Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 36, Number 81, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 June 1904 — CANADA’S OLDEST HOUSE. [ARTICLE]

CANADA’S OLDEST HOUSE.

Structure Was Erected Three Centuries Ago—Of Historic Interest. What changes are suggested by the item of news from Montreal, stating that the oldest building in Canada, a dwelling house in Longueull, opposite Montreal, has been burned, and adding that the structure was erected three centuries ago, “and there is some evidence that it antedates this period by at least fifty years!" Leaving out the extra half century, which almost certainly is due to local pride and not to history, says the Mall and Express, the house was old enough, for its existence covered practically the making, not only of Canada, but the United States, with the exception of Florida. When the house was built Canada was young. Cartier and Roberval had explored it somewhat and had gone up the St. Lawrence to Hochelaga, where Montreal is now, but had made no permanent settlements. In 1604 Champlain planted the first colony in Acadia, and in 1608 founded Quebec. It is said that the old house was built some years before the fortifications at Longueull, which Were erected in 1612 to protect the infant settlement at Montreal. If so, it was indeed an outpost of civilization. Since it was built the new world has grown up, the colonies once divided by France and England have been united under British rule, and again have separated into the Dominion of Canada and the Unitedy States of America; the rest of the world has undergone changes as great. From its windows watchers could have seen attacks by Indians—perhaps the house itself was at times a fort and echoed to warwhoops—could have seen excursions by French and Indians against the colonies to the south, and Incursions of English from those settlements; could have watched the English succeed the French as masters of New France, have seen the Americans in possession of Montreal. Not far to the southward the United States have come into being. For eight score years the house was on the frontier, with an enemy constantly near at hand. Then the enemy became a friend, and has stayed so; how good a friend perhaps those in whose 'possession the house has remained do not yet know. The building was not on the main line of traffic, either actually or theoretically. Most of the great events of North American history have occurred at a distance from Montreal and Longueull, but through all the years of fighting and of peace the old house stood. We in America have not so many old buildings of any sort that we can afford to lose even a farm house that has existed from the beginning of our history.