Le Courrier Press Preservation

It's been more than 60 years since the province's only French-language newspaper, Le Petit Courrier, first rolled off the press. Thanks to the efforts of La Societe historique acadienne de Pubnico-Ouest, yesterday's news is making headlines once again at Le Musee acadien in West Pubnico.

Le Petit Courrier was introduced in 1937 by Desire d'Eon. The West Pubnico native printed 936 issues of the paper using a Chandler and Price manual printing press before replacing it in 1957.

Upon Mr. d'Eon's death in 1996, several artifacts, including books and photographs chronicling the history of the paper, were left to La Societe. The group decided to start a project to preserve that history.

"Since he (d'Eon) was from this community, and people knew him, there was a strong interest in doing this," said Bernice d'Entremont, co-chair of 60e anniversaire du Courrier de la Nouvelle-Ecosse.

As a volunteer society, it had little capital for such a project. So the group decided to tap into the Community Opportunities Fund, an initiative of Nova Scotia Economic Development and Tourism. With the help of a $20,590 investment, the preservation project was under way.

Last summer, the original press was restored to full operation by replacing the rollers and obtaining the proper ink and paper. Once completed, a page from one of the first issues of Le Petit Courrier was reproduced.

In addition, the founder's desk was refurbished, all books and photographs pertaining to Acadian culture were classified and placed in showcases, and all issues published during the first 10 years of the paper were computer-ndexed. These items are now displayed at Le Musee acadien.

"The era of the printing press is something to be saved," said Ms. d'Entremont. "Now, it is all accessible to the public."

"Acadian culture and heritage is a significant part of this province's growing cultural tourism sector," said Manning MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. "And Le Petit Courrier has always been fundamental in its support of that culture."

In addition to the preservation activities, a souvenir booklet promoting the past, present and future activities of Le Petit Courrier was published. This booklet, Cahier Souvenir du 60e anniversaire du Courrier de la Nouvelle-Ecosse, has been distributed across Nova Scotia through Acadian schools and French immersion classes, various Acadian groups, and subscribers to Le Petit Courrier. It is also available at the museum.

Ms. D'Entremont said the booklet will also serve as a marketing tool for Le Musee acadien.

"There is a lot of interest in this history and culture," says Ms. d'Entremont. "This will help to draw people from all over the province to the museum to learn about Le Petit Courrier and Acadian heritage."