Was Ollainville always destined to be a part of the Parisian suburbs? Perhaps not. Ollainville is a commune in Essonne. It is in the Ile-de-France region. Let’s explore its past.
Ollainville has a history that stretches back centuries. Some might even say it lacks a distinct past. Many Parisian suburbs grew rapidly and recently. They often lack deep historical roots. These roots help shape a community’s identity and culture. Ollainville is no exception.
In 1995, Ollainville had nearly 3500 residents. It experienced the rapid growth of Parisian suburbs. The town is known for its strong community spirit. An active community life and a united local government contribute to this spirit.
It is important to remember Ollainville’s historical and cultural heritage. This heritage was once poorly understood or ignored. A modest booklet aimed to change that. It sought to shed light on Ollainville’s history. The goal was to restore the town’s memory. It aimed to reveal a past filled with interest.
King Henri III of France once used Ollainville as a country retreat. He owned a magnificent chateau here in the 15th century. He spent many weekends here. Today, traces of the royal estate are hard to find. Despite modern changes, this booklet helps locate them. It also recounts other episodes of local history. These episodes echo France’s grand history across the centuries.
Georges Solovieff wrote “A village of Essonne through the centuries.” This work is a key source of Ollainville’s history. Solovieff was a former mayor of Ollainville. He was also a teacher licensed in psychology. He admitted to lacking the meticulousness of historical analysis. Yet, he lived in Ollainville for over three decades.
Solovieff’s work draws heavily from a detailed study by historian Raymond Devevey in 1972. Devevey’s complete manuscript is available at the Ollainville Town Hall. Devevey’s research saved many documents from oblivion. These documents relate to Ollainville and the Hurepoix region.
Solovieff adapted and simplified Devevey’s extensive manuscript. He aimed to make it accessible. His goal was to contribute to the history of the region.
Ollainville’s story includes the monastery of the White Monks. It established Ollainville in the 7th century. Investigations sometimes extended to neighboring towns like Bruyères-le-Châtel. Their destinies were linked until 1792. The focus remains on the period after the creation of the commune of Ollainville. This occurred during the revolutionary era.
The author shows more affection for his adopted town than strict scientific rigor. He strived to be well-documented and honest. The brochure aims to spark curiosity and inspire further research. Ollainville may lack a long history. It is still a place with a story worth telling.
Ollainville is part of the Arpajon canton in the Essonne department. Neighboring towns include those in the Ile-de-France region.