On January 12, 2021 - On a whim, I reached out to an email address on the website of the Père Blanc. They are Missionaries of Africa, commonly know as the White Fathers or the Society of the Missionaries of Africa. They were founded in 1868 by a French cardinal. We knew that they occupied the site and that it was a rest home for missionaries. We received a response from someone in their archives department. He kindly sent us these pictures and sent two short extracts from the book Missionnaires d’Afrique en France. We can now confirm that a benefactress (Madame Jouannet Burdy) donated the chateau, a beautiful park and an area made up of woods, meadows and land to the Pere Blanc in 1959. The chateau was described as being pleasant and well equipped and the region was very healthy. 17 rooms were available, not counting those on the farm where the team in charge of the farming operation was to stay. The chateau was sold in 1971 to the Association des Papillons Blanc de Creuse, taking care of handicapped children. The archivist then offered to allow us to come visit so we can study some documents concerning the history as well as some old maps of the place. The newer building had to have been built after this. What an absolute find.
On January 14, 2021 - Sometimes when it feels a bit overwhelming in terms of the task ahead, you need the universe to tell you that it’s all going to be worth it. This past weekend, we were contacted by a woman who spent time at the Chateau, as a child. She now lives in Paris. They have some furniture that they think needs to return to the castle. They’ve made us a sweet deal. We continue to be amazed and blessed by how things continue to work out.
Til next week!