September 18, 2005:

The Ottawa and Gatineau Valleys have a unique cultural heritage. The early settlers 
were mainly a mix of Americans, Irish Protestants, French Canadiens and Irish Catholics. 
These groups joined the Algonquin Nation who were indigenous to this area. Other ethnic 
groups came later in large numbers to contribute to our region's fabric.

We are a mixture of rural and urban folks. Our topography is a mixture of rugged
Precambrian Shield territory and beautiful farmland, stretching for miles.

The following link exemplifies the melding of our early pioneer cultures.

Charlie Gardner, well-known Ottawa area musician and long-time friend, has a song 
which captures some of the early spirit of this area. In the background of his video, 
you'll see some of the beauty of the Gatineau Valley. Listen for the names of familiar
local places -- Buckingham, Fort Coulonge, St. Pierre de Wakefield.

Below, he sings the song "Allons Dancer, Colinda", (Let's Go Dancing, Colinda).

Lighten up, turn up your speakers, have fun and click here.         
December 5, 2005:

Now, if you'd like to see what our area looks like in the winter time and hear
references to many of the places in the Ottawa Valley, Doug Corrigan and Charlie 
Gardner made a trip in search of the Outouais region. In the end, they discover
that There's No Such Place as the Outawais.

Source: Charlieville.com

December 11, 2005:

The Log-Driving Song, sung by Charlie Gardner and friends, describes the early
log drives on the Upper Ottawa River / Pontiac area.


December 13, 2005:

Hi Al:

Here's the jpeg version of the Collins Brothers Band who played in and
around Carlsbad Springs and Gloucester 1915.  They were the sons of Matthew
Collins (b. 1837) and Elizabeth McKenna (b. 1851) both of whom were born in
Gloucester but who were pioneers of Carlsbad Springs.

Charlie (b. 1890), George (b. 1894), Jim (b. 1879), Mike (b. 1891),
Willie (b. 1881).

... Jim McKenna


January 7, 2006:
Thanks to Taylor Kennedy for this great picture of his Uncle Dick Dubois!


January 9, 2006:

Hi All
 
Uncle Dick came from a family of violin, harmonica and bass drum players. 
Thought I would like to submit these photos of the past. 
Take care
... Taylor Kennedy


 October 29, 2010:

Joe Mufferaw / Joe Montferrand

Fiddling and Step-Dancing on St. Patrick's Day at Gavan's Hotel in Quyon.
Congratulations to Gail Gavan who was inducted to the Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall Of Fame this week.

Mac Beattie pays tribute to the great fiddler, Ward Allen.
Listen to Ward Allen's classic Maple Sugar.