Thursday, June 08, 2006

Stoddard Online

Stoddard Online:

As I have mentioned numerous times, this story is full of twists and turns. This particular posting was not planned as part of the original story. It may however, and I sincerely hope that it will, assist in a big way as to the final outcome of the Wilbert Coffin case. The regular posting will appear back on schedule tomorrow.

It is necessary that I delay today's planned episode of the story until tomorrow in order that I may prevail upon you, the reader, for some information. I learned a long time ago, there is always someone out there who knows something, pertaining to all news stories. It is this someone that I am on the trail of. It is also interesting to note, exactly fifty three years ago today, June 08, 1953, this drama began to unfold with the arrival of Eugene and Richard Lindsey, and Fred Claar in Gaspe', Quebec. The following is what I am seeking, and the reasons why.

In the past few days, I have been conducting research on this case in the United States of America, and have been following up on several leads. I have determined that in the post Second World War era, considerable quantities of illegal liquor was being transported to the USA from the French Islands Of St. Pierre and Miquelon. Prior to entry to the USA, much of this liquor first landed in Canada, off loaded from fishing boats in small coastal communities without fear of detection. Upon arrival into Canada, it was relatively easy to transport by vehicles into the United States, as cross border detection was not what it is today.

One such area of Canada's coastline that was a favourite spot for such activity were the small coastal communities of the Gaspe' coast which provided a relatively short voyage from the French Islands. These communities also attracted hundreds of American hunters on a regular basis, some making several trips each year.

I am researching at present Eugene Lindsey, and his activities in his native Pennsylvania. It has been suggested that fifty three years ago this very evening, Eugene Lindsey, upon arriving that day in Gaspe' may have attended a gathering at a particular house on the coast a short distance south of town. I have learned as well, that on this occasion, there were other people there that night from Pennsylvania. The couple who owned this house were from the United States as well, and were reported to be in the illegal liquor business. It was also suggested that Eugene Lindsey had people upset with him on occasion back home.

In addition to those that I have mentioned that were at the house that night in Gaspe', there were others there, one couple in particular, that I am not going to name at present. This decision is based on a legal opinion obtained today, that may very well become a key figure in the final resolution of this case.

Here is where I need your help. I know there are folks out there who are still alive and were adults in the 1950's. If I can find folks from that era in Pennsylvania, I am certain that someone will come forward in Canada. I need folks who can come forward and tell me what they know about this liquor smuggling operation. It is vital to reaching a conclusion to Wilbert Coffin's case. I want to know as well, anything that you can tell me about Eugene Lindsey, and any other Americans that you may know of who came on a regular basis from Pennsylvania.

This invitation for help is also extended to any family member who might have heard an elderly parent discussing these events over the years. No matter how insignificant that you may think it is, I would like to hear about it, as it may tie into existing information that I have on file.

I have reason to believe, and I do believe, the key that will unlock the door will be located. If you have an elderly relative from the Gaspe' area and they were a resident during this time, I urge you to talk to them on my behalf. Any information that you can forward in my direction will be held as strictly confidential. I would never publish your name or address on the web site.The following is my e-mail address where you can contact me at any time. lewisstoddard@telus.net or you can click on e-mail which you will find by clicking on "My Complete Profile" tab on my main page.

Lew Stoddard
Posted to site June 08. 2006

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

When we were growing up we were never allowed to talk about Uncle Bill or of the case itself. Were our parents being protecitive of us, were they scared, ashamed, or just so full of sorrow it was just too hard to talk about it?. Well, this is a new generation and it is about time we took (the stand we are taking now). I know my familly is very grateful for everyone who is involved either directly or indirectly in helping clear my Uncle Bill's name.
I also know that:
One day he will be reunited with his earthly family in the Kingdom of Heaven, for we all know of his innosence.
A heartfelt thank-you and God Bless,
Holly LeQuesne
Grand- neice
Moncton, New Brunswick

Anonymous said...

Sir,

If people have not come forward in the past, why would they come forward over 50 years later. You are a dreamer!

Gavin McLure
Toronto

Anonymous said...

Mr. Stoddard,

I am sending you a separate e-mail and a phone number where you may contact me. It may be that what I can tell you is not important, but will relate to you what I know.

I got this info from my great uncle yesterday and he is willing to talk to you as well. Good luck sir, and look forward to hearing back.

Anonymous said...

Hi Mr. Stoddard,

My Dad, who is now elderly but has a good memory was from the peninsula area of Quebec during the 50's and 60's. I have heard him speak many times of the events that you are writing about. He is presently at my sisters on a short holiday in Nova Scotia, but will be back in Brandon, which is where we now live next week and I will definitely e-mail you. I hope we can help, especially be able to sort all this thing out for the Coffin family.

Pat M
Brandon, Manitoba

Anonymous said...

Nice idea with this site its better than most of the rubbish I come across.
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