Submitted by Devonna Edwards Native American Traditions revere the Willow Tree as a symbol of strength and stability in old age and experience, as well as a symbol of deep inner knowledge and open-mindedness. Willow Park also known as Blue Bell Farm The Willow Park House and Blue Bell Farm was once located at the…
Submitted by Devonna Edwards Yes, if you are thinking cattle, you are correct, lots of cattle and right here in North End (Richmond) Halifax. A little known fact is Nova Scotia’s participation on a large scale in long distance livestock trade. Cattle arrived by the hundreds, at first from farms throughout Nova Scotia, then later…
Submitted by Devonna Edwards My Grand-Mere Mary Jane Angelique Broussard was born in 1891 in Upper Pomquet, Antigonish County in a house near Dragger’s Brook. The old house built by my great-great grandfather in 1867, still stands today. She grew up on a large farm in a close French Acadian community. Christmas at that time…
Submitted by Devonna Edwards One of Many Tales of Disaster that Lay Beneath the Waters of the Bedford Basin The tragic story of the ‘Erg’ started at the Halifax Shipyard where it was built in 1915. It was one of the earliest steel vessels built in Halifax and was owned by the Halifax Shipyard. The…
Submitted by Devonna Edwards OLD GAME KNOWN AS QUOITS BECOMES FASHIONABLE AGAIN In August of this year, the Historical Societies from Fairview, Rockingham, Bedford, Waverley and Sackville met at Historic Scott’s Manor House in Bedford for a Quoits Tournament. In the final, Championship Game, Fairview beat out Waverley to claim victory and the Brenton Trophy….
Submitted by Devonna Edwards Prior to indoor rinks, ice skating and hockey were conducted on frozen ponds and lakes in the Halifax area. The Halifax Harbour and Bedford Basin in earlier years would freeze over and provide winter recreational activity. These popular activities on a gusty cold day, although enjoyable, could be unpleasant when frozen…
Submitted by Devonna Edwards At the end of a beautiful floral graced lane a grand old estate once stood. Sounds like the beginning of a fairy tale story but this one is true. Briar Cottage and Briar Lane received their names from the profusion of delicate blooms of Briar Roses which surrounded them. Briar Cottage…
Submitted by Devonna Edwards In 1854 the building of the railway began at Richmond in the North End of Halifax, with two lines both under construction at the same time. The first railway completed was the Halifax to Windsor line in 1858, later that same year, the Halifax to Truro track was completed. The railway…
Submitted by Devonna Edwards The Naval Cemetery is a small military cemetery located in C.F.B. Stadacona on Gottingen Street, Halifax. The cemetery is situated behind Admiralty House (Maritime Command Museum) on a hill that slopes down to Barrington Street and is enclosed by fencing with a locked gate. In 1894 the cemetery occupied over four…
Submitted by Devonna Edwards The Blue Bell Tavern The tavern was located at the southeast corner of Windsor and North Street, one and a half mile from Halifax. In May 23, 1796 an ad in the newspaper had the well-known tavern called the Blue Bell up for sale. It stated that the property had a…