The story of a 150-year-old missive – L’Express

HISTORY. Historian Yolande Allard is at the head of the new publication My dear Mrs. Millar. A mysterious letter, found following renovations in his home, led to the creation of this work on the inspiring journey of the Reverend Francis JB Allnatt.

In 2003, Yolande Allard began renovations to her more than century-old residence on Chemin Hemming. During the work, the discovery of a mysterious letter started everything.

“How lucky that it fell into my hands! The letter written in English was rewritten before being translated into French. I would like to highlight the excellent work of the entire team who participated in this project,” explained Ms. Allard.

This letter from Labrador, and written in the handwriting of Francis JB Allnat, was addressed to a certain Mrs. Millar and dated January 29, 1873.

Thus, throughout the pages of this publication, the reader will have the opportunity to meet this man with an inspiring journey while discovering the identity of this Mrs. Millar.

The letter documents the Reverend’s two-year mission to Labrador.

“He was in Drummondville around 1864 before leaving on a mission. He was a missionary in the area of ​​what today is called the Lower North Shore. You will be able to read lots of details and anecdotes which, following numerous research through various archival documents, which will take you back to everyday life and the concerns of another era,” said the historian.

Published by the SHD, the brochure is available in limited quantities at 425, rue des Forges (SHD premises) at a cost of $10.

Who is Yolande Allard?

Holder of a master’s degree in history awarded by Bishop’s University (Lennoxville), Yolande Allard has collaborated on various studies and publications on the history of Drummondville. As part of the Recognition of Arts and Culture awards, the City of Drummondville awarded her, in 2012, the Rita-Letendre Hommage prize.