Luis Nicolás Cayetano Palma

He was born in Gualeguay in 1863 and arrived in Gualeguaychú in 1887. At age 24 he humbly committed to the community which had adopted him as own. He was a poet and an excellent speaker who took part in several important events in the city. He delivered his speeches at the Railway Station opening in 1889 and at the laying of the foundation stone of the North Cemetary Chapel.

He was elected deputy in 1890. Later on, in february 1893 he was re-elected deputy representing Gualeguaychú in the Province's Chamber. This term of office was suddenly interumped by his death on august 27, 1894 at age 41.

On august 27, 1919 his remains were transfered to Gualeguaychú to mark his 25th death anniversary.

(Translated by Carla Butala)

Gervasio Bibiano Mendez

The so-called “poet of pain” was born in Gualeguaychu, on December 30, 1843. From an early age, he wrote poems and prose and in 1863, he was already writing for La Democracia newspaper.

Following Justo Jose de Urquiza’s death, troops led by Lopez Jordan invaded Gualeguaychu. As a result, the April 15 Battalion was assembled and Gervasio took part in it. When the battle finished, the poet suffered the first symptoms of a serious illness which would render him invalid.

In 1876, he moved to Buenos Aires and settled there permanently. In 1878, now bed-ridden, he founded El Album del Hogar magazine. That year, the committee in charge of the repatriation of General San Martin’s remains, commissioned him to write a poem for the General. After the poem was recited at Colon Theatre, his name became the main talking point all over Buenos Aires.

He died there on April 18, 1897. Gervasio’s remains were brought back to his hometown to mark the centenary of his birth on May 23, 1943.

(Translated by Alan Vera)

Ana Etchegoyen

Ana Etchegoyen was a teacher, a professor, a poet and a lecturer. She was born in Gualeguaychú on November 28, 1886.

In 1914, she graduated as a teacher; a profession she practiced with genuine commitment. Moreover, she was a French and Literature teacher at Olegario Victor Andrade School. She collaborated with the people affected by the First World War in France as she was of French descent.

In her poems, children are the major theme. Her books are: Una Vida (One Life), Jorge, Amanecer en canciones (Dawn in Songs), Alas fugaces (Fugacious Wings), and Lámparas Encendidas (Lighted Lamps).
Ana died on May 25, 1966.

(Translated by Luciana Riquelme)