In February of 2000, sisters Katherine and Sara Kavanaugh traveled to Vinton, Quebec as quests of distant relative
Patrick Lamb. As the story goes – they questioned their sanity traveling to Canada in February but soon realized this
adventure would allow them early entry into the “Kavanagh Keener Club” (more on that later). While in Vinton they
attended a community function and met several other relatives that were excited to share our rich family
history.
Please email the following people for questions or comments related to this site and its content,
lodging, entertainment, or any other questions about the reunion in general.
Tim Kavanaugh (photos or stories for inclusion in the web site)
Many of you logging on to this web site may be doing your own family research – or perhaps you heard stories of the
last big gathering in Minneapolis, Minnesota in July of 1987. Please know that putting this web site together is
quite a stretch for me – but when I think about the work that went into the famous “Blue Book” by Miriam Tschida
detailing the Kavanagh arrival from Wexford to Canada and then many on south and west into the States – I am humbled.
What is the “Blue Book?” After the 1987 gathering in Minneapolis, Miriam Tschida and assistants compiled photos,
letters, stories, many corrections, obituaries and news clippings, more stories and most importantly – some order to
our families in the correct family tree format. This was done all by hand in paper copy fashion. She then had this
bound into a true work of art for all to share. You didn’t get one? I didn’t either. They are rare and you won’t
find a copy on Ebay. We must remember this all predates what we now understand about file sharing – don’t have it?
Scan it, print it, save it……but it’s not that easy. It was not done that way in 1987. To that end, we must
reorganize and see if we can’t update what we already have and put it in a secure web based format / or on DVD for
our children. Lots to think about, lots to do….. If you have seen the “Blue Book” you know we come from a long legacy
of talent and perhaps we can share this load.
Let’s go back to the “Kavanagh Keener Club”. You’ll want to know the specifics about becoming a member. While
Katherine and Sara Kavanaugh were at that community event in Vinton, Quebec – they had a few Irish toasts. They met
Pat and Carol Kavanagh from Vinton and realized they had all been to the 1987 Minneapolis gathering. Many stories
were revisited. Most were toasts to Miriam and all her associates for their work, but somewhere in there Pat Kavanagh
suggested they meet in Quebec City, Quebec and make a visit to Grosse Ile together the following October. More
beverages. Promises made. All agreed they would meet. Shortly after Pat sent the dates and reservation information on
the accommodations. Done deal.
The following September Sara Kavanaugh called to tell me my sister Katherine would not be able to make the trip to
meet Pat and Carol in Quebec City. Although she wasn’t thinking about finding her a replacement - I suggested I might
be her stand in. She approved. Quebec City is the capitol of the Province of Quebec. It is the second largest city in
the Province. We met Pat and Carol in the ‘old town’ walled area of the city on a cool dreary afternoon in October.
After a wonderful dinner we visited a pub or two and talked about what our trip to Grosse Ile would entail the next
morning. I remember thinking Pat was a bit quiet and perhaps cryptic about the journey.
The highlight of the first evening was our initiation into the “Keener Club”. Pat felt strongly the Kavanagh’s that
want to learn more about our ancestors and the struggles they endured – those that are making the effort to continue
to speak their names and tell their stories will have an escorted entry into this club. Keen: (n) A wailing lament
for the dead. (adj) eager, intense, dedicated, enthusiastic.
The next morning was cool, misty and overcast. We boarded a small water craft. Large enough to serve a bit of food
and drink, but not at all fancy. The ride to Grosse Ile took almost 3 hours. By the time we toured the Island of the
old original buildings, cemetery and memorial…..we had a bit of a feel for what our ancestors must have felt spending
nearly eight weeks at sea and then confined to the Island until they were cleared of illness. It was an amazing
journey.
If by some chance our families did not come in by way of Grosse Ile – we still need
to be aware of what our Irish ancestors did for us by making this trip. We were
very quiet and tired on the trip back. So very hard to believe what we take for
granted today. What sacrifices they made. The lives lost - so many died even before
they arrived. Our hearts were heavy. Now, I could understand why Pat was intent on
letting us discover the magic of our journey to the Island. We knew we needed to get
the word out. We want you to have the opportunity to join the
Kavanagh / Kavanaugh / Cavanaugh “Keener Club”.
Our first challenge will be to get the word out.
We’ve set our hearts on a reunion in 2009. I hope you’ll do a bit of research on Quebec City – a most
amazing and wonderful place to visit. Although Quebec City is known historically for many reasons we will
be planning our reunion there because many of us believe our ancestors came from Wexford, Ireland directly
to Canada through Grosse Ile. The Blue Book has several letters that detail dates ranging from 1846 to 1853
(and you should also note 2 brothers came later via USA entries, perhaps Mississippi or Louisiana). Grosse
Ile is often called the Ellis Island of Canada.
Please think about joining us in Quebec City, August 14-16, 2009. We realize the economy may be impacting
your decision to join us but airfares have dropped from what we saw last fall and early this year. Check
again using airport CODE YQB for Quebec City. We’d love to have at least 50 people who want to meet in
Quebec City for this event. Judging by the number we had in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1987, we can do this.
We’ll use this time to plan for the next reunion in the states as well.
Sara Kavanaugh (Houston, Texas) will be in charge of finalizing the accommodations and entertainment for the
reunion. Sara feels rates for hotels and Bed and Breakfast - are available to suit most budgets. Our main event,
the opening dinner will be held at the 18 Mont Carmel located in the inner city.
Sara Kavanaugh (accomodations, travel arrangements, entertainment)