I’ve been volunteering for the Harvey Hall in the past few years, and recently was asked to revive some programming I’d done long ago – historical demonstrations of pioneer living, that I called “Homesteading 101.” I traveled to classrooms, senior centers, museums, libraries, and other venues to share how the tough old pioneers survived making their own threads and yarns, hand-woven cloth, butter, cheese, candles, soap, and bread. Quite often I'd have to find my way to a public school in a gritty part of a downtown neighborhood, lugging a weaving loom and a canvas bag full of filthy raw sheep fleece. Frequently, I'd find myself lost in transit to distant urban locations, struggling for nearby parking, battling flights of stairs with loads of cumbersome equipment, or jammed up in bumper-to-bumper traffic. I soon learned to leave a big window of time in case of delays.
by Jane Chrysostom
I’ve been volunteering for the Harvey Hall in the past few years, and recently was asked to revive some programming I’d done long ago – historical demonstrations of pioneer living, that I called “Homesteading 101.” I traveled to classrooms, senior centers, museums, libraries, and other venues to share how the tough old pioneers survived making their own threads and yarns, hand-woven cloth, butter, cheese, candles, soap, and bread. Quite often I'd have to find my way to a public school in a gritty part of a downtown neighborhood, lugging a weaving loom and a canvas bag full of filthy raw sheep fleece. Frequently, I'd find myself lost in transit to distant urban locations, struggling for nearby parking, battling flights of stairs with loads of cumbersome equipment, or jammed up in bumper-to-bumper traffic. I soon learned to leave a big window of time in case of delays.
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by Gayle Steeves
I stand on the wharf in England; tired of all this strife. I am an Irish boy who longs for a better life. This ship will take me far away to a beautiful prosperous land. I will work my fingers to the bone and blisters on my hand. Our ship it lands in St. John, in the middle of the night. A black haired boy just nineteen years old, can hardly believe the sights. I just have to follow the Immigrant Road and I won’t feel alone. I hear of a place called New Ireland, very similar to home. Submitted by Alan Demaline With the 2024 curling season well under way, this is a great time to look back at how a curling club ended up in Riverside Albert, what is going on presently and what the future holds for the only curling club in Albert County! With some help from long standing FCC member Ivan Keirstead, let’s dive into the past. The first curling club in Canada was established in Montreal in 1807. In the early 1960’s a local group of private individuals with a passion for curling decided it was high time for curling to come to Riverside Albert. Meetings were held, details hashed out and funds were raised from various sources to work towards turning the dream into a reality. To get the club up and running, everyone who wanted to join needed to pay a yearly membership fee as well as purchase a $50.00 bond which is the equivalent to a whopping $500.00 in today’s dollars! Miraculously, the community came together and raised enough funds for the Fundy Curling Club to be established in 1962. The doors were opened soon after to welcome the first members. by Dawne McLean, President
The Albert County Historical Society and Museum extend New Year wishes of happiness, well-being, prosperity and enjoyable times with loved ones and friends. As 2024 calendars now take their place on the walls or desks in our homes, January begins the New Year, and we have no idea what this year holds for us. Perhaps the quote by Anne Frank, will encourage us to anticipate 2024 with a cheerful and positive attitude. “What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven't even happened yet.” Let’s make the most of 2024! On the evening of October 3rd, 2023, the CCRC and Friends of Fundy with the support of the Rural Upper Fundy Partnership (RUFP) co-hosted an open conversation about the future of the 114/915 crossroads corner in Riverside-Albert. From the region between Hillsborough and Alma, an interested and invested 30+ people attended, led by consultant Lisa Hrabluk as facilitator. Stories, tales, trials and tribulations were shared about the Old Bank of New Brunswick and the surrounding corner. This engaged group not only reminisced but reflected on what the future of this area could be.
Submitted by Debbie James Through the hard work of the board members, directors and wonderful volunteers, the Harvey Hall is remaining an active Event Location in Albert County. So many acts and activities are being hosted there and, although we have moved into the fall season, it does not seem to be letting up anytime soon. Please get out and support these events at the Harvey Hall. Have a look at the amazing improvements that have been made to the hall and the results of the hard work and dedication of the volunteers who have worked so hard to have this as an active location in our communities. 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! 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." 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. 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. 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:
https://form.jotform.com/231574700630045 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. 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. ~ 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 Museum30/6/2023 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 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. 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:
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. 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. 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. 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 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. |
Culture & Heritage
Connecting Albert County would like to thank the following supporters & advertisers: Platinum supporters - Bennett and Albert County Health Care (BACH) Foundation - Albert County Pharmacy - Hon. Rob Moore, MP for Fundy Royal Gold supporters - CBDC Westmorland Albert - Albert County Funeral Home - Friends of Fundy Silver supporters - Crooked Creek Convenience - Hon. Mike Holland, Minister, MLA-Albert - Fundy Highlands Motel and Chalets Bronze supporters - Chipoudy Communities Revitalization Committee (CCRC) - Jeff MacDougall, SouthEastern Mutual Insurance If you would like to support Connecting Albert County, visit our Advertising page or Donation page. With your support, we can continue to share the news of rural Albert County. Comments We welcome comments to our blog postings. Please provide your email address and name with your comment, and respect our content guidelines. Archives
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