Champlain's Arrival on Henderson Shore in 1615
The Story of the Painting by Frank W. Springsteen
In the precise center of the picture, the tree and the
harquebus cross in company with the less distinctly shown Indian bow, symbolize the firearms to defeat their enemies, and to a lesser degree,
upon their bows and arrows. In connection with the harquebus, if you look closely, you can see the forked iron gun rest that was carried by Brale. This type of heavy firearm had to be
rested upon a support in order to shoot it effectively. Behind the tree and gun, in the central background, are two Indians mocking the white men.
One red man is giving the Indian sign of a white man with a beard, while his companion to our right is making the sign of defiance. This displays
the truth that there is no particular love or trust on the part of the Indians toward the "pale face". The Indians have been painted in a
manner to make them blend with the scenery, since they are native to this section. The red men are scattered in various positions in the
picture to show that they were stealthy anbush fighters. The above mentioned symbols are a few that havebeen picked out at ramdom. They should be
ample to show that neccessary alterations in the landscape are made, not to outdo the beautiful landscape we know exsists around Henderson Bay,
but to harness its resemblance to this portion of its early history. For instance, the bay is narrowed to show both sides and thus make a
sheltered cove of it; and the horizon has been purposely made to appear high to denote the long water route followed by the war party.
In conclusion, we are proud to represent Samuel de Champlain as coming through this district, because he was the type of man with a high purpose
that repeatedlt appears on the historcal scene to do great deeds for this country.
