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Agricultural Heritage

Our agricultural heritage is ever-present in Pontiac. Attracted by the availability of Crown land, the first settlers established farms in Clarendon where they tilled large tracts of land. The progressive clearing of forests led to farming operations scattered throughout the area as each farmer built a home then the buildings required for his operation, a hay-barn, horse stable, cattle-shed, hen-house…

It is interesting to note that not all buildings are laid out in the same manner everywhere on the territory as this is relative to the stipulations and provisions of certain zones or municipalities.   For instance, farms in the municipality of L’Ile-du-grand-Calumet are laid out in linear fashion. Others have a horseshoe formation creating an inner court, an enclosure with many farming uses. This layout also lends itself to easy movement from one building to another. In some cases buildings were set apart over a larger surface area, thus reducing the possible risk of spreading fire.

Despite their functional similarities, these farm buildings vary in architectural style: gable or hip-roofs with straight or graded slope, pièce sur pièce or timber plank walls, single or two storey barns, cupolas or ridge ventilation…Historical details will enrich your touring experience, and attest to the significance of Pontiac agriculture and its enduring influence on the Pontiac of today.