September 2012 Volume 37 No. 3 ISSN 0384 The Griffin A Quarterly Publication of Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia
2 REPORT President’s Report Linda Forbes 4 Education Heritage Carpentry at Lunenburg Campus, NSCC Brent Kaulback 6 Where Did He Live? Harold R. Foster — Creator of the Prince Valiant Adventure Comic Strip Peter Delefes 8 Heritage Houses/Buildings at Risk A Blockhouse Landmark Is Rescued from Demolition John Bell 9 Lecture Jeffrey Reed: Broadening and Deepening Our Understanding of Heritage Erin Harrison 10 Heritage Sites The Landscape of Grand Pré Beth Keech 12 IN MEMORIAM Joyce Margaret McCulloch
13 Heritage Sites Three Cultures, One Land, Rich in History Sally Ross 15 BUILDER’S MANUAL Reviving a Kitchen Classic Bruce MacNab 16 Heritage Houses Maison Mouchet Janet McGinity and Donna McInnis 18 Heritage House/Heritage for Sale Ellershausen Manor Elizabeth Burke 19 Review Mike Parker’s Ghost Islands Donna McInnis
September 2012 1 REPORT President’s Report The Griffin the design of an addition to it, to allow A quarterly newsletter published by an economically- and functionally-viable Heritage Trust of use. A lot in an area of small Georgian Nova Scotia houses has been secured; several grants have been awarded, and the applica- Unless otherwise indicated, tion for the major federal grant will be the opinions expressed made in September. Phil Pacey, Beverly in these pages are those of the Miller and Peter Delefes have been the contributors and do not Trust’s representatives on the working necessarily reflect the views of committee. The knowledge and experi- Heritage Trust of ence brought to the partnership by the Nova Scotia. other organizations has been invaluable. Having looked on from the outside until Editorial Committee now, I am only beginning to appreciate John Bell, Dulcie Conrad, Linda Forbes how much energy has been put into Peter Delefes, Linda Forbes, finding a new site and a new use for this Holly Gunn, Donna McInnis, Janet Morris, Nancy O’Brien It is an honour to have been select- building. ed to succeed Peter Delefes as President. The HRM Committee never rests. Contributors to this issue Peter will continue to lead our Strategic The proposed Regional Centre Com- John Bell, Elizabeth Burke, Planning. I am looking forward to work- mercial Corridors plan will allow almost Peter Delefes, Linda Forbes, ing with him and the Board on aligning a doubling of height on streets adjacent Erin Harrison, Ron Hazell, our activities with the key initiatives to certain commercial areas. This puts Brent Kaulback, Beth Keech, we identified in our strategic planning development pressure on the existing Janet McGinity, Donna McInnis, exercise of the past year. residential buildings and will impact the Bruce MacNab, Sally Ross, Lighthouses dominated the build- Morris Office’s future neighbours, which Scotty Sherrn, Kevin Sollows ings-at-risk press this year. As the dead- are small-scale houses. In identifying line for petitions for designation passed, heritage buildings at risk in these com- We welcome submissions Phil Pacey sent the following message: mercial corridors and adjacent to them, but reserve the right to edit for publication. “Nova Scotia leads in one aspect of Phil Pacey recognized the last remaining Deadline for the next issue: heritage protection in Canada: We nomi- industrial building (“the Old Mill”) of the October 20, 2012 nated more lighthouses for protection original 10-acre Dartmouth Ropeworks, under the Heritage Lighthouse Protec- established in 1867 by W.J. Stairs. Shortly Please send your tion Act than any other province! Nova afterwards, and too late, it seems, to find submissions to Scotians nominated 92 lighthouses. Our an adaptive re-use for the undesignated Heritage Trust of NovaScotia nearest competitor was Ontario, with 87. building, we learned about the sale and P.O. Box 36111 The Heritage Trust had a hand in about redevelopment plans for the property. Spring Garden RPO half the nominations.” Congratulations The developer permitted us to exam- Halifax, N.S. B3J 3S9 for the hard work involved not only in ine the Ropeworks building; Industrial getting petitions signed but in finding Heritage of Nova Scotia (IHNS) members E-mail material to [email protected] a contact person for each lighthouse. responded immediately and went to website: www.htns.ca This seemingly small point increases the some trouble to do so. It is my hope Tel: 902 423-4807 likelihood that the work to develop a that Heritage Trust, IHNS, local heritage business plan for each light will, in fact, societies and others will collaborate on Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia be done, after the initial outcry has died the documentation and interpretation is a charitable organization. down. of this significant industrial site, so that All donations are tax creditable. The Morris Office project, a joint the rôle of the Dartmouth Ropeworks activity with the Ecology Action Centre on the development of the surrounding Cover image: Detail from The Fisheries Muse- and the Metro Non-ProfitH ousing Asso- community and in the business life of um, by Ron Hazell, 17” x 22 (framed), watercolour ciation, has reached the stage where the 19th century Nova Scotia and, indeed, of on watercolour paper. (Courtesy of Art Sales & architect has been selected for the con- Canada and the wider world, becomes Rental Gallery) servation of the original building and better known.
2 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia ARTIST Ron Hazell
Nova Scotian artist Ron Hazell is an elected member of the Canadian Soci- ety of Painters in Water Colour. Hazell, who worked as an engineer for many years before becoming a full-time artist, is known for his depiction of the heri- tage buildings of Halifax. His work has been widely exhibited in solo, group, and juried exhibitions both within Can- ada and internationally. Hazell’s award- winning watercolours are held in private and corporate collections throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe, including The Royal Collection of Her Majesty the Queen at Windsor Castle. His paintings have been published in American Artist Watercolor Magazine and several books, including How Did You Paint That? 100 Ways to Paint Landscapes, International Contemporary Artists, and The Best of Worldwide Watermedia. Dur- ing the month of September, the art of Ron Hazell and architect and artist James Girvan will be featured in their two-man show “Escapes” at Art Sales & Rental Gallery, Hollis Street, Halifax.
HTNS Illustrated Public Lectures Museum of Natural History (Auditorium) Hollis Street Cafe, 24” x 36”, oil on canvas, Art Sales & Rental Gallery. Summer Street, Halifax Thursday, 20 September at 7:30 p.m. Jonathan Fowler “Dendroarchaeological Investigations at the Morris Building: Telling Time with Tree Rings” Thursday, 18 October at 7:30 p.m. Gregory MacNeil “Documentation for the Conservation of Historic Places” Sunny Morning on Hollis, by Ron Hazell, 21” x17.5” (framed), watercolour on watercolour paper. Thursday, 15 November at 7:30 p.m. Ian McKee (Courtesy of Art Sales & Rental Gallery). “Photo Trip from Moscow to St. Petersburg”
For more information, please call 423-4807. Information Needed I am a PhD student at Memorial amples with families that have worked Ms. Meghann Jack University of Newfoundland researching the farm over multiple generations, are Department of Folklore nineteenth/early twentieth century farm still connected with the property, and Memorial University of Newfoundland buildings in Nova Scotia, specifically in have memories of the farmstead and of St. John’s, NL A1B 3X8 the central/eastern mainland regions of family farming traditions. If you know of [email protected] the province. I am looking for properties any properties/buildings which fit this (902) 922-3223 (In Nova Scotia) that have many of the original buildings description, please get in touch with (709) 739-5604 (In Newfoundland) (farmhouse, barn, and other outbuild- me at: ings) still extant. I am also looking for ex-
September 2012 3 EDUCATION Heritage Carpentry at Lunenburg Campus, Nova Scotia Community College
Brent Kaulback
In 2007, the Lunenburg Campus of the Nova Scotia Community College transformed its one-year Carpentry Certificate Program into a two-year Heritage Carpentry Program in response to an acknowledged shortage of skills in the specific application of historic or heritage preservation in the province of Nova Scotia. Heritage Carpentry is the only program of its kind in Eastern Canada, and is available at the NSCC Lunenburg Campus. The Program is a first step towards a journeyperson certification in carpentry. Entry require- ments are a high-school completion or equivalent. The first year of the program focuses on basic carpentry, teaching framing, building code requirements, founda- tions, tool use, an introduction to heritage concepts, with an emphasis on safe practices. The students learn on the campus in Bridgewater where they have access to a fully-equipped shop and a compound in which to work on building projects. The main project for students is the construction of a shed, which helps them explore building solutions and heritage applications. The second year of the program is located at a separate classroom/ shop venue in the Town of Lunenburg where students benefit from working in what is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. Advanced construction Work on Saint Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Cornwall was completed in 2009 by a class concepts are explored in the context of of second-year students. (Courtesy of NSCC) heritage principles as outlined by Parks Canada in its Standards and Guidelines ment of the Battery Point Lighthouse at a history course, an introduction to the for the Conservation of Historic Places the mouth of Lunenburg Harbour and S&G (Standards and Guidelines), along in Canada (S&G). Topics covered include the construction of a reproduction hunt- with a sustainability section. The reallo- window/door construction; timber ing cabin for Kejimkujik National Park cation of courses to the first year allows framing and log construction, interior/ carried out under the auspices of the additional programming to be added to exterior finishes, and more. Friends of Keji. the second year, in particular, an intro- A large part of the student experi- The program will be revised slightly duction to boat building and a marine ence includes service-learning projects this fall with the addition of a third and construction joinery course. which are carried out within commu- (spring) semester to replace one of the There is a mandatory five-week nity-based, not-for-profit partnerships. work terms. More contextual learning work-experience component at the end Project examples include: the refurbish- will be added to the first year, including of the second year, where students find
4 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia During 2010-11 students worked on the Battery Point Light in Lunenburg Harbour, a project completed under the supervision of instructor Paul MacLellan. (Courtesy of NSCC) work within their field in order to famil- iarize themselves with the workplace routine. On average, there are about 15 graduates every year. Graduates of the program will be able to find work with building contractors doing new construction, renovations, and historic preservation, while bringing craftsman- ship to their job — an asset to any contractor. Graduates may also go on to more specialized fields, including finish carpentry and boat-building. Some of our graduates intend to become entre- preneurs and start their own businesses. Prospects for jobs are good, and are expected to get better. For more information visit nscc.ca or nscclunenburg.ca. Students pre-assembling a timber-frame structure in the NSCC’s Lunenburg shop. (Courtesy of NSCC)
September 2012 5 WHERE DID HE LIVE? Harold R. Foster — Creator of the Prince Valiant Adventure Comic Strip
Peter Delefes
Harold R. (Hal) Foster, who died thirty years ago, is generally considered to be one of the greatest illustrators and comic artists of the 20th century. His in- fluence is evident in the work of count- less artists, including such masters of comic art and illustration as Jack Kirby, Wallace Wood, and Frank Frazetta. Because Foster lived for much of his life in the United States, many Canadians are unaware of the fact that he was born in Halifax in 1892 and spent his forma- Aerial view of South End Halifax with Foster’s childhood house superimposed on the present-day tive years in Nova Scotia. The family waterfront. (Courtesy of Scotty Sherin Photography 2010, Kevin Sollows, and the Friends of Hal Foster residence, built by Hal’s great-grandfa- Society) ther Francis Stevens, was situated at the corner of Lower Water St. and Fawson St., near the present, newly-renovated Nova Scotia Power Corporation building on Lower Water St. Foster moved to Winnipeg with his family in 1905, when he was thirteen. Some years later, he left Canada for Chicago, where he pursued his career as an illustrator. In 1928 Foster began adapting Edgar Rice Burroughs’s Tarzan of the Apes as a daily newspaper strip. He would later work on the Tarzan Sun- day strip. On February 13, 1937, Foster launched the adventure strip for which he is most famous, Prince Valiant in the Days of King Arthur. Prince Valiant, which was set in 5th century Britain, is acknowledged to be one of the most beautifully crafted strips An 1888 view of the Halifax waterfront showing Foster’s childhood home. Government House and St. of any era. Foster drew his last Sunday Matthew’s Church on Barrington St. can be seen in the foreground. (William Notman Photo, Courtesy strip in 1971 but continued preparing of Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management [NSARM], Kevin Sollows, and the Friends of Hal pencil layouts for his successor until Foster Society) 1980. He died in 1982, three weeks be- fore his 90th birthday. As of 2012, Prince the co-editor and publisher of Borealis, a Dear Mr. Bell, Valiant has been published weekly by Halifax-based literary magazine devoted How well I remember Halifax in the days Kings Features Syndicate for 75 years, in to Canadian science fiction, fantasy and when one could stand on Citadel Hill and Sunday newspapers around the world. comics. He thought it would be appro- see the harbor covered with white sails, Foster’s original strip is currently being priate to have a letter from Foster, Hali- full riggers and Cunard liners. No wonder reprinted in oversize hardcover volumes fax’s greatest comics and fantasy creator, I spent so much time at the docks to the by Fantagraphic Books of Seattle. in the inaugural issue of the magazine. detriment of my schooling. Readers may be interested in a letter In the summer of 1978, John wrote to There were land locked salmon in Grand Foster sent to John Bell in 1978. John, Hal Foster and received the wonderful Lake (I wonder if they still call them the current editor of the Griffin, was then reply reprinted below. grayling?) and I shot my first duck in the
6 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia Georgian house had been built by his great-grandfather Francis Stevens and was situated close to the water’s edge, at the corner of Lower Water St. and Fawson St. During his childhood, Foster spent much time at the docks, near his house, watching the comings and go- ings of the full-rigged sailing ships and other boats in the harbour. The water- front area in front of his house contained several wharves (Fairbanks’s Wharf, Moren’s Wharf, and Miller’s Wharf to the north and the Royal Engineers’ Wharf to the south). When the ocean terminals (Pier 21, 22, 23 and 24) were constructed in 1913, the wharves were removed and the area was filled in. Hal Foster’s 70-year career as an illustrator is examined in a compre- hensive biography, Hal Foster: Prince of Illustrators, Father of the Adventure Strip, by Brian M. Kane (Vanguard Publica- tions, 2001 – ISBN # 1-887591-494)). It provides a wealth of information about Foster, his art and his influence on other artists. Shortly after the publication of the biography, a non-profit group, the Friends of Hal Foster Society, was established, in Halifax, with the goal of commemorating Foster with a statue or plaque near his childhood home on Lower Water St. It is their goal to better acquaint Canadians with Hal Foster and his achievements. (The Society can be contacted at the following address: 5262 Sackville St., Halifax, N.S. B3J 1K5.) Over the past 50 years, one of the Cover of Brian M. Kane’s Hal Foster: Prince of Illustrators, Father of the Adventure Strip. Hal Foster, loudest advocates for the artistic legacy centre, is pictured at his drawing board. Illustrations of Prince Valiant (top left) and Tarzan (top right) of Hal Foster has been the great Ameri- are also included on the cover. (Courtesy of Vanguard Publishing) can science-fiction writer, Ray Bradbury, who died earlier this year. Bradbury was salt marsh behind the sand beach of Cole Haligonians who had made a name for devoted to Foster’s comic art and was Harbor. Halifax, at the turn of the century themselves. I sent them some material. supportive of efforts to commemorate was a wonderful place for a boy to live. Thank you for writing and success to your Foster in Halifax. In 2007, Bradbury sent I had one understanding school teacher, fanzine. Halifax artist Kevin Sollows, a member of who, knowing I was a dud at music, let me Sincerely, Hal Foster the Friends of Hal Foster Society, a hast- spend time drawing and her encourage- ily written note from his home in Santa ment had a great influence. Hal Foster’s family home was Monica, California with the following A few years ago (I can’t remember the situated on a rise of land overlooking succinct summary of his high regard for exact year) a man who was the Minister of George’s Island on the Halifax water- Foster: “BRAVO TARZAN!!! PRINCE VAL!! Art and Recreation, or something like that front. The landscape of the area has HAL FOSTER!! QUOTE ME!” in the Canadian or Provincial government, changed dramatically since the 1892- wrote and asked for information, saying 1905 period when Foster lived there. that they were keeping a file on native The two-and-a-half storey, wood-framed
September 2012 7 HERITAGE HOUSES / Buildings at risk A Blockhouse Landmark Is Rescued from Demolition
John Bell
A historic Cape Cod house, or Geor- gian cottage, that was long a familiar landmark in the Mahone Bay and Lunen- burg area was recently rescued from demolition virtually at the last moment. Acquired by the provincial Department of Transportation and Public Works in 2011 in order to permit the widening of the intersection at the junction of High- way 325 and Cornwall Road in Block- house, the c.1790-1810 house (not a registered property) eventually became a rallying point for heritage activists on the South Shore, including several mem- bers of HTNS. This concern, on the part of heritage The house was very slowly raised for its move. (Courtesy of Su Rogers) supporters, with the impact of road construction on local heritage build- ings — whether registered or not — also extended to two other properties similarly acquired by the province: the former Kissing Bridge Road schoolhouse just outside Lunenburg, and a house in the St. Margaret’s Bay community of In- gramport. In all three instances, serious questions were raised not only about the degree of community awareness of, and involvement in, the decision- making process that identified buildings for removal, but also the rationale and The Blockhouse cape resting just a few inches off its original foundation. (Courtesy of John Bell) necessity of removal. In the case of the Lunenburg County tender for offers to move the house, De- Moves. The story of Demone’s impres- properties, these concerns prompted mone set out on a personal mission to sive rescue of the house will be aired on the local MLA, Pam Birdsall, to arrange a rescue the building. Navigating through HGTV in November. meeting between a handful of heritage a multitude of bureaucratic, financial Interviewed recently by The Lunen- representatives and a senior advisor to and logistical hurdles, she won the right burg County Progress Bulletin, Demone the Minister of Transportation and Public to move the house to a lot further up spoke of her strong attachment to the Works. It is hoped that the resulting the Cornwall Road on the other side of house: “. . . it broke my heart to know frank exchange of views will help to en- Highway 103. that it could possibly be torn down or sure that heritage concerns are factored After nine months of preparation, relocated somewhere where I would into any future plans regarding highway including the removal of the chimney, have no connection to it. Financially it’s improvements on the South Shore. fireplace, and all plaster, the home was not the right thing for me to be doing; In any event, the real heroine of this finally moved by Phil Leil Enterprises personally it is.” particular story is Carol Ann Demone, a of Truro on June 17, and installed on a Thanks to Demone’s determina- local woman who had grown up across new foundation. On hand to witness the tion, a Blockhouse landmark remains the road from the Blockhouse cape and event were Demone and her family, a in its community, perhaps not exactly whose family had previously owned the few heritage enthusiasts, several Block- where it belongs, but close enough to house for several generations. When she house neighbours, and a film crew from constitute a definite victory for heritage learned that the province had issued a the HGTV television program Massive preservation.
8 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia LECTURE Jeffrey Reed: Broadening and Deepening Our Understanding of Heritage
Erin Harrison to select these unique buildings can cultural environment, identified and pro- work to our disadvantage. When only tected in our communities: what pages At the May 17th lecture presented these elements are protected, we lose are missing from the ongoing diary of as part of the HTNS’s Illustrated Public an entire dimension of our heritage. peoples and places.” Lecture Series, Jeffrey Reed offered an In a way, almost like revisionist More difficult than protecting build- intriguing presentation that aimed to history, this type of selective designa- ings themselves is preserving something define the scope of value of heritage tion of heritage sites and buildings important to community memory, not sites, from single architectural monu- leaves us with an incomplete “family something important for what is there, ments to entire cultural landscapes. album,” only a partial picture of who but important for what it was that the It examined the recent deepening we are, and where we, as a community, community brought there. These may understanding of how we represent our are coming from. Overrepresented be a local coffee shop where a particular collective heritage through conserva- are the architectural feats, the homes cultural group gathered, a place of no tion and explained that what we choose of the wealthy, the palaces of justice, architectural note, but that acted as the to protect and pass on to future genera- and religious buildings. Often left core of that community. Or perhaps this tions could change the way we look at out of our conservation schemes are could be the workers’ cottages which the protection of heritage sites. the gritty or mundane necessities of represent the home life of many labour- Conservation trends and conven- society, be they the obsolete engineer- ers and their families in bygone days. tions have evolved over time from a ing feats of bygone days (for example Is it unfair to omit places like these, the focus on the preservation of a particular the individual elements that made up heart of a particular community, from monument or building (those build- our first telecommunication systems) our family album because they weren’t ings that were primarily monumental or or the un-glamorous necessities of especially beautiful or important in a had artistic value), to taking a broader day-to-day life (such as an outhouse, tangible sense? view of built heritage. Similarly, our a trestle bridge, or street lamp poles). Ultimately, Reed’s presentation understanding of what is important to Made ever more pressing by the rapid concluded that our conservation policy conserve has been redefined, evolving rate of globalization is the importance must acknowledge the potential threat to reflect the changing political climate. of protecting the built vernacular, that posed by the dominant culture in a As conservation priorities evolved grassroots architecture that evolves in complex, multicultural environment and through to the 19th century, the restora- response to the local environment and recognize the importance of applying tion movement emerged, and the trend survives as a document of who we are policy in a way that is culturally sensitive, towards idealizing groups of buildings and who we were. recognizing what a particular cultural and landscapes evolved. More recently, Our tendency as lovers of built group believes to be valuable, even if the preservation movement has come heritage is to recognize the impor- what it is striving to conserve appears to the forefront, an approach that recog- tance of unique elements of our land- somewhat intangible. nizes the complexity of buildings, and scapes, protecting the notable, while In the end, in order to provide future the value of protecting the entire history neglecting the things we see every generations a fair and representative of the building, rather than restoring it day. In what sometimes seems like an picture of our history, we can’t omit to a particular stage in time. The preser- uphill battle to conserve our heritage, members of the built-landscape “family” vation movement recognizes that built left by the wayside are many elements from our albums because they aren’t heritage isn’t static and that our environ- that are truly reflective of everyday life. pretty to look at. It’s critical that we try to ment is always changing to meet new These features or buildings that some represent the cultural complexity inher- purposes. may call mundane are the essence ent in our built environment, and not Today, the buildings identified as of who we were, and without ensur- just work to protect the most important, heritage buildings are often based on a ing they remain present, in a world of the prettiest and the most expensive single story: the designated building or rapid modernization and globaliza- feats of architecture. It’s important that facility is important for the role it played tion, it’s possible that we may one day we try not to gloss over the ugly and in a particular event or as it was de- lose the physical evidence of some of complex, or ignore elements of our his- signed by a particular professional. Per- what makes Nova Scotia’s heritage so tory that we’re not particularly proud of. haps it was once occupied by someone unique. We need to steer away from what, surely important, or maybe it is preserved for Reed urges us to “consider the unintentionally, is becoming a revisionist its relevance to a particular event. How- degree of cultural complexity which version of Nova Scotia history. ever, Reed points out that this tendency should be represented in the built and
September 2012 9 HERITAGE SITES The Landscape of Grand Pré
Beth Keech
The Landscape of Grand Pré is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site! It hardly seems a reality. To be on the list with such revered and renowned sites as the Pyramids of Egypt or the Great Wall of China is indeed a gratifying, humbling, and daunting recognition. It also comes with a huge responsibility to protect this site for perpetuity, but, for now, it’s very gratifying to just enjoy the exciting, incredible, and marvellous accomplish- ment of a job well done. The Landscape of Grand Pré, which has overcome immense natural and cultural changes, is a dynamic, living, agricultural landscape, and a powerful symbolic landscape for the Acadians. The journey towards it becoming a World Heritage Site (WHS) began in 2004 when the Government of Canada prepared a tentative list of eleven Aerial view of the Landscape of Grand Pré. (Courtesy of the Nova Scotia Department of Natural national sites deemed worthy of being Resources) nominated. In 2005, this Tentative List was announced, and Grand Pré made the shortlist out of a potential 125 prop- erties. Since that time, Joggins Fossil Cliffs (2008) and the Rideau Canal (2007) have been inscribed, which means Canada now has 16 World Heritage Sites. Three of these are in Nova Scotia. In March 2007, a group of about 40 people/stakeholders were invited to the initial meeting at the Grand Pré National Historic Site (GPNHS) to discuss the possibilities, logistics, etc. of going for- ward with such a project at a day-long forum. This stakeholders group included people from the local community, three levels of government, heritage groups, representatives from First Nations, Acadians, New England Planters, the Marsh Body, and the farming and busi- ness communities. Naturally, there was a lot of enthusiasm and overwhelming support. Parks Canada took the lead, Map of the Landscape of Grand Pré World Heritage Site. (Courtesy of Nomination Grand Pré) summarized the discussions, prepared a future agenda, and the process moved forward. An advisory board, called Nomina-
10 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia The signature image of the Landscape of Grand Pré. (Christophe Rivet Photo, Courtesy of Parks Canada)
tion Grand Pré, made up of representa- value,” to develop a management plan, dossier was ready .It had to be at the tives from the above-mentioned groups, to protect the archeological resources, UNESCO World Heritage Centre in was established. Kings Regional Devel- to study coastal-change monitoring, and Paris by February 1, 2011. There was a opment Agency (RDA) played a major to prepare a risk-preparedness frame- celebration at the completion of such a role as the project’s administration. The work. Comparison analyses were done monumental undertaking, and a Memo- project received over $1.3 million in with other World Heritage Sites. There randum of Understanding was signed funding and in-kind support from all were consultations with international by the three levels of government and three levels of government. experts who visited Grand Pré, and visits key stakeholders committing to a long- In order to be inscribed on the were made to other WH Sites. term management relationship of the UNESCO World Heritage List, a site must There were many challenges, and landscape, should the nomination be fulfill one of ten criteria. Grand Pré was many rewards. Not surprisingly, there successful. going to submit under two criteria: (v) were those individuals who didn’t think Then began the long 18-month wait, “an outstanding example of a traditional that becoming a World Heritage Site but by no means was it a do-nothing human settlement which is representa- would be a good thing for the com- wait. During this time, a review process tive of a human interaction with the munity; however, there were always was led by the International Committee environment” and (vi) “a property that numerous opportunities for discussion, of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). It is tangibly associated with beliefs of and many of the apprehensions were included both a desk-review by inter- outstanding universal significance.” eventually allayed. Throughout the national experts and an on-site visit by Over the next several years, the work process, Nomination Grand Pré was an ICOMOS representative to Grand Pré continued with research, public con- extremely fortunate to have Christophe in September 2011. Additional informa- sultation, and engagement workshops. Rivet from Parks Canada as manager of tion was requested in December 2011 Working committees were established the Project. and January 2012, and a response was to determine the “outstanding universal Finally, the day arrived when the expected by February 2012. We were to
September 2012 11 provide responses to the following four On June 30th, the doors of the cal sites constitute a cultural landscape queries by February 2012: (1) supply GPNHS were opened at 5:00 a.m. for bearing testimony to the development further comparative analyses with other those who wanted to come and watch of agricultural farmland using dykes and Acadian sites in the world to justify the live feed of the proceedings from the aboiteau wooden sluice system, that Grand Pré is the most significant St. Petersburg. The Landscape of Grand started by the Acadians in the 17th cen- site (lieu de memoire) for Acadians. Pré was seventh on the list of poten- tury and further developed and main- (2) consider extending the northern tials. Patience and excitement turned tained by the Planters and present day maritime buffer zone in order to ensure to anxiety and apprehension when the inhabitants. The site - marked by one the protection of the visual perspec- hours dragged on, and Grand Pré waited of the most extreme tidal ranges in the tives from Grand Pré and the Minas its turn. Finally, our turn came, and world, averaging at 11.6 metres – is also Basin’s natural resources. (It is the view of everyone was filled with angst, emotion, inscribed as a memorial to Acadian way Blomidon that is an extremely symbolic and pride as the submission was read, of life and deportation, which started in landmark, and it is this visual perspective and Grand Pré was literally identified on 1755. Over 1,300 hectares, the cultural that must be, and will be, protected). (3) the world stage. “Are there any objec- landscape encompasses a large expanse clarification regarding the implementa- tions”, asked the Chairperson. “Hearing of polder farmland and archaeological tion process, and (4) establishment of none – inscribed”, she said, and banged elements of the towns of Grand Pré and the Stewardship Board. the gavel. It was over! The long wait, Hortonville, which was built by the Brit- Again, another agonizing wait, and, the thousands of hours of work was ish successors of the Acadians. The land- finally, in late May 2012, word was re- replaced by the wonderment and awe scape is an exceptional example of the ceived that ICOMOS gave the Landscape of it all. The Landscape of Grand Pré was adaptation of the first European settlers of Grand Pré a positive recommendation now inscribed on the UNESCO World to the conditions of the North American to the World Heritage Committee. The Heritage List. Atlantic coast and an iconic place of final decision, to inscribe or not inscribe, The inscription as listed on the remembrance of the Acadians’ deporta- lay with the World Heritage Committee, UNESCO Website reads: “Situated in the tion, known as the Grand Dérangement.” which was meeting in St. Petersburg, southern Minas Basin of Nova Scotia, the Russia from June 24 to July 6, 2012. Grand Pré marshland and archaeologi-
IN MEMORIAM Joyce McCulloch, née Macpherson, Joyce was President of the Heritage our beloved friend, died at home on Trust of Nova Scotia from 1994 to 1997 Joyce Margaret McCulloch May 3, 2012. and was active in other organizations (1928-2012) A devoted wife, predeceased by Paul dedicated to the history and heritage in 2009, a loving mother (five children), of Nova Scotia. She was the founding and sister, and grandmother (of seven), Chair of the Painted Rooms Society and Joyce was a lifelong passionate heritage a supporter of the Friends of the Halifax activist. In retirement she and Paul spent Common, the Public Gardens, the Ches- their great talents restoring two historic tico Historical Society of Port Hood, and houses in Nova Scotia -- the Bollard St. George’s Round Church, Halifax, to House in downtown Halifax and the which she was strongly attached. In the Peter Smyth stone house, a landmark in 1970s, Joyce chaired the first Maritime Port Hood — and these became their heritage conference, “Heritage Legisla- two homes. tion - Top Priority,” at King’s College, Hali- Born in Edmonton, Joyce was edu- fax, which was instrumental in having cated at Branksome Hall, Toronto, and heritage protection legislation passed UBC where she graduated with a B.A. by the City of Halifax and by the Nova in English Literature and Fine Arts. She Scotia Legislature in the early 1980s. and Paul McCulloch, an RCN officer and Most recently, Joyce was Chair of the native of Victoria, married in England on Trust’s Built Heritage Awards Committee. July 25, 1953. She visited and helped choose the 2011 As a navy wife, Joyce moved house winners. many times, to both Canadian coasts A memorial service for Joyce and overseas to Rome, Brussels, and McCulloch was held at St. George’s (Courtesy of the artist, Gillian McCulloch) Greenwich, England. Church in July.
12 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia HERITAGE SITES Three Cultures, One Land, Rich in History
Sally Ross as a unifying element. Each artist was Site. It is on a revolving platform, so all free to choose the symbols that best three sections are visible. It will eventual- Anyone who has been to Horton represented his or her culture. The title, ly be lit from the inside and moved to a Landing in recent years to see the Three Cultures, One Land, Rich in History, more appropriate location in the Visitor Planters’ Monument and the Deporta- was chosen early on in the creative Centre. Three Cultures, One Land, Rich in tion Cross will remember the old elm process. History is an ingenious artistic creation, a tree that stood like a sentinel overlook- The final work was unveiled on superb expression of cultural reconcili- ing Minas Basin. Although the tree had Canada Day, 2012, in the presence of ation, and a beautiful way to celebrate long since died, it looked permanent. Gerald Gloade, Monette Léger and Doug the designation of the Landscape of Unfortunately, it blew down in a severe Morse. It was very moving to hear the Grand Pré as a UNESCO World Heritage windstorm in November 2010. Two artists refer to the bonds of friendship Site. members of the Amis de Grand-Pré, and collaboration that have developed For additional photos of the who happened to be in Horton Land- between them over the past year. sculpture, see www.grand-pre.com. For ing the day after the storm, took photos For the moment, the sculpture is further information on the Landscape of of the weathered remains of the old tucked in a corner at the back of the Visi- Grand Pré, see: www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn- tree. Then, as the saying goes, the news tor Centre at Grand-Pré National Historic nhs/ns/grandpre/ne.aspx. of the fallen tree went viral. Thanks to Parks Canada and the Société Promotion Grand-Pré, several large pieces of the hollow trunk were taken back to Grand- Pré National Historic Site with the hope that they could be used for a sculpture of some kind. It should be noted that the land where the Planters’ Monument and the Deportation Cross are located was once part of the Curry farm, but is now owned by Parks Canada. Monette Léger, an experienced Acadi- an sculptor from Shediac, New Brunswick, was very interested in creating a sculpture and began her work while serving as artist in residence at Grand-Pré National Historic The Deportation Cross and the old elm tree at Horton Landing. (Courtesy of Les Amis de Grand-Pré) Site in July 2011. No doubt inspired by the UNESCO project and the theme of recon- ciliation, two other established artists were invited to participate in the project: Gerald Gloade from the Mi’kmaq community and Doug Morse, a resident of Grand Pré of Planter descent. since the grain of the elm was too pronounced and full of dust, the sculp- tors decided that they would each cre- ate a bas-relief in basswood that would be placed on the sections of the trunk. Contrary to elm, basswood is “easy” to work and the grain disappears when varnished. The sculpture would take the form of a vertical triptych. Cape Blomi- don and the water of Minas Basin would The three sculptors at the unveiling on July 1st. From left to right: Gerald Gloade, Monette Léger and feature in the work of all three artists. A Doug Morse. The photo shows the Planter section of the sculpture. (Courtesy of Société Promotion sculpted scroll-like ribbon would serve Grand-Pré)
September 2012 13 RESEARCH RESOURCES AWARDS Genealogical Association of 2012 Regional Heritage Fairs NS Invites the Public In Each year, Heritage Fairs are held munities throughout the province. HTNS The Genealogical Association of in elementary and junior high schools members who might be interested in NS recently held an Open House at its throughout Nova Scotia. Winners from representing the Trust next year in the storefront office on Isleville Street and participating local schools then compete regional Heritage Fairs should contact lured its Hydrostone neighbours and within their school boards at regional fairs. the Trust’s Education Committee. their friends in with the promise of food. Finally, the regional winners move on to a It should also be noted that this The hand-delivered invitations gained provincial competition. For several years, year the fairs have given rise to a new GANS at least two new members — the Heritage Trust’s Education Commit- generation of filmmakers. Winning even though neither was offered a piece tee has arranged for judges representing students from regional fairs are now of the very large 30th Anniversary cake! the Trust to attend as many regional fairs selected for Canada’s History’s Young Being visible is important for increasing as possible, in an effort to identify and Citizens program, in which students are membership in such organizations and encourage outstanding projects dealing presented with a digital video camera GANS seems to have found the way by with built heritage. The most outstanding and commissioned to create a short film offering the general public, as well as of these projects are recognized by the about their heritage-fair topic. Through members, access to its publications and awarding of Heritage Trust certificates. a public vote, the top two videos from other material in a small but inviting This year, we provided judges for the each participating province and territory reading room. The former store at 3258 following regional school-board fairs: advance to a finalist round. From there, Isleville (at the corner of Stanley) is open Central Chignecto, Halifax, South Shore, a panel of judges select six recipients to on Thursday evenings in the summer Strait, Tri-County, and Valley. Represent- travel to Ottawa to premiere their films from 6:30 to 9 pm. At the end of the ing the Trust were judges Jan Zann, at the National History Forum, held in summer the schedule will be evaluated Peter Delefes, Gregory MacNeil, Trudi conjunction with the Governor General’s to see whether it should and can be Bunting, Michael Morris, and Gordon History Awards. continued through the winter. Callon. Although the voting is closing as The collection includes review cop- At the end of May, the Trust also we prepare this issue for press, anyone ies, as well as donated material. There is participated in the provincial fair at Pier interested in heritage is urged to visit the beginning of a vertical file of papers 21 in Halifax, where Jan Zann, Education the Young Citizens website (http://www. too small or flimsy to be shelved. Two Committee Chair, presented a prize on canadashistory.ca/Kids/YoungCitizens. drawers contain family files arranged by behalf of Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia. aspx) and view some of the marvellous surname; they range from one to 250 For the Trust, the Heritage Fairs rep- films that these students from grades pages. Cemetery listings, genealogies, resent a unique opportunity to connect 4 to 9 have produced. Sixteen young Halifax directories, general area histories with young people and to promote an Nova Scotians participated in the video or specialized topics such as railroads — appreciation of built heritage in com- program this year. all are available. One laptop is available for visitor use, to access subscription- based web-sites such as Ancestry. Friendly volunteers make finding your way around pleasant, as the introduc- tion to any new activity should be. The reading room is a good place to start genealogical research — even if, in their excitement, the volunteers forget to of- fer cake to visitors!
For $25 researchers can become members and then they have access to members- only databases on the GANS web-site. For more information, go to http://www. chebucto.ns.ca/recreation/GANS/. The South Shore Regional Fair winners of Heritage Trust certificates were, left to right, Alyssa Reeves and Victoria Walker (Learning from the Past), Molly Atkinson (For Sale, Historic Treasure) and Elayna Foran (The House I Call My Home). (Courtesy of Gregory MacNeil)
14 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia BUILDER’S MANUAL Reviving A Kitchen Classic
Bruce MacNab
Aside from apple trees and a weath- ered barn, what else would you expect to see at an old country homestead in Nova Scotia? If you’re invited inside the house you might discover reminders of days gone by such as a pump organ, a stone foundation, wide softwood floors, and steep stairways. But one feature is guaranteed to be the star attraction of any country home – an old-fashioned, wood-burning cook stove. Admired for their design and beauty, these stoves draw rave compliments usually reserved for classic cars and vintage electric guitars. The fine finish on coal and wood- burning kitchen ranges was a source of great pride for homeowners. The owner’s manual for the stove pictured here described porcelain enamel as “basically coloured glass,” and then explained: “Enamel parts are coated with enamel of good colour as evenly and as smoothly as the limitation of the art will permit.” The cooking surface was cast iron, highly polished to a silvery luster. After years of fires, the tops turned from silver to a marvelous bluish hue. Stove tops were kept rust free with regular coatings of Vaseline while stains were removed with an emery cloth and a few drops of oil to prevent scratching. The inner workings of the stove are fascinating. Heat is distributed via smoke from the firebox as it circulates around the oven compartment below the cook A disconnected 1939 Brock stove at the author’s recently purchased house in Cumberland County. top. Ashes fall through a grate into a (Courtesy of Bruce MacNab) removable, galvanized trough. Some models have a copper reservoir for hot hooked from their faithful chimneys, and news is that it’s expensive, and you’re water. Bottom-hinged cabinets located now serve as decorative countertops or going to need a big room in which to put above the cook surface help to keep are relegated to sheds for storage. it. In a future article, we’ll find out how a your toast warm. What if you’re lucky enough to own wood-burning cook stove from yester- Although largely phased out during a traditional cook stove and you want year can be brought back to life with the last half-century, wood cook stoves to return it to working condition? What help from a pro. Get your tea pot ready. can still be found in country homes if you dream about picking apples from across Nova Scotia. But often these your country orchard and baking a Bruce MacNab is a Red Seal journeyman charming stoves are no longer burning tasty pie in your wood-heated oven? carpenter and a member of Nova Scotia’s because of safety problems identified The good news is that it’s possible your Advisory Council on Heritage Properties. by insurance companies. So they are un- stove can be safely re-installed. The bad
September 2012 15 HERITAGE HOUSES Maison Mouchet
Janet McGinity and Donna McInnis
If a house could tell stories, Maison Mouchet in West Arichat, Isle Madame, has witnessed enough drama in its long existence for an entire evening of storytelling. A hundred and fifty years ago, this dwelling dominated a bustling seaport, then called Acadiaville, where master mariners sailed to the far corners of the globe with cargoes of salt cod and returned months later with tropical goods. Companies headquartered in Jersey, Channel Islands, ran the Isle Ma- dame trade, notably Robin, Jones and Maison Mouchet in 1871, showing the six dormers, the original porch, and Emile Mouchet’s first shop. Whitman; DeCarteret and Levesconte; (Courtesy of Isle Madame Historical Society) and, locally, Peter Bosdet and his son, Peter Cline. More than 360 vessels called Arichat and West Arichat home. The run deep on Isle Madame. below the house. The chimney bases are population was ten times the current The house retains the charm and now concealed by extensive concrete number. dignity of a 19th century grand home. reinforcement but Jason believes the Bosdet’s Point separates West Ari- A series of photos on the dining-room basement once had a galley kitchen, chat harbour from a broad cove where wall traces the evolution of the property with a dumbwaiter to the dining room Emile Mouchet’s wharf once stood throughout the 19th and 20th centuries: above. beside his home and store. The Catholic the house with six dormers and the first A wide hallway runs the width of the Church and its rectory face the property shop built by Emile Mouchet, followed house, with two rooms off each side on from two corners of the crossroad. The by the house with only one dormer and both the ground floor and second floor. Mouchet house sits at the corner of the larger shop of Abraham LeBlanc, Ceiling planks are up to a foot wide. The Chemin des Bosdet and Highway 206 to and, thereafter with an ever-expanding Boudrots stripped the heavy wallpaper Arichat, three miles away. Here, Maison number of outbuildings. to retrieve the interior simplicity of ear- Mouchet, stands out in the landscape, In the photo accompanying this lier days. Narrow fireplaces throughout befitting the status of its successive article, one sees a three-storey Georgian the house must once have been fitted owners. house with six attic dormers and two with coal-burning braziers, none of Although the date of construction chimneys. The original twelve-paned which are operative now. On each side is not currently known, its architectural windows are laid out in classical sym- of the kitchen fireplace, parallel pas- features suggest the first half of the 19th metry. Sagging glass in several panes sageways lead from the kitchen to the century. Several early deeds exist from indicate their age. The front portico dining room. These are lined with pantry before Emile Mouchet’s time, but they has been enclosed and modified, and shelves and china cupboards now, as do not state clearly whether a house a porch was added on the back in an they have always been. was on the land. earlier modification. In 2012, the house On the third floor, one of the Bou- Today, the house is owned by Jason received a new coat of paint in a heri- drots’ first renovations was to remove and Jeannette Boudrot, and Jason runs tage oxblood colour. the wallboard partitions and oilcloth a law office from their home. Jason Bou- The Boudrots discovered that the floor covering, thus reducing the great drot purchased the house in 2003, and exterior cladding consists of wooden risk of fire. The open space is ideal for he and Jeannette live there with their shingles over a layer of birchbark visitors and a playroom for two little two young daughters. Jason’s family is insulation, and a three-inch thickness of girls. It is likely that the attic was origi- the ninth generation of Boudrots here, tongue-and-groove boards. Wide boards nally a single open space, as it is today. and the 11th generation of Acadians. A and hand-hewn, whitewashed beams Exposed trusses reveal the original rafter Boudrot ancestor was related to a long- are visible in the basement. There is a spacing for the six dormers. The one re- ago owner of the house. Boudrot roots basement cistern, and two springs run maining dormer has wooden pegs hold-
16 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia ing the beams in place. Knee wall braces like those in wooden ship construction reinforce the floor-to-wall joints in the space above the long hallways of the lower storeys. With its six dormers in addition to the full-length gable windows, this attic would have been very bright. In the mid-1800s, it may have been a class- room. A deed dated April 1859 refers to Emile Mouchet as a “teacher.” In 1860, a visiting French geographer, Rameau de Saint-Père, met Mouchet and described him as the village’s first schoolmaster. A few years later, the Frères de l’Instruction Chrétienne came to Isle Madame to open a school. Perhaps, Mouchet then taught for the Brothers. A marine infantryman originally from St. Brieuc in Brittany, Emile came to Isle Madame from St. Pierre et Miquelon. He purchased the land, and, perhaps, a house with it, for 40 pounds sterling from William Charters. In 1872, he married a young Jersey woman, Jane Armande DeQuetteville, in Halifax, and brought her home to West Arichat. Today the house is home to Jason and Jeannette Boudrot and family. (Courtesy of Donna McInnis) Emile prospered in his adopted community. After he left teaching, he in the 20th century. In the front parlour, old house was transformed into Maison opened a general store and post office. a photo from the first generation shows Emile Mouchet, a bed-and-breakfast run He also owned a schooner. In 1882, trag- five laughing LeBlanc girls, with their by a couple from New Brunswick, also edy touched the lives of Emile and Jane hair in the stylish pompadour of the named Leblanc, but no relation to the Mouchet. Their young son, Cesar, died at early 1900s, playing games and posing earlier family. the age of eight years, while attending on the grounds. Since Jason Boudrot purchased school in Memramcook, New Brunswick. Capt. Abraham LeBlanc was MLA the house, he and Jeannette have been Before Emile’s death in 1889, he from 1890 to 1894. His wife, Sabine, researching its past as they restore it. sold the house to master mariner Capt. was the sister-in-law of Jason Boudrot’s The Boudrots are proud of their home Abraham LeBlanc, a friend and neigh- ancestor. Their daughter Sabine-Rose and its long history. They prominently bour, on condition that his widow could left a fascinating account of life in West display the photos and artifacts that continue living there. Jane Mouchet Arichat in 1911. document its history. They are undertak- then lived as a lodger in the house that Above the massive desk and heavy ing minor modifications, adapting it for had once belonged to her husband. bookshelves of the present-day law life with a young family, while respect- She ran the store for a year, and served office, Justice Arthur LeBlanc’s photo- fully preserving its heritage character. as postmistress until 1897. She died in graph is featured. This former resident With careful stewardship, the Maison 1906 while on a visit to her native Jersey. could have served as a mentor to Jason, Mouchet will shelter many more genera- Capt. LeBlanc carried out Jane’s final since they knew each other when Jason tions on Isle Madame. wish: to have her body returned to West started law school. Arichat to be buried with her husband When the LeBlanc descendants Janet McGinity is a Halifax writer currently and their son. dispersed, some to the United States working on a historical novel based on the Several generations of the LeBlanc and others to MontreaI, the house was lives of Emile Mouchet and Jane family lived in Maison Mouchet until late sold. For a few years in the 1990s, the DeQuetteville.
September 2012 17 Heritage House/Heritage for Sale Ellershausen Manor
tin tub with a paneled wood surround that was likely installed around the turn of the 20th century. A stunning carved ceiling arch in the foyer is repeated in the second-floor hallway. The floating staircase with mahogany newels and hand rails extends from the first floor and continues to the third-floor attic. All the floors, moldings and hardware are original. Some of the furnishings in the house are those originally purchased by El- lershausen, including a rosewood grand piano. He is reputed to have been an ac- complished pianist. The furniture is avail- able for purchase by the new owner. (Courtesy of Tradewinds Realty Inc.) The house sits on approximately 10 acres and is surrounded by extensive gardens, which include a pond, stone Elizabeth Burke of granite blocks. The front façade is patio, and charming trails. The gardens distinguished by a portico supported by are overgrown, but the well-planned Tucked away in the small commu- reeded columns, topped by acanthus layout is still clear. Another photograph nity of Ellershouse in Hants County lies leaf capitals. An early photograph shows provides a view of the gardens in their an unspoiled heritage treasure; rich in the house was originally constructed early manicured state. both architectural and historical details. with four columns and a balcony that What makes this 147-year-old prop- The 4,548-square-foot mansion was spanned the full width of the house. erty so special is that it has been owned built in 1865 by Baron Francis (Franz) There was also a central-peaked carriage by a very few families, all of whom were von Ellershausen, a German-born min- house at the rear of the house. The obviously interested in preserving the ing engineer. Lured by the gold mining granite front steps, which are engraved original fabric of the house and grounds. in Nova Scotia, he came here in 1862. In “Ellershouse 1865” on one side and It has been in the family of the current 1864 he left mining to develop a pulp “F. v Ellershausen” on the other, have owners since 1965. All too often our and paper mill along the St. Croix River elaborate cast-iron railings. A cupola heritage properties have been insensi- and put down roots in what was to tops the square, blocky front portion of tively renovated over the years to the become known as Ellershouse. He built the house and a rectangular extension point where much research is required not only his own estate but also several stretches out to the rear. The six-over-six before a start can be made on return- other houses, the community church, windows on both floors are shuttered. ing the house to its original point in and a school and cottages for his work- The interior of the house is very time. Viewing Ellershausen Manor is like ers. Some of his workers were German grand, with generously proportioned stepping into a time capsule from 1865. immigrants who had been shipwrecked rooms reflecting the decorating tastes We will hope the property finds new off Sable Island. His entrepreneurial of the wealthy of the era, including tall owners who will continue to conserve endeavours expanded to the building ceilings topped by crown moldings, this special place. of a saw mill and the development of a grain-painted doors and surrounds, sugar-beet farm. By all accounts he was gilded brass window valances, Italian Ellershausen Manor is for sale, for a colourful character who possessed marble fireplaces, and papered walls. $425,000. MLS No. 45000074. Contact Tim a boundless enthusiasm for his varied The paper with gilded design in the Harris of Tradewinds Realty in Chester at business interests. living room is original, as is the stenciled 902-275-5613. The two-storey, clapboard house decoration on its ceiling. The decorative was built in the Italian Villa style with painting in the house has been listed a low pitched roof and overhanging in the Heritage Trust’s Painted Rooms eaves. The foundation is constructed database. One of the baths contains a
18 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia REVIEW Mike Parker, Ghost Islands of Nova Scotia (Lawrencetown Beach, N.S.: Pottersfield Press, 2012), 255 pages, $24.95
munities of the past with their uninhab- prompt further reading on the subject, ited, skeletal pictures of today. which was the author’s intention. The first six chapters feature islands With the exception of the last chap- which are both familiar to Haligonians, ter, each chapter treats an individual and accessible even to those of us who island or cluster of islands, such as The don’t own a boat: McNab’s, George’s, Tusket Islands or The LaHave Islands. Devil’s, Lawlor, Melville, Deadman’s, and This technique works well, allowing a Sambro. Other islands featured are also random approach to the material. Parker generally known by the casual, weekend concludes his book with “The Ghost Is- traveller: Oak Island and the LaHave land Gallery.” This last chapter provides a Islands, and Scatarie. A few islands seem brief description of a number of islands. to have been chosen for their dramatic Ghost Islands of Nova Scotia is a treasury situation and the harrowing tales they of collective memory for many Nova harbour: Isle Haute, so prominent, yet Scotians, and provides an invaluable isolated, in the Bay of Fundy; St. Paul insight into what life was once like on Island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence where these islands. more than a thousand shipwreck victims are believed to be buried in unmarked continued from page 20 graves; Little Hope, the very name of (Courtesy of Pottersfield Press) which portends the fate not only of Parkdale – Maplewood Community Museum ships, but of the island itself, which has 3005 Barss Corner Rd., Maplewood, Lun. Co. Heritage Blueberry Festival – Sept. 8, 12:30 p.m. – been so reduced in size that it is now 5:30 p.m. Crafts, baked goods, demonstrations, Donna McInnis inhabited only by birds and a grounded and traditional meal. $12 adult, $6 children. fishing boat; and, of course, our famous
September 2012 19 Programs Sponsored by Other Societies
Acadian House Museum / L’Acadie de Dartmouth Heritage Museum Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos Chezzetcook Evergreen House, 26 Newcastle St., Dartmouth & centre de recherche 79 Hill Rd., West Chezzetcook Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. & Satur- Highway 103, Exit 31, Rte 335 West Pubnico, Although the Museum closes for the season on day – 10 a.m. -1p.m. & 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Yarmouth County. Aug. 31, 2012, The Tea Room in still open until Paul Bennett, Endangered Schoolhouses: The Rise Soirée de Musique / Kitchen Party – Sept. 7, 7:30 Oct. 13, daily 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Fall of the “Palace Schools” of Nova Scotia p.m. – 9:30 p.m. $5 per person. Held at Sylves- Children’s Halloween Event – Oct. 28, 2012. –Sept. 7, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Event to be held ters Club, Centre de Pombcoup, West Pubnico. Contact for details. at Evergreen House. Meeting of la Société historique acadienne de Old Fashioned Seaside Christmas – Nov. 16, 17, Heritage House Tour –Oct. 13 – 14. Check web- Pubnico-Ouest - Sept. 13, 7:00 p.m. 18, 10:00 – 4:00 p.m Sunday till 5 p.m. See site for details. Exhibit by Richard d’Entremont, “Lights along the website for more details: Helen Creighton Victorian Halloween at Evergreen Shore” – Sept. 14, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. $3 per
20 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia