ebooks The French-Canadian Heritage in New England by Gerard J. Brault in History

Review

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Under Appreciated Subject: New England Textile History of Late 19th / Early 20 CenturiesBy Roderick S. HaynesI grew up within a mile of the northern RI French-Canadian village of Albion; whose culture once centered on the textile mill industry alongside the Blackstone River in Massachusetts and northern Rhode Island. A number of my childhood friends' family histories reach back to the immigration of French Canadians from Quebec and the surrounding rural areas to New England. That said; I found this book helpful in gaining appreciation of the forces and dynamics behind French-Canadian heritage in New England; which in early 20th century was considerable. For readers who ever travel near Woonsocket; RI; I highly recommend visiting Museum of Work and Culture downtown; whose entire focus is on the French-Canadian influx and textile mill village culture 100 plus years ago. It is hard learning about 8 year old girls working 12 hour days 6 days a week; and being subject to the hazards and awful conditions of mill life; being paid a pittance for their work. Mill owners were in cahoots with the priests of the Catholic parishes in "keeping the workers in line" with Sunday sermons preaching obedience to authority at every turn (both church and commercial authority). The book is not entirely well constructed; that is; I like its parts better than its aggregate format. But when taken in chunks (reading parts of it at a sitting) one appreciates the central role of Catholicism and pride in French-Canadian origins among the mill workers. Interestingly enough; over 40% returned home to Canada having soured on American life. Another interesting aspect is the friction between French-Canadian parishes and Irish Catholic priests who were sometimes appointed to those parishes. The chemistry was really bad; in many cases those priests were reassigned to Irish-Catholic parishes. Originally published in 1986; the author; Gerald J. Brault is/was a Professor French at Penn State University. I would recommend reading this book with the understanding that it is somewhat dry and statistical in places. It is unquestionably well documented and scholarly; perhaps; too much so. Including even more excerpts of individual family experiences would bolster the readability of the book; although to the author’s credit there are a number of individual family anecdotes already within the text. I am glad I purchased it. It is sort of a “niche book” focusing on a specific slice of New England culture now well into its third or fourth generation.17 of 17 people found the following review helpful. This is a fascinating overview of Franco-American history with a wealth of cultural vignettes ...By D. FowlerAlthough written more than twenty years ago; Gerard Brault's book offers the Franco-American a glimpse into the past; a past many want to know about. When he was visiting Reims in 1952; he suddenly noticed the inscription on a sculpture; "Jean Qu pleure et Jean qui rit." When he realized that it was not merely a family expression; but a "time-honored French" one that linked him to his heritage; it was a life-altering experience. His search for his own heritage; specifically the migration of the French Canadian from Quebec into the Northeast led him to write this book.Brault's family history and vignettes are comfortably nestled inside this book; many illustrating customs that other families attend to; but may not know the origins. For example his family has their own Christmas Eve liturgy "followed by midnight mass and a réveillon." Many books I've read begin by discussing the hardships and discrimination and this one is no exception. Census information can be spotty because for every one who arrived and stayed; one left to go back home. Statistical information focuses from provincial origins from 1608-1765 on up to 1980 where we see a state-by-state breakout of New England French ancestry.There are numerous informative statistical charts; yet most of the book is conversational in nature; something that lends greatly to the readability. The book concentrates on a broad-based social history of the Franco-American in New England rather than the more narrowly focused work of the Violettes from Maine (privately published). In this regard it is of more interest to a wider readership. It begins with the Franco-American roots; swings to the immigration phases (1865-1920 and 1920 to 1960); and wends its way up to the 1980s. The topics (primarily taken from the table of contents); minus several historical vignettes specific to the Brault family include:* Ideology* Turn of the century culture* The language (distinguishes French from France as opposed to that in Canada and New England)* The background or reasons for the immigration to New England* The social and economic conditions* Labor problems* Social classes* Politics* Stereotypical view of Franco-Americans by others* Religion* Organizations* Credit Unions* Newspapers* The Repatriation Movement* Some disasters (textile mill accidents; fires)* Celebrities* Music* Architecture* Organizations* Literature* Artists* Folklore* Cultural revivalAlthough this book could have easily become an unreadable tome; it instead became a delightful history. It does; however; become appreciably academic when one looks at the wealth of source notes and extensive bibliography. These two sources alone would make it a genealogical dream for someone wanting to research their heritage. In addition there are black and white photographs and an excellent index. Regardless of the reason for purchase; this is a well-written book that would be an excellent addition to your shelves.10 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Interesting HistoryBy Science StrugglerMy mother's family (and possibly a branch of my father's) is French-Canadian; and I have been doing some family genealogy research. This book provides interesting background material in that area; and jives with the experiences of my ancestors. It even mentions a man who spent a little time in Plainfield; Connecticut; where my grandmother met him. He became famous as Brother Andre in Quebec; and has recently been named a Saint by the Catholic Church. My Mother; my brother; and my sister all really enjoyed this book. For interesting and historically accurate information about French-Canadians in New England; or just for a pleasant read; you should consider this book.