Bear River photos

All posts tagged Bear River photos

The Bear River Winter Carnival: February 14-17/2013

Published February 18, 2013 by thebearrivertides

The Sixth Annual Bear River Winter carnival took place with rave reviews and while the weather was too mild for skating and too stormy on Sunday for the long trek events, the whole shebang was definitely a success and we all look forward to next year’s version.

And the fireworks were amazing!

Thanks to all the volunteers who put it together….

The week of Sept. 8 to 15 2012

Published September 16, 2012 by thebearrivertides

 

In Bear River, Nova Scotia this week…

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The Annapolis Highland Winery held their third annual fall festival and the weather was perfect, as was the food and wine.  Music on the deck had everyone relaxed and enjoying the view while sampling different vintages from this award winning winery.  Bear River is fortunate indeed to have such a thriving and exceptional enterprise in our backyard!

The Bass Fishing Tournament was held on Sept. 15 with absolutely no fish caught.  But as co-chair Fred Miller said: “No big deal; everyone had a great time anyway and that’s what it’s all about!”

But someone caught a big one….The Winner of the $1000 prize for biggest fish from the Bear River Millyard Recreation is Brian (B.J) Trimper.  Nice job guys…congratulations!

This one didn’t get away!

 

 

Sept. 1-8/2012 The week in Photos

Published September 8, 2012 by thebearrivertides

The week that was….

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In other happenings.

We regret to announce the passing of  Harry Ellis on Sept. 6,. Condolences to his family and friends.

The children of  Bear River went back to school.  Watch out for those school buses.

Francois Bellefontaine  traveled to the Eastern Shore for a few days for a visit with his sister.

It is great to see Brian and Jill Chapman back in town for a while!

It is sad to announce the passing of Carl Goldberg on Saturday, Sept. 8.  Condolences to all his family and friends.

 

Millyard Day; down by the river….

Published August 25, 2012 by thebearrivertides

 

There was lots of fun on Millyard day, August 18, down at the Bear River Millyard Recreation.  While there were no takers for the mud race, there was still a great time to be had.

There used to be a number of sawmills in Bear River and Bob Benson has put together a great display with the names of those who worked in the mills and some great photos of former glory.  Also on display is a tribute to Bill Morine, fisherman extrordinaire of Bear River.

It doesn’t have to be Millyard day to drop down and enjoy some social time and great buys.  the Millyard Market is open on Saturdays from 10 to 3.

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Here are some of the things you will find…

 

Cherrry Carnival 2012

Published July 24, 2012 by thebearrivertides

 

Bear River has another Cherry Carnival under its belt for a total of 119.  The weather was perfect.

The photos tell the story….

The children’s parade starts it off….

And then the parade and greased pole!

The beginning…

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…… the middle….

…. the end!

 

Ron Parks, Earl Waterman and Nathan Waterman entertain the crowd with some golden oldies!

 

Everyone loves the Fireman’s Canteen!

 

Jumping off some of that cotton candy energy!

 

Louise Woods gives some friendly tourism advice.

 

Remember: it’s all about helping the Fire Department!

 

and then of course the grand finale….the fireworks!

 

lighting up the sky.

A big thank you to the Bear River Volunteer Fire Department for all their hard work putting it all together!

 

 

 

 

 

A Visit to The New Heritage Museum

Published June 9, 2012 by thebearrivertides

view of the tool exhibit

The grand opening of the NEW Bear River Heritage Museum took place June 9th.  The new premises at the Oakdene Center is much smaller than previous quarters,  but there sure is lots of light.

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The museum will open for regular hours in July and August. Look for workshops and demonstrations!

Signs of Spring: revised

Published April 21, 2012 by thebearrivertides

Spring is really happening in Bear River!  Here are a few of the tell-tale signs.

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History and Stories of Bear River: Ethel and Ancil Ellis

Published April 3, 2012 by thebearrivertides

The most recent pamphlet we can find written by a resident of Bear River about the village is “History and Stories of Bear River, The Switzerland of Nova Scotia.”  

This wonderful glimpse of the village, complete with photos, was written in May,1977.  Here is it reproduced digitally for your enjoyment. Click on image to enlarge.

Unfortunately Ancil and Ethel Ellis have both passed on,  but with enough encouragement, maybe another “old timer” will tell you a few stories.

Bear River History from 1893

Published April 2, 2012 by thebearrivertides

The document reprinted here has no identified author.  If anyone has any ideas as to who it was written by, please let us know.

Nestled among the hills, along both sides of the stream which for some distance forms the boundary lines between the counties of Annapolis and Digby, stands the bustling, enterprising community, which, collectively, is known as Bear River.  The parts on each side of the river belong to different municipalities, and in some respects, diverse interests.  A few years ago an attempt was made to complete the diverse between the two sections  of the town by giving to each a distinct name, that part on the Annapolis side being called Bridgeport, and that on the Digby side, Hillsburg.   But this attempt to diverse what nature had joined together proved abortive, and these names are now seldom heard, while the general name used to designate both communities as one town remains fixed, doubtless, permanently.  If we mistake not, the sections on each side have formed a union for educational purposes, and at their present rate of progress, the community of interest existing between both, may draw them into more complete union, of a municipal  nature, at no very distant day.

The stream divides the two sides; foreground, Bridgeport, background, Hillsburg

Several explanations have been advanced as to the derivation of the name of this town. A recent writer claims its origin as derived from the French pronounciation of Imbert, a gentleman who formed one of the party visiting this spot as early as 1611.

From the date of the French occupation of the country, 1604, to the date of their expulsion  in 1755, it is believed that no settlement was made as no remains have been found on which to ground an opposite assertion, and the town is, doubtless, of exclusive English origin.  With the invasion  of the United Empire Loyalists, the settlement of the district commenced, and in 1784, the township of Clements, including both sides of the stream, was granted to certain English, Hessians, and Waldeckians who had served during the old revolutionary war, and who, at its close, received grants of land, in lieu of pay for the services they had rendered in that unfortunate struggle.

The first frame house was erected by one Capt. O’Sullivan Sutherland, and stood nearly midway up the slope of the eastern hill, and adjacent to the present residence of Captain J.Harris.  The housewarming, given on the occasion of the completion was a merry-making of no ordinary description. Everybody who was entitled to be somebody was invited and music, dancing and drinking made the hours reseate until the dawn of the next day.  Among the guests were the Demoliters, the Hertricks, Kyshes, Callecks, Vreens, Ditmarses, Boehlers, Purdys, Joneses and others whose names do not now occur to our memory.   Perhaps there has been not so jolly a party in the place from that day to this.

Before the completion of this first framed dwelling,  a number of log huts had been built and occupied by both German and English settlers, and the work of clearing the soil for cultivation had commenced, but with so little success owing to the ignorance of the proprietors, that much want and suffering was felt by their families  for several years to come.

Towards the close of the century, there was considerable movement from the townships of Granville and Annapolis, to the hill country on the shores of Bear River.  At was at this period that the Clarkes, the Millers,the Troops, Dodges, the Rices, the Chutes and the Harrises bought lands and settled in the district, a course they were induced to take in the belief that wheat and other cereals could be produced in larger quantities and of finer quality there than could be raised on the same sized areas elsewhere in the county, and  the descendants of these men today constitute a large percentage of the population, both of the village and its immediate vicinity.

early farming in Bear River

Still, up to the  date under review, 1790 to 1810, there had been no village visible, but soon after sawmills began the work of  transforming the timber up the streams into lumber, necessitating the inception of shipbuilding, which was almost contemporaneously begun, stores were erected, and a thriving town was the final result.  No less than seven or eight public highways  converge upon the present town from different directions, and not an hour passes without the arrival of vehicles laden with freights for export or passengers on business or pleasure. Substantial and comfortable dwellings line the hilly streets in all directions, which at every point new aspects in landscape scenery.  Neat fruit and vegetable gardens and lawns are attached to nearly every domicile in the town and thrift and comfort everywhere give evidence of vital existence.

freight arriving in Bear River?

Today, the greater number of stores are on the Annapolis side, where Clarke Bros. have become the leader in Bear River in business matters, although there are a number of new and well furnished ones on the west side of the river.

The jewel of the Clarke Brothers commercial empire

The town also has fine places of worship, the Baptists being the leading denomination.  Within the past year, they have remodeled their church, making it one of the handsomest in the town.  The Methodists and adherents to the English church have each neat pretty religious edifices on the north side of the river, and the Adventists have also a house of worship.

left to right: Anglican Church, Oakdene School, Methodist Church

Bear River has sent from its shipyards many vessels, some of large tonnage, constructed by such efficient master builders as Mr. Thomas Rice, Captain John Benson, the Lents, and others which carried away freights of lumber , cordwood, pulpwood, and other products of the forests, for which it is noted , to ports in the United States, the West Indies, etc., and commanded by our skillful and intelligent native captains.

loading the ships with Bear River lumber

This delightful resort among the hills has also gained a deal of notoriety owing to its mammoth yield and great variety of cherries, and is visited, during the season, by excursionists from distant parts of the counties of Annapolis,  Digby,  and elsewhere, to enjoy to their heart’s content, a feast of the luscious fruits.  Besides the hundreds of others, here and there may be seen a majestic cherry tree planted by the French during their occupancy in the country, which serve as historical landmarks to that period.

The construction of the so-called missing link of railway from Annapolis to Digby, and the building of a new highway from the town to the depot, located some four miles distant, proved a great boom to the commercial interests of the entire locality, affording as it does more direct communication with the principle avenues of travel.

Within the past year, electric light has been introduced, driven by one of the best water powers to be found in the country, while the many other improvements in the way of new dwellings, a $7000. schoolhouse and other evidences of prosperity and wealth mark the town  as one of the most progressive in the western part of the province.

Harry Hill: A colorful life

Published February 20, 2012 by thebearrivertides

Harry Hill    1913-2005

by Angela McMullen

Anyone privileged to have known Harry Hill of Bear River cannot help but smile when hearing his name. This charming sage was a member of the community for ninety-one years, leaving behind a loving  legacy for future generations. 

He was so highly respected, that following his death, a monument was erected in the village waterfront park in his honor. Many family members, friends, village residents and political figures gathered to honor the man who made such an imprint on our village.

The story of Harry Hill begins after the American Revolution, when the government granted his Black Loyalist family a parcel of land in nearby Greenland.One of sixteen children, Harry was born to Benjamin and Blanche Hill. Together, the Hill family worked their land and lived off of its abundance. 

With a grade nine education, he left school to work at Cunningham’s Mill at the head of the tide. Harry held various employment positions throughout his life, each one attended to with pride, honesty and dedication.   

In addition to working at the Mill, he was the janitor at Canada Post for thirteen years. He was also the caretaker of Mount Hope Cemetery, where he maintained the grounds and dug graves for thirty-nine years, a position which he held until age eighty.

 Admired for his exceptional work ethic, Harry was an individual who had learned to balance work with pleasure. It can be said that Harry was the backbone of the community. His passions included singing in the choir at the Advent Church, and engaging the youth of the community to participate in various activities. 

He was the coach of the girls’ softball team for over a decade, and operated the skating rink behind the Fire Hall for eighteen years. Many residents fondly remember Harry tying their skates as children, and even teaching them how to skate. He was so committed to this cause, that he often spent time at the rink late into the night making ice.

 Harry is affectionately remembered for his extraordinary fashion sense. When asked to describe Harry Hill, a local resident respectfully  said, “He looked like a peacock.” She was referring to the flamboyancy of his attire. 

Harry in one of his favourite outfits.

An enjoyable out-of-town excursion for Harry involved traveling to Halifax on the train, where he visited family and shopped for additions to his colorful wardrobe. Making his way up the aisle of the train, he introduced himself to the passengers with the tip of his fedora and a friendly handshake. “Harry Hill of Bear River.” 

A merchant at a particular clothing outlet in Halifax was so impressed with this country gentleman that he extended him credit, allowing him the opportunity to pay for his purchases at his leisure. 

Although Harry was a busy man, he took the time to acknowledge everyone, entertaining tourists with stories of his town and giving advice to the locals when asked. 

Another lucky lady gets to pose with Harry.

People loved his sincerity and gregarious nature. Such an honor it was to be photographed with Harry Hill of Bear River! Love for his town and an interest in its people earned him the title of Ambassador of Bear River. 

One of Harry’s favorite things was his bicycle, which he could be seen riding along the narrow streets in all kinds of weather, rain or shine. Another one of Harry’s favorites was a photograph of Oprah Winfrey, an autographed gift which he was so very proud of. 

Harry was an avid pool player and even had his own seat at the local Legion. 

Harry loved the ladies and he loved life. The monument by the riverside is a testament to his sense community spirit, his diligence in promoting kindness and love, and to his honesty and integrity.

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A teenage Harry Hill

Visit the Cherries and Cherry Carnival page to see a film clip of Harry when he was 15.

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MORE ABOUT HARRY HILL

This is a story of Harry Hill’s life as told by Harry Hill himself. (2003)

“My name is Harry Hill and I was born May 14, 1913, which makes me 90 years young. I have lived in Bear River Nova Scotia all of my life and there were 16 in my family.  I started school when I was 5years old at the old Oakdene school which burned down in 1934.  Not having a fire department like today, buckets of water were used to put out the fire, which didn’t work and the Anglican Church next door burned down also. Thank the Lord that the wind wasn’t blowing the other way.  Times were tough in those days, and I can remember working for 10 cents an hour.  We ate well and were always kept clean as cleanliness was next to godliness even if you were not rich.

I only remember nice things about going to school and being the teacher’s pet. At 19 year of age I left school (grade 10) on permission of my father.  School only went as far as grade 11.  I went to work at the JH Cunningham stave mill were I worked for 26 years, working in all departments.  There were a lot of people looking for jobs during the depression, and you had to prove yourself physically and mentally.  A stave is  a curved piece of wood forming parts of the sides of a wooden barrel.  There was also a cooper who was responsible for the metal rings to make the barrels.  The barrels in those days were used for holding nails and apples for instance, and wooden boxes were made for cherries and other things.  This was before cardboard took over.  Wooden barrels went to the Sydney Steel factory.  This was a thriving community area with about 1800 people and other industries like a clothespin factory.

My father, Benjamin Hill, was a master stone mason, and I went to work with my father who had worked in Halifax after the terrible Halifax explosion and he had been a stonemason foreman also.  You worked where the work was.  I worked at the Cornwalllis Naval base and at the Digby Pines for example.  Later on, I worked at building the present Bear River Post Office which is made of bricks and after th Post office was built, I got the job as cleaner, maintenance worker.  I worked at this job for 13 and a half years. Oh, there was a time previously that I had worked for the Nova Scotia Power Company for a bit over a year.

In 1956, I got the position of caretaker of the Mount Hope Cemetery, Bear River.    I worked at the Mount Hope Cemetery for 39 years which I did with great pride and honour.  The cemetery was kept in good shape at all times and many a photograph was taken of me and the grounds by people from all over the world.  It became a tourist attraction also.

I was brought up to respect God and look on life on this planet like four seasons and when the Lord wants you, you will have nothing to say about it or complain about it,  In essense, you can talk or complain all you want about the wether and death, it is the only thing you can be sure of.  I never discuss it too much but it was very difficult for me getting the gravesite ready for members of my own family, and most have moved on. Then, on the other hand, I buried people who were not very nice either and some of these I wished them a better life after.  I believe in the words of the good book and don’t mind speaking and preaching to young people of todaa on values and to have respect for life.”

Harry Hill was called by his Lord on the 9th of April, 2005, age 91.

Here are some of Harry Hill’s memories of life in  Bear River, which he talked about at a presentation at Oakdene Center in July 1997.

There were 11 stores in town including a jewellery store.

There were apple and cherry exports.

There was a stone cutting business, and a business that made memorials.

The Bear River Packett went back and forth to St. John.

There was a shipbuilding yard where the fire department is now.

Timber sold for $2.50 per hundred feet.

There were more than a 100 employees at Lake Jolly including the clothespin factory and the cooks.

Cunningham’s Mill  burned in 1934. He worked ther 26 years.

In the 1930′s depression, nothing moved for nine months.

The Lincoln Pulp and Paper was where the Legion is now.

The rate of pay for labour was 10 cents per hour for ten hour days. During the war it was $7.00 per day.

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For a transcript of an interview with Harry Hill go to  http://www.municipalities.com/elders/elder_harryhill.htm

We would love to add more memories of Harry Hill and any photos you would like to share.  Email thebearrivertides@gmail.com to let us know.

all contents of this  page are copyright of the Bear River Tides and Think for yourself publishing. 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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