This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: Cindy_Beane Surnames: Desjardins Classification: biography Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.desjardins/386/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I don't have any connection to this family but found this while doing other research. I am posting hundreds of these "blurbs" because I believe it helps to see our ancestors as people rather than just names and dates and, in some cases, it helps to place where our ancestors were during a certain period of time. This entry is from the Rockland, Maine Courier-Gazette of November 22, 1892 in a story labeled "Good Choice: A Gentleman Well Known in Rockland Receives an Appointment." "It is understood that the Maine Commission on the Columbian Exposition has selected Fred B. Desjardins, at one itime head waiter at the Thorndike, this city, and now serving in a similar capacity at the Augusta House, as janitor of the Maine building at Chicago, while the janitress will be a lady from Waterville. At first thought it might seen as though any janitor could fill the bill and that any level-headed woman could perform the duties of janitress, but not so. It is required of both janitor and janitress that they speak English, French and German; that they have been familiar with people in the higher walks of life; that they have a good knowledge of Maine and a fair acquaintance with the leading citizens of the state. It isn't everybody who can fill one of these bills. Mr. Desjardins has that polite French manner that never grows weary in well doing and is always at his post. The lady mentioned called on the commission recently and they seemed much pleased with her appearance and evident capability, she proving to be a linguist of high order, and well educated." I believe they are talking about the Exposition in Chicago in this article. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.