On August 26, guests at Parc des Ancres in Pointe-des-Cascades were treated to a double celebration organized by the Société de recherches historiques Pointe-des-Cascades. The event paid tribute to Pointe-des-Cascades resident Ronald Hayes, builder and mayor for 25 years, and inaugurated the plaque and new anchor of the wrecked ship Gracien, adding to the hundred or so anchors already installed.

A brief history of the anchor

In fact, it was young Loyola Leroux, a resident of the municipality, in the company of friends, who discovered the anchor in the rocks. It was later identified as coming from the wreck of the boat Gracien, wrecked in 1869 in the rapids of the St. Lawrence.

It was thanks to the efforts of Albert Leroux, father of Loyola Leroux, who moved heavy machinery between the rocks and basins, that the anchor was recovered and brought to shore.

The Leroux family agreed to donate it to the Parc des Ancres for posterity. Loyola's son, Philemon, spoke at the event to tell part of the story.

Tribute to Ronald Hayes

Ronald Hayes, accompanied by members of his family, thanked the historical society and his family for this tribute to him. Mr. Hayes played an active role in the development of his community and contributed to the creation of the Parc des Ancres, particularly in the recovery and installation of anchors. 

Maryline Picard, Member of the National Assembly for Soulanges, was present and underlined Mr. Hayes' important contribution to the pointecascadienne community.

Here's the link to the Facebook page of the Société de recherches historiques Pointe-des-Cascades:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2967847526760271/