MARATHON VILLAGE – It was the first corn roast the community of Marathon Village has had in many years and much of the conversation last Saturday afternoon (Sept. 14) revolved around the history of the community.

A couple dozen community members, hit the gazebo in the Park at Linda Loop for an old-fashioned corn roast, and while the kids did the work, the adults did the reminiscing. More than a few of those in attendance no longer live in Marathon Village, but are still active members of its community.

“This is the first one of our generation,” organizer and Marathon Village resident Françoise L’Abbé told West Carleton Online as the corn began to boil. “We used to do a corn roast.”

Jason Chute whose parents still live in Marathon Village while he and his family now live in Stittsville, says he remembers them growing up.

“I think I was a teen,” he said recalling the old roasts. “It must have been 30-odd years ago.”

One of his son’s, Kristjan Chute, 10, was hard at work peeling cobs with young volunteers Zoe Riches, 12, and Lola Riches, 10.

Marg Corrigan moved to Marathon Village in December of 1972 and brought some historic photos to share with the community.

“This was the perfect place for kids to grow up,” she told West Carleton Online. “They had so much freedom.”

Nearby neighbour, and Jason’s mom, Marg Chute moved in to the neighbourhood less than a year after her namesake Corrigan in September, 1973. They are now known as Tall Marg and Small Marg.

“We were one of the first houses on Linda Loop,” she said. “Jason had a bike with a flag on it and I could see him all around the loop thanks to that flag.”