Category: Bill Hamilton’s Tantramar Flashback — Series 1

Only a few readers will recall Christmas as it was celebrated seventy years ago. For many on the Tantramar and elsewhere, Dec. 25, 1932 was unmistakably grim. The Great Depression that began with the Stock Market crash of 1929 was now a fact of life. Yet despite harsh economic times, and a much simpler life… Continue reading…

Although Canada as a nation was a mere 35 years old in 1902, much had been accomplished. The boundary now stretched from sea to sea to sea. A railway linked the east and west coasts with a ribbon of steel. Each year, the previously unsettled interior was attracting thousands of immigrants. The election of a… Continue reading…

Nearly eighty years ago, in 1924, the Mount Allison Board of Regents Grounds Committee concluded that something had to be done to enhance what was then known as the York Street entrance to the Ladies College Park. It was located directly opposite the entry to Lansdowne Street. A decision was made to seek the advice… Continue reading…

Ever since the end of World War One, on November 11th, 1918, the anniversary of this date has been an occasion for remembering. Each passing day the ranks of those who served in Canadas armed forces during the wars of the 20th century becomes smaller. All too soon, there will be no one left with… Continue reading…

A century ago, a promising Sackville enterprise was hailed by C.C. Avard, the editor of the Tribune, as one of the town’s leading industries. In 2002, this business is largely forgotten; except possibly by those who live in the vicinity where it was located. The firm produced a commodity that was destined to become as… Continue reading…

The church is easy to find. Along the highway leading to Westcock there is an eye catching sign: St Ann’s Anglican Church Turn Right. For nearly two centuries parishioners have been turning right to this church, once featured in a poem by Sir Charles G.D. Roberts (1860–1943). It reads: As I came over Westcock Hill/My… Continue reading…

As the last holiday of the summer, the Labour Day weekend has become an important dividing point in our yearly routine. Vacations are for the most part over; students in schools and universities are embarking on a new term and there is just a hint of autumn in the air. Its also a time of… Continue reading…

Long-time readers will know that the region covered by this column conforms to the provincial constituency of Tantramar. Over the years, there has been an understandable emphasis on its three major centres of population — Sackville, Port Elgin and Dorchester. Although a review of past columns reveals that smaller communities have not been neglected; I… Continue reading…

Some time ago a question was raised in this column: In 2003, the town of Sackville will be celebrating its centennial. Will we be ready? In recent weeks there has been some evidence that both the town and various community organizations are gearing up for this once in a lifetime opportunity. By way of example,… Continue reading…

Two years ago during the first week of August, the Tantramar region was a-buzz with a celebration known as Yorkshire 2000. One highlight of this event, marking the 225th anniversary of the arrival of Yorkshire settlers, was The Great Big Mosquito Show. A production of the Marshfire Peoples Theatre Company, the play was written and… Continue reading…