History and Stories of SPRINGVILLE Pictou County, Nova Scotia Frank W. Calder

History and Stories of SPRINGVILLE Pictou County, Nova Scotia

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SPRTNCfVELLE From Illustrated Historical Atlas of Pictou County, 1879 (with updates). 17388

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History and Stories of SPRINGVILLE Pictou County, Nova Scotia

by Frank W. Calder

ISBN 0-88999-510-9 Printed by Lancelot Press 1992 Familiar Springville Landmarks — Home of the Bob Wilson Family and the Presbyterian Church. Contents Introduction 7 Acknowledgements 9 Tribute to Dr. Chisholm 11 First Land Grants 16 Settlers Arrive 17 The First Settler 18 Original Grants of Land in Springville 21 Early Industry 22 Early Houses 23 Mice 24 No Summer 25 First Oatmill 26 Transportation 27 The Springville Steel Bridge 28 Means of Travel 31 Railroads 32 Mail Delivery 35 East River Mutual Telephone Co. Ltd. 37 The "Butter Hole" 38 The "Red Bank" 38 Agriculture 39 Strawberries 39 Dairy 41 Threshing the Grain Crop 42 Agricultural Societies 44 Flax 45 Limestone 45 Animal Production 46 Lumbering 48 Census Information 50 Blacksmiths 53 Merchants 53 Quarries 54 Religious, Cultural and Social Activities 56 Springville Presbyterian Church 57 The Springville Progressive Community Club 68 The British and Foreign Bible Society 72 Strathbeg Reading Society 76 Springville School (includes teacher names) 79 School Fairs 95 Home and School Association 95 Temperance Society 97 Springville Red Cross 99 Clergy, Lawyers, Medical Doctors, Registered Nurses 100 Springville-Island Women's Institute 103 Jessie's Story of Springville 117 Evangeline Tennis Club 130 Independent Order of Odd Fellows 133 The Holmes Family 137 Rev. Angus McGillivray Family 142 Recollections of an Old Brass Knocker 148 Springville Cemetery 154 Wills and Deeds can be Amusing and Informative 158 The Mclnnis Departure 160 John Walter Grant 162 Military Service 163 Homes That Were, But Are No More 166 Maps of Springville 167, 168 Property Owners — 100 Years After Grants Given 171 History of Individual Property Changes 175 River Road 175 Millstream, Island and Red Bank 179 West Side to Bridgeville 186 Main Road, East Side, Irish Mtn., Brookville and Coromonie Roads 191 The "Old Road" 192 Manse 205 Village — Bridge to Church Orris Cooke Skis 217 Wrap-up and "East River Worthies" 218 References 220 Appendix I: W.M.S. Members 1893 223 Appendix II: Abbreviated Family Histories 225 Holmes 225 McGilliivray 227 McPhee 228 Duncan (Squire) McDonald 230 Grant 231 McLean Irish Mtn. 235 David's Lake 238 Calder 239 Introduction

This work was undertaken so that at least some of the information about Springville would be gathered in one place and hopefully preserved for the future. Having been born here, and having gone to ten grades of school here, and being a fifth generation Calder living at Calderwood, one is rather steeped in tradition, history if you like, and maybe this is as it should be. One earns a respect for the past and therefore the importance of the present. Searching for information in school registers, in old deeds, minutes of organizations, old newspaper items, preserved letters impresses one with the great Importance of preserving the records of our past so that we have respect for the present and therefore the IM! lire. Where will we find school records in the future, minutes of organizations, local newspaper items? I loes anyone save letters telling of our daily doings? The old weekly newspapers contained so many Interesting items of everyday events and usually these i veil. How will we make use of our telephone conversations, our radio and television news items, when someone wants to look back and record our times? In compiling a record of what is essentially everyone's business, one has to try to be as accurate as possible. If there are any errors in this publication it is hoped that they will not cause anyone undue concern. Thanks

Many, many people, too numerous to list, are to be thanked most sincerely for their help in the preparation of this book, by providing information from memory, printed material and pictures. However, there are some who must be acknowledged individually, as; Vangie Way; Margaret Kenney; Adeline Chisholm and daughters Mary Maclaren and Margaret Spindler; Ethel Wallace; Marjorie Fraser; Daisy MacDonald; Maria Grant Nelson; Mrs. Tom Dennie; Margaret Bamford; Beulah Fraser; Margaret Buck; Bob Cameron; John McLean; Donald MacLean; Dr. Keith Muir; Jim Chisholm; Margaret Durning; Registry of Deeds Office, Pictou, N.S.; Murray Photography Ltd.; Public Archives : f Xova Scotia; National Archives of Canada. The most thanks of all must go to my wife, Bets, HTJ some call Betty or Mary Elizabeth. She has been answering questions on spelling or grammar or just "How does this sound?" and finally proofreading it all, after these many months. Son John has also been most helpful with suggestions and editing. Dr. Hugh D. Chisholm with daughters Margaret, left, and Mary.

10 Dr. Hugh P. Chisholm

This book is humbly dedicated to the memory of Dr. Hugh D. Chisholm, who was born in Springville and lived in Springville, all of his life, 1881-1950. He was the youngest son of Duncan and Jane MacDonald) Chisholm. He went to school in Springville and Pictou Academy and on to Dalhousie University in Halifax from where he obtained his degrees of M.D., CM. in 1907. Many were the hours as a boy that I listened to Dr. Chisholm and my father, who were lifelong friends, .ussing world and local events — some tragic, some humorous. There were many visits to the "Doctor's" and visits to our house. Most, but not all of my visits • the Doctor" were social. I recall a visit to our house e gave me a whiff of chloroform and stitched up n my forehead. Such were some of the visits! He didn't have office hours. People came at any hour f the day or night. He drove his horse and sleigh to anyone in need up and down the Valley of the East -"_ r r For the first twenty years of his practise he, his •other and older sister Bessie lived in the family home,

11 where he had his large office and dispensary. In 1930 he married Adeline Himmelman, R.N. from Bridgeville. She, too, contributed much as she assisted the Doctor in his care of patients, both at the office and in their homes. They had two daughters, Mary and Margaret. They too entered the medical field. Mary is a medical doctor in Ottawa, she is married to Ken Maclaren, and they have four children: Janet, Wendy, Gordon and Alex. Margaret is an Occupational and Physiotherapist, and married to Harry Spindler. Early in Dr. Chisholm's career he was honored by the community as described below.

On Friday evening, March 23rd, 1917 almost everyone in the bounds of the East River gathered at the home of Dr. Chisholm, to honor him, by presenting him with some gifts and expressions of appreciation. They gave him a medical case, a surgical case, both fully equipped, a pair of electric carriage lamps and a purse of fifty dollars. These gifts come to you, they continued to say, as the expression of the good will, not of one or two, but of the whole community, young and old. They are a recognition of your eight years of patient, unremitting, and self sacrificing toil among us. No storm has been so fierce nor road so difficult that it could prevent you from answering the call of duty. Disease and death have found in you a relentless foe. You are a skillful physician and we are proud of you, but more than that you are our beloved physician, for while by your skill and medicines you drive away our ills, by your fine, tender sympathy, your genuine interest and your unfailing cheer and kindness, you bring new courage and hope. If a man's greatness be measured by the service

12 he renders to his fellow man, then you have no peer in our fair valley or adjacent districts. Your whole life is a continuous outpouring of service for human needs.

He continued to live up to this glowing tribute and probably exceeded it. To travel by horse or car, over roads not opened after storms, or roads that were a sea of mud, to places as far away as Caledonia or anywhere else that sick people needed him was accepted without question. His pay all too often would be a genuine heart felt and guilty thanks. He was truly a leader in all aspects of the community, all of his life. I believe that the act of dedicating this book to Dr. Hugh D. Chisholm would be most heartily agreed to by my parents, such persons as they were. Therefore, I feel that they too are included in the dedication of this book. My parents provided an excellent home life for my sister Margaret Lois and for me. They both had to work very hard to provide for all of us, but never complained about doing so. Our home seemed to be a gathering place for aunts, cles and cousins on so many Sunday afternoons. These were happy times. Many evenings, neighborhood friends gathered to z.^y cards," which was always "45s." To reminisce some more, the memory of the dinner saved for me when the long two mile trek from school :. has not gone. That dinner would be home cared ham, mashed potatoes, chow, mashed turnip and i :_: :r two of butter. For all this and much more I am ever grateful to Maude Robertson and Hugh Alfred Calder

13 Maude (Robertson) Calder and Hugh Alfred Calder.

14 A Story of Springville

Springville is a village on the East River of Pictou County in Nova Scotia. It is located between the villages of Churchville and Bridgeville, south of the towns of New Glasgow and Stellarton. In common with other parts of Pictou County, the area was settled mostly by immigrants from Scotland beginning in the late eighteenth century. People were seeking a better life as the Scottish lairds abandoned their people following Culloden. The first settlers in Springville, in what was then part of the area referred to as the Upper Settlement, was a family of Frasers about 1784. Much of the history of a small village is obviously similar to that of other villages, of which much has been written in published histories, of neighboring villages, the county and the province. 4 Some things are reproduced here to better create the atmosphere and understanding of people arriving in a foreign land facing extreme difficulties of clearing land, growing crops and surviving in a harsh environment. In common with many rural areas in Nova Scotia 15 the population increased through the 19th century as the land was cleared and occupied. The families were large, so land was divided among families. By the beginning of the twentieth century much of the land in villages like Springville was settled and the shortcomings of soil fertility, steeply sloping land, rocks and swamps had manifested themselves. Challenges of the American states development, relatively ready employment, opening of the Canadian west all helped to begin an exodus from these areas, so that by the middle of the 20th century the population had decreased considerably. This decrease began to reverse as urban residents began moving to the rural countryside after the second world war and particularly with the advent of paving of county roads. Although there have been a number of discoveries of native settlements along the coast and estuaries of rivers in Pictou County there has not been any evidence found that they lived in the Springville area, prior to the arrival of the white man. French explorers had travelled along the coast prior to the late 1700s, undoubtedly before 1750.

First Land Grants The first grants given to encourage settlement in the area that was to become Pictou County were very large and there were five given assent on the 15th of October, 1761. The grants were very indistinct as to size, location and actual owners in some cases. The Wentworth grant is fairly well known as it went from Merigomish along the coast west several miles, inland seven miles, so it would not reach the area of Springville. A grant given to Mr. Alexander McNutt and three others may have included Springville as the grant came

16 inland 13 miles from the mouth of the East River. Nothing came of this grant and it was escheated in 1770.

Settlers Arrive The ship Hope, (now thought to be the Betsy), brought a few settlers to Pictou in 1767. The ship Hector arrived with 187 people on board in 1773. They arrived in September to see trees everywhere after surviving disease, hunger and crowded holds of an old sailing vessel. They did not get deeds to their grants until 1783. In 1783 disbanded soldiers of the 82nd regiment were given grants in Pictou County — some in the Upper Settlement. Soldiers of the 84th regiment, two battalions 1000 men each were eligible for grants also at this time. Although many did not wish to settle here, many did and remained to form the nucleus of the Upper Settlement communities of the future. From the time of the Hector's arrival there was a continous flow of settlers arriving, mostly from Scotland, each year for the next thirty to forty years. Anyone who has walked through our woods for a few hours will readily realize the difficulty of travel for these early settlers. The first paths usually followed the banks of the rivers but our rivers are small and not much use for transport of people or goods. At first, the only land that was clear of trees was interval land, which was not plentiful, otherwise there was essentially no open space where crops could be grown. The formidable task of cutting trees and removing stumps had to be commenced at once and with what tools or equipment? Log houses were the rule. They certainly could not wait to have saw mills set up, however, they did come soon.

17 In the ensuing story of Springville it is hoped to depict as much as possible, the kind of life the people lived at different times over the last two hundred plus years. The first settler in what is now Springville was John Fraser (Iain Ruadh) from near Inverness in Scotland. Indeed, a high proportion of the settlers in this area came from Invernesshire or shires nearby. He came to Pictou in 1785 and took up a grant of 300 acres of land and built his first house where Senator Holmes barn stood. His second house was the one in which Mr. Holmes lived. John Fraser served in the army and fought in the American Civil War. After discharge he received his land grant and a barrel of flour. He had to carry the flour to his new home on his back from Pictou. John Fraser married Catherine, Eldest daughter of John Robertson of Churchville. Incidentally, John Robertson was the first settler in Churchville, 1784. They lived about four miles apart. The Frasers had nine children; James, Mary, Margaret, Donald, Nancy, Christy, William, Jessie and Catherine. Their son James settled on a lot north of his father. He married Margaret daughter of Donald Fraser, New Glasgow, and had eleven children named: John, Catherine, Sophia, Margaret, Donald, James, Mary, Abraham, Samuel, Rhoda and Thomas. John Fraser's second son, Donald, married a daughter of Roderick MacKenzie of Lairg and had six children. John Fraser's third son, William, settled in Churchville, married Isabel Fraser, a daughter of William Fraser of McLellan's Brook by whom he had eleven children. Mary married Donald Fraser, Blanchard. Margaret married John Fraser of French River, Nancy married Simon Fraser, Basin. Christy married John MacKenzie, Onslow.

18 John Fraser was known as Red John Fraser (Iain Ruadh). One might suppose that his other children married and had families living in the area, then it is easy to see how quickly the population expanded, by the three sons of record he had 28 grandchildren. Certainly he would have had over 50 in total, provided disease didn't claim many of the children as did often happen in those times. Others took up land grants and followed the Frasers in short order, so that before long all of the land in what is now Springville and Millstream was claimed, this being largely accomplished by 1800. Rev. J.P. MacPhie in Pictonians at Home and Abroad provides some insights of the area. "Later the property, (John Fraser's) was bought by Senator Holmes and here he always lived and ended his days. The house is low, but comfortable. Here the Hon. Simon H. Holmes, once Premier of the province, was born and bred. It was James, John Fraser's son, who gave the name Springville to this place, from the many sparkling springs in the vicinity. Another variation on this theme is that James gave the name in recognition of a spring on their property which never went dry, and from which a small brook flowed, on which a dam and storage pond was built to supply water and power for a saw and carding mill. The second son, Donald, was the geologist of the East River. His second daughter was mother of James A. Fraser, Editor of the Eastern Chronicle." Herein is an example of some of the old style writing of a land grant.

GEORGE the Fourth by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great-Britain and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, and of the United Church of

19 England and Ireland, on Earth the Supreme Head. To all to whom these presents shall come, GREETING. Know ye that We, of our special grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, have given and granted, and by these presents, for us, our heirs, and successors, do give and grant unto George McDonald, three hundred and fifty acres of land situate lying and being in the County of Halifax, which are abutted and bounds as follows vis. Beginning on the Eastern side of the East branch of the East River of Pictou on the upper bounds of land granted to Alexander McLean, thence to run East along the . The rest is the normal property description. Signed by His Excellency The Rt. Hon. George Earl of Dalhousie.

•KM.- - '•*>*&§*" jj^M mm m \ „w • ,a#H •ML *&*JmikWi

• \ ^T t

a. • •••'&• ^fcfc *• ** &^^ * v

Aerial photo of Springville, 1930. Note extent of cleared land and, even then, much previously cleared land was returning to trees.

20 Original Grants of Land in Springville Supplied by Nova Scotia Department of Lands and Forests From north to south on east side of river: No. of Acres 1. Alexander McLean 170 2. George McDonald 350 3. Wm. Mcintosh 100 (a) Donald Fraser 100 (b) James Mcintosh 42 4. Heirs of John Cameron 450 5. Heirs of Dugald Cameron 250 6. Duncan Cameron 250 7. John Fraser 300 8. Thomas Fraser 200 North to south on west side: 9. James Grant (Millstream) 500 10. Alpin Grant 500 11. A. Chisholm 100 12. John Forbes 100 Eastern side of village north to south 13. Patrick Fenner 175 (a) William McDonald 60 14. James Mcintosh 150 15. James MacKay 300 16. Hector McQuarry 400 17. Lauchlin McLean 150 18. Neil McQuarry 300 This totals nearly 5,000 acres for the village.

The contributions of these original families and their descendants will be identified in this story as much as possible.

21 Early Industry Very shortly after clearing some land and building homes, the need for business development was most obvious, and so the first industry was a much needed grist mill, to provide flour for baking. The following story is quoted from Pictonians at Home and Abroad. James Grant, one of the passengers on the Hector settled first in Kings County, N.S. He came from Glen Urquhart, Scotland. He was married and some of his children were born in the old country. He moved from Kings County to Cariboo, Pictou County, and lived there for some years. Before coming to this country he gained some knowledge of milling. By this time the Upper Settlement people began to raise considerable quantities of grain, especially wheat, but they had no mill to convert it into flour. So they persuaded James Grant to leave Cariboo and move to the East River. This he did, and settled at Millstream in 1790. He erected a mill on a stream issuing from Grant's Lake, on a site some twenty rods further down than the one now occupied by Grant's mill. This was the first regular grist mill on the East River. James Grant died in February, 1822, age ninety- seven. He is described as a quiet, peaceful man. He lived for some years before his death on a farm subsequently owned by Duncan McPhie. When James Grant died there were twelve families in Millstream and Lime Brook: Duncan Grant, James Grant, dyer; Alexander Grant, miller; Robert Grant, elder; John Fraser, James Fraser, David McLean, Donald Fraser, Duncan McPhie, Donald Mor Fraser, David Mcintosh and Donald Cameron.

22 James Grant had four sons and two or three daughters. One of his sons, Duncan died in 1847 and was buried at Springville Bridge, and was either the first or one of the first buried there. He once owned the farm on which the Rev. Angus McGillivary lived and died. His sons, Alexander and Robert were men of influence and note and had much to do with the making of the life and the growth of the community. They succeeded their father in the milling business and were leaders in the church and the state. Alexander Grant was married to Nellie McKay. The Rev. Robert Grant, the historian of the East River was their son. James, eldest son of Alexander Grant and Nellie McKay, was known as the Dyer. He owned woolen mills near Springville. His sons Alexander, John Walter, Hugh and Robert succeeded him. Robert Grant was married to Mary, daughter of James Robertson of Churchville. He had three sons: James who owned a saw mill at the head of Grant's Lake and was for many years an elder under the Rev. Mr. McGillivary; Alexander Robert, who owned a grist mill on Millstream; and Dr. William R. Grant, a distinguished professor in Pennsylvania Medical College. One of his daughters married John Fraser, Basin. Another was Nellie, the wife of Colin Robertson, Churchville.

Early Houses The first houses were, of course very simple, crude log houses. Some of these were improved by putting shingles or clapboards on the outside, but in most cases frame homes were built only when sawmills began operating in the community. Often the houses built in the early 1800s were low

23 one and a half story buildings, with dormer windows providing space and light for the second floor bedrooms. It was common for houses to have a summer kitchen which was a free standing building joined to the main house by an enclosed short walkway. The summer kitchen might be a woodshed in the winter months or provide shelter for other chores. The main house was often built around a large central stone chimney. In some cases the floor sills were supported on one end by this central chimney. The Calder house was built this way and had a large fireplace in the basement, which was part of the stone chimney. This fireplace was for both heat and cooking, there was a crane, from which pots could be hung over the fire. The basement walls were finished in wide tongued and grooved boards over the stone foundation walls. The deep window casings, about two feet deep were also made of wide tongued and grooved boards. There were five rooms in this basement around the central fireplace. The basement, then, was the winter abode for the family and was probably quite warm, compared to the upper floors, heated by grates, "small fireplaces" in each room and no insulation in the walls. It is not known for how many years the basement was used in this way; probably summer moisture took its toll on the wooden walls and floor. Reference has been made to a saw mill, a woolen mill and a grist mill. Rev. George Patterson in his well- known book, A History of the County of Pictou, Nova Scotia, published in 1877, tells more about the Grants and mills. Two natural calamities happened, one in 1815 which was compounded by another in 1816. Mice. In 1815, this part of Nova Scotia was overrun by mice, the mice were so plentiful that they destroyed

24 The Calder House crops in the fields and of course were very troublesome when the remaining crops were harvested. They ate the leed in the ground, even the seed potatoes. The destruction in the fields was total in some cases, rxceeding anything ever seen before or since.

No Summer The following year, 1816, was known as the year without a summer, not only locally but in all of northern Xorth America and even in Europe. Ice formed in New England on July 5, and thick ice occurred in August. The above information was the background for the following quote from Rev. George Patterson. Alexander Grant (miller) of the East River, went to Halifax to obtain a supply of flour. He there bought 70 barrels of flour, for which he had to pay £3 per barrel. On his way back on the 5th, June he 25 stayed all night at a tavern between Halifax and Truro, and in the morning the ground was frozen so hard, that it carried his horse. The flour came round by water, and he went down to town (Pictou) to bring it up the East River, which he did on a coal lighter. On his way up on the 16th, he saw a man trying to harrow his ground, where he had sowed some grain, and wearing a top coat in consequence of the cold. That night being Saturday, he put the flour into a barn owned by the late James Carmichael Esq., who had shortly before begun to do business, where New Glasgow now stands. On Monday morning, before he reached the spot, there were as many assembled as there were barrels of flour, and no sooner was the door opened, than a rush was made, and each man seized a barrel, asking no question as to price, and it was with some difficulty that he saved one for his own family. First Oatmill In the same year, Mr. Grant and his brother Robert, erected the first oatmill in Nova Scotia, probably the first in British North America, on the site still occupied in the same way, and known as Grant's Mills. Very little oatmeal had been used previously. Small quantities were sometimes brought out in vessels, and sometimes the country people manufactured a little in a coarse way, by roasting the grains in a large pot and afterwards separating and grinding the groats. But now Mr. Grant constructed a regular oatmill driven by water, of which the gear was made by a millwright, named Duff.

The brook flowing from Grant's Lake to the East River then provided power for a saw mill from about

26 1800, for around 150 years. A furniture factory and a carriage shop was also in business nearby during much of the 1800s, run by Peter and John Grant. A carding, dyeing, and fulling mill were operated on the small brook coming from Calder's Lake, near it's junction with the East River, between the River road and the river. It is not clear if the woollen mill was in the same area or if it was right on the river, a short distance upstream. Regardless the business was all run by the Grant Bros., Hugh, John Walter and Alexander, sons of James Grant, (Dyer). This news item indicates the river location for the woollen mill at least and also sheds some light on the occasional dispute between families. The Colonial Standard, Tuesday, Nov. 1, 1864. Supreme Court occupied all week with Holmes vs. Grant. Two of the leading families of the community needed the courts to settle their differences. Holmes claimed damages, alleged to have been caused to his land as a consequence of a dam on the East River, built by the Grants, which arrested passage of ice in the river and caused the lands above to be overflowed. The jury couldn't reach an agreement after seven hours and by that time their eight day engagement for the trial had expired and they had to be dismissed — so, nothing was decided!

TRANSPORTATION The first routes were only blazed trails through the woods, often following the rivers. These trails were gradually improved so that one could travel on horseback, but of course when on horseback it was 27 much easier to cross the small streams and swampy sections than when on foot. In the winter, frozen lakes and streams frequently provided short-cuts or routes not available in the summer. Many of the routes initially developed went up over steep hills. Later, as horses were used to haul heavy loads, these routes were changed so to provide easier hauling by going around the hills or taking a less steeply sloping route. When hauling loads by horses there was the problem of holding back heavy loads going down steep slopes, and this could be very dangerous to horses and drivers. From the first trails made in the 1780s onward for nearly one hundred years improvements in roads was very gradual. The first change from the blazed trails had to be widening of the trails to accommodate the first wagons or sleds. The soft areas were made more passable by placing small logs side by side crossways of the road, referred to as "corduroy roads." Most small streams and even rivers were forded before bridges were built.

The Springville Steel Bridge A steel bridge, unique in design to Nova Scotia, and in fact only the second of its design in Canada, was built in Springville in 1875. It was in use until replaced by the present bridge by the Springville cemetery, almost ninety years later. This first bridge was unique in that the plank covering was parallel with the direction of the road. A newspaper article was published on Dec. 31, 1966, telling about the construction of the original steel bridge, which took place in 1879. Selections from this article are presented here. "In its day it was an important bridge because of the quarrying going on

28 Springville Steel Bridge. Unique in design, built by Stewart Co., New Glasgow, N.S. there and the developments of the East River iron deposits; it was back in those days that the first steel in Canada was being made at Ferrona Junction and Trenton. — The ironwork material was pretty expensive, — $910; total cost nearly $2000. There were J arches made of rails bent to shape so that each side rose 10 feet above the floor. The bridge was said to be Strong but very graceful of design. First came the test for strength — four horses hauled a heavy load of timber over, weighing 10 tons — followed by another team hauling a double sleigh filled with "heavyweight" reformers from New Glasgow! Hon. Simon Holmes declared the bridge open. If. Murphy, provincial engineer, declared the bridge strong and safe. Then the visitors went to the nearby home of D.A. Holmes for dinner. The repast which was --mptuous and excellent was discussed by the guests h appetites sharpened by the keen air of a pleasant

29 winter day. The partakers must have been agreeably surprised with the excellence of everything, as it was almost impossible to imagine how a banquet, which would do credit to a Metropolitan Hotel could have been arranged in a country village. This bridge has been referred to as the "Holmes Bridge," the "Stewart Bridge" after its designer and builder, and simply the "Steel Bridge." As late as the 1930s roads were often closed in the winter months except to horses and sleighs. It was the duty of people along the road to "open" the roads after storms. This merely meant that horses were able to get through the drifts, often detours would be made across the fields to avoid badly drifted sections. In the spring when the frost was coming out, roads were often extremely muddy and only passable to horse and buggy. The first open roads in the winter were provided by lumber companies. They wanted to truck lumber out of the Sunny Brae woods and to bring in supplies, they had V-plows mounted on trucks some times and in really bad conditions they used caterpillar tractors to open the roads. This was a big change in living conditions if you were on the "main" road. The first real road improvements were made when ditches were dug along the sides and gravel was put on the surface. Dump carts were used some times to haul gravel, but most was hauled with truck wagons and horse teams. The gravel was shovelled by hand from the river bottoms into the boxes on the wagons. These boxes were made of loose planks that could be tipped, individually, to empty the load on the road. Obviously it was a slow procedure, but a big improvement over muddy spots along the roads. The first road graders were hauled by horses and were fine for levelling the soft basically mud roads or

30 n to level and improve lightly gravelled roads. Finally in the late thirties and forties large self- pelled, gas powered, and then diesel powered road graders appeared. The ultimate improvement was then the roads were paved with asphalt. In Springville, it was 1959 when the road was paved from Churchville to Bridgeville.

Means of Travel vel about Springville in the early days was on foot, wshoes in winter, horse back, and horse and wagon. As early as 1816, Ezra Witter of Truro began a stage coach service from Pictou to Halifax. In summer he used "a comfortable close Four-wheeled Carriage." In -ter he used a closed sleigh to make the 100 mile trip trice a week. In 1829 The Eastern Stage Coach npany, could take more passengers, and was faster. Hiram Hyde provided this service in 1841 and had 42 ses for the business. The coaches varied greatly in le and comfort, if there was any comfort in any of them. Local stage coach travel was provided along the last River in the mid-1800s but any details are scarce. Certainly the more comfortable travel would have been in good weather in winter, after the road was "broken" open. A good driving horse and a sleigh could be quite enjoyable. J.M. Cameron, in Pictou County History • rote that "In 1831 there was about one gig (two wheeled passenger cart) in East Pictou, and when New Glasgow merchant James MacGregor borrowed it from the owner at Springville, it took two days rough driving to get to Shubenacadie." Nova Scotia Midland Railway and Iron Co. planned to build a rail line from McLellan's Brook to Sunny Brae and by 1890 had surveyed the line, and paid for

31 N.S. Midland Railway Company Plan

jr pany PLAN Shewing Bight of Wiyfrom Sunny Brae to junction with Vale Colliery BaiHoay Scab

much of the right-of-way This route was to hook up with the rail line to Thorburn (The Vale Colliery Line). The route through Springville is shown above. In McLellans Brook, the line crossed properties of; Robert O. Fraser, Finlay McDonald and Evan Cameron, in Churchville properties of: John R. McMillan, Archibald Fraser and Peter McPhie, and over Irish Mountain properties of; Mary C. Duff, John Grant and Daniel McDonald, and on through Brookville to properties of Margt. and Sarah Bauldrie and James Siveright, and out the "Brook" road through properties of Wm. & John

32 Springville Road Changes

"***"* old crops road "*"""" watercourse T. Smith to Simon McDonald, Peter McPhie, Isaac McGillivray, James Holmes, John Sutherland and on up the East River through Samuel Fraser's property. The right-of-way was 100ft in width. The amounts paid varied, but ranged from totals of $30 to $50 in a number of cases. Within a few years another company, named New Glasgow Iron, Coal and Railway Co. Ltd. started building a railway that also would go through Springville, but would follow the East River very closely, beginning at Ferrona in 1891, with rail to Springville in 1892 and reaching Sunny Brae in 1895. This railroad was built to facilitate the attaining of

33 limestone from Springville and iron ore from Bridgeville and Iron Ore for the blast furnace at Ferrona (near Eureka). The arrival of the railroad was a major step in the development of Springville. (Please see Jessie's Story page 117). As Jessie said in part, "That train service for years meant so much in our lives." The railway made the marketing of farm products and lumber from Springville and other villages much more feasible. The Inter Colonial Railroad took over this line in 1911. In 1929 and 1930 the rail line was being extended to Guysboro. The road bed and bridge abutments were nearly all built to Guysboro and 22 miles of track laid from Sunny Brae, when a federal government change brought it to a halt forever. This operating railway went through 17 properties in Springville. In some cases the deeds were made out after the line was built and in some cases the deed contained an agreement to the effect that the owner could continue to farm land that was otherwise cut off by the construction of the railway. Bicycles. There were a few people that ventured on to the rough country roads with bicycles. As with any new idea, variations soon were introduced, but, the early bicycle with a huge front wheel and very small rear wheel was the eye catcher. These were to be seen in Springville in the 1890s and then a few years later the forerunner of today's bicycles became relatively common. Automobiles. These new fangled noise machines began appearing about 1907. The N.S. Legislature passed the "Motor Vehicle Act" in 1907. This limited the speed on country roads to 15 miles per hour. They could only be used on Mondays and Fridays. One of the first persons to drive from New Glasgow to Springville was Mr. B.E. Fanjoy. There were not many automobiles

34 jwned in Springville for many a year. Of course they e strictly a summer novelty, they were stored away tor the winter.

Mail Delivery All residents of Springville received their mail at the Post Office in the store of Peter J. Grant, later J.K. Campbell, for many years. It is not clear when the first -t Office was established. When Rural Routes were ablished, around 1914, the area from Churchville to Irish Mountain road and back over the Mountain was served as Rural Route #2 from New Glasgow, but all the rest had the address Rural Route #1, Eureka. Residents bin one mile of the post office continued to pick up their mail there. The New Glasgow route was extended some years ago to the Manse at Springville. The mail carrier was everyone's friend, he carried ail manner of parcels, and did many errands for people. .veiling by horse and wagon, or sleigh, the trip was :austing and it was for six days a week. The five day -rhvery to our mail box is still a good service by the al mail carrier. The stage coaches mentioned in the tion on Transportation provided mail delivery from port of Halifax to Pictou, then it had to be delivered the local post office. Postal rates were quite expensive in the early part of the last century. July 4th, 1840, packet mail rate was one shilling sterling per single letter, presumably this was across the Atlantic. This was changed to weight B].stem, packet letter rate would be one shilling sterling per half ounce, another rate for second half ounce, and a further two rates for each additional ounce. To save cost of postage, many letters were written both ways on the page, that is, the second writing being at right angles to the first lines, across the page. Some

35 •BJBMHM|

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.»!»-" -T" This is the New Glasgow Iron, Coal and Railway Co. Ltd. train on the new trestle at Ferrona Junction heading for Springville. ca. 1892. Photo courtesy Beulah Fraser.

Grandma (Jane) Chisholm's 90th Birthday. From left to right, whole group: Marjorie MacLean; Margaret Robertson; Mrs. John Johnson; ??; Mrs. John Cassie MacMillan; Maggie MacKenzie; Ellen MacDonald; ??; ??; Jane MacDonald Chisholm; ??; ??; ??; Dr. Hugh D. Chisholm; Maimie Benvie; ??; ??; ??; Maude Calder; Frank Calder.

36 letters were even written diagonally over the other two lines, making reading extremely tedious.

East River Mutual Telephone Co. Ltd. One of the biggest steps towards change and development of a rural community might be attributed to the introduction of the telephone. There were a few telephones in the Pictou County towns in the 1880s. The railroad had a line in use to Bridgeville and to a few houses in early 1900, but it was not until after 1913 that the average household could look forward to phone service. The East River Mutual Telephone Co. Ltd. was incorporated Nov. 26, 1913. This was a form of co-operative venture. This system covered Churchville, Springville, Bridgeville, Glencoe to Sunny Brae and the Island, with upwards of 50 kms of poles, plus many long driveways. One "line" might have many phones, with the rings all being heard by everyone on the line. No. 13 would be one long ring and three short rings, twenty would be two long rings. Each line had two wires on the poles leading to the "Central" operator. From "Central" there also had to be two wires leading to New Glasgow, so that contact would be made through the New Glasgow operator to anywhere. The phones were big, magneto and battery carrying boxes. You turned the crank handle to make a ring. The batteries would often get weak with age and use, then it would be difficult or impossible to hear the person with the weak batteries. They could hear you, if your batteries were good. Many times the dreaded "one very long ring" would be heard, and someone would be there to tell you that there was a fire somewhere in the community. Of course every man went immediately to fight a fire. Service on the phone line would vary with the

37 weather and the aptitude, and time available of the part-time lineman, usually one of the subscribers on a voluntary basis, with very little pay. Storms often caused havoc by blowing down limbs or crossing wires, which had to be found and corrected. Often other subscribers might correct the problem, if it were in their area. The East River Mutual Telephone Co. Ltd. was taken over by the Maritime Tel and Tel Co. Ltd. in 1964.

The "Butter Hole" Springville has numerous sink holes, depressions, where the ground has given way because of gypsum being dissolved underneath. The highway at one point narrowly skirts the top of a high, steep bank, at the base of which is one such "hole," with water in it, forming a nice round pond. This point on the highway is between the church hall and the home of Michael Hecimovich, across from an old lime quarry. Some time in the 1800s a farmer, his driving horse and wagon were proceeding along the narrow and, no doubt, rough road, just above the "hole" when the wagon went over the bank, spilling its load of butter down the bank and into the "hole," and so the term "Butter Hole" was born. It may be presumed that neither the horse nor the driver was seriously hurt in the mishap, although such natural traps elsewhere in the province have been the tombs of animals from as far back as the ice age.

The "Red Bank" The section of the Island road between the two Millstream roads followed the river bank quite closely. In one area where the bank was about one hundred feet

38 high, the road had been built about midway up this bank. The consequence of having a road in such a precarious location was that the soil would slide down toward the river, either above or below the road or both. In order to maintain a road, log cribbing had to be built, both below and above the road. In the winter, water would flow down over the road and freeze and build up ice which made travel extremely hazardous, even before cars were common. Sled loads of logs or produce were known to have been lost over this forty to fifty foot bank. In the spring soft ground and water would want to flow down and over the road. Often the "Red Bank" as it was known was too dangerous and travel had to be around by the Millstream roads. Finally, in the 1950s, that section of road was abandoned and the present road built over the hill and well away from the river. Gone was the danger and "excitement" of travelling along the "Red Bank."

AGRICULTURE Strawberries were shipped by rail from Springville to Montreal, Boston, St. John, Halifax and Sydney. During the 1920s and 1930s farmers of the East River, mostly from Springville and Bridgeville organized to grow and market strawberries. This was a quite sophisticated organization. They had a big building near the railway station at Springville where they stored ice in the winter so that they could load refrigerated box cars with ice during the shipping season. This ice barn was on a hill so the ice would slide down a sluiceway built from the barn to the siding where the box car stood. Growers would take their berries to the station in late afternoon and then get the directions for what type of berry to pick the next day. If they would be filling a

39 NOVA SCOTIA Strawberries

A major industry in the 1930s

^,J HOME PRODUCT „ v from- Where the sea breezes blow"

box car for Montreal or Boston, the berries would be picked half green, if they were shipping to a Maritime city, then only the tips would be green. If a local order were being filled then all red berries would be picked. Quality was really stressed. No one belonging to the Association could have a two year old field of strawberries on their property. It was assumed that the quality might not be as good from older fields. Production was such that a box car could be filled with one day's picking at the peak of production. The packaging was uniform among the growers. Berries were picked in wooden quart boxes, eight to a flat and placed four deep in a crate of thirty-two boxes. The crates were made with metal hinges and a metal clasp for closing. 40 This industry provided employment for many young people. It was customary for some years to receive one cent or one and one-half cents for picking a box of berries. A good picker might pick one hundred boxes a day and really make money. Probably more people helped this organization over the years but a Mr. Sangster from the Annapolis Valley employed by the Department of Agriculture provided excellent leadership as did Mr. Malcolm McCharles who was the Agricultural Representative for Pictou County during these years. The last year or two of the organization was disastrous, with prices going as low as six cents a box, just before the second world war began.

Dairy For many years a business established in Stellarton had a very significant effect on the farmers of Pictou County. This was the Pictou County Dairy Co. Ltd. with the trade name of PICODA. This business manufactured butter and ice cream and provided freezing facilities, which was much appreciated by rural people, some of whom would not have electric power until after the second world war. It closed in 1964. Many of the shippers of cream were very marginal farmers to be sure, but this was one of the big advantages of a business like this one. There were many farms that did not have many high quality dairy animals nor the quality of feed to enhance production per animal. Often the cows did not produce any milk during the winter. They calved in the spring and milked for a relatively short time. This dairy could handle this highly variable supply of cream, whereas a dairy supplying whole milk to its customers had to have a

41 reasonably constant supply of milk. Eventually, about 1935 some farmers in Springville started to supply whole milk to small dairies in the towns of Pictou County. Over the past fifty years the dairy business has become much more sophisticated. The small dairies gradually amalgamated to become part of the huge Scotsburn Co-operative Services Ltd. Over the same time period, the number of active farms decreased drastically and most of the remaining farms amalgamated land holdings and enlarged their herds and their investments in equipment has skyrocketed. Equipment replaced what would have been impossible labor requirements to find or pay. After Picoda started in 1913 there were many farms shipping cream from Springville, in the winter and spring months, the cans of cream were shipped on the railroad. The Dairy sent a truck out twice a week to pick up cream at the road side during the rest of the year. It was a common sight along the road to see the boxes of varying shapes and sizes with the shipper's number painted on the sides.

Threshing the Grain Crop Springville did not differ from hundreds of other communities when it came to threshing time. Grain had been threshed by hand with the flail since time immemorial, in all countries of the world, and indeed it is still being used in some countries. After threshing or flailing, winnowing had to be carried out to remove the chaff from the grain. Then came the big threshing machines, which in the first half of the 1900s moved from one farm to another in the fall of the year. It might be late in the fall (late November) when the thresher arrived. Often two men owned and operated the thresher but it was the responsibility of those that

42 had grain to be threshed to work with the owners as the machine moved through the village. About ten or more men were needed to thresh. One farmer would go five or so farms away to meet and work on the thresher each day as it came along to his place and then he would go to the ones beyond his place and finally everyone would work for each other and usually only pay the owner. Threshing day was one of the highlights of the year. At least two teams were needed, one to haul the thresher and the other to haul the engine, a "one lunger" that puffed and banged away all day driving the thresher, hooked up by the big belt, duly twisted a half turn to reduce the "slap" action. As the short day of the fall season wore on and darkness was descending, the engine would show a flash at each "bang." Nearly all the work around the thresher was dusty and dirty, so everyone was pretty grimy looking by the end of the day. Combined with the hard work of the men in the barn went just as hard work in the kitchen. Meals were provided for a dozen hungry men. Often neighboring wives gave each other a hand on threshing day. Finding enough table space and chairs even in a large farm kitchen was a challenge, not to mention the extra dishes necessary and all the food to cook, complete with pies. Usually the grain had been harvested with a binder and the crop stored in a barn. This gave the grain a chance to dry, either in the stook or in the barn. As combines began to replace the threshers there had to be some changes in farming methods. Grain that might have suited the thresher system wasn't mature or dry enough to be combined and stored directly, and the cost was increased in compensation for the bartered labor between neighbors. No doubt many wives

43 welcomed the combine, even if it did >st more. Agricultural Societies The first Agricultural Society in the province was formed at West River, Pictou Co. in 1817. A similar society was formed on the East River in 1820, called the East Pictou Agricultural Society, with Dr. James McGregor as Secretary. It was formed on Jan. 6th, 1820 with 33 members and Wm. McKay as President; Rev. D.A. Fraser as Vice-president; James Carmichael as Treasurer. It was found in those years that available literature for the members was of only limited use as they didn't read or even speak English in some cases, Gaelic being the tongue of some members. There isn't any record to indicate how many members were from Springville, but it is safe to assume that some were. Certainly Agricultural Societies functioned in one form or another, with members from Springville being leaders well into the present century. Local groups of farmers formed various informal "societies" to share in the cost of equipment that was only used seasonally, such as lime spreaders, threshing machines, or even garden or turnip seeders. The cost of higher quality livestock was offset by sharing bulls. The Extension Services of the N.S. Department of Agriculture organized boys and girls Calf Clubs and Garden Clubs throughout the province. The Pictou Co. Agricultural Representative, Malcolm MacCharles and his assistants Percy Archibald, Charles Douglas and Gerry Smeltzer organized the first of these Clubs here, in the late 1930s and early 1940s. The calf club was called the East River Guernsey Calf Club. Dale MacDonald and Frank Calder were provincial representatives for dairy calf clubs competition in Toronto in 1942. Later this was known as 4-H club work

44 and has continued to the present. Now there are clubs dealing with almost any aspect of country life.

Flax For Linens One of the crops that the early settlers found to be almost indispensable was flax. They grew this blue flowered plant, so that they could make cloth other than the woollens from their sheep's wool. They made linen bed clothes, linen table covers, and linen clothing. The heavy linens were very durable indeed. When the flax had grown to its mature height it was harvested and then soaked in water, usually a place was found where there was a natural supply of water, such as a small stream. It was soaked for a week or two, during which time the woody tissue would break down leaving the fibres. This was called "retting." Then the stems were dried, then "scutched" (beaten) to separate the fibres, then it was "hackled" or combed to remove other foreign matter. The longer fibres were best for weaving, making the finer quality linen. This was just another of the things that had to be done by the family. After growing the crop by the men, it was probably all women's work thereafter.

Limestone The benefits of adding lime to the soil has been known for many years. The soils of Nova Scotia are all acid and need the addition of limestone to reduce acidity. The province subsidizes the cost of obtaining finely ground limestone for agricultural purposes. There are large limestone deposits in Springville, it was quarried for use in the steel mill at Ferrona ca. 1890-1900. Even though these limestone deposits exist, the soil over and around them is still acid. Now limestone is finely ground, so that it can

45 condition the soil effectively. In earlier times farmers burned lime in kilns on their own farms, in effect creating slaked lime which was much more active as a chemical and relatively small quantities would condition the soil. One of the crops that needed limestone to correct the acid soil condition was alfalfa. As the use of limestone was begun, thus Springville farmers grew alfalfa at least as early as 1933. Another valuable forage crop for livestock, that was grown here in the early 1930s, was corn. This was before hybrid corn was developed, so it was open pollinated varieties that were available. The corn crop was used as a green forage, cut and fed daily either in the barn at milking time or on the pasture which by late August or early September would be quite bare.

Animal Production When R.H. Ward visited the farms in 1920, he recorded crop yields and animal numbers. Probably his records of animal numbers was quite accurate and reflected the small mixed farming enterprise that prevailed, until after World War II. Nine Springville farms had the following average animal numbers: cattle 11; milkers 4; sheep 34; pigs 1 to 2; horses 3; and some had small flocks of hens and turkeys. Surely all had some hens. From The Pictou News March 14, 1884.

"Springville" The farm of the late James Fraser of Springville was sold at auction on the 10th for the sum of $1,600.00. The purchaser was Donald McMillan of Bridgeville. The hill road between the Iron Bridge and

46 Grant's Mills is badly blocked by snow during the late storms. The road is one of the worst in the county for snowbanks. Cause — the fences are snow traps, low, close and dilapitated. Remedy — a neat wire fence on one or both sides of the road. A team of horses engaged in hauling wood for John R. Grant, Miller, narrowly escaped being precipitated into the river from the sliding bank a few days ago. As it was, the wood went over the bank. The dangerous section is on the road leading from the Iron Bridge to Eureka Mills. It has been dangerous, and unpassable for a large part of the way on account of water oozing out of the bank, and freezing over the road. The road is too narrow, and should be looked to by the proper authorities. A small grant from the County Council, say $50 or $60 would put it in good shape." This is the Red Bank written about on page 38.

Eastern Chronicle on Jan. 22, 1903 reports that horse racing was taking place on Grant's Lake.

Eastern Chronicle, Sept. 23, 1875. Edwin Gilpin, Esq. of Springville, who is superintending the operations of the Co. engaged in developing the Iron deposits of East River, has been appointed by the N.S. Advisory Board of the Philadelphia Exhibition to take charge of the Collection of ores and economic minerals of East River and vicinity for the exhibition. Mr. Gilpin will be glad to receive suitable specimens for that purpose, and will be happy to confer with all parties desirous of forwarding specimens of ores and minerals for Exhibition.

47 Lumbering Lumbering has been a significant part of the life of people in Springville from 1785 to the present. Obviously, at first it was a matter of getting rid of forest growth in order to clear fields for crops, and to use trees, and later lumber, for buildings. Of all the mills developed at Millstream, the longest lasting was the water powered saw mill, which was run by Stanley Rogers during the 1930s. In the winters many men worked in the "woods" either locally on their own land or often with lumbermen who had portable steam powered saw mills in the large Sunny Brae to Caledonia woods. One million board feet of lumber was considered to be a good winter's production for a mill. Tarpaper-covered bunk houses would be built for the men, stables for the horses and of course the cook house. Men would go to these "woods" operations and be there all winter, sometimes bringing their own horses. Farmers might send their spare horses, maybe a team, to the woods for the winter. The horses would usually be looked after very well by the woods teamster. Besides, it saved the cost of feed for the horses, if they had been at home. When logs were cut from farm wood lots it was common practise to have one of the portable mills set up and saw the logs on site. This would leave a big sawdust pile which would be used by neighbors for many years for bedding, or for fuel in some cases. Lumbering was very important to Springville's economy. Some people cut pulp off their own land, but this was hard, unrewarding work in the days before power saws. Now, power saws and large industrial machines, are operating in the forests, cutting pulp or saw logs, mostly for the large corporations.

48 The water powered saw mill of Stanley Rogers', formerly the Grants' mill at Grant's Lake in Millstream. House in background was the home of Spurgeon and Rachel Cooke, about 1935. A MacLeod Photo, Courtesy Murray Photography, New Glasgow, N.S.

The coal mines of Pictou County used soft wood logs, about 6 inches or more in diameter, as props to support the roof of the tunnels underground. These would be different lengths — 4, 5, 6, or more feet. Selling "pit- props" was a source of income for those who had woodland, in many cases the pit-props were traded for coal. Cutting firewood was not necessarily associated with lumbering, but it does relate of course. Typically firewood was cut in early winter, piled as a brow, and in early spring the logs were cut into blocks which then had to be split and piled to dry until late summer, when the wood was stored. Before tractors were common 49 there would be someone with a "wood-cutter" who would come to each farm, and with co-operative help of a few neighbors, cut the wood. This was a lesser day than the thresher day but still important. So important, in fact, that one man stipulated in his will that his son keep the hearth well stocked. The wood-cutter might be powered with any kind of engine, usually made over from an old car or truck.The saw would be mounted on a frame that could swing forward to cut the hardwood log, and then swing back so the log could be pushed forward for the next cut.

Census Information The Census of Canada provides an excellent source of background information about life at the time of taking the census. It provides information on age and names of all members of a family or other people living in the household at that given time in history. A word of warning, however: it is not uncommon to find that ages are not really accurate. Some of the census records provide data about the business that the family might be involved in. Many families in Springville were considered to be farmers in the 1800s. Records were kept on age, country of origin, religion, profession, occupation or trade, going to school, over 20 and unable to write, over 20 and unable to read, deaf and dumb, blind, and unsound mind. Here are a few examples from the census records. This gives us some perspective of life and business in the last half of the 1800s. Note that "animal products" refers to annual production.

1861 census Alexander Calder, age 59, wife Janet age 55,

50 This house was built by brothers John and Peter J. Grant. This is the side belonging to John. The lower building is the kitchen and some bedrooms. This is now the home of Jim and Dorothy Chisholm. Photo Courtesy Henrietta Manzer

mason-farmer, owned 100 acres of land, 1 dwelling, 2 barns and stalls, 2 carriages and sleighs, 2 ploughs and cultivators, 1 horse rake, 1 fanners, 2 horses, 4 milch cows, 7 other cattle, 15 sheep, 1 swine: products; 200 lbs. butter, 60 yds. of home made cloth and flannel.

1871 Census John Holmes, age 82, wife Christy age 77, farmer (he was an active politician and senator at this time), owned 150 acres, had two barns, 4 carriages and sleighs, 1 wagon, 2 ploughs, 30 acres improved, 13 acres in pasture, 1/4 acre in garden, 1 acre of

51 Store of Peter J. Grant, ca. 1890. Peter J. Grant is in front of the store, his daughter Louise is holding the horse. She married John Tait. The house in the trees was their home, the other side of the house belonged to his brother John. The poster in the window is advertising a picnic. Photo courtesy Maria Grant Nelson

wheat, 8 bus. of barley, 150 bus. of oats, 20 bus. of buckwheat, 1 acre of potatoes, 20 acres of hay, 3 horses, 1 colt, 7 milch cows, 7 other cattle, 1 swine: animal products; 1 swine, 400 lbs. butter, 150 lbs. of cheese, 2 cords of lath wood and 8 cords firewood. Alex Grant's grist mill; Fixed capital $1,000. 11 working months in year, 1 man and 1 boy employed, total wages $420, power; water, 250 bus. of grain, products; flour and meal. James Holmes' saw mill; Fixed capital $800., 6 working months, 2 men employed, $280. total wages, power; water, logs for all kinds of lumber, 52 $1,000. value, lathes to value of $100.

It should be noted that there isn't any recording of seeding or harvesting equipment. Scythes were probably not considered significant enough to record.

Blacksmiths One of the most essential trades and businesses in a community used to be the blacksmith. He made many things out of iron, he knew how to temper steel, repair wagon wheels and was probably best known for shoeing horses. In Springville, some of the blacksmith shops that existed can be identified but there probably were others. In the 1870s Roderick McKay had one located mid­ way from Wilson's to Cooke's on the same side of the road. There was another one across the road as well. This one was operated by John P. McDonald, in conjunction with Peter J. Grant's carriage shop. In more recent times Simon Isaac Fraser and after him Gordon Monro had a blacksmith shop up the hill where Lome Smeltzer has been living until his recent move. There was a blacksmith shop operated by Alex McPhie where Hambletons live now, before Duncan Chisholm lived there. Wm. McDonald 1886-1905 was a blacksmith and lived where Hattie Thompson lives now, but whether he had a shop there or not is not known. The same applies to Alex McDonald. He lived about midway between the two Millstream roads in the 1879 period, and there was a blacksmith shop near Services at one time.

Merchants In the early years of settlement, the saw-mills and grist-mills were centres of business and often became

53 the facility for buying other essentials. Later dealers emerged as full time shopkeepers. Duncan McDonald, Squire had a store that was established before 1850, which was in continuous service until around 1930 and at a few periods into the 1950s, when Mrs. Wilson kept store. During that time Peter J. Grant built his carriage shop and store and operated almost across the road. He was in a variety of businesses, such as; Undertaker, Dealer in Choice Groceries, Dry Goods, Boots and Shoes, Hardware, etc. He sold to J.K. Campbell and he ran the business until about 1939, when Wm. R. MacKay took it over until it was lost in a fire in 1943. Young people found the undertaking supplies stored in the upper floor of the store quite "spooky" and interesting. In the 1950s, Pete Campbell operated a small grocery store where he lived, which was between Cookes and Thompsons on the Cooke side of the road. The building is gone now. In the 1800s, ca. 1875, D.A. Holmes had a store on his property and there is reference to the Springville Grange operating a store. "John McLellan opened up in D.A. Holmes' store." Alexander Grant did some merchandizing in Millstream, it is not clear for how long or how extensively. Cooke's Canteen must not be forgotten — it was a summer operation of the Cooke girls, Daisy and Edith, selling ice cream, etc., in the early 1930s.

Quarries There are a number of references to the limestone quarries in this book, but as they were very significant in the early development of the village, they deserve a

54 The largest of the limestone quarries as it remains today. place of their own. They were all within a rather small area, the most northerly one was, and is at the junction of the Irish Mountain and main roads. This one was operated by Simon McLean. A few hundred yards along the main road is another quarry which was operated by David McLean and a little further on is another one, just opposite the road to Brookville. These three were relatively small operations compared to the one that has been referred to as the Holmes quarry, above or back of Hambletons. This latter quarry was much bigger than the others and supplied limestone for the steel works at Ferrona, (Eureka), for the years that it operated. The bottom of this quarry is filled with water, there are precipitous high cliffs rising from the water line, and on the Easterly side a further rise of many feet to a completely unprotected and unmarked edge. It is a

55 miracle that someone has not accidently stepped over the edge of these cliffs and perished in the water far below. Many animals must have perished here. Limestone from these quarries was used as soil amendments by the local farmers, after being made into slaked lime by heating it in small kilns. Another business was a Tannery operated by Alex McPhie on the Hambleton property prior to the Chisholms being there.

Springville Business Directory, from Church's Map of 1864 Rev. Angus McGillivray Presbyterian Duncan McDonald Storekeeper John P. McDonald Blacksmith J.J. Monroe Blacksmith John Grant Clothier J.W.H. Cameron Teacher William McKay Farmer James Mcintosh Blacksmith Robert A. Mcintosh Farmer Daniel Mcintosh Teacher Alexander McDonald Carpenter D.A.F Holmes Farmer D. McLean Limeburner and Farmer Peter J. Grant Carriage Maker Alexander Grant Clothier

RELIGIOUS, CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Many organizations existed during these two hundred years of history, some lasted for short periods of time, some for very long periods, and no doubt some did not leave any record that they existed at all. The observance of the Sabbath, whether in the family home or in a church, must rate as the earliest,

56 most significant, and longest lasting "organization" in this community of predominantly Presbyterian origin. Rev. Ferguson Barr wrote a history of the Presbyterian church which is reproduced here.

A History of Springville Congregation 1790-1945 by Rev. F.J. Barr, M.A. Presbyterian The writer trusts due allowance will be made by the reader for any errors which may have crept into this work. In many cases it was impossible to secure definite information, and recourse was had to conjecture. The following books were used in preparation of this little pamphlet; Pictonians At Home and Abroad, by J.P MacPhie East River Worthies, by Robert Grant The Kirk In Nova Scotia, by Alexander MacLean A History of Pictou County, by George Patterson Memoirs of Dr. MacGregor, by George Patterson The writer wishes to thank all members and friends of this congregation who assisted in any way, especially Mrs. Baxter Campbell for her account of the early days oftheWM.S. Minister Rev. F.J. Barr, M.A. Session J. Alex MacLean, D.R. MacLean, J.W. Curtis MacDonald Board of Managers H.A. Calder — Chairman, D.W. MacMillan, J.R. MacMillan, John Delaney, Victor Paine — Churchville 57 Sunday School Superintendent Fielding Smith Teachers Mrs. E. Hansford Miss Freda Smith Secretary Miss Katherine MacLean W.M.S. President Mrs. D.R. MacLean Secretary Mrs. D.W. MacMillan Treasurer Mrs. James Chisholm Y.P.S. President Miss Katherine MacLean Secretary Treasurer Miss Helen Legere Ladies' Aid President Mrs. D.W. MacMillan Secretary Treasurer Mrs. D.R. MacLean Church Secretary H.D. Chisholm, M.D. Church Treasurer Mrs. H.D. Chisholm Organist Miss Katherine MacLean Choir Director Mrs. F.J. Barr Churchville Y.P.S. President Miss Florence Paine Secretary Treasurer Mrs. Harry Fraser Sunday School Superintendent A.D. MacDonald Teachers Mrs. Wm. Buck Miss Helen Legere Mrs. Donald MacDonald In early October of the year 1786, the year in which he arrived, Dr. James MacGregor paid his first visit to what is now known as the Upper Settlement, on the land now occupied by the villages of Springville and Bridgeville. On this occasion he preached under the elm 58 tree on the intervale of the farm owned by James MacDonald at Bridgeville, now in the possession of Basil Macintosh. Occasionally he preached in a grove of trees on the farm of Charles Macintosh where John MacDonald Roy lived in later years, about 6 miles up the river. Dr. MacGregor mentions that he had an agreement with the people up the river to serve them for three Sundays a year, also three week days when his work permitted. Of course since travelling was exceedingly difficult, there were no services in the winter time. The first church in the Upper Settlement was that built at Grant's Lake in 1790 on the farm occupied by the late Joseph H. Grant. It was the third church built in the county and served the East and West Branches of the East River. Dr. MacGregor used to travel up over Irish Mtn., through Springville, when he preached here, for that was the only road to the Settlement on the West Branch in those days. This congregation became part of the East River congregation on July 14, 1801, where the work in the county was divided into three congregations: East River including New Glasgow, West River, and Pictou Town. The church at Grant's Lake was used until 1815 when two new churches were built, one on the East Branch, on the hill above the present St. Paul's Church, and one on the West Branch near the present St. Columba Church. In 1817 the Burghers and Anti-Burghers united, a cause for great rejoicing. But about the same time, though Dr. MacGregor had been desirous, and anxious to secure Church of Scotland ministers for the Kirk people, an agitation was begun among them to secure their own minister. Finally they secured under the leadership of John Holmes of Springville, the Rev. Donald Allan Fraser, who was minister of the Kirk

59 people at MacLennan's Mtn., to supply them. An agreement was made between the two groups to use the church on alternate Sundays. This arrangement continued until the church was built in Springville. Dr. MacGregor was minister until 1824, in which year the East River churches were taken from his care and erected into a separate congregation. On June 8, 1824, Rev. Angus MacGillivray was licensed to preach the Gospel. He was one of the first graduating class from Dr. MacCulloch's Theological Seminary established in 1820. He was inducted on Sept. 1, 1824 to the East River charge, which included the West Branch Church. He alternated in the East Branch Church with Rev. D.A. Fraser until Rev. John MacCrae came to the Kirk people in 1832. The arrangement was then carried on with him. Mr. MacGillivray also preached in the old church at Robertson's Mills, now Churchville, which meeting-house was described before the New Glasgow Debating Society by Mr. P.G MacGregor in 1837. The future of this church is unknown. But after Mr. MacGillivray's pastorate it seems no longer in existence. The people separated, some going to Stellarton and others going to Springville. About 1889 or 1890 the Hall was built there and services have been held in it to the present day. Churchville is part of Springville congregation. To return to Mr. MacGillivray we find that in 1849 he bought the site of the present Springville Church from one James Richardson. In 1853 the church was finished and dedicated, the exact date being unknown. Donald Fraser, Lime Brook (Springville) was the builder, we may presume the old church at St. Paul's was torn down, for in 1855 the present church was built; and the present church in Sunny Brae was built in 1854 to serve the Free Church people on the upper

60 half of the river. Mr. MacGillivray continued as pastor until 1864, remaining at his post faithfully for forty years. He died on July 2, 1869, and is buried in Springville Cemetery. After a lapse of some time, Rev. A. MacLean Sinclair was inducted on July 25, 1866, as minister of Springville and Sunny Brae Churches. Sunny Brae had previously been associated with Blue Mtn. under the ministration of Rev. D.B. Blair. The first church serving the community was at Sutherland's Mtn. Mr. Sinclair remained until 1889, concluding a pastorate of 23 years. Rev. John Calder was the next minister of the two congregations, remaining from May 29, 1889, till 1891, this being his first charge. In 1892 Rev. James Sinclair was called and inducted. In 1891 St. Paul's decided to come into the Presbyterian Church of Canada and were given supply by Mr. Sinclair in 1892 and 1893. During his time, Bridgeville had grown into a large community. In 1894 a new St. Paul's was built there and it was joined with Springville and Churchville to form one congregation. St. Paul's and Sunny Brae became one congregation at that time. Mr. Sinclair remained until 1910. In July 6, 1911, Rev. E.A. Kirker was inducted as the minister, remaining until 1915. The Rev. W.F. Partridge became the next minister on May 18, 1915, this being his first charge. He remained until Dec. 7, 1924. In 1925 the disruption took place and Bridgeville Church went into the United Church of Canada. Thus once again we find the Presbyterian Churches in the Valley gathered into one congregation, including St. Paul's this time. To the reconstituted congregation Rev. J.K. MacGillivray came as stated supply, remaining till the summer of 1927. From then till 1930, Rev. J. Wilkes MacDonald was inducted as minister. He left in August,

61 1932, and is at present minister in Ontario. For a period of two years intermitent supply served the congregation. Then in November, 1934, Rev. Andrew Brown came as stated supply, remaining until his death in 1941. Rev. John Humphreys then supplied till October, 1942, being ordained here. The present minister came in February, 1943, was called and inducted in February, 1944. Thus we may see that since the time of Dr. MacGregor's ministry in the church at Grant's Lake, to the present day, a period of 155 years, there have been only 8 inducted ministers in the Springville congregation.

The Session Of the elders it is exceedingly difficult to secure accurate information. James McDonald, grandfather of the late Hon. James McDonald, Chief Justice of Nova Scotia was an elder under Dr. McGregor till 1834, when he went to Ontario, dying there in 1857. It is recorded that Peter Grant of Bridgeville, was the first elder from the upper settlement, being ordained on May 6, 1787, by Dr. McGregor. Also Duncan Cameron, who settled on the lot first up the river from James Fraser Culloden was an elder under Dr. McGregor. Donald MacDonald Breac is noted as being an elder in the time of Dr. McGregor. In the time of Mr. McGillivray the following were active; Kenneth McKenzie of Churchville, who died in 1882, grandfather of Dan Alex and Archie McKenzie; James Grant, a grandson of James Grant, dyer; James Grant Millstream, grandfather of R.W Grant; Duncan McPhee who lived on the place now occupied by David Sutherland and later his son, John McPhee, squire, who lived on the farm next to that of Smith Fraser, and

62 reached the age of 96 years, dying in 1912. In later days Peter J. Grant, merchant; James Mcintosh, Island, Joseph H. Grant, John Sutherland, J. Hugh McDonald, Bridgeville; John Cameron, Bridgeville; Joseph McKay, Millstream; Wm. Grant Robertson, Roderick Robertson, Churchville; these later two elected at the same time around 1892 when services were begun in the Hall, all served in this high office. The late J.D. Mclnnis of Brookville, and D.W. Cameron of Churchville were the last elders before the present session.

Sunday School Ian Ruagh, John Fraser (Red) was one of the first settlers in Springville coming in 1774. His son, James, who named the village Springville from its many springs, held Sunday School at first in the house of James Grant Dyer, just across the tracks from the present station, then later in the old schoolhouse which stood near the crossing. His son, John Catach carried on the Sunday School in later years. The next few decades were shrouded in darkness. For some time before 1890 Donald Allan Fraser Holmes is reported to have been Superintendent. The next definite record is when Joseph H. Grant was Superintendent from about 1890 to 1912. At the end of his term of office children were not so numerous in the village, and there was only one class from 1913 to 1918 under the leadership of Mrs. James Crossan, a sister of John K. Campbell. From 1918-1925 when numbers warranted, Sunday school was held by Rev. W.F. Partridge. In 1926 Miss Bessie Chisholm reorganized the School and it prospered under her leadership. When Rev. John Wilkes MacDonald became minister, Sunday School was continued under his wife's leadership. On his leaving

63 the congregation Mrs. D.R. MacLean took over the duties until 1935. Since that year Fielding Smith has served faithfully and efficiently in the office of Superintendent. An update — The Sunday School program has continued to the present and in the 1990s is very significant in the life of the community. The presentations of the Christmas and Easter stories put on by the Sunday School in recent years has been most impressive, clearly reflecting excellent leadership and good support by the families of the community. Some of the Sunday School leaders in recent years have been: Christine Thompson; A.D. MacDonald; Grant Thompson; Karen Sutherland and Mike McCulloch. In addition to the Sunday School, Young Peoples Groups have been active at various times and have had a long lasting effect on many people as they matured and took their place in society.

Women's Missionary Society Springville Auxiliary of the W.F.M.S. as it was then known, was organized about 1893 by Mrs. MacLeod Harvey of Pictou Landing. The first officers were: President, Mrs. James Sinclair Vice-President, Mrs. Joseph McKay Secretary, Mrs. Annie G. Briggs Treasurer, Mrs. J.H. Grant The members at that time were; Mrs. John G. Grant, Mrs. J. Robert Grant, Mrs. Peter J. Grant, Mrs. J. Walter Grant, Miss Mary McLean, Miss Wilna Grant, Miss Jessie E. Grant, Mrs. John Grant, Miss Christie E. Grant, Mrs. Gilvary Grant, Mrs. John McDonald, Mrs. Alex McDonald, Mrs. McArthur, Miss Lavinia Mcintosh, Mrs. Henry Murdock, Miss Maggie

64 W.R. MacKay Mission Band at Ashford Jordan's, 1939. Front row, left to right: Margaret Chisholm, Jim Chisholm, Freddie Smith, Mary Chisholm. 2nd row: Helen MacLean, Thelma Hennessy, Joan MacKay, Shirley MacKay, Margaret Calder, Myrtle MacKay. Back row: Mildred MacMillan, Helen Legere, Lavina Legere, Linda Legere, Chrystal Smith, Kay MacLean.

McDonald, Miss Nettie Grant, Mrs. John Holmes, Miss Minna McKay, Miss Jessie Fraser, Mrs. Simon McDonald, Mrs. Frank Calder, Mrs. Donald Fraser, Miss Mary McDonald, Miss Christina Grant, Mrs. Donald Mcintosh. Miss Christina Grant was President of the Mission Band but resigned April 3, 1901, and Miss Jessie E. Grant was appointed in her place. In 1903, Mrs. James Sinclair was made a life member. In 1904 Miss Annie P. Fraser, Miss Bessie Chisholm, Miss Louise Grant, Miss Margaret Calder, Miss Agnes McDonald were added as new members. In 1906-7 Miss Clara Grant and Mrs. Swinehamer joined the Society. In October, 1910, the name was changed to W.F. and H.M.S., including now

65 Bible School, Springville, 1949. Front row, left to right: Kay MacLean, Hector Sutherland, Roy Hecimovich, Stanley Sutherland, Peter Campbell, Evelyn Sutherland, Donna Lee Woodworth, Daniel Hansford, Margaret Calder. 2nd row: Ian MacDonald, Francis Hecimovich, Kay Macintosh, Iris MacDonald, Marion Davidson, Rita Jordan, Joanne Campbell. 3rd row: Ellen Legere, Mildred Macintosh, Rose Hecimovich, Joyce Himmelman, Sylvia Legere, Betty Kaye, Patricia MacDonald. Back row: Anna B. MacDonald, Rilla Cooke, Margaret Chisholm, Lyn Cooke, Mary Chisholm, Bobbie MacLean.

Home Mission Work. Officers changed more often in those days than since 1925. Since then Mrs. Baxter Campbell, who is the only charter member, a member today, 1925-1938, and Mrs. D.R. McLean, 1938-1945, have been Presidents. Mrs. D.W. MacMillan has been Secretary from 1925-1945. The Treasurer's books in the period 1906-1939 were chiefly in the hands of Mrs. Simon McDonald, although Mrs. Samuel Muir and Miss 66 Bessie Chisholm took their turns. Since 1930 Mrs. James Chisholm has been holding that office.

Ladies Aid A very active and effective organization in the community at the present time is the "Ladies Aid" of the Springville Presbyterian Church. The object of the group is to support the church in any way that they can. The current level of activity and identity seems to have been for a period of thirty years at least, however, the church evidently has been served faithfully by this organization for the entire history of the church. The organist and choir director has held an important position in the church, particularly in the last hundred years. There have been many short term organists, but there have been some who have been particularly faithful in this position, such as Margaret Buck in recent times. Others who have been organists include Billy Johnson, Kay MacLean, Margaret Calder, Helen Barr. Church Hall. This building, the former school, has taken over from the I.O.O.F. hall as the centre for all manner of community events in addition to church related activities. With the kitchen facilities added, it is used for money raising suppers and celebrations of many sorts. An update of ministers of the congregation; 1932-33 Rev. Robert Chisholm; 1946-47 Rev. Luther Young; 1949-1951 Rev. H. MacComb; 1953 Rev. George Malcolm; 1954 J.M. Stone; 1955-56 Rev. G.H. Moore; 1957-62 Rev. J.A. McGowan; 1963-67 Rev. A.D. MacLeod; 1968 C. Burridge; 1967-71 Rev. John Posno; 1972-Rev. E.F. Dewar. On June 5, 1911 the "Call" made to Rev. E.A. Kirker was signed by 155 "Communicants" and 38 "Adherents."

67 The stipend was $850. The Presbyterian Church was not always as dour and serious as it might be assumed. A musical concert was held in Springville Church, Friday evening, Oct. 11, 1912. There were 15 items on the program. There were two quartets, one in which the minister Rev. E.A. Kirker took part. On May 22nd, Rev. E.A. Kirker was lecturer for a "Two-Hour Trip to Scotland" aided by the Magic Lantern. Entrance charge was 150. Children 10$.

The Springville Progressive Community Club was organized November 3, 1931. This club filled a very important place in the social affairs of the community for a period of about twenty years. The minutes of that first meeting are reproduced below, followed by some excerpts over the years which give some impressions of life in the community in those times, and then the last minute recorded in the minute book.

Springville Progressive Community Club was organized Nov. 3rd, 1931, with following officers; Pres. Dr. H.D. Chisholm; Vice-Pres. Mrs. J.B. MacLean; Sec'ty-Treas. Mrs. D.R. MacLean. The following Bye-Laws and Regulations were adopted. This Club shall be known as Springville Progressive Community Club. It shall be the purpose of this club to bring all people of community to-gether in a social way, and provide entertainment which shall educate, amuse and elevate its members, and also promote good citizenship. Officers shall consist of a President, Vice President and Sect'y Treasurer to be elected by the vote of the members annually.

68 Grant Bros. Camp on the Irish Mountain was a favourite place for village and family gatherings. This is a MacLean family gathering. Bert MacLean in the doorway.

This club shall meet on the 2nd & 4th Mondays of each month, at the hour of 7:30. Place of meeting to be decided at each meeting. Any person interested in welfare of community is eligible for membership. An Entertainment & Refreshment Committee shall be appointed from members of club for each meeting. Each committee shall consist of three members. The convenor of entertainment committee to be appointed at first of year and given the privilege of choosing his or her helpers. It shall be the duty of entertainment committee to provide suitable entertainment for meeting. The Refreshment Committee shall consist of three members to be appointed each night of meeting. It shall be the duty of committee to provide refreshments consisting of not more than three 69 varieties of food. The By-Laws of the club shall be as follows: (1) Each member is to cheerfully perform any duty which be asked of him or her. (2) A voluntary collection shall be taken at each meeting for the purpose of defraying any expenses incurred. (3) Refreshments shall consist of not more than three varieties of food. Signed: Jessie G. MacLean Mary T. MacLean H.D. Chisholm David Johnson Fred Brennan Daisy Cooke

Excerpts from minutes; 1932-33 Mr. Hugh Calder held reins for this year. Hallowe'en party held at which Mrs. Russell Cooke carried off adult's prize and Margaret MacMillan and Frank Calder the children's. Box of clothing was sent to welfare worker in New Glasgow. J.T. Thompson gave a very interesting talk on early history of East River. 14 Xmas boxes were sent out. Shower was held for Mr. & Mrs. Fred Brennan. 1935 Hugh Calder delighted members on Jan. 7th by reading "The Deacon Led the Calf." 1936 Boy Scouts were organized and sponsored by Club. Xmas boxes were sent to 17 families. 1937 Meeting at home of Mrs. D.W. Cameron on Feb. 26th. — entertainment included Freda and Crystal Smith singing "Cradle Song." Mar. 26th, work of scouts is being led by Emerson Rogers. 70 1938 Plans for annual picnic were discussed. 1944 Dec. 8th, met at the home of Mr. & Mrs. D.R. MacLean with the President Rev. Mr. Barr in the chair. The meeting opened by singing "The Maple Leaf." It was reported that a gift of two cartons of books had arrived for the library, and a new "Travelling Library" had arrived. It was decided by motion that no fee be charged for the loan of these books, and that the Club be responsible for rental of same.

The minutes of the last meeting recorded in the minute book. April 15, 1949 The Springville Progressive Community Club met at the home of Dr. & Mrs. H.D. Chisholm, with the Pres. Hugh Calder presiding — as the weather was not good and other meetings this night, the attendance was only fair. After the usual routine of reports were read and discussed the meeting was ready for the entertainment. Orris Cooke gave a very interesting talk on wildflowers and flowering shrubs. Hugh Calder then asked James Campbell, who was home from British Guiana, to tell us of his recent trip through South America. James gave a very interesting talk. Refreshments were served by the hostess. The meeting closed by singing Auld Lang Syne. Janet S. Campbell, Sec'y and Tres.

Newspaper Clippings Eastern Chronicle, Aug. 31, 1848 The East River Temperance Society intends holding 71 a Soiree at the Farm of Mr. David McLean, Springville, On Wed. the 13th. Sept. All those friendly to the cause are invited to give it their countenance. Price of tickets Is, 3d. Children half price, to be had of Mr. Roderick McGregor, New Glasgow, and of the Secretaries of the East and West Branch Societies. Eastern Chronicle, Mar. 22,1849 John Grant, Upper Settlement, E.R., acknowledges the receipt of an anonymous letter, containing twenty shillings for the use of the poor in the district; the instructions have been complied with, and he takes this method of conveying to the charitable donor the greatest thanks of the recipients.

British and Foreign Bible Society Springville School House, Sept. 7th, 1840 Agreeably to previous at 4 o'clock P.M. a large and respectable audience from the adjacent Settlements to receive Rev. J. Thompson, agent of the British and Foreign Bible Society. The meeting was opened with prayer by the Rev. James Ross and Mr. Thompson was introduced by the Rev. A. McGillivary. After Mr. Thompson delivered a very interesting address to his attentive audience the following resolutions were prepared and passed. 1st. Moved by Rev. A. McGillivary & seconded by A. Grant Esq. that this meeting cordially appoves of the principles of the British and Foreign Bible Society of circulating the Holy Scriptures without note or comment among all nations in their several languages and gladly embraces the present opportunity for forming a Bible Society in this place for promoting the objects of that institution. 2nd. Moved by Rev. A. McGillivary, seconded by 72 Duncan Cameron that the following rules be adopted by this meeting. 1st. That this Society be called the East and West Branch, East River Bible Society and shall cooperate with the parent institution as a Branch of the Auxiliary Bible Society at Pictou. 2nd. That every person paying five shillings annually shall be a member of this society and that the smallest sums also will be received thankfully acknowledged. 3rd. That the business of the society shall be conducted by a committee consisting of a president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary and depositary, together with at least seven other members of the society, five to constitute a quorum, this committee to meet at least every three months or oftener if required. 4th. That this society shall consider it a special duty to use diligent means for bringing at least one copy of the entire Bible into every family over all the extent of population the society embraces, and shall endeavour also to keep up the supply from year to year as the population may change or be increased, and further that this society shall urge upon every person the duty and possession of a Bible for individual use. 5th. That this society shall also use special endeavours for procuring contributions annually or more from every individual in possession of the scriptures for the purpose of sending the word of God to all mankind throughout the world, in all their various languages. 6th. That this society shall purchase its books from the Pictou Auxiliary Bible Society and shall remit through the same whatever surplus funds it may

73 have, to the parent society to be employed by that institution in the general circulation of the scriptures over the world. 7th. That there shall be an annual meeting of the members and friends of the society at which a report of it's proceedings during the year elapsed shall be read, the state of the funds exhibited and a new committee elected. 8th. That no alterations shall be made in these rules except at the annual meeting or some other general one of this society duly called and by the approbation of three-fourths of the members present. Resolve further by the Rev. J. Thomson, seconded by R. Grant, that the following persons be appointed the office bearers of this society for the present year. Rev. Angus McGillivary President A. Grant & D. Cameron Vice Presidents Robert Grant Treasurer Peter Ross Esq. Secretary A. Grant Depositary Committee: John Robertson, Duncan McKenzie, Donald Munro, Robert Dunbar, Hugh Chisholm, Donald Cameron, William Grant. This organization continued for many years, although there were some new changes over time. Another meeting is noted that was held in the New Church, Springville, Feb. 7th, 1854. The Bible and Evangelical Society met at the above time and place. The meeting was opened with prayer by the president Rev. A. McGillivary, when

74 Samuel C. Fraser was appointed secretary for the society, after which the minutes of the last meeting were read when the president observed the omission of Mrs. Margaret Grant's name and the yet the two books were found to correspond but on closer examination the missing amount was found pencilled on the treasurer's book, when he agreed to make it good. After the minutes were thus rectified they stood approved. Twenty seven names of those who paid subscriptions are appended.

One might wonder if the above discussion of the monetary error was very harmonious. Yet another meeting of this society was held on Feb. 10th, 1862, also at the Springville church. This was the last meeting recorded in the first minute book. Obviously their work continued as indicated in this news item.

The annual meeting of the New Glasgow auxiliary Bible Society was held in Primitive Church on Feb. 4. President, James W. Carmichael. Motion by Rev. D. Roy and passed unanimously, "That this meeting express their undiminished confidence in the B. & F. Bible Society and also their high approbation of the fidelity and success with which Mr. Russell discharged his arduous duties in the Eastern District of Pictou Co." Mr. Russell reported that, it was utterly impossible to proceed directly to East Branch, ER, as no path was broken. So the Rev. Stewart very kindly sent me on to New Glasgow from which place on the following morning went by mail to the head

75 of East Branch of ER. The road part of the way was very bad. In one place seven teams were breaking it before us. This caused some delay, still I reached the head of the River about an hour after the time appointed. Few expected I would reach, and only one or two had assembled. After some delay more gathered in and I addressed them on the work of the Bible Society. Next day, Sat. held a meeting in Dr. McGregor's church. The audience was, all things considered, good. On Monday evening addressed an excellent meeting in Springville. I much regretted the absence of the pastor, Rev. Sinclair, who was from home and that through the severity of the weather, the increasing infirmities of the Rev. Mr. McGillivary, who has so long advocated the cause of the Bible Society was unable to attend. The Rev. Mr. McGregor presided. He, Hon. John Holmes and other friends warmly commended the object of the Society. Alexander Russell, New Glasgow, 4 Feb. 1867.

Strathbeg Reading Society A reading society was organized October 30, 1866, as with many organizations people belonged from further up or down the river. Strathbeg was the name that was used at one time for the East River Valley of which Springville was part. The following is taken from a story written by Rev. D.M. Sinclair.

A reading club was established in the village of Springville Pictou County, in the year 1866, by the newly inducted minister, Rev. A. Maclean Sinclair. The following were charter members; A. Maclean Sinclair; Lauchlan MacLean; John MacPhie, Esq.;

76 Robert D. MacLean; Alexr. Calder; Alexr. Grant; John W. Grant; James Macintosh, Blacksmith; Alexr. MacPhie; John Grant; James Grant, Deacon; John Mcintosh; Alexr. R. Grant; John P. MacDonald; Peter J. Grant; Angus MacKenzie; William McGillivary; William MacKay; William Fraser, Simon's son. First officers of the Society were; President, Rev. A. Maclean Sinclair; Vice-Pres., James Grant, Esq. Elder; Secretary, Mr. Peter Grant; Committee, Mr. A. Robert Grant, John MacPhie, Esq. and Mr. John Grant. Office bearers were elected by ballot. It was agreed to pay the Secretary a yearly salary of fifteen shillings. The object of the Society was stated to be "the advancement of its members in Religious, Literary, and Scientific knowledge, by means of a Library and Lectures." An annual fee of seven shillings six pence was charged for membership, and a fee of three pence for admission to lectures. Any young men who could not pay the full amount of the annual fee might have the use of the library upon payment of a sum not less than one third of the admission fee. A family rate of nine pence was set for the lectures. As a nucleus, Mr. Sinclair purchased fifty-three books for the Library at an average cost of three shillings six pence per volume. Fifteen of the books were related to theology and religion, three to Church history, six to history in general, eight to biography, four to science and two to poetry. Titles of some of the books were; The Confession of Faith, French Revolution, Brewster's More Worlds Than One. There were no novels in the lot. Of the fifty- three books in the Library to begin with, over forty were taken out at least once during the year. From

77 r

Springville Ladies Group on lawn of Bob Grant's home, with the store and home of Duncan MacDonald in the background, 1926. Young people in front: Daisy Cooke, Henrietta Grant, Leslie MacLean, Charlotte MacLean. Seated: Mrs. Bob Grant, hostess; Mrs. Dr. Benvie, Stellarton, with violin; Minna MacKay; Mrs. John Grant; (Bob's mother); and unknown. Front row, standing: Mrs. Simon MacDonald, Bessie Chisholm, Mrs. Alex MacDonald, (A.C.'s mother), unknown, Jessie May (Grant) MacLean, Wilna (Grant) Campbell (Mrs. J.K.). Back row, standing: Bessie Cameron, rest not identified.

time to time speakers were procured to give lectures in the Springville Church. Among them were; Mr. Sinclair on "The Utility and Advantage of Education"; Rev. John MacKinnon, Hopewell, on "Geology"; Rev. Mr. Philip, Albion Mines, on "Books, their origin, and the use of books"; Mr. Daniel MacDonald, headmaster of the New Glasgow Academy on "The English Language, Its Rise, Progress and Present State." Attendance at these lectures averaged 150 persons. The Society only lasted for about three years. 78 The Library was sold to the Young Men's Christian Association, the sum received being equally divided among the present members.

Springville School The building now used as a hall by the Presbyterian Church, was built and put in use as a school in 1871. It was last used as a school in 1974. It was only moved to its present location, near the Church Manse, in 1952. Previously, the school was down the hill on the opposite side of the road, on the easterly side of the Church. The land on which it was located was purchased from William McGillivray for $40 on Feb. 7th, 1872. The lot was rather small only being 28 sq. rods. The lot went from the highway along the Church line 120 ft. then across the back 60 ft. and parallel to the Church line to the highway and along the highway to point of beginning. The school trustees at that time were Donald Mcintosh, Alexander Grant, Dyer, and D.A. Holmes for section No. 14. For location see map, page 2. There was an earlier school referred to as the Red School House and it probably was the one that was located near where the River Road meets the road going down to the Steel Bridge. There was a spring at this intersection for many years which was frequently used for watering horses. It is not known when this building was erected, nor for how long it was used. It was in use in 1843, when Rev. Robert Grant taught there. The Board of Commissioners elevated the status of this school to Grammar School about the year 1843. There have been a number of references to the school being moved from this location near the Steel Bridge, but whether the building itself was moved or not, there isn't any record. On Sept. 7, 1840 the British

79 and Foreign Bible Society met in the Springville School House. Much earlier, there was a strong interest in education and as early as 1811 there was some teaching carried out as Daniel Anderson of Merigomish was a teacher here, but it might have been in a private home or in some other building. Springville students may also have received some advantage as a result of this proclamation made on 4th Jan. 1818. The court of Special Session of the Peace for the district of Pictou certify to your Excellency that a School House has been actually built at the Upper Settlement of the East River of said district and Alexander McDonald Schoolmaster duly licenced and appointed thereto and that 50 pounds has been actually subscribed for support of said school. Robert Grant, James McDonald and James Fraser, Trustees. This building could have been anywhere on the East River and it could have been the "Red School House," in Springville. Unidentified newspaper item, June 15, 1871 — "Springville trustees have erected a large and commodious house, seated with Dawson desks (hardwood tops) and well furnished with maps and books." This refers to the present Church Hall building that was the schoolhouse. The Springville school in the 1930s was a one-room school as it had been for the sixty years previously. At the front of the building was a single door entrance, which opened into an entry where the boys could hang their outer garments. To the left was another room where the girls usually hung their clothes, and this room would also be used for storage of a few school supplies when there were any. The building was heated with a pot-bellied stove, with the chimney a few feet back of it and since these

80 things were in the centre of the school, someone was always behind the chimney for the teacher unless she stood at the back of the school. There wasn't any water or electricity in the school at that time. The building was wired for electricity in April of 1945. There were two outbuildings, one for coal storage and one divided in two, as a boy's and girl's toilet. Sometimes there would be a cooler in the school to hold drinking water. The water had to be carried in a pail from a variety of sources, one such place as a spring located more or less behind where Chester Cooke presently lives. Originally the school managed to hold upwards of seventy pupils. It is understood that they sat on benches at that time. When the school was equipped with double desks it seemed quite crowded with forty pupils, as was the case in the 1930s. Following is a list of teachers and the highest grade being taught at the time. The names, with a few exceptions, are taken directly from the school registers for 1911-1974, and for many years in the 1885-1910 period. The oldest register to be found was 1867.

Year Teacher Highest (end of term) Grade Taught 1843 Rev. Robert Grant in the "Red School House" 1847 Dan McLeod 1849 ca Hector McKenzie, later Post Master at Stellarton, 30 yrs. 1852 William Fraser 1855 ca James Campbell Sutherland 1865 ca John WH. Cameron, according to Church map 1867 Daniel Mcintosh 81 r %

' '- j 1 1 *& ^,

Springville School 1899. Identified by Jessie Chisholm. Front row, left to right: Hugh Calder, Sinclair Mclnnes, Forbes Grant, Howard MacDonald, Earl Holmes, Atwell MacLean, ( ) Sutherland (with board), Fraser MacDonald, Stanley Sutherland, Alex MacGillivray, Hector Sutherland, Russell MacLean, James? Mclnnes. 2nd row: not known, Sandy or George Murdock, Georgie Dunbar, Jessie MacLean, Jessie Dunbar, Annie Dunbar, Gertie Fraser, Irene Holmes, Annabelle Holmes, Isabel Grant (most clever girl in Pictou Co.), Willie Mclnnes, Sandy Murdock, Harry Macintosh. 3rd row: Annie Calder, Margaret Grant, a visitor, Jemima Mclnnes, Lizzie Dunbar, Elsie Calder, Kitty MacLellan (up), not known, Margaret MacGillivray, Anna MacDonald, Allister MacLean, now known. Back row: James Prescott Grant, Rebecca Dunbar, Katherine Calder, Jenny MacGillivray, Jessie Ellen Grant, teacher, Jessie Mae Grant, Catherine Mclnnes, Jenny Calder, Ester Fraser, Hugh Dan Chisholm, Allister Calder.

Year Teacher Highest (end of term) Grade Taught 1868 Donald Campbell 1870 E. Creswick 1873 Wm. R. Grant, complete 82 Springville School 1921-22. Teacher Hilda Cameron on left of picture. Front row, left to right: David Johnson, Billie Johnson, Daisy Cooke, Francis MacDonald, Herbert Johnson. Middle row: Edith Cooke, James Campbell, Howard Campbell. Back row: Willard MacDonald, John Johnson, MacRae Fraser, Donald Smith, John MacDonald.

Year Teacher Highest (end of term) Grade Taught school register on file 1874 John C. McPhee and Duncan R. Thompson, register complete 1875 Ebenezer McLean 1876 J.G. Grant 1877 Mary B. Campbell, Inspector Daniel McDonald 1879 Angus McPhee 1884 Jessie McKay 1885 Jessie McKay 1888 John W Forbes 83 Springville school, 1906. Front row, left to right: Johnny Dunbar, Eugene Grant, Billy MacMillan, Osburne MacDonald, ? , Peter MacDonald (thumb in mouth), Alex Grant, Gordon Grant, ? . 2nd row: Lena Fraser, Allane Swinamer, Vivian Fraser, Marjorie Holmes, Rosa Bosfield, Jenny Grant, G.? Grant, Clair Swinamer, David MacLean. Back row: Atwell MacLean, D.R. (Bert) MacLean, Alfred Mclnnes, Annie Calder, Eva MacLean, Rachel Grant, Margaret Grant, ? , Simon Dunbar, Christie Holmes, Mary Thompson (teacher).

Year Teacher Highest (end of term) Grade Taught 1889 John W Forbes 1890 John W Forbes 1891 Lizzie McDonald (Mrs. Foster), niece of Frank Calder 1893 ca William McDonald 1895 Christina Grant, school 84 Springville school, 1906. Front row, left to right: Johnny Dunbar, Eugene Grant, Billy MacMillan, Osburne MacDonald, ? , Peter MacDonald (thumb in mouth), Alex Grant, Gordon Grant, ? . 2nd row: Lena Fraser, Allane Swinamer, Vivian Fraser, Marjorie Holmes, Rosa Bosfield, Jenny Grant, G.? Grant, Clair Swinamer, David MacLean. Back row: Atwell MacLean, D.R. (Bert) MacLean, Alfred Mclnnes, Annie Calder, Eva MacLean, Rachel Grant, Margaret Grant, ? , Simon Dunbar, Christie Holmes, Mary Thompson (teacher).

Year Teacher Highest (end of term) Grade Taught 1889 John W Forbes 1890 John W Forbes 1891 Lizzie McDonald (Mrs. Foster), niece of Frank Calder 1893 ca William McDonald 1895 Christina Grant, school 84 Year Teacher Highest (end of term) Grade Taught 1921 Elma Fraser 10 1922 M. Helen MacLean 10 1923 Hilda Cameron 10 1924 Hilda Cameron 11 1925 Elizabeth Reeves 1926 Elsie Calder 1927 Elsie Calder 1928 Clarence Sutherland 1929 Norma C. Culton 9 1930 Ada I. Buck 11 1931 Jessie Grant MacLean 11 1932 Jessie Grant MacLean 11 1933 Helen Olding Fraser 11 1934 Charles Oliver Campbell 11 1935 Margaret Grey MacGregor 10 1936 Margaret Grey MacGregor 10 1937 Jean Calder Sutherland 10 1938 Katherine M. MacDonald 10 1939 Helen Audrey Rogers 10 1940 Robert Henry Russell 10 1941 Helen Winnifred Henderson 10 1942 Annie Dawson MacDonald 9 1943 Annie Dawson MacDonald 9 1944 Annie Dawson MacDonald 9 1945 Annie Dawson MacDonald 9 1946 Edna Buck Fraser, Sub. Eleanor MacDonald, Jean MacDonald 1947 Frederick Muir Russell 8 1948 William Percy Green 8 1949 Lloyd Fraser 8 1950 Anna L. Cluney 9 1951 William P. Jenkins 8 86 Year Teacher Highest end of term) Grade Taught 1952 Annie D. MacDonald, Sub. 9 Ada Cooke 1953 Rose Martha Hecimovich 8 1954 Ada Isobel Cooke 8 1955 Mrs. J.B. (Dorothy) Bonvie 8 1956 Cecilia Anne MacKinnon 7 1957 School was divided into two rooms, a Primary (P) and Secondary (S) 1958 Ruth Ross (P) 3 Beverly Georgina Wilson (S) 7 1959 Ruth Ross (P) 3 Eric Joseph Doucett (S) 7 1960 Ruth Ross (P) 3 Euphemia J. Fraser (S) 7 1961 Ruth Ross (P) 3 Jean Ferguson (S) 7 1962 Ruth Ross (P) 3 Jean Ferguson (S) 7 1963 Ruth Ross (P) 3 Jean Ferguson (S) 7 1964 Ruth Ross (P) 3 Margaret Hawbolt (S) 7 1965 Ruth Ross (P) 3 Margaret Hawbolt (S) 7 1966 Ruth Ross (P) 3 Margaret Hawbolt, Sub. (S) 6 Eleanor MacLean 1967 Ruth Ross (P) 3 Margaret Hawbolt, Sub. (S) 6 Marie Cameron 1968 Ruth Ross (P) 3 Margaret Hawbolt (S) 6 87 Year Teacher Highest (end of term) Grade Taught 1969 Ruth Ross (P) 3 Margaret Hawbolt (S) 6 1970 Ruth Ross (P) 3 Margaret Hawbolt (S) 6 1971 Ruth Ross (P) 4 1972 Ruth Ross (P) 4 1973 Ruth Ross (P) 4 1974 Ruth Ross (P) 4 SCHOOL CLOSED It may be noted that in the last 100 years of the school's history, teachers have not been identified for only 1896,1892, 1887,1886,1880-83, and 1878. There are some very interesting comments found in the various school registers, some are presented here. Jan. 17, 1890, visit by Inspector WE. McLellan Esq. "Well satisfied. Reading an exception to the general. All exercises creditable. The 6th Book against the law. To be put out of school at the end of this term." (This author has a copy of this book.) Trustees in 1873; D.A.F. Holmes, Alex McDonald, John P. McDonald, Sec'ty to Trustees, Wm. McGillivary. In 1874 Lauchlan McLean replaced J.P. McDonald. Trustees in 1895; Frank Calder, John McMillan, Simon McLean and Sec'ty. There were many visitors to the school in those times as attested to by the record kept in the school register. The date and length of each visit is recorded. There was a public examination at the end of the school year. These are notes pertaining to the one held on June 18th, 1895. There were 41 pupils present, 36 visitors. Pupils were examined in Reading, Spelling, 88 Grammar, History of England, Geography, Geometry and Botany. Essays and recitations were given by the pupils, such as; "Children's Hour" by Esther Fraser; "Retreat of the French Army from Moscow" by Flossie McGillivary. Notes from 1868; 54 pupils enrolled. No. of seats and desks provided for: 44. !? "School reflected credit on teacher, glad to see good order." Things were not nearly as good the year before, in 1867, when the teacher wrote the ensuing report.

During the 1st quarter of this term, I thought best not to notice the progress of my pupils, because the school has been in a melancholy state. When I commenced school operations I found my pupils destitute of everything necessary to aid them in progress, and, until school books etc. were provided I would not be responsible for their progress. Nearly the 1st quarter passed away before anything like a commencement could be made. Besides the measles robbed us of many of the pupils, this and the unaccountable indifference of parents, left the school for the 1st quarter not in a very praiseworthy condition. I hope for the ensuing quarter matters will be more encouraging.

Surely there was rapid improvement!! Aug. 19, 1874; Evidently school was held in the month of August in these years, but not too effectively, as this report, of the School Inspector published in the Eastern Chronicle indicates. I found 18 pupils present out of 48 enrolled; there were but a fragment of each class, and until today there were but 9 pupils attended, and hence no review of work, we heard exercises on all the 89 Springville School 1932-33. Front row, left to right: Richard MacKay, Jack MacMillan, Howard Johnson, John MacLean, Clarence Johnson, Lawrence Hennessy, Ernest MacKay, Earl Johnson, Frank Calder, Walter Johnson. Second row: Evangeline MacMillan, Donald MacLean, Jean MacLean, Helen Legere, Bessie Hennessy, Linda Legere, Lavinia Legere, Mary MacLean, Ruth MacKay, Audrey West, Robert West, Arthur West. Third row: Harry Johnson, Bill MacKay, Angus MacMillan, Leslie MacLean, Edith Taylor, Sarah Jordan, Annie Jordan, Helen Fraser (teacher), Margaret MacMillan, Bill Johnson, David Johnson, Herby Johnson.

branches at which any pupil was engaged, including 5 at Chemistry of common things, 3 at British History and 2 at Latin. In all the pupils aquitted themselves most creditably. Teacher; Mr. Ebenezer McLean, grade B salary $100.00. School well supplied with requisites. Attendance had been up to 31.6 average preceding the vacation time. Farmers all engaged in hay-making, and it would be unreasonable to expect them to neglect that work on

90 Springville School 1934-35. Kneeling, left to right: Clarence Johnson, Willie Wilson, John MacLean. First row: Emily Rogers, Earl Johnson, Frank Calder, Jean MacLean, Raeburn Kennedy, Gerald Kennedy, Clara Kennedy. Second row: Audrey West, Nathan Rogers, Arthur West, Evangeline MacMillan, Jimmie Wilson, Bill MacKay, Harry Johnson, Jack MacMillan, Douglas Rogers, Bessie Hennessy, Donald Smith. Third row: Mary MacLean, Ruth MacKay, Chester Cooke, Howard Johnson, Leslie MacLean, Lawrence Hennessy, Josephine Cooke, Angus MacMillan, Margaret MacGregor, teacher. Fourth row: Annie Jordan, Sarah Jordan, Margaret Wilson, Ivan O'Brien, Margaret MacMillan, Sheldon Rogers.

such a fine day. Daniel McDonald, School Inspector's report, Mar. 22, 1877. Springville: has 31 ratepayers; $21,500 worth of property and 52 children; assessed $145; rate nearly 67 cents. The house and outhouses in good condition; supply of apparatus rather above the average of county sections; supply of books etc. good. 91 Springville School 1939. Front partial row, left to right: Fred Smith, John Hennessy, Thelma Hennessy, Joan MacKay, Helen MacLean. Front row: Victoria Cooke, Audrey Smith, Lyn Cooke, Mary Chisholm, Margaret Calder, Mildred MacMillan, Shirley MacKay. 2nd. row: Myrtle MacKay, Kay MacLean, Chrystal Smith, Linda Legere, Lavinia Legere, Prescott Rogers, Richard Mackay, ? , Donald MacLean, Charles Rogers, Walter Johnson. Back row: Ernest MacKay, Earl Johnson, Robert West, Audrey West, Ruth MacKay, Emily Rogers, Josephine Cooke, Nathan Rogers, Clarence Johnson, Virginia Smith, Freda Smith, Helen Legere, Frank Calder, Willie Wilson, Donald Smith.

Pupils enrolled 52, present 46, average 36. The general progress very good. All the exercises were very satisfactory. Some beautiful specimens of writing. The improvement in promtitude and general tone very marked; discipline and attention most creditable. Teacher, Miss Mary B. Campbell, grade C salary $80. Visitation, Mr. D.A.F. Holmes 2, Robert McLean 2, Hugh Grant 1, Wm. McGillivray, Sec'y 1.

92 Arbor Day, May 13,1932. Back row, left to right: Margaret MacMillan, Annie Jordan, Mrs. Jessie May MacLean (teacher), Sarah Jordan. Front row: Frank Calder, Jean MacLean, Evangeline MacMillan, John MacLean, Josephine Cooke, //??, Bessie Hennessy, Helen or Linda Legere.

School Examination. Eastern Chronicle, April 21, 1870

The semi-annual examinations of the school in the East Branch, East River Section took place on Wednesday the 13th inst., when not withstanding the inclemency of the weather, attendance of scholars was good, between forty and fifty, with a fair muster of parents and friends. Great satisfaction was expressed by the trustees and visitors at the very creditable manner in which the scholars acquitted themselves in the different branches in which they were examined, and the good order and discipline which prevailed. The singing of the children was excellent. The whole affair reflected great credit on the teacher, Mr. E. Cheswick, who has taught the school for about 93 twelve months. A number of prizes were awarded at the close of the examination.

Newspaper Clippings Eastern Chronicle, Mar. 12,1863 LECTURE AT SPRINGVILLE; On Fri. evening the 27th ult. a lecture was delivered on "Youthful Energies" by Mr. McCullagh, Rector New Glasgow Academy. The subject was first treated theoretically and afterwards practically. Though the evening was unfavorable, the room was filled, and the audience manifested the utmost order and attention. A vote of thanks was unanimously passed to the lecturer. James Grant, Esq., presiding on the occasion.

Eastern Chronicle, May 6,1887 There is just now much sickness along the river and not a few have been called by the dreaded messenger — death — Christy McKay, daughter of Joseph McKay, Springville, and student at Pictou Academy who was cut down in the bloom of her years. After a week of suffering she died Thursday night at 10 o'clock. John McPhie of Springville received the sad news on 22 ult. of the death of his eldest son. He was book-keeper for his uncle in Trenton, N.J., and victim of malignant malarial fever. John McLellan opened up in D.A. Holmes store. This with Springville Grange, which had been resusicated at Bridgeville should make goods cheap. Perhaps after a while we will get a premium for buying!!

Eastern Chronicle, Feb. 13,1896 A large number of families have moved hence

94 from Black Rock to work in the lime quarry on the lands of James Holmes and Simon McDonald. The quarry gives employ to about 20 men. It is under the able and experienced management of Alex Swinehammer, and the sound of blasts makes things livelier than heretofore.

Rural School Fairs In the 1930s there was a school activity that should not be neglected, although there may have been others of a similar nature, that are not mentioned here. On a day in the early fall, students and teachers, from the rural schools of the East River and some others such as McLellan's Brook would gather at Bridgeville. Each school would have made a big banner with the name of the school and the year on it. Prior to coming, there would have been much practise, marching in two columns behind the honoured banner carriers, doing all kinds of intricate drills and singing (shouting) the school cheer. Work of the students, from each school, was on display and in competition within grades among the schools.

Home and School Association This group was organized at Springville July 3rd, 1950. The organizational meeting was held in the lower hall of the I.O.O.F. building in Springville. The first executive appointed saw Mrs. James Chisholm as President; Mr. H. McComb as Vice-President; Mrs. Roland Cooke as Secretary, and Mr. C. Feltmate as Treasurer. Subsequently, Mrs. Cooke declined the appointment and Mr. Tom Taylor became Secretary. The Association's last meeting was held June 18th, 1963. The first few years the Association was strong with

95 membership of twenty to thirty people. Twice the organization faced disbandonment, during its twelve years. In later years attendance at meetings was small and thus discouraging for it's leaders. Many different people contributed to the organization and spent much energy and time on the various programs which were carried on. Funds were raised by holding dances, card parties, and pantry sales. Projects undertaken for the benefit of the school children included obtaining a music teacher, periodically; supplying cocoa and hot soup during winter months; supplying new seats; improving lighting; sponsoring Boy Scouts for a short time; supplied incentives to students by way of prize money; had programs on health nutrition and many other family-student related topics; supplied first-aid boxes for the school; Christmas treats were often supplied for the school children. People in need or in institutions were not forgotten, as gifts were given to people at the County Home in Riverton. Throughout the years of the Home and School Association, Mr. Alton Fraser, representative for the National Film Board, often showed educational films at their meetings. On June 19th, 1962 the executive elected was Mr. Fred Kenney, President; Mrs. Hattie Thompson, Vice- President; Mrs. J.A. McGowan, Treasurer; Mrs. Ray Smeltzer, Secretary; Mrs. R. Wilson, Program Convener; Mrs. A. Laing, Ways and Means Convener; Mrs. E. MacKay, Social Convener. Liasion between the community and teachers was strengthened just by the nature of the organization.

96 Temperance Society A Constitution for a Temperance Society was drafted with obvious care not to be too restrictive. Rule 1. That this society be denominated the East and West Branch, East River Society. Rule 2. That this society shall be conducted on the principle of total abstinence from the use of ardent spirits except for medicinal purposes. Rule 3. That no member shall use ardent spirits himself or keep it in his house for the purposes of friendship or hospitality. Shall neither receive treats or return them, nor frequent places where ardent spirits are bought and sold, except when business alone calls him. Rule 4. No member shall use ardent spirits in companies in his own house when it may be avoided without violating the useages of propriety and courtesy. Rule 5. Every member shall wholly abstain from the use of ardent spirits at the raising of buildings, frolics of any kind and similar occasions except at weddings, funerals and driving timber to market — a member may take one glass at the first and second and three times a day during the last. Rule 6. Every member shall use exertions to increase this society and to extend its influence, but only on the prudent use of those means by which any other good society may be promoted. Rule 7. This society shall continue for the space of one year at the expiration of which there shall be a meeting of the members. The President was Rev. Mr. McGillivray; Vice-Pres. Albert Grant, and Sec'ty. A.F McCabe. A list of about 70 names was attached to this document.

The "Wellington Temperance Watchman Club,"

97 was organized on 27 Feb., 1853. The following persons were elected office bearers for the quarter commencing Jan. 1, 1854. Robert Creelman, S.C.; Alex McDonald, R.S.; James McLean, C; John Mcintosh, M.; James Grant, J.C.; Samuel C. Fraser, C.S.; Wm. McGillivray, T; John D. McGilvary, A.M.; in Temperance, Humanity and Progress. From Eastern Chronicle, Mar. 23rd, 1854. The society was very active and owned their own hall, which was situated close to the present I.O.O.F. hall. Also from the Eastern Chronicle of July 5,1866. A social gathering under the auspices of Stirling Lodge, Good Templars, Springville took place at that locality on July 3, 1866. The site selected for the festive occasion was a beautiful one, on the grounds of the Hon. John Holmes, embowered beneath stately elms, and adorned by arbors of green boughs, wreaths of flowers etc. The day was pleasantly taken up with amusements usual on such occasions, swinging, dancing, and a few happy speeches. Upwards of 600 tickets were sold on the grounds. The amount realized was somewhat over $370.00, their object is to erect a more commodious and convenient hall for holding their meetings. Another item appearing in the same newspaper on April 18, 1878, announces that "Stirling Division, Sons of Temperance, Springville, intends holding a public meeting on 29th March. The Rev. A. McLean Sinclair will lecture on the 'Manner and Customs of the Highlanders.'" Again from the Eastern Chronicle, Jan. 9, 1867. The County Lodge of Good Templars for this County 98 met at Springville in the Lodge Room of Stirling Lodge on Wednesday, the 27th ult. There was a very good attendance of members and representatives of Primary Lodges, considering the almost impassable state of the roads. There are at present in Pictou County 20 Lodges, from all of which — with the exception of two — the Secretary had received return sheets.

Springville Red Cross The Red Cross Society of Springville met at the home of Mrs. Duncan Chisholm, on May 7th, 1918, and presented her with a life membership certificate, in appreciation of the Red Coss work she has done ever since the war started. During the first four months of this year she knit fifty-four pairs of socks. Excerpts from the 1916 annual report of the Springville Red Cross Society in the Eastern Chronicle of Feb. 2,1917. From fortnightly dues $59.20. From Rev. F. Mcintosh's lecture $12.97. Cash for Prisoner's Relief $25.00; $50.00 was also paid for a hospital cot in France, and $10.00 for Belgian Relief. Red Cross Report 1914-1920. The total amount collected by the Senior Society was $911.57; by the Junior Society $8.43, for a total of $920.00. The amount expended on material, was $902.80, leaving a balance of $17.20, which was forwarded to the New Glasgow Red Cross Society. Work done by the Senior Society — 920 pairs socks, 139 hospital shirts, 194 pyjama suits, 10 scarves, 2 prs. wrislets, 24 personal property bags, 10 prs. canton flannel socks, 15 prs. bloomers, 25 petticoats, 12 prs. combinations. Work done by the Junior Society — 6 hospital 99 shirts, 24 stretcher caps, 12 personal property bags, 12 petticoats, 12 housewives, 12 hdkfs. Mrs. A.F. Fisher, Secy; Mrs. S. McDonald, Vice-Pres.; Bessie M. Chisholm, Secy-Treas. Newspaper Clippings Eastern Chronicle, Aug. 31,1848 The East River Temperance Society intends holding a Soiree at the Farm of Mr. David McLean, Springville, on Wed. the 13th Sept. All those friendly to the cause are invited to give it their countenance. Price of tickets Is, 3d. Children half price, to be had of Mr. Roderick McGregor, New Glasgow, and of the Secretaries of the East and West Branch Societies. Eastern Chronicle, April 23, 1852 Tributes are printed following the death of a well known native of Springville, Dr. Wm. R. Grant, Professor of Anatomy in Pennsylvania Medical College. He was born Dec. 22,1811. Members of Professional Societies Born in Springville Clergy MacLean, David, at time of writing studying for the ministry. MacLean, James, D.D., 1828-1914 West River Seminary, 1853 Shubenacadie and Great Village. Learned to speak English when he went to school. McLean, Ebenezer, student for the ministry, died in early life. McGillivray, John D., Truro, N.S. McGillivray, James T, student for ministry, died 1856, age 24 yrs. Grant, Robert, Edinburgh Univ., died 1898.

100 Mcintosh, David C, D.D., Shenandoah, Iowa Mcintosh, Finlay G, B.D., Dorchester, N.B. McKay, Wm. R., B.D. Dal. U. 1896. B.D. Princeton Seminary 1901. Kong Moon, South China. McKay, Robert G, B.A. So. Vancouver. McDonald, Wm., B.A., Barney's River, N.S. McKay, Alver, Hollyburn, B.C. Lawyers Holmes, Simon Hugh, Hon., KC. Kenney, Martha, U. Western Ontario. Medical Doctors Calder, Allister, M.D., CM. Dal. Univ. 1909 Glace Bay, N.S. Calder, James Squair, M.D. Harvard Univ. 1886 Bridgewater and Los Angeles. Chisholm, Hugh D., M.D., CM. Dal. Univ. 1907 Springville Grant, William R., M.D. Jefferson Medical College 1839 Philadelphia. Grant, William R, B.A. Dal. College First Yr. Medicine died. McGillivray, Alexander D., M.G 1865ca. Sydney, N.S. Mcintosh, Daniel, M.D., Harvard Univ. 1871 L.R.C.P. Edin. Pugwash. Mcintosh, John, M.D., Jefferson Med. Col. 1866 Whycocomagh, N.S. McLean, Duncan, M.D. Harvard Univ. 1860. Shubenacadie, N.S. MacLean, David, D.D.S. Dal. Univ. Pictou, N.S. MacLean, Walter, M.D., CM. Dal. Univ. Scotsburn and Westville. MacLaren, (Chisholm), Mary, M.D., CM. Dal. Univ. Ottawa.

101 Registered Nurses Campbell, (Calder), Janet, R.N., R.R.C Victoria General Hospital 1911. Grant, Jessie Ellen, R.N., Purple Heart. Sutherland, (MacLean), Helen, R.N., Mass. Gen. Hospital. Fraser, (MacLean), Marjorie, R.N., Mass. Gen. Hospital. Kenney, (MacMillan), Margaret, R.N., Royal Victoria Hos. Montreal. Fraser, (MacKay), Joan, R.N., Victoria General Hospital, Halifax. McCarron, (Hecimovitch), Bonnie, R.N., Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow. Maclvor, (Hambleton), Heather, R.N. Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow. Jones, (Hecimovich), Rosie, R.N., Royal Victoria Hospital. Hecimovich, Gaylene, R.N., Victoria General Hospital, Halifax, 1991. There was a medical doctor practising in Springville in the early 1800s by the name of Dr. William McKay. He had property on the Brookville road on the Springville side of the Wm. Smith home. He also had a house and or office about where Peter J. Grant had his carriage shop and store, later owned by J.K. Campbell. Rev. Robert Grant mentions Dr. McKay being in Springville in 1843. Springville-Island Branch Women's Institutes of Nova Scotia The Springville Branch of the W.I.N.S. was organized on July 10th, 1934, and is still very active 56 years later. Island was added to the title in 1949, with due approval of the Provincial body. On looking at the membership lists, one sees that 102 members were from The Island and Bridgeville as well as Springville. The focus of the W.I.N.S. has always been on rural living and in earlier times much more on the farming family than now. The farming families are now a much smaller percentage of the rural residents. The changes in our society in the past half century have been extreme and this is certainly reflected in the minute books of the Springville W.I.N.S. Even the custom of referring to married women as Mrs. and the husband's full name, which sometimes made identification difficult, can be seen to be changing in these minutes. Often the woman's given name, even without the "Mrs." is being used in the later minute books. From a historical standpoint it is interesting to know the names of the people involved in the organizations such as the W.I.N.S. It would be nice to have the space to list all the members each year, but maybe it will suffice to list the Presidents and Secretaries. However, in this organization, nearly all the members have responsibilities for ongoing programs which is one of the strengths of the W.I.N.S.

Springville Women's Institute Year President Secretary No. of Members 1934-35 Mrs. Jessie MacLean Mrs. D.R. MacLean 24 1935-36 Mrs. Fred D. Fraser Mrs. W.S. McLean 28 1936-37 Mrs. Fred D. Fraser Mrs. W.S. McLean 24 1937-38 Mrs. D.R. MacLean Mrs. Hugh Calder 25 1938-39 Mrs. James Chisholm Mrs. Hugh Calder 19 1939-40 Mrs. W.S. McLean Mrs. Fred D. Fraser 19 1940-41 Mrs. James M. Reid Miss Evangeline 22 TVTQ r>l\yTi linn IViciClVlUldil 1941-42 Mrs. Roland Cooke Mrs. D.W. MacMillan 20 1942-43 Mrs. J.K. Campbell Mrs. James Reid 18 103 Year President Secretary No. of Members 1943-44 Mrs. Hugh Calder Mrs. James Reid 24 1944-45 Mrs. Dave Sutherland Mrs. D.R. MacLean 22 1945-46 Mrs. Ernest Hansford Mrs. D.R. MacLean 22 1946-47 Mrs. Joseph Saunders Mrs. Elmer Way 21 1947-48 Mrs. Joseph Saunders Mrs. Elmer Way 18 1948-49 Mrs. James Reid Mrs. Elmer Way 19 1949-50 Mrs. James Chisholm Mrs. John Delaney 20 1950-51 Mrs. Ada Cooke Mrs. H.D. Chisholm 20 1951-52 Mrs. Barbara Delaney Mrs. H.D. Chisholm 15 1952-53 Mrs. Barbara Delaney Mrs. D.R. MacLean 15 1953-54 Mrs. Hattie Thompson Mrs. D.R. MacLean 19 1954-55 Mrs. Annie Barkhouse Mrs. D.R. MacLean 18 1955-56 Mrs. John McLean Mrs. John Delaney 17 1956-57 Mrs. John McLean Mrs. John Delaney 18 1957-58 Mrs. George Little Mrs. Robert Miller 16 1958-59 Mrs. Fred Kenney Mrs. Robert Miller 18 1959-60 Mrs. W.S. McLean Mrs. James Chisholm 16 1960-61 Mrs. W.S. McLean Mrs. James Chisholm 16 1961-62 Mrs. John Delaney Mrs. Fred Kenney 18 1962-63 Mrs. John Delaney Mrs. Fred Kenney 15 1963-64 Mrs. Hattie Thompson Mrs. Barbara Delaney 13 1964-65 Mrs. Hattie Thompson Mrs. Barbara Delaney 12 1965-66 Mrs. Aubrey Laing Mrs. Barbara Delaney 12 1966-67 Mrs. Aubrey Laing Mrs. Robert Miller 14 1967-68 Mrs. Fred Kenney Mrs. John McLean 14 1968-69 Mrs. Fred Kenney Mrs. John McLean 13 1969-70 Mrs. Jessie Miller Mrs. Barbara Delaney 14 1970-71 Mrs. Jessie Miller Mrs. Barbara Delaney 13 1971-72 Mrs. Ellen McLean Mrs. Edna MacDonald 13 1972-73 Mrs. Ellen McLean Mrs. Edna MacDonald 13 1973-74 Mrs. Anne Melanson Mrs. Margaret Kenney 15 1974-75 Mrs. Anne Melanson Mrs. Margaret Kenney 16 1975-76 Mrs. Christine Mrs. Joyce Smeltzer 19 Thompson 1976-77 Mrs. Christine Mrs. Joyce Smeltzer 19 Thompson 1977-78 Mrs. Margaret Kenney Mrs Christime Thompson 15 1978-79 Mrs. Margaret Kenney Mrs Rose Laing 18

104 Year President Secretary No. of Members 1979-80 Mrs. Marjorie Dewar Mrs. Rose Laing 17 1980-81 Mrs. Marjorie Dewar Mrs. Susan Urquhart 18 1981-82 Mrs. Joyce Smeltzer Mrs. Susan Urquhart 16 1982-83 Mrs. Joyce Smeltzer Mrs. Margaret Kenney 17 1983-84 Mrs. Susan Urquhart Mrs. Margaret Kenney 19 1984-85 Mrs. Susan Urquhart Mrs. Nancy Freckleton 18 1985-86 Mrs. Christine Mrs. Ruth MacLeod 18 Thompson 1986-87 Mrs. Christine Mrs. Joyce Smeltzer 18 Thompson 1987-88 Mrs. Kathy Calder Mrs. Margaret Kenney 18 1988-89 Mrs. Kathy Calder Mrs. Margaret Kenney 21 1989-90 Mrs. Evelyn MacLean Mrs. Rose Laing 23 1990-91 Mrs. Evelyn MacLean Mrs. Jo-Anne Smith 22 1991-92 Mrs. Corrine Johnston Mrs. Jo-Anne Smith

On July 10th, 1934, twenty-six women from Millstream, Bridgeville, Island and Springville met in the I.O.O.F hall in Springville at 2:30 p.m. to hear Miss Helen MacDougall speak on Women's Institutes. These ladies and their successors have been meeting monthly ever since that time. Close to 500 meetings have been held. It was decided to meet at 8:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month, which is the time and day of meeting 58 years later. Only one of these charter members is still with us and has contributed greatly to the community over all these years, she is Mrs. Fred D. (Annie) Fraser, now Annie MacKenzie. The first meeting was held at the home of Mrs. D.W. MacMillan Springville on July 17th, 1934, Mrs. James Chisholm presiding. The name chosen at that time was Springville Women's Institute. At one of the first meetings members were asked to

105 suggest topics for discussion and, or action. Topics submitted were; Education and Better Schools; Public Health; Current Events; Home Industries and Cemetery Improvement. These topics were addressed and were often referred to in ensuing years. The welfare of the community was always uppermost in the minds of these women. Standing committees were appointed on Education and Better Schools; Agriculture; Legislation; Canadian Industries and a School Visiting Committee for each of the schools at Bridgeville, Springville and Island. The intent of the latter committee was to make monthly visits to the schools, and although visits may not have always been monthly, many recommendations and actions ensued, such as hot lunches, first discussed Nov. 12th, 1935 and subsequently arranged for. Small sums were given to the schools to help prepare for school fairs. They tried to arrange to have music taught in the schools. They requested school trustees to re-model out buildings at schools and see that they were kept clean. It should be noted that at this time, 1935, the schools did not have water or electricity. Institute meetings were usually held at members' homes but sometimes at the Oddfellows hall. On one occasion the hall was made available free of charge for an Institute Rally provided lunch would be served to an I.O.O.F. district meeting coming up shortly. Free?! From the items that follow, it is clear that the community owed much to the Women's Institute. They undertook many things that are taken for granted today as affairs of "government agencies." To save space in this synopsis of the Springville Women's Institute "items" will be listed instead of following proper sentence structure. The World Court was studied in 1935.

106 Information about being a British Subject and how marriages are affected. "Some of the members then enjoyed a sleigh ride home" April, 1935, from the home of Mrs. Robert MacLean. In Sept. 1935, the Institute forwarded a resolution to the Board of Directors of the County Home at Riverton requesting the appointment of a woman to the Board. There was a measles epidemic in 1935. Darning competition organized for March 1936. Rev. Mr. Irwin spoke on "laws" from time of Adam and Eve. Prof. DeWolfe spoke about shrubs, annuals, perennials and had some available to purchase. He also planted some at Springville School. Sponsored inter school debates. Talk on eel grass given. Oct. 13, 1936, organized Garment Club for teen age girls. Five pairs of mittens sold for $1.45. New members were welcomed — Mrs. Stewart West, Mrs. Duncan Kennedy, Miss Jean Sutherland, school teacher and Mrs. Bill Wilson. The Agricultural Representative, Mr. Malcolm MacCharles spoke at May 1937 meeting — discussed apple varieties and many other topics on agriculture. A prize was given to a grade 9 pupil who would draw the best flag for use by the Institute. This was won by Anne Delaney. Layette made and given to Dr. Chisholm for a needy case. May 19, 1938 saw a return of Mr. MacCharles when he came to organize a Garden Club for all children 10 yrs. and over. The garden plot to be at least 20 x 40 feet,

107 children to look after the planting of seeds, weeding and watering if necessary. Angus MacMillan was named president and Anne Delaney secretary of the Garden Club. On-going attention to learning handcrafts-sewing, fancy work, etc. Sponsored girls to a cooking and sewing short course at school in Stellarton. Many meetings had entertainment provided by members, readings, singsongs, solos, duets, etc. Mrs. Stanley Rogers often led in this part of meeting. (Of course, her grandson Stan became an internationally acclaimed singer and song writer). A member, Marion Dauphin was given a cash donation when she lost all her belongings in a fire. In 1939 it was decided to buy fruit or whatever Jean MacLean might like on a regular basis. She was sick a long time before dying at the age of 15. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert MacLean. The minutes of Nov. 14th, 1939 contained the first reference to the war. Obtained 6 lbs. yarn to knit for soldiers. Ten yards of towelling was bought to make cup towels and aprons for the soldiers barracks at Mulgrave. Apples were bought to be sent to England to be distributed through the War Office to soldiers in the Xmas season. Dec. 12th, 1939. Members made up Xmas boxes for local soldiers, socks, handkerchiefs, cigarettes and cookies. Jan. 1940. Letters of thanks for Xmas boxes were received from Harold Long, Albert Kay, Roland Cooke and Allister MacLean. Bought cloth to make pyjamas for refugees, also made two quilts.

108 The Institute really served as a Red Cross unit during the war, a War Work Committee was founded. $5.00 per month sent to Ambulance Fund, (collected 25 cents per member). A canning machine was purchased for use by members, Sept. 1940. April 23, 1941. Voted to join Garden Brigade. Collected for Queen's Fund. Program on pruning rosebushes, and other gardening hints. Several programs on "Buymanship." July 1941. Dr. Chisholm spoke on "Spinal Meningitis." From Nov. 1st, 1940 to Oct. 1, 1941, the following were made and passed in to the Red Cross. 158 prs. socks; 12 sheets; 12 face cloths; 17 handkerchiefs; 3 helmets; 1 pr. ankle socks; 1 pr. seaman's socks; 3 refugee sweaters; 5 pr. pyjamas; 3 pr. flying mits; 7 pr. mitts; 3 scarves; 3 baby gowns; 6 napkins; 1 turtle neck sweater; 1 baby bonnet; 1 layette. This was followed by much more in months to come. Corn boil at Grant's camp (Irish Mts.) raised $9.05. Dances were sponsored several times a year to raise needed funds. Nov. 1941. School Inspector, Mr. Fraser spoke about the idea of consolidated schools and the possibility of one for Bridgeville. 1942 saw the idea of gathering "salvage" start. Old magazines, rubber, etc. was collected. Oct. 1942. Gifts were prepared for people in the services from this community. There were nine overseas and eight in Canada. A year later the numbers were ten and nine respectively. Money was donated for "Prisoners of War." One program was on "what a lady can do with old

109 overalls." A blood donor clinic was held in the I.O.O.F. hall Sept. 18, 1944. This was the first local clinic and a new experience for most donors. During the war it was possible to send gift packages overseas. The Springville Institute sent 15 boxes in 1944. Each box cost $2.25 including freight, duty and all charges to any address in the U.K. The package required one sugar coupon from ration books, and contained;

1 tin, 20 oz. Aylmer peaches 1 tin, 20 oz. Aylmer Bartlet pears 1 tin, 20 oz. Aylmer Boston brown beans 2 tins, 3 1/2 oz Aylmer chicken sandwich spread 1 tin, 7 oz. Aylmer boneless poultry meat 1 tin, 10 oz. Aylmer tomato soup 1 tin, 10 oz. Aylmer beef noodle soup 1 pkg. 8 oz. Aylmer cut mixed peel

Red Cross work continued to be well supported in 1944. There were committees on Wartime Controls and War Services. Dec. 1944, discussed possibility of wiring the Springville school, job was accomplished by April 1945. Community canning had been going on for five years. A picnic was planned for Island foot-bridge in June 1945, — it rained, — so the picnic was held in the I.O.O.F. hall with 70 adults and children! Blue Cross was discussed. At annual meeting Oct. 1945 it was reported that collections (canvasses) had been $126.00 for Red Cross; $36.00 for Children's Aid; $24.75 for Aberdeen Hospital.

110 Of course the usual articles were knit or sewn for armed forces and relief work. First Aid kits were placed in schools. Jan. 1946 a meeting was scheduled for Mrs. W.D. MacMillan's roads permitting. Program on safety in the home. The need for public rest rooms in New Glasgow was discussed in 1946 and by 1948 the subject was also addressed by New Glasgow Rotary Club. Began to hear about Rural High Schools in 1947. Transportation to meetings, rallies, etc. was a serious problem, since most members did not drive cars themselves. There was a taxi and bus service at different times from. Sunny Brae to New Glasgow. Neighboring Churchville organized an Institute Branch in 1948. Members thought that this Institute should be named Springville-Island and this was approved in Jan. 1949. Meetings continued to address a wide variety of subjects which might have a beneficial effect on the community and country. Programs and work covered such things as;

* textile painting * Folk Schools * consideration of forming Home and School Association *making quilts for Manitoba relief *speaker on photography * making salads * Civil Defence was coming to the fore * visits to and from visiting Institutes promoted goodwill and friendship * public speaking promoted * school equipment purchased such as laboratory

111 supplies and maps * hobby crafts * health topics * helped to furnish a hospital room * In 1955 a project to depict the work of the Institute and the community in a photo album was undertaken. * By 1958 clothes for Unitarian Service Committee. * Christmas boxes were provided for residents of the County Home as well as contributing to the cost of a TV. * Canada food rules were studied * Richard Morton, N.S. Dept. of Agriculture spoke on landscaping, in 1959. * joined Canadian Association of Consumers * contributed $20.00 to World Refugee Year * A Civil Defence Home Nursing Course was held in 1961. * In 1962 there was discussion of Municipal Garbage collection — same was requested. * Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" caught the members attention. * 1964 — discussed starting a Garment Club and subsequently became the sponsor of the S.B.I. 4-H Garment Club, with four of the members serving as leaders. * Peter Stewart, N.S. Dept. of Agr. spoke on ARDA and programs available. * Driver safety speaker requested. * Jan. 10th, 1967 — discussed a playground for youth. Programs through these years continued to be stimulating and useful, although the titles were similar to those of earlier years, the content would be different in most cases as new technology was always developing,

112 as it is to the present time. Some new subjects * pollution-phosphates in detergents * drugs-awareness * status of women In 1972, Dr. Howard Locke of New Glasgow had the MacPherson's Mills Grist Mill and Farm Homestead restored as a museum with Institute members from Springville-Island taking their turn with other Pictou County Institutes serving as hostesses during the summer months. May 9th, 1973 — three oak trees were planted on the grounds of the Springville Presbyterian Church on occasion of 60th anniversary of W.I.N.S. * papers were being recycled * bookmobile was available * First Aid course held * clothing sent to Egypt * Sammy Seagull anti-litter and cleanup program adopted * considered making a cupboard in hall to store old minute books * report on sheep sales at Mabou

Anniversary celebrations The 35th anniversary was celebrated by inviting husbands as guests to a dinner in the I.O.O.F. hall and honoring charter members. The 45th anniversary was celebrated in 1979, again inviting husbands and others as guests to a dinner at the Church hall. Frank and Betty Calder of Amherst spoke and showed slides on India from where they had recently returned. Frank was an agricultural adviser

113 there for two years. The 50th anniversary was celebrated in 1984 in the Church hall with a dinner and spouses as guests. Mrs. Jessie Chisholm was honored for being a member for 50 years. Dr. Ellen McLean was presented with a life membership and engraved pin.

More programs * safe bicycle course * making quilts for Valley View Villa, Riverton * remembering older people on Valentine's day * $50.00 for school band at Dr. WA. MacLeod school * Cst. Paul Calder spoke on breathalyzer * risk of kerosene heaters * opposition to stopping Saturday mail delivery * seminar on battered women and support for Tearman House * presents for adopted persons at Valley View Villa * baby sitter course * continuous contact with twin Institute Birtle, Manitoba for several years * pizza for lunch in 1986, some different from 1934! * two adopted residents of Valley View Villa died in 1987 * scrap book made for exhibit at Hector Center 1988 * $100.00 contributed to Ellen McLean's Uganda Project * In 1989 and 1990 Grand Pre Women's Institute was the twin with reciprocating visits being made.

Special functions were held in 1988 in commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Women's Institutes in Nova Scotia. The President Kathy Calder was a guest with other presidents at a Tea put on by the Lt. Governor's wife Mrs. Abraham. Later in the year

114 they had dinner with Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret in Wolfville, N.S.

One member of this Institute has a unique and exceptional record of achievement and service and must be recognized. Ellen McLean joined this Branch in 1953 and has held all of the usual executive positions in this Branch and in the District. Then her record begins to accelerate. In 1963, she was elected Provincial President. In 1973, she was elected President of the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada. In 1983, she began a six year period, two terms, as President of the Associated Country Women of the World. These positions took her to many countries of the world, both undeveloped and developed. Speaking engagements were continually being filled at home and abroad all during these years. These accomplishments and others led to well deserved awards and recognitions. In 1976, St. Francis Xavier University conferred an Honorary L.L.D. degree on her. In 1981, she received the Order of Canada. In 1987, she was installed in the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame. In 1988, she was installed in the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame. If all of this was not enough, she also received the Centennial Medal and the Jubilee Medal. Dr. Ellen McLean continues to be an active member of the Springville-Island Women's Institute, a proud wife of John, mother of Elspeth, Malcolm, and Neil, and grandmother of Laura and Marin.

Eastern Chronicle, Mar. 12,1863 LECTURE AT SPRINGVILLE; On Fri. evening the 27th ult. a lecture was delivered on "Youthful

115 Energies" by Mr. McCullagh, Rector New Glasgow Academy. The subject was first treated theoretically and afterwards practically. Though the evening was unfavorable, the room was filled, and the audience manifested the utmost order and attention. A vote of thanks was unanimously passed to the lecturer. James Grant, Esq., presiding on the occasion.

Eastern Chronicle, May 6, 1887 There is just now much sickness along the river and not a few have been called by the dreaded messenger — death — Christy McKay, daughter of Joseph McKay, Springville, and student of Pictou Academy who was cut down in the bloom of her years. After a week of suffering she died Thursday night at 10 o'clock. John McPhie of Springville received the bad news on 22 ult. of the death of his eldest son. He was book-keeper for his uncle in Trenton, N.J., and victim of malignant malarial fever. John McLellan opened up in D.A. Holmes store. This with Springville Grange, which had been resusicated at Bridgeville should make goods cheap. Perhaps after a while we will get a premium for buying!!

FANCY or FACTS This is unsupported, unsolicited information from which, it was considered better to remove all names. One young member of a prominent early family reputedly went to the United States and one of his descendants became President of the U.S.A. Another prominent early man was supposed to be an illegitimate son of King George III. Then there may have been the clergyman who

116 sometimes drank too much to be able to drive his horse home, so he would stay at the friends all night. Maybe he knew that the horse would take him home.

JESSIE'S STORY Jessie MacLean was born at Irish Mtn. in 1891, the daughter of James Thomas and Margaret Ann MacLean. She married Finlay MacMillon of Churchville in 1918. They had two children Margaret and Angus. Finlay died in 1923. Jessie married James Chisholm of Springville in 1930. They had one son James David. She was again widowed in 1961. Jessie wrote the following story for the Springville- Island Women's Institute in 1966, and in so doing, preserved for us an irreplaceable first person history, with her excellent perception and memory. I wonder if I can write anything that will be of any interest to anyone. I wish I had refused when it was suggested at the Women's Institute that I write something about life in Springville from the beginning of the century on. Perhaps some of my grandchildren might like to read it. It has been troubling my conscience ever since I promised, so I had better begin. Perhaps the first thing I remember, except a vague memory of Granny Macintosh bringing new babies, was going to New Glasgow to buy a new coat and cap to begin school in May, 1897. The day was in late winter and cold. We met my Aunt Marjorie, Mrs. John MacLean, who had come to town on the train. It was decided that I would come back with her. She told my father when he came for me that evening, that I looked so startled when the conductor, Jack Fraser picked me up to carry me off. With so many younger brothers and sisters, I wasn't accustomed to such gallantry. I had to

117 stand on my own feet. That train service for years meant so much in our lives. For many years the line was owned by the Nova Scotia Steel and Coal Company. It had been built by them probably before 1890 for carrying iron ore and limestone from the mines at Iron Ore, Bridgeville and the lime quarries at Springville. A train left Ferrona Junction (near Eureka) in the morning about 8 o'clock, after the express from Sydney to Halifax came in, went to Sunny Brae and returned, (arriving at Springville at 10) in time to meet the express going back to Sydney. In the afternoon the same was repeated. The service was every day of the week, except Sunday. The Conductor was Jack Fraser from Stellarton. He came to know practically everyone living along the river. It was quite something to go to town on the train in those days. Of course there were no cars and train travel everywhere was heavy. You wore your best clothes to go to town. People walked sometimes two or three miles to catch the train at Springville. You left at 10 a.m., changed cars and bought a ticket at Ferrona Junction, had a day shopping or visiting, perhaps a good dinner at Mrs. Green's restaurant in town — salmon, green peas and ice cream, the bill 30 cents and home the same way at 4 p.m. You saved your pennies for the next month so that you could go to town another day. In 1905, the late John V MacLeod, then Principal of Stellarton High School, tried to see how many Grade X and XI students he could get to that school. He hadn't enough students to fill his room. As far as I can remember Grade XII wasn't taught in any of the County High Schools. You had to go to Pictou Academy for Grade XII. He made arrangements with the Steel Company to sell us tickets to Ferrona Junction and on

118 Jessie (MacLean) Chisholm 1891-1990

119 the other line, students could get tickets from the I.C.R., the Intercolonial Railway. This isn't history — it's memory. At what time it was taken over or changed to the C.N.R., I do not know, probably years later. The East River Student went down in the terms 1905-6 and 1906-7. It wasn't too satisfactory. You didn't get to classes before 11 a.m. (The Express stopped at the Round House for 20 minutes for coal and water), so you missed classes. Many more people lived in Hopewell and Eureka at that time and their students went to New Glasgow in the morning on the local, the workman's train. It was strenuous for the young people as many walked miles to catch the 7 o'clock train. A high School education at that time cost effort and money that was hard to come by, so it is not to be wondered at that people look back at the Certificate with a bit of pride. How so many managed College before that time, no one but themselves can ever say. There was one never to be forgotten trip on that train. On Dec. 6, 1917, a bright sunny morning, we heard a noise, something like thunder or bricks from a chimney falling down a roof. I had planned on going to town the next day, but when I got there, clerks hardly noticed you and most people were in tears. There had been an explosion in Halifax Harbour the day before. We hadn't known in the country. All the wires in Halifax were down. What a state people all over the country were in! In the afternoon a real snowstorm blew up. The train left Ferrona Junction but only went about a hundred yards. No use trying to go farther, the drifts were too high and tight. We spent the night in the train. The Conductor broke into T.M. Chisholm's freight and brought us something to eat (T.M. had a very fine store in Sunny Brae). It snowed and the wind howled all night. We thought of the wounded in Halifax, the

120 sufferings of the ones with the windows blown out and wondered if the passing trains carried terribly injured people to the Aberdeen Hospital. The main line had been kept ploughed. The next afternoon the storm was over and another girl, Rachel Grant, later Mrs. Spurgeon Cook and I were able to walk to Andrew McLean's, John's grandfather. We spent the night there. Some time during that time a snow plough had opened out the railroad and we followed the line and walked home — probably the longest walk I ever had. But to go back to 1897. Springville School was crowded at that time. Many had come to work in the lime quarries and had big families. My first number was 76. Ten grades were taught. R.W MacKay, who was born where Mr. and Mrs. Mosher now live, was the first teacher. Almost all of the teachers when I went to school were young people who lived around here. Next came Fraser Cunningham from New Glasgow, a quiet young man. A bunch of teen age young girls made life a merry hell for him and he resigned and Jemima Barkley, later Mrs. Andrew MacKay, Lome, finished the term. Then came Jessie Ellen Grant, up to date in her methods and strict in discipline. Julia Grant, later Mrs. D.W. Cameron, who taught us all the singing we ever had. Christina Grant, later Mrs. Tom Olding, who thought we were not nearly as clever as the Merigomish pupils. Clara Grant, Mrs. J.W.C. MacDonald, who allowed us to dance at recess and noon hour. Two girls and one boy could play the mouth organ. About a dozen girls and four boys danced Lancers Polka Quadrilles and we had a wonderful time. Next was Katherine Maclnnes. Her father was a one armed husky U.S. pensioner. He came down the first day of school and said, "No more of this dancing." He was a school trustee. So our fun was over.

121 Now for the lime quarries. So far I have never been able to find out who first discovered lime and in what year it was begun to be quarried. As far as I know the first quarry was at Lime Brook, where the Irish Mountain road meets the main road, that is, the highway we think of as the main road now. The first road was over the Irish Mtn. When I remember first there was a lime kiln across the road from the quarry, where the owner, people said, burned lime and hauled it to town with a horse and dump cart. The largest quarry is the Holmes quarry. A spur of the railroad was built to haul the lime cars. Probably 30 or more men worked there at one time. Alex Swinamer was the boss all the time it was worked. Men worked a full ten hour shift with pick and shovel for a dollar a day. School children used to go up at noon and sit on a hill not far from the quarry and watch the boxes filled with lime being hoisted from the bottom and emptied into the cars. Another quarry was the MacGillivary quarry, where the Hecimoviches now live. The lime from the quarry was hauled by team and truck wagon to the siding. In spring-time the roads would be a foot deep in mud. Holes were drilled in the rock, dynamite and fuse tamped in and exploded to make handling easier. The men would run up the road, others down, and yell "Fire" and everything would stop until the blast went off. The last one worked was a small one across the road from where Bob MacLean now lives. All the work was hard heavy work but men young and old, some coming from Newfoundland, were willing to work for the wage for in those years ready cash was scarce. As might be expected the Church meant a great deal in the lives of the people. Going to church was the biggest event of the week. People came from Island, Millstream, Irish Mountain, Brookville and many from

122 The valley part of Springville with Angus MacMillan in the foreground, son of Finley MacMillan and Jessie Chisholm, author of this section.

Churchville and Bridgeville. Rev. James Sinclair was the minister from 1892 until 1910. A fine man with a hearty laugh. He was so accustomed to preaching that people said he turned over pages in the Bible in the middle of his prayers. Every fellow tried to have a good horse at that time and horses and buggies were tied to the fence along both sides of the church yard. In winter time the horses had warm woollen blankets. We knew every horse that came to church. A man often left the service because his horse became loose or was biting the next one if tied too near. Mr. Kirker came after Mr. Sinclair. He later married one of the girls (Katherine Calder) in the congregation and of course people had been most interested in how the romance was progressing. Mr. Partridge followed Mr. Kirker. He too married while here. He strongly advocated church union but left before the vote was taken in 1925. From that time on many other Ministers served and lived in the Springville Manse. 123 One of the most necessary persons before and after the beginning of the century was Granny Macintosh. She lived a short distance up the Irish Mtn. road on the right hand side. The place is now so overgrown that you can't find where the house was. She is buried in the Springville cemetery — the name; Mary, wife of John Macintosh. She raised a family of twelve children, who became prominent, well-to-do citizens of other places. After she had raised her family, she became a practical mid-wife. I'm quite sure, self trained. At first there was no Doctor living nearer than New Glasgow or "the Mines" and Mrs. Macintosh with usually the help of the baby's grandmother delivered all the babies. Bridgeville was booming at that time. Many people lived there and of course, many babies were born. The mothers all liked the services of Mrs. Macintosh. She came and looked after the mother and baby for the time needed, usually a week, for $8.00. She was quite successful. I never heard of her losing a mother or a baby in nearly 300 cases. That was remarkable. For quite a few years Dr. Love practised in Bridgeville. He finished his years as a Doctor in New Glasgow. The last Doctor was our own Dr. Chisholm. He was born, grew up and died in Springville. He graduated from Dalhousie in 1907. He began practising here the next year and kept it up until his death in 1950. The country doctor is a matter of history now, now they are all gone but no one that knew Dr. Chisholm will ever forget him. He was a wonderful physician, a courtly gentleman, a very well read person and a most interesting public speaker. He is buried in Bridgeville cemetery. His property has been sold and his wife and two daughters have moved away. The two stores, school house, church and I.O.O.F. hall were in the centre of the village. P.J. Grant owned

124 the larger store and was also post-master and undertaker. It was a typical country store, kept a little of this, that and almost everything. Men came in for the mail, tobacco and a few groceries — then they sat around the stove and talked and smoked. Most used a clay pipe, took a few puffs and passed it to the next fellow. Politics, news, local and national were discussed and many a joke was told. Maggie MacDonald (Maggie Squire) owned the other store. She inherited it from her father (Wilsons now own the store and house) and her stock-in-trade was mostly penny goods sold to the school children. Many a time she came down the stairs for one cents worth, but never candy tasted as good as Hunky Dories, Jerusalems and Queens Choice. The tennis courts were back of the I.O.O.F. hall and all summer long was the gathering place of the young people. The fathers would be annoyed with their teenagers for bringing in the cows too early so that they could get down to play tennis. It was a gathering place for visitors too, especially if they were tennis fans. MacLellan's Brook had a tennis club too and once a year were invited there for an afternoon of play and in the evening all were invited into one of the homes for dancing. It was an event we looked forward to. The next year we had them back, played in the afternoon, had supper, often of baked beans, and danced in the I.O.O.F. hall at night. Besides the tennis there was a good deal of fishing done in the lakes. People hired a horse, (Churches Livery in New Glasgow kept a livery stable) and drove out. Weeks before the 24th of May, the first spring holiday, horses and rubber tired buggies were booked. The fishers would give the boys in the family near the lake a dime for putting in the horse and perhaps buy a quart of milk and a little cream from the girls. There was coasting in winter and swimming in

125 Christie's pool in summer. Skiis were unknown at that time and few had snowshoes, but many had spring skates and skated on the lakes. Every pair of spring skates came supplied with a skate wrench. There was a movable clamp on each of the skates and you moved it to fit onto the sides of your boots and tightened them with the wrench. You closed a lever and a sharp steel cut into the inside of the heel and away you went. Very often not for far though, one would come off and sail across the ice. Our fathers told us that when they were young they used wooden skates. A blade was set into a block of wood and the skate strapped around the toe and the heel. Winters must have been colder then. Every year people planned crossing the river at the Island with a horse and sleigh. Young people now will never know the thrill of a sleigh drive after a lively, well fed horse and an upset in a snow bank — a buggy ride either! Romance progressed in a buggy ride. Millstream was the centre of the industries at the beginning of the century. Grant's saw mill ran for many years before and for many years after. The lake was dammed and water power used. A short distance down the brook, Alex Grant and later his son, Henry had a grist mill. Oatmeal and flour were made from the grain of the farmers. More often than not pay was taken in "toll," that is a portion of the flour or oatmeal kept to pay for the work. Farmers would drive a long distance to another mill if they thought that one miller kept more toll than another. Alex MacDonald had a blacksmith shop not far from the saw mill. All these are now closed. Blacksmith shops were very important when the only power was horse power. There was one every few miles all through the country. A farmer had a little rest while his team was being shod, and if two or three other fellows were waiting their turn, you

126 gathered a lot of local gossip. Now for the farms: At the beginning of the century there were many small farms where people made their living that are now vacant and overgrown. The owners have died or moved away. Along the Cross Brook at the Irish Mtn. were four families — no one there now. On the Irish Mtn. road from Bob Camerons to Lime Brook •vere eight families, now only three. Two manses built by Ministers, very fine homes have fallen down. One was built by Rev. A. MacLean Sinclair on the top of the hill across from Bob MacLean's. The other was built by the Rev. Angus McGillivray. The main road between Springville and Coromonie had gone between the two houses on the Hambleton property. The Manse was about a quarter mile up that road. Summer time was a busy time with the farmers. Almost the only time extra help was kept was at haying time. Other times neighbors exchanged labor. You worked with someone when he needed an extra hand and he came back with you when you were short handed. I remember watching four men cutting a big field of oats with hand scythes. One would start and when about ten steps ahead another began. They swung their scythes in unison, took a short step with one foot after the first stroke and another with the other foot after the second. They kept on to the end of the field in this way, then stood their scythes on end and sharpened the blade with the whitstone, stroking side about. They beat time doing this. It was all interesting to watch. The swaths were left for a couple of days to dry, then the women and children turned them over to dry on the other side and in another day or so according to the weather, rolled them up into windrows. After harvest a man who owned a threshing mill came around threshing the straw. A dozen or more neighbors

127 gathered at the first barn, about six brought their teams. These were hitched to the power supply. This was a circular arrangement. A man, usually an older man stood in the centre platform to drive the horses and they hauled around in a circle to provide power to drive the mill. The man who owned the farm was supposed to stand behind the shakers and keep the threshed straw out of the way. It was such a dusty job that by dinner time his face would be so black that you hardly knew him. There were often delays. A stick or stones would get into the mill and the thresher would need to go to town to get repairs. The same men usually followed the men through the community. The women of the house were supposed to supply the best meal of the year. Christmas, was nothing to it, and right on time too. Later, tractors took the place of horses and now combines take the place of threshing machines. In the spring time the sheep were sheared by hand with sheep shears. It couldn't have been very comfortable for the sheep, you often saw red spots where a bit of skin had been ripped off. The sheep were lifted onto a table for shearing and their legs tied in pairs. At this time the young lambs and calves and occasionally a colt were born. The ground that had been ploughed the fall before was harrowed, grain sowed and potatoes planted. Before the days of the seeder a bed sheet was taken, three corners tied together and slipped over the head. The other corner was held in the hand to form a bag. A bucket full or more of grain was put in. The sower took a hand full of grain and scattered it in a semi-circle, took a step and another handfull and so on until the field was covered and the grain was later harrowed in and the ground rolled. Between spring work and haying odd jobs were done. The wool was washed and dried, some was taken

128 to the carding mill for spinning next winter into yarn. The wool had been made into rolls at the mill. The rest was taken to town to be traded for needed dry goods. Perhaps a building needed to be shingled or a drain dug. Haying was the busy time. The hay was cut with the team mowing machine, raked by horse rake and piled in hay cocks, the next morning these were spread out to dry, and when dry gathered into piles, pitched onto a hay wagon and hauled into the barn. A horse was taken out, a swingle tree (or perhaps its called a whiffletree) attached to a rope with a fork on the other end and the hay hoisted into the mow. It was always the job of the farmer's wife or children to "drive the horse in the fork." The field was again raked for whatever was missed, nothing was allowed to go to waste. Balers have recently come into use, tractors have taken the place of horses and old methods are out of date. Probably there is a greater change in the roads than in anything. Roads were crooked and narrow. A man with a road machine drawn by horses cleaned the ditches once a year. In place of road taxes men worked two days a year at what was called statute labor, that was, working on the roads, picking stones and mending sluices. The first automobile in the county owned by Fanjoy of New Glasgow came about 1906. Horses were terrified when they met on the narrow roads and it was surely dangerous to be thrown out of a wagon by a runaway horse. The word "buggy" wasn't used in olden times. Women worked so hard in bygone times. They carried in wood and water. They helped milk cows and made butter and often took it to town and sold it. They washed clothes, using a wash board and had no wringer. They made their own yeast and did all their

129 baking with home ground flour that had less gluten and often went flat when baked. They worked in the fields and raised chickens and looked after the hens. They had large families and no baby food. They nursed them through all kinds of contagious diseases. Is it any wonder that they died young! Next year Canada finishes its first century as a Dominion. What is ahead in the next hundred years?? Will there be as many changes? What they will lead to is hard to realize. At any rate I'm sure that Canada is to-day a better place to live in than it was a hundred years ago. May it always keep on improving.

Given by Jessie Chisholm at the Springville Women's Institute meeting. Post-script: Jessie passed away, while this book was being written, at the age of 99 years.

EVANGELINE TENNIS CLUB A meeting of a few of the citizens of Springville and Millstream met in Springville June 8th for the purpose of organizing a Tennis Club. R.W Grant was chairman. It was moved and seconded that Henry Grant be President and J.E. Grant secretary of the club. It was suggested that the Club be called Evangeline. This was 1901. The members paying dues that year were: Henry Grant R.G. McKay Julia Grant R.W. Grant Louise Grant J.E. Grant Agnes McDonald Allister Calder Howard McDonald Esther Fraser H.D. Chisholm James A. Ross John A. McGillivary George McLean Jas. D. McDonald Clara Grant Phillip Long R.G. Fraser 130 Maggie Sinclair D.W. McMillan Wilna Grant Earl Holmes Helen Grant John Chisholm Bessie Cameron Hugh Calder The tennis court was built on land of John Holmes for which they paid rental of $3.00 per year. The court was located by the brook, just upstream of the I.O.O.F. hall. The Club building and courts remained until the late 1930s, nearly forty years in all. From 1901 to 1910 the following were Presidents; Henry Grant, H.D. Chisholm (twice), John A. McGillivray, Allister Calder, Hugh Calder (twice), Annie P. Fraser, Louise Grant. An ice cream social was held one year to raise funds for the Club, another year a "concert" was held. In 1910 there were the following members not listed in 1901; George McGillivray Lila Swinamer Jessie I. McKnight J. Holmes Atwell McLean Ewan Cameron Bert McBeth Leslie McGillivray Will J. McDonald Anna B. Holmes Alex McGillivray In 1911, there were: Rachel Grant Elsie Calder Rev. E.A. Kirker Sam Fraser Annie Calder Mrs. Sinclair Grant The Club house had a spacious verandah in front where the members could sit and watch the games being played. The railing and posts supporting the verandah roof were made from birch trees with the bark left on, which created a very decorative effect.

131 I.O.O.F. Hall. The tennis court was back to the left of the hall. The drill hall (for Fenian Raids) was left of the tree, in the hall yard.

Notes from the Colonial Standard Sept. 17, 1907, Springville:

Lou Grant visited Point Edward. John McDonald of Shubenacadie visited friends here. Allister McLean and James P. Grant have been going to Pictou Academy each trying for a "B" (grade 11). Miss Margaret McGillivary, accompanied by her sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Busbie, has returned to their former home in Springville after spending the summer months in the U.S.A. Jack Grant, who has been in Manitoba since 10 years, is visiting his parents here.

132 INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS A lodge of the I.O.O.F. was instituted at Springville Oct. 17, 1876 and chartered Aug. 16, 1877, as Union Lodge. The names of officers appearing on the charter are: — Robert McLean, William McGillivray, Robert A. Mcintosh, David McLean and Joseph Grant. This fraternal organization met weekly for over 80 years (over 4000 meetings) and in some recent years has met twice monthly. They are in year 116, in 1992, quite a record! At the beginning, the meetings were on Tuesday nights, but shortly the members decided to change to Wednesday after discussing any conflict of prayer meeting night with Rev. McLean Sinclair. They have met on Wednesday nights ever since then. Members at first came from Churchville, Brookville, Bridgeville, Sunny Brae and even Caledonia in addition to Springville and Millstream. In 1895, a lodge was started at Sunny Brae, so that members "up the river" didn't have to travel so far. It should be remembered that the period around 1890-1900 was when the population of Bridgeville had increased more than five fold and Ferrona was a busy place. The steel works was operating in Ferrona, iron mines were operating in Bridgeville, the limestone quarries at Springville were busy places and a rail line had been built to accommodate all this industry. Thus, there were many potential members for a lodge in Springville. This was also a time long before government social policies helped the needy, sick or elderly. The I.O.O.F. was an organization largely devoted to caring for ailing members, families, widows and orphans. The Odd Fellows residential home in Pictou has been serving a most needy cause for generations.

133 In Springville "the lodge," having members from most families over the years became a sort of conscience and guide to the community, and also, served as a social centre for the members and their wives. The organization consisted of a large number of officers and a number of committees. The visiting committee had a vital role to play in the earlier years, as their recommendations could result in financial or other help for members laid up by sickness or accident, which was a frequent happening. On one occasion it was agreed that "as many as possible agreed to meet at W.G. McGillivray's residence with teams and ploughs to give him a day's ploughing." Members of the visiting committee in 1880 were: — John Skinner, Brookville, John R. McMillan, Duncan Chisholm, John G. Grant and Hugh Grant, and the finance committee members were: — John A. McDonald, Thos. McMillan and R.A. Mcintosh. Secretaries of the early 1880s were R.A. Mcintosh, John Holmes and John D. Fraser. In 1887 John Forbes was Secretary and Wm. McGillivray was Noble Grand. Some other N.G.s in the 1880s were Don. J. McDonald, Alex Urquart and Luther McLean. On Sept. 7, 1894 a member (Brother) was killed accidently. Bro. Neil Bearisto was run over by a car and killed. Presumably the "car" was a stone carrying wagon-car. He was buried in Springville Cemetery Sept. 9, 1894, but there isn't any record of such at the cemetery. In 1899 another Brother died in Colorado. Union Lodge #30 received a telegram from Victor, Colorado advising that Hugh Daniel Chisholm had died of typhoid fever. He was only 26 years of age, a son of Joseph and Annie Chisholm of Springville. The following letter of memoriam was received from the

134 lodge in Victor, Colorado. Whereas it has pleased Almighty God in his divine wisdom to remove from our midst our dearly beloved Brother H.D. Chisholm of Union Lodge No. 30 N.S., be it resolved that in the death of Bro. Chisholm, Victor Lodge No. 26 laments the loss of a true faithful Odd Fellow who was ever ready to offer the hand of help and the voice of sympathy to the needy, therefore be it resolved that the heartfelt sympathy of this lodge be tendered his beloved family also Union Lodge No. 30 who lost a worthy member.

In 1893 there were 43 members in Union Lodge No. 30. Some of the members in 1897 were: — D.W. Cameron, C. Engineer, 28 yrs.; Fulton Cameron, stone mason, 26; James A. Fraser, carriage maker, 30; Simon I. Fraser, carriage maker, 27; Robert W. Grant, carpenter, 28; Albert McN. Grant, farmer, 42; Robert H. Grant, miner, 25; Robert D.S. Grant, farmer, 32; John W. Grant, dyer, 49; Hugh Grant, dyer, 44; Peter J. Grant, carriage maker, 41; all of Springville. Wm. G. Robertson, farmer, 38; John A. Delaney, stone cutter, 24 of Churchville. Joseph G. Grant, farmer, 41; Henry A. Grant, miller, 21; John G. Grant, 42 all of Millstream; and Duncan Grant of Sunny Brae. Officers nominated for 1904 were: — N.G. Dr. W.H. Rollins, of Bridgeville; V.G. Simon H. Thompson; P.J. Grant, A. McN. Grant, John Holmes. In 1920 there were 64 members. The I.O.O.F. hall is another landmark in Springville. Originally it was Duncan Chisholm's carpenter shop, having been moved to its present position from Chisholm's property half a mile towards Bridgeville. Duncan Chisholm used the lower floor for

135 his carpenter work and the upper floor was used as a weaving and dress making shop. Correspondence between the lodge and Simon Holmes reveals the fact that the hall was moved after Nov. 12th, 1883. A.W. McDonald, Springville wrote to Simon Holmes in Halifax asking, "Will you sell the Oddfellows a site for their hall anywhere along the road? We must remove it from its present site." After another letter or so, Simon H. Holmes agreed that the site alongside the old hall would be best as one was already there, (opposite Peter J. Grant's). It would appear that the I.O.O.F. held their meetings in the former temperance Society hall, or had purchased it at or before incorporating in 1876. In 1895 the lodge members decided to finish the lower "flat" of the hall, with expenses paid by the lodge until such time as it got in rent. In August, a committee was ordered to finish the flat for two tenants at as reasonable cost as possible. It seems that they had at least one tenant for a few years. In Dec. 1901 it was decided to make a public hall of the lower flat and to rent to the Christian Endeavour and for Prayer Meeting for Tuesday and Thursday nights. Over these many years that "flat-hall" was also taken for granted as a public meeting place. Many school Christmas concerts were held there with all the daily practices that such an event entailed. Even travelling entertainers rented the hall. The I.O.O.F. are remembered by many for the big district picnics that were held in Springville in the 1930s. These picnics were held on the interval back of where J.K. Campbell's store used to be and back of the home of Bob Grant at that time, now the home of Jim Chisholm.

136 Minute excerpts — March 23, 1883. Eureka Nevada. A certain member (from Springville working in Nevada) claimed he was disabled for 5 weeks. Records of Eureka Lodge showed only 3 weeks. Matter was left to Union Lodge. Union Lodge April 5, 1882 moved he get 2 weeks; amendment moved 3 weeks; moved amendment to the amendment for 4 weeks. First amendment carried. (Democracy at work.) April 19, 1882. Motion was made that they would celebrate Anniversary of the Order by having an Oyster Supper. Motion lost!

HOLMES FAMILY Springville was home to a Premier of Nova Scotia and to a Senator of Canada — both Holmes men. John Holmes, born at Ross-shire, Scotland, 1789, came to Pictou with his parents in 1803 when he was 14 years old. They came to Springville and purchased the farm of John Fraser, the first settler in Springville. The house that John Fraser (Iain Ruadh) built was the first frame house in Springville and it stood until lost by fire shortly after John W Johnson came to live there in 1923. The property is now owned by Walter Johnson, youngest son of John W. Johnson. Walter operates a campground on the interval land that attracted the first settler, John (Iain Ruadh) Fraser. John married Christina Fraser, in 1814, she was born May 1794, died Nov. 1887. She was the daughter of James Fraser (Mor). John's mother Christy Munro, was born in Rosshire, Scotland and died in Springville, 1847. His father, also named John, from Rosshire died in 1826 at 70 years of age. The size of the original John Holmes family that came in 1803 is not known. By 1836, he was an officer in the Pictou militia and

137 a justice of the peace. He was Deputy Commissioner of Crown Lands. John and Christy (Fraser) Holmes had a family of eight sons: James, 1819-1908, m. Annabel Fraser, 1823-1867; Donald Alan Fraser, 1826-1891, M. Annie Crichton, 1935-1919; Simon Hugh, 1831-1919, m. Isabella Little; Alexander; John, 1833-1897; Hugh, 1828-1829; Charles Wallace, 1837-1838; William, 1833-1897, lived in New Zealand; and one daughter married to Mr. McMillan in Pictou. John was active in public life and was named one of two representatives of the newly established Pictou district in 1836. He was a representative in Halifax from 1840 to 1843 and 1843 to 1847. He was elected again in 1851 for another four years. He was a Tory. Rev. J.P. McPhie, M.A. in his book Pictonians at Home and Abroad said about John Holmes, "By his industry, intelligence and public spirit he won the confidence of the people and for many years represented them in Parliament." In 1858, he was appointed a member of the Legislative Council and in 1867 when Canada was born, he was appointed to the Senate of Canada. According to the 1871 census he was a farmer owning 150 acres of land of which 30 was improved, 13 was pasture, 2 in wheat; 8 bus. of barley, 150 bus. of oats, 20 bus. of buckwheat, 10 bus. of potatoes, 40 tons of hay. He was very active in buying and selling property for many years. Senator John Holmes died in 1876 aged 87 years. Simon Hugh, born at Springville, July 30, 1831, son of Senator John Holmes studied law and was admitted to the bar and practised in Pictou Co. for many years. For twenty years he owned and edited Pictou's weekly newspaper The Colonial Standard a thoroughly Tory

138 paper. In 1871, he was elected to the Nova Scotia Legislature and again in 1874. In 1878, Simon H. Holmes became the fourth Premier of the Province for a period of four years. During his term as Premier, some far reaching legislation was passed, including a reform of the Municipal governing system. In May, 1882, Mr. Holmes retired from politics to be Prothonotary for the Supreme Court of Halifax for 32 years. He married Isabella Little of Pictou in 1874. They had a family of four daughters. (1) Mary Eveline married Mr. Bauld. They had one son Holmes Bauld who has lived most of his life in Malta. (2) Kathleen (Dottie) married Prof. McNeil, Dalhousie U., they had three daughters; Edith, Isabel, Janet; married Desmond Piers (Admiral). (3) Jamesie, married C.W Frazee, banker. They had five children: Bunty, married J.E.R. Wood, deceased, Vancouver; Joyce married Rt. Hon. Robert Stanfield, she was killed in a car accident; Donald, pilot missing in WW II; James, psychiatrist and John, both of Vancouver. (4) Annabell who died when she was just over a year old. He maintained the home farm of his father's from 1873 onwards, when it was conveyed to him with the condition that he look after his father and his mother and a niece Jessie Fraser. Unfortunately for the Holmes family, the property was sold by the sheriff in 1921 to John Gray for a sum of $1400. Previously a portion of the property had been set aside for Mary Eveline Holmes Bauld, which property is still in Bauld's possesion. Mr. Gray sold the Holmes home farm to John Johnson and wife Gertrude Johnson within the year and the home was lost by fire in 1923. This house was the first frame house in Springville. At one time, around 1880, there were three Holmes homes on the road to Bridgeville. The first one next to

139 the brook which was the old Fraser house, John and Simon's home; next was "The Willows" owned by Donald Allan Fraser Holmes. The house on this property burned April 23rd, 1897. "It had been one of the best on the East River, being fitted with hot air and the modern conveniences"; next was the home of James Holmes, now the home of Alan Johnson and his mother Minnie. Simon, Donald and James were brothers. The brothers, James and Donald A.F., operated a sawmill and a carding mill, powered by water. It was located towards the river from the home of James, now the Alan Johnson house. This mill was destroyed by fire that started at 9 o'clock, on the evening of Oct. 14, 1885. James had his part insured but Donald Allan did not. Simon was involved in many business transactions in highly divergent locations. He was given permission to lumber a tract of 50 sq. miles at a cost of $250 land rental in the North-West Territories (Manitoba) near Lake Winnipegosis. In 1883, when the I.O.O.F. had bought the shop from Duncan Chisholm as their hall, they wished to locate it on Simon Holmes property, but he wasn't too anxious to agree, and Donald A.F. didn't want it opposite his house "The Willows." They all finally agreed that it should go to its present location which in 1883 was next to the old drill hall and Temperance hall. James and Annabel's family: Christina Isabella married Mr. Kennedy; Margaret Catherine 1847-1821 not married; Jessie Caroline married Hugh Murray; Mary Anna 1860 married Peter Jenkins; James F 1855 — C.N.R. conductor, Mulgrave; John 1851-1914 married Lydia, 1865-1939, daughter of Peter Grant. This John had studied law for a time with his uncle Simon Hugh and was an Assistant Provincial Engineer for a time. Their family was; Irene married Henry Crocket;

140 abella married Fred C. Crockett; Christie Grant not i; Marjorie married Adolphe Behrens, Alberta; L^es Earl 1890-1907; John McMillan 1898-1932; — - : r. Allister, farming western Canada. en Mrs. Lydia (John) Holmes and her daughter left for western Canada in 1919, Springville was Homeless" for the first time in over 100 years. Donald A.F. and Annie's family: John 1871-1901, —ed in Arizona; Margaret A. 1872- ; Anna B. 1873- ; bne C. 1874- ; Annie Sinclair 1876-1904, wife of Wm. Christie. Sometime after 1885, the Donald Allan family — oved to Bridgeville, maybe it was after he died in 1. The Bridgeville cemetery contains the remains of — any of the above mentioned Holmes people.

News item from The Enterprise 1897, Springville House Fire The house of the late Donald Allan Holmes of Springville was totally destroyed by fire, together with most of the furniture on Friday, the 23 April. The house was occupied by Mr. Alexander Archibald in the absence of Mr. Holmes, who is now in Colorado. The fire originated from a spark from the kitchen, which was in progress for some time before Mr. Peter Grant, who lives near Mrs. Holmes residence, discovered it. The loss is estimated at $1500.00.

An interesting letter!

Westville, N.S. 4 March 1881 Hon. S.H. Holmes Dear sir; 141 I purchased for you in New Glasgow today 20 doz. eggs which will go forward tomorrow morning, by freight train. Eggs cannot be had at the price you named (in New Glasgow) 14 cents — the lowest rates being 16 & 17 cents. Yours truly, John McDougall

The Premier received many letters from his brother Donald Allan, who was not afraid to ask his brother for favours or for the loan of money. He didn't appear to get along with his brother James as well, maybe they just lived too close to each other. He mentioned in one letter that he had heard from William and they had started haying — the letter was dated July 30, 1881. D.A.F was named for Rev. Donald Allan Fraser, minister in Springville in early 1800s.

REV. ANGUS MCGILLIVRAY FAMILY The Rev. Angus McGillivray was born in Inverness- shire, Scotland in 1792. He was the son of Malcolm and Isabella McGillivray, who settled at Middle River, when they came to Nova Scotia. He had at least two brothers and two sisters, one sister married John McDonald of Caledonia, 1784-1877; another, Christiana married Frederick Fraser of Island, East River. Angus and eleven others enrolled in Dr. McCulloch's theological class at the Theological Hall, Pictou, part of the newly established Academy. Angus was inducted into the congregation of the East and West Branches of East River Sept. 1, 1824 at the age of 32, and he served that congregation for 40 years, retiring in 1864. This man obviously had a big influence on the early

142 development of the community. He was born Dec. 25, 1792 and died July 20, 1869. He is buried in Springville Cemetery. He married Annie Matheson, 1806-1888, in 1824. The Rev. Angus McGillivray bought 100 acres of land from Duncan Grant for £200 on May 5th, 1825. This site was east of the village of Springville, up on the promontory of the hill such that from their house they could look south up the East River Valley and in front down the Valley towards Eureka and on the right along the road to New Glasgow. Angus and Annie called their home "Cottage Hill." See story about "Old Brass Knocker" page 148. When he began his ministry the only church or meeting place was at Grant's Lake on land owned in 1914 by Joseph H. Grant, now, (in 1992) owned by James McLeod. The Springville Presbyterian Church was built in 1853. The congregation presented their minister Rev. Mr. McGillivray with a large Bible on the official opening of the new church in 1854. This Bible is on display in the Springville Church, having been preserved by descendants of Rev. Angus McGillivray, and presented on July 24, 1988 by Ellen, widow of Hugh George McGillivray, who died in 1984, a son of John Angus, who died in 1951, son of Alexander Isaac, son of William, died 1902, eldest son of Rev. Angus. Angus and Annie had a family of; Isabella, 1827- 1856, m. Alexander Grant; James Thomas, 1832-1856, a theology student; William M., 1838-1902; Isaac, 1839- 1905; Anna, 1849-1926, wife of Joseph How Grant; Rev. John David, not m.; Margaret m. Rev. Campbell and had Bruce and Gordon, lived in Little Rock, Arkansa; Ida; Sarah (Sadie) m. and moved to Boston; Elizabeth; Mary; and Alexander, who practiced medicine in Sydney.

143 The Presbyterian Church Manse and Church Hall. This hall was formerly the Springville school.

The John Hambleton home, formerly the home and office of Dr. H.D. Chisholm .

144 William was a farmer in Springville. He married sie Duff, 1847-1896, of Irish Mtn. They had a family ::: Mary B. 1876- ; John A. 1878- ; Robert 1880-1906; nie 1881- ; Margaret 1883- ; Alexander Isaac 1887- 4; Baby 1890. Isaac was a captain in the militia, and returned home to look after his mother and the farm, he 3 married to Jane Olding Roy 1848-1897. They had at children. Roy Matheson 1878-1883; Florence Louise 1881-1897; Georgie 1878- ; Annie Laurie 1874- 1962; Janie 1884- ; Malcolm 1883- ; William 1887- ; Leslie. Most birth dates are approximate as they were :btained from Springville school registers. The 1887 -;r.ool register lists CA. McGillivray, age 15 yrs. as i:tending, but the parents are not indicated. When Isaac died in 1905, a most interesting will as read. He left all of the farm, farmstead, lying south of the Coromony road excepting the area known as the field" below the road, also two horses, the black mare and the yellow mare and two cows, to his son Wm. Matheson "to work the farm as twas usually done and all of the family to have a home" until Wm. reached 24 years of age. To, Georgie Gordon my daughter the "field." To, Malcolm Neury my son, Annie Laurie, Georgie Gordon, and Jane Roy, my daughters and Leslie my son the wood for sawing into lumber from my wood lot in equal shares. Leslie is to have the woodlot land after the trees are removed, also the cow known as the Ferguson cow." Jane Roy is to have the colt. On the 25th of July, 1889 The New Glasgow Iron, Coal and Railway Co. agreed to pay Isaac McGillivray 51000 for all mineral and ore rights on his land and be able to travel over the land in any manner they wished, provided that they would pay for any damages. His land was bounded on the west by Duncan Chisholm and John Sutherland, on the south by John S. and Wm.

145 Grant, and Duncan Charles Grant, on the east by Wm. Grant and James W Fraser, on the north by James Holmes, Donald Allen Holmes and Peter McPhee, in all 200 acres. The N.S. Midland Railway and Iron Company, in 1890, paid for a right-of-way 100 ft. wide and 485 ft. long across the McGillivray farm and also across properties of John Sutherland, Peter McPhee, Samuel Fraser and Simon McDonald. See page 32. Information is available on some of the descendants, as, of William's family; Alexander, 1887-1964, married Nettie Fraser, they had one child, Margaret, who married Gordon Genge and they had three sons; John A. married Louise MacNeil, lived in Mira, Cape Breton and later in Fredericton. They had a son George and a daughter Isabel. Isaac's family: Georgie, 1878- , married Rev. A.H. Fraser, Bridgeville; Annie Laurie, 1874-1962 taught school, and in 1905 married James W. Fraser, Electrical Engineer from Bridgeville, (brother of Rev. A.H. Fraser) lived in North Carolina. Her daughter Catherine wrote the Essay entitled "Recollections of an Old Brass Knocker," see page 148. This Catherine Fraser married John A. Hebert and lived in New Orleans, Louisiana; Janie married James Maxwell, and they lived in the stone house built at Durham for a Theological College.

Newspaper Clippings The Enterprise, Sept. 18,1897 Springville News. Lizzie Sutherland is planning to go to U.S. Henry Murdock plans to go to the Klondyke. Wm. Green's residence was the site of a party — dancing. They took the door and windows off. Music by Prof. Sutherland.

146 Maud Fraser of Springville has gone to U.S. The teacher this year is Fraser Cunningham.

stern Chronicle, Oct. 11,1877 At Caledonia, St. Mary's, 19th ult., Mr. John McDonald, aged 93 yrs. This aged patriarch lived a beautiful Christian life and died a peaceful and happy death. His partner in life was a sister of the fate Rev. Angus McGillivray of Springville, preceded him to their eternal home by only a few months. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."

Eastern Chronicle, Mar. 22, 1877 Obituary At Pope Valley, near Napa City, California, on Feb. 22, James Campbell Sutherland, student, s/o the late Rev. Murdock Sutherland of Pictou, aged 21 yrs. 4 mo. He went to California for his health. After resting for some time he passed an examination for license to teach, as he had before in his native County, in the schools of Springville, Roger's Hill and Pictou Academy.

Eastern Chronicle, Dec. 15,1881 Grant Bros, of Springville whom have been doing extensive trade with Mirimachi and other ports in Chaleur Bay, are putting their Woolen Mills on the market.

The following essay was written over 65 years ago. It is about the McGillivrays of Springville and depicts an idea of life of those times.

147 Recollections of an Old Brass Knocker by Catherine Fraser A GOLD MEDAL ESSAY

While I stand guard here, fastened to the door of this modern brick house, and look out over the wide verandah to the flower garden and the park below with its glorious sweeping willows and the dark grove of whispering pines beyond, I think how beautiful and sunshiny and peaceful it is here in the Southland. I'm a brass knocker, just a plain, old fashioned knocker, and I'm growing very old. In the year 1798, when I was made, the brass was beautiful and durable, the designs simple and artistic. It was that the Rev. Angus McGillivray bought and carefully and lovingly placed me on the door of the white frame house he had built for his bride, beautiful Nancy Matheson. It was one of the first frame houses on the East River (Springville), and one of the showplaces of the countryside. Born in the Highlands, it was only natural that he should have chosen as the site for his home one of the highest hills in the country. All this and much more I learned second-hand from the scraps of conversation that filtered out to me in my place on the heavy oaken door. When first I took my stand there, it was late spring. From my place on the door, I could look out for miles over the surrounding country. Sometimes in the early morning, the little village of Springville, down in the valley of the East River, would be blotted out by fog, leaving only our hill and hills to the west, away in the distance. Up from the valley below, young Angus built through the woods, a twisted rambling road, and sloping away from the house down to meet the road was a little green terraced lawn; below the lawn on each side of the road, stretched

148 an orchard of young trees. When Mistress Nancy came, she saw to the planting about the house of a beautiful, old-world-garden. Such a wonderful garden it was too, with gorgeous peonies, clusters of Sweet William, dainty heliotrope, fragrant currant, gay tiger lillies, mignonette, lillies of the valley, forget-me-nots, bleeding heart, and soft little moss roses, all set out in neat array, and tall on each side of the door, like sentinels, two sweet-smelling purple lilacs; then into place went six little balm of Gilead trees and three tiny willow switches. I was young then and had strange fancies; it seemed to me as I watched from my place on the door, that Angus and his bride as they walked in the garden talking softly, must have been almost as happy as Adam and Eve, for if God did not talk with Angus and his bride, he was very near to them. Although I never left my place on the door for nearly one hundred years, yet from the talk I've heard I know each detail of the house I guarded as though I'd seen it myself; and because I think it might interest you modern people with your many conveniences to know how the well-to-do pioneer lived, I'll tell you all I can remember of the house itself. Upstairs were three large bedrooms and Angus' study. Downstairs in the basement, was the large roomy kitchen with its windows on a level with the ground. At one end of the kitchen was an enormous fireplace where the food was cooked in iron pots suspended from a crane over the open fire. To the left of the open fireplace was that possession of Mistress Nancy most envied by other less fortunate housewives — her built in brick oven. To bake bread and cake, a fire was made in the oven, the iron door pulled down as one pulls down a window shade, and the fire allowed to burn until the bricks in

149 the oven became very hot. Then, the fire was raked out and the bread put in to be cooked by the heat from the hot brick walls. Opening off the kitchen on one side was a narrow hall, off which, in turn, opened four small bedrooms, just big enough to hold a cot, a small stand for the candle, and a chair or two. It was in these that the "help" slept, and to these the children were sent when there was an overflow of visitors. Behind the kitchen, and on the other side, a large cellar had been dug out of the earth. It was walled with stone, and was almost as cool as your refrigerator. Here on the shelves, stood rows of pans of milk set for cream. Opening off this cellar was a smaller one where bins of vegetables and barrels of apples were safe from the frosts of winter. Thus Angus built a house worthy of his bride. It was not long before Cottage Hill, the name Miss Nancy gave their three hundred acres, rang with the voices of little children, six girls and five boys, Nancy bore her husband. Although Angus made as strict a father as most Scotch Presbyterian Ministers, yet the home was always a happy one. It seems to me as I look back, that the children were always laughing as though they were happy just to be alive, glad to be able to work and play. A half mile or so from the house, over a little green hill beside a gay, bubbling brook, was a favorite camping ground of a handful of friendly MicMac Indians, a sub-division of the Algonquins. As the children grew older, they played with the Indian children, learning to be as fleet of foot as they, as strong and fearless. Often on Saturday morning the little Indian children would come to the door, their shyness overcome by their eagerness to obtain some of the goodies on which Miss Nancy's children feasted when

150 turday morning baking was finished. Great was the amount of work finished on Saturday, :or excepting the feeding of the stock, no work at all was done on Sunday. Sunday's meals were prepared on Saturday, house was cleaned on Saturday, Sunday clothes were pressed and mended, Sunday shoes were blacked; everything, in fact, that could not conscientiously be called a work of necessity or mercy was done on Saturday. Early Sunday morning, almost as soon as breakfast was over, Mistress Nancy and the Reverend mounted their horse, and started on their way to church, the children following on foot. The Reverend's first sermon was delivered in English; then, after a sermon lasting over two hours, came an intermission. After the intermission the Rev. Angus preached his second •ermon — in Gaelic. Then home and a delicious dinner, despite the fact that everything was cold. After dinner, the remainder of the afternoon was spent by the children in studying the Bible, and learning the Shorter Catechism, while the Rev. and his wife visited the sick and the needy. At nine-thirty, as on every night, the family and the servants all came together for family worship. Then, as on other nights, the children went to bed. (This seems rather late — Author.) As the boys and girls grew older, they sometimes rebelled on going to bed so early; it necessitated their missing many of the parties that the older young folk in the settlement gave from time to time. If my memory serves me right, it was William, the eldest, who first gave such a scare by slipping steathily out the window by my side, rumbling around until he found a smooth pebble and silently fitting it under the window frame in order that he might raise it on his return, and no one be

151 any the wiser. At first, perhaps, I was a little troubled over this, but after reflecting on life in general and boys in particular, I chuckled; it was harmless deviltry. William must have had enjoyed himself immensely, or been too proud of his cleverness to keep it to himself for when the next party was held, Alex and John accompanied him out of the window. Later the girls, four of whom were reigning beauties, and greatly in demand at social affairs, were let in on the secret and many a gay whisper and smothered laugh I heard as the brothers and sisters trouped in after the parties were over. Then came the courtships and weddings; one by one the children left the old home for homes of their own. The family was singularly free from deaths, all the children living to a ripe old age except one, who, named for two ministers, and himself studying for the ministry, was said to have studied so hard it undermined his health. Privately I have often wondered if the burden of his name — James McGregor Thomas McCulloch McGillivray, did not weigh him down to his early grave. In 1869 Angus died and was laid to rest in the little graveyard on the bank of the East River. Nancy lived on at the old house for nineteen years after his death with her son, Captain Isaac McGillivray, who had resigned his commission to come home and take care of the old place. It was not long before Isaac brought home his bride, Jane Roy. Her brown eyes, her cheeks like roses, the soft curl of her brown hair, pleased me well, but the strength of character shown in every feature from brow to chin pleased me better. Isaac and Jane had eight children and again the old house rang with young laughter. Although Isaac had not married an heiress, and the pennies were sometimes scarce, yet there was

152 ghter and gaiety aplenty. Sometimes there was Iness too, but sorrow knits hearts together and -akes a house a home. As the years rolled by and the rd generation, other lovers came and did their courting under the great willow trees that had grown m the willow switches Mistress Nancy had planted so long ago. After the death of Isaac and his wife, the family began to scatter. The winters in Canada are so long and :aid, the summers short. As the west opened up, many of the young people left the farms, to seek their fortune in the newer fields and it was lonely on the East River. Our boys stood it as long as they could, but the West with its unlimited opportunities was calling them, and after awhile the old place was closed, and only occasionally in the summer did anyone come back. From my place on the door I watched the weeds choke out Mistress Nancy's beautiful flowers. One by one, with no one to prop them, the lovely old trees went down in the winter storms; spring rains washed great gullies in the road; the barns crumbled and fell to pieces — still the old house stood staunchly because it had been built as no houses are today. Each summer as the children came back they took away with them pieces of the old furniture they had loved until the house was entirely dismantled. Everywhere was ruin and desolation — utter quiet. To me it seemed the old house listened for the voices of other years, and longed for its old playmates. Then in the summer of 1924, just one hundred years from the time the Reverend Angus had placed me on the door, Isaac's eldest daughter came up from the Southland, wept a little over the desolation of the home she had so loved, and took me down from the old door, to carry me back with her to her home in the South.

153 It grieved me sorely to leave the old place, but I am growing old here in the South, it is so peaceful. It warms the cockles of my heart to hear again the laughter of little children, and to share the joys and sorrows of another family. I am well content.

This wonderful essay was published in the Eastern Chronicle, July 21, 1925. It was written by Miss Catherine Fraser, of Charlotte, North Carolina. As the first prize essay, it won for her the Gold Medal in the graduation with honors from the High School of that city. Catherine is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Fraser of Charlotte. Mrs. Fraser was formerly Miss Annie Laurie McGillivray, a granddaughter of Rev. Angus McGillivray. Catherine married John Hebert, and they lived at 7933 Oak St. New Orleans, La. 70118.

SPRNGVTLLE CEMETERY The cemetery is located on land that was in the original 500 acre grant to James Grant made in 1790. Since that time many changes in ownership of land surrounding the burial area have occurred, but mostly within the Grant family, until William R. MacKay purchased it from Ethel Grant in 1946. The first area dedicated to a burial ground was along the East River, starting about 60 feet from the public road and extending in from the river 50 feet or so. About 1920, A.C. MacDonald purchased land running northerly and easterly toward the river and sold this in 1921 to the newly organized Cemetery Company. William R. MacKay and his wife Kathleen MacKay donated various parcels of land over a period of years.

154 • 4

Springville Cemetery. Earliest burials in the 1840 period.

The first area was 20 feet wide, the length of the cemetery, from the highway to the East River. The second area was donated in 1964 and was 25 feet wide. A third area was donated in 1976 which was 30 feet wide and in the same year the rest of that parcel of land was transferred to the cemetery. This extended along the highway to Eureka, to a point opposite the end of the Millstream road, and thence along the sideline of the Filliter property to the bank of the East River. This latter area which is wooded should be in reserve for many years to come. The total area owned by the Springville Cemetery Company is nearly 3 acres. Scarcely half of this area has been used to date. This cemetery is about 150 years old. One of the earliest burials in the Springville Cemetery was of

155 Alexander Grant who died June 22nd, 1848, aged 79 years. The epitaph written by his pastor Rev. Angus McGillivray is on the headstone: "In whose memory this tablet has been erected, died June 22nd, 1848, aged 79 years. He was much esteemed in his exalted character, the independence of his mind and the readiness of his wit. He was successful in his life and triumphant in his death. Mark the perfect man and behold the upright." Psalm 37:37. There were three others buried before 1850; Marion Sophie daughter of James and Janet (Fraser) Grant died 1847 age 7 years and 9 months; James Urquhart son of Alexander and Catherine (Cameron) Urquhart, 1848, aged 13 years; John McMillan, Finner's Mtn. 1769-1849, 80 years. This might raise the question of where burials were made before 1840. The cemetery in Bridgeville records a few earlier burials but the first settlers arrived in 1785, and there would be many deaths in those intervening 50 years, particularly of children. There have not been any other burial sites located in Springville. Duncan Grant, youngest son of James Grant, is reportedly buried here, but there isn't any record to support this report. He died in 1847 and had been living at Fisher's Grant prior to his death. It was not until 1921 that the Springville Cemetery was incorporated by an act of the Government of Nova Scotia.

Be it enacted by Governor, Council, and Assembly, as follows: 1. Eugene A. Grant of Springville, A.C. MacDonald of Springville, Hugh Calder of Springville all in the County of Pictou, and their associates and successors in office are hereby constituted a body corporate by the name of

156 Springville Cemetery. (The total document has nine sections.)

The Secretary-Treasurer's record book provides some interesting accounts of the activities of the community on behalf of the cemetery. In the 1920s a lot cost $8.00 and the grass (hay) was cut once a year, the fences were whitewashed. In the 1930s cutting the hay cost $5.00. Annual dues were charged lot owners, $1.00 a year in the 1930s, this went up to $2.00 in the 1950s. From that time forward people started setting up small investment accounts for perpetual care of some lots. In the 1970s the Company decided to organize these investments and with further donations set up a fund that would better care for the cemetery costs in the future. The purchase price of lots increased to $50 for residents and $200 for non-residents at present. Good records have been kept of owners of lots in the cemetery but until 1990 there was not a record kept of burials that took place. The present gateway was erected in 1984 in memory of Orris Cooke by his wife Florence, and commemorating the date of incorporation of the cemetery. In 1989, all of the headstones were cleaned professionally, and straightened where necessary. The cost of this work was offset by a mailed request for donations to which there was an excellent response. Margaret Kenney has created a memorial record of this cemetery by taking a photo of every monument and printing out each inscription. She has mounted all of these in two photo albums. Typically, a cemetery provides an insight into families of the community. One of the oldest persons at 157 time of death, buried here, was born in 1764, died 1869. Are we living longer than people used to? Alexander Calder's son, grandson and great- grandson are buried next to him. This was his obituary published in the Eastern Chronicle Dec. 18, 1869.

DIED: At the East Branch of the East River of Pictou, (Springville) on Sabbath afternoon the 12th inst., Mr. Alexander Calder, at the advanced age of 105 years. Mr. Calder was born in the Parish of Kilmorack and within a quarter mile of the Village of Beauly. He was a baker by profession. He learned his trade in the town of Inverness, and worked at it for thirty-one years in Nairn. He came to Pictou in 1831. He was quite smart till he arrived at the age of 100, but ever since then, has lived in the past; he knew nothing about the things now going on in the world, but remembered well enough the scenes of his youth and the ministers of the North, especially Dr. McDonald of Ferintosh and Mr. Kennedy of Red Castle. He was a pious man, spiritually minded and much given to prayer; in fact he seemed for the last few years to be living on the borders of Heaven.

WELLS AND DEEDS CAN BE AMUSING AND INFORMATD/E The description of properties found in deeds, when doing research for this history, revealed some idea of the short-term concerns of property owners and surveyors of the past. It also revealed some hilarious descriptions, but often revealed some long forgotten aspects of the community and indispensable information relating to the history of people and properties. In Springville — did you know about the "Mill Race"; "the old crops road"' "the road to Finner's

158 Mountain," or "the dry spring?" Could you find this location? "East lines of lands of John W Grant, being west side of old road, so called. 46 1/2 rods to centre point of the old Mountain Road and along it 108 rods on south lines of Robert Duff to west side of old road = 36 acres." Or this one? "South by a line running parallel to James Grant, west by new line of road running through the lands of said James Grant until it comes to a certain stump on the height of the brook where the Fulling and Dying Mills formerly were situated ..."

Wills One hundred or more years ago the needs and the possessions of people were so different than today, that the purpose and the wording of "wills" is strange to us in this day. This man W.R., made the following provisions in his will. First. My burial will be looked after. Second. My debts shall be paid. Third. My spouse N.R., shall have the choice of one room of my dwelling house and one-fourth part of the cellar under the house or if she prefers a log house 16 ft square and six ft. between two floors and finished comfortably built on my farm and a good frost proof cellar be made under the house. She will be supplied fuel for winter; yearly, 20 bus. of potatoes, 31/2 cwt. of flour, 1 cwt. of oatmeal; she will have 1 cow and 5 sheep and 20 shillings per year. In those days, it was obvious that the welfare of women was not ensured once their husbands had passed away. 159 The Mclnnis Departure An aura of mystery had developed over the Mclnnis family, particularly, among younger people who only knew that a family had left rather hurriedly, or so it was supposed, since the dishes were left on the table and the house open with all the furniture there. The story was that no one ever knew where they went or why. In fact the house did eventually collapse, many years later. In searching records and making enquiries, one gets lucky, once in a while. One of these lucky times was when Margaret Kenney provided the name of a descendent of the Mclnnis family, one who had visited here in recent years and has kept in touch since that visit. This descendent was Mrs. Tom Dennie of Sparwood, British Columbia, a grand-daughter of Mrs. Mclnnis who left so abruptly in 1911. It is a revealing story of life in those times. Angus Mclnnis 1852-1906 married Jemima Cumming 1853-1935. Both were from the Sunny Brae, Cummings Mountain area. Angus lost his arm while in the service of the U.S. navy, so therefore had a pension. In 1884, they bought the property of Rev. A. McL. Sinclair, which was up on the hill behind where Bob and July MacLean live now. The property is now in the possession of Neil Kenney and is located north of his house. They had a family of four sons and four daughters. The first son was named after Rev. Sinclair, so had the name of Alexander Sinclair McLean Mclnnis, quite a name! The other sons were William, James and Dean. The daughters were: Catherine, Jemima, Elizabeth and Jane. Dean was killed in World War I. Jane who was born in 1901 is the only one of the family now living.

160 Her full name is Jane Ross Mclnnis Munroe. William did not marry. In 1882, Hugh and John Walter Grant gave Peter J. Grant power to sell assets to pay off creditors. P.J. Grant sold a 36 acre lot to Angus Mclnnes for $675. This land was just up over the hill from Joseph McPhee's house, — Simon McDonald, — Donald Smith. This land was bought by Simon McDonald from Angus' son A.McL.S. Mclnnes in 1912. Angus Mclnnis died at the early age of 54 and no doubt the pension ceased. The three older sons had been going west on the harvest trains and one year Sinclair didn't return having met and married a lady in Mortlach, Sask. The older daughters also went and the two younger members, Dean and Jane, were here in Springville without any income. The boys sent her the fare to come to Alberta. In any case she obviously decided to go and she left hurriedly one morning to get the train at Springville. It seems she only had trunks of clothing and some dishes. All the furniture was left in the house. She grieved at leaving everything behind, especially a piano. One wonders that someone could not have helped this widow at a time like this and procured some money for her possessions before or even after she had gone. Evidently Angus' will stipulated that the house should not be sold until the youngest daughter would be 21, which would be in 1922. Either in his will or just before his death, Angus transferred a 36 acre area to his son, Alexander Sinclair McLean Mclnnis, which was sold to Simon MacDonald in 1912. This property and the homestead lot were on the "old road" and on the old mountain road. Mrs. Tom Dennie (Jemima Cumming Munroe) is the

161 daughter of Jane Ross Mclnnis Munroe and grand­ daughter of Jemima Cumming Mclnnis.

John Walter Grant The only similarity with the Mclnnis story, is a move to western Canada and the fact that yet another lady, also a granddaughter provided some personal information about her family. Her name is Mrs. Maria Grant Nelson. John Walter Grant has been mentioned a number of times in this story of Springville. He and his two brothers, Hugh and Alexander operated the woolen mills, including the fulling and dying mills started by their father, James, dyer. John Walter is pictured with his family in front of his house in 1895, on page 181. His sons moved to Manitoba in 1891, and they had their father come there to live with them in his older years. The son James was the father of Mrs. Nelson. Mrs. Nelson made a visit to Springville in 1973 and wrote a letter to her cousins, all of whom live outside of Nova Scotia, in various parts of the continent. She wrote in part:

Certainly many times as we stood on a high rise and looked out at the beautiful vistas stretching for miles, we thought of father and Uncle John, and realized how lonely they often must have been for the woodlands of Nova Scotia. No wonder Uncle John planted his great groves of spruce at Balsam Place. When we stood on the site of our Grandfather's old home, looking up and down the East River Valley, it was a very moving moment for us all. We recalled hearing about the brook that flowed down the hill by the driveway. And there it still trickles and gurgles as it carries its cold, clear,

162 sparkling water from Calder's lake down to the East River, a few yards from Grandfather's gate. Some of you may not know that after mother died, when I was a child, my sisters and I spent two winters in Nova Scotia with Aunt Marion, we lived at Grandfather Grant's and went to school in Springville during the winter of 1910. Every Saturday morning we caught the train at Springville and rode the five miles to Eureka to take music lessons at the home of Donald Grant, my father's cousin who had a store and was the postmaster. His daughter Mary and her two brothers were about our age and life was exciting and noisey and wonderful. How did their mother, Christianna endure us! Bless her, I have never thought until now what an imposition it was.

MILITARY SERVICE During the two hundred year history of Springville there have been a number of significant military periods. The first settler was here because of being discharged from the British Army after the American War of Independence. There followed such things as the Fennian Raids, when there was military training, at least target practise in 1866. The Boer War caused a great deal of excitement. Then came the horrendous World Wars I and II and together ten terrible years of war. The names of those who came from Springville who were in the Armed Forces during these Wars are listed here with respect and gratitude. World War 11914-1918 Calder, Janet Squair, Nursing sister, R.R.C., Dal. Hosp. Corp. Cooke, Orris, L/Cpl., 15th Battn. and 48th High-

163 landers, C.E.F Grant, Jessie Ellen, Nursing Sister, Purple Heart, U.S.A.M.C. MacLean, D.R. Pte. 85th Battalion MacLean, Walter Pte. D.S.C. MacLean, Allister T Lt. C.E., Brigadier in WW. II MacLean, Robert Pte. Mclnnis, Dean Pte. Killed in action in France, 1917. Smith, Fielding Pte. 85th Battalion

World War II1939-1945 Brennan, James, C.A.S.F. Campbell, Howard, R.C.A.F. Cooke, Chester, C.A.S.F. Cooke, Eddy, Merchant navy Cooke, Roland, C.A.S.F Cooke, Spurgeon, C.A.S.F. Johnson, William, R.C.A.F. Johnson, Earle, C.A.S.F. Kay, Albert, C.A.S.F. Kennedy, Henry, C.A.S.F. Kennedy, Raeburn, C.A.S.F. Legere, Mathias (Mike), C.A.S.F. Legere, Melinda, C.W.A.C. Long, Harold C, Major C.A.S.F. and British Army Long, Philip, C.A.S.F. Killed in Action, Holland, Apr. 30, 1945 MacKay, William, N.N.S.H. Killed in Action, France Sep. 29,1944 MacKay, Ernest, C.A.S.F. MacMillan, Angus, R.C.A.F. MacLean, Leslie, Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm., Lt. Com. in R.C.N. Munro, Edward, C.A.S.F. Rogers, Stanley, C.A.F.C.

164 Pte. Philip (Philie) Long. Killed Pte. William (Billy) MacKay. in action, Holland, April 30, Killed in action, France, 1945 September 29,1944.

Rogers, Emmerson, R.C.E. Rogers, Sheldon, R.C.E. Rogers, Douglas, R.C.E. Rogers, Emily, C.W.A.C. Rogers, Nathan, R.C.A.F. Smith, Donald, C.A.S.F. Taylor, Herbert, C.A.S.F. West, Arthur, C.A.S.F. West, Robert, R.C.N. Wilson, Margaret, C.W.A.C. Wilson, William B., R.C.N. William MacKay and Tom Taylor saw service in WW I, prior to coming to live in Springville.

165 Homes that were, but are no more Ere too much moss or development arrives and memories wane, an attempt is being made to list where houses used to be. All dates lose clarity in writing. Numbers in brackets refer to the map numbers, page 168.

1. "Grandfather's House" 1830-1860. Alexander Calder Sr. lived in a small house, 300 yards or more west of the Calder farmhouse. (17) 2. Simon MacLean, Philip Long and others lived in a house 1870-1970 where Kevin Stuart's home is now. (20) 3. Harry Johnson, for a relatively short period of time in the mid 1900s had a small house almost opposite where James Lamy presently lives. (20) This house formerly belonged to Albert Kay and was then located across the tracks from the railway station. 4. Donald Fraser, "Geologist." House stood until 1930. Foundation of house and barn still evident. Located just above the lime quarry at the junction of the Irish Mountain road and Highway 348. The house was only a few hundred feet from the Mountain road. (21) 5. The Macintosh house was a little further up the Irish Mountain road than No. 4 above, on the opposite side of the road, part way down the bank to the brook. Foundation still evident, house was gone in the 1920s. (25) 6. The Alex Mcintosh house was further up the hill, on the same side of the road, but at the end of a very long driveway, — a third to half a mile. This house burned in the late 1940s. (24) 7. Slightly further along on the other side of the road

166 From Illustrated Historical Atlas of Pictou Co., 1879.

was the home of the "Tailor" family. Their actual name was McDonald. The last people living there were John and his sister Annie. They died in the fire that destroyed their home in 1911. (19) (see p. 195). On the same side of the road further along was another John McDonald "Johnnie Ruadh" family, then grandson Curtis, and later Joe Melanson. The house was raised about 1975. The site is still easily recognized. (18) Continuing on for half a mile or so was the home of the McLeans, by generation, Alex Thomas, J. Thomas, "Bert" D. Robert. This house was 167 probably one of the earliest built in the village but it was vacated in 1903, when the family moved to the former home and farm of Robert McLean (23). The house remained standing and served as a shelter for men working the farm land, until about 1925. It was close to where Harley Taylor lives now. (16) Further to houses of the McLeans, — David McLean built the first house in the vicinity of the lake, now known as MacLean's. The house was not far from the north end of the lake, and then the

168 lake became known, for a time, as David's lake. Robert a son of David built a house down the hill further on the location shown in the picture on page 188. The front of the house in the picture was moved from about where Scott Johnstone's home is now. It was once owned by John McPhee. The rest of the house, pictured, was the front part of Robert McLean's house. (23) 10. The Mclnnis house, is also where Rev. A. McLean Sinclair lived at one time. The Angus Mclnnis family left, without much, if any warning, to anyone, in the first decade of the 1900s. The house was open but standing in the late 1930s. This house was on the old road across the hills and north of Neil Kenney's present house. (27) 11. Swinehamer house. 1890-1933. Ths house was located opposite the driveway to Mrs. Mary Hecimovitch's home. It was the home of the Stewart West family when it burned on a very cold day, Dec. 29, 1933 reported to be 40 degrees below 0. (Close to east side of road on No. 32.) 12. Rev. McGillivray, Hill Cottage, 1825-1930. This house was where James MacLeod is now tree- farming. It was on the old road to Coromony. South-east of the church hall just beyond the big lime quarry. (36) (See "Recollections of an Old Brass Door Knocker" page 148.) 13. The first frame house in Springville, built by John Fraser about 1800, homes, in turn, of John Fraser, Hon. John Holmes, Hon. Simon Holmes and John W. Johnson and was lost by fire in 1923, see page 214. It was located very near the present home of Walter Johnson. (33) 14. "The Willows" was the home of Donald Allan Fraser Holmes, a brother of Hon. Simon H.

169 Holmes, again we have the tragedy of fire as this house was burned on April 23rd, 1897. It was located about mid-way between the two Johnson houses, Walter's and Allan's. (40) 15. A small house was located near the road just east of Gary Connor's home. Mike Legere lived here, approximately, 1930-1945. Later Peter Campbell kept a small store here around 1955, and later Mr. Weiner who lived up the hill and to the north kept store in part of the Campbell house, (on 39) 16. A house and blacksmith shop was located, "up the hill" referred to above. The house was raised about 1985. Simon Isaac Fraser and Gordon Munro were among the blacksmiths who lived here. (39) 17. John Walter Grant lived near the woollen mills that he and his two brothers operated on the stream coming from Calder lake, between the River road and the East River. Latterly owned by Douglas MacDonald. This house is pictured on page 181. Raised 30 yrs. ago. (11) 18. Flaherty house. This house was located next to the J.W Grant house described above, and back up the hill a distance. It was the summer home of the Flaherty family for many years in the first half of this century. (10) 19. A popular swimming hole, in the East River, just below the cemetery was known as Christie's pool. This pool was named after the lady who lived near there, in a house that was across the tracks by the Springville station. There was a station waiting room and freight shed, of course. Now we are talking about more missing buildings!! Her name was Christy Elizabeth Grant. 20. Further along the "River" road, beyond the brook from Calder's Lake was the home of Albert

170 McNaughton Grant etc. 21. On the west side of Calder Lake, about halfway between the lake and the river road, was the home of a Mcintosh Family. The house was gone early in this century. (6) 22. There were at least two Culton homes before one comes to the home of the late Margaret Cluney, formerly the home of James Alex McLean. One of the Culton properties was willed to John Cook, and was referred to as the 'Maggie Cook' place. (2, 4) 23. Similar to part of the Irish Mountain, the Brookville or Coromony road was mostly populated, but now it is hard to describe where they were. The last person living along the road was Harold Smith, who had been on his father's farm, until he moved to the junction of the Coromony and the Brookville road about 1940.

At least six of these homes were lost by fire and not replaced.

Springville, Jan. 23rd, 1917. Duncan Chisholm and family, wish to thank, through the columns of your paper, all neighbors and friends who so readily came to their assistance when their buildings caught fire, and who so valiantly fought and saved most of their buildings.

PROPERTY OWNERS —100 YEARS AFTER GRANTS GIVEN Earlier we saw the names of people who received the original grants of land in Springville. Now we will see the owners of land about 100 years later in 1879. This information is taken from the Illustrated Historical Atlas of Pictou County, Nova Scotia, by J.H. Meacham

171 & Co. Publishers. C.R. Allen, Civil Engineer. 1879. All properties are listed consecutively so that one may find the properties on the map on page 168, using the same numbers. The first list starts at the Churchville line on the River road, proceeding southerly.

Acres 1. Alex. MacLean 100 2. Hugh Culton 61 3. John Culton 1 4. James Culton 60 5. Heirs of Wm. Mcintosh 50 6. Donald G. Delaney 114 7. Finley Fraser 50 8. John Walter Grant 100 9. Alex. R. Grant 200 10. Albert Grant 45 11. John Walter Grant 40 12. Hugh Grant 51 13. Robert Grant 75 14. Fulling Mill 15. M.A. & C. Grant 15

#2 List along East River Road from Churchville line 16. Thomas MacLean 110 17. Alex. Calder 140 18. John McDonald 120 19. John Mcdonald 100 20. Simon McLean 50 21. Donald Fraser 29 22. Lachlin McLean 130 23. Robert McLean 130 24. Donald Macintosh 125 25. John Macintosh 5

172 Acres 26. Lime Kiln 27. Rev. Sinclair 24 28. Hugh Grant 51 29. Joseph McPhie 75 30. Peter McPhie 100 31. A. Fraser 1 32. William McGillivary 105 33. S.H. Holmes 150 34. James Holmes 100 35. Duncan Chisholm 30 36. Isaac McGillivary 170 37. John McPhie 200 38. Wm. Grant 200 39. Wm. Cameron 20 40. D.A. Holmes, store, Temp. Hall

Irish Mountain to Brookville 41. Heirs of A. Cameron 150 42. James T. & Daniel W Cooke 200 43. Daniel McMillan 25 44. Samuel Chapman 50 45. Mrs. Joseph Bauldry 100 46. Mrs. J. Sivewright 100 47. Heirs of F. Gunn 50 48. Wm. Smith 100 49. Heirs of D. Cameron 112 50. James Sivewright 175 51. Cameron 58 52. Donald R. Fraser 172 53. Duncan Chas. Grant 160 54. Geo. Sivewright 130 55. Donald McGregor 40 56. Donald Urquhart 121

173 Millstream and East River west side, south to north Acres 57. Alex. R. Grant 37 58. James Grant 120 a. lumber mill b. furniture factory c. woolen factory d. b.s. shop 59. John Robert Grant 23 60. John George Grant 80 61. Joseph McKay 150 62. J. Poison 2 63. Alex. McDonald 19 64. Peter Grant 25 65. Robert Grant 50 66. Alex. Grant 100 67. Alex. MacDonald 100 68. Donald McKay 100 69. Donald McNaughton 60 70. Donald McMillan 130 71. James Fraser 110 72. Joseph Chisholm 100 73. Wm. Sutherland 203 74. Jas. McKenzie 20 75. Angus Alex. Cameron 35

It is interesting to see that the properties had been divided up so that there were many small lots, compared to the size of the original grants. In the above listing of 75 manes, 17 were Grants, and at the time of writing, another hundred years having passed, the Grants were all gone.

174 HISTORY OF INDIVIDUAL PROPERTDSS IN SPRINGVILLE This is an attempt to tie in the original grants of lands with the 1879 listing of properties, shown above. In some cases very little change took place, in others portions of properties were sold and amalgamated. Numbers in parenthesis ( ) in this section refer to the number on the sketch map page 168.

River Road (We will be travelling southerly from Churchville) The first several properties were in the Island school district. Alexander McLean, 1770-1851 first owned a 170 acre tract running from the river easterly to lands of Patrick Finner (Irish Mtn.). By 1879 the eastern 70 acres had been sold to a son, Thomas McLean, 1816- 1892. The remainder was the home farm of another son, Alexander, 1808-1888 and then his son, James Alex McLean, 1858-1946 and his wife Mary Long, 1879- 1967. A nephew of Mary's, Philip Long was raised as a son, as his mother died when he was very young. He was killed in Holland in the last few days of World War II. After James Alex died the farm was sold to J.M. Fraser, and then to Margaret Cluney in 1962. J.M. Fraser's son Albert built a house above the River Road on a ten acre lot and Fred Avery bought a house and two acre lot from Linda MacLean next to the Delaney, now Brennan, line. There was a foot-bridge, from this property, across the East River giving close access to the Island school from the east side of the river. (1) The next property (2) was owned by Hugh Culton, 1879, 61 acres, adjoining this property was that of James Culton (4). 60 acres, and a house of John Culton on James' property. These properties were

175 purchased from the original grantee George McDonald who had 350 acres extending from the East River easterly past Calder's Lake. Catherine Culton willed the property that had been left to her to John Cook. The Culton properties were purchased by John Delaney, a near neighbor to the north. These properties are now owned by John's widow Barbara. Neil Ross has a lot and house above the road out of this land. The next property of 100 acres was granted to William Mcintosh, it extended from the river to Calder's Lake. It was subsequently sold to Donald Delaney and remains in the Delaney family, now with Mrs. Peter Delaney of Vancouver. (5) Further along the River Road in 1879 we would come to land owned by Donald G. Delaney. (6) A very irregular shaped piece of land, with a narrow part at the road and a wide scope along the lake. Near the lake there was the home and cleared lands of Annie Mcintosh. This area is all grown over with trees and bushes now but was pastured by John Delaney's cattle in the 1930s and 1940s. Lloyd Delaney owned this land and left it to his daughters, Jean, Mrs. Wm. Power and Jane, Mrs. David Moser. On the lower side of the road, George Cameron has his house and the land to the river except for the lot where Laurence MacDonald lives. This property was part of a large grant of 450 acres, originally made to John Cameron. Next on the east side of the road was the property of Finley Fraser, a "dog-leg" shaped area, also part of the John Cameron grant. (7) On the lower or west side of the road was the property of John Walter Grant, (8) it extended across

176 the road as one moved southerly. This 100 acres was also part of the John Cameron grant. South of the John Cameron grant was one to Dugald Cameron consisting of 250 acres. The next property, in 1879, belonged to Alex R. Grant, it was a 200 acre lot extending from the southwest corner of Calder's Lake to the East River. (9) It is now owned by Fred Morse. As we would proceed in 1879 we are coming to the property of The Grant brothers. James Grant, dyer, 1797-1875 and his three sons, Alexander, 1823-1891, John Walter, 1826-1919, and Hugh, 1830-1921 operated a Fulling and Dyeing mill on the brook from Calder's Lake, between the road and the river. There was a woollen mill either on the brook or on the river edge, it is not clear which was the location. This mill was destroyed by fire at 10 p.m. Sept. 25th, 1884. The three sons of James Grant (Dyer) who operated the woolen mills lived next to each other. Alexander's property went to Albert MacNaughton Grant and then, about 1916, to L.F. Flaherty owner of the Pictou County Electric Co. that operated tram cars in the towns of Stellarton, Westville, New Glasgow and Trenton and later buses serving the area. The Flaherty's daughter Mrs. Donald Stewart currently owns this property. (10) James Wilson Jr. has his home on a lot below the road and just north of the brook. John Walter's property was next, he left there about 1910 to make his home with his son James A. in Brandon, Man. A daughter of James A., Maria Grant Nelson provided the picture of her grandparents in front of John Walter's house, page 181. John Jordan lived here from the early 1920s until 1940. Then Douglas MacDonald bought the property and lived

177 here until he built a smaller house on the river side of the road. Then Donald Stewart bought the John Walter Grant land, which was adjoining the Flaherty property owned by his wife. Another small house on the lower side of the road belongs to John Hugh MacKeen. These two Grant brother's houses were now gone but Hugh's house is in excellent condition and owned by Ernie MacKay. Hugh moved to Eureka a year before the mill burned. D.M. Grant, merchant in Eureka was a son. The house was purchased by Henry W Murdock in 1886. Henry passed the house on to Sarah his wife in 1907 and she must have married John A. MacKay. Sarah left the property to her son Robert H. Murdock of Everett, Mass. in 1940. Ashford Jordan lived here for a number of years in the late 1930s at least. Ernie MacKay procured the property about 1950. This is one of the older houses in the village, but very well kept. Robert David Smith Grant, 1845-1899, fourth son of James, dyer, owned the next 75 acres (13) and built the house that was the home of Wm. R. MacKay, 1897- 1976, now owned by Greg Campbell. Robert Grant went to work in western U.S.A. where he was killed in a gold mine. This property went from the river easterly across the River Road and up the hills to meet the properties of Wm. McGillivray and Joseph McPhie. (See page 168.) The railroad from Ferrona Junction to Sunny Brae followed the river quite closely and went through the property of Robert Grant between the River Road and the East River. The railway station, freight shed and siding were built on his land, a few hundred feet north of the crossing of the road approaching the Springville Steel Bridge. Now that we have gotten to the Steel Bridge let us cross it and explore the Millstream area.

178 Immediately across the river on the right is the Springville Cemetery. That history is covered elsewhere. The original grant of land to James Grant of 500 acres actually took in all of Millstream. In 1879 Peter Grant owned the first piece of land beyond the cemetery, on both sides of the Island Road. A five acre property next to the cemetery is now owned by D.R. Filliter. (64) On the eastern side of the road are two homes belonging to Blaine Yerxa and Gerald Holmes, the latter closest to the Millstream road. The 53 acres of land behind these lots belongs to W.A. Urquhart (65). The next property of 19 acres, in 1879, belonged to Alex McDonald, a blacksmith from Guysborough. Formerly James Mcintosh owned this place. (63) Now it and some adjacent property is owned by Allan Johnson. F Taylor has a property next to Johnson's. Continuing along the Island Road, in our 1879 wagon, we come to the large property of Joesph McKay, 1830-1916, (61), his 150 acres extends up over the hill leading to the mills at Grant's Lake. The buildings are on the road that goes directly up the hill to Grant's Lake. Joseph's father William, 1797-1872, a farmer, called the place "Sightly Hill." He left significant monetary bequests to his family members, to several missions of the Presbyterian Church and to help pay for the Manse, a smaller amount to his grandson William. This was originally the farm of Alex. Grant, Minna, daughter of Joseph McKay married Baxter Campbell from Centredale and lived here until 1919, when they sold to Arthur Cluney, who sold to Duncan Kennedy and he sold to Edwin Kinley, who in turn sold to Albert Kay in 1946 and he sold to Harry Mosher in 1960. Before we get to the brook, there are four homes, the

179 first one belonging to Fred Taylor, the second one, to Daniel P. Meagher, the third one to Terry Cornett and the fourth one to Fred Morse. The brook runs from Grant's Lake to the river and the second road goes to Grant's Lake, these roads meet up the hill about a mile. John Robert Grant owned the 25 acres along the road and the brook, across the brook, another area of 37 acres was owned by Alex R. Grant. Thus Alex R. and John Robert Grant owned the lower end of the brook. Immediately above and west of Alex R. Grant was James Grant's 120 acres which went along the entire west side of the lake. Grant's Lake became so significant in the early development of the community because of the size and fall of tbe water flow down the brook to the East River. On Grant's land was the lumber mill, the grist mill, oat mill and furniture factory all run by water power of the brook. A small dam was built across the outlet at the lake to control the water flow into a mill pond for the logs and then the water was flume d down to the water wheels which turned the machinery of the various mills. As we go up the hill, we first come to the home of Ruby Thompson (57), on the right; more about this property later. Next up the hill is the new home of Edmund Benoit, owner of River View Construction. This location was where MacCrae Fraser lived for some years and where John Robert Grant (59) and his family lived. Their house was moved to a location on the road to Bridgeville, between Steven Margeson and Fred Perry (37). Next up the hill on the left is the residence of County Councilor Hannah Service and her husband John. This was the location of the home of Baxter Campbell at one time. This was also the sight of

180 The home of John Walter Grant, 1890. Left to right: Christy Elizabeth Grant, 1838-1902, sister of J.W.G.; Margaret Grant, 1879-1908, youngest d. of J.W.G.; Mary Ann Grant, 1835-1903, m. 1st. Wm. Robertson, 2nd. Evan Cameron; sister of J.W.G.; Christina (Grey) Grant, wife of John Walter Grant; daughter Marion; Katie; Ann Muirhead. Photo courtesy Maria Grant Nelson another of the early blacksmith shops. The first church in the area was also built on James Grant's land, near the end of the lake. According to R.H. Ward the church stood in the old pasture, and a spring near by is to this day (1919) known as the old meeting house spring. This property is currently owned by James MacLeod where he conducts his "Tree Farm" business. The MacLeods built a new house in 1977 overlooking the lake (58). On the other side of the lake and starting at the end by the brook was John George Grant's home and farm (60). This property and the sawmill was owned by Stanley Rogers from 1934 to 1944. Shortly after WW II started, Stanley and his three oldest sons, Emerson, Sheldon and Douglas all joined the Canadian Army. Their overseas service would total nearly an amazing 20 years. In addition three more of the family were in the services — Emily, Nathan and Prescot. It should also be recorded here that the late song writer and singer Stan Rogers was a son of Nathan and, of course, grandson of Stanley Rogers. In 1944 the mill and property was sold to John C. Higgins, and then to Angus Gordon Clish in 1964 and then to Roy C. O'Hara in 1967. At present this 80 acre property is owned by Ralph Fraser. The house was destroyed by fire in the 1960s. R.H. Ward of Eureka wrote a series of articles entitled "Farms and Farmers of Pictou County" published in the Free Lance in 1919, 1920, 1921 which provides a good history of many families up to that time. His description of the Grant family bears repeating here.

The mention of Millstream carries one's thoughts back to those early days when "history was

182 in the making" in this county. In those early days Millstream occupied a very prominent place, not only in the material well-being of the early settlers, but also in those things pertaining to their spiritual welfare. It was on the banks of its peaceful little stream that one of the first grist mills in the County, and one of the first in the Province furnished the people with the flour necessary for the making of bread to feed the body. And in its little log church building, people from the East River were wont to assemble in large numbers for that "Bread of Heaven" on which the soul is fed. James Grant, 1725-1822, the man who built the grist mill which gave birth to the name, Millstream, was born at Glen Urquhart, Scotland. He came to this country on the ship Hector in 1773. He was a miller and was requested to come to Millstream in 1790 and build a grist mill. Later on a carding mill, and then a saw mill were added. He had a family of four sons and two daughters most of them born in the old country. One daughter married John Sutherland and the other married John McNeil. The oldest son, John did not sail with the family and it is thought that he came to U.S.A. at a later date. Another son, named Duncan, died in 1847, and was one of the first buried in the burial ground near Springville Bridge. He owned the farm later occupied by Rev. Angus McGillivray, and more recently by his son Isaac McGillivray.

There are a number of written references to the fact that Duncan Grant is buried in the Springville Cemetery, however there is no such record in the cemetery nor in the cemetery books. He moved to the area known as Fisher's Grant, after selling the property

183 to Rev. McGillivray, it is possible that he was buried there. "The other two sons, Alexander, 1770-1848, and Robert Grant, succeeded their father in the milling business." Alpin Grant, a brother of James also came out on the Hector. He lived near Pictou, but the original grants shown on page 21 indicate that Alpin Grant had a 500 acre grant, next to that of James, the same size and at the same time as James Grant.

Alexander and Robert, built an oat-meal mill, the first in Canada. Robert settled on the old homestead. He married Mary, daughter of James Robertson, of Churchville. They had ten children. James, married Mary Fraser, and remained on the old homestead. Alexander R., 1807-1881, settled on property further down (down stream, of brook), and now (1919) occupied by his three daughters, Mary, 1843-1938, Anna, 1850-1933 and Wardrop, 1848- 1925. William R. became a distinguished physician and surgeon in Pennsylvania. Helen, 1814-1908, married Colin Robertson, 1808-1898, of Churchville, (this author's great-grandfather). Alex R.'s property is now the home of Ruby Jean Thompson. Alexander settled on the property (described above as 61) of Joseph McKay. He married Nelly daughter of Alex McKay, of Fishpools. They also had a family of ten. James, known as "The Dyer." Robert author of East River Worthies who entered the ministry, married Rebecca McKern. Catherine married Hugh Culton, Island, River Road. In addition to milling and farming, Alex Grant was a merchant for a number of years. Alexander died at the age of 79 years in 1848, and he is remembered by a tombstone in the Springville Cemetery, with a

184 very eloquent epitaph. James Grant, son of Robert who settled on the old homestead had a family of seven. Margaret Jane married John Grant of Springville. Two of his sons, Joseph Howe, 1851-1924 and John George, 1843-1919 were left the total property, including the mill between them. Joseph Howe remained on the homestead, the fourth Grant to live there. In 1919 the property consisted of 130 acres; 50 cleared, 38 cultivated. The last years crop was 100 bu. of oats, 75 bu. of potatoes, 30 ton of hay. Stock; 4 head of cattle, 17 sheep, 1 horse. Joseph Howe Grant married Anna, daughter of Rev. Angus McGillivray, they had one adopted daughter, Rachel. Eugene A. Grant, lived on the part of the original property that went to John George Grant. (No. 60) John George married Charlotte Jessie daughter of George Archibald, and there were 5 children of the marriage; Wilna, married John K. Campbell, Jessie May married Bert MacLean of Greenwood, Margaret C. married Samuel Muir, James Prescott 1885-1948 of New Glasgow and Eugene A. on the farm. Forty-five years ago (1875ca.) the saw mill was remodelled, and a lot of new machinery installed, crown lands procured and lumbering carried on extensively.

Just below the lake between John Robert Grant and John George Grant were small properties belonging to, one, a Poison family in 1879 and later, James Farley, 1869-1956, still later the Ray Smeltzers were there for some time and now Brandford Hood is there. At the south end of the lake was a property of 100 acres belonging to Alex. Grant (66) and another

185 property of 100 acres belonging to Donald MacKay (68). Just beyond the lake on the Centredale road was a property of Donald McMillan (60) and Wm. Sutherland, 204 acres (73).

Let us go back to the Steel Bridge-cemetery area and proceed south along the west side road towards Bridgeville. The first property listed on the original grants was owned by Alpin Grant, 500 acres. By 1879 the first property belonged to Alex Grant (66), 100 acres extending from the river to Grant's Lake. The next 100 acres belonged to Alex. MacDonald and then to his son A.C. MacDonald, 1870-1950 and now to Arie Van Den Bos (67). The 200 acres which extend back to Grant's lake at present belongs to Thelma Simms. Mr. A.C. MacDonald was a leading farmer of Springville. R.H. Ward reports that in 1919 A.C. MacDonald was growing about two acres of strawberries, some raspberries, a large apple orchard and annually grows a quantity of cabbage. He finds a ready market for all of these products in the local towns. A.C. married Elizabeth, daughter of Peter Cruickshank and they had a family of four; Wilfred, Peter, Harvard and John. Previous to the MacDonalds living here was the Finley Thompson family. (66, 67, 68) On the left side of the highway, opposite the Van Den Bos farm is the relatively new home of Peter and Joan Underwood, built in 1973. The next property of 60 acres in 1879 belonged to Donald McNaughton. Currently it is owned by James Wilson, previously Albert Kay lived here. (69) James Fraser owned the next property, (71) originally granted to A. Chisholm. John McMillan,

186 1856-1934 purchased this property about 1885. He owned and operated a portable sawmill. He was a son of Donald MacMillan of Sunny Brae and married Catherine MacKenzie of Centredale. His son, Daniel Wm. (Billy) MacMillan, 1895-1975, who lived here all his life, continued in the lumbering business. He married Alice Ruth MacWilliam of Plymouth. They had a family of three. Jack operated a machine shop in Truro, Evangeline married Elmer Way and they live in Riverton. She is a well known historian and genealogist. Mildred married Malcolm Eaton and lives in Canard Corner, Kings Co., N.S. A house was built across the road in the 1920s for Billy's parents. This house is now owned by H.R. MacDonald. In 1879, the next property is shown as belonging to Joseph Chisholm. (72) In Mr. Ward's article on this area he says that Joseph Chisholm purchased this property from a Mcintosh family about 1860. Joseph married Annie daughter of Alex Urquhart, Island, E.R. They had a family of seven; James, a butcher and farmer who lived here all of his lifetime, married Jessie (MacLean) MacMillan, widow of Finley MacMillan, and they had one son James D. Chisholm, now living in Springville. David MacKay lives here now, having purchased the property in 1972, from Roy Hecimovitch who had the property for a few years after Jimmy Chisholm died in 1961. Now, we have taken a walk across the foot-bridge, over the East River, the one that went from the MacMillan farm to the Sutherland farm on the East side of the river. (37) Let us hear how Mr. Ward describes this location.

This was originally the Duncan McPhie property. Mr. John Sutherland purchased it 45

187 Dave Sutherland Farmstead about 1935. Formerly Duncan MacPhee and James Grant homes.

Home of Bert and Mary MacLean and family, ca. 1935.

188 (now 116) years ago from John McPhie, son of Duncan. Mr. John Sutherland hails from Sutherland's Mtn. His father John, and his grandfather Alexander came there from Scotland in 1820. His father married Annie, daughter of Wm. McKean. Mr. Sutherland married Jessie, daughter of John Mclnnis. They had a family of eight, of whom seven are living; Elizabeth, Providence, married H.S. Griswell; Daniel, Seatle; John, Oakland; David, Halifax; Hector and Allister with C.N.R.; Stanley on the farm. The farm which is splendidly situated, consists of 194 acres of which 130 is cleared and 50 under cultivation. Stock: 8 head of cattle, 6 milkers, 26 sheep, 2 pigs and three horses. (Picture page 188.)

Actually, Duncan McPhie purchased this property from James Grant Sr., Ca. 1820. In more recent times Dave Sutherland, 1888-1963, lived here with his wife Dorothy, daughter of Stewart West. They had four children. Currently, daughter Evelyn and husband Fred J. Perry lives on the old Sutherland property. Next, towards Bridgeville are the homes of two sons, Hugh Sutherland, and next is Hector Sutherland. Stanley the third son is now living on land of Roy Cresine's. The last home in Springville is Wm. Brian Cyr, just over the line into Bridgeville is the new home of Donald and Evelyn MacLean. The next property, (35) is now the home of John and Edna Hambleton, and was formerly the home and office of Dr. Hugh Dan Chisholm, with his wife Adeline (Himmelman) and daughters Mary and Margaret. Mr. Ward's description, of Duncan Chisholm's property, in 1920 is very interesting.

189 This snug little property of 35 acres formerly belonged to Alex McPhie, who received it from his father Alex McPhie, blacksmith. The latter purchased it from John Fraser, called Red John, who cleared it first. It was originally part of the Holmes farm, where John Fraser built the first frame house in Springville. Mr. Chisholm was formerly a building contractor and was born at Kerrowgare. His great-grandfather was James Chisholm, blacksmith, who was one of the Denoon party who settled at Sunny Brae in 1801. Donald Chisholm married Margaret, daughter of Duncan Fraser, Kerrogare. Their son Duncan married Jane, daughter of Alex McDonald, Blanchard. They had four of a family: Margaret married Wallace MacKenzie, Centredale; John moved to British Columbia; Bessie at home and Hugh D. medical practitioner, Springville, who has a wide practise and of whom the whole countryside rings with his praise.

The first part of the driveway to Hambletons was at one time the beginning of the road to Coromonie. This part also takes us to the house of Stephen Margeson. Dr. Chisholm's parents lived where the Margeson house is now. Around 1900 they built the house that Hambletons now have. Bessie Chisholm had the newer house of Margeson's built about 1930 for herself and her mother. Across the road at present are properties of Raymond Stewart and Allan Johnson. We have now made a sort of circle as we are back to the former Holmes properties. Going from Hambletons we come to the home of Minnie Johnson and her son

190 Alan, wife Wendy and three children. They live in one of the oldest houses in the village. Here James Holmes and his family lived (34). He was a brother of Hon. Simon Hugh Holmes, premier 1878-1882. These brothers were born and raised in their father Sen. John Holmes' house that once stood about where Walter Johnson's house is today. James Holmes obtained this portion of his father's property from his father in 1842. Simon H. the Premier of N.S., 1878-1882 retained ownership of the old home. James' son John, 1851-1914, had another portion of the old property added to this when he took it over in 1899. This John married Lydia, 1865-1939, daughter of Peter J. Grant. Lydia, then of Westville, sold the property to Sam Godden in 1929. Finally John oldest son of Gertrude and John Johnson married Minnie Brennan, and they lived here while John lived, and Minnie continues to live here. Between the two Johnson properties is a narrow piece of land that has never left the Holmes' family. This property extends from near the river to the brook on the far side of the Coromonie road. It is still owned by Mrs. Bauld, who lives in Malta. Her late husband was a grandson of Hon. Simon Holmes. Now let us go back to the Churchville line and take a slow drive or better a walk to Bridgeville along what is now No. 348 highway. We already came to lands of Alexander McLean on the River Road, this land had extended across this road originally but by 1879 this end of the property was owned by Thomas McLean who lived on the Irish Mountain (16). Most of this land was owned by Dan Robert (Bert) McLean 1894-1967 during his lifetime, now a central portion of it is owned by Bert's grandson Allister MacLean. 191 Some lots were sold off this land in recent years and so on the eastern side of the road is the home of Michael McCulloch and next to them is Bob MacLean's son Allister. Next is the home of Joe Lewis and then Norman Cunningham's home. On the west side of the road opposite McCullochs is the home of Gary W. Murray built about 1979. Proceeding south in the year 1800 we would come to the land grant of George McDonald, land previously mentioned extending from the East River easterly encompassing 350 acres. In 1833 Alexander Calder a stone mason, bought the easterly block of 140 acres of the McDonald grant. He was the first settler on that land. This is still Calder property through Frank Calder 1849-1916, Hugh A. Calder 1885-1967 and currently Frank W. Calder, who is the fifth generation because the purchaser's father another Alexander 1764-1869 came to live here with his son. This senior Calder was a baker by trade in his native Scotland. Roy Cresine and wife Dorothy have been farming here for the last thirty years (17). The house next to Murrays was built by Paul Calder, in 1980, an R.C.M.P. officer, son of Frank W. Calder, who also built a house on the southern edge of the farm in 1987. Diane Roy bought Paul Calder's house in 1989. The farm house was built about sometime after 1837; the date 1864 is carved in a cellar beam, which may be the year of its completion. Previously there was a house "grandfather's place" much further west on the farm.

The Old Road We will digress here to try to describe the change in roadways that took place in the 1800s. At one time the road (still visible) went west of the Murray house and

192 through the Calder farm, just west of the present buildings, continuing south along the western shore of Calder Lake, and then down to the village of Springville behind the Presbyterian Church. This was a very steep climb from the village, so to make it easier on horses and to reach other places the road was changed to what it is today. The change was made in 1840, as the result of recommendations of "the Committee." The old road was used for many years after the new one was opened. Therefore it is hard to say when the change became complete as it is today. Standing on the old road, it is not hard to imagine horse, wagon and rider passing by as on a day nearly two hundred years ago.

Now let us proceed along the road past Calder's, on the west we come to Charles W. Cameron's new house built close to and facing the lake. Next is Karl Hukkala's house also built near the lake as is the next home of Gordon Sutherland's (19, 20). On the easterly side of the road we come to the entrance to land owned by Roy Cresine which extends to the Irish Mountain road. Several lots of this land were sold along the highway. The first residence is the home of Eldred Geddes and next is the home of David Doucette, followed by the home built by David Urquhart, sold to Kevin Green in 1991, and next is the home of Cyril Watson Connors. Original grants of lands to Donald Fraser of 100 acres, John Cameron of 250 acres and Duncan Cameron of 250 acres takes us to the village. By 1879 the land holdings had changed drastically. John McDonald (tailor) owned the land along the eastern side of the lake and up over the Irish Mountain. Simon McLean 1850-1934 bought 50 acres south of McDonalds along the lake. This is now owned, first past Sutherlands, by

193 Gregory Johnson, then a lot belonging to Harry Stolte of Halifax and then the home of James Lamey and more recently two members of the family have purchased their own lots, Kevin Stewart, exactly where the old "Long" house was, on the north of James Lamey and to the south, Richard Lamey has his property. This land was owned by Philip Long 1843- 1922, then his son Philip Neil Long 1882-1948. Long's property extended from Fraser land to the Calder land between the lake and the road. Edwin Kinley and his wife Jessie, a daughter of Philip owned the property in 1936 and lived there until selling to his brother Bruce in 1943, Bruce sold to Archibald MacMullin that same year. Richard Hawboldt lived here until selling to the Lamey's. Across the road from Lamey's is a lot belonging to C.J. Snyder. When this author went to school, his farm home was the only residence between the Churchville line and Long's, now where Kevin Stewart's home is. The next property, currently not very easily identified, but ending at the Irish Mountain road was the property of Donald Fraser, geologist, 1824-1897. He was a son of the first settler in Springville. His home was on top of the hill on the east side of the road close to the Irish Mtn. road and overlooking the limestone quarry. The foundation of the house is still there. This property now belongs to Donald MacLean. We will go up the Irish Mountain road now and then continue along the main road. Just up the Irish Mtn. road a few hundred yards on the right hand side, down by the brook was the John Mcintosh home on a small piece of land in 1879. The foundation of the house is still there. This was part of the James Mcintosh grant. John Mcintosh, 1813-1888, m. Mary McKenzie, 1813-1907. Mrs. Mcintosh became very well

194 known as the local mid-wife, as "Granny Mcintosh." Their son Daniel was a graduate of Harvard Univ. in medicine and practised in Pugwash, N.S. The Dr. and four brothers visited here in 1925. The next property in 1879 was that of Donald Mcintosh, 1819-1884 and his wife Lavinia McKenzie, 1819-1910, the lane to the buildings being about half a mile long (24). Five of their family remained at home unmarried; Lavinia, 1847-1927; Elizabeth, 1845-1928; Jessie, 1852-1938; Jane, 1850- 1941; Alex J., 1857-1948. Others of the family were; Annie, Ruth and Hughena. In 1944, Rolland and Ada Cooke bought this property and the house was lost by fire in the late 1940s. After the fire, the Cookes lived in a small house on the property close to the road. The property is now in the possession of Alexander L. Macintosh. Coming up the hill on the left hand side of the road we first come to the home of Robert and Jessie MacKay, having purchased the property about 1990 from Ray Smeltzer. The next property is the home of Robie and Donna Betts. Staying on the left of the road in 1879 we would have come to the home of John McDonald, whose family were tailors through several generations and in fact most people assumed the surname was "Taylor." The last people living here were John and his sister Annie. They died in a fire that destroyed their home in 1911.

Eastern Chronicle, Feb. 2, 1911. John McDonald (tailor) fire. Both John and Sister Annie were lost, he was 78, Annie 76. John was partially blind, his remains were found in the ruins of the house but Annie's remains were never found. A neighbor

195 Daniel McDonald saw the flames and came to help but all was already lost.

Hugh Calder had been at Grant's store that day and was asked to bring a bag of flour to the "Tailors" on his way home, only to find the ruins of the house and Dr. Chisholm checking bones, in search of evidence of Annie's body, but only chicken bones could be found. Further along on the same side was another John McDonald, "Johnnie Ruadh," 1841-1933, family (18). Johnnie Ruadh was a son of Wm., 1793-1873 and Mary (McLean) Mcdonald, 1819-1879. She was a daughter of Alexander, 1770-1851, and Margaret (Fraser) McLean, 1774-1858, both born in Scotland, and holders of the original grant of land, which extended from the East River to the Irish Mtn. and was the next place in 1879. Johnnie Ruadh's grandson Curtis McDonald, 1903-1949, son of James A., 1878-1967 lived here and looked after his grandfather. Curtis married Isabel Kinley. They had one daughter Iris. Curtis died from burns sustained in a gasoline fire in his wood cutting machine. (Please see appendix for family details of McLeans and McDonalds.) Curtis combined the two John McDonald properties. Joe Melanson lived here until his death in 1970. Roy Cresine bought the property in 1971, and is the owner at present. The house was raised about 1975. The Alexander McLean property brings us to the rather arbitrary dividing line between Churchville and Springville. On the Churchville side is the Robert and Margaret Cameron property, the Cameron family have been about as involved with one community as the other over the years, however, they are quite well covered in the History of Churchville. The McLean property was the home of Alexander, then son

196 ajc.,*e. A. 1->'K.fnu «-crn,on,*-*-c ^03- '*'** MhMrivtfea. payable I* Mmx,11a. 44 personam uiaa.-uLAhi..<. or ...... iDcJualre of pester*. I FlMajr, tf It) of PICTOU,'bra _ • i aeon, ao arrival of Train fleet Ual :iuve aboee-aaaaed dare. J CbsrioUcUwa, Jane 3,1170. . AIcx.(ir

ow that the M son it (a,I approaching the N proprietors .if lha alioro rrlaldishmont re Royal Mail • pectfolly intimate to lha publicMb.it they ara fcCar- pteparad lo.rrreiT* orders for tho manufacture of BETWEEN Cloth at tho following prices: — Montreal, Qnebec( He Es- FOR MKN< WEAR. D/od Black or Drown and Foil dressed Prince Edward It vo, 37 et Nora Scot! t. •*• " Half stressed 34 ImoOloib for MM'* W*ar. Grey A Full Steamship pressed 32 orrr or QCEBIO Into Cl«(h f»r Men'* Wear. Grey A Half • SECMCr," Captain 1 Drat*** :« OAsTE," CapUial CT or Into Grey Cloth 30 in. wid*, ont of Loom 17 . *' H'hilo«r lirri 3d d--. do. 20 'PHE «We Powerful a Cloth for Women** Wear, any Pattern* 30 1. Tir< Class Steamships are I TOiird | shirting. Mark and Scarlet Cheek 40 WCTOU a.Wloosi— olion I " Grey and Checked will other Steeaxalp ••OXtfr.." for Qw Colors' tth.aed T-csdij, the 24th tf M< >rn 24 and eeery ettt-ro'.te T*e»d»y,calll Blankets, 2 yds. wide, washed A napped 47 castle, Chatham. Perec, Uaspe. iiv ' •• *• not washed 40 twara hip « BEC'llKf/ forQoe' " . •• Wor* on Cott.n l« 17th Mar,at * 1. M, and e«el Carpeting striped or e'uocked' 45 calltor at ghcti«j Newcastle, S. Tarn for Wat p or Filling, par lb. 13) Psapetdte, I'erce. OaS|w, and Fall $1.20 Steaeashlp -CITY OK QCEBK Ladies' Shawl,. 2 yds. square rriday,lhe«thof Mar, all a. «- Cigars. ; Man's I'laidt 2 90 Priday. callioc at Chark Itctowt . n Price, rather Point, and Quebec. i. The 8 earners will coonect at 8h* FULLISa AND DYEING' (t. John, N. n , thence by 5l« Cloth for Men* W*«r Foiled. Djed Eastport, Portland.and Doatoo', an Black or Brown A Full Uresred IT ell Jcotla K.llway to Ila'iraa. res, Tho •* Secret" and •• City of Que Cloth lor Men'a Wear Fulled. Deed superior acomoi -Ullon t.»r eser mark or Brown A Half Dressed li and the-Ossp "f r 6*. *». Cloth for Men'a Wear Fulled. Deed A literal di*coot wilt be allowc Otaeo and Full Dressed ,20 Auteooma can Or secured, ION, Women's Wear Deed and Pressed 10 abuloed at eerjr low rates, oo api Yarn Colored Black or Brown ? J per IS. Pteto* ,Msy 4, U70. *• (Irene;* 14 " '• .-cerlct 40 •• a. D. " Green 121 • TnEGKEAT KNGL! Tbia Establishment haa lately addo

197 Thomas, 1816-1892 and his wife Ann Fraser, 1818- 1884, then son J. Thomas, 1860-1924, and his wife Margaret Ann McLean, 1862-1909. The MacLeans moved to the former David McLean (23) property in 1903, but, some of this land is still in MacLean hands. Allister MacLean has the centre section of this land. He is the great-grandson of J. Thomas. Let us go back to the road again and as we are moving northerly on the west side we come to the home of D.L. Michaud and then to Leonard Brownell and then a lot of Neil Kenny's and then the home of John Adams, then Gary Burns and finally Harley Taylor. All except Michaud's are on former McLean land (16). We will cross the road here and reverse our direction, so that the first property is that of S.T. Dewtie followed by Wm. Brian Cyr and then John Marshall Campbell. Further back or up the mountain is land of Robert Cameron and next to that is land of Clarence MacDonald. Then more land of Robert Cameron, behind which is property of Robert T. MacLean. Now we are back to the old Alex J. Mcintosh property, and owned by another Macintosh by name of Alexander Louis Macintosh. Back on the main road — the next property in 1879 was that of Lauchlan McLean, 1821-1899, who had 130 acres on both sides of the road. He had a lime quarry and kiln business here. Later his son Simon followed by his son in turn, Robert (Bob) 1892-1968 lived here. Bob's son Donald developed the farm into a dairy operation which he sold to Malcolm McLean son of John McLean of Island, East River. (22) West of part of Lauchlan McLean's property, and up on the hill, to our right as we travel along, the Rev. Alexander McLean Sinclair built a house on 22 acres of land. This property was sold to Angus Mclnnis in

198 1882. He died in 1906 and his family left there without warning, just walked out with the dishes on the table. Much more detail has been discovered about this family, the story of which is on page 160, as "Mclnnes Departure." The next property in 1879 was that of Robert McLean, 1830-1903. At the back of this property is a small lake which at one time was referred to as David's Lake, but for many years has been known as MacLean's Lake. It was named for the first McLean, named David who built a house near the lake. Note, this is not the same family as that of Robert T. (Bob) MacLean who owns this place now. This property had a small piece extending across the highway where Bob MacLean now lives. Bobby's grandfather J. Thomas McLean 1860-1924, Irish Mtn. married Margaret the daughter of Robert McLean and moved here in 1903, then operated both farms. Dan Robert (Bert) MacLean continued to operate the two farms, until he retired in the 1960s. At present we find the home of Harold MacLeod on the east side of the road, just before the recreation field. The land for the ball field and recreation field was given by Bob MacLean from his land. This field was named and dedicated the John Hecimovich Memorial Field in 1990. Just beyond the Recreation Field is the home of Eliza Cameron, since 1971. Now owning the MacLean farm house and living there at the present time is Carl MacKenzie. The portion of the house now standing was moved from the Peter McPhie property about 1909. This house was Peter McPhee's and later Dunbar's. It originally stood close to where the home of Scot Johnston is now, which is a six sided house, across the

199 gorge made by the lime brook, on the left of the highway as we proceed toward Bridgeville. Scot and Corine came there in 1972 and built their house which they moved into in 1979. Further to the MacLean farm house, the kitchen and back part had been the front rooms of Robert McLean's house and the woodhouse was the original kitchen of Robert and Nancy's. David the original settler had his house up the hill near the end of the lake. A new house was built by Clarence MacLean, a son of Bob's, just up the hill from the farmhouse, and is now owned by Hugh Mason and the home of Robert Sutherland is just below that. Across the road is the house that most people know as the "rainbow" house because of the colors decorating the ends of the house. This house was the home of John McPhee 1837-1910, who purchased the 1.5 acre property from Donald Fraser in 1895. Since the McPhee's left, it has been home to a number of families such as Henneseys, and Roll Cooke. In 1955, Fred Kenney and his wife Margaret MacMillan came here and raised their family of Martha, Alice and Neil, the latter, built a home up the hill behind his parents on land that was also Bert McLean's at one time. Neil Kenney also owns the 25 acre "Mclnnis" property, just north of his house (27). Next door to the Kenneys is the home of Marshall Smith, built on the property of his father Donald Smith (29). In homes on the former farmland are a number of Donald's family, next to Marshall was his brother Mervin, but now it is the home of Monte Smeltzer. Across the road from Donald's home is that of another son Fred and beside him is a daughter Nancy, Mrs. Robert W. MacNutt, crossing the road

200 again we have another son, Fielding's home, and close by Louis and Robert Dikens. This "Smith" property has an interesting history. In 1879 Joseph McPhee lived here and in 1903 Peter McPhee transferred the 100 acre property to Simon McDonald. Earlier, some of the land across the brook to the east also belonged to this property. It was this Simon McDonald that bought the Mclnnis land referred to earlier, in 1911. After Simon's death, his wife Jennie sold the property to Mrs. Eliza Francis in 1931. In 1933 Mrs. Francis sold to Fielding Smith, 1896- 1974, the father of Donald above. Fielding Smith was returning home, as it were, by way of a period of time living in Maine, and being severely wounded in World War I. He lost a leg in that war but when he came back to Springville he was a most active man as was so evident when you could see him ploughing a stoney field behind a walking plow, a tough job for any able bodied man. Fielding grew up on the Brookville Road. His father was John T. Smith 1861-1927 and mother was Mary Ann Fraser 1859-1925. Fielding's grandfather was William Smith 1822-1901 whose wife was Anna Bauldry 1821-1900. The house on the Simon MacDonald property was one apart from most others in Springville in the 1920s and 1930s, having running water and full bathroom facilities. One of Simon's sons, Osburne, was a plumber. Another son, well known Fraser MacDonald, in his retirement years recorded considerable historical information of the East River area which has been very useful in this history. Willard was the third son of the MacDonalds. The next house on the right or west side in 1879 was that of William McGillivray. There is a small

201 limestone quarry between these two properties. William McGillivray 1838-1902 got this land from his father Rev. Angus McGillivray in 1865. William willed the place to his son Rev. John D., and charged him to look after Isabella Duff, his mother's sister. This accomplished he transferred the property to his brother John A. McGillivray. The next change came about when Clarence and Isabella Archibald bought the property and registered the deed on Mar. 16, 1911. In the same year it was transferred to J.K. Campbell 1879-1949, on the 24th of Oct. 1911. Mr. Campbell had the store that was formerly that of Peter J. Grant, J.K.'s father was Wm. A. Campbell. In 1933 J.K. Campbell sold to the N.S. Land Settlement Board and Stewart West 1898-1941, a very hard working miner, came to live here. The next family owning this property was that of Steve Hecimovich. They came to Canada in 1939 and to this place in 1941. Currently, several of the Hecimovich family live close by. Michael has a home on the opposite side of the road, on the corner of the Brookville Road, just at the bottom of the hill below Michael, was the home of the late John Hecimovich where his widow, Valerie and family live. On the main road again and below the original home is the home of Roy "Rocky" Hecimovich. The Hecimovich family came to Canada from Yugoslavia, Steve's brother Pete was also here for a number of years, as soon as he could, after World War II, he returned to see his family. Among the things he brought back with him was harness for a team of horses. He was never able to return to Canada. Fifty years or so ago there was a "Y" at the end of the Brookville road and within this "Y" was a small house. At one time a family of Newingtons lived there. We should go up the hill a bit, now, because there

202 Springville School, June 1944. By vertical order, left to right: David MacLean, Joe Hecimovich, Jim Chisholm, Mary Chisholm, Rose Hecimovich, Fred Smith, Charles Rogers, Patricia Rogers, Dennis MacKay, Bobby MacLean, Audrey Smith, Rilla Cooke, Mildred MacMillan, Sylvia Legere, Vinie Legere, Joan MacKay, Kay MacLean, Vera Smith, Lyn Cooke, Ellen Legere, Walter Johnson, Margaret Chicholm, Prescott Rogers, Margaret Calder, Helen Daley, Myrtle MacKay, Hughie Johnson, Freda Smith. are some other interesting places on the left or east side of the road. Opposite the driveway to the older Hecimovich house, stood a nice house, that was lost to fire. In 1896 the Deeds Office shows that Almira Swinehammer purchased 1/4 acre of land from Albert McNaughton Grant at the above location, so it may be assumed that the house was built about that time. Alex Swinamer, 1841-1924, (note shortened spelling) came to Springville to work as an official at the large limestone quarry, supplying the Iron Company. The quarry was only a short distance behind his house, no more than 1/2 mile.

203 Eastern Chronicle, Feb. 13, 1896 A large number of families have moved hence from Black Rock to work in the lime quarry on the lands of James Holmes and Simon McDonald. The quarry gives employ to about 20 men. It is under the able and experienced management of Alex Swinehammer, and the sound of blasts makes things livelier than heretofore.

This property was conveyed to John K. Campbell from Almira (Nichols) Swinehammer Oct. 12, 1932. This home was lost in a fire on one of, if not the, coldest days ever in the area, a reported -40 degrees. At present the Presbyterian Church Hall is located a few hundred feet from where the Swinamer house was. The Hall had been the Springville School for 104 years, 1871-1974. It was moved to this location in 1952, having been next to the church lot previously. The church yard was much larger than the school yard so most of the school ball games took place on the church property, with some "natural" loss of windows. For more on the school see pages 79-94. From the back corner of the school, over to the upper end of the church there used to be a long building, open in front, divided into horse stalls. These stalls provided protection for the driving horses when the owners were in church. There was a hitching rail at the back and beams between each stall. The stalls were deep enough so that the wagon or sleigh would also be sheltered from the elements. Many of these horses brought their passengers a long distance and needed time to rest and have some oats. There would have been about fifteen stalls.

Manse Another few hundred feet on the same side of the road

204 Home of Robert Wilson, formerly Duncan (Squire) McDonald's home and store, with church and school showing in right background.

is the Presbyterian Manse. In 1865, John P. McDonald purchased this 6 acre lot from Wm. McGillivray. He sold to Albert McNaughton Grant in 1881. When A. McN. Grant died in 1915, this property was willed to his wife Mary who sold it to the Trustees of the Presbyterian Church July 3rd, 1916. The Trustees at that time were Simon MacDonald, Smith C. Fraser and J. Hugh MacDonald. This house has been in the possession of the church ever since that time, but when the minister happened to live elsewhere, the manse would be rented to other people of the community. Mr. Grant's will also gave his farm to his two daughters, Clara A. and Christina. The farm was located on the River Road next to John Walter

205 Albert McNaughton Grant family, 1899. Albert, Clara, Christina, Winburne, Mary. Photo courtesy Myrtle Fraser

206 The Albert McNaughton Grant home about 1895, the Presbyterian Manse since 1916. Photo courtesy Myrtle Fraser

Grant's farm. This was the land coveyed to him by Alex Grant in 1873, which was sold to the Flaherty- family in 1918. Let us continue on our slow tour of the village. Immediately past the church is a real landmark of this village. It is the home of Robert Wilson and of his parents before him. The lower floor of this house was used as a store for many years. The senior Wilsons, Bill and Agnes, operated a store for a period of time in the 1940s. The store was known for many years as "Maggie Squire's," and before that as "Duncie Squire's." This building is believed to be the oldest or one of the oldest in Springville, but according to Fraser MacDonald's notes it was only built in 1849. Duncan McDonald (Squire) was a son of Alexander McDonald (Roy), who came from Glen

207 Urquhart in 1803, married Christy Fraser, and settled in Sunny Brae. Duncan 1809-1885, married Christena Cameron 1805-1863. When Duncan died he willed the property to his daughter Margaret A. McDonald 1843-1936. Neither she, or her brother, Duncan, ever married. They continued to live in the old home and run the store, after their father died. In 1933, Margaret A. sold the property to her sister, Clara G. McDonald. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Taylor were renting the house at that period of time and had Margaret A. as their guest in the summers. She died in 1936, at age 96. She sold to Wm. B. Wilson Sr. in 1956. Following his death the property was passed on to his son Robert Wilson. Originally, this land would have been part of the Duncan Cameron grant, which was developed by "Red" John Fraser and sold to John Holmes. In 1842 John Holmes sold this area to John Gunn, who in turn sold it, in 1843, to John Richardson, a confectioner from Halifax, from whom Duncan McDonald, Squire procured it. The next property, with the boundary running through the centre of the right-of-way for the two properties, probably because this was the old main road up over the hills to Finner's Mtn. or wherever, and at one time a brother of Duncan, John P. McDonald lived there. There was a blacksmith shop on the property down by the main road, about opposite where Peter J. Grant's, and later John Campbell's store stood. John P. McDonald sold the property to Roderick McKay, a blacksmith from Boston, in 1883, as deeded from Wm. Cameron in 1877. In 1886 Roderick McKay sold to Rev. A. McL. Sinclair, so that house became

208 the manse. The Rev. Sinclair enlarged his property by buying about seven acres from Robert D.S. Grant, above his house and another area of about the same size from Wm. Cameron to the west of him. In 1894 Rev. A.McL. Sinclair sold a seven acre property to John C. McLean 1853-1917, from Bridgeville. John McLean and his first wife Margaret Jessie (Thompson) 1864-1892, and his second wife Marjorie McDonald 1864-1944 lived here. John died in 1917, leaving his wife and three sons, Russell, Allister and Atwell. Margaret Jessie was a sister of Simon Hector Thompson, the father of Mary, Mrs. D.R. MacLean. Russell became an executive of Rhodes and Currie Construction in Amherst, N.S. Allister was a Brigadier- General in the Canadian Army. Atwell was a Commodore. Mrs. Marjorie MacLean and her son Atwell sold the property to Wm. A. Chisholm in 1934, a brother of James (Jimmy) Chisholm. Wilna Campbell then purchased the property, and moved here with her husband John K. about 1935. Wilna (Grant) Campbell died in 1946 and he married his second wife Janet Calder R.N. in 1948. He died in 1949 and Janet his widow sold the property in 1961 to David A. Hadfield. Donald O. Bezanson bought the property in 1967 and sold to the present owner T.J. Lockerbie in 1990. John C. McLean had bought the land west of him from James A. Fraser in 1913 and sold it to Mrs. Hattie Mason in 1915. (Now the Cooke property.)

Let us now proceed along the road towards Bridgeville on the easterly side of the river. Before leaving the "Village Centre" we come to another interesting and historic property, located

209 diagonally opposite the Robert Wilson home. It has very recently become the home of Jim and Dorothy Chisholm. Jim has an engineering degree and is a native of Springville, son of James and Jessie (MacLean) Chisholm. Jim's wife Dorothy is a R.N. Until 1990 it was the home of the Aubrey and Rose Laing family, they purchased the property from Thomas and Annie Elizabeth Taylor in 1965, who in turn bought from Clarence E. and Lydia Wilson in 1952. The property passed from Mary I. Wilson to Clarence E. Wilson in 1950. Robert W. Grant was the last of the Grant families to live here and sold to the Wilsons in 1948. This property was the centre of much social activity over many years. The land was not very extensive as it was essentially bounded on the north by the main road and on the south by the brook, on the south-west by John Johnson, actually now by his son Walter Johnson and on the north-west, now by Hattie Thompson. There were three portions to this property, John's and Peter's house and number three, the store. Peter J. Grant sold the store to Wilna A. (Grant) Campbell in 1917 and after the store had burned the property was sold to Robert W Grant. Robert Grant worked as Station Agent for the C.N.R. and only lived in Springville in warm weather. This house was originally built by brothers John and Peter J. Grant, John living in the north side, and Peter next to the store and carriage shop that he operated. These brothers were descended from John Grant who came from Glen Urquhart to Sunny Brae in 1801, their father, Robert, being the son of John. Peter J. Grant 1834-1919 married Christie E. 1839-1915 daughter of Alex Grant and Christina Robertson. In addition to the above businesses he was the undertaker, postmaster and Justice of the Peace. He

210 wrote wills, made deeds, and issued marriage licenses. John Grant married Christina, daughter of Duncan McDonald of Springville. She died when her daughter was born, the daughter married James McLean. His second wife Margaret 1838-1930 was a daughter of Alex Grant and Mary Fraser. Their children were; a son Robert W. 1867-1950, married Annie Maie Turner, daughter of Samuel and Henrietta (Henderson) Turner, and they had a daughter Henrietta (Mrs. Byron Manzer); a daughter Jessie Ellen, R.N. 1872-1950. She was decorated with the Purple heart for "Military Merit" by the United States Army for her nursing service during WW I. She did not marry; a daughter Chrissie; twin boys, one of whom, John Geddie only lived 3 months and the other was crippled and died young. John taught music and was a cabinet maker. He later went to California and before his family could come he took ill and died there in 1883. This may be a good place to digress with a story about life in Springville 130 years ago, as it was preserved in this letter.

Millstream, Nov. 29th, 1861 Dear Margaret, We received your letter some time ago and were happy to know that you were well, and that the babies were smart. I hope Jessie is better. We are all about our usual health. Mother is not very well sometimes. I had a letter from Mary about a fortnight ago, and one enclosed for you, which you will find enclosed here. Sister now with attention I am going to tell you a piece of news. Peter J. Grant is married but the particulars of the case is this. Last Wednesday week

211 he was to be married to Annie McGregor, McLellans Brook. Everything was prepared, the people invited, the Minister asked. Peter on leaving McGregors a day or two before the wedding day for Pictou was handed a letter by Dan McGregor for James McKay carpenter saying it was an invitation for McKay to the wedding. Almost the next word Peter got was that McKay and Annie McGregor were married. Defeated the second time by a J.McK. how he liked all this I don't know, but Peter commissioned D.A. Holmes to go and see Christy E. Grant on Wednesday evening (the day he was to be married to A. McG.) Mr. Holmes drove down the Island road and turned about when it suited him and went in to Uncle Alex's and asked the girls to go to the singsong. Christy & Mary went and Christy did not see the inside of her father's house since herself and Peter went to N.G. that night and were married by A. Pollock. Her Father & Mother are very much displeased. John & I were at the wedding on Thursday, there was a good number there. Donald Allan went the next day to inform them at Uncle Alexs and he was showed the outside of the house without much ceremony. I could tell some more but this is too long already. We got our lathing saws to work and they do very well. Mother wants to know if you plan to go to school in Truro, if you do we will try and send you a little money soon. I expect to go into Halifax sometime before New Years if I am in health. We did not get the carpenter yet but we expect to soon they are making the door in N.G. We sent four head cattle to St. Marys to Abraham to be wintered and sold him one. I saw Alex Grant since he was from Halifax. I think he is loosing hope in Chester. You

212 remember what I said when the stage was too fast for us going to Truro, well we have breakfast before daylight almost every day since. How is Fan— and the baby, I would like to see them. Give my respects and good will to all in the house. I remain your aff. brother, R.W. Grant

Peter J. and Christy raised a family of five boys and five girls. The sons were Robert John, 1862-1949, married Leslie Hayden educated in Boston, has been a mining engineer in Colorado, Arizona, Mexico, Australia and Canada. He was superintendent of the U.S. Mint in Denver. Allister, born 1864, married Mary Snell. Sinclair, 1870-1929, married Catherine. William, born 1875, married Katherine. James Jackson, 1877-1943, not married. The daughters were; Lydia, 1865-1939, married John Holmes, 1851-1914. Mary, 1867-1944, married Fulton Cameron. Chrissie, 1872-1950, married Smith Fraser. Louisa Reid, 1879-1975, married John Tait. Marjorie Catherine, 1884-1886. On the opposite side of the road is the I.O.O.F. hall and there used to be a tennis court nearby, but this is covered elsewhere, page 130. On the west side of the road to Bridgeville is where the village started, with the Frasers and then the Holmes families. Walter Johnson, youngest of the family of nine boys of John W. and Gertrude Johnson, now owns the property where Senator John Holmes lived. Shortly after John (Jack) Johnson 1880- 1960 bought the farm the house was lost by fire. The loss was felt by the community at large as described in the article from the Eastern Chronicle.

213 FIRE TAKES HISTORIC HOUSE The oldest frame house on the East River of Pictou, was destroyed by fire on Tuesday morning last. The house was occupied by a Mr. Johnstone and his family who purchased it a few years ago from the Simon Holmes estate. Recently a number of descendents of the man who originally owned the farm and built the house had decided if possible to purchase the place, and designate it as a Country Club, but the fire fiend sent their plans aglee. Today all that remains is the old stone chimney with its three large open fireplaces. About the hearths of these old fires many interesting councils took place, for while the house was built nearly a century and a half ago by John Fraser, it became the property of the Holmes'. There Hon. Senator Holmes lived and Hon. Simon Holmes was born. Truly there was a history attached to the old house, a value that money could not buy, but it all ended in ashes on Tuesday morning. The fire robs Mr. Johnston, the owner, of his home, and with his wife and six children they have to improvise a hurried home in neighboring buildings.

The article further describes details of the insurance coverage.

We have now covered all of Springville except for the area from the Steel Bridge towards the church. On the right hand side is the home of Hattie and Christine Thompson. This property extends along the road to Chisholms described earlier. This was part of the original grant of land to Duncan Cameron, which became part of John Holmes' prpoerty and he sold it to

214 Wm. Cameron, carpenter in 1845. The description of this property is a real masterpiece, it must be recorded here.

Beginning at upper boundary of James Grant land, at margin of East Branch of East River, then run by his side line North 70 degrees east to main road, then southerly along road to Gate at the Doctor's House, then by the Fence of the Plough Land to Brook and by bank of Brook and river to place of Beginning, being 20 acres.

In 1886 Wm. Cameron listed as a railway employee, sold to Wm. McDonald a blacksmith. In 1905, Wm. Mcdonald, blacksmith of Dartmouth, sold to John William Holmes Cameron, his mother was Mary Holmes daughter of Senator Holmes, she married William Cameron and their daughter Charlesena married John P. McDonald, brother of Duncan McDonald, Squire. Mr. Cameron, 1841-1925, was a school teacher in Springville and Pictou Academy, and later on, a railway mail clerk. He was buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Pictou, although he registered a deed to his Springville Cemetery lots, also. He died intestate. His wife was Mary J. Foster 1846-1914. He had three sons living in South Africa and one in Arlington, Mass. His son Ewen while in S. Africa, invented and patented a gate for an elevator that would shut automatically and silently. When his father died, he was living in Bloemfontein, Durban, Orange Free State, South Africa, where he was a Motor Engineer. There were three other sons, Simon, Bert and Charles and daughter Mary Slade. Mr. Cameron was also a piper. He sold to Lauchlin McLean and wife Mary on June 16, 1914. Lauchlin was a mine manager coming here from

215 Bell Island, Newfoundland. Lauchlin McLean sold to Bertram Godden Jan. 2, 1927. The property was 16 acres in size. Bertram Godden sold to D. Lyman Fraser on May 14, 1936, added to two acres that D. Lyman Fraser bought from John and Getrude Johnson June 14, 1929. These two acres were between J.K. Campbell's store lot and Bertram Godden's property, bordering the main road. This was a distance of 268 ft. along the road. Bertram Godden sold to D. Lyman Fraser in 1936 and the Thompsons bought from Mr. Fraser in 1948. On the opposite side of the road is the Cooke property. The Cooke family came to Springville from Goldenville, Guysborough County, by way of Trenton, in 1917. Laurella M. Cooke purchased the property from Wilna G. Campbell in 1940, seven acres, which included a 12 ft. right-of-way for the Fraser property from the highway up the hill. The Mason family lived on this property prior to the Cookes coming. Mrs. Hattie Mason purchased the property from John C. McLean in 1915, and John C. McLean from James A. Fraser in 1913. James A. Fraser and his wife Jessie E. purchased this property in 1895 from Wm. Cameron of Truro. Wm. Cameron is shown as owner on the 1879 map. He is listed as having bought this property in 1844 from Duncan and Christy Cameron. Hugh Cooke lives in his late parents house and just up the hill Chester Cooke has his home. The right-of-way referred to above has led to a significant property for many years, for here was the blacksmith shop of Simon Isaac Fraser and then in more recent times, of Gordon Munro. Mr. Weiner who lived in the house on the hill operated "Pete" Campbell's

216 store for a time. The Underwoods purchased this property of some thirty acres about 1976 and sold it to Lome Smeltzer around 1987. At the corner of this right-of-way and the main road, in 1925 Lillian Cameron purchased a lot 50 ft by 100 ft. from Wilna and John K. Campbell, she bequeathed this property to F.R. Clayden, a druggist in Moncton, in 1929. Then in 1930 Michael Legere and his family came to live here and stayed until 1945, when he sold to Edgar M. (Pete) Campbell, who added a section to the house and had a small store there for some years. Meanwhile Campbells bought an adjoining lot from the Cooke property in 1942. The Campbells sold the property to Edna June Connors in 1976. Another two acre lot further south, was sold out of the original Cooke property to a son Orris in 1956 and is now owned by his widow Mrs. Florence Cooke. Just beyond Orris' property are two houses, the first with two apartments and the next house, home to Andrew Matheson. These properties are just at the end of the River Road, approximately where the first schoolhouse was located.

The Orris Cooke Springville Skis This may be a good time for another digression. In the 1930s Orris Cooke started making skis for the Springville children. This resulted in almost all of the school children coming to school on skis and using them at recess and noon hour throughout the winter. The skis were of very good quality and in fact this writer still has his pair and they are still useable. We didn't know that they should be for downhill or something else! They were and are all purpose skis.

217 WRAP-UP Doing the research for this publication and speaking with so many people certainly helps one to realize the privilege we have to live in a place such as this. Rev. Robert Grant described the East River and its people in glowing terms that we might tend to disclaim. Let us not disclaim but proclaim his masterly piece of prose. One hundred years later we should still hold our heads high with pride in our Springville.

The East River has ever been distinguished for grandeur and variety of scenery. In fertility of soil, and untold mineral wealth, it is not surpassed. This part of Nova Scotia has, thus, been much favored by nature. But in developing its resources, during the last fifty years, nature has been marvelously assisted by Art. This, however, must appear in the sequel. It was also inhabited, especially in early times, by a population whose worth is not appreciated. Even their names are being forgotten. This ought not so to be. In humble life there have been those who, in order to procure a subsistence for their families, and also to have wherewith to contribute towards the support of every good cause, are as much entitled to a niche in the temple of fame as those who "At Marathon or Leuctra bled." The naked summits of Fraser's Mountain, Irish Mountain, the table lands of Fox Brook, the heights of Elgin, with the "everlasting hills" of Springville and Sunny Brae, setting at defiance the puny attempts of man to change their features, will ever speak for themselves, attesting that the "hand that made them is devine." Not so, however, with those

218 venerable men who, at one time occupied their summits, but, now sleep peacefully in the vale below. Life and health, therefore, permitting I, for one, will do my best to rehearse the merits, and preserve from oblivion the names of at least some of them. To those in more favored circumstances — who "Fare on costly piles of food Whose life is too luxurious to be good." I would say "Let not ambition mock their useful toil, Their homely joys, and destinies obscure, Nor grandeur hear, with a disdainful smile, The short, but simple annals of the poor." There were some who were eminently men of God. Their piety shone with peculiar lustre. Happily, of these there were not a few. They shall, accordingly be classified as East River Worthies. From East River Worthies by Rev. Robert Grant, 1895

219 References

1. Cameron, James M. 1972. Pictou County's History, Pub. by Pictou County Historical Society, printed by Kentville Publishing Co. Ltd., Kentville N.S. 2. Foster, Elizabeth, "The Backwoods of America," Dalhousie Gazette, Halifax, N.S. 3. MacLaren, George, 1954. The Pictou Book. The Hector Publishing Co. Ltd., 130 George St. New Glasgow, N.S. 4. MacPhie, J.P., M.A. Rev., 1914. Pictonians At Home and Abroad, Pinkham Press, Boston, Mass., U.S.A. 5. Meacham, J.H. & Co., 1879. Publishers of Illustrated Historical Atlas of Pictou County, Nova Scotia. 6. Patterson, George, D.D. Rev. 1877. A History of the County of Pictou, Nova Scotia. Published by Dawson Bros., Montreal P.Q. Printed at the "Gazette" Printing House, Montreal, P.Q. 7. Grant, Robert, Rev. 1895. East River Worthies. Scotia Printers Ltd., New Glasgow, N.S.

Thanks also to the following writers for their stories

220 which are included herein. Jessie (MacLean) Chisholm, 1966. Life in Springville from the Beginning of the Century (1900). Rev. F.J. Barr, M.A. 1945. A History of Springville Congregation, 1790-1945. Catherine Fraser, 1925. Recollections of an Old Brass Knocker. Notes on East River history compiled by Fraser MacDonald and R.H. Ward's serial in The Free Lance on the Farmers and the Farms of Pictou County provided valuable background information.

221 The author's mother and father, Maude Robertson and Hugh Alfred Calder.

The author with his father.

222 Appendix I Women's Missionary Society Members in 1893

(Again Jessie Chisholm, as of 1970, makes a contribution by identifying where these ladies lived.)

1. Mrs. John G. Grant lived in Millstream, in the Higgins house that burned. 2. Mrs. John R. Grant lived in Millstream, where Morses now live. 3. Mrs. Peter Grant lived where Langs now live. 4. Mrs. John Walter Grant lived where Doug MacDonald now lives. 5. Miss Mary McLean lived where Donnie MacLeans now live. 6. Miss Wilna Grant, married J.K. Campbell lived where Hadfields now live. 7. Miss Jessie Ellen Grant R.N. lived where Langs now live. 8. Mrs. John Grant, mother of Jessie Ellen above. 9. Miss Christy Elizabeth Grant lived in a house across the track from station. 10. Mrs. Gilvary Grant lived in a house, now down, on property of Harvard MacD. 11. Mrs. John McDonald lived where Melansons now live.

223 Irish Mtn. 12. Mrs. A.C. McDonald, Harvard's mother. 13. Mrs. Alex McDonald, Harvard's grandmother. 14. Mrs. McArthur, Granny Mclntoshes daughter, lived, just up Irish Mtn. road. 15. Miss Lavinia Mcintosh lived in a house that burned when Roll Cooke owned it. 16. Mrs. Henry Murdock lived where Ernie MacKay now lives. 17. Miss Maggie McDonald lived where Mrs. W.B. Wilson lived, ran the store. 18. Miss Nettie Grant lived where Doug MacDonald now lives. 19. Mrs. John Holmes lived where John Johnsons now live. 20. Miss Minna McKay later Mrs. Baxter Campbell lived where Moshers now live. 21. Miss Jessie Fraser lived where Cookes now live. 22. Mrs. Simon McDonald lived where Donald Smith now lives. 23. Mrs. Frank Calder lived where Cresines live. (Hughie's Mother.) 24. Mrs. Donald Fraser lived in a house just above the Lime Brook quarry. 25. Miss Mary McDonald, Harvard's Aunt, lived there. (AG's) 26. Miss Christina Grant, later Mrs. Tom Olding, lived at what is now the manse. 27. Mrs. Donald Mcintosh, mother of Lavinia, house of Roll Cooke's burned.

Mrs. James Sinclair was the wife of the Minister at that time, lived in the house now owned by Allards. Miss Annie Primrose Fraser lived most of her life in Providence, R.I. Miss Louise Grant, later Mrs. John Tait, Stellarton. Miss Margaret Calder later Mrs. Jas. Sutherland, Greenwood. Miss Clara Grant, later Mrs. J.W.C. MacDonald, New Glasgow. Miss Agnes McDonald later Mrs. Duncan Halliday, Hopewell.

224 Appendix II

HOLMES FAMILY

John Holmes, 1756-1826, m. Christy Munro, 1757-1847, both born Rosshire, Scotland, emigrated 1803. Children John, 1789-1876, m. Christina Fraser, 1794-1877, in 1814. He became Senator, no information on brothers or sisters. Children John, 1815-1839, studied law A James, 1819-1908, m. Annabel Fraser, 1823-1867 B Donald Allan Fraser, 1826-1891, m. Annie Crichton, 1835-1919 Hugh, 1828-1829 C Simon Hugh, 1831-1919, m. Isabella Little of Pictou in 1874 William, 1833-1897, lived in New Zealand Charles Wallace, 1837-1838 Alexander Mary, m. Wm. Cameron, Springville by Rev. John McRae July 9, 1834. Daughter Charlesena m. John P. McDonald. Christina, m. Dr. John McMillan, Pictou.

225 A. Children of James and Annabel (Fraser) Holmes Christina Isabella, m. Mr. Kennedy Margaret Catherine, 1847-1921, not married Jessie Caroline, m. Hugh Murray Mary Anna B. 1860, m. Peter Jenkins James F. b. 1855 D John, 1851-1914, m. Lydia Grant, 1865-1939 B. Children of Donald A.F. and Annie (Crichton) Holmes John, 1871-1901 Margaret Alexander, 1873-1959, m. John Albert Grant Anna B. b. 1873 Bessie Crichton, 1873-1941, m. Gordon McLean, 1862- 1905 Annie Sinclair, 1876-1904, m. Wm. Christie C. Children of Simon Hugh and Isabella (Little) Holmes (Premier of N.S., 1878-82) Mary Eveline, m. Robert Bauld. Their son Holmes Bauld lived in Malta. Kathleen (Dottie,) m. Prof. Murray McNeil Jamesie, m. C. Weston Frazee Annabel died at one year D. Children of John and Lydia Grant Irene, m. Henry Crocket Annabella, m. Fred C. Crockett Christie Grant not married Marjorie m. Adolphe Behrens James Earl 1890-1932 Simon Allister farming in western Canada Children of Murray and Kathleen (Dottie) (Holmes) McNeil Edith Isabel Janet, m. Desmond Piers (later Admiral) Children of C. Weston and Jamesie (Holmes) Frazee Bunty, m. J.E.R. Wood, Vancouver

226 Joyce, m. Robert Stanfield, Right Honourable Donald R.C.A.F, lost in World War II James, Vancouver John, Vancouver Children of John Albert and Margaret Alexander (Holmes) Grant Donald Gordon, 1909- , m. 1st. Edith Frances, 1907-1969. 2nd. Mary Gibbs Tyler Kubie, 1918-. Annie Christie, 1904-, m. Edward V. Brewer, 1895-1985. John Holmes, 1902-1938, m. Dorothy Blair b. 1908. David Roy, 1899-1966, m. Anita Louise Treniroth, 1907- 1987. Peter Crichton, 1897-1951, m. Ruth St. John. Bessie Crichton, 1894-1949. Arthur Wm., 1892-1965, m. Helen Ramsey Crichton b. 1888.

McGILLIVRAY FAMILY

Malcolm McGillivray, m. Isabella in Scotland, emigrated in Children Angus, 1792-1869, m. Annie Matheson, 1806-1888, in 1824 Christina, m. Frederick Fraser, Island A daughter, m. John McDonald, 1784-1877, she died in 1877. Information not available on others of family. Children of Rev. Angus and Annie (Matheson) McGillivray Isabella, 1827-1856, m. Alex Grant, 1823-1891 James Thomas, 1832-1856, Theology student. William Matheson, 1838-1902, m. Jessie Duff, 1847-1896. Isaac, 1839-1905, m. Jane OldingRoy, 1848-1897. Anna, 1849-1926, m. Joseph Howe Grant, 1851-1924. John David, Rev., not married. Margaret, m. Rev. Campbell and had Bruce, Arthur and Gordon, lived in Arkansas.

227 Ida Sarah (Sadie), Boston Elizabeth Mary Alexander, Dr., in Sydney Children of Alexander and Isabella (McGillivray) Grant Ann Jeanette, born 1853, m. John McLellan Angus McGillivray, born 1855, m. Jessie Gordon James Walter, born 1857, m. Jane Ann McKinnon Children of William Matheson and Jessie (Duff) McGillivray Mary Bell, born 1876 John A. born 1878, m. Louise McNeil, they had George and Isabel Robert, 1880-1905 Annie, born 1881 Margaret, born 1883 Alexander Isaac, 1887-1964, m. Nettie Fraser, d. Margaret M. Gordon Genge, they had three sons. Baby, 1890 Children of Isaac and Jane Olding (Roy) McGillivray Roy Matheson, 1878-1883 Florence Louise, 1881-1897 Georgie Gordon, born 1878, m. Rev. A.H. Fraser Annie Laurie, 1874-1962, m. James W Fraser, 1874-1956, lived in North Carolina Janie Roy, born 1884, m. James Maxwell, lived in Durham in Theological College Malcolm Neury, born 1883 William, born 1887, m. Margaret Fraser Leslie, not married

McPHEE FAMILY

Angus McPhee and his wife Christy (Thomson) came from Scotland to Sunny Brae in 1801.

228 Children John, m. Elizabeth Cumming Evan, 1796-1868, m. Margaret Fraser, 1800-1892. One daughter, Annie, 1827-1915, m. Wm. Mcintosh, 1822- 1902 of Churchville, another, Christy M. John McPhee of Springville. James, m. Annie McKinnon Alexander, m. Miss Grant. He was a blacksmith. They had two sons: John and Peter. Lived in Springville. Christy, m. Fred McKinnon Mary, m. Alex Cumming Another daughter m. Alex Fraser Duncan, 1788-1874, m. Catherine Grant, 1790-1883 Children of Duncan and Catherine (Grant) McPhee Christy, 1814-1889, m. Alex McQuarrie John, 1816-1912, lawyer and magistrate, m. Christy McPhee, d. of Evan McPhee Margaret 1819-1906, m. Donald McDonald, 1811-1891 Angus, died young Alexander, 1824-1901, m. Didamie A. Briggs Mary, 1826-1908, m. John Grant son of Alex Grant, Churchville Jessie, 1828-1908, m. John McPhee, son of Evan, lived in Elgin Angus, 1830-1913, m. Mary Ann Douglas, 1823-1912, Calif. Peter, 1833-1913, m. Isabella Cruickshanks, 1831-1911. Their son John Peter, 1854-1931, ordained in Presbyterian church, author of Pictonians at Home and Abroad. Duncan McPhee and his wife Catherine settled in Springville, where they lived the rest of their lives. Their son John and his wife Christy, also lived on the same property. Most of the children of these two generations moved away from these parts. Alexander, brother of Duncan, did live in Springville and his two sons John and Peter evidently did as well. John, 1837-1910, m. Mary A. McKenzie, 1832-1893 and 229 had a family of Margaret 1871-1966, not married; Christy whose daughter Margaret married Wilf Byers, P.E.; Margaret M. 1865-1867; Alexander, 1884-1887.

DUNCAN (SQUIRE) McDONALD

Alexander McDonald (Roy) came from Glen Urquhart, Scotland to Sunny Brae in 1803. He married Christy Fraser and they had four sons and four daughters. Children Alexander Finley A Duncan, 1809-1885, m. Christena Cameron, 1805-1863. Merchant in Springville. A. Children of Duncan and Christena (Cameron) McDonald Alexander Christena, 1836-1861, m. John Grant, 1833 ca.-1883. Christena died when her daughter Mary was born. Mary married James W McLean Daniel B John P., b. 1838 ca., m. Charlesena Cameron d. of Wm. and Mary (Holmes) Cameron Duncan, not married, operated store with his sister Thomas Finley, Rev., died in Scotland Robert Margaret A., 1843-1936 not married, operated the store of her father's. C Mary M., 1847-1930, m. Albert McNaughton Grant, 1851- 1915 B. Children of John P. and Charlesena (Cameron) McDonald Christena b. 1858 ca., m. Harry K Webster Wallace, b. 1861 ca. Howard b. 1862 ca. Minnie b. 1867 ca.

230 Milton Cameron John D. Jaunita Charlesena C. Children of Albert McNaughton and Mary M. (McDonald) Grant Christena, 1877-1959, m. Tom Olding, 1866-1940 Clara, 1883-1977, m. JW.C. McDonald Duncan Winburn, 1879-1900 Mabel Iona, 1891-1893 Children of Harry and Christena (McDonald) Webster Dorothy; Willard; John; Albert; Charles; Robert; Helene, m. William Dunn Children of Wm. and Helene (Webster) Dunn Patricia; Beverly; Robert; David Wm. McGillivray sold six acres to John P. McDonald in 1865, this is the present Manse property. It was sold to Albert McNaughtin Grant in 1881. When he died in 1915 he willed it to his wife Mary who sold it to the Trustees of the Presbyterian Church in 1916. Mrs. Grant's will also gave his farm property to his two daughters, Clara A. and Christena.

GRANT FAMILY

John Grant, lived in Glen Urquhart, Scotland and had two sons, James and Alpin. These two sons had a grant of land in the area of Millstream (Springville) of 500 acres each. Alpin lived near Pictou. James came on the ship Hector in 1773, and came to the area of Grant's Lake by 1790 to construct a grist-mill. He was a miller by trade.

James, 1725-1822, m. Jannet Grant. Children John, born 1758, remained in Scotland A Alexander, 1769-1848, m. Nellie (Ellen) McKay B Robert, 1775-1842, ? m. Mary Robertson, 1785-1866 from Churchville 231 Duncan, died 1847, m. Nancy Cameron, no children Daughter, m. John Sutherland, Sutherland's River Daughter, m. John McNeil, Gulf A. Children of Alexander and Nellie (McKay) Grant C James, 1797-1875, dyer, m. Jennet Fraser, 1803-1886, d. of John Fraser Nancy (Ann), 1799-1859, m. Hugh Fraser, 1791-1859, miller John, m. Isabella Robertson Jennet, 1807-1860, m. Wm. Fraser, 1809-1860, shoemaker Helen (Ellen), 1808-1899, M. John Forbes, 1795-1877 Margaret, 1809-1860, m. John Robertson, 1804-1889 Alexander, 1813-1881, m. Janet Archibald, 1820-1885 Mary died 1892, m. John McKay, died 1869 Robert, Rev. d. 1898, m. Rebecca McKern; Children: Wm. Alen, James Thomas, Mary Ellen m. J.A. Anderson, Isabella Catherine, m. Hugh Culton; Children: Sarah, Jessie Ellen B. Children of Robert and Mary (Robertson) Grant Margaret, m. Alex Chisholm H James, m. Mary Fraser Jennet, m. John Fraser, deacon John drowned at 16 D Alexander Robert, 1803-1883, m. Christy Robertson, 1814-1900 William Roderick, 1811-1852, m. A. McAllister, he was Dr. and Prof, in Penns. Catherine, m. John Fraser G Helen (Nellie), 1814-1908, m. Colin Robertson, 1808-1898 C. Children of James, dyer, and Jennet (Fraser) Grant Alexander, 1832-1891, m. 1st Isabella McGillivray, 1827- 1856; 2nd Margaret Barclay, 1825-1892 Catherine, 1825-1893, m. Duncan McNaughton, 1818- 1872 F John Walter, 1827-1919, m. 1837 — Christina Gray Hugh, 1830-1921, m. 1st Mary McDonald; 2nd Isabella McDonald 232 Robert David, 1845-1899, m. Catherine Fraser Ellen m. John McGregor Mary Ann, 1835-1903, m. 1st Wm. Robertson; 2nd Evan Cameron Christy Elizabeth, 1838-1902. Christy's Pool, Springville Marion Sophie, 1840-1847 Robt. David Smith, 1845-1899, m. Catherine Fraser D. Children of Alex Robert and Christina (Robertson) Grant Wm. Roderick, 1852-1881, B.A Dal. 1877 John Robert, 1836-1893, m. Mary Forbes, 1845-1938 E Christy Ellen, 1839-1915, m. Peter J. Grant, 1833-1919, Bridgeville Grants Mary, 1843-1938 Margaret Catherine, 1845-1845 Anna B., 1850-1933 Margaret Wardrope, 1848-1925 Sarah McAllister, 1841-1911, m. John Robertson, 1829- 1909 E. Children of Peter J. and Christy Ellen (Grant) Grant Robert John, 1862-1949, m. Leslie Hayden, they had a daughter Dorothy Allister, b. 1864, m. Mary Snell, 1867-1942; Children: Robert, Wilmot, Mabel, Frank, Elizabeth, Christine, Peter Lydia, 1865-1939, m. John Holmes, 1851-1914; Children: Irene, 1890-1969, Christy, Earl, John, Allister, Marjorie, and A-—. Mary, 1867-1944, m. Fulton Cameron; Children: Helen, Dorothy, Archibald, Mary Fulton Sinclair, 1870-1929, m. Catherine; Children: Norman, Helen Chrissie, 1872-1950, m. Smith Cox Fraser, 1863-1927; Children: Peter, Hilda, James, Mary, Louise William, b. 1875, m. Katherine James Jackson, 1877-1943, not married Louisa Reid, 1879-1975, m. John Tait; Children: Helen, Catherine 233 Marjorie, 1884-1886 Margaret Catherine, 1885-1886 F. Children of John Walter, and Christina (Gray) Grant Jeanetta, 1859-1911 John Grey, b. 1861, m. Martha Cumming Isabella, b. 1862, m. Edward Smith Marion Ann, b. 1865 James Alex, 1867-1963, m. Isabella Smith; Children: Maria Grant Nelson Mary Fraser, b. 1869, m. Duncan Falconer Bertha, m. Alex McEwan, a son, Grant McEwan was Lt. Governor of Alberta Asa, 1874-1874 Florence Christina Margaret Jessie, 1879-1908 G. Children of Colin and Helen (Nellie) (Grant) Robertson James Fraser, m. Sarah Martland Robert Grant William Grant, 1853-1929, m. Margaret Julia Mcintosh, 1864-1951; Children: Nellie Grant, Maude, Mary, Catherine and Sarah A. Roderick, 1856-1943, m. Letitia McHardy, 1863-1952; Children: Jessie, Allister, Sinclair, Baxter, Grant and Robert C. John Ross Christina Ann, m. Daniel McKay; Children: Mrs. Rod Fraser, Mrs. AW. Rogers, Mrs. KJ. Morrison, Robert H. McKay, D.R. McKay Mary Catherine, m. Isaac McKay Sarah Grant, m. Jas. McLennan Jessie, m. Angus Cameron Margaret, 1848-1944, m. Daniel Robertson, 1857-1940; Children: Sadie, Miriam Ellen Isabella Hannah Miranda Matilda, m. Angus Campbell

234 H. Children of James and Mary (Fraser) Grant John George, m. Charlotte Jessie Archibald; Children: Jessie May, m. B. McLean Wilna, m. J.K. Campbell, Margaret, m. S. Muir, James Prescott, m. Nellie Ross Eugene Joseph Howe, m. Anna McGillivray; Adopted Rachel Margaret, 1838-1930, m. John Grant, brother of J. Peter; Children: Robert, m. Annie Turner, had a daughter Henrietta m. Rev. Byron Manzer. Jessie Ellen, Christen, twins John Geddie and James Annie, m. Eugene Briggs Robert Wm., m. Sarah McDonald

McLEAN FAMILY

The Irish Mountain Connection Alexander McLean, 1770-1851, m. Margaret Fraser, 1774- 1858, both born in Scotland. Children A Rebecca, 1796-1878, m. John McKay, 1790-1860 B Mary, 1810-1879, m. Wm. McDonald, 1793-1873 C Grace, 1813-1877 D John, m. 1st Anne McArthur, in 1843; 2nd Kate McPherson E Alexander, elder, 1808-1888, m. Margaret Cameron, 1818-1868 F Thomas, 1816-1892, m. Ann Fraser, 1818-1884 G James H Elizabeth, m. John McLean I Anna, m. Alex Ross B. Children of William and Mary (McLean) McDonald Johnnie (Rhuah), 1841-1933, m. Mary Ann McLean, 1844-1915 Their children; (1) Mary Ann, 1883-1886; (2) John S., 1885-1886; (3) James A., 1878-1967 m. Rebecca Dunbar, 1886-1927 and had Curtis m. Isabel Kinley with d. Iris. — and Alton, Sgt. killed in WW II — and (A.D.) Alexander Dunbar m. Mae Grant — and

235 Clarence m. Daisy (Cooke) Brennan, — and Sinclair m. Elizabeth Snell, — and Myrtle m. Irving MacKenzie. (2) Howard m. Jennie Stewart and Chris Fraser, with a d. Helen. (3) William, Rev. m. Elizabeth Kent and Bessie Hamilton and had Margaret, 1910-1989 — and Anna, Mrs. Walter Pye, — and Gordon, Rev. with son Curtis, also Rev. — and George. Sinclair and Elizabeth had five children — Margaret, Myrtle, Billie, Donald and Marietta. Myrtle and Irving had three children — Jimmie, Jean, and Christina. Jessie, not married D. Children of John and Anne (McArthur) McLean; 2nd. Kate McPherson Alexander, 1843 John,1845 William, 1847 Margaret, 1849, not m. Catherine, 1851, not m. James Thomas, 1854, not m. John Robert, 1856, not m. Andrew, 1858-1939, m. Marion Grant Elizabeth Ann, 1860 Simon, 1862, not m. Children of Andrew and Marion (Grant) McLean Anna Louise, m. Gordon Kerr and have Beulah, James and Marion William Stetson, 1890-1965, m. Catherine Margaret Fraser Their family; (1) John, m. Ellen Signe Beck and they had Malcolm Fraser m. Nancy McLean and John William Neil m. Karen Ingraham and have Laura and Marin; Elspeth Marianne m. Peter Wile, Bridgewater. (2) Elizabeth Anne (Betty). (3) Florence Willene m. Ken Walker, they have Andrew, Wm., Alex, Anne and Ernest. (4) George Grant, m. Delphia McCormick, they have Susan, John m. Barbara MacLean and

236 have Rachel, Emily and Sarah. Peter, killed in accident at 9 yrs. Shelly, David, Sherri and Paul. Florence Catherine m. Fraser MacG. MacDonald, their children, Clarence m. Lillian Jean Rumley and Beulah m. Lloyd Fraser Beulah m. Norman Caul, their children Allison, Norma and Gordon E. Children of Alexander and Margaret (Cameron) McLean Margaret, 1834-1923, m. John Grant, 1823-1899, Irish Mtn. They had five sons and three daughters; Alexander, Donald, Thomas, Mary Bertha, adopted, stayed home to look after parents, then went to Calif. and married Stanley Murray; Maggie, John and Finley, aged 7, 5 and 3 all died within 10 days in 1879. Katie, 1842-1928, not married Sophia, 1848-1924, m. Frank Calder, 1849-1916. See Calder Family. James Alex., 1858-1946, m. Mary Long, 1879-1967. Nephew, Phillip Long d. 1945. John, 1840-1921, m. Jessie Dunbar, 1841-1923, they had Alex, Tom, Ada, 1868-1885, Margaret 1871, m. John G. Grant, John Alvin Fraser, 1873, Elizabeth Mary, 1875, Jane Dunbar, 1877 and James Alex, 1882 m. Catherine Millie Fraser; they had Elsie Fraser m. John MacKay, Ada Elizabeth, William and Russel. Sarah, not married lived in Boston. F. Children of Thomas and Ann (Fraser) McLean James Thomas, 1860-1924, m. Margaret Ann McLean, 1863-1909, Irish Mtn. They had a family of; (1) Jessie, 1891-1990, m. 1st Finley MacMillan, 2nd James Chisholm and she had 1st Margaret and Angus, 2nd James. Margaret m. Fred Kenney, they had Marsha, Neil m. Ruth Stevenson and had Sarah and Meg; Alice m. Charles Krebs, Ph.D.; Angus m. Kay Murray and had Robb, Tom, Beth, Ebon and Blair deceased; Jim M. Dorothy Nesbitt and had James, Janice m.

237 Orvell Germaine and have Joseph Hugh; Susan m. Michael Young and Donald. (2) Eva, 1893-1988 m. Norman Cook, they had Robert Norman m. Donna, their children; Jeffrey, Joanne, Susan and Sandra, 2nd wife Natalie. (3) Dan Robert (Bert) 1895-1967, m. Mary Thompson, and had Katherine m. Victor Davidson, they had Glenn, Nancy, Bruce and Scot; Helen deceased; and Robert T. (Bobby) m. Judy MacKenzie and had Clarence, Allister, David and Mary Ellen. (4) Walter, 1897-1961, m. Vera Kennedy, they had Margaret, Valarie, Ino, Lloyd and Malcolm Robert. (5) David, 1899-1968, m. Mary MacDonald, they had Alexander, m. Kathleen Young, their children; Kerry, Lee, Robin and Alexandria; Nancy m. Haggin and have, David, Paul and Holly (6) Helen b. 1902 m. Donald Sutherland and they had Earl and Leslie. (7) Marjorie b. 1904 m. James (Fid) Fraser. John C, 1853-1917, m. 1st Margaret J. Thompson, 2nd Marjorie Ann McDonald they had D. Russell, S. Atwell, and Allister T. Daniel Jessie m. Munro Maggie m. Harold McCoul Sophia m. Arthur Dewar Edith m. Harold Morris

The David's or McLean's Lake Connection David McLean, 1794-1856, m. Margaret McKenzie, 1795- 1872, lived near what is now known as McLean's Lake. Children Laughlin, 1821-1890, m. Margaret Munro, 1824-1917 James. Rev. 1828-1914, m. twice. Great Village and Shubenacadie Robert, 1825-1903, m. Nancy Fraser, 1826-1912, lived at (23) Alexander Betsy, m. Sam Tupper

238 Nancy, m. McDonald, Caledonia Ellen, m. John McDonald, Shubenadadie Duncan, Dr., m. Margaret McHaffey, Shubenacadie Children of Laughlin and Margaret (Munro) McLean David, 1857-1891 not married, killed in Washington. Maggie, 1850 ca., m. Isaac McKim, Truro Mary, 1860 ca., not married Robert, 1862 ca., not married Luther, 1866 ca., m. Sarah Fraser. Family of; Josie, Eben, Wilfred, Bessie, Bena Ebenezer, 1855-1875 Ellie, 1871 ca., not married Simon H., 1850-1934, m. Christina Cameron, 1860-1918. d/o Archie Cameron. Their children were; Iola m. George Sutherland; Archie m. Hazel McLean; Robert B., 1892-1968, m. Ada MacKenzie, 1903-1978; H. Roderick, 1899-1963, not married. I. and G. Sutherland had Christina m. Patterson, son Sandy and Alexandra (Allie) m. McPherson, son Allister. Bob and Ada had; Clara Jean 1924-1940; Donald Cameron 1928, m. Evelyn Reid, and they had James, Arlene and Edna. David m. Catherine Reid, their children; Philip, Donna, Carl and Anne. Children of Robert and Nancy (Fraser) McLean David, 1858 ca. not married Fraser, 1860 ca. not married John died as infant James Laughlin, 1866 ca., m. in Eureka Cal. Kate, 1869 ca. m. James McKinnon Margaret Ann, 1862-1909, m. J. Thomas McLean, 1860- 1924; here the Irish Mtn. and McLean Lake families are united. Children of J. Thomas and Margaret Ann (MacLean) MacLean, please see previous family.

CALDER FAMILY Alexander Calder, 1764-1869, born Kilmorack, Scotland m. 239 Isabella Mcintosh, 1768-1863, born Ardclache, Scotland. Children all born in Scotland. Jean, born 1798 William, born Feb. 12th, 1799, m. Jessie McKenzie of East River, 1838. Wm. was a saddler. Katherine, born April 21, 1800 Alexander, b. Nov. 19, 1802, died Oct. 10, 1888, m. Janet Squair, 1806-1895. Alex was a mason. Thomas, born Aug. 3, 1805 Sophia, born Dec. 21, 1807 Isabel, born Dec. 14, 1809 Mary, born Mar. 15, 1812 James, born Nov. 16, 1814, m. Mary A. Tett, Southampton, Ontario Margaret, born May 14, 1823 William, Alexander, James and Mary all came to Nova Scotia at different times. Children of Alexander and Janet (Squair) Calder A Elsie, 1833-1892 m. James Alexander Barclay, 1834-1882 B Alexander, 1836-1917, m. 1st. Nancy G. Lynds, 1824- 1870; 2nd Ella Wheelock C Hugh, 1837-1865, not married D William Robert, 1838-1924, m. 1st Abigail N. Mack, 2nd. Mrs. Margaret McLean E James Squair, 1841-1931, m. 1st Mary Annand, 1842- 1897; 2nd. Adah Armena Brenner, 1868-1942 F Isabella, 1843-1927, m. Alfred McDonald, 1842-1873 G Catherine, 1844-1934, m. James Fraser, (Drummond), 1836-1924 H Annie, 1847-1934, m. Kenneth McMillan, 1849-1929 I Frank, 1849-1916, m. Christy Sophia McLean, 1848-1924 Children of William and Jessie (McKenzie) Calder a Alexander, 1840-1887, m. Jessie Buckley of Brule Pt. June 3, 1874 b Margaret c Isabella, (Bella)

240 A. Children of James Alexander and Elsie (Calder) Barclay John Milne, 1861-1938, m. Viola Evans Daniel George Gordon, 1863-1912, m. Christy Reid, 1876- 1930 Alexander Hugh, 1865-1920, m. Jane Leslie William Roderick, 1867-1956, m. 1st Katherine Bodker, died 1930; 2nd. Gladys Swales Jennetta Jane, 1869-1953, m. Sylvanus Keith Muir, 1866- 1918. They had; (1) Everett Barclay, Dr., 1898-1990, m. Jean Lusetti and had John and Natalie. (2) Elsie Calder, R.N., b. 1901. (3) Robert Keith, Dr., b. 1902 m. Margaret Mary MacLeod, they had a daughter Dr. Sylvia. (4) James Alexander, 1905-1958, m. Jean Robb. (5) Margaret Keith, R.N., 1905-1972, m. Rev. Ward MacLean. (6) Delia Gordon, b. 1912, m. Elbridge Cameron, their children, Irene, John, Sandy, Elizabeth and Jimmy. Margaret Ann, 1874-1946, m. Rev. John Robert Douglas, 1869-1942. Jemima Calder, 1874-1967, m. Andrew MacKay, 1865- 1945. They had; (1) James Wm., 1900-1979, m. Ruth Chisholm. (2) Gordon Barclay, 1903-1989, m. Laura Macintosh, they had Elmer, Hon. M.P. (3) Annie Adela, 1905-1930, m. Norman Clements, one son Andrew. (4) Donald Douglas, b. 1908, m. Rose Chambers. (5) John Andrew, 1911, m. Margaret Stacey. (6) Elsie Calder, b. 1914, m. John Sullivan. Adella, 1876-1915 Frank Calder, 1878-. B. Children of Alexander and Nancy G. (Lynds) Calder Clarence Lynds, 1864-1908 James, - Jennie, 1874-1974, m. George Sprott Fox, 1869- . Family mostly in Calif. D. Children of William Robert and Abigail (Mack) Calder His 2nd wife was widow of Dr. McLean of Shubenacadie 241 and Springville. Jenette, 1864-1901, m. Charles R. Bent Ida Abigail, 1865- , m. Fred Armstrong James Alex, 1867- , m. Bessie McDonald These families William Henry 1868- , m. Flo Bent from area of Frank Newton, 1869-1874 Round Hill, Hugh Alfred, 1872- , m. Minnie Bancroft Annapolis Co. Mary Sopphia, 1875-1897 Alice, 1877-1897 Eva, 1879- , m. Frank Freeman E. Children of James Squair and Mary (Annand) Calder He was medical doctor in Bridgewater for 25 years then Los Angeles, Calif. Hugh Forester, b. 1865 Dr.; Elva, b. 1867; Mary Louisa, b. 1869; Alice Annand, 1872-1873; James Wm. b. 1874; Jennie Annand, b. 1878; Edward Mowatt, b. 1880; and Adah (Brenner) Calder; Elsie Barclay b. 1901; Francis Lorenz, 1901-1902; Fern, 1905-1905. F. Children of Isabella (Calder) and Alfred MacDonald Hugh 1871-1884; Elizabeth Mary, 1872-1971, m. Rev. Arthur Foster; their children were: Alfreda Calder (Freda), 1904-19; Arthur Archibald, b. 1910 m. 1st Esther Mae Bond; their children were (1) Arthur MacDonald Ph.D. with Alfred and Elizabeth; (2) Eleanor Caroline with Freda Louise, Charlotte and Christy Ann. (3) Alfred Hayward with Amy Lynn and Mollie. (4) Wm. Bond. G. Children of Catherine (Calder) and James Fraser (Drummond) Etta Squair, 1867-1952, m. Robert Fraser; Jean (Jeanette) 1869-19 m. John J. MacQuarrie; Annie, 1873-1946, m. Daniel Mooney; Elsie, b. 1874 m. Dr. Foster Eaton; Calder Alexander, 1876-1903; Isabella Catherine, 1878-1899; Hughena, 1880-1881; Christena Maud, 1881-1900; John James, 1883-19 m. Ethel Mae Faulkner, their children were (1) James. Robert Calder, b. 1912, Rev. m. Myrtle Olding with

242 their family of John Olding m. Carolyn Blagrave; Allan Calder m. Carol Kidston; Robert m. Elizabeth Green; Peter m. Yumiko Kanamaru; and Anne (2) Wilbur Faulkner, b. 1914 Dr. m. 1st Gwendoline Reigners 2nd Norma Lahey with their family of James Drummond and John Andrew. Wm. Frank, 1886-1966, m. Lena Tait, 1884-1966. Their family: (1) Kathryn Tait, m. Alex Murdock Macintosh with their family of: Ian Fraser m. Gillian Hardy; Alex Wm. m. Shirley Adams; Bruce Tait m. Suzanne MacNeil; Angus Lachlan, m. Deborah Clark; (2) Chesley Drummond, m. Mary O'Brien with their children; Peter Drummond, Rev. m. Elizabeth MacClement; Mary Jennifer m. Derek Grout; George Wm. Allan m. Nora; Wm. Chesley Drummond m. Gloria Bagnell; Brian Evans m. Michelle Vyga. Meredith Margaret, Rev.; Bronwyn O'Brien m. Wm. Bagnell. (3) Eleanor Evans, m. George Allan O'Brien and their children Mary Ruth and Michael George; (4) James Drummond, m. Anne Mackley, their children: James Drummond, Kenneth Gordon, Margaret Eleanor, Malcolm George. H. Children of Annie (Calder) and Kenneth MacMillan Isabella, 1873-1952, m. Evan R. Fraser, 1869-1959, their family: John Kenneth; Annie Calder m. Finlay Ross; Jennie Christine m. Charles E. Ross; Ross Alfred m. Ann Day. Jennie, 1878-1973 m. Hattie Reid, 1878-1952, their family: (1) James m. Ethel Fraser and their family; Jeanette m. Wm. Bigney, they had Douglas and Sheila; Etta m. 1st Lloyd Macintosh, 2nd. Jim Hirtle; Evelyn m. Donald MacLean with their family of (1) Arlene m. John MacGregor, with Robbie, Donald, Bradley and Karen; (2) Edna m. Robert Langille and have Helen and Heather. (3) Jim m. Margaret Redden and have Jessica. Marion m. Rob Dale and had Allan, Ward and Alec James (Bud) m. 1st Kathy Porter, they had Ian and Trevor; 2nd. m. Nancy Gillespie (2)

243 Alfred 1907-1980 m. Margaret MacGregor with their children of; (1) Carole m. Keith Phillips, their children: Andrew, Bruce, Margot and Dora. (2) Joan, m. John D. MacDonald, their children: Christopher, Jennifer, Peter and David. (3) Donald m. Lynn Mitchell, their children: Gregory, Stephen and Michael. (3) Evelyn m. Willard MacDonald and Fred MacPhee; (4) Fraser m. Hughena Holly. Alfred, 1876-1955, m. Janet Hingley, their family: (1) Annie m. 1st Fred Fraser with children Elsie R.N. m. Howard Locke, Dr.; Fred; Douglas, 1926-1981 m. Laura McCabe; Alfreda; Shirley m. 1st Elwin Chabassol, 2nd Brian Miller. (2) Douglas, 1900-1976, m. Helen Ann Distasia, with children Douglas, William, Kenneth, Marlene. (3) Kenneth, m. Edith Fade, with children Dale and Joyce. (4) Janet. (5) Alfreda m. Leon Steeves, with children Janet, Carol and Bradford. Elsie Jane, b. 1879, m. Hugh D. Fraser. Mary, 1881-1960 m. John A. Fraser, one adopted son Albert m. Marjorie Fraser with Donald Robert and Beverley Gail. Frances Eleanor, 1884-1974 m. James Harlan MacLean, their family; (1) John Wallace, 1903-1968 m. Elizabeth MacDonald with Nauldine. (2) James Randolph m. Elizabeth Barry with Harlan, Elizabeth. (3) Jeanette m. Scott Jardine and had Warren Kenneth and Pamela. Children of Frank and Sophia (MacLean) Calder Allister, Dr. 1880-1967, m. Mabel Burchell, their family; (1) Kathleen, m. Roy Maxwell Dr. and have Allister and Beverley. (2) Robert Hugh, 1917-1976 m. Kathleen Campbell and had Robert Allister. Margaret, 1881-1970 m. James Sutherland, their family; (1) Joyce m. Ian MacDonald, divorced. (2) Jean m. Laird MacKenzie they had Kenneth, Bruce and Margaret. (3) Frances m. Wm. Cooke, their family: James, Alexander and Donna.

244 Janet Squair, 1883-1979 m. John K Campbell in 1947. Hugh Alfred, 1885-1967 m. Maude Robertson, 1891-1956, their family; (1) Frank Wm. m. Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Martin, their family: Paul Wm. m. Kathy Sorge R.N. and they have Nicholas, Brian and Jenny. Anne Louise m. Warwick Jones, divorced; John Hugh Ph.D. m. Jane Conrad, R.N. (2) Margaret Lois m. George Durning, they have David m. Pinky with Ryan, Stacy and Nathan Helen m. Darrel Snortland, they have Erin and Colin; Janice m. Andrew Alcorn, they have Natalie and Robyn; Jamey m. Phyllis, their children: Alison and Christopher; Kevin and Ian. Katherine May, 1888-1978 m. Elbridge Kirker, Rev. 1881- 1974, their family: (1) Marion Jean, 1918-1968 m. Albert Bouchard, their family; Ann, R.N. m. John Hammond, they have three children: John, m. Katherine Wright, they have Jennifer and Heather. (2) Eleanor Calder m. Allen Knight, Ph.D. their family, Marilyn, m. Andrew MacKim, they have Robin; Carol m. Joseph Felkel, they have Jessica and Landry; Gerald Kevin twin of Carol, m. Melissa Bush they have a daughter. (3) Elbridge Allister, Rev. m. Audrey Elliot, they have Kathryn and John. (4) Katherine Margaret. Elsie, 1889-1966 m. Alex Fraser 1896-1976. Annie, 1892-1986, m. Mark Wayling, 1889-1974, their family: (1) Elsie m. John Campbell, they have Kathleen m. Kenneth Partington, they have Mark and Marsha; (2) Doris, R.N. m. Herbert Griffin, they had, Kristan Ann m. Jerry, they had Heather and Witney Anne; and Mark; (3) John, Rev. m. Jean Fraser, they had Wendy m. Ronald Dimock and have Colin Fraser and Andrew John; Susan m. Allan MacDonald and have Erin and Brendon Coady: Patsy m. Maarten VanWyke; Tim and John Robert Jr.

245 PICTOU ANTIGONiSH REGIONAL LIBRARY •i Pictou-Antigonish Regiona|.L|bra

ABOUT THE AU" 31111 07015 2341 Frank William Calder, B.Sc. (Agr.), M.S., PAg., was born in Springville. He went to school 'here for the first ten years and then to Pictou Academy and then the N.S. Agricultural College, Macdonald College of McGill University and the University of New Hampshire. He is retired from a career in agricultural research which was centered at the Experimental Farm, Nappan, Cumberland County, N.S. During his career he authored numerous scientific papers and other publications on agriculture. The last eight years of his working time was as superintendent of the Experimental Farm. Immediately prior to that time he served two years in India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan as a~ advisor on Agriculture Canada's CIDA sponsored projects to aia research in those countries. He was also involved in communtiy activities, such as the United Church, Town Council, and Hospital Board in Amherst, N.S. He has now retired and with his wife, the former Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Martin, R.N., is living in Springville. They have a family of: Paul, B.A., R.C.M.R, married to Kathy Sorge, RN and their children Nicholas, Brian and Jenny; Anne, B.Sc; and John, Ph D married to Jane Conrad, R.N.

Springville Presbyterian Church and School with horse stalls in background.

This book may be obtained from Frank Calder R.R. 2, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia B2H 5C5