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 this is to be expected every October 31st. But then, on such a night, there is always the unforeseen.

As you may have guessed, it is another and very different type of Jack-o’-lantern that is the subject of this Flashback. I refer to a spooky spectacle that is often spotted on the Tantramar and surrounding marshes on dark October nights. It, too, is called the ‘Jack-o’-lantern’ or sometimes Will-o’-the-wisp. According to the Unabridged Oxford English Dictionary both of these unusual names may be traced as far back as 1673.

In order for everyone to be prepared for October 31, 1999 let’s review what people say they see bobbing across the marshes. It can appear as a single circular light that skips over the dykelands. More often, it is a series of lights that form weird patterns as they move along. Only on rare occasions are the mysterious lights ever motionless. Folklorist Diane Tye has made a special study of Jack-o’-lanterns or Will-o’-the-wisps in Newfoundland, where these ghostly lights are common.

She notes: that the lights move, usually towards the viewer, increasing in size as the individual watches. Most disappear as quickly as they appear. Rarely do these supernatural lights touch the individual and, only if the person demonstrates aggressive action towards the lights — lunging, swearing, or throwing water… In general the lights are regarded as ghostly and are identified as a variety of wandering spirit.

One local sighting dating from the 1970s described it as a series of round balls of light circling around. On this occasion, the spectacle was watched by several people, until the lights disappeared as abruptly as they appeared.

The RCMP were immediately informed and the sighting reported to the air traffic control tower in Moncton. They had no record of unusual lights reported by aircraft that night. In any event, the witnesses were confident that the strange lights were too close to the ground to be any type of aircraft. But what were they?

Sightings of such circular balls of fire on the marsh are not limited to the twentieth century. Accounts have been found in newspapers and other sources indicating that these dancing lights have been around for a very long time. Some folklorists speculate that they may predate European settlement on the Tantramar. There is also evidence that the balls of fire mentioned in Mi’kmaq legends may be related to these occurences.

The lights are deeply rooted in international folklore, and were known to Jacob Grimm (1785–1863) of Grimm’s Fairy Tales. One of their German names is Irrlicht, while to the French they are the feu follet. In late mediaeval times the apparition was known as Ignis Fatuus or sometimes the Friar’s Lanthern.

Not surprisingly, these strange dancing lights have given rise to at least one local folk tale. It dates from the Acadian colonial period and concerns two star-crossed lovers, Jean-Paul and Marie from the village of Beaubassin. The year was 1755 and the expulsion of the Acadians had just begun. Word spread that all Acadian males were to be immediately deported.

One evening, New England militia broke into the house of Marie’s parents where Jean-Paul was hiding. By pre-arrangement, Marie held their attention, while Jean-Paul made his escape through a back door. Following departure of the soldiers, she was certain that he was safe and would be able to find refuge among friendly Mi’kmaq somewhere in the upland forest.

When several days passed and there was no word from Jean-Paul, Marie decided to go in search of her lover. If nothing else, perhaps she too, might escape deportation. No word was ever heard of her again. By the time of the general expulsion of all inhabitants from Beaubassin and surrounding villages, it was learned that Jean-Paul did not escape. He was among the first to be deported.

Thus it is, that some who live on or near the Tantramar and surrounding marshes, believe that the bobbing lights seen on dark autumn nights are from Marie’s lantern, as she criss-crosses the dykelands, forever searching for the lost Jean-Paul.

Folk legends aside, there have been several attempts to provide a scientific explanation for the mysterious lights. In recent years many people have become convinced that the strange lights are simply UFOs and, as such, are certain indication that planet earth is being periodically visited by extra-terrestrial beings.

Perhaps the most convincing explanation is that the balls of fire are caused by the spontaneous combustion of gases from decaying marsh grass and vegetable matter. The result is a flame-like phosphorescence that flits over marshy ground, and may possibly be responsible for what is seen dancing on the Tantramar and nearby marshes.

A final word of caution. If you are lucky — or unlucky enough to witness a jack-o’-lantern, phosphorescent or otherwise, on the marshes during the night of October 31, 1999, be very careful. Under no circumstances should you lunge, swear, or throw water on the mysterious object. Be consoled by the fact that it will soon disappear.

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 has not been a year during the twentieth century, that has not seen war or revolution somewhere on planet earth. For many, Remembrance Day 1999 will focus on the fallen of two world wars: the so called Great War 1914–18 and the Second World War 1939–45. These conflicts will stand, for all time, as reference points for the twentieth century.

Just for a moment, let’s consider some of the grim statistics of these two wars. From 1914 to 1918 the Canadian Expeditionary Force lost 60,661 soldiers. Another 1,700 gave their lives serving in the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. Many others returned home wounded and mutilated in body and mind.

Mercifully, casualties in the Second World War were lower, but nonetheless tragic; amounting to over 42,000 Canadian dead. Again, the total must be supplemented by those who returned with enduring scars of war.

As the ranks of service personnel with such war experience grows thinner, how may the significance of November 11th be kept alive? War Memorials and Books of Remembrance listing the dead are everlasting reminders, but they cannot reveal details of the bravery, suffering, heroism and horror of war.

Recently, I’ve been re-reading books by Will R. Bird. Born in East Mapleton, Cumberland County, NS on May 11, 1891; he died at Sackville, NB on Jan. 28, 1984. Best known for his travel tales, award winning short stories, and novels illuminating a Yorkshire heritage, Bird also merits recognition as a superb chronicler of the two world wars.

What sets his war stories apart was an ability to draw upon firsthand experience. Will R. Bird enlisted and served overseas with the 42nd Royal Highlanders during the First World War. He saw action on the front in the Vimy-Lens area, endured the horror of Passchendaele and participated in the final pursuit from Amiens and Arras into Belgium. Awarded the Military Medal for bravery and devotion to duty at the battle of Mons, his wartime diaries were destined to provide material for later essays, books and articles.

Beginning as a free lance journalist in the 1920s, Bird experienced a major breakthrough in 1931 when MacLean’s Magazine commissioned him to revisit the battlefields where Canadians had served. The resulting articles brought the conflict alive as he combined on-the-spot reporting with his own wartime experiences.

So popular was this series, that he undertook a cross Canada speaking tour, always attracting overflow crowds. As a consequence, Bird was able to renew acquaintance with many old comrades, and the inevitable reminiscences inspired yet more stories.

By coincidence, while caught up with these tales, I came across a Will R. Bird poem, undated, but probably written during his 1931 overseas trip. Entitled The Roads of Memory it places in perspective, a war that ended for the Canadian Expeditionary Force at Mons, in southwest Belgium, at 11 AM Greenwich time, on Nov.11, 1918. Battle names, once household words in Canada, were recalled:

They reach when we are dreaming, alluring mystic, far;
They lead to hours, crowded, that knew men as they are,
They stretch, from fated Ypres, with all its unseen host,
Far beyond the slimy Somme, to every listening post.

Arras lanes and Bourlon ways, the broken streets of Lens,
Chalky cuts in Vimy’s crest, and dreary Flemish fens…
These roads we only picture, as far as we can see.

It’s impossible to convey the true flavor of a master story teller such as Will R. Bird. The only recourse is to urge you to read his Ghosts Have Warm Hands: A Portrait of Men at War. As long as such a book survives, the heroism of the Canadian Expeditionary Force in the First World War will not be forgotten.

Will R. Bird’s major work on the Second World War was published in 1954. Entitled The Two Jacks, this fast moving tale reveals the story of two Canadians: Major J. L. Fairweather and Major J. M. Veness. Both were members of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, saw action on D-day, and later were taken prisoner. The account of their experiences and escape with the help of the French underground is the sort of book that once begun, simply cannot be put down It’s another road of memory preserved with humor and sensitivity by Will R. Bird.

A very different book was entitled Angel Cove. Under Bird’s command in the 42nd Royal Highlanders during the 1914–1918 conflict were four lads from Newfoundland. To maintain morale and get their mind off the horrors of trench warfare he encouraged them to recall tales from the coves where they lived. Only one survived Passchendaele, and he was wounded at Amiens. Bird never forgot the descriptions of their communities and the principal characters in them. The result, fifty-four years later, was a fictional memoir of a typical Newfoundland outport, dubbed by Bird Angel Cove. It’s implausible origin was in the midst of some of the worst battles of World War One.

Somehow, Will R. Bird found time during his crowded career to research and write regimental histories. These detail the achievements of two famous Maritime units: New Brunswick’s North Shore Regiment and the North Nova Scotia Highlanders. The wonder is that the several books mentioned in this Flashback comprise but a small part of his literary output!

Those unfamiliar with Bird’s life have been known to dismiss his writing based on combat as a glorification of war. The exact opposite is closer to the mark.

Not only did he acknowledge, unvarnished, the horror and futility of armed conflict, the Bird family was tragically touched by both world wars. His younger brother Stephen, enlisted in the 25th Battalion in 1914 and was killed in action the following year. Thirty years later, the Bird’s only son, Captain Stephen Stanley Bird (1920–1944), took part in the invasion of Normandy and was killed in action on July 8, 1944.

On November 11, 1999, let’s not forget that Will R. Bird’s war time literary legacy contains many roads of remembrance.

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 in length. While the builder is unknown, his expertise is evident in the scroll surround and ornate pedestal and legs. Considering its elegance and workmanship the table may have been imported from New England.

It was owned by Dr Humphrey Pickard (1813–1890) the first president of Mount Allison University. He, in turn, gave the table to his brother, Thomas Pickard (1819–1895), a teacher at Mount Allison Academy. From Thomas it passed to his son Humphrey Frederick Pickard (1857–1930). Later, ownership came to the latter’s daughter, Clementina Pickard Godfrey. Last week, on July 9th, family and friends gathered around this same Table of Memories to celebrate Mrs. Godfrey’s 103rd birthday!

For a piece of furniture to remain within a family for over a century and a half is remarkable, but equally noteworthy is the career of the table’s owner. Born two years before Queen Victoria was to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee and just prior to Sir Wilfrid Laurier becoming Prime Minister of Canada, Mrs. Godfrey has witnessed all the major events of the twentieth century. While researching this Flashback it was my privilege to be entertained by Mrs Godfrey and her daughter Jean around the Table of Memories. It quickly became apparent that the lady who so graciously received me was also an active participant throughout nine decades of the history of Mount Allison University.

Clementina Pickard entered Mount Allison in 1910 and graduated with first class honors in Mathematics in 1914. A Master’s degree was awarded in 1915. The following year she married her classmate, William Godfrey. In 1930 Rev. William Godfrey became Mount Allison’s first Chaplain and Alumni Secretary. He later accepted an appointment from the head office of the United Church as Secretary of Home Missions with the Maritime Conference.

Meanwhile, Mrs Godfrey maintained close ties with her alma mater through service as editor of the Mount Allison Record 1933 to 1938 and again from 1941 to 1945. Along the way she filled the post of Alumni Secretary for two years. Not surprisingly, the Godfrey’s three children all graduated from Mount Allison — daughters Mary, class of ’44; Jean in ’48 and son Bill in ’53. In 1955 William Godfrey Sr., was honored by the university with the degree Doctor of Laws honaris causa. He became the first Regent Emeritus in 1978, while Clementina’s long service was recognized with the Doctor of Laws degree in 1983, just a few months before her husband’s death.

Now to return to the table. Mount Allison presidents from Dr. Humphrey Pickard onward have sat around the Table of Memories. The first chancellor, Ralph Pickard Bell, a grandson of the first president and an almnus, was a frequent guest at the table. Three generations of family graduates have shared reminiscences of their Mount Allison years at the same board. Looking to the future, Mrs Godfrey noted with pride that a great-granddaughter, Morgan Evans, is a member of the Class of 2000; while her cousin, Emily, will graduate in 2002. Very shortly, yet another generation of Allisonians will meet around Mrs. Godfrey’s Table of Memories!

This Flashback would not be complete without further reference to its central figure — Clementina Pickard Godfrey. Spending time with such an individual is not soon forgotten. Her ready wit and recall of dates and events from the distant past to the present was nothing short of amazing. To top it all, she recited for me the Class of ’14 yell.

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 its centennial. Four years is not a very long time to plan an appropriate observance of this historic event. Will we be ready?

Let’s go back to the Sackville of 1902–03. To begin, it may not be a surprise to learn that public opinion was strongly divided on the question of the town’s incorporation. Two votes were required before ratepayers gave approval to the idea.

The first attempt occurred in 1902. At a public meeting held in Ford’s Hall on Feb. 20th, strong opposition was voiced by Charles Fawcett. It was his view that Sackville had too few people and the [… population was] too much scattered to justify incorporation. Along with several others he pointed to the crippling taxation that would inevitably follow.

A more positive note was struck by Thomas Estabrooks. Speaking in support, he cited fire protection and the provision of improved water and sewage facilities as priority requirements for Sackville. Estabrooks argued that a town council could make better arrangements to deal with such matters than otherwise would be the case.

He also pointed out that the projected move would give the town a commercial importance and thereby assist future development. At the end of the meeting incorporation was rejected by a vote of 151 to 108.

A second vote was held Jan. 12 1903. In the meantime, a number of ratepayers had been won over to the idea, as incorporation was carried by a majority of 30 votes: 167 in favour, 137 against. Following passage of enabling legislation a public meeting was held on Mar. 5 1903 for the purpose of nominating a mayor and council.

There was unanimity that Senator Josiah Wood (1843–1927) be elected mayor by acclamation. One of the first two graduates of Mount Allison, Wood had a well-established reputation as lawyer, businessman, shipbuilder and politician. In the latter capacity he served as MP for Westmorland from 1882 to 1895 when he accepted an appointment to the Senate.

In speeches quoted by the press, it is clear that Wood along with several other leading citizens, hoped that a slate of eight aldermen (as councillors were then called) might also be elected by acclamation. Toward this objective eight names were put forward: Captain T.E. Anderson, Silas Copp, Amasa Dixon, Thomas Estabrooks, Alexander Ford, John Johnston, Frederic Ryan and A.E. Wry.

This action immediately prompts the question: Why? Were there not others in the community willing to offer as candidates? Two reasons may explain this unusual action. The movement toward incorporation had been bipartisan, attracting supporters of both Liberal and Conservative parties; accordingly, there was a desire to keep politics out of the municipal arena.

Possibly more important was the fact that in March 1903 the province was in the midst of a provincial election. Political leaders on both sides obviously wanted to concentrate their efforts on the latter contest.

Although the plan was put forward with the best of intentions, it was soon to be challenged. Rumors and counter-rumors spread throughout the community. While Wood was a prominent Conservative, it was suggested that the projected slate was loaded with Grits. Various interest groups were soon heard from. The major businesses and industries were represented, but where was the representative of labour? Others asked pointedly: where did each of the candidates stand on the temperance issue?

As Mark Davis informed members of the Tantramar Historical Society at a recent meeting: In 1903 the temperance movement was a force ’to be reckoned with’ in the community.

When the council election was held, a total of eleven candidates offered for the eight seats. To the original list Charles E. Carter, Robert Duncan, Sydney W. Hunton and Frank A. Harrison were added. In the interim John Johnston had dropped out. The bipartisan slate did very well, as seven of its original members were elected with Frederic Ryan, Amasa Dixon, Albert E. Wry and Silas Copp leading the polls with 309, 296, 292, 281 votes respectively. Rounding out the first council were: Frank A. Harrison, Alexander Ford, Thomas Anderson and Thomas Estabrooks.

On Saturday afternoon April 2, 1903 the first meeting of the newly elected town council was held. Committees to deal with Finance, By-laws, Streets and Lighting, Fire Protection and Police were named; while the division of the town into wards was handed over to the committee on streets for a recommendation. The town of Sackville was in business.

One issue, foreshadowing a hint of council debates in the 1990s, was mentioned in an editorial in the Sackville Tribune : A start has been made toward getting the civic machinery in working order. The hope is expressed that all subsequent meetings may be held in the evening. Many citizens desire to attend the deliberations of council and it will be impossible for them to do so if sessions are held in the afternoon. For the record, the next council meeting was scheduled in the evening.

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 per year.

This issue, an all Port Elgin number, is of particular interest to the Tantramar region. The lead editorial concluded: It’s preparation has been a revelation to us. We have caught the enthusiasm of Port Elgin people, who believe in the future of their town and who are prepared to do everything in their power to promote its progress and prosperity. No town in the Maritime Provinces has a better civic spirit… we say this advisedly, without fear of contradiction.

On reading this statement many people might be inclined to dismiss it as journalistic hype or inflated optimism. Yet the record reveals that the writer was not far off the mark. Port Elgin, like nearby Busy Amherst, was booming in the 1920’s.

It’s bustling economy was based on a number of successful industries. For example: J. & C. Hickman’s flour and saw mills; F.H. Copp Limited, manufacturing their Everlasting Brand of woolen cloth and the woodworking factory of C.C. Raworth & Sons. These and other businesses, numerous retail outlets and many luxurious homes were lighted by electricity; steam generated, at Hayward’s Saw Mill. Electric street lights also added materially to the appearance of the town at night.

In a class all by itself were the many enterprises of Fred Magee Limited. As the Busy East commented: When you think of Port Elgin the name of Hon. Fred Magee comes to mind, for he is recognized as an outstanding man in this section of the province. This is due not only to his political and commercial achievements, but to his essay into the manufacturing field.

Fred Magee (1875–1953) left his native Saint John in 1897 to establish a general store in Port Elgin. An ambitious individual, he quickly abandoned retailing for the buying, packing and exporting of canned lobsters. Soon the firm expanded along the Northumberland coastline of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. As his business increased, a plant to manufacture sanitary tin cans was established in Port Elgin.

Not content to specialize in the lobster industry, Magee branched out to the curing and smoking of herring. To complement these new endeavors he started a shook mill in Port Elgin for the manufacture of staves, headings and sides for the barrels and wooden boxes required for smoked fish and his growing Mephisto line of canned products.

In order to promote its flourishing business, Fred Magee Limited had sales representatives throughout Canada, the United States, the Caribbean as well as in overseas centres such as: London, Paris, Stockholm, Hamburg and Copenhagen. Magee’s Mephisto Brand of canned lobster, in particular, quickly earned an international reputation.

Much could be written about the social and cultural life of Port Elgin in it’s heyday; but this will have to await a future Flashback. There remain two pertinent questions: What happened to these once thriving industries? Almost eighty years later, can the confidence of the first decades of the 20th century be rekindled in the 21st?

Port Elgin is a very different community today. However, in fairness, it must be pointed out that the rise and fall of locally based industries, such as those mentioned above, characterized many another small town or village throughout the Maritime Provinces.

Both the Depression and the Second World War had an adverse impact on these communities. Specifically, high transportation costs to central Canadian markets were responsible for the collapse of some industries. An inability to apply new technologies hastened the end of others, dependant as they were, on labor intensive means of manufacturing.

Lacking a large population base, so essential for reliable markets, some firms in Port Elgin and elsewhere, went under; others deliberately closed, while a few were bought out by competitors from outside the region. Only a small number of Maritime centres received a major stimulus from the Second World War through shipbuilding, war based industries and the proximity of military bases. Port Elgin was not one of them.

By mid century there was little left of the industries that once played such a dominant role in the local economy. New methods of refrigeration and fast freezing spelled the end for the once lucrative lobster canneries. Live lobsters were now shipped directly to New England and central Canadian markets. Thanks to air freight, lobsters caught one day turned up on restaurants tables in New York or Toronto the following day.

What of the future? Can the past intersect with the future to provide a brighter tomorrow? Happily, there are some encouraging signs on the horizon. It’s a basic rule of economic renewal that lasting solutions are seldom found externally — they must come from within the community itself.

Port Elgin’s mayor, Bob Hall, is positive as he looks ahead. It is his belief that opportunities for the future are becoming more evident. During the course of a wide ranging discussion he pointed to Port Elgin’s Port of Call Master Plan as an important first step in this process.

In January 1997 the consulting firm of Totten Sims Hubicki Associates was commissioned to inventory, analyze and assess the Port Elgin and environs landscape and infrastructure… and to outline a series of projects which the village might undertake to better position itself as a tourist destination.

Part II of this Flashback is scheduled to appear on December 1. It will focus on the recommendations of the Port of Call Master Plan, and illustrate how these, combined with other recent developments, may point the way for Port Elgin in the twenty first century.

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 — Gaspereau. The famous French explorer and author Nicolas Denys (1598–1688) was one of the first to recognize the potential of the local fishery. Later, the French constructed Fort Gaspereau at the mouth of the river, testifying to its strategic value, for it gave ready access to what is today the Northumberland Strait. On June 21, 1755 Fort Gaspereau was captured by the British, only to be demolished a year later.

By the 1830’s a wave of settlement took place when the Ogden, Silliker and Monro families, among others, took up land grants. In 1847, the community was renamed Elgin in honor of the then governor general, James Bruce, Lord Elgin (1811- 67). As the export of lumber and shipbuilding became significant the word Port was to be added to the place name.

Gradually Port Elgin achieved prominence as a local service centre and home for a number of small industries. In 1922 it became the first incorporated village in New Brunswick. Unfortunately, following the Depression and the Second World War the community’s era of prosperity was over.

Provincially, over the past decade, tourism has gone forward by leaps and bounds. There was a time when visitors regarded New Brunswick as the province to drive through enroute to Green Gables or Peggys Cove or perhaps the Cabot Trail. Not any longer. Statistics show that more and more tourists regard this province as a favorable destination.

Therefore, it is not surprising that the firm, Totten Sims Hubicki Associates, hired to investigate renewal in Port Elgin, focused on tourism. Their report entitled: Village of Port Elgin — Port of Call Master Plan, visualizes a series of creative image enhancement and tourist destination projects that would improve the community’s appearance and make it attractive for visitors.

These individual projects, too numerous to list here, are based on Port Elgin’s history, cultural heritage and ecology. The report also envisions three mega-projects: a comprehensive trail system to make accessible the ecology of the area, a museum to showcase Port Elgin’s industrial past and a Port of Call centre.

To avoid any possible confusion, the latter project is not one of the well known call centres. It’s something much more interesting and creative. The proposed new complex would be located on Main Street, backing onto the Gaspereau River. Combining a cafe and theatre plaza plus facilities for sea kayaks and yachts it would reclaim the historic Gaspereau as a community focal point.

In addition to new parking facilities the report suggests that there be a variety of food concessions and craft boutiques, along with a rallying point for adventure activities, plays and concerts. Would such a concept work? By itself possibly not; but combined with other aspects of the master plan it looks promising. All one has to do is visit waterfront developments in Pictou, Charlottetown and elsewhere to see similar facilities flourishing.

Already a good start has been made on the proposed system of trails in the Baie Verte — Port Elgin area. Statistics confirm that a growing number of eco-tourists are looking for natural beauty and opportunities for bird watching and related activities. More trails would complement other regional facilities such as the Sackville Waterfowl Park and the proposed Cape Jourmain Nature Preserve.

Southeastern New Brunswick thus has an opportunity to become a first class eco-tourist destination. A recent Parks Canada survey indicates that Canada’s National Park system is becoming dangerously overcrowded. As people demand more and more environmentally friendly activities, the untapped opportunities in Baie Verte and Port Elgin assume added importance.

1999 witnessed the completion of a project that has added greatly to the quality of life in Port Elgin — the opening of the Monro Heritage Centre. Located on Spring Street, the Gothic revival style building was once the home of surveyor, author and journalist Alexander Monro (1813–96). His fascinating career has already been earmarked for a future Flashback. The Monro home was rescued from demolition and purchased by the village in 1997. The building has since been transformed into a multi-purpose facility to highlight the community’s history. In operation, for less than a year, the Centre has proven its worth many times over.

Another example of local initiative was the subject of a Tantramar Flashback on August 12, 1998. It told the story of the revival of one of New Brunswick’s oldest exhibitions, first established in 1852 by the Botsford and Westmorland Agricultural Society. The fair had closed in 1957 and remained dormant until 1994 when the society was reorganized. Along with the Exhibition the famous Port Elgin Raceway was re-established.

In the case of both the Monro Heritage Centre and the revival of the Port Elgin Exhibition and Raceway there was external funding from government and other sources. However, neither project would have succeeded without many hours of volunteer time and labour, both from within and without the community. Furthermore, all of the abovementioned projects illustrate the point that answers to the quest for economic renewal are most frequently found close to home.

The challenge facing Port Elgin in the 21st century is to make certain that the village becomes a destination or port of call for the thousands of tourists entering and exiting southeastern New Brunswick. The three points of the triangle of economic renewal: history, culture and ecology point the way.

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 spotlight the 50th Anniversary of the town.

When the latter committee was formed, one of the aldermen (as councillors were then called) representing the North Ward, Dr Lloyd Duchemin, was named chair. As long time residents of Sackville will know, Dr Duchemin, who lives on College Street, retired from Mount Allison in 1974 following a distinguished academic career.

As a neighbor, I’ve had many occasions to chat with Dr Duchemin, but never once did he give a hint of an involvement in civic politics. When I asked him about this omission he emphasized that his service on Council was brief.

He did, however, recall the 50th anniversary committee and one lasting impression: The anniversary program had the support of the towns people, and this was the secret of its success. As events transpired, Sackville’s support was to be severely tested by Mother Nature.

A most ambitious program was planned for August 5, 6 and 7, 1953. Street parades, dances, band concerts, boat races, baseball games, an amateur show and fireworks were all considered and most were included on the program. A special edition of the Sackville Tribune Post was scheduled to coincide with the anniversary.

The opening day, Wednesday Aug 5, was declared a civic holiday by town council. It was to begin with a grand street parade; to be followed by boat racing on Silver Lake in the afternoon, a fly past by aircraft from the Chatham air base and to end the day, fireworks.

Unfortunately, the worst fears of towns people, guests and performers alike materialized. Wednesday began with a gentle rain and the parade actually started. Then the rain became heavy… although intermittent. Finally, the heavens opened and a downpour ensued. The remaining events of the day had to cancelled or rescheduled on Thursday and Friday.

In 1953 radio was still in its heyday. During the course of the year, the first Canadian regional television programming began. Some readers will recall the televised re-broadcast of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II as their first experience with this new medium.

Sackville’s anniversary was well covered by CBC Radio. Their on-the-spot reporter, who grew up in Dorchester, was just at the beginning of an outstanding career in journalism. What follows are the impressions of Doug How, as recorded for the CBC Radio program Canadian Chronicle.

Not everything went perfectly. The weather for opening day was profoundly unkind. It rained all day. They didn’t know whether to hold the parade or not; however, it did go on. One feature was a grotesque, spiderish, instrument of mobility, a 1903 Oldsmobile. Somebody had to help it up the hill… and everybody got a laugh… The ’fly past’ consisted of two small propellor driven aircraft barely visible in the clouds.

The presence of a 1903 Oldsmobile in the parade is intriguing nearly fifty years later. Are there any readers who have memories or pictures of this vintage automobile? If so, I would be pleased to hear from you. More to the point — will there be a 1953 Oldsmobile in the 2003 parade? Any volunteers?

The weather was more cooperative on the remaining two days and some rained-out events were rescheduled. Other interesting attractions on Thursday did not depend on the weather. The major industries of the town including the Enterprise Foundry and Enamel and Heating Products Limited held successful Open Houses. Thursday evening concluded with an Amateur Night in Charles Fawcett Memorial Hall.

The Rotary Club’s Children’s Parade was the featured event on Friday and the celebrations concluded with the postponed fireworks. The air force redeemed itself when an impressive fly past of 24 aircraft, including Furies, Harvards and Avengers, took place. Sackville’s 50th anniversary receded into history on a high note.

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 Windsor Castle. The idea caught public fancy and soon spread throughout Britain and overseas. A year later, Charles Dickens wrote his immortal The Christmas Carol enshrining Ebenezer Scrooge, along with Tiny Tim, in the vocabulary of the season. A most appropriate decade for launching the first Christmas card!

There are at least four claimants for the distinction of being the earliest designer. In 1844, novelist and clergyman Edward Bradley (1827–89), then vicar at Newcastle, England, reputedly mailed lithographed holiday greetings to his friends. Also in 1844, other sources assert that an artist of the Royal Academy, William Dobson (1817–98), sent out hand colored cards.

Yet another claimant is William Maw Egely (1826–1916). One of his cards, dated either 1842 or 1849, was deposited in the British Museum in 1931. It depicted several holiday activities; a Christmas dinner, carolers and a Punch and Judy show. If created in 1842, Egely would have been in his teens, causing some authorities to suggest 1849 as the correct date for his card. The question hinges on the interpretation of a single digit. If it was December 1842, then first card honors must go to William Egley.

In 1884 the London Times made an attempt to settle the issue. Following research they uncovered another strong claimant. Prior to Christmas 1843, Sir Henry Cole (1808–1882) a civil servant, and friend of Prince Albert, asked artist John Callcott Horsley (1817–1903) to design a Christmas greeting.

The result was a three panelled illustrated card. In the centre, a grapevine encircled a trellis and below, three generations of a family were seen celebrating Christmas. The card aroused considerable attention as the family was depicted drinking wine to the horror of the temperance lobby. The two side panels were devoted to typical holiday acts of feeding the hungry and clothing the naked.

About a thousand copies were printed by Cundall and Son, London. Controversy notwithstanding; they were popular, selling for a shilling each at a book store on Old Bond Street, London.

Who was first in the Christmas card stakes? We will probably never know. Nevertheless, the evidence supporting the Egley design was sufficient for the American greeting card industry to officially mark the 100th anniversary of the Christmas card on December 3, 1942.

On this side of the Atlantic, a Bavarian born lithographer, Louis Prang (1824–1909), is credited with creating the first American Christmas card in 1874. By 1881, his firm in Roxbury, Massachusetts, was turning out five million cards per year! Certainly some of these found their way to Canada.

We do not have a precise date for the first Canadian Christmas card; however, by the 1890’s they were being printed and sold in several locations. The rapid development of the postal system and the advent of the penny post card encouraged their widespread use. See illustration for two examples, taken from my collection of early Christmas post cards.

Remarkable as it may seem today, in 1899, a post card with a one cent stamp could be mailed to any address in Canada or the United States. Foreign addresses called for two cents. At first, personal messages were not permitted. Later the address space was divided, providing room for brief comments. By the end of the first quarter of the twentieth century, folded Christmas cards, much like those in use today, were being mailed in envelopes. They quickly replaced the once popular post card.

By mid-century the designs used on Christmas cards had become more varied. Reproductions of paintings continued in popularity as did Victorian winter scenes of stage coaches, sleighs and covered bridges. Christmas symbols such as: candles, holly, mistletoe, bells, yule logs and poinsettias became common. Religious subjects, including the Madonna and Child, the Magi, manger scenes, churches and carolers were often used.

The latter part of the twentieth century witnessed several new trends in Christmas cards. Interest groups began issuing cards to raise funds, and soon, countless charitable organizations entered the fray. One of the most successful was UNESCO, featuring greetings in many languages. Artists from countries around the world still appear annually on their cards. Another trend can be seen in the appearance of neutral greeting cards for those not of the Christian faith.

Today many people with artistic ability design their own Christmas cards; while camera buffs frequently combine special photographs with seasonal greetings. One outcome of this personalized trend is the production by some families of an annual Christmas letter.

Predictably at this time of the year, newspapers and magazines feature articles poking fun at this practice. Headlines such as: ’Tis The Season To Be Boastful; Mixed Reviews for Christmas Missiles; or Christmas Letters — Better to Give Than to Receive are recent examples.

Let me record a personal bias. I’m willing to admit that, at their worst, these accounts can read like corporate reports bragging about an above average year. On the otherhand, at their best, they serve as interesting, informative, year-end summaries from far flung friends whom we have not heard from since last year. As one who has lived overseas, these letters are always welcome, as we recall Christmas Past in other countries.

As with so many other activities at this season of the year moderation is to be recommended. Compliments of the Season to all Flashback readers!

On December 30, 1998, Tantramar Flashback featured a quiz on local history. Based on columns published during the previous year, it’s objective was to heighten awareness of the rich heritage found on the Tantramar and beyond. The quiz was well received and another is presented below.

In doing so, we are following a tradition found both within Canada and overseas. For sometime, English newspapers have published an annual New Year’s Day Quiz. A few years ago, the Globe & Mail picked up on the idea by testing readers’ knowledge of current affairs over the New Year’s holiday. Annually, CBC Radio assembles a panel of experts to be examined on important news stories of the previous year.

What follows is a year-end quiz with a difference. It’s designed to challenge readers’ knowledge of local history and is drawn from topics covered by Tantramar Flashback during 1999. The quiz is also easy to score — there are 20 questions, each worth five points. Answers (no peeking allowed) will be found hidden somewhere in the pages of this issue of the Trib.

1. Sackville’s first mayor was a prominent lawyer, businessman, shipbuilder and member of the Canadian Senate. Who was he?
2. Which local church celebrated the 100th anniversary of its present building on January 31, 1999?
3. What was once described as: something new on the Tantramar… an arresting sight of beauty in steel… its red lights giving the atmosphere of a carnival… ?
4. Who said: I… have interest in studying ancient documents, marking historic sites, (and) in developing historical museums. These interests have carried me through the perils of old age and saved me from the horrors of doddering senility.?
5. Many people on the Tantramar and beyond were listening to a local radio station during the evening of April 8, 1939. Why?
6. hat caused the wells on Dorchester Island to run dry?
7. Define an aboiteau and explain how it functions.
8. Name the group of Tantramar settlers who were once depicted as: persons with their heads in England, their feet in America and whose necks ought to be stretched.
9. What event drew 5,000 people to the Sackville Railway Station at 11 o’clock on the night of June 13, 1939?
10. Aside from the provision of free schools, name another important outcome of the New Brunswick School Act of 1871.
11. Who was the Sackville journalist, broadcaster and author who became nationally famous as Mr. Canada?
12. What do La Butte, Le Coup and Le Lac have in common?
13. Name the anniversary commemorated by Mount Allison’s Centennial Hall.
14. Which Yorkshire family has, since September 8, 1775, owned 57 acres of land at Point de Bute? Clue: Today it is part of Prospect Farm.
15. Name the prominent Sackville sea captain distinguished for never having stranded a vessel, or to have put a vessel into port in distress… his seamanship, integrity and business ability were always recognized.
16. In 1927 the Historic Sites and Monuments Board erected a cairn on the grounds of Fort Beauséjour. What did it commemorate?
17. What local tragedy took place on September 24, 1913?
18. Why will October 4-5th, 1869 be long remembered on the Tantramar?
19. Who wrote: Here Stays Good Yorkshire and Ghosts Have Warm Hands?
20. A local firm earned an international reputation for its Mephisto Brand of canned lobster. What was its name and location?

Answers

1. Senator Josiah Wood (1843–1927).
2. St. James Presbyterian Church, Port Elgin.
3. The new CBC towers at Coles Island. They were so described by Tribune editor C. W. Moffatt.
4. Dr. John Clarence Webster (1863–1950) leading historian of the Tantramar.
5. To hear tthe first official broadcast from CBA Sackville, later CBA Maritimes.
6. An Earthquake. The precise date is still in question — watch for further details.
7. A dyking term dating from the French colonial period. It refers to the sluice gate that releases flood water from behind, and which prevents salt water from entering at high tide.
8. The Loyalists were so depicted in a contemporary American cartoon.
9. The visit of their Majesties King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.
10. The establishment of many one-room schools, now forever out.
11. John Fisher (1913–1981).
12. All were Acadian settlements. Le Lac survives as Aulac.
13. Marks the centennial of the date when Rev. William Black (1760–1834) began his ministry. He is regarded as the Father of Methodism in the Maritime Provinces.
14. The Trueman family.
15. Captain Thomas R. Anderson (1840–1918).
16. The role of the Yorkshire settlers in the Eddy Rebellion.
17. The collision of two Intercolonial trains at Siddall’s Cut, Aulac.
18. The Saxby Gale.
19. Will R. Bird (1891–1984).
20. Fred Magee Limited, Port Elgin.

At first glance the city of Bathurst and the town of Sackville would seem to have little in common. However, history reveals that both were named for British politicians; the Earl of Bathurst and Lord Sackville. By coincidence each occupied the same cabinet post — secretary of state for the colonies. In pre-confederation days the assignment of new place names was in the hands of colonial governors, easily explaining why so many New Brunswick communities bear names of governors and other officials drawn from the colonial and foreign offices. The old boy network was clearly at work!

Lord George Sackville, also known as Lord George Germain, was born in 1716 and spent the early part of his life serving in the British army. The Seven Years War, which broke out in 1756, was fought in both North America and Europe. In this conflict, Sackville achieved a fame of sorts at the Battle of Minden, August 1, 1759. Minden is located on the Weiser River in present day Germany. During the battle, despite repeated orders, Sackville refused to send his cavalry regiments into the field. This lack of participation led directly to anindecisive result. A subsequent court-martial pronounced Sackville guilty of disobedience and declared that he was unfit to serve … in any military capacity whatsoever.

Drummed out of the army, he now turned his full attention to politics and was elected to parliament. As events unfolded, it took a duel to help improve his image. When details of the Battle of Minden were published, Lord Sackville’s courage aroused a public debate. Matters came to a head when a fellow MP, George Johnstone, expressed surprise that Sackville should be so concerned about his country’s honour when he had so little regard for his own.

Never one to take adverse comments lightly, Sackville challenged Johnstone to a duel. Soon after, the two men met in London’s Hyde Park. Both first shots went astray; but on the next, Johnstone’s bullet struck the barrel of Sackville’s pistol. According to the rules of engagement the duel was over and Sackville’s courage was considered intact. While the duel may have had some public impact, there can be little doubt that Sackville’s strongest suit was his friends in high places. By the 1770s his political rehabilitation was complete and he entered the cabinet of Prime Minister Lord Frederick North. He died in 1785 secure in the knowledge that a fort in Nova Scotia and a township in what was to become New Brunswick had been named in his honour.

The surname Sackville is actually of Norman French origin and may be traced to Sacqueneville, near Rouen in northern France. However, the first European settlement on the Tantramar predated assignment of the name Sackville in 1772. By the early 1740s Acadians had established three settlements here: Pré des Bourcqs, or Bourgs; Pré des Richards; and Tintamarre; the latter being the French version of Tantramar. Following expulsion of the Acadians in 1755 New Englanders, Yorkshire settlers and Loyalists took their place.