Belle Isle Hall Acadian Cultural Centre
Note from Cache Owner: I have tried to submit this in both English and French, but the system automatically translates when I upload it. To read in French, you will need to be set to French. Sorry! Senior Seeker
Acadian Flag
The Acadian flag, also called the flag of Acadia or the starred tricolour, consists of three vertical stripes of blue, white, and red, with the star of the Virgin Mary in the blue stripe. The idea for the Acadian flag is attributed, among others, to Father Marcel-François Richard, a born-and-bred Acadian who championed education and agriculture, as well as the affirmation of the Acadian people. In 1884, during the second National Convention of the Acadians in Miscouche, Prince Edward Island, the flag was chosen as one of the Acadian symbols. Today, the star and the colours of the flag can be found in the logos of several associations and groups linked to Acadians or their language.
Be sure to watch for the display of this national symbol flying from flagpoles, but also recreated on numerous mailboxes, buildings, telephone poles and any surface that can be painted. It is even available on Nova Scotia license plates!
The location of this geocache is one of the best examples of Acadian pride in this national symbol – the roof of the Belle Isle Hall Acadian Cultural Centre. This building was erected in 1900 on a marsh that was one of the largest Acadian communities in the region before the expulsion in 1755. While here, check out the displays inside the hall and talk to the guardians of this Acadian treasure, Charlie and Jennifer Thibideau, who run this as a labour of love and depend on donations for its upkeep.
The hall is built on the former lands of Francois Savoie and his wife Catherine Le Jeune. Many first Acadians lived in Belleisle, making this place the largest village of Port Royal. On the hall property is an original Acadian rock foundation of the house of Pierre Martin. He was a merchant and brought in 1200 apple trees. Pierre Martin was also father to Mathieu [believed to be the first Acadian born in Acadie].
This cache is the first in what will hopefully become a series of little-known historical Acadian sites.
Brought to you by REDS Family Seekers of Greenwood, Nova Scotia.