Presque Isle local and author Dottie Hutchins, along with Paul Cyr Photography have announced the publication of their new book, “ACADIAN ROOTS: Images of the St. John Valley.” This recently released bilingual, 186-page, full-color photo book is out in time to help celebrate the upcoming World Acadian Congress (CMA) 2014.
“ACADIAN ROOTS” is available soon in print and on disc (in PDF format). For a “sneak peek” at the book, please visit www.dottiehutchins.com. A book launch is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, at the Acadian Archives, located on the University of Maine at Fort Kent campus. The public is invited.
In “ACADIAN ROOTS”, Hutchins and Cyr combine their talents to create a unique view of the upper St. John River Valley. Lise Pelletier, director of the Acadian Archives at UMFK provides French translation of the text and adds cultural flavor by inserting a series of short stories and sayings typical of The Valley.
“ACADIAN ROOTS” provides a virtual tour of northernmost Aroostook County and parts of New Brunswick and Quebec, Canada through a collection of Cyr’s aerial and ground photographs of more than 27 towns on both sides of the St. John River. The bilingual book blends the physical beauty of The Valley with a unique genealogical perspective on its history and heritage. Cyr’s captivating photos are introduced by a short story tracing his Cyr-Sire ancestors from France to Acadie to the upper St. John Valley. It follows their epic survival surrounding the 1755 expulsion of Acadians from Nova Scotia, to their settlement at Mada–waska three decades later. The Cyr family provides a moving example of the resilience of the Acadian people.
“Through Paul’s camera lenses, readers can see Main Street of most every town in The Valley,” said Hutchins. “He also captures forestry and farming scenes, along with wildlife, nature, and many landmarks throughout The Valley. Paul’s photographs and the story of his Acadian ancestors, coupled with Lise Pelletier’s cultural inserts and translation, make a magical combination.”
Pelletier said, “When Dottie told me she wanted to write a book about The Valley, Paul Cyr’s photographs immediately came to mind as the perfect complement. Paul’s artistic ability to capture nature at its most awe-inspiring has won him thousands of admirers from The Valley and beyond. And, since the book was to be a reflection of the culture and history of our area, it was evident that it should be in both English and French.”
“ACADIAN ROOTS” also includes traditional Acadian recipes and other treasures to help make the book a timeless keepsake of everything that makes the upper St. John Valley so special. The book is made possible by more than 90 local sponsors and is artfully designed by Jean Cousins.
