December 2012 Volume 37 No. 4 ISSN 0384 The Griffin A Quarterly Publication of Heritage Trust of

2 REPORT President’s Report Linda Forbes 4 Heritage HOuses Lunenburg Heritage Society’s 2012 House Tour John Bell 7 EDUCATION From Local Heritage Fairs to National Exposure Janice R. Zann 8 Heritage Houses The George Rent House on South Park Street Garry D. Shutlak 9 Buildings at Risk Saving the Shore Lights of Nova Scotia E.W. Hamilton 10 Heritage LOST Some Examples of the Architecture of Poor Houses and County Homes in Nova Scotia Allan E. Marble 12 Heritage Organizations Heritage Cape Breton Connection Cooperative Limited Tammy MacNeil 13 Heritage Houses/Heritage for Sale Lowden House 14 Heritage Organizations The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County Visits Nova Scotia Amy Gaston 15 BUILDER’S MANUAL The Naked Truth: Cast Iron Bathtubs vs. Acrylic Imposters Bruce MacNab 16 REVIEW W. P. Kerr’s History Etched in Stone Karin Salk 18 REVIEW Frances Jewel Dickson’s Destination White Point Holly Gunn

December 2012 1 REPORT President’s Report The Griffin synonymous with innovation. A culture of A quarterly newsletter published by conservation can be achieved by expand- Heritage Trust of ing the generational, social and economic Nova Scotia relevance of heritage (e.g., social justice, sustainable development and urban agri- Unless otherwise indicated, culture). Move beyond buildings to include the opinions expressed intangible heritage. in these pages are those of the contributors and do not The Trust is already engaged in necessarily reflect the views of activities consistent with the thrust of Heritage Trust of these comments. The Morris project has Nova Scotia. brought together a diverse coalition of groups: the Ecology Action Centre, Heri- Editorial Committee tage Trust, Metro Non-Profit Housing, John Bell, Dulcie Conrad, Linda Forbes and the ARK. Together, they have been Peter Delefes, Linda Forbes, able to draw on individuals from the Holly Gunn, Donna McInnis, Janet Morris, Nancy O’Brien “Be There, Pitch In and Take Action!” was arts, business, education, and govern- the rallying cry in Montreal for Heritage ment to conserve and re-purpose the Contributors to this issue Canada’s mid-October conference or oldest standing commercial building in Frans Aeyelts, John Bell, National Summit, as it was called. This Halifax. Underlying the decisions being Linda Forbes, Amy Gaston, Summit provided the opportunity to made are the federal Standards and Holly Gunn, E.W. Hamilton, assess what is working, and what is not, Guidelines (www.historicplaces.ca/en/ Bruce MacNab, Tammy MacNeil, across the country. Responding to the pages/standards-normes.aspx ), concern Allan E. Marble, Karin Salk, impression that the “heritage movement for the environment, and economic and Garry D. Shutlak, Janice R. Zann appears to be at a crossroad,” with “new social sustainability. Mid-January 2013 pressures on existing heritage poli- is the target date for the move to the We welcome submissions cies and programs,” participants were corner of Charles and Creighton Streets but reserve the right engaged in thinking about the current in North End Halifax. Fundraising for the to edit for publication. Deadline for the next issue: heritage environment and drafting move intensified at the end of October January 20, 2012 statements to guide future actions. led by EAC. While the site preparations It is a hopeful sign that Kevin Barrett were getting underway, efforts were Please send your of the N.S. Heritage Property Program begun to explain the project to future submissions to and Heather MacMillan, Senior Policy neighbours. More public events are be- Heritage Trust of NovaScotia Analyst for the Department of Commu- ing planned around the move. P.O. Box 36111 nities, Culture and Heritage, were there. There are many reasons to protect Spring Garden RPO Other Nova Scotians at this conference our built and intangible heritage. The Halifax, N.S. B3J 3S9 included representatives from the Town Morris project demonstrates the value of Truro, Annapolis County, the Munici- of keeping the embodied energy in an E-mail material to pality of the District of Chester, NSCC early and storied building out of the [email protected] website: www.htns.ca (Heritage Carpentry program), and Cape landfill and investing it instead to meet Tel: 902 423-4807 Breton University, including Professor a social need – affordable housing for Tom Urbaniak, Nova Scotia’s representa- youth. While Heritage Trust is sometimes Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia tive on the Heritage Canada Board. portrayed as being narrowly protection- is a charitable organization. In a message sent shortly after the ist, the Morris project clearly demon- All donations are tax creditable. conference, Heritage Canada said it strates that this is not so. We must work heard the following: on getting the message out that we We need to become enablers! Heritage will welcome collaboration. Our interests remain irrelevant as long as we’re seen as are broad, not narrow, and they overlap Cover image: Detail from Grand Pré, by Frans heritage protectionists. Link the heritage those of many other groups in the prov- Aeyelts, 14” x 21.5”, watercolour on Arches 140 lb. message to the crisis of consumerism and ince. paper. (Courtesy of the artist) disposability. Conservation should be

2 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia ARTIST Frans Aeyelts

Valley Farm, by Frans Aeyelts, 14.25” x 21.5”, watercolour on Arches140 lb. paper. (Courtesy of the artist)

Lunenburg watercolour artist Frans watercolour workshops, and does com- Aeyelts was born and educated in the mission work (house, garden and boat HTNS Illustrated Public Lectures Netherlands, where he initially studied portraits). Museum of Natural History (Auditorium) graphic design, followed by industrial Frans is a member of the Canadian Summer Street, Halifax printing techniques and management. Society of Painters in Watercolour, and Thursday, 17 January at 7:30 p.m. However, it was the fine arts that cap- his art has appeared in numerous group Mike Reid tured his imagination allowing him to and solo exhibitions and in the book “Looking Back to Plan Ahead: express himself without restriction. From Land and Sea: Nova Scotia’s Con- The Halifax Peninsula at the End Frans’s other interest was the mari- temporary Landscape Artists (2009). He is of the Eighteenth Century time world, which eventually led to em- also a contributor, as a Marquee Artist, to and Why It Matters Today” ployment with Fisheries and Oceans in Information Morning’s 2013 Sharing the See page 19 for more details. Nova Scotia. Life on the East Coast also View calendar. offered Frans the opportunity to pursue For more information on the artist Thursday, 21 February at 7:30 p.m. his passion for offshore sailing. In fact, and his workshops, see his website: Georges Arsenault he eventually sailed his own home-built http://fransaeyelts.com/ “Traditional Acadian Wintertime boat to the West Indies. Celebrations” Frans later returned to drawing and See page 17 for more details. painting, and, gradually, took on a teach- For more information, please call 423-4807. ing role, offering classes in drawing and watercolour techniques. He now leads

December 2012 3 HERITAGE HOUSES Lunenburg Heritage Society’s 2012 House Tour

John Bell with a mansard roof and a two-storey Street, another reconstructed heri- tower, and a later two-storey addition tage building. Located beside a lovely [The historical and architectural informa- that includes a main-floor sunroom. This Victorian home that was once an early tion in this report is largely taken from the sunroom served as an artist’s studio for private hospital, the cottage was built in excellent tour booklet and handouts that Minnie Hewitt, who lived in the house 2004, and is intended as a reproduction were prepared by the Lunenburg Heritage for her entire life -- more than 90 years. of a boat shop that stood on the same Society.] All these different elements, both inside site for many decades. Although smaller and out, blend surprisingly well, as do than the original structure, which was On September 15, which proved to be a some recent interior changes made built in the late 1870s, the reconstruc- beautiful late-summer day on the South by the current owners, Will Brooks and tion, which now serves as a guest house, Shore, the Lunenburg Heritage Soci- Cheryl Lamerson. shares many of the external features of ety welcomed nearly 400 enthusiastic The same owners also generously the original building, including board- visitors to its 2012 heritage house tour, opened the doors of property #6 on the and-batten siding, six-over-six sash one of the Society’s major fund-raising tour, the Lorne Street Firehouse, located windows, and a chimney. Given the new events. on the back half of the Floral Cottage function of the cottage, there was no This year, the focus of the communi- lot. This building is of recent construc- desire to replicate the interior of a work- ty-supported tour was mostly on build- tion, but in the same style as the 1880s ing boat shop; instead, the current own- ings located outside the boundaries of addition to Floral Cottage. Accordingly, ers, Adam and Cindy Dial, have created Old Town, the UNESCO-designated heri- it features a mansard roof and hand- a cozy cottage with exposed beams, a tage district. In fact, of the nine, featured crafted carriage doors, and incorporates floor-to-ceiling fireplace, a loft bedroom, properties, which included both private many recycled, heritage materials. The and a rear balcony with a harbour view. homes and commercial establishments property’s co-owner, Will Brooks, is the The Dials are currently restoring the - this year’s theme was “work in the founder and first president of the Ca- adjacent house (29 Falkland Street). present, play in the past”- seven were in nadian Fallen Fire Fighters Foundation, The third property on the tour was Lunenburg’s New Town, and yet another and utilizes the heritage-style firehouse the stately home built in 1911 for news- was not far out of town on the road to as a private museum that houses two paper publisher, businessman, and poli- Garden Lots and Blue Rocks. Taken to- antique fire engines as well as displays tician William Duff. The exterior of this gether, the buildings on the tour offered and artifacts related to the history of large, elegant house, which stands at 66 a broad range of approaches to built fire fighting. The museum and the Floral MacDonald Street on half a New Town heritage, from respectful restoration Cottage are connected by flagstone block, very much reflects the material to outright reproduction. Visitors were walkways and a beautiful perennial success of its owner. It features numer- greeted at each numbered tour site by garden. ous Classical Revival elements, such as a friendly and knowledgeable volunteers. Across the street from Floral Cottage truncated hip roof with a widow’s walk, As well, in many instances, proud own- was the third building on the tour map: hipped dormers, intricate fascia and ers were present to offer insights and the Boatbuilder’s Cottage at 31 Falkland window mouldings, and a broad veran- answer questions. The first of the properties featured on the map that accompanied the well- organized tour was Floral Cottage at 26 Falkland Street, which was built circa 1862 for the sailmaker Charles Hewitt, whose daughter, Minnie, later served as the first vice-principal of the . Although this handsome home began as a simple, carpenter-style structure with a central dormer, it sub- sequently evolved into a much larger and more elaborate house with a two- storey “bump,” capped by a two-tiered, Micheline Courtemanche and Brad Quarrie’s letterpress print shop produced the attractive booklets, bell-cast roof, an Empire-style wing tickets, and souvenir ephemera for this year’s house tour. (Courtesy of the Lunenburg Heritage Society)

4 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia Captain Samuel Herman House. (Courtesy of John Bell) dah with wooden Tuscan-style columns. was one of the earliest grand houses and rails and attractive fluted columns. The elegant interior is equally impres- erected in New Town. The home’s origi- Also of note is the splendid front door, sive, with a wide, central front hall; high nal owner was a former master mari- which has a stained-glass panel and ceilings; numerous stained-glass panels; ner who became the manager of the transom etching that are repeated on and oak woodwork and floors. The cur- Capitol Theatre (now the Opera House). the upper balcony door. The interior of rent owners, Janet and Lorne Johanson, The imposing Victorian structure, which the house combines original features who operate the home as a bed and apparently displaced a smaller house with very tasteful renovations. After breakfast, recently converted a carriage that was moved across the street, fea- touring the second floor, visitors were house on the grounds into a rental tures two, double-storey, bay windows welcome to visit the home’s walk-up property. This latter building also figured (one on the front and another on the attic, a large open space that has re- in the tour. side); a second-storey balcony over the mained untouched, and which prompt- The next property on the tour was entrance; a large offset dormer over the ed more than a little envy on the part of the Captain Samuel Herman House at front, two-storey bay; and a front porch, some tour participants. 56 Broad Street. Now owned by Paula which once extended around the side Not far from the Captain Samuel Rennie and Marc Thibaudeau, the home of the house. Both the front porch and Herman House was the tour’s fifth prop- was built between 1897 and 1906, and the balcony have original turned posts erty, the Mizpah Cottage Carriage House

December 2012 5 at 75 Dufferin Street. Purchased together firing kiln in the basement (replacing a in the den. Among the home’s many with the adjacent home in 2009, the summer kitchen), and establish both a notable features are the late-eighteenth carriage house was originally built in gallery display room and a large open century front entry, featuring a tran- 1875, possibly with materials salvaged studio on the main floor on either side som, side lights, and a splendid door; a from another structure. Since that time, of the central hallway and staircase. To striking, curved stairway with a carved the building has successively served as a create the studio space, she removed a handrail; and Empire-parlour trim. Not carriage house, a carpenter’s workshop, wall. She did the same upstairs, allowing surprisingly, this impressive house was a mechanic’s shop, and an artist’s studio. for a surprisingly open dining and living- nominated for a Heritage Trust Built The new owners, Micheline Courte- room space. Another notable feature Heritage Award in 2011. manche and Brad Quarrie, have merely of the second-floor living quarters was Given the enthusiastic response freshened up the building which they the transformation of the “bump” into a to this year’s Heritage House Tour, the now use as an extremely well-outfitted charming bathroom. Lunenburg Heritage Society is appar- letterpress shop where they produce Like the Nova Terra Cotta house, the ently considering the possibility of mak- attractive printed items, including this western section of the Kaulbach block ing the tour an annual event. Anyone year’s heritage tour booklet and tickets. represents a heritage building that who participated in the 2012 tour will In fact, visitors to the shop were invited has retained its character while, at the welcome this news, for while this year’s to print their own souvenir — a lovely same time, serving a variety of public event was certainly rewarding and satis- bookmark. and private functions. The structure fying, it also left most participants with a The next two buildings on the tour originally consisted of three separate hearty appetite for more. were commercial establishments that buildings that were consolidated circa are well known to regular visitors to 1900 behind an ornate Victorian exterior Lunenburg, namely, Joan Bruneau’s by the lawyer C.E. Kaulbach, who loaned Nova Terra Cotta Pottery at 10 Duf- money with property as collateral, ferin Street and the Kaulbach Block at thereby amassing a large inventory 138-146 Lincoln Street, which is home of Lunenburg County real estate. One to Laurie Swim’s Art Quilt Gallery of the notable legacy of Kaulbach’s lucrative Heritage Fairs Update: Atlantic. In both cases, visitors were business activities is a 17-foot vault, Nova Scotian Student Among treated to behind-the-scenes glimpses which the current owners, Laurie Swim the Top Six of heritage buildings that combine retail and Larry Goldstein, use to store gallery spaces with artist’s studios and living inventory. Upstairs, above the impressive Brandon Snyder from the South Shore quarters. quilt gallery, a lavish office space with Regional School Board has been chosen The Nova Terra Cotta building is a tin ceilings, which had been converted as one of the top six student historians classic Lunenburg cape with a five-sided during the 1920s or 1930s into an apart- in the Canada’s History Young Citizens “bump.” Likely built in the 1850s, it was ment, now serves as a studio. There is competition. As a result, Brandon has apparently moved from its original also an apartment on the second floor won an all-expense-paid trip for himself site, near the Bluenose Lodge, in the and a long deck overlooking the front and his family to Ottawa to attend the 1880s. When the potter Joan Bruneau, harbour. Taken together, the work and Governor General’s History Awards. purchased the property in 1994, it had living spaces within the building offer a Nova Scotia had over 5500 student served as a rental property for many fascinating example of several differ- participants in the Heritage Fair program decades, and had only narrowly escaped ent forms of adaptive reuse over many this year, sixteen of which were chosen demolition. Fortunately Bruneau rec- decades. to represent Nova Scotia nationally. ognized the building’s potential. “It had After leaving the Kaulbach Block, Three of these participants made it to the qualities,” she recalls, “of a great pot – some visitors made a second stop in Old the top thirty, and now Brandon has functional design paired with embellish- Town to visit the Knaut Rhuland House won one of the six top positions in Can- ments and a good measure of personal- Museum before heading to the last ada. This is wonderful news for Brandon ity.” Among the exterior embellishments house on the tour, the Moser Home- and for everyone who has supported that likely caught her eye were a num- stead at 647 Blue Rocks Road. Owned by the Nova Scotia Heritage Fair program. ber of lovely brackets and a scrollwork Heather Gordon, this circa 1765 house is Brandon’s award-winning video, frieze around the dormer eaves. As for apparently one of the first homes built which will be showcased at Rideau the interior, Bruneau realized that the outside the Lunenburg fortifications. Hall on December 10th, can be viewed house, which was an excellent location Lovingly restored by Gordon over the online: for a visible retail operation, offered all course of several years, the building’s http://www.canadashistory.ca/Kids/ the different work and living spaces that original coulisse construction is on YoungCitizens/Profiles/2012/Brandon-S. she required, permitting her to set up a display — museum fashion — on a wall aspx

6 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia EDUCATION From Local Heritage Fairs to National Exposure

Janice R. Zann

For the past twenty years, students across Nova Scotia have participated in Canada-wide Heritage Fairs originally sponsored by the Bronfman family. Students in grades 4 to 9 learn how to research a topic, using primary sources where possible, and how to present what they have learned both visually and orally to show their knowledge and understanding of their topic. This is a valuable activity in which teachers provide leadership and guidance. Each year, a successful student was chosen to represent Nova Scotia at the National Fair, always held in a different provincial capital city. as funds for heritage fairs decreased in recent years and National Fairs were cancelled, Nova Scotia Heritage Fairs “If These Walls Could Speak,” winner of the Heritage Trust’s Built Heritage Award, Andrew continued because of the tireless efforts Milner, St. Andrew’s Junior School. (Courtesy of Janice R. Zann) of coordinator Shirley Nicoll, a retired teacher who has been involved since mony; M.L.A. Lenore Zann was emcee ered best. The top two videos from each day one. This year, however, since Shirley for the event. Medals and prizes were province then advanced to a finalist was unable to continue because of ill awarded to all 60 participants. Heritage round. Following this step, a panel of health, Kate Robson, a recent immigrant Trust awarded a major prize for a built- judges selected six recipients to travel from Scotland, who is passionate about heritage project entitled “If These Walls to Ottawa to premiere their videos at a the heritage of her newly-adopted prov- Could Speak” to Andrew Milner of St. National History Forum held in conjunc- ince, has magnificently stepped forward Andrew’s Junior School, Antigonish. The tion with the Governor General’s History to take on this leadership role. Logo Design Award went to Jordan Wil- Awards. Announcement of these win- As provincial coordinator, Kate has liams of Sackville High, and The Judges’ ning students is eagerly awaited. travelled throughout the province meet- Award to Cian McCarron of Harmony On Canada Day, C.B.C. TV’s “The Na- ing with the coordinators of each school Heights School, Truro, for his project tional” previewed some of these entries. board. She established the Nova Scotia “Geology in the Walls of Truro’s Historic The talent of our young researchers, Heritage Fairs Society, held a competi- Buildings.” historians, journalists, and film makers tion for design of a suitable logo, and This year for the first time, there was of the future is truly amazing. What an chose as the venue for the an exciting new development. Canada’s effective way for students to become Provincial Fair in May 2012. This Provin- History Society launched its “Young motivated to learn about their heritage. cial Fair was totally successful, attended Citizens Program” which rewards win- Categories for the fairs included Mari- by award-winning students and their ning students who have participated in time History; Built Heritage; First Nations’ parents from across the province. heritage fairs across the country. Sixteen Heritage; African Heritage; Best Use of Rosalee Peppard, costumed in a students from each province, selected Primary Materials; and Local, Family, glorious gown, appropriate to wear on at their regional fairs, were given video Military, Social and Industrial History. the ill-fated Titanic in 1912, presented a cameras and asked to shoot short films It is gratifying to learn that the Min- medley of songs from Mik’maq, Aca- (between three to four minutes) relat- ister of Education will support the Nova dian, Afro–Canadian, Scottish, Irish, and ing to their projects. These videos were Scotia Heritage Fairs with a future grant. English backgrounds. TV newsreader shown online from June to August 7 so However, more sponsors are needed to Steve Murphy put the students through that citizens across Canada could judge cover costs involved in this worthwhile a typical new citizens’ initiation cere- and vote for the projects they consid- endeavour.

December 2012 7 HERITAGE HOUSES The George Rent House on South Park Street

Garry D. Shutlak

The George Rent house at 1271(formerly 91) South Park Street in Halifax was a substantial residence with basement kitchen and at least twelve rooms and bath. Although it has so far proven im- possible to determine the precise date of construction, the architect, or the builder of this residence, it is known that the house was built for George Rent, a prominent Halifax businessman. George Rent Jr., the son of carpen- ter George Rent Sr. and Isabella Brown, was born in Halifax in 1845. In 1870, he married Bessie Holloway, the daughter of James and Selina Holloway. Fol- lowing his marriage, George Rent Jr. and his family lived on Dresden Row, Birmingham and Morris Streets, before finally moving to South Park Street. Mr. Rent needed a substantial home, since his father-in- law, James Holloway, and brothers-in-law, Alfred, Henry and Jo- seph Holloway, lived with him from time to time. When James Holloway died in 1882, he was residing with his daughter and son-in-law, and the funeral took place from 91 South Park Street. When J.A. Irvine photograph of the Rent house, c. 1900. (Courtesy of Nova Scotia Archives, NSARM accession Isabella B. Rent died in 1891 at her home no. Album 37 photo 151, negative: N-6772) at 35 Artz Lane, her funeral took place from her son’s home. George Rent Jr. (1845-1897) had his Fire Protection Company. George was in the house. Three remaining Bayne hardware-trade business that was lo- buried at Camp Hill Cemetery. His family family members continued to live in the cated at 29-31 Barrington Street, now the continued to live on at the house after house until 1946. location of the Gordon & Keith Building. his death until 1907. The home was The house was then occupied for The firm, founded in 1864, sold stoves, then purchased by a real-estate agent, several years by James Gordon Austen, ranges, kitchen furnishings, refrigerators, Andrew Nelson Bayne. a member of the Halifax Police Depart- and ice-cream freezers, and operated a Bayne was the son of the merchant ment. Subsequently, it became the tinsmith and plumbing business. A highly Thomas Bayne, and his wife, Elizabeth home of a salesman, Ernest S Cotting- esteemed businessman, Rent was a Jus- Hunter. He married Eliza Jane Mac- ham, who rented rooms to staff from tice of the Peace, an alderman for Ward donald in 1893. They had five children: the Halifax Infirmary. In 1969, it assumed One (1885-1887), a commissioner of the Charles Macdonald, George Neilson, a new identity as the House of 1870, a Board of Works (1885-1887), a commis- Ralph Andrew, Norman Hunter, and guest house run by Muriel Robinson. sioner of the Board for Point Pleasant Walter Fairgrieve Bayne; the latter two This guest house continued until 1980, Park, a Fire Warden (1884), and an hon- children were born while the Bayne when the directories show no return for ourary member of the Union Protection family occupied the house. In 1930, the property. Company. The funeral, for the 52-year-old both Andrew N. Bayne and his brother, For more than 130 years, this unpre- merchant was widely attended by Halifax Charles H. Bayne, died. Six years later, tentious, but splendid, home has quietly citizens, including members of the Union Andrew’s son, Dr. Charles M. Bayne, died stood as a South End landmark.

8 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia BUILDINGS AT RISK Saving the Shore Lights of Nova Scotia: A Report on the Lighthouse Preservation Society of Nova Scotia’s Two-Day Workshop in Lunenburg

E.W. Hamilton senting lighthouses at Walton Harbour and Yarmouth. “Every community lucky enough to have a Since I was attending the session lighthouse has a responsibility to work for for my own interest, and do not have a its preservation.” vested interest in a particular lighthouse, - Rip Irwin, Lighthouses and Lights of I did not stay for the insurance presenta- Nova Scotia. tion. One point of interest, however, was the fact that although the government Fisheries and Oceans Canada, speaking does not wish to maintain the lights for our Federal Government, has de- any longer, DFO reserves the right to be clared 976 of our lighthouses surplus. Of on the property as long as the light is a those, 138 are in Nova Scotia. Communi- working light . ties must organize and work with gov- As society has changed over the ernment if they wish to save a particular years and technology has brought lighthouse, and they should begin now about devices that permit us to be since it is a rather daunting process, and constantly aware of our location, there are deadlines to meet. whether in our cars or at sea, the need Recently, the Lighthouse Preserva- for lighthouses as a navigational tool at tion Society of Nova Scotia offered a sea has all but ended. The lighthouse as two-day workshop in Lunenburg to a symbol, however, remains an incred- familiarize those interested in saving ible beacon of hope, signifying strength, lighthouses with what is involved in safety, and guidance, and it speaks to such an endeavor. The sessions opened who we are as a people living by the Friday night with Bob Trapani, Executive sea. Director of the American Lighthouse Anyone interested in the preserva- Foundation, speaking about the light- tion of lighthouses simply must buy Rip houses along the Eastern seaboard of Irwin’s book, Lighthouses and Lights of the U.S. This Foundation’s mission, which Nova Scotia (Nimbus, 2003). It is a beauti- reflects many of our hopes, is to save ful collection of photos and descriptions and preserve its country’s lighthouses. of our nautical icons. In the introduc- On Saturday, David Warner, a tion, Mr. Irwin says, “No two lighthouses consultant from Yarmouth, walked us are exactly the same, but …each is an through the “Business Plan Submission important link to our past and embod- for Acquiring a Surplus Lighthouse.” After ies the maritime history of our country. sitting through years of in-services as a We need to do whatever we can to save teacher, I gave him an A+ for his ability them.” to make this an interesting topic. He was knowledgeable, energetic, sincere, and E. W. Hamilton, a retired educator, lives in surprisingly, held our attention to the Lunenburg, and enjoys a chance to explore very end. He made us aware of covering “topics of interest.” all the angles, and made us feel that we could do the job. The afternoon session dealt with Sandy Point Light, Shelburne County, by Su insurance matters regarding the take- Rogers, 14” x 48”, oil on canvas. (Courtesy of over of lighthouses and learning about the artist) “success” stories. People spoke repre-

December 2012 9 HERITAGE LOST Some Examples of the Architecture of Poor Houses and County Homes in Nova Scotia

Allan E. Marble

During the period 1870 to 1910 there were thirty-two Poor Houses, Asylums, and Alms Houses built in Nova Scotia. Following World War I, these homes for the poor and harmless insane were more commonly referred to as County Homes, and they continued to house the unfortunates of society until well into the 1980s. About four years ago, I began to research the plight of the poor in order to determine what their life was like living in poor houses or county homes. I was mainly interested in learn- ing about the living conditions of the paupers such as sleeping accommoda- tions, the quality of food provided, the cleanliness of the bedding and clothing worn by the paupers, available medical Digby Poor Farm and Asylum, Marshalltown, opened in 1891 and closed in 1968. Twenty-nine care, the quality of the water supply, the residents in 1910. precautions taken to ensure a reason- able level of sanitation, the fire preven- tion measures which were in place, and the treatment of individual paupers by the superintendent and matron as well as by other paupers and by the harmless insane. Many of these questions were answered when I discovered that each of the Poor Houses (County Homes) was inspected annually by an Inspector of Charitable and Humane Institutions (a physician), who wrote a report on each institution which was submitted to the Municipal Councils and to the Provincial Government and published in the Journal of the House of Assembly Pictou County Home, Riverton, opened in 1886 and closed in 1978. Ninety residents in 1910. of Nova Scotia. These annual reports indicated that in most municipalities the living conditions in Poor Houses in their municipality. This was a major these houses. Surprisingly, after some were adequate in that the paupers improvement to the methods practiced very exhaustive research, I managed to were well fed, were provided with clean prior to 1870: private contracting and find photographs of 28 of the thirty-two water and clean clothing, and enjoyed a public auctioning of the paupers to the Poor Houses. The quality of the archi- warm environment during the winter. It lowest bidder. tecture and construction of many of was gratifying to discover that munici- All of the thirty-two Poor Houses, these houses is far better than I would pal leaders and overseers of the poor Asylums, and Alms Houses have now have anticipated. It appears that several provided adequate living conditions for been demolished. Initially, I thought I municipalities decided to erect very the paupers and harmless insane living would find very few photographs of expensive and substantial buildings in

10 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia Lunenburg County Poor Farm and Asylum, Dayspring, opened in 1889 and closed in 1980. Eighty-one inmates in 1929

West Hants County Poor Farm, Meander River, opened in 1884 and closed in 1966. Twenty-four Paupers in 1910.

Shelburne County Asylum and Poor Farm, opened in 1885 and closed in 1958. Twenty-five inmates in 1910. order to provide adequate accommo- dation for their unfortunate brethren. I have included photographs of six of the Poor Houses so that you can draw your own conclusions about the living accommodations of Nova Scotia’s poor and harmless insane.

Allan E. Marble served as the Program Chair for Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia, 2006-2011. He is currently the president of the Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia and Professor Emeritus, Dalhousie University Faculty of Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering. Photographs courtesy of Allan E. Colchester County Poor Asylum and Farm, North River, opened in 1908, burned in 1954. Eighty-three Marble. inmates in 1910.

December 2012 11 HERITAGE ORGANIZATIONS Heritage Cape Breton Connection Cooperative Limited: A Concise History

Tammy MacNeil

The Heritage Cape Breton Connection Cooperative (HCBC), formerly known as The Iona Connection Cooperative Limited, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2009. HCBC’s main purpose is to represent organizations and individu- als from across Cape Breton Island that share an interest in heritage. The concept of such an umbrella group arose in the 1980s during the planning of Sydney’s bicentennial celebrations. Stakeholders in heritage realized that there were pockets of heritage organizations and commu- nity museums throughout the island dealing with similar issues, and so an ad hoc committee was struck. Founding members of HCBC included Jim St. Clair, Past Presidents of Heritage Cape Breton Connection Cooperative at the organization’s 25th Anniver- Dr. Bob Morgan, Dr. Don Arseneau, Mar- sary celebrations, 2009. From left to right: Nan More, Pauline Thompson, Catherine Arseneau, Rodney tin Boston, Donald Beaton, and other Chaisson, Martin Boston and Donald Beaton. (Courtesy of the Heritage Cape Breton Connection individuals dedicated to preserving and Cooperative) sharing Cape Breton’s heritage. With the establishment of an island-wide organi- zation, museums from the four counties engages with the community at large other hands-on museum workers. All of (Cape Breton, Victoria, Richmond and In- through the member organizations. The the interviews may be viewed online at verness) now have a channel to commu- membership meets twice a year to voice http://heritagecapebreton.ca/projects/ nicate with each other on various issues; any concerns they may be experienc- voices-of-heritage/. Another successful perhaps, most importantly, HCBC is able ing and to share their accomplishments project completed by the group is the to speak on behalf of its membership with like-minded individuals. The mem- design and dissemination of “Heritage with a strong unified voice to govern- bership meetings take place in different Locator Maps,” which identify the many ment and funding agencies with greater locations across Cape Breton, providing heritage organizations that operate on success than individual museums. a great opportunity to network and Cape Breton Island. Many member orga- The organization was originally generate new ideas. nizations sell these maps as a fundraiser named “Iona Connection” for several rea- In many ways, HCBC has experi- and networking tool for visitors inter- sons. The main inspiration for the name enced a rejuvenation following its 25th ested in exploring heritage. was to pay homage to the island of Iona anniversary celebrations. With a new Heritage Cape Breton Connection in Scotland, which was a traditional name came new ideas and direction. continues to operate as a collaborative gathering place for the dissemination of Most noteworthy is the series of inter- effort. Its members are invited to partici- learning and understanding. Secondly, views that were conducted with leaders pate in committees such as Advocacy, the group originally met in the village of heritage organizations; these inter- Membership, Sustainability, Website, of Iona, which is centrally located on views are collectively known as “Voices and Governance. For more information, Cape Breton Island. It is equidistant from of Heritage.” In 2009, twelve of these please visit our website http://heritage- the four counties, and is at the heart of interviews were conducted, and an capebreton.ca/. the island. The organization’s name was additional eight videos were filmed in changed in 2009 to better reflect its 2012. A conscious effort has been made Tammy MacNeil is a native of Sydney. A island-wide mandate and inclusiveness. to be as inclusive as possible in choos- librarian by training, she has worked in The Heritage Cape Breton Connec- ing individuals to feature: representa- heritage in various capacities over the last tion is run by a volunteer board of direc- tives from Cape Breton’s four counties, number of years. Her current position with tors from across Cape Breton. The Board Mi’kmaq, women, labour history, and HCBC is Secretary.

12 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia HERITAGE HOUSES / HERITAGE FOR SALE Lowden House Farm

Lowden House is a “Country Georgian” home bordering on the Habitant River estuary on the edge of the historic Aca- dian hamlet of Habitant near the old vil- lage of Canning. Beautifully situated on the quiet and pretty road to Kingsport, near the Blomidon Estate Winery, the house is surrounded by open farm fields and natural woodland, through which flows a year-round brook emptying into the Habitant estuary and its enveloping saltmarsh. The house is believed to have been built before 1815 by Samuel Lowden, a local tanner. Its architectural con- struction and unique details indicate its possible Planter or Loyalist origins. The house has been on this site for at least 200 years, perhaps as far back as the 18th century, as timbers have been tree-ring dated to the year 1772. A massive fieldstone foundation supports the original post-and-beam (timber frame) structure. All the major support posts have been upgraded to ensure the continued stability of the house. All the framework and rafters are mortised together and joined with wooden pegs. (Courtesy of Country Real Estate) The floor boards are attached by hand- made nails. Inside the house, boards as wide as eighteen or twenty-four inches house is a spacious living room and a it is wide open and spotlessly clean, form room partitions. study. never having been used for animals or Over the past ten years, Lowden The second floor contains the vehicles. House has been completely restored, large, master bedroom, another large The property consists of twenty-two renovated, and upgraded with strict at- bedroom, a smaller bedroom and a acres, sixteen of which are in open fields tention to detail to preserve the fascinat- well-planned bathroom. There is an- that have not been sprayed or farmed ing, original features. The interior paint other small room off the master which for over ten years. The fields are divided finish has been co-ordinated to reflect a is ideal for a walk-in closet or storage. by a year-round brook in a wooded range of heritage tones of olives, golds, Above these rooms is a half-floor loft vault. The lower field which looks out and creams for walls and floors. The which can be used for additional guest over the river is home to migratory birds, original woodwork has been preserved sleeping or studio space. bald eagles and hawks. A small field and re-used wherever possible. There The farm also includes a barn that near the house is used for a vegetable are seven rooms on the main floor. The measures thirty by forty feet, and is garden. side door opens to a mudroom and about thirty-feet high at the peak. This half bath. Inside, there is a large country 150 year-old, timber frame structure Lowden House Farm (MLS No. 55016646) kitchen with modern features, an island, was brought to the farm seven years is for sale for $495,000. Contact Country and original, beehive bread oven. Off ago, and rebuilt from the ground up Real Estate by phone (1-800-711-5556) or the kitchen is the laundry room and on a new concrete-slab foundation. e-mail ([email protected]). pantry. Adjacent the kitchen is a sunny The barn is finished outside with de- dining room with doors to a patio on tails to complement the house, includ- the south side. On the west side of the ing salvaged, period windows. Inside,

December 2012 13 HERITAGE ORGANIZATIONS The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County Visits Nova Scotia: A Report on Cross-Border Cooperation

Members of the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County visiting the Lunenburg waterfront. (Photo courtesy of Amy Gaston)

Amy Gaston Ideally, we hoped for a tour of a few Between lunch and the private tour, private homes and a driving tour of we managed to squeeze in a driving Lancaster, Pennsylvania is a great place Lunenburg. Our wish was answered. Co- tour of Old Town. We all joked that Colin to live, work, and play. Recently, we lin arranged for a visit of the Lennox Inn, could have a second career as a tour have been nationally recognized for our a late 1700s, Colonial-style inn, directly guide. He mixed just the right blend of Central Market (the oldest, continuously opposite Zion Evangelical Lutheran history and human interest stories as we operating farmer’s market in America), Church in the heart of Old Town Lunen- navigated the narrow streets. It left us all which was rated by CNNGo as one of burg. Owner Robert Cram graciously longing to return. the top ten markets in the world. Anoth- endured all of our questions, includ- Meeting other preservation-minded er poll ranked Lancaster as the number ing how historic tax credits worked in folks gives you an instant connec- one place in the United States (among Canada compared to the United States. tion. You understand that you can’t mid-size cities) where people feel good The other tour site was a private home work alone, and that slow and steady about life. In spite of all of these won- located just outside town in Garden often wins the race. Our organization derful reasons to live in Lancaster, it is Lots, where Heather Gordon shared her has been around since 1966, and was still good to get away. experiences with restoration, displayed formed in order to “stem the rapid The Historic Preservation Trust of scrapbooks documenting the process, destruction of historic properties in Lancaster County provided a great op- and discussed the Heritage Society’s up- Lancaster County.” Our mission is to portunity for people to do just that by coming house tour. As the staff person preserve and protect Lancaster County’s organizing a five-day, fundraising cruise in charge of events, I took notes, and rich, historic and architectural character to Nova Scotia this past August. This was tucked a few ideas away for our own through education, advocacy, and direct a new adventure for the Preservation architectural-history tour. Heather even action. We are a member-supported, Trust that has organized many success- prepared cake and coffee. Unfortunately, 501(c) 3 non-profit organization located ful events, but never a cruise. One of our we had to cut our visit short in order to in the historic Sehner-Ellicott-von Hess goals was to offer something special remain on schedule. Since this wasn’t an House (c.1787) at 123 North Prince for folks who booked their trip with us official ship excursion, we couldn’t take Street in downtown Lancaster. rather than directly with the cruise line. the chance of literally missing the boat. We would welcome some cross- Once we realized one of our ports of Our visit also included a delicious border visitors from Nova Scotia so that call was near Lunenburg, we contacted lunch at the Old Fish Factory Restaurant. we could continue the cooperation and our friend, and former board member, I know what you’re thinking. It’s where dialogue that we started this summer in Kenna S. Wood. Kenna currently resides all of the tourists go. If you’ve been Lunenburg. in Boston, and also owns a home avoiding it because of the tour buses in Lunenburg. She contacted Colin and people with name badges, I encour- Amy Gaston is the Marketing Manager of Edwards at the Lunenburg Heritage So- age you to pretend you’re a tourist and the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster ciety, and that is how our new friendship eat there. The food was scrumptious, County. was formed. and the service was top notch.

14 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia BUILDER’S MANUAL The Naked Truth: Cast Iron Bathtubs vs. Acrylic Imposters

Bruce MacNab

Freestanding, cast iron bath tubs aren’t the most practical choice for a bath- room. The thick, cold iron can pull the heat out of a freshly drawn bath. Plus, it’s difficult to install a shower on these tubs, and it’s awkward to clean around them. This is why they have been removed from so many heritage houses. But if you’re restoring a century home to its original glory, these tubs of yesteryear are a must-have. If you don’t want a 300-pound iron behemoth, lightweight replica bath- tubs can be sourced. Constructed from acrylic, these freestanding tubs look rea- sonably authentic, and weigh less than a hundred pounds. Quality reproductions start at $1200. Unfortunately, these tubs have one major problem: the manufac- turers don’t recommend drilling holes to A disconnected 1939 Brock stove at the author’s recently purchased house in Cumberland County. install taps directly on the tub. Instead, (Courtesy of Bruce MacNab) pricey taps must be purchased. These This tub once graced the Windsor, Nova Scotia bathroom of Judge Herbert Sangster. The five-foot thousand-dollar faucets bolt to the floor, tub complete with original waste and overflow is being installed in the author’s Cumberland County and rise up like a goose’s neck over the home. (Courtesy of Bruce MacNab) tub’s ledge. Brand new cast iron tubs are still and cold water-supply pipes can be left available. Alternatively, in the age of as natural copper or painted to offer a Kijiji it’s easy to find a vintage tub. Prices finished appearance. range from free to about $800. When Some century-old taps can be you reply to tub ads, always ask if all rebuilt. Otherwise, high quality replace- four feet are intact. Often, one is broken ment faucets are available that adapt to when someone tries to roll the tub, fit the holes found on any classic tub. placing all the weight on one set of feet. Please be aware that if your tap’s spout If you need to refinish the enamel on is below the tub’s maximum water level a budget, try 2-part paint. The results bathwater could contaminate your can be astonishingly good, especially home’s potable water supply system. In if you’re willing to put in extra time prep- such cases, a competent inspector will ping the original surface to receive the fail your installation unless the taps are new coating. fitted with a vacuum-breaker device. The “stamp” size where the drain Whichever lather you’d rather – old Ball-foot tubs like this one are often mistak- nestles into the enamel has never or new – you can’t beat the charming enly called claw-foot tubs. (Courtesy of Bruce changed so you don’t need a custom appeal of a freestanding tub. MacNab) drain for an old tub. However, the waste and overflow pipes are exposed on older freestanding tubs. You can buy Bruce MacNab is a Red Seal journeyman article. Bruce’s fascinating new book, The an attractive metal drain assembly or carpenter and a member of Nova Scotia’s Metamorphosis: The Apprenticeship of simply pick up a stock ABS kit for about Advisory Council on Heritage Properties. He Harry Houdini, has just been published by $25, and paint the black plastic pipe thanks journeyman plumber Tim Del- Goose Lane Editions. to match your decor. Likewise, the hot aney for help with technical details in this

December 2012 15 REVIEW W. P. Kerr, History Etched in Stone: Gravestone Art and the Garrison Graveyard at (Kingston, ON: Canadian Defence Academy Press, 2011), ISBN 978-1-100-18332-9, 193 pages

Karin Salk death and the afterlife. Whereas winged skulls accentuate the deterioration and Having recently developed a genuine shortness of life, soul effigies empha- appreciation for burial grounds, epi- size resurrection and heavenly reward. taphs, and the worship of the dead, I These transformations in motifs were presumed that History Etched in Stone: accompanied by changes in religious Gravestone Art and the Garrison Graveyard thought and grieving. The soul effigy, at Annapolis Royal would merely be a for instance, embodied the movement complement to the cemeteries I have away from a religion that frightened to previously explored, lacking in imag- one that uplifted and inspired. ery and telling of only the most basic Careful not to isolate the graveyard information of the deceased. Yet author from the formative events of the time, Wayne Kerr, a senior interpretation Kerr intertwines the development of specialist with , demon- the grounds with trade, economy, and strates that graveyards are not simply political upheaval. Trade between New antiquated resting places that exist in England and Nova Scotia meant that the cobwebs of our memories, but are some gravestones likely came from in fact valuable archives providing a win- carvers in Boston. The oldest English- dow into the past, present, and future. inscribed gravestone in Canada, dating Kerr combines historical accounts to 1720 and belonging to Bathiah Doug- and artistic analyses to explain both the lass, wife of a senior member of the train societal and military importance of the (Courtesy of Canadian Defence Academy Press) of artillery in the garrison, is attributed Fort Anne cemetery in the town of An- to Boston carver Nathaniel Emmes. napolis Royal, Nova Scotia. With over 230 Kerr also explains how the American existing gravestones dating from 1720 Revolution impacted the graveyard at to the 1940s, this historic site has under- area in 1636 seem to have been the first Annapolis Royal, resulting in an influx of gone a substantial transformation, from people to use the site for interments. United Empire Loyalist refugees to the its origin as a French-Acadian graveyard, The earliest identified military grave area and ushering a neoclassical revival to a British burial ground, and finally, a belongs to Ensign George Audley, who in gravestone art. local cemetery. Despite the rich military died at the fort in 1806. Although the Kerr’s analysis of the epitaphs and history of Annapolis Royal — it has been last troops withdrew from the garrison headstones at the garrison graveyard attacked and defended more often than in 1854, citizens continued using the provide a window into the military and any other single place in the country — graveyard until the early 1940s. As with social history of Annapolis Royal. Most of the graveyard provides insight not only many burial grounds, the garrison grave- those at rest in the graveyard had some into Canada’s military past, but into the yard has endured neglect, disrepair, and connection to military life, whether social history of settlement in the region. weather damage throughout its history. they were garrisoned soldiers, relatives, Opening with a brief history of In 1968, the Federal government took garrison staff, or craftsmen employed by burial rituals, Kerr successfully reminds ownership of the graveyard, designating the Board of Ordinance to work on for- his audience of the primary function it a National Historic Site of Canada in tifications and buildings. The plot of the of gravestones: to serve as forms of re- partnership with Fort Anne. Gilpin family, for instance, contains both membrance for the deceased, symboliz- After providing a basic history of military members and regular citizens. ing one’s passage on Earth. He proceeds the graveyard and the fort, Kerr delves Of the sixteen family members buried to outline the history of Annapolis into the symbolic importance of the in the graveyard, some worked for the Royal, emphasizing the earlier Mi’kmaq various images that appear on the church while others, such as Lieutenant presence, the Anglo-French rivalry, and gravestones. Winged skulls and souls, Arthur Fowden Gilpin of the Wiltshire the British character that developed trumpeting angels, and urns are among Regiment, served in the military. What throughout the eighteenth century. the most common motifs. Kerr suc- emerges, then, is a history character- While the date of the first burial in the cessfully emphasizes that these images ized by the intermingling of military graveyard is unknown, members of the are more than visual pleasures; rather, and civilian life. The development of the LaHave settlement who relocated to the they reveal society’s attitudes towards graveyard, just like the development

16 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia of Canada, could not have proceeded late nineteenth century, even though HTNS Illustrated without an evolving military presence. residents of the town continued using Public Lectures Inscriptions and epitaphs, however, the site for burials until the 1940s. This Museum of Natural History can only reveal so much. The limita- detracts from the continuity of the book, (Auditorium) tions posed by the fragmented nature preventing a clear understanding of the Summer Street, Halifax of these aging headstones are chal- graveyard’s transformation over the later lenged by the extensive background decades. While the military aspect of George Arsenault information Kerr provides. Focusing not the graveyard considerably diminished only on military history, Kerr recognizes by this point, an examination of later Traditional Acadian the social history of Annapolis Royal epitaphs and stones would properly il- by delving into the life histories of the lustrate the graveyard’s maturation over Wintertime Celebrations deceased, thus creating a more intimate time. The well-known Acadian folklorist and relationship between the reader and Such flaws, however, do not dimin- historian Georges Arsenault will give the graveyard. Whether recounting the ish the value of Kerr’s work and its an illustrated talk on two ancient and professions of the deceased or their contribution to Canada’s military and popular Acadian winter celebrations. familial ties to the military history of the social histories. With comparatively little The first is known as Chandeleur (Candle- region, Kerr ensures that the graveyard literature and scholarly work on Cana- mas) and takes place on February 2. The exists not as an isolated reminder acces- dian cemeteries, History Etched in Stone second, called Mi-Carême, is celebrated sible only in death, but as an evolving provides an in-depth documentation a few weeks later in the middle of Lent. account of Annapolis Royal itself. and analysis of one of Canada’s most Georges Arsenault has researched Unfortunately, Kerr sometimes historic graveyards. Yet Kerr does not the origins of these joyful traditions and reaches too far and sacrifices histori- bombard his audience with his own how they were observed in Acadian cal relevance and narrative stability for beliefs, but rather compels the reader to communities in Eastern Canada. His superfluous background information. form his own conclusions on Annapolis two books on these winter festivities, When presenting the gravestone of Royal and the garrison graveyard. As the Acadian Traditions on Candlemas Day: Laura Johnstone, for instance, Kerr di- book draws to a close, Kerr asks, “The Candles, Pancakes, and House Visits, and vulges an extraneous account surround- fundamental questions about graven art Acadian Mi-Carême: Masks and Mer- ing Johnstone’s death that screams of still remain. Does it ‘speak’ to you? Does rymaking, are both published by Acorn romantic fiction rather than historical it move you? What does it mean to you?” Press and translated by Sally Ross. importance. In 1830, Johnstone was (145). Although open to interpretation, Candlemas Day was at one time an apparently found in flames and doused the historical significance of the grave- important religious and social festivity. in water by her maid, but succumbed yard cannot be refuted. Threatened by Pancakes were the symbolic food of to her burns. “Call it a twist of fate or vandalism, environmental changes and choice. In many Acadian villages, young simply someone’s sense of dark hu- natural decay, all gravestones demand men went from door-to-door collecting mour,” remarks Kerr, “but the flower maintenance and respect from future food either for a communal feast or to Deadly Nightshade was once growing generations. As Kerr’s analysis shows, give to the poor. To celebrate Mid-Lent, over Laura’s gravestone” (p. 78). Though history does not lie dormant in the people visited each other’s homes entertaining, this tale has little bearing garrison graveyard at Annapolis Royal, dressed up in masks and costumes, as on the symbolism of the gravestone but operates as an evolving orator of they still do in the Chéticamp region of and the significance of the graveyard. Canada’s past. Cape Breton. In some villages, a scary This isolated example is similarly echoed woman called the Mi-Carême distrib- elsewhere in the book, as Kerr too often Karin Salk graduated from Wilfrid Laurier uted candies to good little children. In recounts clouded histories that are University in Waterloo, Ontario, with an his presentation, Arsenault will trace the meaningless to his study. honours degree in History and North evolution of these traditions, highlight Another drawback is the manner American Studies. After embarking on a modern-day celebrations, and look at in which Kerr organizes the informa- battlefield tour of Western Europe and the role they still play in Acadian culture. tion and presents the images. He often visiting thousands of Commonwealth For more information, please call bounces back and forth between war graves, she developed a strong ap- 423-4807. decades in order to present common preciation for cemeteries and the com- themes, designs, or organizational pat- memoration of the dead. Karin now lives Thursday, 21 February at 7:30 p.m. terns. Had he presented the information in Scotland, furthering her studies at the chronologically, greater historical fluidity University of Edinburgh. Her review origi- would be maintained. Furthermore, Kerr nally appeared in the journal Canadian neglects gravestones dating after the Military History.

December 2012 17 REVIEW Frances Jewel Dickson, Destination White Point (Lawrencetown Beach, N.S.: Pottersfield Press, 2012), ISBN 978-1-897426-36-4,144 pages, $17.95

Holly Gunn Dickson devotes the first 60 pages of her book to the intriguing tale of Moore Destination White Point provides a ret- and the origins of White Point Lodge. rospective history of White Point Beach It is impossible to read this section Lodge from its origins to the present without lamenting the loss of several time. White Point Beach was originally modes of transportation available in that designed as a seasonal, upscale facility era: a ferry service bringing Americans where hunting and fishing enthusiasts to Yarmouth and two passenger trains could pursue their passion while families that operated on the south shore of the were entertained with a wide variety of province. options at the resort. The resort evolved No history of White Point is com- over the next eight decades as a year- plete without a description of Howard round destination where guests return and Ivy Elliott who took over the opera- regularly, with some even owning a tion of White Point after Moore’s tenure time-share in the resort. came to an abrupt end following the The origins of White Point Lodge stock market crash of 1929. Howard and are intertwined with the development his wife, Ivy, managed the resort from of the hospitality and tourism industry the 1930s to the 1970s, and the stories in southwestern Nova Scotia and the of their tenure vary according to the Americans who arrived here in search of interviewee. Although former employ- (Courtesy of Pottersfield Press) big-game hunting and fishing. In telling ees generally spoke very well of Howard, the story of White Point, Dickson intro- the opinions of Ivy, as Dickson says, duces us to the fascinating personality “swing as far as the pendulum would of Philip Hooper Moore who built White in books that he wrote at the time, With go,” and Dickson gives examples of both Point Lodge Resort. Moore, an American Gun and Rod in Canada and The Castle extremes. mining engineer, who was also a hunt- Buck: Hunting and Fishing Adventures Dickson interviewed many people in ing and fishing enthusiast, first came to with a Nova Scotia Guide. His poems in order to write this book: former employ- Nova Scotia to evaluate an abandoned his Rossignol Rhymes describe his love ees, fishing guides, guests, and local gold mine in Queens County in the early for his newly-adopted province, and politicians, and she weaves their stories 20th century. Instead of finding gold, he Dickson cleverly intersperses Moore’s into her book. Dickson was fortunate to discovered a sportsman’s paradise, a vast poetry in appropriate places throughout have the Foreword to her book written forested area filled with big game and the book. by Doug Fawthrop. Fawthrop was the streams and oceans teeming with fish. When the N.S. Power Corporation managing director of White Point Lodge For someone who had travelled to the flooded Lake Rossignol, Moore’s camp for 33 years, taking over after Howard wilds of Colorado and Utah in search of disappeared in the flood. With the Elliott. Robert Risley, the current owner, big game, Moore was astounded to find compensation he received for the loss provided his reflections near the end of such great hunting and fishing so close of his land, Moore had the seed money the book. to his New England home, easily acces- he needed to build another lodge. This The book concludes with an sible from Boston by steamship. lodge would be bigger and grander. It Epilogue describing the fire of Nov. 12, By 1919, Moore had established would be a property that would appeal 2011 when the main lodge was de- a wilderness camp at Lowe’s Landing to sportsmen, accommodate vacation- stroyed. Dickson describes the wedding on Lake Rossignol. Here he entertained ing families, have all the latest ameni- that took place despite the fire and dev- sportsmen and, as he said in his book ties, and appeal to golfers as well. While astation that was occurring at the time The Castle Buck, “many a world- re- looking at an aerial photograph, he – an illustration of the efficiency and nowned character.” He established a spied White Point with its unusual com- dedication of the staff at White Point. guiding business with licensed guides bination of crescent sand beach, surf, The book is filled with White Point to accompany novice hunters, and in- salt water, a freshwater lake, tidal river, anecdotes: the story of the White Point vited the editors of all the Canadian and waterfalls, with a forested area for hunt- rabbits, sighting of ghosts – including American sporting magazines to Camp ing, all within easy access to Liverpool Ivy’s, and reminiscences of former em- Rossignol. He describes his adventures over good roads. ployees. Unfortunately, there is no index

18 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia ARTIST to the book; but there is a detailed Table of Contents, and the chapters are short. Frans Aeyelts You don’t have to be a White Pointer to enjoy this book. This is a story of a heri- tage resort property that has survived and flourished through eight decades when many other similar venues have faltered.

Retired teacher-librarian Holly Gunn worked as a waitress at White Point in the summer of 1966 when she was a student at University.

HTNS Illustrated Public Lectures Museum of Natural History (Auditorium) Summer Street, Halifax

Mike Reid Looking Back to Plan Ahead: The Halifax Peninsula at the End of the Eighteenth Century and Why It Matters Today Mike Reid is the Coordinator for the Coastal Research Network and a recent graduate of the Masters of Marine Management program at Dalhousie University. It has often been said that in order to properly prepare for the future, one must first understand the past. Join Mike Reid as he explains his use of his- toric maps to develop a picture of how the landscape of the Halifax Peninsula looked at the end of the eighteenth century. Mike will introduce some of the earliest detailed maps of the Halifax Pen- insula as well as the cartographers who Argyle Street, by Frans Aeyelts, 14.25” x 18”, watercolour on Arches 140 lb. paper. (Courtesy of the art- created them. He will then explore the ist) advantages and pitfalls of using older cartographic data, and show how even two centuries later these historic images, combined with modern GIS technology, can be used to inform modern planning and development strategies.

Thursday, 17 January at 7:30 p.m.

December 2012 19 Programs Sponsored by Other Societies

Art Gallery of Nova Scotia of Lacemakers Exhibit. Nov. 3 – Dec. 22. $2 per grown on many farms in the area, and linen 1723 Hollis St., Halifax. person. In addition to the many displays of lace, material was produced. Current exhibit: the opening featured a demonstration of bob- For additional information, call 902–689–2210 Canadian Pioneers: Masterpieces from the Sobey bin lace making. or 1–877–689–2210. Collections – Oct 12, 2012 – Jan. 6, 2013. Victorian Christmas at Evergreen – Tues., Nov. 20, Website: http://rossfarm.museum.gov.ns.ca Iconic Canadian Paintings on Exhibition at Art 2012 – Sat. Dec. 22. An exhibition filled with Vic- Gallery of Nova Scotia featuring Masterworks torian decorations, toys and Evergreen decked Royal Nova Scotia Historical Society from the Sobey Collections, including Emily out in her Christmas splendour. (902) 464-2300. Halifax, N.S. Carr, Tom Thomson, J.W. Morrice and The Group Website: www.dartmouthheritagemuseum.ns.ca/ Lecture Series: of Seven. “Love and War: The Royal Navy at Halifax during Check the website or call 902–424–7542 (record- Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia the Napoleonic Wars” ing) for hours. Winter hours are now in effect. Lectures and Workshops: Dr. Keith Mercer, Research Associate, Gorse- Website: http://www.artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/ Title and speaker to be announced. – Sat., Jan. brook Research Institute for Atlantic Canada en/landing.aspx 26, 2013, 2 p.m. Studies, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012, 7:30 p.m. 3rd Annual Show and Tell – Sat., Feb. 13, 2013, 2. Website: http://www.rnshs.ca/ Colchester Historeum p.m. Title and speaker to be announced. – Sat., 29 Young St., Truro. March 23, 2013, 2 p.m. Nova Scotia Archaeology Society, Halifax, N.S. Current exhibits: Meetings are held at the N.S. Archives, Univer- Monthly Lecture Series: Out of the Woodwork sity Avenue, Halifax. Monthly meetings are usually on the 4th Tues- Out of the Woodwork chronicles the efforts of a Website : http://www.novascotiaancestors.ca/ day of the month, not the last Tuesday of the people to craft an economy and build an entire month. The meeting place is the Loyola Build- society out of the vast and daunting forest that Ross Farm ing at St. Mary’s University, Room L178. surrounded them. New Ross, Lunenburg Co., N.S. Topic: Colonel Arthur Fowler/UNESCO, January A Tale of Two Jubilees Christmas in the Country – Dec. 8–9, 2012. 22, 2013. Learn about Queen Elizabeth’s 60-year reign As part of the New Ross Christmas Festival, Presenter: Jonathan Fowler / Christophe Rivet. and how local Colchester residents celebrated staff at Ross Farm Museum have put together a Topic: Household Archaeology on the Northern Queen Victoria back in 1897, through pictures, great program for your enjoyment. Step back in Northwest Coast of North America, February 6, news, and Royal memorabilia. time and experience Christmas in the country. 2013. Dirt & Discovery Tatting Demonstration in Rose Bank Cottage – Presenter: Katherine Patton. Dirt and Discovery explores the prehistoric Jan.20, 2013. Topic: Acadian Colonial Architecture, March 26, peoples of Colchester and their way of life. Toboggan Making Demonstration – Jan. 27, 2013. 2013. Power to Do: Science at the Normal College This weekend in the farm workshop one of Presenter: Aaron Taylor. Power to Do revisits the history of the Normal our staff will be demonstrating how to make a Website: http://www.novascotiaarchaeologysoci- College Science Building, the site of today’s wooden toboggan. ety.com/schedule.html museum and archives. This new exhibit looks at Winter Frolic – Jan. 12-13, 2013. early 20th-century science, history and architec- This weekend join us for a sleigh ride pulled Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History ture in Truro and explores the lives of students by our Canadian horses. They will stop along 1747 Summer St., Halifax, N.S. and teachers. the trail so that you can enjoy a delicious cup Current exhibit: The Sweet Taste of Heritage: Local Confections of hot chocolate made over an open fire. After Illegal Killer Trade – Sept. 15 – Jan. 12, 2013. from Robertson’s Candy you have your ride visit the farm workshop, This fall, the Museum of Natural History will William C. Robertson founded Robertson’s help turn the crank on the ice cream freezer; take visitors on a shopping trip unlike any other. Candy in Truro in 1928, after having worked in the reward is well worth the effort. Bring your Created by the Sherbrooke Museum of Nature the candy business for almost two decades. toboggan, as we have a fabulous coasting hill. and Sciences in Quebec, Illegal Killer Trade is Now carried on by William’s son, Roy Robertson, You may also wish to experience our nature trail an interactive exhibit that explores the illegal it’s the largest family-owned hard candy factory and see first hand the beauty of Nova Scotia’s trade of animals throughout the world. Visitors left in Nova Scotia. Their fine quality candy forests in winter. We have snow shoes available begin by picking an international destination line-ups range from old and new favourites for you to borrow, or you can bring your own and soon find themselves shopping at a bazaar available seasonally and year round. skis and snowshoes. where animals are the basis of many products. Hours – Sept. 1 – May 31: Rug Hooking Demonstration – Feb. 3, 2013. From ornaments to clothing, remedies to food, Tues. 10 am – 12 pm / 1 pm – 4 pm This weekend our interpreters will be demon- visitors will be confronted with difficult choices Wed. 10 am – 12 pm / 1 pm – 4 pm strating rug hooking in Rosebank Cottage. about their purchases. Remember, a luggage Thurs. 10 am – 12 pm / 1 pm – 4 pm Snowshoe Making Demonstration – Feb. 17, 2013. detector sensitive to endangered species Fri. 10 am – 12 pm / 1 pm – 4 pm Snowshoes have been an important part of life awaits everyone when they leave! Sat. 1 pm – 4 pm in rural Nova Scotia for a very long time. The Hours and Admissions: Winter Hours. Closed Admission: Adult – $2; Youth (under 18) – $1; earliest settlers were taught the skills of making Mondays until May 2013. Student – $1; Member – Free. and using snowshoes by the native people who Open Tuesdays to Sundays: 9-5 p.m. 902-895-6284. had developed them for hunting and travel. Wednesdays: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Website: http://colchesterhistoreum.ca/museum/ This week staff will be demonstrating the art of Website: http://museum.gov.ns.ca/mnhnew/en/ making snowshoes. home/default.aspx Dartmouth Heritage Museum Nothing but the Flax – Feb. 23–24, 2013. Evergreen House, 26 Newcastle St., Dartmouth. Today at the museum staff will be on hand to Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. & Satur- inform and demonstrate the steps involved day – 10 a.m. -1p.m. & 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. from the planting of the seed to the spinning Treasured Threads: Featuring the Seaspray Guild of the fibre. At one time in New Ross flax was

20 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia