Our families assembled in Carleton, Québec, for the 1996 Family Reunion and rejoiced. This
gathering allowed many to reunite with cousins normally separated by great distances and to meet
unknown cousins who had traveled from as far as California, Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, and British
Colombia to attend.
In the overheated room of the Civic Center, nearly half of the participants registered on Friday
evening. In total, 280 persons registered for and attended the 1996 Family Reunion. They came
from seven Canadian provinces and nine American states. The distribution was as follows:
51% - Blue - Gaspesian Branch, descendants of Michel; 28% - Red - Gaspesian Branch, descendants
of Paul; 12% - Green - New Brunswick Branch; 5% - Orange - Louisiana Branch; 4% - Yellow -
Lanaudiere Branch.
It was a beautiful meeting, charged with emotions and activities! Here is a brief reminder of the
main events of the weekend:
First, the participants were invited to the General Annual Assembly of the Association. Elections
were held. Ann Johnson was reelected Chairwoman; Kathleen Johnson was reelected Treasurer; Pauline
Alain was reelected Director for Québec; Alexander Cyr, Director for Ontario; Thérese Johnson
Fernandes, Director for Western Canada; Bertha Johnson Léger and Norbert Johnson, Co-Directors for
New Brunswick.
Welcome to the newly elected members of the Board. Our congratulations and acknowledgements go to
the devoted Honorary Members: Columbia Johnson, Alexander Cyr and Yves Blondin. Congratulations
also to Bernadette Alain, winner of the contest: "Make Me a Drawing and Add a Thought To It."
Bernadette designed the magnificent logo which will represent the Association henceforth. Marjorie
Johnson of Charlo, New Brunswick, won the painting representing the ancestral site of the occupied
land by the Johnsons of Carleton. The artwork was painted by Jeanne-Mance Johnson Perron especially
for this occasion.
At the end of the General Assembly, three trees symbolizing the Gaspésie, Lanaudiere and Louisiana
branches were planted on the lot of the Multifunctional Civic Center. The guests then traveled to
the nearby ancestral site presently owned by Reynold Johnson for the unveiling of a plaque
commemorating the event.
Judging from the pace with which the numerous activities were taking place, the course of our history
seemed to be speeded up. We were able to relive, through the Exhibition and the French and English
Workshops, some unalterable memories that definitely served as a homage to our ancestors. A thank
you also goes to the Lecturers: Columbia Johnson, Alexandre Cyr, Thérese Johnson Garand, Kenneth
Johnson, Ann Johnson Donovan, and Thérese Johnson Fernandes. The Workshops "Let's Have a Talk" were
a great success. The evening's party crowned the first day of festivities.
The following day, Sunday, a Mass in honor of the Johnson family was celebrated. We attended the
baptism of Philippe-Antoine Johnson, son of Guylaine Boudreau and Jean-Marie Johnson. We wish him
long life!
Finally, the Banquet was the culminating point of the gathering. Returning home with souvenirs
commemorating the 1996 Family Reunion, such as a book, a T-shirt, or a bottle of wine, also made
everyone happy. The participants' satisfaction was evident during all the weekend. "What a welcome!"
"What a warm atmosphere!" were but a few of the numerous positive comments about the Reunion.
After the 1991 gathering in Sanford, Maine, and the 1996 Family Reunion in Carleton, we can only
conclude by saying "Until next time!" A project has already germinated within the Louisiana
delegation to invite us in 1999 to Lafayette, Louisiana during the festivities scheduled for the
Acadian community. We will keep you informed of the plans.
INDEX
MAIN PAGE - ACADIAN JOHNSON FAMILY WEBSITE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
HISTORY OF THE ACADIAN JOHNSON FAMILY
INFORMATION ON THE ASSN.
AWARDS, MEMBERSHIPS, AFFILIATIONS AND WEB RINGS
SIGN
VIEW© 1997 Ann Johnson Donovan.
If you have questions or comments, please send via Email: WEBMASTER
May 17, 1999
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