by André Buffet
Translation by Katherine Bourguignon
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When, in the 1990s, I sold my historic postcard collection to the Terra Foundation for
American Art, the director of the Musée d’Art Américain Giverny at the time, Mr. Derrick
Cartwright, asked me to write a text for each group of cards so as to preserve the memory of the
historical, agricultural and cultural past of its inhabitants and of the site of Giverny.
Time has passed and today Jean-Michel Peers encourages me to bring life anew to this collection.
I would like to thank Ms. Katherine Bourguignon, Associate Curator and Associate Program Officer at
the Terra Foundation who interceded on our behalf with Ms. Elizabeth Glassman, President of the
Terra Foundation for American Art in Chicago to allow us access to the collection. We made digital
images of the most important and meaningful cards.
Numerous books trace the life and work of Claude Monet and the American artists who frequented the
village of Giverny. The idea of describing the life of the inhabitants, their environment and
their daily occupations is tempting. It can only be successful with help.
My friend André Picard spoke at length with me about Giverny and shared his notes. The municipal
archives were also interesting. And several documents picked up here and there, several
conversations gathered together - added strength to my research.
Our goal is to bring back to life a time period whose memory is in danger of being
lost as the last living witnesses pass away. With the creation of a website, the
project, always evolving, can be enriched by the addition of original and
unknown documents, as well as the comments and cooperation of everyone.
The album “Giverny autrefois” is available to everyone and,
in particular, to the oldest generations.
Do you have suggestions, documents, photographs from this period, memories…?
To reach me, click HERE, type your message, leave your email, check "private"
and click "Add Comment". Your email will remain hidden, except for the webmaster.
We will try to respond effeciently to your remarks.
Finally, I ask the indulgence of readers if, despite all my efforts to produce a rigorous
document both in form and in depth, certain errors may be sprinkled among certain texts.
Oncieu, Ain (France), May 2009
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We wish to warmly thank the Giverny families and the friends of the village who took the time to
open their past to us, to share their memories and to entrust us with precious family documents.
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PHOTOGRAPHY AND EDITORS
Most of the photographic images reproduced are postcards that are almost or more than 100 years old.
Only the postcards remain, the original prints having, to the best of our knowledge, disappeared.
We would like to cite the photographers and publishers, precursors at the origin of this documentation.
Without their sense of observation and their talent, no visual evidence,
often emotional, would have remained from this period.
Each page of this album is copyrighted. The reproduction, even partial, in any form, is forbidden
without the written authorization of the authors. The family documents and postcards are the
property of their owners or descendents and cannot be reproduced from this website without
authorization. The concept and title “Giverny, autrefois…” or “Giverny, in days gone by…” is the property
of the authors of this site. To reach the authors, click HERE, type your message, leave your email,
check "private" and click "Add Comment". Your email will remain hidden, except for the webmaster.
Website created February 22, 2010
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BIBLIOGRAPHY and DOCUMENTATION
Jocelyne et Serge Legendre, Lucien Le Moal (Vernon et sa Région)
Claire Joyes (Claude Monet et Giverny)
Michel de Decker (Claude Monet)
Roger Dordet (Histoire de la Ville de Vernon: Transports et Commerce)
François de Beaurepaire (Les Noms des Communes et Anciennes Paroisses de l' Eure)
Charpillon et Caresme (Dictionnaire Historique des Communes de l'Eure)
Maurice Dédouits (Desservant de Giverny et Ami de Claude Monet, un Grand Savant...l'Abbé Toussaint)
Jacques Charles (L'Eglise de Giverny et son Site).
Délibération des Conseils Municipaux et Cadastre (Archives communales)
Archives Départementales de l'Eure.
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A STORY...
André Picard was a great observer of his contemporaries. He knew how to live life in Giverny to the
fullest. People asked him often to illustrate one event or another. He made this sketch for the
menu of one of the “repas des anciens” or group meals organized for the older Giverny inhabitants.
Jean-Michel and I would like to treat you to a delicious meal with the Giverny pages that follow.
Just click "next" to open a new page. Some are translated, others are on the way. In the meantime,
you can always have an access in French HERE
