Desaulniers (ghost town)

Desaulniers began around 1895 when Father A.L. Desaulniers established the town. As settlers came to the area, the town saw a post office (built 1895) and a general store.

A sawmill was located beside the Canadian Northern Railway station which laid its tracks through the town in 1913. Nearby was a water tower and hotel for overnight guests. Lionel Vallieres opened a cheese factory. Two schools were built, one public school and one French Seperate School.

Around 1915, the townspeople erected a church. However because the church had never been consecrated, it wasn't considered an 'official' church. The bishop at the time, Monseigneur Scollard was of Irish descent. He didn't care for the French Canadians coming to the area. Ironic considering that the French made up the majority of the church's population (and revenue).

On September 16th, 1916, Scollard relented and officially 'opened' the church but did not go so far as to consecrate it.

In 1947, Wilfred Philipe bought the general store and expanded it to include hardware supplies, gas, seeding and even a telephone. It remained in operation until the 1960's.

The population began to decline in the 1950's and the post office closed in 1960.

Today, the railway leads back to the highway and into the town. The overpass on Highway 64 is actually the old railway line leading to the sawmil, the rails have been lifted. Part of the town was eradicated when the highway was realigned.

Location: Follow Highway 64 North (off from Highway 17) to the town of Field. Then take Highway 539 west until you come to Desaulniers. The Desaulniers Road is in the town, on your left. You can see the old hotel, from the highway. It is in Nipissing District.