Bryson, Quebec - February 12, 1907
At its beginnings in 1856, Bryson was known as “the little port of Havelock.” It was named Havelock after a famous English general who had made his mark in India. Located on the Ottawa River, it was the transfer point for all goods shipped between the upper Ottawa and the lower townships during the era of steamships. Near Bryson, there are ruins of an old grist mill. People came from as far away as Fort Coulonge to have their grain milled. In spring, we can hear echoes of the seven famous waterfalls that early voyagers had to bypass on foot, and in summer, lovely waterfront parks and one of the most beautiful beaches in the Pontiac invite you to pause, relax and enjoy the view.
The village of Bryson was named after the honorable John Bryson, MP for Pontiac. Incorporated in 1873, its first mayor was Walter Rimer.
John Bryson
Source: Campeau, F.R.E. Illustrated guide
to the House of Commons and Senate
of Canada. Ottawa, 1885.
|
Date of Birth: 1849.11.30 Place of Birth: Fort Coulonge, Canada East Deceased Date (yyyy.mm.dd): 1896.01.20 (46 years old) Profession | Occupation: Businessman, farmer Notes: Brother of George Bryson Jr., member of the Legislative Counci of Quebec (1887-1937). Son of George Bryson Sr., member of the Legislative Assembly of Québec (1857-1858). Nephew of Thomas Bryson, member of the Legislative Assembly of Québec (1881-1882). |
Bryson was also the county seat until a disastrous fire destroyed most of Bryson village in 1914. About 94 buildings went up in smoke including Henry Walsh's hall used as a chapel for worship. The village was dormant until 1924 when the Gatineau Power Company built a hydro plant at the foot of the Calumet Chutes. This plant now belongs to Hydro Quebec.
A few cool facts;
1893 - Telephone communication is now possible between Fort-Coulonge, Campbell's Bay, Grand-Calumet, Bryson and Portage du Fort.
1902 - Publication of the newspaper voice of the Bryson Ottawa.
1914 - The fire destroyed the villages of Portage-du-Fort and Bryson. In the latter, more than 94 houses were destroyed.
1968 - Opening of the new bridge, the bridge Mgr Martel, between Bryson and the island of Grand-Calumet.
A few cool facts;
1893 - Telephone communication is now possible between Fort-Coulonge, Campbell's Bay, Grand-Calumet, Bryson and Portage du Fort.
1902 - Publication of the newspaper voice of the Bryson Ottawa.
1914 - The fire destroyed the villages of Portage-du-Fort and Bryson. In the latter, more than 94 houses were destroyed.
1968 - Opening of the new bridge, the bridge Mgr Martel, between Bryson and the island of Grand-Calumet.
MUNICIPALITÉ DE BRYSON MUNICIPALITY
770, Central, Bryson Qc J0X 1H0
Monday to Thursday
t.: 819-648-5940
f.: 819-648-5297
Mayor: Alain Gagnon
Director general: Tracey Hérault
Building inspector: Doug Corrigan
bryson@mrcpontiac.qc.ca
770, Central, Bryson Qc J0X 1H0
Monday to Thursday
t.: 819-648-5940
f.: 819-648-5297
Mayor: Alain Gagnon
Director general: Tracey Hérault
Building inspector: Doug Corrigan
bryson@mrcpontiac.qc.ca