Maison Saint Dizier is Verdun's most important historical site. Most Verdunites have passed in front of this house at one time or another without realising its significance. It was built around 1710 so in 2010 it will be 300 years old. The house was built by Zacharie Dupuy who originated from SAVERDUN in France from which the name VERDUN originated. The house passed into the hands of the nuns who also possested Nuns Island and others including John Crawford and sons who played a major role on the local scene. It was also a private hunting club The house was mostly neglected in the beginning of the 20th century and in 1930 was donated to the city who used it as a warehouse and was delapidated. In the 1940s the Canadian Legion restored the house and it was used for social activities.
There are big plans in the works for restoring this magnificent building and archealogical digging has already started with major finds. This research will be accelarated in 2006 and our society (SHGV) is already involved. I will keep you posted as events develop.
Guy
4 comments:
Guy that's the house on the south side of Lasalle Blvd.,before you enter Crawford Park. Steve
Steve, Its on the side of the river. Guy
Yes Guy the river side(south side) the big old grey stone house.Isn't the front step not far from the curb now? Steve
Steve, I guess it is relatively close to the curb. As you can see on the map, it is facing Lloyd George Street and is on the same side of the Natatorium which is at 6500 LaSalle Blvd and Maison Saint Dizier is at 7244 LaSalle Blvd. There are plans to make this site a museum and will be part of a larger project called Pöle des Rapides which will include the Lachine Museum at one end and La Maison St Gabriel in Pte St Charles at the other end. There is a lot of history along that area which goes back to the beginning of the colony and the fur trade. Guy
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