A Surprise Visit

Over the July 4th weekend, a couple weeders at the Farm were surprised by the arrival on a tandem bicycle of two Canadian authors, composers, and historical interpreters, Luc Villemaire and Chantal Berniquez.  They were on a mission to learn more about Philemon Wright, the first owner of the Wright-Locke Farm and founder of Hull, Canada.  In the process of researching and writing a ballad about Philemon, they became so intrigued by the story that they decided to delve further into the life and times of this first settler in Canada's capital region.  The goal is an historical novel, as too few factual records exist to support an actual history.

A bit of rushing about and a few phone calls set up an interview with Brad Petrishen of The Winchester Star for later that day.  Jim Whitehead and Cynthia Latta were available to give Luc and Chantal a tour of the farm.  Although little except the lay of the land remains as it was in 1800, Luc and Chantal were delighted to be able to get a sense of Philemon's point of departure.  We, in turn, were delighted to meet them and be reminded once again that interest in the Farm extends far beyond Winchester. 

While in the Boston area Luc and Chantal pursued other leads relating to Philemon, specifically his Masonic membership and his service as a teenager in the Revolutionary War.  They planned to return to Canada along the route taken by Philemon and his fellow settlers, west toward Albany, then north to Montreal and  west again along the Ottawa River to the falls that marked the location of Philemon's patent.

The novel will be written, as is the song, in French, but we hope for an early translation. We also hope Chantal and Luc will return with their instruments to entertain us in cooperation with Winchester's Jumelage.