Horticulture/Garden members from Riverside 4-H club in a Middle Musquodoboit and Hardwood Lands in Milford learned some landscape construction techniques and horticulture as they provided their time and energy on some small projects at the Fairbanks Center. Clintar Landscape Management provided staff, tools and materials.
We have been publishing brief articles regarding the Irish and Scottish workers who came to Dartmouth in the late 1820s to work on the Shubenacadie Canal. The best known group arrived on the ship Corsair in 1827 and were very soon at work. We don’t know very much about the homes they lived in but it is believed they built one room stone dwellings similar to those they had left in their homelands. It is interesting to note that the area around Sullivans Pond and between Octerloney St and Prince Albert Rd was known as Irishtown. In keeping with this the lower part of Pine St is now named Irishtown Rd. Two of the workers who are believed to have lived here with their families were James Young and William Patterson. They were both stone masons. Might either of these two names “ring a bell”?
An important trade required during the construction and operation of the Shubenacadie Canal was blacksmithing. One can imagine the many metal materials and tools which would be essential. On Daniel Hoard’s crew list for 1830 the last Blacksmith we have listed was E. Griswold. We know that there was a Blacksmith’s Forge along the west side of the channel between lakes Micmac and Charles and it is very likely Mr. Griswold would have worked there. To find the remains of the Shop you walk on the west side of the waterway in Shubie Park. It is about half way between the Camp Ground and Lake Charles. Once you find the site you will be able to find out more about its use from the metal plaque which includes a written description as well as illustrations depicting the shop.
Do you know anyone in Dartmouth named Griswold? They may be related to a Canal worker. Let us know.
The Dartmouth Probus Club is a social club of active retired and semi-retired individuals. It provides members with regular opportunities to enjoy new friendships, expand interests and to stay connected to the community. They meet the first Thursday of the month at the Fairbanks Centre, 54 Locks Road, Dartmouth.
Coffee and socializing begins at 9:30am followed by wonderful speakers with fascinating and informative talks, and a brief business meeting. Speakers’ topics are chosen from suggestions of club members. They also have regular group outings for interested members, including tours of the Art Gallery, Museums, Pier 21 and participation in wine making and golf tournaments.
Probus is non-political, non-sectarian, non-profit and non-fund raising.
New members are always welcome. For more information, please email probus.dartmouth@gmail.com or come by for one of the monthly meetings.
