Connecting Albert County - Connecting Albert County - Culture and Heritage

3rd Celebration of “Love Your Covered Bridge Day”

1/9/2023

by Dawne McLean, President ACHS

The 115 year old “Sawmill Creek Covered Bridge” received well deserved love and appreciation on Sunday, August 6, as community residents and visitors celebrated the 3rd “Love Your Covered Bridge Day” event, in recognition of the unique heritage of the covered bridges and the importance of their preservation.

It’s not every day that you attend an event “inside” a covered bridge, seated within the massive wooden truss and beam structure, protected from the sun with the breeze keeping you cool and free from mosquitoes!

Friends of Fundy News

1/9/2023

by Josie Steeves

"Hey Friends! Here is what Friends of Fundy has been working away at to share with Albert County:

Explore the region with the Fundy Tales of the Tides Tours! Maybe you have some friends or family coming to the region for a visit, this new app will give them an overview of many places they can discover and you can make plans to tour the locations in person. Discover what the area has to offer through its historic places, covered bridges, natural wonders, and coastal inspired arts and culture. Getting started is easy, simply download the Driftscape mobile app to get real-time information based on your current location."

Recap of the R. B. Bennett Day Celebration

31/7/2023

A Recap of the R. B. Bennett Day Celebration at the Albert County Museum & RB Bennett Commemorative Centre
by Dawne McLean, ACHS President

The Albert County Historical Society, through the “New Horizons for Seniors Program”, was pleased to offer a “bring to life” heritage experience to the community.

The highlight of the 2023 RB Bennett Day celebration was the live theatre heritage drama performance, “Just Between Friends”, provided by professional actors, Thomas Daley and Shawn McCarthy of “Character Matters Production Company,”in Miramichi, NB. The drama script was written specifically for the July 3rd Bennett Day event by the performing actors. Not only did the drama performance provide enjoyable community entertainment, but the audience was provided a memorable experience of learning more about two significant political figures born in New Brunswick.

Newcomers Meet Riverside Albert Consolidated School Part 2

31/7/2023

by David Jacombs Jr.

In the June edition of this newsletter, I discussed the impact that Riverside Consolidated School (RCS) has had on my family. Now, I'd like to address how the faculty and students feel about their school. I sat down with Principal Jeff Keirstead, near the end of the school year, to discuss the school and find out more about it.

Molly Kool Award 2023 | Nominations Open

31/7/2023

by: Ian Duncan

Friends of Fundy is honoured to present this award in partnership with Place Resurgo Place and Armour Transportation Systems. Deadline to submit nominations is September 15th, 2023

“Born in 1916, Molly Kool became the first licensed female Master Mariner (sea captain) on May 25, 1939. When asked of the significance of this event, she responded that it was the Great Depression, her father had a small vessel and she “needed a job”. Despite having the required sea time and passing all of her courses at navigation school in Yarmouth, she was delayed in receiving her masters since there was no “she” in the Canada Shipping Act. With the encouraging voice of her father ever in her ear, Molly forged ahead into a full career in naval shipping. Many documented incidents reflect Molly’s character in standing up for herself and her ship against forces that would see her fail. Right up until her death in 2009, she downplayed the significance of her accomplishments, claiming that they had less to do with women’s rights than with necessity.“
#FriendsofFundy #FundyAlbert #MollyKool #MollyKoolAward

The Molly Kool Award was created to recognize women in the Southeastern New Brunswick area for their outstanding contributions to the community at large in such areas as arts, culture, conservation, and environment.

Do you know a woman who:

is a resident of Southeastern New Brunswick?
is a person who – through the execution of their job, volunteering, or personal endeavors – enriches the community fabric in a significant way?
is a person who embodies the selfless, humble spirit of Molly Kool?
is a person who would not normally seek recognition for their contributions?

Of course you do! Fill out the nomination form here:
https://form.jotform.com/231574700630045

Albert County Historical Society’s 47th Annual Quilt Show and Sale

30/6/2023

The Albert County Historical Society will hold the 47th Annual Quilt Show and Sale July 11 to July 15, at the Albert County Museum from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

ADMISSION FEE: $3.00 at the door.

This year’s display will feature over 200 quilted articles ranging from quilt tops, crib and lap quilts, finished quilted projects to full size quilts.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 32 – Hillsborough Remembrance Day Service 2023

30/6/2023

Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day owing to the tradition of wearing a remembrance poppy) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth member states since the end of the First World War in 1919 to honor those who paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The day is also marked by war remembrances in several other non-Commonwealth countries.

In Canada, Remembrance Day is observed on November 11 to recall the end of First World War hostilities, which formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" of 1918, in accordance with the armistice signed by representatives of Germany and the Entente between 5:12 and 5:20 that morning. ("At the 11th hour" refers to the passing of the 11th hour, or 11:00 am.) The First World War officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919.

Lt. Governor of New Brunswick Unveils Heritage Exhibit Albert County Museum

30/6/2023

Hon. A. R. McClelan Exhibit Dawne McLean, President ACHS and The Honourable Brenda Murphy, Lt. Governor of New Brunswick

~ Dawne McLean, President ACHS

On May 27, 2023, the Albert County Historical Society was honoured to have the Lt. Governor of New Brunswick, The Honourable Brenda Murphy, unveil a new heritage exhibit in tribute to The Honourable Abner Reid McClelan of Albert County, former Lt. Governor of New Brunswick, 1896-1902.

The McClelan exhibit includes a bilingual interpretive panel and a customized shadow box that displays the formal tuxedo worn by McClelan during his years as Senator and as the Lt. Governor of New Brunswick. The McClelan exhibit project was made possible through the support of the New Brunswick Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture. The tuxedo had been worn by Mr. James West, well known historian and great nephew of McClelan, at commemorative heritage celebrations, including the reenactment of the 1905 Opening of the Riverside Consolidated School, and at “Anna’s Tea Party” held in 2009 at Victoria Manor, the McClelan’s stately residence built in 1893.

Anglophone East Students Celebrate 2023 Regional Heritage Fair May 13Albert County Museum

30/6/2023

submitted by ASD-E Regional Heritage Fair Coordinator, Dawne McLean

The Albert County Museum was bustling with activities on Saturday, May 13, as students from Anglophone East participated in the Districts 2023 Regional Heritage Fair at the museum the perfect location for a heritage fair celebration!

The Heritage Fairs program is a provincial initiative that takes place in schools for Grades 5 to 9. Students choose a New Brunswick or Canadian Heritage topic or theme of interest to them, research the topic and then create a heritage project. Each district school that participates has students attend the Regional Heritage Fair to present their projects to be judged for various awards. At the Awards Ceremony, students are presented with Regional Heritage Fair trophies and plaques, awarded to student projects in specific categories. Every student receives a 2023 Regional Heritage Fair medal and certificate, as well as books and special prizes.

The Canadian Coronation Emblem

29/5/2023

The Canadian emblem for the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III was created to mark the first crowning of a Canadian monarch in 7 decades, a historic occasion.

The Royal Monogram (CIIIR) in the centre of the Emblem and the Royal Crown at the top are personal symbols of The King. The ring of triangular shapes evokes the image of a string of pennants displayed for a celebration. These 13 shapes allude to Canada’s provinces and territories, and their circular arrangement conveys the idea of inclusion for all Canadians. The circle is also an important concept for many Indigenous Peoples, symbolizing not only equity but also the cycles of the natural world. The green colour of the shapes is associated with the environment, which has long been an important cause for His Majesty, and it symbolizes hope and growth.

Inclusion and togetherness are also represented by the white spaces between the green shapes, which resemble paths leading to a central meeting place. The entire white space can be seen as a sunburst, symbolizing innovation and new ideas. The Emblem was designed and painted by Cathy Bursey-Sabourin, Fraser Herald at the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Albert County Museum 2023 Special Events

30/4/2023

Tickets on Sale for Upcoming Events at the Harvey Hall

30/4/2023

We now have an automatic deposit set up for e-transfers for advance ticket sales. Please be sure to mention the show name and date in your e-transfer message: HarveyHall1884@gmail.com

With thanks from the entire Harvey Hall board for your support for this amazing line up, the Programming and Events Committee is delighted to showcase this season's performance schedule and ticket prices now available for purchase:

Symphony NB	May 10	7 pm	$40
The Gilberts	May 19	7 pm	$30
David Myles	June 10	7 pm	$40
Before the Mast	July 8	7 pm	$30
Isaac & Blewett & friends	July 22	7 pm	$30

Harvey Hall Yard Sale Recap

30/4/2023

by Debbie James

On the cool and crisp morning of April 15 at 8am, the Harvey Hall hosted the first annual Indoor Yard Sale! While having the purpose of raising funds for the Hall's continued work, there were also other great results. Volunteers worked with Board Members to host the event, people of the community gathered to chat, newcomers were welcomed to the area and Harvey Hall worked in conjunction with another organization to help it raise funds as well. All this equals a greater sense of community for our area.

Albert County Historical Society Hosts Presentation as part of Riverview Winter Carnival!

2/3/2023

Dawne McLean, ACHS President, with the Heritage Display.

by Dawne McLean & Janet Clouston

On Thursday, February 9th from 2-4 pm, the Albert County Historical Society (ACHS) was pleased to host a heritage presentation at the Town Hall in Riverview as part of the 2023 Winter Carnival programming. Through collaborations with the Riverview Parks and Recreation Department, the Albert County Museum had previously hosted senior tours and provided the AC175 Mobile Exhibit for display in the Town Hall lobby during the 2022 Heritage Week. However, the 2023 February heritage talk at the Town Hall was the first 'in-person' presentation by the ACHS scheduled by the Town of Riverview during a major event. The ACHS greatly appreciated this opportunity as it aligns with their mandate of Outreach and Education.

Harvey School at the Harvey Community Hall

6/2/2023

by Jane Chrysostom

As one travels along Routes 114 and 915 throughout Fundy Albert on an early weekday morning, you'll likely see youths of different ages standing along the side of the road, heads bowed scrolling social media or using a device, idly chatting, or sitting in a warming vehicle until the school bus arrives to deliver them to Caledonia Regional High School in Hillsborough or Riverside Consolidated School in Riverside-Albert. None walked uphill in three feet of snow wearing their father's thin-soled-newspaper-lined loafers to reach their education destination.
Yes, yes we've all heard similar versions of exaggerated tales of bygone school days. But there are some compelling school-day anecdotes of local history that have been more accurately told - and should be shared - to give an appreciation of different generations and to preserve their stories and memories.
Archives reveal a 1964 interview with Mr. & Mrs. Morris who described the Harvey School as a two room school with a classroom in between which was used for strapping* bad children. I never got in there myself. *Strapping was a form of punishment using a leather strap or belt to strike hands or backsides.

Welcome Back to Harvey Hall

28/11/2022

by Don Bowman

Saturday, November 19th, 2022 was a special day for Harvey Hall. It was the last in a series of community volunteer efforts to help to restore Harvey Hall to a heart of events held in Albert County.

November 19th, 2022 was the last call for volunteer help and saw the completion of the usable emergency exit door that includes a railway tie stairway, new lights for the interior, and clean-up of debris, setup of chairs, stage, and final beautification, all to welcome guests and music back to the hall.

The efforts by countless volunteers over the last few months are why the hall was opened on November 26th, 2022 for the first time in many years to welcome the performance of Duane Andrews and The Hot Club of Conception Bay featuring Jim Blewett, Tim Isaac and Erin Power. The fine acoustics of Harvey Hall complemented Duane’s newest album that features Django Reinhardt’s jazz classics.

The music filled the hall and was felt by all who attended. This was an amazing way to reopen Harvey Hall sharing the talents of these fine artists. If you missed this, keep an eye open for events like this one that will be scheduled in 2023.
Although the project has brought the hall back to the ability to be used for shows like this, the spring of 2023 will be the start of another call to help with the continued effort to restore this magnificent building, making it a travel destination not only for the beauty of Mary’s Point, but also an Albert County treasure again.

Thank you again for another learning experience and some amazing home-cooked food.

Final Albert County Crew of 2022 Included:
Steve Chrysostom - Alma
Stephen Marshall - Harvey
Jane Chrysostom - Alma
Don Wilbur - New Horton
Melissa Wilbur - New Horton
John Ereaux - Alma
Debbie James - Lower Cape
Sharon Campbell - Waterside
Jeremy Wilbur - New Horton
Peter Brzezicki - Riverside-Albert
Daphne Leblanc - Harvey Bank
Don Bowman - Hillsborough
Desi LeBlanc - Harvey Bank

Christmas Parade in Honour of Lois Snider

28/11/2022

Whenever It's December Poem

28/11/2022

Harvey Hall Haulers

5/11/2022

by Jane Chrysostom

“There’s no such thing as a free lunch!” Well, that’s partly true, but the exchange for a free lunch and breakfast on a gloomy start to a Saturday at the Harvey Hall was so worth it! More than two dozen Albert County folks arrived at the Harvey Hall as the morning skies slowly lifted wet gray clouds in early October on Mary’s Point Road in Harvey.

While the 55-cup coffee pot perked, the mouse-blown cups and saucers, counters and utensils had to be sanitized, washed and dried for the morning greet and goodies with tea and coffee. Not an easy task since there’s currently no running water or drain, so volunteers rallied camping-style and boiled jug water to do serious housekeeping! As the lunch pots simmered, men and women from all over Albert County arrived throughout the day to lend support and strong backs under the direction of Riverside-Albert’s Peter Brzezcki.

Remembrance Day 2022 Sunrise Flag Ceremony

5/11/2022

Veterans Memorial Banners

5/11/2022

by Arnold Morrissey, Audrey Campbell & Beulah Morrissey

In November 2022 we are pleased and honoured to have the Veterans’ Memorial Banners displayed on King Street in Riverside-Albert. In total there are 30 banners being put up to commemorate the service and sacrifice of many of our veterans. Additional banners may be ordered for next year through the Legion in Hillsborough.

In Flanders' Fields

5/11/2022

Check village Facebook pages and websites for dates and times of respective Remembrance Day services.

Recruiting Volunteers for The Harvey Hall Restoration

29/9/2022

by Jane Chrysostom

The success of the Harvey Hall is gaining momentum! If you’ve been following the Harvey Hall Facebook page or have seen recent activity – what IS that huge pile of railroad ties for? – at and around the hall, you’ve been witness to on-going progress!

With the currently small but dedicated team of volunteer board members, advisors and interested and willing helpers, there is MOMENTUM in effort! And it’s gaining! So far, two funding grants have recently been awarded for tens of thousands of dollars for major restoration projects, work teams have gathered to plan, engineer, and facilitate their implementation, fundraising efforts big and small have generated interest and enjoyment for those undertaking and participating in them. Also, just as importantly, we’ve welcomed several newcomers to the group who have diverse skills, interests, talents, and ambition to help bring the Harvey Hall back to its glory.

A Year of Celebrating a Milestone

29/9/2022

by Chandra Smith

September 30 to October 2 the Hillsborough Baptist Church will be celebrating its 200th Anniversary. In essence, it will actually be winding up its anniversary year. The church has been celebrating this special milestone anniversary with different events held throughout the year.

In March, members went to Broadleaf Ranch and participated in an old-fashioned sleigh ride with hot chocolate and cookies. There was also space provided inside the lodge where people of all ages played games together.

History of Riverside Consolidated School

30/8/2022

by Dawne (Wright) McLean, RCS student 1957-1967 & RCS teacher 1975-2005

September 2022 will mark the 117th Anniversary of the opening of the Riverside Consolidated School in Riverside-Albert in 1905!

As you read about the impressive history of Riverside Consolidated School, we can proudly say that “Riverside Consolidated is the oldest consolidated school still in use as a school in New Brunswick, and no doubt in all of Canada!”

It is remarkable when you stop to think of all the generations of students that RCS has served, and served well, since that September morning in 1905 when the students, wearing their new “duds”, excitedly entered the newly built school to see what their classrooms and desks would be like and to meet their new teachers! Now remember, the Boys entered on one side of the building and the Girls entered from the opposite side. (It was made very clear by the signs above the entrances.)