Claire
Blake is a well-known representative of one of the founding families of
Valley East. The Cote Family goes back a long way in our history and
many Cote descendants still reside in this community.
Claire
is shown in the photo with a special walking stick that was made for her
by her brother, Robert Lafleur, of Ottawa. The stick contains the Cote
Family emblem as well as other significant names and dates.
The
walking stick shows that Jean Cote was the first family member to arrive
in North America from France. He was born on July 20, 1634.
Claire uses the stick
during her regular walking excursions in the city and is often stopped
by passers-by to discuss the beauty craftsmanship of the Cote Walking
Stick.
