Acknowledgements
In the course of research, it was my pleasure to ask friends and neighbours to share their knowledge of community and personal family history with me. Their collective response was very gratifying. Many allowed me to pore over precious family papers: handwritten, meticulously preserved threads of the past. Although details differed, the presence of a common thread of deep respect for a proud past, and for those who came before us was evident in each story. A picture of our community and of how it was forged emerged in my mind.
Tools such as a computer and internet access now make research and writing a comparatively easy task. Each time I thumb the history provided by Cyrus Thomas (1866), Mrs. C.M.Day (1869) and Rev. E. M. Taylor, vol. I (1908) & vol. II (1937), I am grateful for their laborious efforts, all accomplished without the aids we now take for granted. Their works are a tangible connection to people and places of our past. Volumes 1 to 10 of Yesterdays of Brome County published over the years by the Brome County Historical Society were also valuable sources of information.
My thanks go to Ann Power of Knowlton Landing, who corrected my first manuscript with a teacher’s practiced eye and provided very constructive advice for me to continue. Jean-Louis Bertrand did yeoman’s service in advising me. I am certain that he has combed this document as many times as I. Merci de toute ton aide, Jean-Louis! Jacqueline Robitaille has patiently revised my texts. Her professionalism and absolute attention to detail is admirable and very much appreciated. My fellow Potton Heritage director, Serge Normand, is the one responsible for the very fine appearance of this book, both the printed version and the web version. He is a veritable Web Wizard! Merci, Serge.
My fellow directors of Potton Heritage Association have been an inspiration to me. Their respect for Potton’s past and willingness to work for its future deserves acknowledgement. I’m proud to be a part of the team.
Potton Heritage Association is grateful to the MRC de Memphrémagog and to the Municipal Council of the Township of Potton for the financial support that has aided the Association in the continuation of its work, and in the production of this document.
Sandra Jewett
January 2013