Located at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, the township of Dudswell was first inhabited around 1800, in the area of Bishopton. About 1824, the area surrounding Marbleton, nestled around a small lake in a luscious green valley, expanded with the mining of calcium deposits, which drew an influx of Francophones. Marble deposits were also later mined, inspiring the town’s name. The village also saw the arrival of Anglophones from the United States, England, Scotland, and Ireland, which explains the presence of both Anglican and Catholic churches, as well as the Bishopton township United Church. On October 11, 1995, the township of Dudswell and the municipalities of Bishopton and Marbleton were amalgamated under the name Dudswell, though their respective borders are well-preserved.
Marbleton rests on a charming site surrounded by hills, on the shores of Lake D’Argent, where there is also a municipal beach open to swimmers. Close by, at the Maison de la Culture, (a cultural centre and tourist information office), a delightful little museum holds a magnificent collection of 64 miniature wooden models portraying life during the early twentieth century, sculpted meticulously by a local resident, Louis-Émile Beauregard. In the summer, take in the displays of local art and craft pieces, and enjoy the Sunday concerts.
To learn more about the strong Anglo-Saxon architectural heritage of the village, pick up a brochure or take a guided tour, courtesy of “Parcours du patrimoine de Dudswell," the village’s heritage information centre. Admire the Châteaux de bois (the wooden castles) by P. Labbé and Audit-Weston, the dozen affluent homes dating back to the nineteenth century, and the wooden churches, notably St. Paul’s Anglican Church built in 1851. Don’t miss the curious house of Louis-Émile Beauregard, which once served as a cowshed, restaurant, store, hair salon, post office, and classroom, and -- last but not least -- as a museum and tourist information centre today.
Close to the village, take in a round of golf, or hike up through Dudswell Forest to admire the panoramic view of the valley and Lake d’Argent. With a bit of luck, you may even catch site of a one of the numerous herds of deer. Try some of the delicious homemade duck pâtés at the meat and deli shop on rue Champlain. For a few laughs, head to the outer limits of the village and notice the traffic crossing sign that alerts drivers to mother ducks and ducklings…