La Patrie
Southeast of Quebec,hundred one and fifty kilometers from Montreal,in the forests of the Eastern township administrative region (Eastern Townships), there is a village called La Patrie, which is part of the Regional Municipality County of Upper St.Francis.The village covers nearly 207 square kilometers and has just over 800 inhabitants. 
The village is easily accessible from Highway 10 and a well-developed road network provides communications with all regions of Quebec. In addition, the village is close to the border with the United States which provides access to the US market.
This tranquil and prosperous area is distinguished by the beauty of its land. The relief of the area is rugged and mountainous, formed by the imposing Mount Mégantic and the White Mountains,also dotted with valleys formed by the rivers St. Francis, Eaton and Salmon.
Agriculture has been and remains a predominant activity Development of the village, there are several farms, in addition, the forest covers much of the territory is a very important resource and generating many jobs.
La Patrie Church
Canonical erection of the parish dates from 1878 and its foundation is the result of colonization under the 1875 Repatriation Act.
The name of "Homeland" was given to the village because one of the first settlers repatriated from the United States had chosen to describe his new residence.
You can still see today the Anglo-Saxon influence on the houses and churches, and some buildings are classified as historical monuments. Such is the case of St. Peter's Church Museum of La Patrie,a Gothic church. This stone church was built in 1907. The building takes the form of a Latin cross with aisles, a chancel projecting and a semicircular apse. Its exterior architecture is inspired by Romanesque lines.
The small violin shop founded in La Patrie in 1982 has transformed over the years into a true community of artisans. Today the village of La Patrie hosts more than 200 craftsmen specialized in the manufacturing of guitars. In honor of the village, a range of classic guitars that were created there, bear his name. Factory Guitabec, known worldwide, manufactures high end guitars very popular among musicians from Quebec and elsewhere.
In this village there is an organ, unique in Quebec, built in Toronto in 1878. He stayed for several years in a church in Halifax, Nova Scotia,and in 1913 he was taken to the village of La Patrie. This magnificent instrument was restored by the community to the delight of music lovers and lovers of historical heritage.
La Patrie
1803 Proclamation of Canton Ditton.
1855 (July 1) Constitution of the municipality of the united townships of Newport-Ditton- Chesham-Clinton-and-Auckland.
Relais La Patrie panoramic
1870-1880 ethnic tensions between Anglophones and Francophones.
1870 Constitution of the municipality of the Township of Auckland by detachment of the united townships of Newport-Ditton-Chesham-and-Clinton -Auckland.
1871 Founding of St. Peter's mission.
1873 Operations begin at a sawmill by Peter V. Vaillant, a leading Quebec repatriated from Rhode Island.
23 February 1875 Appointment of the first resident priest, opening records of the parish of Saint-Pierre-de-Ditton and opening a post office under the name of La Patrie. Sanction of the repatriation law that favors the return to Canada and the establishment of some of the 400,000 Canadians who had emigrated to the US to earn a living; organizations are then created to allow the establishment of such people in new concessions; a number of them settled in the township of Ditton; they melt agglomeration takes Repatriation Camp name.
1876 January 1 Constitution of the municipality of the Township of Newport by detachment of the united townships of Newport-Ditton-Chesham-and-Clinton. Constitution of the townships municipality Chesham-and-Ditton by detachment of the united townships of Ditton-Chesham-and-ClintonSaint-Pierre-de-Ditton.
29 January 1878 Canonical erection of the its territory covers part of Canton Ditton.
1 June 1902 Constitution of the City of Canton Ditton by detachment of the united townships of Chesham-and-Ditton.
The 1923 population of the parish of Saint-Pierre-de-Ditton of 1,112 souls.
LE14 March 1937 Foundation of the Caisse populaire de La Patrie.
1941 January 4 Constitution of the village municipality of La Patrie by detachment of the canton of Ditton.
1958 township municipality of Chesham adopts the name Notre-Dame-des-Bois.
1972 Luthier Robert Godin, a luthier of Montreal acquires a factory of doors and windows and transforms it into guitar making workshop.
Violin maker Robert Godin
1990 The population of La Patrie is 357 inhabitants that of Ditton, 468.
1996 August 8 Overflow of the Salmon River causes the evacuation of 400 people.
December 24, 1997 Coalition of Municipalities of Ditton and La Patrie as the latter.
2000 Population La Patrie is 833 inhabitants.
2005 population of La Patrie is 803 inhabitants.
Economy
access to the Municipality of La Patrie
The village of La Patrie is easily accessible from Highway 10 and a well-developed road network provides communications with all regions of Quebec. In addition, the village is close to the border with the United States which provides access to the US market.
This tranquil and prosperous area is distinguished by the beauty of its land. The relief of the area is rugged and mountainous, formed by the imposing Mount Mégantic and the White Mountains, also dotted with valleys formed by the rivers St. Francis, Eaton and Salmon.
La Patrie and mountain biking
Agriculture has been and remains a prominent activity for the development of the village, there are several farms, in addition, the forest covers much of the territory is a very important resource and generating many jobs.
The canonical erection of the parish dates from 1878 and its foundation is the result of colonization under the 1875 Repatriation Act.
The name of La Patrie was given to the village because one of the first settlers repatriated from the United States had chosen to describe his new residence.
You can still see today the Anglo-Saxon influence on the houses and churches, and some buildings are classified as historical monuments. Such is the case of St. Peter's Church Museum of La Patrie, a Gothic church. This stone church was built in 1907. The building takes the form of a Latin cross with aisles, a chancel projecting and a semicircular apse. Its exterior architecture is inspired by Romanesque lines.
Throughout the region between Scotstown and Chartierville,we note the presence of many farms, especially dairy, a mill and some companies involved in the transformation.
The small violin shop founded in La Patrie in 1982 has transformed over the years into a true community of artisans. Today the village of La Patrie hosts more than 200 craftsmen specialized in the manufacturing of guitars. In honor of the village, a range of classic guitars that were created there, bear his name. The Guitabec factory known worldwide manufactures popular high-end guitars in musicians from Quebec and elsewhere .
Moreover, La Patrie is renowned Trappist who wanted to establish a monastery in the Bethlehem area, but in vain.
La Patrie, organ of St Peter's church
in this village is an organ, unique in Quebec, built in Toronto in 1878. He stayed for several years in a church in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and then, in 1913, he was taken to the village of La Patrie. This magnificent instrument was restored by the community to the delight of music lovers and lovers of historical heritage.
The grocery store, the hardware store, lingerie and milling belong to the agricultural cooperative in the village. Agriculture is the main economic engine of the municipality. Mayor Jacques Blais, exerts himself this business.
Some specialized industries in the field of forestry (and its derivatives) settled in La Patrie, including plant Guitabec guitars, world famous for its brand Godin guitars.
The parish was served as a mission from 1871 to 1875, the appointment of the first resident pastor. The canonical erection of 29 January 1878. The foundation of the parish is the result of a colonization test done under the Repatriation Act, 1875. The name of "Homeland" was given to the village because One of the first settlers repatriated from the United States, expressing his joy to be back, had chosen this name for his new residence.
The current stone church was built in 1907 according to plans of architect Wilfrid J . Gregory and Louis-Napoléon Audet. The building takes the form of a Latin cross with aisles, projecting choir and a semicircular apse. The exterior architecture is inspired by Romanesque lines (openings semicircular arc). The three semicircular arch windows of the upper part of the façade show the same training as the three portals. The top of the tower is pierced with a bull's-eye. The plan of the facade is almost entirely as for other area churches. Moreover, the originality of the church tower is the superposition of the two chambers of the bells.
Before restoration
Inside the vault, plaster, is semicircular arch. The sober neoclassical decor includes columns with Corinthian capitals, cherubim that overcome arches, brackets that support the entablature classic. The nave is lit by oculi housed in pleints arcs hanger. The pulpit, still in place, is a work made around 1910 by Micheldiscarded.
This instrument, unique in Quebec, was built in Toronto in 1878. He first stayed for 35 years in a church in Halifax, Nova Scotland, before being transported in 1913 by train to Scotstown then by car to harness the horses to the village of La Patrie. This beautiful instrument, which had suffered the ravages of time, has been restored by the community to the delight of music lovers and lovers of heritage
This instrument, unique in Quebec, was built in Toronto in 1878. He first stayed for 35 years in a church in Halifax, Nova Scotland, before being transported in 1913 by train to Scotstown then by car to harness the horses to the village of La Patrie. This beautiful instrument, which had suffered the ravages of time, has been restored by the community to the delight of music lovers and lovers of heritage
There is a small village in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, which is the favorite place of Canadian luthiers for more than 30 years. In this village, luthiers devote themselves entirely to the art and tradition of handmade guitars. They pay special attention to all aspects of manufacturing to create incomparable instruments, which they are proud to provide the name of their village. This is the village of La Patrie guitars ... andhere'smodels.
range of classical guitars La Patrie has seven The Pattern Study, Concert, Concert CW, the Presentation, the Collection and Hybrid CW. All these nylon stringed guitars are made of wood of superior quality, which gives them an exceptional resonance and structural integrity.
All La Patrie guitars have solid cedar tables tested for pressure. This measurement method provides strength and rigidity to provide unmatched sound quality, structural integrity and optimal harmonic vibration. These carefully manufactured instruments enable to benefit from overall tone, projection and incredible resonance. The wood used for the production of tables comes from cedars whose age averaged 800 years. From a technical perspective, the right and tight grain in this wood reinforces the table while making it more flexible in the perpendicular direction.
The handle and its attachment, a unique concept.
La Patrie guitars also feature a Custom Polished Finish reminiscent of the French polish of the 19 th. century. Unlike finished polyester "thick" This Custom Polished finish not only protects the wood but also to let him breathe and vibrate freely, to leave the very important process of "aging" to his work. Through this "aging", the sound of each guitar La Patrie improves with time.
The handles of La Patrie guitars are carved from Honduras mahogany. They benefit from a tension rod innovative dual function, most traditional classical guitars are not equipped. This system reduces the thickness of the handle to provide increased comfort while improving its stability. All classical guitar La Patrie have a very detailed rosette borders
Mr.Normand Boucher, Master luthier.
Claude Boucher
cream color, easel and saddles Tusq in, a rosewood fingerboard and fully compensated saddles easel, by Graphtech.
Welcome to La Patrie ... where innovation meets tradition.
Models range Homeland offers musicians of all levels a full range of nylon string guitars, ranging from compact Pattern to solid wood Collection, via the Hybrid CW EQ modern and innovative design. Guitars La Patrie all benefit from our expertise and attention to detail to provide sound and exceptional aesthetics.
1978 - Normand Boucher
Magazine Article, manufacturing quality
Magazine Article, manufacturing quality
... The day Normand Boucher has made a guitar, he knew that ten years later, from 5000 to 7000 these instruments annually leave the workshops of the small village of La Patrie in the Sherbrooke area, to up in eighteen different countries ... ... it would make 70,000 in a year to meet demand. I refuse to enlarge my workshops and increase the staff. Each of the instruments we manufacture is impeccable, and I wish that this quality is maintained-.
in 1978 Normand Boucher
Normand BoucherMagazine Article, the tooling.
... Normand Boucher was an excellent guitarist, has no time to play or take a vacation, except for two days fishing, from time to time. In addition to administration, the evenings are devoted to maintain the equipment he designed himself. None of these presses, these saws, the devices used for the assembly only before existed. Around him, one speaks of it as a man with unusual inventiveness ... ... Normand Boucher is our Merlin the Magician ...
A background of typical label box of a guitar Normand Boucher.
1980 Normand Boucher
-.Press article, the Guitar Festival
The small municipality of La Patrie had made everything beautiful weekend. Some flowers everywhere, music in the air ... The reason? The fourth edition of Guitar Festival and Flower Show that La Patrie, organizers have attracted nearly 10,000 visitors.
11 December 1980 - Normand Boucher
Press article, the factory fire
lit by an explosion, the fire had razed the factory within hours, depriving their livelihood twenty workers who assembled there for guitars sold the four corner of the world and causing material losses valued at nearly a million dollars. Shot by this blow, the owner of the factory, Mr. Normand Boucher, had for several days, hesitated to rebuild the burned factory but, encouraged by his family and by his former employees, he decided, even though it was no longer the young to dive again.
1983 - Normand Boucher
advertising brochure, unsurpassed wood.
... Using conventional wood found in most quality guitars. like ebony, mahogany and rosewood, Boucher also discovered in the forests of his region wonderful sonic possibilities of spruce, cherry, maple, cherry and walnut ...
1983 - Normand Boucher
advertising brochure, an important innovationtime..
... In addition to creating an instrument of exceptional sonority, Normand Boucher was able to make, thanks to its inventive spirit, a guitar that resists To do this, he has overcome the only drawbacks of traditional materials. Indeed, a patented process allows the musician to adjust the key and correct if necessary twist the handle ...
1995 - Normand Boucher
Testimony
... If you saw his last guitar, you would understand immediately the passion of this man. It comes from the end at the age of 78 years. Inlaid with mother, finished with such care, it vibrates to no end, keeping its harmony, carried by the breath of unparalleled lightness ...
Mont Mégantic near La Patrie
1995 - Normand Boucher
Testimony
... and guitar in it all! Norman's father, himself a musician Emeritus Martin bought him a guitar at the age of eleven, he spanked burst into a small orchestra. At nineteen, he was performing with Billy's Blue Ribbon Boys in Granada in Sherbrooke, White House Pavilion and even CHLT. Normand especially liked the guitar and the sound of this instrument that has always sought to perfect. It is still the objective there ...
for Mr. Boucher workshop in its infancy.
Normand Boucher, La Patrie, and the soul of the guitar ... La Patrie, Quebec, a small village in the Eastern Townships at the foot of Mount Megantic. It takes its name from its founders, revenues French Canadians to Canada after immigrants to the United States. 475 people gravitate around the village. There have been made here over 150,000 guitars a year ... ...ButWho is behind this industry in La Patrie? Who is the soul behind the music is sometimes heard at the foot of Mount? Y-he was a guitarist in Quebec that is played on one of these guitars? Many legends circulate. But there would be only one true ....
Normand Boucher, is the man in question. He was born in 1917 in Coaticook Quebec and was established in La Patrie in 1940. There he met Fernande Robidas who became his wife in 1942. The family will grow over the years with four children, Claude, Louise, Richard and Martyn. Normand Boucher is a musician for a long time, his father had given him at the age of 11 of a guitar. Over the years, it has become a dream for him to be able to manufacture his own guitar. Later, in the sixties, Mr. Boucher then outstanding cabinetmaker in his workshop manufactures doors, windows, furniture and various cabinets. One day at the urgent and insistent request of his son, he decided to build himself a guitar for this one. Guitar No. 1 was born in 1967 and interestingly, Normand Boucher has developed itself tooling that was used to work the woods he found ideal. Following this positive experience, so there will be more than guitar produced in the small workshop ...
The first guitar built by Mr. Boucher
The company "Les Norman guitars Rec." Was founded in 1968. The design of the departure instruments is based on Martin guitars in some respects, with a dam in X under the soundboard and a form of type of box " dreadnought ". Against by the fixing of the handle is unique, it is bolted and without heel. A new concept in the forefront and a very efficient system to control the adjustment of the instrument. It should be noted that today in the 21st century, many manufacturers use a system incorporating a bolt handle, it is the case of Taylor and Martin companies. The primary purpose of Mr. Boucher was to produce affordable quality guitar using largely the best local resources of wood. The company was incorporated in 1972 under the name "Norman Guitars Inc. '. A decision that involves a certain amount of courage, Normand Boucher 55, he abandons the cabinet in favor of violin making.
From 1970 to 1976 we are in an era in Quebec "post-Woodstock" with a strong current political independence and several artists are deliberately shown using a product Quebec whose guitar Normand Boucher. Also this time "back to earth" promotes the use of instruments with simple looks and handcrafted. This period is distinguished by a strong growth for the workshop. In September 1980, a drama, fire, fire broke out and completely destroyed "the plant" because it is now a factory, "the shop" as they say in the village.
Mr. Normand Boucher, his dog, his guitar. The guitar in the Eastern Townships
The marriage of Mr. Boucher and Ms. Robidas.
An important decision is binding and Normand Boucher at the age of 63 years decides to rebuild and continue. In February of the following year, the new plant is operating and production resumed. The company over the years has diversified into designing and producing classical guitars, electric guitars and an acoustic model "big concert" which was called "folklore". In 1987, another major decision, at the age of70 years, Boucher decided to sell his "shop", and equipment to a local entrepreneur who continues the production of the trademark. It is easy to identify an original guitar made by the workshops of Normand Boucher. The instrument is made of quality wood and the handle is no external heel.
Cash bottom label of a Boucher guitar
The label inside maybe three different types including a well-known example is reproduced in the photo section of this page. The first guitars have no labels, the name is simply stamped it at the bottom of the box. In general, these guitars "Vintage" has aged wonderfully and some are of a certain rarity. Mr. Boucher has never stopped making guitars. His latest, a single brand model "N Boucher" has a beautifully set with mother of pearl rosette.
He worked on the development of a dam system leveraged bridge, his latest invention that allowed to reduce the string tension on the soundboard. He died December 21, 1997 at the age of 80 years. Claude and Richard Boucher, the son,who possess the secret, always make acoustic guitars as the "Butcher", these instruments are aimed at the top market range and entirely handcrafted. The village of La Patrie, has become one of the largest manufacturer of guitars in America and we should not forget to give credit to Normand Boucher, master luthier which is the basis for the development of the guitar industry in La Patrie.The success of today are somehow the result of the pioneering work of developer and visionary of that ... It is this music that we hear sometimes at the foot of Mount ...
The coordinates of La Patrie
18 Rue Chartier,
La Patrie, Quebec J0B 1Y0, Canada
Tel: 819-888 2691
church photography Source collections.ic.gc.ca/hsf/museeeglise1.html
http://www.uquebec.ca/musique/orgues/quebec/lapatrie1.html
