Gournay, living well in its village...
The Internet sites of towns and villages generally only include the presentation of the municipal council, the various administrative services, the latest deliberations, and, if necessary, the highlighting, in a rather touristic-advertising way, of certain specific assets.
We are far from it with the website of Gournay, which, with an authentic simplicity, shows first of all the love brought to the village, to its commune. "The commune has 14 kilometers of river banks of the Auzon, a remarkable bocage with hundred-year-old oaks, with panoramic views at the bend of the paths. Isn't that nice?
It is also indicated that the heart of the village has been entirely rehabilitated, and that "the large old buildings have been restored into housing in the style of local architecture".
And the whole site is the same. The "village house" and the "clog maker's museum" are described in loving detail, with many photos that were taken with the eyes of the heart!
The village house
This is a house in which two adjoining parts have been fitted out. The first is this "village house", evocation of the memories of Gournay, with, on the walls, old photos of the inhabitants, the school, the priests... you will also see letters written, pen holder in hand, with this beautiful handwriting now disappeared. You will also learn about the history of the village, its origins, its lords and inhabitants... and, even if you don't know the village, and don't know anyone there, this little visit is interesting and moving, as a more or less nostalgic walk in our common past...
The clog maker's museum
It was really the house of the clog makers, Jean Chaise and his son Fernand who worked there until the end of his life. And this house was bought by the commune which wished to preserve the workshop.
Thus, all the tools were kept, including the only machine used in this place, namely Marie-Louise's sewing machine!
Two other machines, a shaper and a digger, have been acquired by the municipality of Tours in order to show the "industrial" evolution of the craft.
The whole is presented "in situation" what gives the curious impression not to have visited a museum, but to have pushed the door of the workshop where still works the clog maker... and Marie-Louise!
Town Hall of Gournay
1, rue de la chapelle
36230 Gournay
Tel : 02 54 30 84 11
contact@mairie-gournay.com
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