The French Presence in Hearst

Photo by contributor Denis Gionet - Posted November, 2009

Plaque Location

The District of Cochrane
The Town of Hearst
On 9th Street near Kitchener Street

Coordinates: N 49 41.079 W 83 39.983

Plaque Text

French Canadians began to settle in Hearst in 1912 during the construction of the National Transcontinental Railway. Most came to farm but soon turned to the more lucrative forest industry. Sawmills established by French Canadians prospered as family enterprises for decades, before being amalgamated into large forest-product companies by the end of the 20th century. Over the years, the French-speaking community in Hearst - once a minority - grew to 89% of the population with Francophones taking on leading cultural, economic and political roles. Institutions such as the Catholic Church and the Université de Hearst, founded in 1953, have played important roles in Franco-Ontarian education and society.

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Here are the visitors' comments for this page.

Posted November 24, 2009
We've photographed this sign and area as part of a geocache very closeby, using the nearby Catholic Church as well. Interesting writeup, and the Grotto behind the sign is very interesting and unique as well. Lots of history in the University as well, used to be the convent and church many years ago. Enjoy the surroundings, we often do !
Denis Gionet, Doris Bouffard

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