Category: Bill Hamilton’s Tantramar Flashback — Series 1

This is the time of year when Atlantic Canada undergoes its annual hurricane watch. Typically these tropical storms gather force in the Gulf of Mexico or the Caribbean Sea. Sometimes they veer inland, while in other instances their track is along the Atlantic seaboard; eventually funnelling up the Bay of Fundy. In recent years, weather… Continue reading…

It’s an established tradition of English newspapers to publish, at each year’s end, a reader’s quiz. Usually these are based on stories carried in their columns; although occasionally, they may be more wide ranging. A few years ago, the Globe & Mail followed suit with a similar quiz to test reader’s mettle over the New… Continue reading…

In a few days the annual observance of Halloween will be upon us. On that night throughout the Tantramar region, strangely costumed children, and occasionally adults, will trick or treat from house to house. In anticipation, many will decorate their homes in seasonal themes. Prominently featured will be hollowed out pumpkins that become Jack-o’-lanterns. All… Continue reading…

Each year at the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, many Canadians observe a minute of silence in remembrance of those who died in wars past and present. As we near the end of another century and the dawn of a new millennium, these events take on added meaning. Ironically, there… Continue reading…

If discovered in an antique shop, this table would command immediate attention. A gem of nineteenth century craftsmanship, its beautiful wood and fine detail might well tempt the serious collector. However, the table is not, and hopefully never will be, for sale. Constructed from walnut, the oval shaped table when fully extended, measures ten feet… Continue reading…

Traditionally, January is the time of year for checking past achievements and laying plans for future endeavors. The month is appropriately named for the Roman god Janus. He was depicted as having two heads; one looking backward, the other forward; vigilantly facing both past and future. In 2003, the town of Sackville will be celebrating… Continue reading…

Before me is a copy of the September 1921 issue of The Busy East of Canada. This monthly magazine began publication in Sackville in 1910 and was later absorbed by the Fredericton based Atlantic Advocate. It’s masthead bore the motto: Faith in the future of the Maritime Provinces; and the subscription rate was one dollar… Continue reading…

Two weeks ago this column considered the industrial heritage of Port Elgin. Today we return to the question: Is it possible for Port Elgin to recapture its former place as a port of call? For centuries, the Gaspereau River has been the focal point of Port Elgin. Originally the community was called just that —… Continue reading…

1953 will be remembered as an important year in the history of Sackville. At the first meeting of the newly elected town council, Mayor Herbert A Beale gave notice that two special committees would be struck. One was to organize a ceremony to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The other was commissioned to… Continue reading…

Unlike many other traditions, the exchanging of Christmas cards is of comparatively recent origin. No one knows who sent the first such card; however, there is agreement that the practice originated during the 1840s in England. In 1841 Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria imported a German custom by decorating a tree for Christmas at… Continue reading…