by The Collecif

Most years we create a community-centric project funded by our Township’s Community Grants Program. This year we refurbished a mural in Mill Square that was rather the worse for wear.

Gerald Paddy and the Alexandria Senate was painted on this site in 1998 by local artist, Odile Têtu. The group convened almost daily at Gerald McDonald’s barber shop on Main Street in the mid-1900s. They’d discuss politics, local events – anything they found newsworthy.

The2023 interpretation was painted to scale over the summer by Kerry Herwijnen McIntosh and Tina Whitman. It was mounted in Mill Square 7 September 2023.

We knew we were preserving the memory of the vintage mural. We were surprised at how living the memory was: a few folks walking by have pointed out their relatives! From left to right:

1. Gilbert Sabourin                            Butcher (blue shirt)
2. Frank McLeister                             Druggist (brown coat reflected in mirror)
3. Gerald (Paddy) MacDonald       Barber
4. Adrien Filion                                   Insurance Broker
5. Gavin MacDonald                          Veteran
6. Leopold Seguin                              Bank manager
7. Benny Proulx                                 LCBO
8. Bert Larocque                                Taxi Driver (walking in door)
9. Rheal Huot                                     Clerk (peeking through window)
10. Clarence Ostrom                           Druggist (retired)
11. Gene Macdonald                           Publisher Glengarry News
12. Gabe Aubry                                    Lawyer

The painting by Kerry and Tina is this year’s donation to the Township of Glengarry and will hang in Sandfield Centre with works by Collectif members from other years

Thank you to: the Township of North Glengarry for supporting local arts and culture; Odile Têtu for permission to replicate her work; local artists and businesses for materials, expertise and support.