The Republic of Madawaska

Day Fifty two

Edmundston is located in the corner of New Brunswick, just east of the Quebec border, and north of the US border. The town has a population of 16,000, with the primary source of industry being logging, and paper manufacturing. In 1839 the town declared itself independent from British rule when the primary land, and business owner; a fiercely nationalist American, lost in his attempts to have the area become American soil. He refused British rule and declared the town the Republic of Madawaska. It was never recognized by the government, but to this day the mayor of the town receives the title “President of the town of Madawaska”.

We scanned the internet on Edmundston for any points of interest, a few pages boasted about the botanical garden of Edmundston, so we headed down the highway to see for ourselves. There was a fee to enter the gardens; being so early in the season we were given fifty percent off, totalling twenty dollars for the both of us. The size of the gardens was substantial with all kinds of paths to explore. The gardens had a large variety of plants and trees with all kinds of artwork from local artists lining the pathways. 

We spent the morning wondering around the gardens and had lunch in the artsy fartsy cafe located at the main building. Lori enjoyed her lunch, and I tolerated mine…. I don’t do well in restaurants that try to be artistic with food. For example; you order black tea, which I did, it comes smoked, so it tastes like smoke tea…. 🤮. 

If you look close there are at least ten frogs on the lily pads. 

Very creative chicken coop. 

These trees looked like Cousin It, from the Adams Family. 

Bee display telling you how important bees are to plant life. 

The Khronos art formation. 

 The mirror of time art formation.