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Harry Hill: A colorful life

Published February 20, 2012 by oddacity designs

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Historic Glimpses of Picturesque Bear River: Lennie D. Wade: Part One

Published February 18, 2012 by oddacity designs

In 1908, Lennie D. Wade wrote a lovely and lengthy history about Bear River . Here is Part One.

This is the cover page:

Here are the contents: the photos have been added by The Bear River Tides, following the originals as closely as possible and with some additions.  The numbers designate footnotes.

Preface:

As much of the information herein published has been gathered from various sources, many of the statements may not be in accord with facts and the writer will be greatly indebted to anyone furnishing authentic corrections. Thanks are due chiefly to many of the older inhabitants, and to some of the younger ones who have been very kind in supplying much of the data recorded.

signed, Lennie D. Wade

Historic Glimpses of Picturesque Bear River

Bear River :"Jewel of the Province"looking south

To get our first glimpse of Bear River we must go back two hundred and ninety five years, to January 13th, 1613, when a small vessel, bringing supplies to the French colonies at the head of the Annapolis Basin, was forced to take shelter from a severe snowstorm in the lee of what is now called Bear Island.

When the storm had ceased, the captain, Simon Imbert discovered near them the mouth of  a small river to which he returned after delivering his cargo. This river he explored as far as the meeting of its two branches, now known as “Head of the Tide”.  The first sawmill erected there bore his name, and a road nearby is still called “Imbert’s Hill”.

view of Imbert's Hill in foreground

As his name was pronounced “Imbare” among the Acadians, the river may have been known first as ” Imbare”  and later known as Bear River, this name being applied still later to the town which sprung up along its banks. On Champlain’s map of the this same river was known as “St. Antoine” while on Les Carbot’s map it was named in honor of one Louis Hebert, an apothecary in the expedition of De Monts.  Hebert left Port Royal in 1613 but his descendants are numerous in different parts of Canada.

It may have been from the name of either of these men that our river was so called “Bear River” or it may have been from the following Indian legend.

Many years ago when the noble red men reigned supreme as the lords of the forest, three hardy braves, each with his squaw and papoose started down from the head of the river to it’s mouth to engage in catching the porpoise, then their chief means of livelihood.Arriving at a suitable spot for a camp, the braves went off to their work, leaving their squaws to pitch the tents and prepare a meal against their return.

The squaws were busily engaged stirring the food over the fire, when they saw coming toward them, three big brown bears.  Of course, their first thought was for the papooses and they must have decided that the only way to save these babies was by giving their own lives.

In Those days every Indian woman wore a tall, cone shaped birch bark cap.  So these three squaws each rushed at a big brown bear and as the big brown bears stood up on their hind legs, mouths wide open, made a grand dive, cap first, down the bear’s throats. Whether these three big brown bears were choked to death. or whether they died from a sudden sever spell of indigestion, we do not know, but when the Indian braves returned  from their day’s work, they found only the bodies of the three big brown bears and those of the little papooses who had died either of fright or of hunger.  The latter’s bodies were quietly buried but the braves each dragged a big bron bear’s body to the edge of the river and threw it in grunting as he did so “Ugh, mooin,sisboo”

Bear River First Nations traditional dress

The reader is at liberty to judge which derivation he pleases.

As the French made no settlement along this river, we must look elsewhere for the earliest settlers.  Though a few ofthe Loyalists settled here, it is  to the Rices, Clarkes, Harrisses, Millers and Chutes who came from Granville, Annapolis and Digby, that we must look as the pioneers, with the Bogarts, Croscups, Bensons, and Crouses of Loyalist stock as co-workers.

When these people first settled here, their homes were but log houses, and the only highway, the river.  The cellar was not built under the house but was simply a hole dug in a bank or side of a hill in which vegetables etc. were stored.  The first frame house was built by a Captain O’Sullivan Sutherland in 1785, near the house now occupied by Mr. O.H. Ford.  The oldest standing house is that owned by Mr. George Tupper.(1)

Among the first to build homes on the west side of the river was Mr. Christopher Prince Harris, whose descendants still live on the old place, and about the same time, Mr. Thomas Chute, grandfather of the late Mr. H.H. Chute, commenced to clear land on the east side.(2)

It is said that portions of the Hessian and Waldeckian troops were picketed at different points outside of Port Royal. These men naturally longed for something from their homeland, so they sent back by one of the vessels for some Lombardy poplar trees.  These trees were planted a few in each place where the troops were stationed and a group of them may be seen on the road leading past our Advent Tabernacle.(3)

Another old landmark is the poplar tree near the site of Bear River’s first sawmill, near the brook opposite the Academy. The grandfather of Mr. George C. Harris walked from Halifax here and used a stout stick as a cane. When he reached this place he stuck it in the ground and it has gron into the grand old tree now seen.  A clause in the deed of the land on which it stands provides that it shall never be cut down.(4)

The first sawmill ; poplar tree in center of photo is one referred to in story.

Bear River has always been noted for its cherries, and perhaps it will be interesting to some to know that the first trees were brought here from England by a man named William Sutherland in the latter part of the 18th century.  They were planted on the upper  flat of  Clarke’s Marsh, where is now the Y.M.S.C’s tennis court.(5)

the point of land in the center of photo is the upper area of Clarke's marsh, now the Millyard.

The oldest one was cut down about 70 years ago and had grown to an immense size.  There is a story to this effect- a curse will be put upon the people and a blight upon the trees if a monument  be not erected to the memory of him who first brought them here. There certainly seems to be a blight upon the trees.  Notwithstanding this fact, there is generally held during the cherry season a festival throughout the  country as “Bear River Cherry Carnival”  On this eventful day, crowds gather from far and near to witness calithumpian parades, sports of all kinds and to enjoy a regular feast of cherries of which there is usually a good supply.

an early Cherry Carnival

Excursions run that day and all through the season, by steamers from Digby, Annapolis, Westport, Centerville, Margaretsville, and many people, both tourist and native, avail themselves to visit our village and to carry away quantities of the fruit and a report of a general good time. (6)

Formerly our town and vicinity was  included in the township of Clements, all forming a part of Annapolis county.  This township was granted to and created by Ge0rge Sutherland and two hundred and forty others, members of disbanded German troops, who came to Nova Scotia in 1783.  These men  were also known as the Hessians and the Waldeckians, and we have living in our town the descendants of several of them. Christopher Benson’s name was on the list of 1784, also those of Capt. Donwe Ditmars, John Morehouse, and Francis Ryerson.  Stephen Ryerson, a son of the latter,was the prototype of the character of “Stephen Richardson” hunter, trapper and humorist whom Haliburton has so well described in one of his works (probably “Old Judge in a Colony).

Some of the first roads built leading out of Bear River were (1) from Bear river to Allain’s Creek in 1787. (2) from Bear River to Moose River in 1800.  (3) from Bear River to Annapolis in 1801.  The first bridge on the site of the one now crossing the river at the village was built in 1808, while the present one was commenced in May 1886, and finished in December of the same year at an approximate cost of $10,000.

An education was not very easily obtained in the early days of our town.  At first a few women made it their business to travel through the country-teaching a few weeks in each place.  But the first regular teacher was William Nicholl, an Englishman who came out from the old country about 1800.  One of the “copy books” used in his school is in the possession of the  writer of this history.

The first building in which he taught was a log house, standing between where is now the post office and G.I. Brook’s shop.(7)  Since the time of that building, schools have been kept in different places, including the Temperance hall(8) and an old meeting house, until the law was passed in 1864, when schools were run by taxation, and the houses in both the Hillsburg and Bridgeport sections were built.  The house in the latter section has been torn down but the Hillsburg one still stands and is used as a sail loft by Mr. Russel. In 1892 these two sections were united, and a  new building built on the Annapolis side of the river.

The original Academy, built 1892

We now have one of the finest schools in the country, conducted by a very worthy principal, and having six departments, a library, manual training benches, and an excellent laboratory.  Our Town Hall, where all concerts are given etc., is on the third floor.

It might be well to say here that the first Postmaster was the William Nicoll referred to previously and the “office” was a small box in his schoolhouse.  Until 1845, or previous to this time, no regular system of mails had been established, occasionally the mail having been carried all the way from Halifax in some’one’s coat pocket.  But now (1845) weekly mails were established between Halifax and Digby  via Annapolis.  A “courier” left Halifax every Monday afternoon about  two o’clock, and weather permitting, reached Kentville the following Wednesday.  Here he met the “courier” from Digby, mails were exchanged and each started on his homeward trip.  As the journey was made on horseback, the mails were carried in the saddlebags.

When the mail had reached Digby, the Bear River Portion was entrusted to anyone who happened to be going that way.  In a similar manner, the mails were taken to and from Yarmouth.

Annapolis became connected with Windsor by railroad in 1865 but it was not until September 29th, 1879 that the road was completed between Yarmouth and Digby.  At this time a line of coaches connected Bear River with Digby (10 miles) and Annpolis (16 miles, the “Missing Link”  as it was called, between Digby and Annapolis was   completed in 1891, when the trains were enabled to nake a through trip from Halifax to Yarmouth, this completed line being now known as “the Dominion Atlantic Railway”

Train crossing Bear River bridge early 1900's.

We now only have a short drive of four or five miles from the town to Bear River station.  There are so many beautiful bits of scenery on this winding road by the “Rhine of Nova Scotia” that when one is comfortable seated in one of F.W. Purdy’s up-to-date turnouts,one is apt to wish the drive much longer.(9)

The probabilities are, however, that before another ten years have passed, we will have a railroad of our own, connecting us with the other lines.  Several surveys have been made and our esteemed citizen, Mr. J.V. Thomas, has been instrumental in promoting the work, thus far.(10)

In 1837, the counties of Digby and Annapolis were separated, our river forming part of the boundary line between them.

The river divides the two counties: Digby and Annapolis

The ten years between 1831 and 1841 seems to have been the ” busy day” in the growth of Bear River town.  During that time, the first vessels were built and five churches were established.  Where now stands the greater potion of the business part of the town on the east side of the river, was then marshes and mud flats, the river flowing right up to where Mr. Phinney’s harness shop and the custom office now are(11)  In 1832 the first vessel, a schooner called the “Hornet” was built and launched on the present site of the Union Bank of Halifax.There were shipyards all along the river, from one down at the ‘Creek” at the foot of Chisholm’s hill up to the “Head of the Tide”.  Since that year, there have been built about 115 vessels, with a tonnage of 20,932 net. The largest one ever built was the  “Tamar E Marshall”, 1270 tons and the last one built was the “Castano”, in 1901.

examples of some Bear River ships

Up to 1895, shipbuilding was one of the leading industries of the place, but since then it has almost ceased.  We have, however, a set of ships’ blocks, where a vessel may be repaired from almost any damage.(12)

Footnotes:

(1) This would be the house on the corner of Tupper and Upper River Rd. recently owned by Hoppy Hopkins. That it is the oldest standing house would be disputed by many older residents.

(2) The Chute family owned much of the land in the area surrounding what is now the Chute Rd.

(3) This would be the area on River Rd. near the Head of the Tide.  The former Advent Christian Church still stands on the right as you travel up the road from the firehall.

(4) This would be across the street from what is the United Church.

(5) The trees were cut down when the sawmills were built on this flat; now the Bear River Recreational Millyard.  However, Bob Benson the current owner has discovered that there are new cherry trees growing from the roots of the trees that were cut down, and is protecting and nurturing them.

(6) See the page/post of Cherries and Cherry Carnival on this website for more details.

(7) The author is referring to the buildings that were destroyed by fire in the 1970’s that were next to the building housing Ali’s Meat Market on the Digby side of the river.

(8) the Temperance Hall was built just south of  the Baptist Church where there is now a parking lot.

(9) There was also the Yorke Livery service which also ran between town and the railway station.

(10) Unfortunately this never happened.  We wonder if it had any effect on the downturn in the Town’s fortunes. Mr. J.V Thomas was listed as having a business in lumber, shingles and lathe, in the business directory of Bear River 1892.

(11) According to old maps of the village, this would be where the Wharf St. begins, next to the Legion building.

(12) This was probably found in the Rice’s shipbuilding yard  which was located where the Firehall now stands.  It was the last remaining shipyard in the village at the time this account was written.

A Family Heirloom

Published February 7, 2012 by oddacity designs

The Ditmars, a Loyalist family who came to Nova Scotia in 1783, left their mark on the Clementsport area in many ways, and inadvertently made history in a small but distinctive manner.

Known for their entrepreneurial spirit, the Ditmar’s occupied the land which is known today as Clementsport,  where they were involved in farming and  mercantile trade.

Sometime between 1902-1910, Mary Vroom, (Mrs. John Fraser) of Deep Brook purchased a  cup and saucer set made in England by Tuscan China at Ditmar’s General Store. Later, Mrs. Fraser moved to the States, taking the set with her.

Years later, in 1967, Mrs. Fraser’s daughters Helen and Priscilla,
presented the china to the eldest daughter of J.R Ditmar with the agreement that the set would remain in the family of the late Mr. and Mrs. J.R Ditmar.

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The Bear River connection to this story is this:  the artwork on the cup
depicts a train crossing the Dominion Railway Bridge at the mouth of the
Bear River, taken from the Deep Brook side of the bridge. The artwork was a reproduction taken from the photo of a well known Bear River photographer, Ralph Harris.

Dominion Atlantic Railroad Bridge Bear River N.S.

There was a large selection of souvenirs with pictures of towns  in those days, just as there is now.   Here is another example of a Bear River momento.

And here is the original photo…..

This little creamer was found on e-bay from a seller in Boston. We don’t know the story, but someone must have enjoyed their travels to Bear River enough to want to keep this souvenir for a long time.

The Concept of Tea

Teacups were an important commodity; a mark of good taste and civilization. Women coveted them and were proud to serve well brewed tea in lovely bone china cups with dainty sandwiches to their friends.  Stories were told, feelings were shared and gossip was exchanged over many a cup of tea in a bone china teacup. It was a time to relax and enjoy.

In 2009, the  BR Historical Society hosted an exhibit of tea cups that were contributed for the occasion by local women who had stories and memories based on the cup. Maybe tea cups represent a connection to a time and place that would be lost otherwise.

Alas for another lost art of in- person socialization.

Anyone with souvenir items of Bear River they would like to share on this website, email thebearrivertides@gmail.com.

Do you have a special teacup and a story?  Let us know and we’ll add it to the website!

Thanks to Angela Mc Mullen for the Ditmar contribution.

all material copyright 2012 of The Bear River Tides and Think for yourself Publishing.

Creative Enterprise

Published February 3, 2012 by oddacity designs

Businesses from the Past

One of the most asked questions by visitors is “What do people do here?”  In the past, the village was booming and there was no lack of employment to be found.  However, since the 1970’s the village has experienced a serious economic downturn.  Many come with the intention of opening a successful commercial enterprise. Some succeed, others don’t.

Here is an attempt to document the businesses of the past and give them some recognition, however small, of their contribution to Bear River.  We hope the pioneer, entrepreneurial spirit continues as it is the basis of keeping the village alive.

Workers at the Clarke Brothers Pulpmill, 1920’s. Industrial employment such as this has long been gone, now the economic base of the village is tourism.

Looking back over the last 30 years, there has been a substantial ebb and flow of businesses in Bear River. The following is a list of most of them and the decade in which they closed.  If you can add to the list or would like to share a memory about one of them, please send us an email! (thebearrivertides@gmail.com)

Businesses : 1970

Chester Kaulback’s Barber Shop

Idle Hands Book Shop: Pam  and Sefton Squires

Bear River Farmers Museum: The Susnick’s

Riverview Guest house:  Al and Fern Denton

Bear River Yarn Shop: Andy Fleishman and Vicky Goodman

Bear River Health Food Store: Brian Flemming

The 1980’s:

The Trading Company: Mac Parker

Derby Jacks Pizza and Deli:

Sophias (Mario’s) Bistr0: Mark and Jerri Blugerman

Sears Outlet: Norma Terry

Geerling’s Tea Room: The Geerlings

Icarus Candles:Mark and Jerri Blugerman

Village Chandler:Mark and Jerri Blugerman

Max’s Barber Shop, Max Gillam

Watch repair shop: Albun Riley

Bear River Home Furnishings: Bob Benson

Cooper’s Electronics: Ron Cooper

Ali Harris’s Meat Market: Ali Harris

Sugar and Spice Bakery: Shela Breau

Pink Flamingo Cafe: Doug Dockrill/Zoe Onysko

House on the Hill Bed and Breakfast: Gene Sampson

House on the Hill Art gallery: Gene Sampson

furniture refinishing shop

The Packett Restaurant: Wanda Trimper

Jim’s Video Hut;

Sefton and Smith papermakers:Sefton Squires, Mike Smith

The Windmill Gift Shop;  Dorval Parent

The 1990’s

Fine Line Graphics: Brian Reynolds

Return of the Toymaker:  Warren Paxton

Kate’s Roadhouse

Bear River Baskets:  Steve St. Louis

Plover’s:  Danette ?

Twig furniture shop:

Bear River Drug Store: Clare Sommers, David Sommers

Fraser’s Grocery: Norma Fraser. Peter Fraser

Keith Fraser’s Building Supplies: Gary Fraser

Irving Station: Rick Jacques

Rice’s Meat Market: Vincent Rice

Kwikway: Mike and Margie Read

Bear Woods: Shela Breau, Victor Schneeweiss

Leopardskin Pillbox Hat: Zoe Onysko

Bear River Frenchy’s: Barb Darres

Yours and Our’s: Gertrude Benson

Bear River Arcade: Barb Darres

Axent on Silk: Diane Axent

Royal Bank of Canada

Sail Loft Gallery

Several craft and art shops.

The 2000’s

Inn Bear River: Doug Dockrill/Zoe Onysko

Lovett Lodge: Adrian Potter

Kayak and Canoe Rentals:

Stilts Cafe: Chris Hawes

Rising Tide: Brian Trimper

Tri Corner Cafe:  Kevin McEachern and Wanda Wright

Bear River Costume Rental Shop:  Charles Glover

Bear River Ethnographic Museum: Sarah Elizabeth Glover

Viking Leather: Jenny Stewart Mulligan

By the Brook Bed and Breakfast:  Bob O’ Flaherty,

Vineyard Haven Bed and Breakfast: Diane Glavin

House of Leaves B and B: Andrew Riddles

Little Village Tailor Shop: Carol Smith

Riparian Raptures: Jane Kingston

Ricardo’s Pizza: Janet Isles, Carolyn Wagner

Bears’ n Bees Craft Shop: Jane Hanshaw, Diane Milbury

Hobbit’s Hollow: Brian Hurlburtt

The Healthy Shelf:

Joe’s Bike Shop:Joe Quercia

Bear River Cafe: Lynn Belanger

Kelly Foxton’s Trading Post:Kelly Foxton

The Rusty Bucket: Heather Hannam

Kadijah’s Drumming Studio

Copyright 2012, Think for yourself publishing

Tour of Historic Houses

Published January 29, 2012 by oddacity designs

PART ONE

While the village has lost many buildings over the years, there are still some wonderful examples of 19th century architecture, and each building has a rich history of its own.

 Dr. Lovett House:  This home was built in 1896 for Dr. Lewis Johnstone  Lovett (1867-1942). The home was designed in New York City, and was the wedding present to Dr. Lovett and his bride, Josephine Troop Marshall, from her father, Alpheus Marshall Esq., a leading merchant of the village. Dr. Lovett was well known  politically ,being a staunch supporter of the Liberal Party, and serving as a member of parliament from 1920 to 1925. He served as a president of the Bear River Board of Trade and did much to develop the community as a summer resort. This is a second empire home that was strategically built upon a hill. The mansard roof is equipped with dormers throughout. The entrance is an enclosed verandah/sunporch. The positioning on the hill gives it an extra storey.

In recent history, the house was used as a Bed and Breakfast called Lovett Lodge, from the early 1980’s to the late 1990’s, operated by Adrian Potter. At present it is uninhabited.

Green Lantern:This building is dated from about 1882, originally built as a warehouse by Edward E. Rice who was one of Bear River’s wealthiest men. In 1888 Edward had sold the Green Lantern Building to Thomas Bales Coombs. Thomas Bales Coombs was the first commissioner of Canada for the Salvation Army. He arrived in Canada in 1884 from England and bought this  building in  1888, when the Salvation Army was just five years old. From 1924 to 1944  Robert Yorke turned the building into a theatre: the main entertainment center in Bear River at this time. Mr. Yorke showed silent films here . Mr. Yorke should be a man commemorated as bringing enlightenment and entertainment to this village. Movies shown through the second world war must have given some relief to the bereaved and worried residents. This property has truly had a colorful and eventful past and should be proudly looked upon. The architecture is a rare vernacular design with few windows.

From the time it ceased being the location for weekly movies in the late 1950’s, the building sat empty. In the 1970’s, Donna and Michael Susnick operated the Bear River Farmer’s Museum there.  It was renovated to some extent in the 1980’s and used by the Board of Trade for meetings.  It was also used by a kayak and canoe maker for three years as a workshop. This historic property is now owned by the Bear River Board of Trade and unfortunately is in need of many repairs. Until recently it was the home of the Bear River Historical Society’s Museum.

STEWART DARRES’ POOL HALL. This building is believed to have been built circa 1900   and was once owned by Alpheus Marshall. It served as the home of the Dr. Dinsmore’s dentist office prior to 1924. when J. Arthur Rice, probate clerk for Bear River obtained the building for his office. In 1924 Stewart Darres owned the store/restaurant next to this building ) and built an addition on to his restaurant which unknowingly encroached on this property in question, owned then by J. Arthur Rice. Mr. Rice allowed Mr. Darres to keep this addition provided Mr. Darres pay him a yearly sum of money. In 1936 Stewart bought this building.and  joined it with his store/restaurant so that he had a restaurant with a pool room attached in one structure ( the link has since been torn away). Stewart kept hens and exotic birds under the lower part of this building.  In the restaurant that once adjoined this building he sold homemade ice cream.

The building is now a private residence, having served as a retail space for local crafters  for several years. in the 1980’s there was a small pottery shop and residence in the building.

Captain Anthony Building:  This was built in 1893 and remains the only waterfront commercial building in Bear River, Digby County. It has very direct links to the “golden age of sail”, 1870-1915. Once encircled by a wharf, it served the needs of the ship-building community.The encircling wharf and storage building at the rear, were removed before the 1920s. The third floor was lost to a fire in the late teen’s. However, the remainder of the building  has remained virtually unchanged.

Original gingerbread carvings, lintels, doors. windows etc. remain virtually intact. The interior, with its tongue-in-grove walls and ceiling and its 25 foot long oak store display counter, also are original. Both floors are in keeping with the end of the last century, with the look of an old sea captain’s home. Capt. Anthony retired from the sea in 1893. It is a fine example of a rare second Empire architecture.

In the 1920’s local boys were paid 3 cents an hour to unload from a ship and 2 cents an hour to unload from the land.  The 25 foot counter is original to the building which served the community for many years as a wonderful general store and meat market operated by Ali Harris.

Ali Harris’s store was a delight and will be the subject of another post.

Following Ali’s Meat Market, the Rice family took over the grocery business for a brief time, followed by a  tailor shop, and an antique store and art gallery.  The building now stands vacant.

William Riordan Building 1852.  This  building was originally built on the opposite side of the street and moved to the present location in 1903.  It was used as a store by a variety of merchants, including the Clarke  (1902-1919) when it was sold to Louis V. Harris who operated a drugstore there until 1962, and it continued as a drugstore until the 1990’s.  This is a one and a half storey Greek Revival with a decorative false front.  it is one of the few remaining buildings built on pilings over the water.

The building was purchased in the mid 1990’s and turned into a cafe.  Various cooks tried operating a restaurant in the premises, and then the building was sold and sat empty for several years.  Sold once again,it once again is used as a cafe, in spite of the fact there is no water to the building.

Andrew Harris building, 1845.  This building has a long history of commercial use; originally built by Andrew H Harris, master mariner and shopkeeper, near his wharf on the east side of the river. He purchased the lot from Robert Jefferson in 1845 for five pounds.  The store was sold to John Troop in 1881 and it was used as a customs house until 1903.  in early deed it was described as the wharf lot with wharf and store.  Later a Bandstand was built in the lot between the store and river. The Clarke Bros. owned and operated a store here from 1903 to 1924, and it continued as a store in various capacities, purchased by Flight of Fancy Crafts co-operative in 1982.  The building is built on stilts to allow for the flow of the river under it at high tide, as the lands behind the store are a man made landfill project.

Unfortunately the stilts and sills under this building are in serious disrepair, causing the right rear corner to sag dangerously.

The building was the home of Bear River Home Furnishings until sold to a group of local artists/craftspeople in the early 1980’s who formed the Flight of Fancy Crafts Co-operative.  Unfortunately, they found the co-operating part difficult and one member, Rob Buckland Nicks bought it and made it a single proprietorship. He runs the shop from May through October, and has established a reputation as one of the finest craft shops in the province.

The Masonic Hall 1828. The building and land were originally owned by Robert Jefferson, and sold to Isaac Willet in 1835, and used for commercial purposes by 3 other owners until 1967 when it was purchased by the Keith Lodge #1628.  The Masonic Lodge of  Bear River was established in 1851, and granted it’s full charter in 1954, making it one of the oldest lodges in Nova Scotia. Since purchasing the building, the Lodge has enlarged and improved it, with a major renovation in 1911.  The Lodge meetings were held upstairs and the main floor rented out.  It can be remembered as Lilly Hubley’s tea shop, Chester Kaulback’s barber shop and Samuel Parker’s watch repair shop. It is a version of Greek revival.

It is now used exclusively by the Masons of Keith Hall, Branch 16.

Clarke Brothers 1902: Now the Bear River Legion branch #22.  In 1903, a store that was located on this land was purchased from C.C. Rice and moved to the other side of the street, and the building replaced it. It was used as commercial premises and possible a bank, until the Royal Canadian Legion bought it in 1947.  It is an example of a highly modified Italianate commercial building.  It is joined to the New Horizons building which was originally built in 1851, purchased by William Reed in 1854 and the reed family ran a general store here until the Clarke Bros. bought it in 1901  The Bear River Legion purchased the building in 1973.

Trading Company Building 1856.  The first building of record on this lot was built in 1856 by David Rice and purchased by Harris Harding Chute in 1863 and later by the Clarke Bros. in 1880.  With the demise of the Clark Bros. empire in the 1920’s,it was taken over as the Bear River Trading Company by Mac Parker in 1932 and it is well loved and fondly remembered as such as a wonderful general store that included dry goods, housewares, hardware, groceries and a great candy counter.  In the 1880’s the building was substantially renovated by the Bear River Economic Development Society. It originally was connected to the adjoining building, built in 1856 by David Rice. It was referred to as the Sail loft building because the upper storey was used for the storage of sails for the wooden ships.  It also housed the local telegraph office for many years. The Trading Company complex is a cornerstone of the village, and one of the few remaining buildings that was built on “stilts’ over the water.

It now houses a second hand book and junk shop, a family diner, an ice cream emporium/gift shop, as well as two apartments.

Edward Sanford (Bear River Pulp Co.) 1880. Prominently visible in most photographs of old Bear River, this was built by Edward Sanford in 1880, purchased by the Clarke Brothers in 1890, and variously used as a warehouse for storing the goods to load onto ships, a hospital for sick seamen, a brandy and liquor store for ships, a ship’s chandler shop, and a horse and oxen barn, a home furnishings store, a used clothing enterprise and even a museum.  The building was purchased in 1996 and extensively renovated by the current owners. It is a Greek revival style commercial building, approximately 9500 sq. feet, the largest privately owned building in the village.

The building is home of Oddacity Designs, a one of a kind clothing and accessories enterprise, as well as a vintage/antique shop, The Innocent Rose,  and a licensed guest suite, Inn out of the Fog.

The Turnbull House.1829.  This is arguably the oldest remaining building in Bear River, and some claim a section of it dates to the late 1800’s when it was used as a stagecoach stop and inn.  A previous building may have been used for that purpose. The date of 1829 is well documented however, and was originally used as a house/store purchased by John Barr in 1845, it was used as a postal station and customs house, and it is during his ownership that it is believed that the addition of the painted room was made.  The building was purchased by the Great War Veteran’s Association of Canada, Bear River Branch, and used as a memorial and club house until 1947, when the group purchased the Legion building.  It is a modified vernacular style with Greek influence. One feature of the house is a “painted room” which is believed to have been created in the mid 1800’s.

It is currently uninhabited.

Bear River Customs House 1920. This is now known locally as the Rebekah hall as the building was owned for many years by the Independent Order of Oddfellows, with the Ladies’ Auxiliary the Rebekah’s. Originally it served as the Customs House for the cargo that was brought into and leaving the area by the shipping industry. The downstairs has also housed the Royal Bank of Canada, a dress shop, millinery shop, bakery, and museum. The village cenotaph was originally located in the adjoining yard.

The building now houses a coffee roasting enterprise and an art gallery that is open occasionally. There is also a space on the second floor that is used for public events.

Edmund Walsh 1873: Known locally as the Harris house, this was built by Edmund Walsh, merchant, in 1873 and purchased by Robert McClelland in 1885 who operated it as an inn until 1898.  It was owned by Edward and Arthur Rice , prominent merchants until 1925, when it was purchased by Fred R Harris a prominent citizen of the village and the local insurance agent. At one time there was a tennis court in the back next to the creek.  The house is 3 storey Georgian with a mansard roof and Italianate influences.

The building was turned into apartments in the 60’s and then back to a single residence with a bed and breakfast in the late 1990’s, which closed in the early part of the 2000’s. It is  currently uninhabited.

Harris Harding Chute: 1857. One of the leading merchants in Bear River, Harris Chute also served as a Member of the Provincial Legislature. The house was purchased in 1884 by Wallace W. Clarke, one of the Clarke Brothers who ran the Trading Company, a lumber mill, clothespin factory, logging operation, shipbuilding operation, and shipping business.  It is still known in the village as the Clarke House, as the Clarke families lived there until 1944, when it was sold to Dr. Alexander Campbell, a physician who had his medical practice there until 1952.  It then became a residence for senior citizens and later was renovated into apartments.

John Moore House 1853   John Moore built this in 1853, and is listed in Lowell’s directory as having the occupation of caulker.  His daughter,  Elizabeth was a “spinster” who kept house for him, and inherited the property on his death in 1890.  It remained in the Moore family until 1944.  This is a modified Greek revival architecture.

It remains a single family residence.

Charles Brown 1869.This unusual example of a picturesque style architecture was built for Charles Brown, mariner, in 1869, and sold to Dr. Robert Ellison, who ran his medical practice there until  his death in 1907, when he willed it to his grandaughter Robina Romans.  It is still known locally as the Romans house, as the Romans family owned it until 1956 . This house is unusual in it’s three bay facade with central doorway.

It remains a single family residence.

Methodist Church: 1856.  It is believed that the Methodists were given this land by William Turnbull sometime between 1837 and 1840, and that there was a different building first built here, while other’s claim that this was the first church, built in 1856. The original structure had a tall steeple but it had to be removed as it was the frequent target of lightning and wind storms. This is a modified Greek revival architecture.  Unfortunately, the Hillsburgh United Church closed its doors in 2011 due to the declining numbers of congregants.

Andrew H. Harris 1837.  This is one of the oldest remaining buildings in the village, and the residence of Andrew Harris, who ran a dry goods and grocery store near the Bridge   He was deeded the land by his father, John Spurr Harris.  It remained in the Harris family until 1891, when it was purchased by Dr. Robert Ellison .   In 1907, it was purchased by Rhoda Yorke, wife of John Yorke who ran a livery stable between Bear River and Deep Brook, It was her horse and wagon teams that met  the Dominion Atlantic trains in Smith’s Cove and brought them into Bear River.  She also owned a dry goods store. The family also operated the Green Lantern theater for many years.

It remains a single family residence.

Oakdene School (1934)  The original Oakdene Academy which was built in 1895 was destroyed by a fire in January of 1934, and this replacement, similar to the destroyed school, was completed by September for the beginning of the school year. Unfortunately, the school was closed  in 1993 but the building now serves as a community center with  studio and commercial space.

St. John’s Anglican Church 1833: Originally the Anglican Church was built in 1833, but was destroyed by the same fire that devestated the school in 1934. This may have been the earliest church, but perhaps the smallest with it’s congregation beginning in the late 1700’s with the zarrival of the Hessians and Loyallists in 1784.  It was considered the most conservative of the village churches and adopted by the Protestant Hessians as a substitute for the Lutheran Church. this small church is still used for an occasional summer service.

Horatio Nelson Chute House  1830. It is believed this house was built inthe early 1830’s making it one of the oldest remaining houses in the village.  Horatio Nelson Chute was drowned off his boat “The Robert” in 1840, and the house passed to his wife and remained in the Chute family until 1855 when it became the property of Zebidiah Croscup, a shipwright and customs collector. In 1884 it was purchased by W Alpheus Chute, who’s occipation was listed as house mover, and later by his son Joseph Burton Chute, also a building mover; and the one who moved the Clarke Bros. buildings in 1903.  Oral history has it that he was famous throughout the county for his moving skills. It remained in the Chute family until 1951, then the Nicholl family until 1978, when it was turned into rental units.It has been recently renovated.

Zebidiah Croscup Building 1855.  The origins of this buidling have been in dispute for many years, some believing the builing was originally a church and later moved here.  There is no evidence of that however, and the records of the 1870’s show that this was a custom house operated by Zebediah Croscup .  Later this building was used to store and sell caskets. It is an example of a Greek revival commercial building.

All content on this site © the Bear River Tides and Think for Yourself Publishing 2011-2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.

Historic Sketches: Ina Rice, 1905

Published January 29, 2012 by oddacity designs

We have the wonderful description of Bear River from 1893 by the anonymous author, and then we have this lovely essay from 1905 by Ina Rice.  The Rice family was fruitful and multiplied and while some remained in Bear River, the sons and daughters of the original Rices of Bear River are widely scattered.  We would love to know who exactly Ina Rice was….anyone?

The text is reprinted exactly as the original version.

SKETCHES OF BEAR RIVER

as documented by Ina Rice

1905

I am now about to start the history of one of the most beautiful places in Nova Scotia situated among the hills on the border of Digby and Annapolis Counties and of which the most people know little about.

It has been said by some writers that its present name is a shortened form of La Riviere d’Hebert in honor of Louis Hebert who sought to cultivate the line along its banks. Another authority derives its name from Simon Imbert a favorite captain under Poutencourt who was blown over to the mouth of the river when on his way to the Granville colonies with supplies. Whichever is correct the fact remains that the place is replete with interest and its historical associations afford ample scope for investigation along this line.

A boy was once asked in class how Bear River got its present name and he replied “there were more bears than school masters.”

The first settlers were Indians of a very savage condition who got their living from the forest and dressed in skins of animals and lived in wigwams but now they are highly civilized and have a church and school-house of their own and live in houses and dress like the white people.

Bear River First Nations

No settlement was made here by the French and it was not until after the close of the French American Revolutionary War that any permanent settlement was attempted by the English.

The first settlers were preloyalists that came from Yorkshire and settled on the out-skirts of the village of Bear River called by the Hessian and Waldec Line which still hold their names.

The village was founded in the year 1808 and the names of the founders can be traced to the present inhabitants as the Rice’s Harris’ Benson’s Chutes and to which can be added the Crescups and Bogarts. It can be seen that the place has greatly developed since that time for now there is said to be 200.inhabitants according to the last census.

The first frame house was built by Captain O’Sullivan Sutherland in the year 1785 on the road leading to the Hessian Line an the other houses which before that were built of logs have long since given place to the fine homes and beautiful dwellings of the present day.

The Yorke Family in front of their home circa 1900

One of the first settlers was the late Christopher Harris who resided on the west side nearly opposite but much nearer the village. Mr. Thomas Chute commenced the work of erecting the new house at an early date and the result was the first store on the eastern side.

looking east on main St.

The first saw mill built at the head of the tide was called “Imberts Mill” and it is said the saw mill went up one day and came down the next. If this is true there has been a marked improvement in the mills of the present day.

early shingle mill

The hill quite near the mill still bears the name of Imberts hill. It is probable that the name was first given to the hill having been preserved traditionally by hunters and afterwards transferred to the hill.

The first mill on the east branch called the “Hickory Mill” was built about sixty years ago by an American by the name of Cleveland he sold it to Mr. Silas Rice who in turn sold it to Mr. Welsh and it was burned twice.

The first mill on the west branch was built about eighty years ago above the falls. And the first grist mill was below the falls. It was built by my great great grandfather, Mr. Thomas Rice who mortered the frames in the stump of a hemlock tree and when the tree began to grow it pushed the mill out of place. My great Grandfather built a saw mill in front of his house this was burned down and he then built a grist mill in which his daughters worked to grind the grain with the old fashioned flail.

The mills standing at the present time are the most of them quite old. The grist mill just spoken of can be seen and is similar to the one on the cover but this one on the cover was torn down last year and a carding and cider mill has been built in its place.

The old mill on the east branch of the river was torn down three years ago and the one below it was bought by Mr. T. Rice for a tombstone Factory and also the former cider mill.

On the west branch there are three mills first the Electric Light Mill that has water power enough to run the lights in the town of Digby. Established in 1893.

The next is a threshing mill, planning mill and grist mill all combined which is run by water power and last year a new iron wheel was put in, in place of the large wooden one. They used to have and it does not take as much water to run the mill now as it did before.

And a little further down at the entrance of the dam there is a saw mill, grist mill and shingle mill all combined owned by Mr. W. H. Rice & Son.

In the spring of 1902 the freshet broke away the road and bridges at the head of the tide and Mr. Rices’ Tombstone mill, situated at the foot of the dam was washed out and a number of the nice stones he has polished for sale were swept down the river as well as the buildings, road and bridges. This caused a new road to be built that connect the two bridges, across the two branches that come from the dam.

spring freshet near head of the tide

About fifty years ago, only a log bridge crossed the river at the village but now it is an iron draw bridge that will permit vessels to pass through laden for the ports of trade and commerce.

the "new" iron drawbridge 1905

Many and marked are the improvements since I can remember. There have been a number of stone bridges built near the town only in late years such as the one near Clarke Bros. store, which leads to the Cemetery and the one on Iron Avenue which leads to the Lakes, where the great lumbering trade is carried on, on a large scale. Also the one on the road leading to Milford Corner.

The town about fifty years ago was very small there only being four stores , but since that time they have been gradually increasing  until in 1888 Jan 25th a fire broke out and destroyed a large part of it but this did not stop the growth. The town has increased greatly in size and now there are about twelve stores of which the principal ones are Clarke Bros., O. Rice, C. Rice, A.B. Marshall, Post Office and Drug Store which has only been in use about two years under the help of Dr. L. Lovett.

The Digby side of "Main St." circa 1900

The Union Bank of Halifax was only opened to the public about five years ago.

There was a new road opened to traffic in or about the same time and people heard of the gold find in Klondyke and this road was named after it.

Shipbuilding used to be a great industry but it has since died out, the last launched was called, “Castans,” which went out to sea and was not heard of afterwards. There used to be a yard for shipbuilding on the present school grounds from which the schooner “Josephine” was launched and sails between Boston and Bear River. The other yards have been bought by people and one man has built a wharf at one and piles cordwood on it to be shipped to Boston by the “Valdare.”

the Valdare takes another load of lumber to Boston

There are about four vessels that carry lumber piling and cordwood to different ports as Havana Boston, Bermuda and South America, and one schooner The Citizen makes a trip a week between St. John and Bear River bringing supplies for the merchants and taking in return things such as apples, butter, eggs, etc, that will bring a better price than they can get at home.

bringing home the goods!

A new drop pier was built at the bridge near the mouth of Bear River in 1902 and the old one repaired.

The railway and the one lane bridge/mouth of river 1905

There used to be a steamer route between Digby and Annapolis until the missing link of the railroad was built. This caused the building of a new road from the village to the station a distance of four and one half miles. But part of this road had been built.  But to avoid some of the hills, the new one was put into construction and completed about fifteen years ago.

Now there is a great stir about having the cars run through the town of Bear River from Caledonia Corner to Digby or whichever place would be the most convenient for the Railway Company.

They also propose building a lighthouse on the point just outside the bridge but time will tell whether they will get it or not.

Yes, they did build one!

There has also been a marked improvement in the religious line as well as in the industrial line. The Old Baptist church torn down about five years ago. The Baptist and Methodist churches now standing were built about fifty years ago but since that they have been repaired inside and new bells put in the steeples. The other churches are the Advent Episcopal and the Catholic on the Indian Reserve.

the Baptist Church

The Anglican Church circa 1905

The Methodist Church circa 1905

The Academy was built in 1895 which united the schools of the two counties, Digby and Annapolis. There have been six school houses built within fifty years and the Academy is the last one. The last school house I went to before going to the academy has been torn down but the one on the Digby side is still standing and is used for making of sails for vessels.

The first Oakdene Academy

The principle industries of the people are lumbering and farming. Clarke Bros., W. Miller, and S. Davis are the principal ones that have anything to do with lumbering but Clarke Bros. are the principal ones connected with it.

They have within the last year or two improved the mill at Lake Jolly so it now works, all the year around where as before when they had it at Lake Tom Wallace it only worked in the winters this now is controlled by Mr. S. Davis who only works there winters. This scene was taken out near Lake Jolly where they get their logs for lumber. They cut the tree down clean the limbs off and haul them, to the Lake where they are drawn into the mill and sawn into lumber for the market.

working with the raw materials

Farming is carried on in a most successful way. The farmers have formed an Agricultural Society which meets once a quarter for the transaction of any business that may come before it. Professor Sears from the Agricultural College Truro was in town on the 12 pruning the model orchard started about three years ago. The hills are covered with trees and spots of ploughed land as you can see in the photo of Bear River taken from the Hotel cupola.

Cherries were the famous Bear River crop.

Many are the improvements in the articles used in farming as for mowing they now have mowing machines where they used to mow with the scythe, but in some places they use the scythe yet. The disc harrow is also a new invention that is just being used. The seed planters are also a new invention where in place of using the hands for sewing the seed they have a new machine.

The separator, a new machine for separating the cream from milk, and if they want to, they can make butter in a short time.

Mr. Cox started a creamery in the summer of 1904 but by bad management it did not result in anything of any consequence.

The Exhibition building is now used for a rink in the winter time.

The wharves along the river where the vessels leave for the American ports are often very bare, and when the tide turns, and rushes around them it puts new looks of beauty to all things about it and the vessels that were once stranded like whales are now afloat.

a boat afloat

The Hotel was repaired and another story built on it and it gives a splendid view of the town as seen in the picture on a page before.

The Bear River Hotel is the big building on the hill

The town is supplied on both sides of the river by splendid water and everybody can have the water in their house by just paying a few cents.

I am about to close my history but in closing I wish to say don’t forget the cherries they are coming and so is June.

another successful cherry crop

Ina May Rice was born circa 1880 at Nova Scotia. She was the daughter of James Herman Rice and Irene Rice. Ina May Rice was born in 1884. She married (?) Digwell. Ina May Rice and Frank B. Dunn married 2nd, son of William Dunn and Anna Sophia Crousse. Ina May Rice died in 1943. She was buried at Bear River, NS.

(From Marion McCormack’s geneology of the Rice Family of Bear River)

A Look at Bear River in 1893

Published January 17, 2012 by oddacity designs

Historical Sketch of Bear River

compiled  in 1893

 

Nestled among the hills, along both sides of the beautiful stream which for some distance forms the boundary line 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 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 recently formed a union for educational purpose, and at their present rate of progress the community of interest existing between both , may draw them into a more complete union, of a municipal nature at no very distant day.

facing north

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 pronunciation of Imbert, a gentleman who formed one of a 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 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 other pay, for the services they has rendered in that unfortunate struggle.

The first framed 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 house-warming that was given on the occasion of its 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 roseate until the dawn of the next day. Among the guest were the Demoliters, the Hertrieks, Kyshes, Calceks, Vrooms, Ditmarses, Beehlers, Purdys, Joneses, and others whose names do not occur to our memory. Perhaps there has not been 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 proprieters, that much want and suffering was felt by their families for several years to come.

early farming

Towards the close of the century, there was a considerable movement from the townships of Granville and Annapolis to the hill country on the shores of Bear River. It 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 descendents of these men to-day constitute a large percentage of the population, both of the village and its immediate vicinity.

Still, up to the date under review, 1790-1810, there had been no village visible, but seen after saw-mills 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.

looking south

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 to vital existence.

Main Street, Digby Side

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

Hillsburgh Waterfront

The town 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.

Bear River have 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 parts of the United states, the West Indies, etc., and commanded by our skillful and intelligent native captains.


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 hearts 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 of the country, which serve as historical landmarks of that period.

a cherry orchard

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 mere direct communication with the principal avenues of travel.

railway bridge at mouth of river

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 $7,000 schoolhouse and other evidences of prosperity and wealth mark the town as one of the most progressive in the western part of the province.

the first Oakdene school
a History of Bear River , written in 1893, author unknown