Exhibition and book on Douaisis firefighters by genealogists
The Center for Genealogical Studies of Douaisis is publishing a book on the history of the Douaisis firefighters and on this occasion is organizing an exhibition that can be seen on October 22 and 23 in the Cloth Hall.
Every year the Center for Genealogical Studies of Douaisis (CEGD) publishes a special edition, in other words a rather detailed book on a certain historical topic. After the Gayant or boatmen family, this year the association is also interested in the history of the Douaisis firefighters. “From firefighting in the Middle Ages to hyper-sophisticated means in the 21st centurye century, there were always people ready to stand up bravely in the face of disasters. It is of course a matter of honoring them”, confides Gilles Milleville, president of CEGD. If this book of 240 pages, which represents a two-year work, deals a lot with the firefighters of Douai because there were more archives about them, it also evokes eight other existing rescue centers of Douaisis, as well as those that have disappeared over the years. “We discovered rescue centers in towns such as Cuincy, Lauwin-Planque, Lécluse and Féchain. Since the law on departmentalization (1996-2001), many centers have been closed and merged with larger centers », explains Gilles Milleville.
The genealogists worked closely with Honorary Captain Patrick Oboeuf, as well as current and former members of each rescue center to collect photos, a wealth of anecdotes and explain the originality of each structure.
Iconic figures
Among the emblematic commanders of the corps, Michel Coëx stands out, known for his role as Santa Claus who descended from the bell tower and implemented plans for the sub-prefecture, or even Captain Pennel and his very long career.
The book will be officially published on Friday, October 21 at 6 pm at the opening of the exhibition in the Cloth Hall (by invitation). The fire brigade will come and set up in the main courtyard of the town hall to mark the start of the exhibition. Young firefighters will also be present with their symbol, the giant from Sin-le-Noble, Jeannot. On Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23, the exhibition will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They will present old items from the history of the Douai fire department. The Chartreuse Museum lends, for example, old helmets or old dishes from the 19th century.e century. You can also look at old service booklets. The city museum of Marchiennes and the collector also lend works. Thanks to sponsor Boulanger, a free raffle will be organized, and you can win a barbecue.
In practice
Opening of the exhibition on Friday, October 21 at 6 p.m. in the Cloth Hall. The exhibition is open to the public on October 22 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
