Hi Everyone! A wet and windy beginning to the last long weekend of summer. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, the Penetang Museum's Settlers' Day event is coming up rather rapidly on Saturday, September 25th. This year we are honouring Fr. Theophilus Francois Laboureau, the man who conceived and planned the Jesuit Memorial Church aka St. Ann's Church and raised the money to build it. He was pastor here for 33 years (1873-1906) - long years, baptizing, marrying and burying (or as Mary Walsh would say "hatchin', matchin' and dispatchin') people from Owen Sound to Muskoka to Newmarket and all parts in between. We have some interesting displays planned - the history and the building of St. Ann's in pictures, events in Penetang in the years 1873 and 1906 and what the town looked like in those years. Ever wonder where your Penetang ancestor carried on business? September 25th will be the day to find out. We also plan to bring up from the archives, some of the items that have not seen the light of day since they were accessioned many years ago. You will be able to see gowns, dresses and suits for adults and children, perfectly suitable for mourning, marriages or christenings or a day on the lawn of the Penetanguishene Hotel. Since this event is called Settlers' Day (note the use of the plural), we will have some of the family histories that are usually on our shelves set out for your perusal. Here's your chance to see what others have done. If you didn't see the Courtemanche book at Lafontaine this year, now is your chance. Check out Deb's and my Facebook page (Penetanguishene Genealogy& History Group) where I will be posting some of the photos from this book later this weekend. They are some of the most beautiful photographic portraits I have ever seen. Here is where you come in (in addition to visiting the museum that day)................I am looking for old photos of St. Ann's, under construction or completed and, fingers crossed, maybe some photos of Fr. Laboureau, alone or in a group. Email me off-list if you have anything we might be able to borrow for the day. We promise to take good care of any material. From 10AM until 4PM - and it's FREE! The evening dinner however is not free but promises good entertainment and food for your money, part of which is income tax deductible. See the Museum's website for details and..... news flash........drum roll.....the Bishop is coming to dinner!! Pam Tessier Penetang