On Sunday March 25th 2007 a large curious and proud group of
locals along with a few stragglers from away gathered to meet Sally Armstrong the author to The Nine lives of Charlotte Taylor.
All gathered were eager to obtain a copy of her beloved book and to share their stories that tied them back to the Mother
of Tabusintac. Many gave interviews to CBC’s Tanya Beja. It was fitting
that the book launch took place in the Tabusintac Centennial library museum. A treasure of historical books and artifacts
can be found in the quaint old building that used to be the Methodist Church
way back when.
The air was thick with excitement over meeting Sally, the great- great -great -granddaughter of Charlotte
Taylor. Sally compares beyond measure to Charlotte Taylor Blake Wishart Heirlihy. The hum of excitement is silenced when the
tall slim center of attraction is introduced by her Uncle Myles Wishart. Anticipation grew even more upon hearing the boisterous
but charming sound of what most would consider as that of a top notch radio announcer. Sally’s voice emitted loud and
clear throughout the quaint old building. A story teller indeed. Sally Armstrong stood before us all poised and keen introducing
her hero and mentor in life wrapped up in her vigorously researched beloved work of literature, The Nine lives of Charlotte
Taylor. The gleam in her eyes reflected the sheer emotional eagerness deep within her soul to tell the story of one of the
earliest women to settle in the Northeast who faced the challenges and hardships of that time period.
Charlotte Taylor befriended those who were shunned and exiled.
Sally follows in her matriarch’s footsteps. Just as Charlotte Taylor was
a distinct woman who went beyond and back to ensure her rights in her day in an unsettled country, it is certain that Sally
Armstrong is also a strong brave woman. Like Charlotte, Sally has traveled to foreign countries reporting as a journalist and making documentary films in her plight to
ensue the freedom of human rights to all.
Every copy of Armstrong’s book obtained by the library was sold here in Tabusintac. The community
is alive with the excitement of it all. The best of it all is that Sally and Charlotte are instilling a new strength into
all that read their story. You are right Sally, “Times are changing”. You
are our modern-day Charlotte.
April Vye
| Charlotte 's Tabusintac Home |
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| Now owned by Mylie and Lorraine Wishart |
| Out the river to Miramichi Bay |
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| The way Charlotte and family travelled |
