Châteauguay, The Farm and Livestock

The Farm and Livestock The Nuns at the Châteauguay farm diligently apply technical and theoretical knowledge acquired from Provincial government agronomists and the Trappist Monks of Oka. Successive directors manage the farm with the goal of continually increasing production. Although very fertile, a major challenge is that sections of arable land are prone to annual […]

Châteauguay, The Apiary

The Apiary An apiary is installed near the chapel and though its origins are unknown it appears to be quite old. The bees were used to pollinize the orchard’s trees and to provide honey for the Nuns and the staff of the manor. In 1920, the apiary was still of modest size, consisting of only […]

Châteauguay, The Orchard

The Orchard Marguerite d’Youville is said to have planted the first apple tree in the orchard. Many of its branches are grafted onto other trees in order to perpetuate the original fruit. In 1935, there were more than 250 apple trees in the orchard expanding yearly. Today it is a certified organic orchard, with a […]

Châteauguay, The Maple Grove

The Maple Grove A large number of maples trees grew on Saint-Bernard Island in Marguerite d’Youville’s time. From the beginning, a sugar shack is mentioned where sap is collected to produce maple sugar and syrup. In 1895, the original maple grove is razed by a cyclone and again in 1910 by a hurricane. The sugar […]

Châteauguay, Women and Men

Women and Men The continual development of the farm is only possible thanks to the hard work of the Nuns and hired farmhands, who all live onsite. A house is built to lodge the farmer and his family: the Vallée and Chagnon families were employed for generations. Among the noteworthy Nuns who worked there are […]

Châteauguay, In the Fields

In the Fields Part of the tilled land is used for growing cereals such as wheat, oats, and buckwheat while a meadow produces hay for animal fodder. Over time, a vegetable garden is developed and eventually occupies a large space at the rear of the manor where a wide variety of vegetables are grown in […]

Châteauguay, Acquisition and Beginning

Châteauguay By its longevity, the Châteauguay farm holds a unique place in the history of the Grey Nuns. For over 200 years it helped to supply food for the Congregation and its works, as well as providing a place of gathering and rest for the Nuns, boarders and students of their institutions. Acquisition and Beginning […]