the postmark).

 

From Period Newspapers

WADING POOL IS BEING ERECTED

Enclosure 150 by 200 feet under Construction At Foot of Desmarchais Blvd.

With the completion of a wading pool at the foot of Desmarchais Avenue, Verdun kiddies will be afforded an opportunity to enjoy the cooling waters of the St. Lawrence on hot summer days. Although this action is being taken rather late in the season, it will be welcomed by hundreds of youngsters who desire to seek relief during the hot spells of August.

Keep reading in the … Montreal Guardian, 1932

LEAGUE OBJECTS TO TOTS’ SWIM SUITS

Protest to Council Of Little Folks’ “Indecent” Attire Read more »

March 9, 2011 Posted by Evelyn Yvonne Theriault | . | Desmarchais, Verdun | 1 Comment