On February 18, the Newton Rotary Club learned about the Ste. Marie Foundation and some history of Ste. Marie from Mike Hartrich (left). Hartrich is an active member of the foundation, which was started by Pat Reis and other Ste. Marie folks many years ago to preserve the town’s history. French settlers, including the founding Piquet brothers, came in the early 1800’s and selected the site on the Embarras River for their home. Originally planned for Ste. Marie was the construction of St. Mary of the Woods College, but as we now know, that plan got diverted to Terre Haute, IN. The Foundation Museum in Ste. Marie is open every first Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m., or can be open by appointment by calling Mike Hartrich at (618) 783-8678. Chairperson for the day was Rotarian Debbie Overoyen (right). (Photo submitted by Louise Lybarger)
