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Nadeaus commemorate 100-year-old homestead

One hundred years ago, Thomas Nadeau made his way from Quebec heading west, eventually arrived in Bonnyville, married his wife Marie and set up the Nadeau family homestead, which remains with the family to this day.
Former and current residents of the Nadeau family homestead pose for a photo during the 100-year celebration of the family’s arrival in Bonnyville. From left: Lucien,
Former and current residents of the Nadeau family homestead pose for a photo during the 100-year celebration of the family’s arrival in Bonnyville. From left: Lucien, Kendra, Coreen, Robert, Korbin and Marie-Ange.

One hundred years ago, Thomas Nadeau made his way from Quebec heading west, eventually arrived in Bonnyville, married his wife Marie and set up the Nadeau family homestead, which remains with the family to this day.

The homestead, which lies just south of Jessie Lake, is now on its third generation of Nadeau ownership.

For over 41 years, from 1911-1952, Thomas and Marie farmed the land and raised 10 children – seven girls and three boys.

In 1952, Thomas's son Lucien and his wife Marie-Ange took over the homestead, continuing to farm, while raising five children of their own.

The homestead was then passed down in 1998 to Lucien's son Robert and his wife Coreen, who have maintained the land, continued to farm grains and livestock, and raised their two children, Korbin and Kendra.

A celebration was held on the original quarter of land on July 2 to commemorate the Nadeau family's 100 years in Bonnyville.

Immediate and extended family, as well as many friends of the Nadeaus, made it out for the party.

MLA for Bonnyville – Cold Lake Genia Leskiw was also there to say a few kind words and present a plaque to Robert, his wife and the rest of the Nadeau family, honouring their achievement.

“It's so nice to see everyone here together,” said Marie-Ange. “It's a special celebration and we're so glad everyone could make it out.”

Though much on the homestead has changed or evolved over the years, many structures remain. The current family home was built in 1938, while the barn was built in 1953 after a fire destroyed the first one.

An old garage and shed sit nestled back near a patch of bushes. Even after standing for nearly 80 years, both structures remain intact and are still used. In fact, according to the Nadeaus, the roof of the old garage is in great shape and doesn't even leak.

Though Thomas and Marie and three of their children, Jeanne D'Arc, Delina and Joseph, have passed on, many family members of all ages came out to celebrate the occasion.

Lucien's five sisters, Lucienne, Gloria, Rose, Clémentine and Edourdina and his brother Albert all made it out to the celebration. Lucien's five children, Maurice, Lea, Annette, Dianne and the current owner Robert, were there as well.

Twelve grandchildren were also in attendance, including Afton, Morgan, Korbin, Kendra, Austin, Justin, Kathan, Aimie, Tristan, Jacqueline, Amber and Ayden.

When Thomas first arrived in the area 100 years ago, he bought a quarter of land, which became the original homestead, and over the years the homestead grew from one quarter to the four quarters it is today.

“I'm not sure why (my father) came here specifically,” said Lucien. “He started here and raised his family. Now it has continued for three generations.”

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