Researching
Roots
on Ile de Ré
Records indicate that Nicolas Martiau was born on Ile de Ré, an island
connected by a majestic bridge to La Rochelle, on the west coast of France. In
the past few years, letters have traveled between NMDA and Martiau friends in
France -- NMDA Founder Marty Dale, Honorary Member Dick Ivy, President Page
Warden, Registrar Larry Van Horn, and others have corresponded with Dr. Patrick
Casin, President of the Nicolas Martiau French Association, and Dr. Philippe de
Wailly, President of the Veterinary Academy of France and an energetic
ambassador of good will. Dr. de Wailly has been enthusiastically proclaiming,
"God bless America," ever since he was saved from death, as a hostage in France
in WWII. The now-renowned doctor avidly researches many Franco-American
connections and enthusiastically shares his findings. He has engaged Martiau
researchers in England to comb through stacks, looking for "something new."
When Dr. de Wailly learned that America’s first president was a descendant of
French-born Martiau, he promoted ways to honor the two. The N. M. A. of France
was founded, with most members having homes on Ile de Ré. Along with the
prominent Fellowship of the Tastevin, they have had life-size bronze busts of
Washington and Martiau made by a prize-winning French sculptor. (The bust of
Martiau is a composite, with attire based on that of members of the Virginia
House of Burgesses in the 1600’s.) Howard Leach, the U. S. Ambassador to France,
spoke at an emotional program in October 2002, near Paris, when these statues
were dedicated.
Enjoying a memorable dinner meeting with Drs. de Wailly and Casin and Tastevin friends last June, were Dr. Julian and Jane Archer, who regularly lead tours in Europe. Dr. Archer, who is a history professor at Drake University in Des Moines, IA, and his wife are in close touch with NMDA as well as the Huguenot Society. They were so impressed with the wonderful hospitality of Drs. Casin and de Wailly and other Martiau friends, that the Archers have thoughtfully organized a Nicolas Martiau tour for July 2005, to be highlighted by the dedication of a plaque honoring Martiau at Ile de Ré and a reception and celebrations planned with the Martiau French Association. Its president, Dr. Casin, wrote a warm greeting to the NMDA, extending a gracious invitation to attend the celebration this coming summer, for "a great meeting of Nicolas Martiau’s French and USA friends." He says, "Please let your members know the friendship we have for you."
Records indicate that Nicolas Martiau was born on Ile de Ré, an island
connected by a majestic bridge to La Rochelle, on the west coast of France. In
the past few years, letters have traveled between NMDA and Martiau friends in
France -- NMDA Founder Marty Dale, Honorary Member Dick Ivy, President Page
Warden, Registrar Larry Van Horn, and others have corresponded with Dr. Patrick
Casin, President of the Nicolas Martiau French Association, and Dr. Philippe de
Wailly, President of the Veterinary Academy of France and an energetic
ambassador of good will. Dr. de Wailly has been enthusiastically proclaiming,
"God bless America," ever since he was saved from death, as a hostage in France
in WWII. The now-renowned doctor avidly researches many Franco-American
connections and enthusiastically shares his findings. He has engaged Martiau
researchers in England to comb through stacks, looking for "something new."
When Dr. de Wailly learned that America’s first president was a descendant of
French-born Martiau, he promoted ways to honor the two. The N. M. A. of France
was founded, with most members having homes on Ile de Ré. Along with the
prominent Fellowship of the Tastevin, they have had life-size bronze busts of
Washington and Martiau made by a prize-winning French sculptor. (The bust of
Martiau is a composite, with attire based on that of members of the Virginia
House of Burgesses in the 1600’s.) Howard Leach, the U. S. Ambassador to France,
spoke at an emotional program in October 2002, near Paris, when these statues
were dedicated.
Enjoying a memorable dinner meeting with Drs. de Wailly and Casin and Tastevin friends last June, were Dr. Julian and Jane Archer, who regularly lead tours in Europe. Dr. Archer, who is a history professor at Drake University in Des Moines, IA, and his wife are in close touch with NMDA as well as the Huguenot Society. They were so impressed with the wonderful hospitality of Drs. Casin and de Wailly and other Martiau friends, that the Archers have thoughtfully organized a Nicolas Martiau tour for July 2005, to be highlighted by the dedication of a plaque honoring Martiau at Ile de Ré and a reception and celebrations planned with the Martiau French Association. Its president, Dr. Casin, wrote a warm greeting to the NMDA, extending a gracious invitation to attend the celebration this coming summer, for "a great meeting of Nicolas Martiau’s French and USA friends." He says, "Please let your members know the friendship we have for you."
11/01/2004 10:48:25 AM