“Why is it called Rivière-du-Nord?” a curious voice piped up from the group. Excellent question! Here, by the Rivière-du-Nord, the answer flows as clearly as the river itself. The Rivière-du-Nord, meaning “River of the North,” didn’t get its name because it flows strictly north. It originates from Lac Brûlé, northwest of here, and meanders through a region that was historically considered “the North.” The name first appeared in a 1680 deed, when Intendant Jacques Duchesneau granted the seigneury of Argenteuil to Charles-Joseph d’Ailleboust Des Muceaux. The name stuck, a testament to the river’s enduring presence. The Rivière-du-Nord isn’t just a pretty waterway. It’s a vital artery that has shaped the communities along its banks. From its source, it flows southeast, passing Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, watering towns like Val-David, Sainte-Adèle, and Prévost (once known as Shawbridge). It then turns southwest, gracing Saint-Jérôme and Lachute before finally joining the Ottawa River at Lac des Deux Montagnes. Imagine Father Antoine Labelle, a dynamic priest and colonization advocate, traversing this very river between 1868 and 1891. He used the Rivière-du-Nord as his highway, visiting and supporting the settlers who carved their lives out of the wilderness between Saint-Jérôme and Mont-Laurier. His dedication to the region is another thread in the rich tapestry of the Rivière-du-Nord’s story. So, as you stand here, by the flowing waters of the Rivière-du-Nord, remember it’s more than just a river. It’s a historical landmark, a lifeline, and a testament to the enduring spirit of those who have called this region home.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to