OLD TOWN SYDNEY 1950's
MEMORY LANE
Old Sydney Town
This article relates to a posting of Lark B. Szick’s, queries, on the Internet. Many older residents of Cape Breton supplied their memories of different aspects of the community that took place in the 1940s, 50s and 60s.
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Through a posting of Juanita MacDonald’s 1935 Cape Breton Phone Book many of these stories came alive and are now in print.
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The most wonderful store in Cape Breton closed its doors several years ago. And, to make matters worse, the owner of this treasure, Mr. Stewart Hickey, passed away prematurely a few months back.
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Do you remember the great donut machine in the Metropolitan store in Sydney? It dropped the donuts in the fat and as they rotated and were partly cooked the machine flipped them over. It was like a space ship to us as kids in the 40's and the smell of freshly cooked donuts was out of this world. …….. Robert G McNeil
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I remember Crowells' when I was a little gaffer living on the Esplanade and my mother would send me uptown to Crowell's to pick up a parcel that she had called in earlier. As a kid I was always fascinated by the alcoves at the front of the store where women would park their baby carriages while shopping. And, the pneumatic tube system that took your money to the mezzanine where change was made and a switchboard handled calls. ..] …. Eric Macdonald Keys formerly of 548 Esplanade
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Don't ask me about MacLeod's Bookstore, The Vogue Theatre, Ike's Delicatessen, McCurdy's or Buckley's Pharmacy [yes, those Buckleys..] …. Eric Macdonald Keys formerly of 548 Esplanade
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Does anyone remember the California Fruit Store on Charlotte St. I think Abe Goldman ran it.
It was not as appealing to a young kid as the Sugar bowl with all its candies cascading toward the front of the glass display cases.
What about other Charlotte Street businesses, Harshman's Drug store, MacIntyre's book store and Joe Joseph's Tailor Shop where you got your pants cuffed for a couple of bucks and a non-stop narrative from Joe.
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If you needed a haircut you could go to Bert Shannon's shop near the corner of Charlotte and Townsend where there were at least five chairs going flat out.
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Christmas was really special on Charlotte St. the sidewalks jammed with shoppers and everyone seemed to know everyone. Its fun to hear of some of these old places that I've almost forgotten about. … Ed MacDonald
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I lived on the Esplanade at the north end. Part time during our high school years, my sister worked at Crowells and I worked at Dave Epstein's across the street. Christmas on Charlotte St. was unbelievable during those years. You could hardly move on the sidewalks and there were traffic jams on Charlotte St. from Dorchester to Townsend Street. Four to five buses at a time would roll into the stops at each corner along Charlotte loading and unloading Christmas shoppers.
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The Diana Sweets was a special spot, especially for high school kids on Sunday afternoon. It was hard to get a seat it was usually so full. This was also usually the case after the YMCA dance for high scholars on Friday nights, with Emilo Pace's Orchesta; and on Saturday nights after the Venetian Gardens dance with Gib Whitney. Charlotte St. was certainly special for me. My second Great-grand father worked on and owned a business on Charlotte St. in 1830. One hundred and thirty years later I worked there as well. …. Bob Leonard
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In the 50's when Dad wanted to go to the movies, he had to bring two of his sisters along with him. The movie cost 15 cents, the popcorn and pop were 5 cents each and he would have to pay for himself and the girls with his own money.
He was quite entrepreneurial and found ways to make up the 75 cents. He would take a flour bag from Lynch's Bakery and fill it with kindling, collect coal from the trestle into bran bags from McCoubrey's Feed and Grain on Prince St. - each bag would bring him 50 cents.
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Then he and his friends would sell these things door to door until they made enough money for the movies. Some Saturday mornings if he was still a bit short, Dad would go down to the corner of Johnson and Pit to the Ironworker’s offices and pick up some papers to sell to make up the difference.
Other times, selling pop bottles would bring 1 cent for the small and 2 cents for the large bottles. Somehow he managed to make the matinee almost every Saturday to see the serials, often it was Flash Gordon, and then the main features: Jungle Jim, or the Three Stooges, even Shane in "panorama". …… Fran Morrison
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The bowling lane in the basement on Charlotte was called Hashem's, and they had a "pin-boy" to set up the pins. As for the Metropolitan, my Dad says he always knew it as the "five and dime".
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For some time, the family lived just next door to Ideal Ice Cream on Prince St., and when the popsicles came out misshapen, he and his friends could wait at the back door where the cast-offs were distributed.
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My mother, whose father was Captain William Dawson Livingston of Big Bras d'Or, told me of her annual summer trips from Big Bras d'Or to her mother's, mother’s home at Bridgeport.
They would travel to North Sydney, take the ferry, mastered by a cousin, Dan MacDonald, to Sydney and then take the tram to Bridgeport, traveling through most of Glace Bay, including No. 2 New Aberdeen on the way there.
Bridgeport is between Sydney and Glace Bay. I think there must have been a track along present-day Reserve Street from Reserve Mines, through the main town of Glace Bay, and then through No. 2 by way of Connaught Avenue to Bridgeport, then through present-day Dominion to Reserve Mines and back to Sydney. ........ Ann Capstick
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O'CALLAGHAN & MACKENZIE, Painters, 191 Charlotte
My Grandfather ran a shop "O'Callaghan and MacKenzie" also on Charlotte Street, down by the Post Office. There were 3 banks, one on each corner and the Post Office on the other. –
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Center 200 is about where the old coal depot used to be. I can clearly remember the last of the horse and wagons / sleighs that used to haul coal from that yard.
The Y is still in the same place it has been for years but now has an addition. The capitol theatre actually caught fire and burned. It later was rebuilt but became the paramount.
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I was told the story about how one day he finished his lunch and went to the corner and stood and looked up at the Big Clock on the P.O. and was just standing there looking and pretty soon a few more people joined him, all looking at the clock. Finally he looked around and said "What are all you damn fools looking at?" Then walked away laughing. I wish I had known him as he sounded like a great guy. Now I know where I get my mischievous streak.
The O'Callaghan was my grandfather’s shop but by 1935 was run by Art, who lived next door to us at 8 Beacon and Dad worked with him. The Margaret was my Aunt Maggie who worked at Eaton’s and also Aunt Annie worked with her and Tess Graham was their housekeeper.
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Yes, I swam at the reservoir but couldn't hold my breath long enough to get to the bottom at the dam.
I can remember Nelga Beach and swimming there as a kid. Little did we know is was so polluted. It was closed around 1953.
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Rita I'll bet you went up south Bentick Street and across the brook to get to the Cromarty courts and I'll bet the restaurant at the Seven Mile Bridge was the Chic-A-Dee......had lots of good times there...... Ed MacDonald
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Never did get to the bottom of the Dam, running across the top and jumping into the water at the spillway was as brave as I got. From the map I printed off of Sydney it looked as if Center 200 was on Charlotte St.reet.
an't remember the coal yard, but then I was a girl and our coal was delivered by wagon, and I wouldn't have been interested in the yard.
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I remember the beach had lots of jelly fish and one guy was acting smart one day and did a cannon ball off the end of the wharf right into one and he came up screaming his head off. A couple of guys had to jump in and pull him out and then people were everywhere tending to him.
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Yes it was South Bentick St., and it was Cromarty Courts. I only played there a few times as I could never coordinate my swings with the ball, same as in baseball, but I sure could play hockey.
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My Uncle Con and Aunt Polly lived on South Bentick St. Her brother was Officer Goldie and he wore a brown uniform with knee high shiny brown boots and directed traffic at the corner of George and Cottage Road during "rush" hour.
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The Chic-a-Dee it was and lots of fun. Bernie Campbell from the corner of Brookland and Union Street (I think) was a very tall guy and if we wanted to find out if someone was there we would holler to Bernie and he would stretch a bit and tell you if they were there.....Rita Offer
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Seeing Dorchester St. and the horses reminded me of the jokes that circulated for years about a policeman in Sydney by the name of Hugh R. MacDonald (Hughie R.)
Apparently one day Hughie R. was patrolling along Dorchester St. and he came across a dead horse in the middle of the street. Hughie R. couldn't read or write very well, and didn't know how to write Dorchester; but he had to write up a report on the incident. He thought for a while and as usual came up with a solution. He could write Pitt St., which was a block away, so he pulled the dead horse over to Pitt St. and completed his report...... Bob Leonard
My little connection was Hagen & Farquhar Plumbing on The Esplanade, with Frank Farquhar of Tain Street being that part of the business.
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When members of a U-boat crew were captured in WWII. taken to Point Edward base, they were brought over to land directly below The Isle Royale, then marched down to a prison train.
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One young fellow was really cute -- celebrated his 15th birthday on the train -- now lives almost next door to my brother in Liverpool. Nova Scotia was the only real "home" he knew. Just an old printer from the former Post-Record, Muriel M. Davidson
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I didn't live on the Esplanade but I did live Up George Street, and you forgot one very important place "The Diana", where we could get a hot hamburger sandwich for $.75 and sit in the booth for about 3 hours.
I worked at Crowells and I remember those tubes well.
The Vogue Theatre was my baby-sitter every Saturday afternoon, as my sister would take me there and then leave me alone while she sat in the back with her boy friend, then would chase me home as I'd Holler "I'm telling Mom" and she'd threaten to beat me if I told, great sibling fun.
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I also worked at Ike's for awhile, but I balked at the "chocolate covered ants", Ugh that was it for me. You forgot Eatons and what about Jacobsons, Ray and Harry lived right next door to us on Beacon Street.
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My two spinster Aunts were Seamstresses at Eatons. The last time I was in Sydney I noticed quite a few of the old familiar places have gone. Has anyone done a Book on the Old businesses of Sydney and some of the old Houses.
I forgot about Joe Joseph, he went to our church and he walked so fast his feet were almost a blurr. There was Polletts Drug Store also, where I learned how to do the "drug store wrap" as not all things went into a Bag like they do today.
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There was also a bowling lane in the basement of one building on the left side of Charlotte when you were facing the Post Office. Don't know what it was called
I would imagine some would remember the "Empire Business College" on the third floor of a building close to Eatons. Boy those steps were long and I still type without looking at the keys, as the keys on the typewriters were blank so you had to memorize the keys.
Dad went to Berts for a hair cut, no one cut hair like Bert and he always came home with all sorts of "News".
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What was the name of the Chinese Restaurant that was near the Post Office corner, on the left hand side of Charlotte, or was that the London Grill.
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Boy, I love these nostalgia things, brings back many happy memories of when the Steel Plant was thriving. Who remembers the dances at the Y and the Venetian Gardens and Skating at the "Rink" and of course "Curling" and Bowling. We knew how to spend our spare time .
Lets not forget Miles grocereria, Polletts Drug Stores (Charlotte St and North end) Arthur Pollett just passed away last week. Then there was Nardoccios shoe repair, Freds Creamery Renzie's Shoe Repair. The Eatmore Lunch.
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Remember going to the Oak Hall to buy your First Cub's Uniform and later on, a scout's uniform. Your fathers probably shopped at Yazers or Spinners especially for a suit. The best shoes in the world were at Bishops and right next door MacAulay's Mens Wear. Wrights Furniture and Bonnells
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What about the Bakery down and across from the Vogue Theatre, just down from the Y. No one could resist the smell and all those nice buns, éclairs and cakes in the windows.
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Remember the "Chip Wagon" in the Garage Parking lot down by the Anglican Church. You could get chips in a paper bag and drip vinegar all the way home, or walk further up the street to George and get the chips from the Restaurant on the corner, across from the Bank. They made their own fries.
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There was also a garage on the same corner and I think one across from it also corner. …..Rita Offer
A point of interest is the old Royal Bank Building that appears with the large cupola asymmetrical with the cupola that was on the Sydney Hotel.
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The latter was replaced by the Isle Royale Hotel long before my arrival in Sydney.
On opposite corners were the smaller stone banks of the Commerce and Montreal. They were smaller but no less interesting for their architecture. ………..Rita Offer
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Who remembers when Sobey's store was on the corner of Falmoth and Charlotte where Joe's Wharehouse is today, that's before they moved to Prince Street and right across the street was Canadian Tire, they later moved into the old Sobeys. Hasham's Bowling Alley and of course the Tea Garden
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Although not on Charlotte St, what about the Esplanade Grill.? and James' restaurant. ..... Ken
Ask your Dad if he remembers the newspaper "The Steelworker". I remember selling that as a youngster especially in the summer. …..Wilf Morley
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Does anyone have anything on a "Grand Hotel" being in Sydney on Dodd St. in the early 1900s? It was a boarding house from my information. …..Thom McCabe
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Other things: Ah now - there are some magical words for me "Butternut Bakeries". My grandfather, Victor Bagnall, worked for them for must be 30 years or so. I have an old photo of him driving one of their trucks in a parade in Glace Bay. A close friend of my Mom's, Malcolm McQueen, used to work there as well even after it became Eastern Bakeries. He used to take me in there with his kids - all sorts of "seconds" magically appeared to appease us all.
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Nothing of course beat spending my summers in Marion Bridge and going out to Gabarus to the beach and to visit all the relatives.
One of them, Mid (Grant) Gray, used to have the telephone exchange in her house. Now that was fascinating to a kid let me tell you!
My grandmother's home at 87 Kings Road with it's back staircase and sliding wall panels that fascinated a 10 year old.
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Do you remember: Atlantic Spring & Machine Shop next to Harris & Harris Excavating at "Bummer's Corner" where Kings Rd becomes the Espanade. St Andrew's United Church organ and its incredible sound. The Royal Hotel at 347 Esplanade. .... Jennifer Witham
Chappell's Lumber Yard at 62-80 Brookland Street, advertising Pratt and Lambert Paint and Varnish on the backside.
Dad was a house painter and swore by P&L, said there was no other paint to use. I was always going to Chapels for shavings for my hamster which I bought with money I made from buying "plaster of paris" from Chapell’s and making plaster figurines (I bought the rubber molds from a Craft Store and paints and brushes from MacLeods Book Store), which I painted and sold door to door. But didn't become an independently wealthy entrepreneur.
Wish I had a nickel for all the 50 and 75 cent entrance fees I paid to the "Sydney Forum" we skated Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights and then played hooky from school to skate on Wednesday, then legally Saturday and Sunday afternoons. I loved the swoosh, swoosh of the skates on the ice, and being asked to skate with "Beaver Hillman" was an extra special treat, especially if you had a strong heart and we able to keep up with him. Today they play every kind of music under the sun and you can't keep up a smooth skate at all.
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Even enjoyed standing at the tracks at George and Trinity Avenue and counting the cars as they sped past, must have been all of 5 miles an hour, then they shuddered and backed up and everyone groaned. The Christmas lights in Wentworth Park that were donated by Jack Minard who used to live on the corner of George and Shandwick Street. How his display in the front yard used to hold up traffic when he lit everything up at night, it was awesome with the reindeer with real hides and his stuffed Santa, oh for those childhood times again.
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The Bakery I remember was Romards, as supplied by Ed, the lady was a master at getting your attention with the smells.
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The Vogue Theatre was on Charlotte Street right across from the old YMCA where we danced to Pache's Music. The Manager lived upstairs from My Aunt on Falmouth Street. I believe the Sobeys Store later was built just across the street.
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I believe Centre 2000 is where the Y was. Yes the Chinese restaurant was "The Strand" and If I remember was close to "The Strand" Theatre, now there was a dark whole in the ground, even the entrance was dark and creepy.
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The Capitol I believe had a name change when it became one of the "Famous Player Theatres" anyone remember that??
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Did anyone swim at the "Reservoir" it was up Old Mira Road, which is now called Rotary Drive and the Reservoir became Rotary Park. Boy you could get some terrible foot cuts in there as there was always broken bottles on the bottom. We didn't know it was part of the City Water system and often P'd in the water, he he he. We swam at Nelga Beach and also over in Westmount, but had to take the little Ferry to get there. Swimming was also done at the "Y" on Saturdays, that was our winter exercise.
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In summer we played tennis at the courts that we used to access from Shandwick street, we went through the trees and across a brook rather than around by the paved streets, but can't remember the name of it.
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We danced at St. Anthony Daniel Church Hall, The Y, Venetian Gardens and out at the 7 mile bridge, there was a restaurant there with a Dance floor and could it get packed. You could either dance or Ice Skate every night of the week, some nights we did both, oh to have the energy back. Rita Offer
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Do you remember the Sugar Bowl? It was run by Pop Magee. It was just a few steps from the Vogue theatre and in the same building as the Nova Hotel.. One the next corner was the London Grill.. ….. Wilf Morley
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THE HAGELL BLOCK in ASHBY The Davenport Estate was located at the south end of Davenport Road, in Sydney. A brick/steel Gated Entrance was located at the end of Davenport Road, where it met Prince Street. The estate was destroyed at the end of the 19th century, with only the foundation remaining for many years.
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The Ross family purchased a portion of the estate in 1886, and resold it to Alfred Hagell in 1901.... at the height of the steel boom beginning in Sydney. On this property he erected apartment, rental properties.... on the property now owned by Faith Baptist Church.
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Lavinia Postlethwaite, the granddaughter of Alfred, lived in an apartment from 1912 to 1926 and is the source of much of this information. The writer of this piece, who lived across the street from the Hagell Block for 25 years, has also contributed about the block and the folks who lived there.
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Lavinia, now in her mid 80's, has clear remembrances of living here in her younger years. The tenants in the larger building #1 were the George Anderson, the Lauchie MacDonald and the Floyd families.
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The 3 smaller buildings were rented to the Beverley family, a MacDonald family, with Lavinia and her parents living in the other.
A large apartment to the north of the Hagell Block was known as the Union House, and Henry Morley, his wife and daughter Margaret were tenants. Margaret later married Cliff LeCouter, a prominent Sydney personality and newspaper man.
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Lavinia remembers well that her father, Percy Hagell built the first radio in Sydney, long before Sydney had its own CJCB. She recollects listening to KDKA in the USA.
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There was no indoor plumbing in the apartments...outdoor outhouses did the trick.... although she tells us, "mighty cold in winter".
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The grandfather moved to Halifax and his son Percy and his wife (nee Cann from Forchu) took over maintenance and rental collections. Up to this time the property was well maintained by the Hagells.
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The apartments were sold to a Mr. Mac Lean in 1928, he being a druggist from Orangedale, Cape Breton. Absebtee ownership began the downfall of the block, and for the next 30 years the property began its downward trend to self-destruction.
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Absentee ownership was the start of the end... My name is Lloyd Mac Donald and I was born on Davenport Road, directly across the street from the Hagell Block, and for 25 years was an important part of my life. I played street hockey, softball, hide & seek with all the kids that lived there during this period. We played in the nearby woods, went to town together and schooled together either at Ashby School or Constantine School.
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We bought candy at Toby English's and Mrs. Goss stores located nearby, and picked up groceries at Clem LeBlanc's and Moffatt's Grocery stores for our mothers. Our secret meeting place was in the woods behind Ashby School, at a location called "4 corners".
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The Hodgson and Lotherington families were there during most of my years. In the Big Block #1 were the Redquest, MacLean, Sutherland and Brown Families.
Joe Sutherland is back in Cape Breton, living in Glace Bay, and brother George in Sydney. Myrtle Brown lived with her grandmother and Angus. Myrtle joined the Lynch Circus and disappeared from our view. Angus and his friend Jessie lived at Breton Bay for many years, and passed away there. The Rhymes (Flowers) family lived in the block for several years, along with the Tobin family. Harry Tobin is still here in Sydney. Joan Dawe and her son Wayne lived in #4 for many years.
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The Hawco family were tenants in #1, and Jake (John) has contributed his memories to these pages. These buildings were heated by free-standing, Quebec heaters and coal was the heat source, with chimneys extending thru to the roof. In winter the stoves were heated to red hot, but fortunately there never was fire damage to the buildings. Rent varied from $14.00 to $17.00 monthly, and when the MacLean family became owners hired Burchell Agencies to collect the rentals. Ashes from the stoves were collected and used as insulation at the bottom of the buildings, which were sitting on the ground. No basements in those days........ Lloyd MacDonald
Pictures and interviews located at: http://members.tripod.com/~lemac2/index-64.html
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As I think back to my younger days, a remember walking over the overpass from the pier with a childhood friend, Bernard Reppa. We walk along the banks of tar ponds run off brook, down the steel plant road to Prince St. and then up to Crowells, where we would go to ride on the elevator. Gee the ladies there must have been very patient then, because we did this a couple of times while in the store.
Little did they know that they were helping in creating a memory. And now today my son works for Otis Elevators in Halifax, and I have to wonder what elevator company had installed the one in Crowells? .....Liz MacEachern
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BUSINESSES ON CHARLOTTE STREET, SYDNEY
CANADIAN DEPARTMENT STORES LTD. Charlotte...554
When did it become known as EATON'S?
EPSTEIN DAVE Exclusive Clothier 302-304 Charlotte...75
METROPOLITAN STORES LTD. 289 Charlotte...891-J
Happy Memories bet the donuts were great. Juanita
MILES GROCERY, 251 Charlotte...
MILES J F r 573 Esplanade...
POLLETT H G, Central Pharmacy 271 Charlotte...
POLLETT Harry G r 134 Brookland...
Shoe Repair
NARDOCCHIO DOMINIC 197 Charlotte...
ad: SYDNEY SHOE REAPAIRING
Skates Sharpened while you wait
Best Materials - High Class Work - Prompt Service
197 Charlotte St. - Phone 8942
OAK HALL Gents Furnishings Record Bldg...
ad: OAK HALL, LTD.
The Home of Good Clothing
240 Charlotte St. - Phone 560
BISHOP F W & CO Boots & Shoes 276 Charlotte
MACAULAY'S Mens Cloth & Furn, 335 Charlotte...
WRIGHT'S LIMITED House Furn Charlotte...
BONNELL D J LTD, Furniture & House Furnishing 350 Charlotte..
D G Hill Credit Mgr Bonnells...
Miss Sara McPhee r Account't Bonnells...
Would Hasham's Bowling Alley at one time been?
BASEMENT BOWLING ALLEY Charlotte...8937
C.B. TRAMWAYS LTD Townsend...345
Shipping Office Townsend...346
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Remember at the corner of George and Argyle streets - Colbornes Grocery Store and behind this on Argyle the Old Grist Mill at the Mill Dam which flowed into Wentworth Park.
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Next to Colbornes was Bill Kytes Barber shop and then Vaughns store where Mr. Vaughan made his own sour krout in the back shop.
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Also at the end of Trinity Avenue by Chappell's Court was Mr. Nahe's small store very popular in the neighborhood where the late Anne Huntington worked for many years before returning to teaching at Colby School on Cottage Road.
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Remember the Saturday night dances with Emelio Pace in the old barracks across the street from Sacred Heart Parish and the Lyceum Theatre.
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Remember playing badminton in the old fertilizer plant on Prince Street (long gone). I remember playing there with the late Tommy Glover, Ernie Edwards, Jo Mitchell and ? ? ?
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Remember Wimpys on Townsend Street corner of MacKenzie where we went every Saturday for the best hamburgers all dressed.
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Remember the dances at the Silver Rail on the Sydney Glace Bay highway - corner of the old road into the airport (burnt down many years ago).
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I remember coming from Glace Bay to Sydney on the old Tram Car you changed at Reserve Mines. The Tram followed a route to the right of the highway past Grand Lake and the Sydney Garbage Dump and eventually came out on Prince Street down Prince to Townsend to the Esplanade to Dorchester to Charlotte to Townsend to George to Cottage Road to Whitney Avenue to Prince and back to Reserve Mines to change for Glace Bay.
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I lived across the street from Rita Offer ne O'Callaghan at 13 Beacon. Wonder if she knows the names of all the families who lived there when we did. I do. Would love to hear from her. Where are her sisters and brother?
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Remember the newspaper called the "Sydney-Booster" printed in Sydney with the by line "Down Where the East Begins" I have a March 15,1935 issue with a picture of the cast of "The Cottar's Saturday Night" on the front page. Does anyone remember this half hour radio program heard on CJCB radio every Saturday night.
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Some railway costs shown in this paper - Montreal to Sydney Return $27.95, Toronto to Sydney Return $40.60, Windsor Ontario to Sydney return $49.15.
Oh these old memories are priceless...... Herb MacDonald
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I'm sitting here in my living room in Barrie, Ontario and on the wall I have a print of......... you guessed it...... Crowells. I have a print of a painting which was done of the store by Marie Moore. It depicts the store as it may have looked in 1905. My wife and I both grew up in Cape Breton and we remember the store well. I bought it for her for her birthday one summer.
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I always thought it was so neat how they would send the money up to the accounting office with those tubes.
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Where else could you go to ride an elevator in Cape Breton?? I also remember Christmas shopping with my parents on Charlotte Street. There were lots of people and cars everywhere.
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I don't think the Mayflower Mall has the same atmosphere somehow. It saddens me to see the store in its present state.
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My dentist was Dr. Cleaner whose office was on the second or third floor of one of the stores. Ms. Elliot I think was the hygienist. I can still remember how it felt when they hit a nerve on that not completely frozen tooth.
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I also remember when they first put in the escalator at the airport in Sydney. Does anyone remember referring to the multi-story apartment building by the Holiday Inn as "The High Rise"??
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My dentist was Dr. Cleaner whose office was on the second or third floor of one of the stores. Ms. Elliot I think was the hygienist. I can still remember how it felt when they hit a nerve on that not completely frozen tooth. I also remember when they first put in the escalator at the airport in Sydney. Does anyone remember referring to the multi-story apartment building by the Holiday Inn as "The High Rise"?? .
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. Old Glace By Curry's Funeral Parlor..... I had heard at one time that this was my granduncle, Senator Wm Mac Donald's, estate. Now I am beginning to disbelieve that info. His property was called Brooklands and it consisted of 30 acres at the corner of George Street and Trinity Avenues. His son lived there until the 1950's.
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Senator's Corners in Glace Bay was named after Senator "Billy" as he was known.........William Norin Being from Cape Breton is not like being from any place else.
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You can talk to anyone who lived there and they have had the same kinds of experiences. I feel privileged to have grown up in Cape Breton!!!! ...... Vincent and Suzanne MacNeil
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I remember the old court house on Charlotte St, north of the old post office building. The Sydney Library was located in the basement at the back. The old Branch 12 legion was behind it at the time on George Street. There was also a used car dealer in that lot. Hasiuk's store was in the refurbished building now occupied by an engineering firm I believe and a training center. Cohen's store was next door and the Quinin Hall next door. Sacred Heart Parish owned the Quinin Hall and it was used for cubs, scouts and basketball and youth groups. Across the street was the old Lyceum which was being used as St F.X. Junior College forerunner of the UCCB. Next to that was the Melrose Restaurant occupied by a computer business now. They had a jukebox there and they had the booths just like you see on Happy Days with a coin-operated machine in each one to play a record. Old Central School was on the corner where Cape Breon Post is now. It was built in the same design as the old courthouse. ....... Colin Waye
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I'm not sure this counts as nostalgia quite yet, but my best recollection is that both Woolco (now Walmart) in Sydney River and K-mart (now defunct, building being used as a call centre) on Grand Lake Road opened in the spring of 1964, within a few weeks of each other. I had just returned to Glace Bay after my first year in university to work at the Seaboard Power Plant at the end of Lake Road, and a lot of the people one or two years behind me in high school were hoping for summer work at the newly opened stores.......Doug Grant
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The one in Sydney is indeed located at George and Trinity, across George St. from Wentworth Park and across Trinity Avene from Christ Church Anglican. Brookland Street is the next street north of there, on the other side of the church. I'm not sure who the original owner of this magnificent old home was, though. ........ Doug Grant"
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I believe that Senator Mac Donald was the original owner of this property. His address was 755 George Street and his letterhead read, "Brooklands", George Street at Trinity Avenue
Curry's Funeral Home is still in business under the direction of descendants of Wm. Curry. It is still a local family business. They have moved the business to the old MacRae (his wife a MacIntyre relative of mine) estate on Main Street.
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The old residence on King Edward Street is now the Will Bridge B&B, operated by a grand daughter of William and Bridget Curry. Ann Capstick
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I would still like to know if this sounds correct. I would also like to see the picture in Owen Fitzgerald's collection which supposedly shows the house overlooking the town of Sydney. It consisted of 30 acres with a brook running through it....... Bill Norin
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I know Curry's is still there. They are related to me, or so I've been told for years. Just a little story about the funeral home. This happened when my Dad, was in his late teens in the late 1920's. Dad, one of the Curry boys, and another friend, more than once were in the back room where bodies were prepared, and would soak their feet in a bucket of formaldehyde. They must have had the windows opened as its a wonder they didn't gas themselves. There was a homeless man that use to come to the funeral home to warm himself up and often spent the night. This particular night they decided to have some fun with him. So Dad was prepared as if burial. His friends powdered his face and hands to look like his was deceased. He climbed into the casket, laid down and pretended to be dead, just as the homeless man came in. Dad friends pretended they were grieving for him and the man went over to pay his respects to my father. All was quiet, as the man leaned over to peer at Dad, at which time my father slowly sat up in the casket. The man got such a fright he turned to run and put his foot in the bucket, as he made for the door and his escape. I asked Dad what they did than. He said they knew they were in trouble because Mr. Curry was coming on the tear to find out what all the commotion was about. Dad and his friend dove out the window, and Mr. Curry's son stayed put, explaining to his father that the man was tipsy and he had to chase him out. I asked if they got caught and he said no but he and his friend darn near froze to death waiting for Mr. Curry's leave. .... Juanita MacDonald
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Curry's Funeral Home is still in business under the direction of descendants of Wm. Curry. It is still a
local family business. They have moved the business to the old MacRae (his wife a MacIntyre relative of mine) estate on Main Street. The old residence on King Edward Street is now the Will Bridge B&B, operated by a grand daughter of William and Bridget Curry..... Ann Capstick
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I've enjoyed all the memories of Cape Breton as my grand-mother, Catherine Ferguson grew up in Glace Bay. It was interesting reading about the funerals at home, as this was what my family did for many of my grandparents. I remember the wreaths with their colored ribbons - purple for adults and white for a child. Thank you all for your shared "memories"....... Annabel
Old Town Sydney’s Landmark.
The MacKenzie House 1850’s
Later known as the Minto Hotel.
Authors: Cathy MacKenzie, Joan Durand and Lark Szick
Situated on the east side of Charlotte Street between Dorchester and Pitt Streets. The civic address at the time was 239-243 Charlotte Street. In the late 1850s the MacKenzie House stood between the Temperance Hall on the left and Woodill's Photographer on the right.
At the turn of the century it seems that the Temperance Hall was taken over by Wrights Ltd at 235-237 and Woodill's Photographer became MacLeod's Meat Market, which later became Le Lacheur & Co. And as late as 1917 George McCures had a business located at 245 which was to the right of the MacKenzie House.
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Hugh Ross McKenzie (1817-1906) was the youngest of ten children, born in Barney's River to William and Catherine (Sutherland) MacKenzie from Sutherlandshire, Scotland.
William and his family settled in the Barney's River/ Kenzieville, Pictou County and all the boys were well educated.
Hugh their only son to settle in Cape Breton as early as 1866 was a civil engineer and on several occasions, his brothers who were surveyors, joined him on different assignments in the area.
It appears that Hugh decided to get into the hotel business. The first signs of him having an interest in the hotel business are the advertisement for the MacKenzie House, in 
1869.
The following write-up appeared on page 2 and 3 of "The Trumpet", a Sydney newspaper, on October 25, 1869:
"MacKenzie House - This new building is certainly an ornament to the town of Sydney, and from the well known character of the proprietor and his lady, will ensure comfortable and cheerful recreation to the weary traveler who may visit it, either on business or pleasure. The house exhibits a handsome appearance, and displays great taste in its erection."
"This new, commodious and pleasantly situated Hotel, on South Charlotte Street, next adjoining Temperance Hall, is now opened for the accommodation of travelers, where their comfort and convenience will be faithfully attended to. The stables and coach house on the premises are roomy and airy. Mr. Callaghan's Coach will call to take passengers from the House to the Lake Steamers, and will also meet the Steamers at the Wharf to convey travelers to the Hotel."
It appears that Hugh ran the Hotel for approximately five years, from 1869 to 1874, and then leased it to John Archibald in 1874, and changed the name to "Archibald House."
Lovell's 1871 Nova Scotia Directory, in Sydney, Cape Breton, and page 234, Hugh is listed as "Hugh R. MacKenzie, civil engineer, government surveyor.
The 1871 Sydney Census taken on April 11, 1871, District 206, shows Hugh and his family as dwelling number 85/family number 88.
Hugh is shown with the occupation of Engineer, C.E., and age 53
Mary Ann (Richardson), age 43
Mary Elizabeth, age 7
Jessie R., age 3
William D., Hugh's son by his first wife, age 22, with the occupation of teacher, and being shown as unmarried.
Also living with the family were Mary's parents, John Richardson, 67, Confectioner; and Janet Richardson, 71
Hugh and his family may have been living in the Hotel at this time, as also shown living at this residence were:
Millige Oakes, 24, occupation of M.D.
Alexander Cameron, 24, Stage Driver
Donald Morrison, 16, servant
Anne Chisholm, 22, servant
Jessie McDonald, 22, servant
The North Sydney Herald, June 17, 1874, had the following advertisement on page 4:
"Archibald House, South Charlotte St., Sydney, Cape Breton. John Archibald, Proprietor - The above house (formerly the MacKenzie House) having been leased by the subscriber for a term of years, has been ___(illegible) and furnished throughout in first class style. The proprietor is determined to the best of his ability to serve the public, and with the accommodation feels confident that he can meet his wants. This House is finely situated being convenient to all the public and business offices, churches, and places of amusement with a full view of the Harbor of Sydney, and the surrounding country. Commercial travelers visiting Sydney can be furnished with sample rooms. Transient and permanent board can be obtained on modest terms. Good stabling on the premises. John Archibald, Sydney, March 18, 1874"
It seems clear that Hugh took back the operation of the Hotel before 1881, as according to the 1881 Census he was a "hotel keeper."
The 1881 Sydney Census for District No. 6 shows the family at house number 131/family number 137.
Hugh is shown as aged 63, with the occupation of Civil Engineer and Land Surveyor and Hotel Keeper.
Mary Ann is shown as age 54
Mary E., 16
Jessie R., 13
They are all shown as having been born in Nova Scotia, being Presbyterian, and of Scotch origins.
Also shown living in the same household are:
Mary's mother, Jennett Richardson, age 85, born in Scotland
Mary's sister, Jessie Richardson, age 40, born in Nova Scotia
Other residents in the house (perhaps this was the Hotel they were all living in) are listed as:
Ronald Gillis, 30, Architect
Peter C. McSween, 26, Salesman
Samuel J. Golding, 44, Ship Broker
John A. McKenzie, 37, Book Seller and Stationer
The 1891 Sydney Census for District 28, taken on April 12, 1891, shows the family as number 218.
Under "homes inhabited" it shows "M 3/40." It appears that the family was still living in the Hotel at this time.
The census shows Hugh as 73, born in Nova Scotia, parents born in Scotland, Presbyterian, and Hotel Keeper. It shows "three" as the minimum number of hands employed during the year. It shows Hugh as an "employer."
Mary Ann is shown as aged 63
Jessie R. is shown as age 22
The Census also shows:
Kate Curry, domestic, aged 18, Roman Catholic, chambermaid
P. Iver McInnis, female, aged 19, domestic, R.C., table maid
Jessie Campbell, domestic, aged 20, R.C., cook
Lauchlin Curry, domestic, aged 21, servant
William Robertson, aged 50, labourer, Presbyterian, surveyor (a possible relative)
Ronald Gillis, 38, manufacturer (with 25 people employed during the year)
The 1901 Sydney Town Census, taken May 19, 1901, Polling Subdivision No. 4, shows Hugh and his family as dwelling number 125/family number 134.
Hugh is listed as being born in 1816, aged 84, civil engineer Mary A., with a birth date of September 20, 1826, aged 74, born in Nova Scotia. Their daughter Jessie R. aged 25, born April 30, 1876, in Sydney, Cape Breton, is shown living with them as well.
Hugh's mother tongue is shown as "Gealic Scot" and Mary's is "English." As there are no other individuals living with the family at this time, it would seem that the family did not have the Hotel at this time.
The 1901 City Directory for Sydney, Cape Breton, shows Hugh, civil engineer, living at 157 Argyle Street. As well, according to McAlpine's 1902 Directory, Hugh is listed as a Civil Engineer, living at 157 Argyle.
According to the 1905 McAlpine's Directory Hugh was living at 43 Argyle Street in Sydney in that year and at the same residence at his death in 1906. Hugh's daughter Jessie was living at 43 Argyle Street at the time of her death in 1924 and his daughter-in-law, Lucy McKenzie, William Davison McKenzie's first wife, was living there when she died in 1940.
Hugh's granddaughter's obituary notice in 1926 states that Hugh "in the early days of Sydney owned and operated the MacKenzie House on Charlotte Street, which was later known as the Minto Hotel."
According to some notes written by Ann Bown Crawley, a member of an old Sydney family, "In the mid 1800's 'The MacKenzie House' was the only hotel in Sydney and was operated by Hugh R. MacKenzie, P.L.S."
According to notes of Ann Bown Crawley, Hugh and his family moved to Argyle Street upon the sale of the MacKenzie House (which appears to be around 1900 to 1901). Hugh was found living at two different residences on Argyle Street - first at 157 Argyle Street, and secondly at 43 Argyle Street, which today appears to be a single-family dwelling. This seems to indicate that perhaps Hugh and his family resided at 157 Argyle Street while waiting to purchase 43 Argyle Street. It is clear that he did own 43 Argyle Street. It appears from the census returns and from these notes of Ann Bown Crawley that the family lived in the Inn while Hugh and his wife were operating it.
It is unclear whether the MacKenzie House was renamed the Minto Hotel or whether a new building was erected.
A blurb in his daughter's obituary notice in 1926 states "the old McKenzie House which was located where the Minto Hotel now stands".
The earliest reference thus far to the Minto Hotel was in McAlpine's Nova Scotia Directory for Sydney for 1901 (phone number 158), and the Minto Hotel appears to have been still in existence as late as 1940.
It appears that Hugh and his family resided in the MacKenzie House while he operated it.
McAlpine's Nova Scotia Directory for Sydney 1890-1891 page 1196. MacKenzie House, Sydney, C.B. contains Large Sample Rooms, Bath Rooms, Etc. H.R. MacKenzie - Proprietor
Apparently "sample rooms" were large rooms that were rented out to traveling salesmen in order for them to show their wares.
The alphabetical listing shows the listings as follows:
MacKenzie House, H.R. MacKenzie, Proprietor, South Charlotte
MacKenzie, H.R., proprietor MacKenzie House, South Charlotte
McAlpine's Directory for 1896 for Sydney, Cape Breton
MacKenzie, H.R., proprietor MacKenzie House, Land Surveyor & Civil Engineer, South Charlotte (see adv. page 1568)
The advertisement on page 1568 reads:
"Established 25 years MacKenzie House, Sydney, CB H.R. MacKenzie - Proprietor, Civil Engineer and Government Land Surveyor. Hotel is five minutes walk from railway station, and the Terminus of the Inter-Colonial Railway. Seven large sample rooms, the best of any in the Province. A limited number of tourists can be accommodated".
According to this ad, Hugh would have begun the MacKenzie House around 1871. A newspaper article appeared in a local newspaper on October 5, 1872, listing "arrivals at the McKenzie House, Sydney, C.B., for this week."
"Belcher's Almanac" for Sydney, Cape Breton County, for the years 1897 to and including 1901:
H.R. McKenzie Justice of the Peace.
Hugh and his family are shown living at 157 Argyle Street in McAlpines 1902 Directory, so it appears that he sold the Inn sometime around 1900.
Hugh Ross McKenzie (1817-1906) his wife and some of their children are buried in Hardwood Hill Cemetery in Sydney.
By 1901 the MacKenzie house changed hands and became known as the Minto Hotel.
In 1902 there was a big fire on Charlotte Street that destroyed many buildings, it is possible that the Minto Hotel was also burnt at the time, and later re-opened down the road at 198-200 Charlotte Street.
Later records show the Minto Hotel as being located at 198-200 Charlotte Street. Kwik Kopy now occupies 200 Charlotte Street and it is not the same building that would have been in existence at the time of the MacKenzie House or the Minto Hotel.
It seems that the Minto Hotel rented rooms by the week and the month, for their cliental was more on a permanent basis.
One of the guests at the Minto Hotel in the early 1900s was Miss Sarah "Sadie" Matilda Grover of Whitehead, NS. There is a good possibility that Sarah may have married a Tom Crawford.
Sarah and Tom did have a child together born 14 August 1901. For whatever reason, after the birth of Sadie's child, they moved to Cleveland, Ohio. While in Ohio, Sarah worked as a servant, fell ill with typhoid and died May 1903. When Sadie died her burial permit gave her name as Sadie Crawford.
Tom was not with Sarah when she died. Her child was adopted and may have grown up in Chicago, got married and had two sons but she also, like her mother, died young.
In 1913 Ben Atkinson owner of the Minto Hotel and racehorses was found dead near Sydney in the woods. Frank Haynes, an American tourist was accused of the crime and hanged for this offence, but many people thought that he was not solely responsible for the crime.
Based on the above true story a book has been published on the incident, "Tainted Justice" by David Newton
"In the summer of 1913 a prominent Sydney hotelier and racehorse owner was found dead on a wooded road near Sydney, Nova Scotia. A visiting American, Frank Haynes, was hanged for the crime in 1914. He probably murdered Ben Atkinson but did he do it alone? And did the Sydney society sacrifice Haynes to protect one of their own? Was a love affair behind it all? The turmoil of the trial tore at the city and left reputations in tatters. In this brisk telling, Newton offers a hair-raising tale, opens wounds long forgotten, and wonders aloud about truth and justice".
Also a play based on the book "Tainted Justice" by Don Nigro, directed by Dale Kelly lets us know a little more about what happened.
"A true story of lust and murder based on the twisted series of events surrounding the death of a prominent Nova Scotia businessman in 1913. First thought to be an accident, but later resulting in a charge of murder, the incident drew international attention and left reputations in tatters. The murder inquiry was further complicated by a poor investigation, and the question, "Was justice served?" still arises today. Based on the book, "Tainted Justice 1914", by David Newton, Don Nigro's clever script explores the ambiguity of motives and the far reaching implications inherent in murder. Was the murder a cold-blooded assassination or a crime of passion? This insightful production provides a dark look at the motives for evil and the corrupting influence that a single innocent occurrence can have on the human soul".
Synopsis : set on Cape Breton island 1913 a true story of a troubled young woman and her search for the real killer of her father.
Anyone interested in ordering the book, may do so on line by going to the UCCB web site.
The MacKenzie House 1850’s
Temperance Hall
NORTH RIVER HISTORY
Written in 1956 by John J. MacRitchie, transcribed by Lark B. Szick
Written in 1956 by John J. MacRitchie, a North River native, who lived most of his life in Boston, was married to Agnes MacKay, Boularderie.
North River was settled by Scotch emigrants from the Highlands of Scotland during the first part of the 19th century. The place was then known as Petit Pierre’s Arm. The name given to it by the French people who lived there previous to the arrival of the Scotch emigrants. The name was changed to North River about the middle of the century.
The first Scotch people to settle there at North River were the family of John MacLeod “Mason” who took up land near the mouth of the North River. Settling there in the year 1821. John MacLeod was born in Assynt, Rossshire. He had two sons, Donald and Alexander.
Donald settled on the part of his father’s farm and married Sarah MacGregor. They had fours sons and three daughters. Murdock Angus, Sadie and Dan Neil. Dan Neil still lives on the farm settled by his great grandfather.
Alexander MacLeod, the other son of the pioneer John MacLeod, for a time settled on the other half of his father’s farm. After some years he decided to move to the other side of the world following the Rev. Norman MacLeod, taking up his residence in New Zealand where his descendants presumably still live.
His farm at North River was bought by Murdoch Montgomery, where he and his wife the former Isabel MacKenzie raised a family of five sons and four daughters. The farm is vacant but still in the possession of some of the grandchildren.
The adjoining farm was occupied by Rory MacLeod “Rory Mohr” and his wife. They had three sons and two daughters. Sons John and Angus lived on the old farm. Jessie married Malcolm MacDonald “Little”. Maggie never married.
John MacLeod had four sons, three of them continue to live on the old farm Norman, Murdock and Donald John took up the farm of Neil MacGregor, who had gone to New Zealand.
Hugh MacKenzie lived on the next farm, taking it over from “ Big” John MacGregor, who had moved to Ontario. John MacGregor was married to a MacRichie woman from West Bay. She had two sons from a previous marriage and both drowned in the North River.
In the last part of the 19th century and the first part of the 20th century this section of the North River, known as Rooster Hill, consisted of eight families and a population of over fifty during some of that period.
Today only two of the eight homes are open. In one home, John MacLeod “Peggy” a great grand son of the late Rory “Mohr” lives with his son Jimmy. In the other home lives his niece, Maggie, a great great grand daughter of Rory “Mhor”.
On the North side of MacLennan Brook, lived Ewan MacGregor, on the farm later occupied by Murdock MacLeod “Shoe Maker”. Murdock MacLeod had a very large family of sons and daughters. One son Neil, known as Big Neil, lived on the old farm until his death. A nephew, Norman Smith now lives on a part of the farm. The rest of the farm was later bought by Ben and Mae Bezanson.
Murdock MacGregor lived on the next farm, he had three sons, John who went to Ontario, William and Angus who were twins, remained on the old farm. John’s son Donald continued to work the farm. Donald married Sarah Kerr. They had three sons and one daughter. One son John, lived on the farm until his death. At the present time, Dan K. MacLeod and family are living on the place.
The next farm was owned by John MacLeod who came there from New Brunswick. Aeneas Morrison ”School Teacher” lived there a short time before going on to New Zealand. William MacDonald also lived there a short time. The farm was then divided. The south part bought by Donald MacLeod. The north part bought by William MacRichie.
Donald MacLeod was born in Scotland, came to Canada with his parents when he was a year old. He lived with his parents at Upper Baddeck River. He married Mary Morrison and bought the farm at North River Centre.
They had a family of two sons and six daughters. John E. the oldest son, married Mary Ann Morrison. They lived on the farm until his death. It is vacant now.
The North half of this farm, as already mentioned, was bought by William MacRitchie. He also was born in Scotland, as was his wife, Effie MacLeod, coming to Canada in 1828. They were married in Canada, taking up residence at Breton Cove, North Shore.
After a short time, the MacRiches moved to Meadow, North River, eventually buying the farm at North River Centre and selling the farm on the Meadow to Donald Montgomery.
William MacRitchie’s family consisted of four sons and two daughters. Two sons, Malcolm and Donald lived on the farm all their lives.
Malcolm [MacRitchie] married Margaret MacDonald. They had one son and three daughters. In 1932 the farm was bought by Dan A. MacLeod, a grandson of Donald Montgomery who bought the original MacRitchie farm on the Meadow. The place is vacant now.
The next farm was settled by Donald MacDonald, who was married to Jessie MacKenzie. They had two sons and three daughters. John and Donald lived on the farm all their lives.
John [MacDonald] married Isabel MacKenzie. They had a family of four sons and four daughters. One son, Simon, who married Emma Montgomery, continued to live on the old farm. They had a family of three daughters. Margaret the youngest, marrying Abraham MacDonald still lived in the home after her parent’s death. They moved to Newton, Mass in 1954. The place is vacant now. The last three homes mentioned are vacant now after being occupied for over one hundred years.
Next to MacDonald’s lived Alexander MacKenzie, later, Alexander Campbell for a short time and then Norman Matheson for a short time. All three families went to New Zealand. After that, Donald MacLeod and his brother lived there.
Murdock married Effie Buchanan and bought a piece of land from Murdock MacLeod “Shoemaker”. Donald stayed on the farm. His first marriage was to a sister of John MacDonald, his next door neighbor. They had two daughters. His second [marriage] was a neighbor on the other side, Margaret MacDonald. From this union they had three sons and two daughters. After the death of their parents the family moved away.
Then after a number of years, the farm was bought by John MacAulay, who died some years ago. His widow, the former Josie Nicholson now lives at North River Bridge. Part of the farm is now owned by Duncan MacLean, the other by James F. MacDonald.
The next farm was owned by Murdock MacDonald, “Malcolm’s son”. He married Isabel MacDonald. They had six sons and four daughters. The last members of their family to live on the place were Arabel and Kenneth. The farm was eventually turned over to their nephew, D. J. MacLeod. He passed away in 1912 from the effects of an accident in a coal mine in Glace Bay. After his death, her brother, Kenneth moved in with her and is with her still. Her two daughters are married, Margaret Erickson in Norwood, Mass. and May Kerr in Sydney.
The next farm to Murdock MacDonald was occupied by his father Malcolm MacDonald, who lived with his tow sons, John and Black John. John MacDonald moved to New Zealand. Part of his farm was sold to Kenneth Morrison, where some of his grand children still reside.
Malcolm MacRae and his brother Murdock, from Middle River, settled on the other part of this farm. Murdock living in the house now occupied by Duncan Morrison. This part of the farm was later divided, half to Alex MacRae, the other half bought by Murdock MacDonald, who was a brother of the aforementioned Kenneth MacDonald.
Murdock MacDonald married Annie MacRitchie, they had one son and one daughter, Christy Belle Andrews.
The place in now owned by Duncan Morrison, who lives in the original house, built by the MacDonalds over one hundred years ago.
The next farm was settled by Angus MacKenzie, Neil’s son. He was married to a MacLeod woman. The farm was divided between two of his sons. Hector married to Belle MacRae, later moved to Sydney. Hector Ross lived there for some time. Donald MacLean built a house and store on part of it at the junction of the North River and West Oregon “Meadow” roads. It was later bought by Donald Smith and still later bought by Norman MacLeod . It is now owned by Archie D. Carmichael.
The other half of the MacKenzie farm belonged to the other son, Murdock who was married to Flora MacKenzie. James MacLeod bought half of Murdock MacKenzie’s farm and built a house on it. After his death the family moved away and the property was bought by the United Church congregation and maintained as a Manse. It has been occupied by Rev. A. C. Fraser, Rev. John N. MacLeod, Rev. Ross Hamilton, and at present by Rev. Harold Kennedy.
On the North side of that is the farm settled by John MacDonald “King”. It was granted to him by King George IV, for services in the British Army. John MacDonald was married to a woman by the name of Munroe. They had a large family. Two of his sons, Donald and Kenneth lived on the old farm. Kenneth was married and had two sons and three daughters. Donald was a bachelor and lived in the old home with tow old maid sisters. He willed part of the farm to his nephew, John Kerr, to take care of him after his sisters died. The other part was given to a niece, who was married to Neil Morrison.
Neil built a house on it and lived there for a number of years and then moved to Boularderie. This property now belongs to a son of John Kerr. Another son and his family lived in the original home.
As we cross the North River Bridge, the first farm on the east side was settled by a family by the name of Fraser, then for a while occupied by Murdock MacLeod, who went to New Zealand and who was a brother of Luther MacLeod, who lived at South Haven. It was then bought by Donald MacLeod who moved there from River Bennet and who was married to a woman from River Denys. Two of his sons and a daughter lived there all their lives. None of them married. One son R. H. MacLeod conducted a general store on the farm for a number of years, another son George was postmaster for many years.
The home is now occupied by Alton MacLeod, who was adopted by that family. Mrs. Cassie MacDonald lives in a cottage on the same farm.
The store in which R. H. MacLeod conducted business, has since been remodeled and is now the home of Dan A. MacLeod.
The first church at North River was built on this farm. It was remodeled about 30 years ago and is the property of the Presbyterian Church Congregation.
The next farm on the east side of North River on the Muray Road, originally known as Smith Mountain road, was settled by a family named Daisley, who later moved to Cape North [1838], whose descendants are still there.
The farm was then bought by Duncan MacKenzie, Neil’s son. His son John married Mary MacLeod and lived on the farm. They had a family of seven sons and three daughters. Only two of the family ever married.
One son, Duncan was a harness maker in Glace Bay for many years.
The first Post Office at North River was opened in the MacKenzie home. The next was a George MacLeod’s as already mentioned.
In the meantime a Post Office was opened at North River Centre, conducted by Malcolm MacRitchie for nearly thirty years. A rural mail delivery was in operation between Baddeck and North River.
John and Kennie, sons of the above mentioned John MacKenzie and Mary MacLeod were the last members of the family to live on the farm.
It was rented for a few years by James MacLeod, who came from Port Bevis, to succeed Neil MacDonald as manager of a store at North River, owned by MacKay, MacAskill & Co. of Baddeck. The farm was then bought by Dan MacLean of Oregon Glen but who was at that time farming in western Canada.
It was occupied for a short time by Rev. A. C. Fraser. It is now owned by Duncan MacLean, who was also in western Canada, but came back to North River about 25 years ago, and lives there at present time. He was married to Christene MacRitchie, who died in 1952. He is now married to the widow of the late John MacIver, formerly Mary M. MacLeod of North River.
John Fraser Memorial United Church was built on this property, in 1936,
The next farm was owned by John MaLeod, whose adopted daughter, Mary MacLean, married Norman MacLeod “Little”. His son John K. married Jessie MacDonald, South Haven and settled on the farm and raised a family of four sons and one daughter. Mrs. MacLeod, now 90 years of age, is still living with her youngest son, Angus K. on the old farm.
The next farm was owned by Malcolm MacDonald “Little”, who married Jessie MacLeod, Rory Mohr’s daughter, from Rooster Hill. One of his sons, Dan lived o one half of the farm where he raised a family. He was married twice, and had a son and a daughter from both marriages. In later years he moved to Boularderie. Another son Allan lived on the other half of the farm. He was a black smith by trade. When old age compelled him to retire, his two sons followed the same trade. One son, James was a black smith, first at Goose Cove, then he moved to Baddeck, where he kept a shop, until his death a few years ago.
The next farm was occupied by Rory Kerr, who was married to Barbara MacGregor. The place was later bought by Donald MacInnis, and still later by Murdock MacEachern. Then by Andrew Sutherland. It is at present owned by John A. Smith who is married to the former Alice MacRae. The have a family of four sons and two daughters.
The next farm was settled by John MacGregor, who was married to Kate Urquhart. They moved to Ontario. The farm was then bought by John MacLean. He married Mary MacDonal. They had on son and two daughters. One of the daughters married Rod MacDonald. After the mother’s death, she and her family and father moved to Louisburg, where her husband conducted a general store for a number of years. Finally they moved to Alberta, where the family still lives.
The other daughter married Rev. Philip MacRae, Frank MacRae’s uncle. He had pastorates in Earltown, N.S., Baddeck Forks and Little Narrows. Finally they moved to Alberta.
John MacLean’s son, Dan, married Emma Morrison, Englishtown. They also moved to Western Canada, where their descendents still live.
Then the place was bought by Murdock MacEacher, who in turn sold it to Murdock MacDonald “Bahn”, who lives there now. His brother’s widow and her family live with him.
The next farm was settled by John MacDonal, whose family moved to Ontario. After a few years they moved back to Smith Mountain, where two of the boys Donald and John spent the rest of their days.
Angus Kerr bought the farm but he was drowned coming from St Pierre, on a vessel owned by N.K. MacLeod. Angus Kerr’s son Rory settled on the farm. His son Rod married May MacLeod and lived there for a short time an then moved to Sydney where the live now.
The next farm was settled by John MacLean, Alex’s son, and later by Donald MacDonald, “Cathechist” who decided to move to Whycocomagh to be near the Rev. Peter MacLean. Shortly afterwards the minister moved to Scotland. Then Donald MacDonald went to Middle River where he lived for a short time, before moving to Tarbet, where he lived the remaining years of his life. His son John D. still lives there at the ripe old age of 95 years.
Murdock MacLeod” Shoe maker” had a son named Allan, who bought the MacLean farm. He and his wife lived there for many years. After their death, Mrs. MacLeod’s niece the former Margaret Matherson of Breton Cover married to Murdock MacLeod, Boularderie came to live there. After Murdock died his wife moved to North River. The farm is now vacant.
The next farm was bought by Donald and John MacDonald when they moved back from Ontario. Also now vacant.
The last farm on the East side of North River was settled by Donald Smith, married to a MacLeod woman, Shoe Maker’s sister.
William Smith who married Mary Dingwall, also lived on this farm. Later it was taken over by a grandson, William MacDonal who married Flora MacLeod and who are at present living on part of the farm owned by Johanna “Josie” MacLeod.
MIDDLE RIVER COMMUNITY 1830
By Wallace Mac Rae, given to Lark Szick, for the Ross Reunion in July 2000
The community of Middle River, Cape Breton, in the intervale between Baddeck and Margaree, was settled by Mac Rae and Campbell families who emigrated from Prince Edward Island on the advice of Father Angus MacEachern. They made the voyage in a boat which, rather than sail around the ocean coast of Cape Breton, they dragged across the neck of land where the St. Peter's canal has since been dug.
About 1830 the settlers built a small church for themselves and had as their minister Angus Mac Lean. He was succeeded by the Rev. Alexander Farquharson, who was, it is recorded, the first missionary sent out from Scotland by the Ladies Society of Edinburgh.
The first marriage to take place between Middle River folk was a double one and involved a Ross, a Mac Rae brother and sister, and a Campbell. The two couples travelled the distance between Middle River and Margaree on snowshoes. The marriage took place c.1814 and it was performed by a magistrate
The Ross was Jane Ross, daughter of William Ross and Esther (Mowat) Ross of Margaree. (This William was one of the four original Ross brothers in the Margaree.) Jane married Findley Mac Rae, and they became my great, great, great grandparents. My line of descent from William Ross thus is Jane Ross to John Mac Rae to Mary Mac Rae to Dolly Mac Kenzie to Margaret Mac Rae to Wallace Mac Rae.
The other half of the double wedding involved Henrietta Mac Rae, the sister of Findley. She was married to John Campbell.
BROUGHTON AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY
BY Lark B. Szick & Roxanne Leadla
The former town of Broughton can still be seen on maps today, located roughly 20 miles from Sydney. This area, formerly known as Milton had once been a healthy farming community centered on Loon Lake.
Around the early1900's a rich coal deposit was discovered near another of the Lakes in the area, Cochrane Lake. The timing of this discovery was fortuitous as there was a growing need for coal to match the demand of industry at the time.
Thomas Lancaster was the man who was responsible for discovering the property and for realizing the potential of a coal mining industry in this area. A mining operator by trade, he obtained the land around Cochrane's Lake from Edgar Mosely, a Sydney lawyer.
With the help of a civil engineer, George J. Jacques, Lancaster chartered the "Cape Breton Coal, Iron and Railway Ltd" and worked tirelessly to attract investors from Montreal to England, the largest being a London Banking firm and the second being a man named Col. Horace Mayhew who invested $719 500.
Col. Horace Mayhew was an experienced businessman and colliery owner from Chester, England. He was to become president of the new company with Thomas Lancaster as Vice President.
The company managed to attract 2 Million Dollars and secured 92 Square miles for the project. The new town was to be named Broughton by Mayhew after his England County homestead.
Part of the significance of this new mining town was the attitude of the owners towards their workers. Col. Horace Mayhew was concerned for the workers well being, as well as profit. He dreamed of maintaining a highly efficient workforce both well cared for and a with positive moral.
Lancasters and Mayhew's model community was to be faced with difficulties from the start. In order to export their coal they needed access to land owned by the Dominion Securities Company who was the owners of the "Dominion Coal Company" and local railway lines.
The area they needed to obtain from Dominion Coal was known as Lease No. 188. This land was essential for the exportation of Broughton's coal but the owners did not wish to part with it.
Despite this significant complication, "CB Coal, Iron & Railway Co. Ltd." still moved forward with building the town of Broughton.
William Critchlow Harris, 1854-1913, an architect, was hired to design the town plan of Broughton and the buildings within it.
With an expected population of 10-20,000 people, Harris surveyed 11 miles for the town with construction beginning Apr 26, 1905.
The town was to be based on modern designs having sewers, electric street lights, telephone and telegraph systems, and wide grated roads arranged with New York City's street organization in mind. The main street was half a mile long, with 5 avenues and 10 cross streets.
Of the buildings they built, The Broughton Arms Hotel was indeed the most elaborate, considered to be the finest hotel of the time east of Montreal.
William Harris incorporated architectural styles such as Gothic, Romanesque and Chateauesque It's rooms, had carpeting on all floors and stairways, an elevator and was planned to have the most expensive furnishings of the day.
Broughton Arms was a three-storey structure, built with conical roofs and a verandah, which completely encircled it, was also fitted with a revolving door, which was the first of its kind in North America.
Other significant buildings were The Crown Hotel, which was to be the workman's hotel also three stories, 52 rooms and a basement.
The General Office was another elegant building with 8 rooms and a basement, then 3 large cottages, and a manager’s house.
Mayhew returned from England in the summer of 1905 and found the town that was to house the miners was well established, but no progress had been put forth on gaining the necessary land Lease no. 188, vitally required to export the coal they were now mining.
Perhaps Mayhew was too confident in thinking he would eventually obtain this land from "Dominion Coal", but to make matters worse, there was now a severe shortage of money, which had stalled negotiations.
Lancaster appealed to his investors for more funding but they were no longer being supportive. He even approached other companies such as New England Gas Coke Co. for assistance, but could not gain any additional financing.
Lancaster appealed to his investors for more funding but they were no longer being supportive. He even approached other companies such as New England Gas Coke Co. for assistance, but could not gain any additional financing.