Before launching into the many varied activities and courses offered at Maison Desaulniers, home base of the St. Lambert Council for Seniors, I would like to begin with some of Maison’s history.
The building at 574 Notre-Dame was built in 1909 by the notary, Edmond Desaulniers who was mayor of Saint Lambert in 1908 and 1909. M. Desaulniers and his wife, Marie-Antoinette Chaput moved into the house in 1910. In 1927, he sold his property to M. Albert Gouin, director of the Metropolitan Insurance Co. and his family who live there until his death in 1942. Madame Gouin in turn sold the family home to the Ministry of Transport of Québec which housed the Regional Office of the Roads Department from 1945 to 1973. During this period, the building was expanded. When the Ministry of Transport no longer needed the space, it offered to sell the building and the parking lot for one dollar with the condition that it be used exclusively for activities for our St. Lambert seniors. The city took possession of the building in 1974 and designated it as a Cultural Centre.
In March of 1980, in the need for more space, the city offered the entire property to the Council with a lease along with a $25,000 grant to be used for their activities.
The official opening took place on November 15, 1981. (note: my husband Michel Gratton was the mayor at the time.) The building at the corner of Notre-Dame and Webster was named Maison Desaulniers. In 1984, Ethel Bisgrove was named Programs Director to later become Executive Director in 2001. Following Ethel’s death in 2007, Kay Rylander replaced her from 2007 to 2014 then followed by Louise Bayard from 2014 to 2018.
Maison’s survival and the future of the Council for Seniors were in question for a time when municipal officials were seriously considering changing its vocation and selling its parking lot to allow another party to build on it. The members mobilized and a petition of 1,300 signatures was submitted to City Council. After the next municipal election, the status quo returned and Dawn Smith took on the position of Executive Director. Unfortunately, due to health issues, Dawn has had to retire. Louise Bayard very generously took on the responsibilities until Christine Contant, the new director was named.
Apart from a weekly movie, there are a myriad of classes and activities offered at Maison, to name just a few, English, French and Spanish language courses along with Scrabble, bridge, writing, drawing and many more. You can see the rest on their website: Saint-Lambert Council For Seniors
There is such a warm, affectionate and communal atmosphere that you immediately feel comfortable and welcome. As Judy Campbell, the treasurer told me once, Maison is family. One member, Lucie has been a member for over five years, likes the house and the family atmosphere and wishes to be involved in many of the activities for many years. Hélène, another member states that Maison Desaulniers is what is most important for St. Lambert Seniors, intellectually, physically and mentally.
I would like to thank Louise Bayard for the information I was able to use especially about the early history of Maison Desaulniers.