Chers collègues, Don't forget! "The Order of Good Times," was organized at Port Royal, on the 14th of November, 1606, at the suggestion of Samuel de Champlain. The dinner and festivities were organizaed by Marc Lescarbot. This was the first social "club" in North America, accompanied by the first play, Neptune. Let's celebrate appropriately today. In particular, any descendants of the Chevaliers of the Order -- Jean de Biencourt -- Seigneur de Poutrincourt, Samuel Champlain, Marc Lescarbot, Louis Hébert, Charles de Biencourt, Claude de La Tour, Charles de La Tour, Daniel Hay, Champdore, Sagamore Membertou, and possibly others -- should take great pride in this date in family history. Lescarbot, the historian of these early events, says that on each such occasion the host wore the collar "of the order and a napkin and carried a staff." At dinner, he marshalled the way to the table at the head of the procession of guests. After supper he resigned the insignia of office to his successor, with the ceremony of drinking to him in a cup of wine. The native Americans were treated as equals at these events. -- Scott Michaud Annandale, VA http://MichaudBarn.com _________________________________________________________________ Concerned that messages may bounce because your Hotmail account is over limit? Get Hotmail Extra Storage! http://join.msn.com/?PAGE=features/es