Cornwall_2016_07_27

Remembering the forgotten

FRANCIS RACINE francis.racine@eap.on.ca

As famed American/British novelist T.S Eliot once said, “We don’t actually fear death, we fear that no one will notice our absence, that we will disappear without a trace.” The quote holds so much truth, that a local historian and advocate for the city’s former House of Refuge had it inscribed on the back of a monument she unveiled on July 23, commemorating Cornwall’s House of Refuge inhabitants. Lauzon’s quest to commemorate the House of Refuge inmates, a term widely used back in the day, took a macabre twist when she discovered that many of them, lacking any family members, were interred on the building’s property, without as much as a plot marker. “When some of the inmates died and there was no one to claim their body, the caretaker would go outside and dig a hole,” explained the local historian. “It wasn’t really planned. He just put them where he wanted to. There was no funeral and no one attended the burials other than the caretaker himself.” In addition, there doesn’t seem to be any map or plan to clearly show where the bodies ended up. Therefore, when a local construction company proceeded to build homes located a short walk away from the old House of Refuge, they uncovered 29 bodies. “I don’t know how many men or women there were,” said Lauzon. “I don’t even know if there were any children. All I know is that they are buried at the St. Lawrence Seaway Valley Cemetery.” The remains were reburied once again without grave markers or a ceremony. “I wanted to commemorate them,” expressed Lauzon. “Commemorate their lives. They might’ve been homeless or old, but they were people too.” The usually peaceful cemetery, located a short drive from Cornwall on old Highway 2, was buzzing with activity on themorning of the ceremony. Over 30 individuals came together to witness the unveiling of a large monument, sitting on the same area where the bodies were reinterred. Overhead, the sky was empty except for the shining sun. Oddly enough, lightning and thunder would echo throughout the region only a couple of hours later. The monument, of a black colour, was admired by all who attended the ceremony. Several dignitaries also took part in the event. MP Guy Lauzon, MPP JimMcDonell, and city councillor Justin Towndale, were on hand to congratulate the historian. “The passion this young woman has is

Local historian Sara Lauzon unveiled a monument on July 23, commemorating the 29 residents of the House of Refuge who were discovered on the property, during construction in 1985. — photo Francis Racine

incredible,” expressed Guy Lauzon. “I want to thank her personally for what she has accomplished.” The monument, which was erected following 11 months of fundraising, was blessed by father Claude Halle, an act welcomed by Lauzon. “It’s what they would’ve wanted,” she expressed. Even if she received her fair share of praise during the ceremony, Lauzon was quick to point out that it was her community that stepped up to the plate when it came time to donate. In all, $5000 was needed in order to erect the monument. “I hosted fifteen walking tours of Sydney and Pitt Street,” explained

and every one as well as my community and surrounding areas for making my dream a reality.” But Lauzon’s job certainly isn’t done. Although 29 bodies were uncovered, the local historian knows that many more are still on the property. That’s why she hopes to erect another monument on the said property, in the near future. She also hopes to conclude her research on the institution, which would enable her to write a book on the subject. “Today, you’ve helpedme change a little bit of Cornwall’s history,” she said loudly and emotionally, as members of the crowd cheered.

the one they call the Little Historian. Lauzon also organized a yard sale, which made 655$. When Christmas came around, shemade House of Refuge ornaments and sold them to several Cornwall citizens. When only 900$ was left in order to attain the 5000$ needed, one individual, who wished to remain anonymous, donated the remaining amount. “I was flabbergasted,” said Lauzon. The monument now stands proudly in the cemetery, overlooking the scenic St. Lawrence River. “It was my dream to erect this monument,” expressed Lauzon before the crowd gathered. “I want to thank each

Le Journal, Cornwall

8

Le mercredi 27 juillet 2016

Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker