Le Forum prints fascinating reunion story

I always look forward to reading Le Forum, published six times a year by the Franco-American Center at the University of Maine.

I was particularly interested in “Tracking Down My Lost Family,” which I presume to be only the first part of Dick Michaud’s trip from Utah to Madawaska for the Acadian Festival and Michaud Reunion in 2003.

I say the first part, because it ends just before he gets to Madawaska.

But to show you what a really small world it is, I have to tell you about an experience he had at the Canadian border. He met up with the driver of a Harley Davidson motorcycle who turned out to be the brother of Yvon Cyr, a genealogist who was going to lecture at the reunion.

I can’t wait to read the second part of Michaud’s escapades. The thing I’ve noticed about the Michauds is that they come in bunches. My husband has several Michaud lines.

In the same issue of Le Forum is “A View of French-Canadians in 1879” from Minnesota, one of several regional pieces. There is also Suzanne Boivin Sommerville’s “Earthquakes and Other Phenomena.” Her ancestor Pierre Boivin was confirmed in Chateau Richer in 1662.

Bob Chenard of Waterville is now in the 15th year of writing The French Connection column, which focuses on the genealogy of a different family each issue. This time it’s the Paquettes.

To receive Le Forum, printed with some articles in English and others in French, send $20 to Le Forum, Franco-American Center, Orono 04469-5719. The cost outside the United States is $25.

The Elizabeth Tilley, a replica of the 17th century Pilgrim shallop that sailed up the Kennebec River in 1628 in search of trade, will make a return visit to Augusta on Aug. 3-5. The vessel was in Augusta last summer to mark the 375th anniversary of the opening of the Pilgrim fur trading post at Cushnoc, the head of navigation on the Kennebec.

Constructed by the Howland Society at Plimoth Plantation under the guidance of Mayflower II Master Peter Arnestam, the single-masted Elizabeth Tilley measures 38 feet in length, 111/2 feet wide at the beam, and 4 feet deep. It will be on display in Augusta until noon Aug. 5.

It’s time to start thinking about the Maine Highland Games, sponsored by the St. Andrew’s Society of Maine. Everyone with Scots ancestors should attend this delightful event at least once.

Gates open at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, at Thomas Point Beach, Brunswick. Take a picnic lunch, or plan to purchase goodies on-site. Enjoy the bagpipe bands from miles around.

There will be games from tossing the haggis to highland dancing, a genealogy tent, and clan booths where you can purchase a swatch of tartan or visit with your Scottish cousins.

The cost is $10, or $5 for children age 12 and younger. Check out the Web site at mainehighlandgames.org.

The Mitchell-Ross-Carter Family Reunion will be held at noon Sunday, Aug. 8, at the home of Larry and Charlene Morse, 1200 Western Ave., Hampden. It is for descendants of Phineas and Evelyn Mitchell, William and Naomi Ross, and Alphonso and Lizzie Carter.

Bring a covered dish or sandwiches if traveling a long distance. Also chips, dessert, drinks. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be cooked on the grill. Bring folding chairs. Rain date Aug. 15. RSVP Charlene Morse, 862-3952; May Purvis, 942-9016; or Rena Hill, 942-3066.

3278. BRANN-DENICO. Seeking parents, ancestry of Ethelenda Brann, b. Feb. 1, 1817, possibly of Vassalboro. She md. Benson Denico Oct. 30, 1848. Benson Denico b. 1820, d. June 9, 1885, North Vassalboro. He was son of Moses and Lucretia (Knox) Denico. Another record lists her as Ethelenda Brown, probably a misspelling. Ethelenda Denico d. Aug. 22, 1913, North Vassalboro. Danny W. Howard, DECF 64 Base Road, Machiasport 04655.

3279. RICH-BASSETT. Searching for father, family and ancestors of James P. Rich, b. 1808, Bangor, married Feb. 16, 1837, in Bangor, Susan Bassett (or Susan Bossich Harriman), d. about 1875. He was in 1870 census, but only his widow was in 1880 census. Also interested in “Rich Family of Waldo County.” Robert L. Oakes, 10003 West 97th Terrace, Overland Park, KS 66212.

3280. GODFREY. Trying to research origins of Ard Godfrey, one of my wife’s ancestors. It appears he played a prominent role in Orono, having built the first mill there. Tim Drummond, 34 Paseo de Paz, Tijeras, NM 87059-7456; or e-mail clyde@swcp.com.

3281. CASEY-BURKE. Seeking information on Eugene Casey, from County Tipperary, Ireland, and Maggie or Margaret Burke, from Maryland, who married July 4, 1871, St. Bernard’s Roman Catholic Church, Rockland. Eugene was a stonecutter and said to have worked on Clark Island. Maggie’s parents were Michael and Ellen. Scott Humphrey, P.O. Box 1841, Rancho Cordova, CA 95741; e-mail shump@parks.ca.gov.

Send genealogy queries to Family Ties, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; or send e-mail to familyti@bangordailynews.net.