History of La Forge De Sainte Marie
History between 1732 to 1990
1732
Founded on the river Rongeant.
1892 - 1924
Property of Mr Joseph Simonnot.
1924 - 1939
La Forge was bought by Mr Léon Pessort, an engineer from Orleans. He came to the area in order to find iron components, as well as a workforce competant in the ironworks industy, to complete the machines he created. The foundary was completed.
1925
Mr Léon Pessort asked his son in law Mr André Fugeray and his first born daughter Marguerite to take over the business. They fabricated first class blankets, cloth, gloves and felt for felt tip pens.
1926
La Forge was ceremonally blessed by the Father Prosper Dufour, Mme Pessorts brother. As one gives blessing to a boat for example. From this moment on La Forge was named La Forge de Sainte Marie.
1940
The war ruined the business. With the occupation, and supplies of wood, metal and coal stopped, there was no way of continuing.
1972
Mme Marguerite Fugeray Pessort sold Forge Sainte Marie to a company in Liffol le Grand. The company allowed La Forge to fall to ruins.
1990
Mr Gerard, a castel camping owner in the Vosges met with Mme Simone Martin, deputy for the european parliament. Together they decided to create a campsite. The architect, Pascal Gerard, also son of Mr Gerard, drew up the plans to create a holiday centre. He conserved all the original buildings and created modern facilities, as well as indoor heated swimming pool, reception, bar restaurant, shop and houses.
From 1990 to the present day
1990
Mr Gérard and Mr De Moustier, Castels campsite owners, met with Mme Simone Martin, deputy for the european parliament. Together they decided to create a campsite. The architect, Pascal Gerard, also son of Mr Gerard, drew up the plans to create a holiday center. He conserved all the original buildings and created modern facilities, as well as an indoor heated swimming pool, reception, bar restaurant, shop and houses.
1995
La Forge de Sainte Marie opens its doors to the first clients.
1997
Sees the arrival of Angela Finch (English) and Jacco Lispet (Dutch). Experienced in tourist industry since 1986, Angela Finch and Jacco Lispet dreamt for many years of such an opportunity. With only one reservation for the season of 1997 the couple had their work cut out.
2005
Jacco Lispet and Angela Finch buy the business La Forge de Sainte Marie.
