Generations of Desmarais family gather in Chicopee for 100th reunion

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CHICOPEE — In 1925, Charles and Rosella Desmarais welcomed relatives to the family's homestead at 16 Boylston St., a reunion that has continued for 100 years.
About 100 relatives showed up at the centennial event on Saturday, with family members traveling from as far as California, Arizona, Georgia, Canada and even the island of St. Thomas, said Charles 'Chuck' Desmarais, who at 91 is the family's patriarch.
'It's the warmth, the love we have for family' that has kept the tradition alive, Desmarais said. 'It's something special for families to get together and enjoy each other's company.'
Five generations of the family have participated in the reunions. Desmarais is the last surviving member of the second generation and the last of seven children.
With only brief adjustments, primarily because of World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic, the gatherings of this large, extended family have been held at the same location — 16 Boylston St., in the Aldenville section — which the family calls 'The Homestead.'
About 50 years ago, the reunions were held a couple of times in Indiana, when Desmarais' sister Claire decided to move there after marrying a serviceman whose family lived in that area.
'We had a convoy of about six or seven cars, driving all the way on Route 20,' Desmarais said. 'It took us 18 hours.'
The house at 16 Boylston St. was bought by Charles and Rosella Desmarais in 1923 for $2,150, with $250 down and $75 every 6 months, Desmarais said.
Desmarais' son, Bob Desmarais, and his wife, Sherri, live at the homestead, while the elder Desmarais and his wife, Joan, live across the street.
In recognition of the 100th reunion, Chicopee Mayor John L. Vieau presented Desmarais with a proclamation, thanking the Desmarais family for 'their century of devotion to family, community and tradition.'
Desmarais said the gathering, which usually falls on the Fourth of July weekend but was adjusted a bit this year because of schedules, is held 'in recognition of the beauty of our country for which we are extremely proud.'
While spread out across the land, the family has maintained firm Chicopee roots for more than a century.
Read the original article on MassLive.