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June 26, 2009

Mattawa Celebrates Its Heritage

On Saturday June 13th 2009, a 1956 Ford RCMP Highway Patrol Interceptor car cruised Mattawas Main Street with lights flashing and sirens whaling and stopped at the Mattawa Museum. Maurice Nadon former Commissioner of the RCMP, who grew up across the street from the Museum for the first 12 years of his life, stepped out of the cruiser and was met with many red-coated officers and a number of guests who greeted him enthusiastically.

Marice Nadon in full dress waiting for unveiling. D Mackey photos

He was there with a large gathering of Nadons and other guests to unveil a permanent display on his life and times a few minutes later in the Museum. Asst. RCMP Commissioner Mike McDonnell did the honours. It was also the 25th anniversary of the Museum’s founding and the 100th anniversary of the OPP and the 125th anniversary of the town. A large crowd was there to share the event. After the unveiling of the display, prepared by Curator Jane Lennard, the guests moved outside to the main stage in front of a large crowd gathered for the festivities.

Jack Whalen Chair of the Museum Board acted as the M.C. for the event and introduced Danielle Perrault who sang the National Anthem.Wayne Reid the Town Crier read a proclamation about the event.

M.P. Anthony Rota and M.P.P. Monique Smith presented citations recognizing the event.

Maurice Nadon’s former Deputy Paul Drapeau spoke about Nadon’s long and outstanding career as the first French Canadian Commissioner of the RCMP from 1974 to 1977 and the man instrumental in bringing women into the force, among many other achievements.

Mr. Nadon was presented with a copy of the special photograph in his display, created by Claremont Duval, showing his original family in front of the house that remains today across from the museum. Dean Backer announced that the street, First Street, is now called Maurice Nadon Way and the signs were shown to the large crowd who cheered the honour. Mr. Nadon spoke about his connection to Mattawa. Rene Lamarche brought on stage two Mattawa residents, Maurice Nadon and his wife Madeline , with identical names to Commisioner Nadon and his late wife Madeline , to everyone’s delight . The Nadon family met at the Moon Café later in the day for a reunion of Nadon guests from far and wide.

The OPP 100th

The OPP had several displays and many officers present including Chief Supt. Scott Todd and Supt. Joffre Dupuis a former Mattawa resident,both of whom spoke, bringing greetings celebrating the 100th anniversary of the OPP.

The OPP 100th Anniversary Cake presented by OPP Superintendents

The OPP provided a large birthday cake which was cut by 100 year old Mattawa resident Mrs. Aurore Lafreniere.

The Museum’s 25th.

Jack Whalen recognized the Museum’s successful 25 year evolution by displaying the newly framed original document establishing the museum. Museum board member Claudette Desroches then presented plaques to four original board members Noella and Vic Tremblay, Barry Walters and Marie (Colborne) Aubertin.

100 year old Aurore Lafreniere leaves the stage with companion Pauline Backer after cutting the OPP cake. Maurice Nadon is seated on her left.
 

Other Explorer Point Activities

The Mattawa Lions Club provided free hotdogs and pop to the guests and the wonderful Royal Canadian Legion Branch 23 Pipe Band played a variety of tunes. The various police displays were also popular and there was free admission to the museum.

The North Bay Royal Canadian Legion Branch 23 Pipe Band with the Belanger Outdoor Adventure Store in background on right where Commissioner Nadon grew up.

All in all a remarkable four tier inter-related series of events that came together in a memorable and fitting celebration. Congratulations to all concerned.

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