Village Squire, 1980-08, Page 18NAP,
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Cantin and his St. Joseph
From left: A plaque dedicated to
the memory of Narcisse Cantin by
the province; a white marble statue
of Saint Joseph erected in honour
of Brother Andre, founder of St.
Joseph's Oratory in Montreal, a
friend of Cantin's; Narcisse Cantin;
Brickyards at St. Joseph; Cantin
and Dr. L.G. Reuthier, at St.
Joseph wharf; plan of St. Joseph;
the Balmoral Hotel and the
Balmoral Block.
invest in his schemes.
Wooden feels Cantin was never dishonest but was capable of
exaggerating potential. Stories were told, but never confirmed,
that when prospective investors arrived in Hensall by rail Cantin
drove them to St. Joseph in his carriage. They usually arrived at
night, and he arranged with every resident to light all the lamps
PG. 18 VILLAGE SQUIRE1AUGUST 1980
rr*`:dr7i..
in their houses and turn on all the lights in the hotel to make the
town seem larger than it was.
Napoleon Cantin, grandson of Narcisse, recalls that his
grandfather could speak and write both French and English
fluently and was a very good speaker.
"He had a tremendous personality...you couldn't say no to
Granddad," says `Nap' with a smile. "He had good ideas. After