“Then one should visit Dartmouth, across the harbor from Halifax, so picturesquely dropped among its dark hills. Ferry-boats run every quarter hour between the places. The town has some 6,000 inhabitants, a sugar refinery, a marine railway, a rope-walk, a skate factory, and – by no means least imposing feature – the great grim pile of Mount Hope Lunatic Asylum.
Back of Dartmouth, to the north, lies the beautiful chain of the Dartmouth Lakes, a famous resort of skaters, when the ice has set firmly. From these lakes runs the old Shubenacadie Canal, connecting those waters with those of Minas Basin and Fundy by way of the Shubenacadie River.”
“In the United States there should be much interest in the Diocese of Nova Scotia, for that Diocese owes its existence to the Tories of the Revolution, who went in thousands from New York and Massachusetts to the “Acadian Province by the Sea,” and its first bishop was, at the outbreak of the war, the honored rector of the leading Church in the older Colonies.”
“If it had not been for the fierce legislation of the Whigs in the various colonies against the adherents of the crown, the history of this part of the country, both secular and religious, would be vastly different from what it is.”
“The attention of New York loyalists seems to have been early directed towards the almost uninhabited province of New Brunswick.”
Eaton, Arthur Wentworth Hamilton, 1849-1937. The Church of England In Nova Scotia And the Tory Clergy of the Revolution. 2d ed. New York: T. Whittaker, 1892. https://hdl.handle.net/2027/uc2.ark:/13960/t6b27tb7p
“The following list of [Mi’kmaq] names of places, rivers, etc., in Nova Scotia and neighborhood was compiled, at my request, by Miss Elizabeth Frame, of Shubenacadie, for the library of the Massachusetts Historical Society, and was duly presented at the meeting on June 9, 1892. She was aided in her labors by a [Mi’kmaq], as well as by the published works of Mr. Gesner and Dr. Rand. It is now printed at the expense of a gentleman of Cambridge, who is interested in [indigenous] philology.” Samuel A. Green
“The Micmac left no sculptured gods, No temples made of stone; In misty caves, in storm-tossed clouds, Minitou dwelt alone. But names remain on hill and plain, Of this once powerful race, And in those liquid Micmac words, Their presence yet we trace. Where Aspatogon lifts her brow, Unblushing, to the sea; Where crashing ice-cases dash and break, On lonely Scatarie; Where turbid waters seethe and foam, Round Glooscap, Chebooktook; On Tusket’s Isles where sea-gulls rest, And heron on Panuke; The rushing tides in Pesiquid, And Shubenacadie; The level meads of Tantramar; The falls of Konomee. No Micmac now on Cobequid, Hunts moose or caribou; And alien races change the names, Which first were named by you.”
“County courts were first established in Nova Scotia by 37 Vict., c. 18 which was passed on the 7th of May, 1874, but did not go into operation until proclamation made by Lieutenant-Governor in Council (Acts 1874, c. 18, s. 57). Proclamation was made and the act came into force on the 21st of August, 1876.”
Bingay, George, and Nova Scotia. The County Court Manual: Being a Collection of the Statutes Relating to the Practice, Procedure And Jurisdiction of the County Courts of Nova Scotia With Notes, Etc.. Toronto: Carswell, 1891. https://hdl.handle.net/2027/hvd.hl4gui
Ladies and Gentlemen, -I have the honor to submit for your information and approval, a report of the proceedings of your Council for the year ending December 31st last. I have decided for your better information to give you the detailed reports as submitted by the Chairmen of the Public Property. Water and Finance committees these being the three principal services of the Town, not only that you may see just how your money has been expended, but also to show the large amount of work gratuitously performed by the several members of these committees on your be half. I here take the opportunity of expressing my thanks to the members of the Council. His Honor the Recorder, The Town Clerk and other officials of the Town for their ever ready assistance extended to me in Carrying out the duties devolving on me as your chief magistrate. I regret very much that the adverse balance is so large against the Town, but taking into consideration the large amount expended on the streets and other causes. fully explained in the financial report. I think you will agree with me that the Town is in in a fairly good position.
Legislation
The only measures under this heading were the acts consolidating the Water and Ferry acts obtained from the Legislature last session.
Report of Finance Committee
By the report of the Auditors submitted herewith, it will be seen that the total receipts for the year in the ordinary account of the Town were $23,091.36 and the expenditure $25,586.02. On the 31st. December the current liabilities amounted to $5366.09 of this amount $3,845.43 was due the Bank and sundry accounts totaling $1,920.66 remained unpaid. To meet these sums there are due Taxes for 1894 $4053. and Poll and School Tax for the same $719.88, leaving a net deficit on 31st, December last of $1473.21, all outstanding accounts having been taken into consideration. This your committee feel is a very satisfactory state of affairs, when it is considered that by a special vote of the Council the Street Committee overdrew their account $1500, and that there was a balance against the Town due the Bank at the commencement of the year of $865.80.
The bonded debt of the Town on December 31st, amounted to $321,300 as follows:
Consolidated Debt: $17,000
School Loan: $21,300
Ferry Loan: $150,000
Water Loan: $133,000
being $10,000 more than for the year 1893, this increase being caused by the loan of $7,000 for schools and the issuing of $3,000 additional for Water and Sewerage construction.
The net debt however amounts to only $304,428 as the Ferry Commission have on hand $9,000 as a Sinking Fund and the sewer sinking fund now amounts of $7,872.
The assessed valuation of Real and Personal Property for the year within the town amounted to $1,803,367 being an increase over the previous year of $324,340. The assessed rate was $1.20 per $100, 55 cents of which was for the support of Public Schools.
The large amount of taxes owing at the end of the year was largely due to the fact that one firm owes some $1,900. The assessment was taken into court and twice decided in favor of the Town, and your committee hope that it will be settled before long. A further reason is found when it is remembered that no great pressure was put on the rate payers during the year to enforce the payment of the Taxes, this in the past has always caused more or less friction. and your committee felt that as under the Lien Law the Real Estate Tax would all have to be paid in this year, it would perhaps be better to give delinquents a further extension of time.
The year 1894 marked a new era in Town affairs, as then for the first time in its history the Lien Law for the collection of taxes was put in force, some 12 properties were sold, which all brought more than enough to pay the taxes and costs, and today there is only the very small sum of $9.30 owing from Real Estate for 1893.
A.C. Johnston, Chairman.
Report of Street and Public Property Committee
This, the most important branch of the Town service has received close attention. Owing to the introduction of the Water and sewerage, the streets were in a very bad condition, none of them being in a fit state to travel over. Your committee felt that with the limited means at their disposal, the best course to pursue would be to permanently repair the main thoroughfares and leave the less used side streets for the future. With this in view they macadamized Water Street from Portland to the top of Synott’s Hill. Ochterloney Street from Water to Canal Street. Portland Street from Water to Pleasant Street, and Pleasant Street from Portland to the foot of the hill opposite Mott’s Factory. This was all covered with broken stone and screenings from the breaker, and used up 6,873 loads or 96,292 bushels. The streets thus repaired present a smooth. hard service over which it is a pleasure to drive and should with ordinary attention last 10 or 15 years, and will, we believe prove that macadam is the cheapest material to use, when it can be obtained as at present.
A large amount of stone was obtained from the lot owned by the Town to the west of the Hawthorne street school. and your committee have thus turned a useless piece of ground into a fine field, and this without costing the Rate-payers one cent.
The amount rated for the Streets was $3000. but by a special vote of the council owing to the exceptional circumstance a further sum of $1,300 was granted. and we feel confident that when the ratepayers Consider the amount of work. they will approve of this action of the Council. The total amount spent on the Streets was $4,434,27, which includes the madadamizing, the general street repairs in the several wards and the Superintendent’s salary.
Public Property
The estimate was $174, expenditure $91.20, this being for the repairs to the Engine House Tower made in 1893, and for the introduction of the Water into the Town Hall. Under this heading it may not be out of place, if the attention of the ratepayers is called to the room, known by courtesy as the Council room, where the gentlemen they ask to do the business of the town without any renumeration, are compelled to sit often for hours in an atmosphere sometimes positively injurious, and in a room at all times in a filthy condition. Under the present circumstances, this cannot well be otherwise, but we think the time has now arrived, when the Town should have a Hall a credit to itself, and one in which it would be a pleasure to do business.
Amalgamation of the Town and Ferry Office
This matter is still in the hands of a committee. the only practical solution of the difficulty appears to be the erection of a Town Hall at or in close proximity to the ferry. and there in no doubt the large saving that could be made in salaries would go along way in paying the interest upon a sum sufficient for the construction of a building which would be a credit to the Town and fill a long felt want, as the rate payers cannot expect the gentlemen whom they elect to transact their public affairs to continue to do so much longer in that disreputable building called by courtesy The Town Hall.
Railway
During the past year the Branch has been carefully surveyed, tenders called for, and the contracts for its construction awarded. The plans and profiles show that the road will be first class in every respect. At no point is the grade heavier than 1 font in 100 feet. The curves are not excessive. although at two or three points they are rather too pronounced. it is possible some improvements will be made in this respect during construction. The structural parts will be thoroughly built. The road will tap Waverley. and a siding will be put in at Portobello. The traffic which will accrue to Dartmouth from the former point will be consider- able. The contract is let in two sections. Messrs Cook and McGregor, who are the contractors, announce their intention of pushing the work as rapidly as possible. Their agreement calls for its completion by the 31st of August next.
Terminal Facilities
The question of terminal facilities is a matter for the serious consideration of the incoming Council. So far the accommodation has been very inadequate to the requirements of the large business of the road. Shippers by water are completely handicapped as everything has to be trucked to the railway station. which would be obviated by utilizing the water front at the disposal of the government. No business other than that of a purely local character can be accomplished until this is done. Proper terminal facilities would undoubtedly attract a large volume of traffic in due course. The advantages of this road when completed. -have been fully dealt with in previous reports.
Dominion Atlantic H.R. Co.
Realizing the fact that this enterprising road is seeking better terminal facilities. your council hastened to lay the advantages and claims of Dartmouth before their representatives. The better to accomplish this. your council deemed it wise to send a delegation to interview them in person. Mayor Stern: and Councillor Johnston were appointed. They proceeded to Kentville and laid the facts which they had gathered before the resident manager. The delegates were advised to transmit their information in full to the Head Office in London, G B. This has been done, but sufficient time has not elapsed to receive a reply. The delegates. it may be stated, were well received, and felt that their statements had made a good impression. This matter is of too much importance to the town of Dartmouth to be lightly passed over. Every effort should be made to induce the Dominion Atlantic to locate on this side of the‘ harbor.
The Musquodobit Road
The Construction of the Branch to Windsor Junction, connecting with Waverley. will be an important link in the construction of the Musquodoboit Road. and makes that project so much the easier of accomplishment. The time appears opportune for the joint committee, which was appointed at the public meeting held early last spring in Middle Musquodoboit, to present the information they have gathered to the government and press the matter to an issue. This town stands ready to heartily assist any practical move which this committee decides upon in furtherance of the undertaking. In closing my report 1 again thank you Ladies and Gentlemen tor the honor you have conferred on me by electing me your Chief Magistrate.
I remain, your obedient servant,
WM. H. Sterns, Mayor
Statement of the Receipts and Expenditures of the Town of Dartmouth for the year ended December 31st, 1894
Licenses Granted & Dog tax paid, 1894
Dartmouth Municipal Court
Park Commissioner’s Report
…I am pleased to note the very small amount of damage received by the trees and shrubs from children who are almost continuously congregating in the Park in large numbers…
Board of School Commissioners
The past year was the second in which the compulsory attendance act was in force in the Dartmouth School Section. It was the first year in the history of the town in which parents have been prosecuted for the non-attendance of their children. A fine was imposed upon seven heads of families for neglecting to send their children the required number of days. About twenty-seven were summoned before the Board to account for neglect in this respect.
High School
The high school was opened in Dartmouth in Nov. 1892. The registration was then 30. The number has increased to 55 pupils at the present time. It will probably reach 80, or nearly so, judging from present indications, after next grading… About 54 per cent of Dartmouth High school pupils passed the provincial examination in July last.
Kindergarten
The certificate of Honorable Mention from the Board of Lady Managers of the “Worlds Columbian Exhibition” for skill in the collection and preparation of the display of work from the Dartmouth Kindergarten ranks our little institution among the Kindergartens of the world and is no small honor to Miss Hamilton.
Miss Hamilton has called my attention to the gift of four large wall pictures representing the swan, the fox, the hare and the flying squirrel, presented through Mrs. Hinkle Congdon by the firm of Messrs Philip & Son, London. These she considered very valuable to the school.
The Colored School
The compulsory attendance Act still continues to affect very favorably the colored school. In 1890 for example 30 children were enrolled and the average daily attendance was 11. Last year (1894) 48 children were enrolled and the average daily attendance was 29.
Attendance
The schools were open 208 days during the year. The total number of pupils registered was 1259. The total days attendance for the year was 182,052. The average daily attendance was 880.79.
Board of School Commissioners, Dartmouth, Statement of Accounts; Staff of Teachers
The second year of my official duties as mayor of this town having closed, it affords me the opportunity to place before you the following report of the several services that have engaged the attention and exertions of your council. The most important of which are the ferry, between the Town and the city of Halifax; the railway subvention; the water supply and sewerage; electric lighting; cemetery and post office; together with the ordinary services incidental to the health, good order and management of the town in general; some of which they have been enabled to carry to completion, while others, particularly the introduction of a water supply, and construction of systematic sewerage have, after much laborious investigation, been adjourned, pending the result of a further and exhaustive examination that has been carried out by the assistance of a committee you considerably appointed in September last. unquestionably the year just passed has been a momentous one for the town, and the measures that have been matured and carried into operation, notably the entire control and acquisition of the ferry must have a great influence on our future progress and development; the auditor’s report: here too appended, page 20 will show you in detail your present financial condition; and the future requirements will be shown by the reports of the various departments. I trust that the several steps that have been taken by your Council for the purpose of improving the well-being, health and prosperity of the town will be considered satisfactory and meet with your full approbation. I will now review the various departments under their several heads.
Legislation
The water supply in sewerage act of 1889 not having received your approval, and certain alterations being found necessary to make it a cord with the altered conditions then existing so that it’s privileges and Powers might be taken advantage of it any future time you might determine; your counsel promulgated and procured during the last session a short active amendment, insofar as was rendered requisite without making any material alteration in the principles of the bill. As instructed by your vote at a public meeting held March 6th, requesting your Council to take the legal steps to procure the authority and powers to establish an operate a corporation ferry, to and from Halifax; your Council procured the introduction, and notwithstanding the strenuous and persistent opposition of the Halifax and Dartmouth ferry company, secured the passage of an act investing a commission with full powers to carry out your desires, and authorizing your counsel to borrow the sum of 110,000 on debentures for the purposes of the ferry, and further in compliance with your vote at public meeting held 25th March last, your Council likewise secured the passage of an act in powering them to borrow the sum of 12,000, to enable the school commissioners to erect and equip three additional schools. this has been carried into effect by the issue of debentures for the sum of 12,300, bearing interest at 4% per annum, and the amount realized has been handed to the commissioners for the purposes set forth. And act was also procured repealing the 30th section of chapter 40 of the act of 1877, amending the towns incorporation act, and which restricted the council from levying and assessment exceeding the sum of $15,000 in any one year; this having been rendered requisite by the growth and increased requirements of the town.
By-laws and Ordinances
The prevalence of diphtheria in the town during the past summer rendered it necessary for the general health that your council, acting as a board of health, should draw up and submit to his excellency, the lieutenant governor in council, a set of bylaws and code of regulations, governing persons and places infected, which were duly approved; and having been published for the information of all concerned, have greatly assisted the health officers in carrying out their arduous duties.
The sanitary state of the Town
During the past year there has been an unusual outbreak of diphtheria in the town, several of the cases having been undoubtedly imported by parties coming from the city and outside districts. The number of cases during the epidemic has been distributed through 29 families, resulting in 40 recoveries and 18 deaths, the last case received a clean certificate from the doctor on the 24th December last. The only house in the town still under the band of infection is that occupied by Henry power on Tulip Street who since the diphtheric patient of his family died, has neglected to take the proper steps to cleanse and disinfect his premises so as to procure the necessary certificate. I am happy to say that by God’s grace and the efficient exertions of the doctors and health officers in carrying out the various orders and regulations of the board of health, together with the precautions taken by the citizens generally, the town is entirely free from the fatal scourge. having in view the fact that the town is absolutely without any sewerage, and that the water supply is defective in quality and inadequate and quantity, the death rate of the town has been surprisingly below that of many other places far more favorably equipped in these respects.
Railway subsidy
The several applications of the Dominion government for the annual subsidy of $4,000, now amounting to the sum of $20,000, having become important and in fact placed in the hands of their solicitors Messers Borden, Richie and Parker, for collection, and your Council failing to make their case understood by correspondence, and from the best information available, been assured that the terms and conditions of the agreement under which the demand was made against the town, have not fully complied with by the Dominion government; and that consequently the town’s liability had not accrued, decided in April last to send myself and his honor the recorder as delegates to Ottawa, to present their case personally to the government, and press the points relied upon as favorable to the town’s contention; with the result that the case has been for the time suspended to await the action of parliament at its forthcoming session, when it is fully anticipated that a satisfactory solution of this much effect and serious question maybe arrived at. It will appertain to the incoming Council to closely watch the case, and they may find it necessary for its success to send a personal representative again to Ottawa to press their claims.
Water supply and sewerage
This much discussed and important service has been passing through various phases during the year, and the act of the legislature of 1889 an amendment there too, of 1890, having failed to meet with the approval of the citizens as expressed at two public meetings held for the purpose of their consideration, a citizens committee was appointed on the 29th of September last, to inquire into the whole subject; who have since that time been engaged in an exhaustive examination and inquiry as to the capacity, capability, quality, and possibilities of the various proposed sources of supply, their cost of introduction and distribution, and have decided to virtually endorse the scheme as propounded by engineering, and adopted by the council in 1889, and recommend it’s adoption with some alterations in the mode of carrying out the work which, if approved by the citizens that to be held on the 26th, will necessitate the procuring of a new act from the legislature during their coming session. The plan of sewerage has been likewise approved with some slight modifications in the details of construction.
Finances
According to the auditor’s report and statements here to appended page 20, the receipts of the town from all sources, has been for the year 17,285.77, this with the balances in hand on the 31st December, 1889, of $1,156.72, balance due to treasurer or bank $54.68, and transferred interest from the school and fairy boards of 2,682.36, makes a total of $21,179.53, which some has been expended during the year as they’re in set forth. The current liabilities of the town are as follows:
The actual assets to represent the above are largely of a productive character, that is the fairy will of itself produce sufficient to cover the interest, the general finances of the Town having to provide the interest on the remaining 31,300 expended for schools, Town Hall and engine house.
The current liabilities show a heavy amount owing to the balance due to the ferry company on the purchase of their property by the commission, and for which the legislature will be asked to Grant authority to fund semicolon the amount paid to E.H. Keating C.E. on water supply; the purchase of land at spider lake; and the large amount of the assessment for the year still uncollected; which of itself is more than sufficient to cover all current outstanding claims chargeable on the current finances of the year.
Being nearly 10%, and end in excess of the same period in 1889 of $406.18, and is a larger amount that has been outstanding for many years, the only apparent reason for which is the general depression that has permeated the business portion of the community during the past two years; still with exercise of the utmost forbearance consistent with the town’s requirements, I’m fully assured that the greater portion of the amount will be collected.
The other current assets principally for poll tax and common rent are $338.74.
The only service that has during the year exceeded the estimated provision, was the construction of the fireproof vault in the town’s clerk’s office, and this was an item in which efficiency and completeness were imperative, and the work could not be curtailed; I have therefore much pleasure and congratulating the citizens on the very satisfactory state of the public finances, a detailed statement of receipts and expenditure with auditors report, will be founded page 20.
Ferry
The commission instituted by the act of legislature on the 15th day of April, having been duly appointed on the 17th of the same month, was at once organized and commenced to take the necessary steps to carry out the duties and post upon them, by taking over from the citizens committee on the steamer Arcadia that had been provisionally purchased on the 31st day of March to carry the foot passengers across the harbor upon the ferry company withdrawing the privilege of commutation rates; and made provision for the continuation of this initial service; they also immediately sent delegates to New Brunswick and the States to look for and report upon a boat suitable to undertake the complete team service; at the same time the engaged in engineer to examine and report on the most available site on the harbor for the Dartmouth landing, and to prepare plans for the docks, floats, landings, etc, that would be required on both sides of the harbor; after a lengthened tour of the delegates and extensive examination of various vessels, the steamer “Halifax”, (late “Annex 2”) was, on the report of engineer warring, supplemented by the recommendation of the delegates, purchased in New York for $25,000, to which the expense and insurance incurred to bring her down, the duty and necessary repairs and alterations required to fit her to receive the requisite certificate for the service, have to be added. During the proceedings pending the purchase of this boat, negotiations were opened with the existing ferry company for the purchase of their entire premises and plant, but no definite arrangement could be arrived at until after the final purchase of the steamer had been completed; soon after which the suspended negotiations were reopened and eventually led to the acquisition of the whole interest of the company it being transferred to the commission for the sum of $109,000, the sale being perfected as taking place on the first day of July last; that’s terminating the exciting contest for supremacy between the then existing company and the commission for the passing traffic that had been carried on with more or less vigor during the previous three months, and preventing the loss that must have a crude by operating an opposition fairy on a large scale.
By this purchase the investment of the commission was increased to the extent of $40,000 beyond the some contemplated. And for which you in public meeting called for the purpose on the 22nd day of July, voted approving the scheme, and authorized your counsel to apply to the legislature for the necessary power to borrow on debentures the said further sum of $40,000; but this is not likely to increase in any way the burdens of the town is the commission has entered into possession of property beyond the necessary requirements of the ferry that is producing an annual rent equal to the interest of about $35,000 of this sum, and the remaining interest will become a first charge on the earnings of the ferry itself; this property can at any time be disposed of when a purchaser can be found willing to pay a figure equivalent to its annual return; there are also two or three boats I can be dispensed with when opportunity offers, which will likewise reduce the capital investment.
As to the achievements that have resulted from the town’s acquisition of this undertaking, first there has been affected a bona-fide reduction of 40% on the rate for foot passengers, which is the chief source of income, this is participated by the public at large. The citizens of Dartmouth, who are the principal holders of commutation tickets, have not directly received any benefit from this reduction, as the special rates charged remain the same as of old; it has been found necessary to slightly increase the charge for commutations for team and vehicle traffic, in order to assimilate it more in accordance with the expense occurred. the great reduction from 5 to 3 cents has already been more than made up by the increased number of passengers carried, but this has been in some measure achieved by the reduced number of persons that have taken out commutation tickets, so that while the receipts from the general traffic for the past 6 months has increased nearly $1,000 beyond the corresponding period in 1889, the returns from commutation tickets for the same time has been $1,260, less than an 1889, but this appears to be largely improving, is the returns for the last quarter has made a great advance beyond the first. I therefore consider you may look forward in the near future to the time when this income will have increased to some Beyond its previous return. But the expenses are largely in excess of those incurred by the company; the running of larger boats, and those for longer hours, are in every respect to more costly affair; the engineers have to be of a more advanced class, and must be paid accordingly, the cruise have to be increased in number, and the quantity of coal consumed is increased 50%, this necessitates more yard labor to handle; the wear and tear to the boats, docs, and approaches, is beyond calculation, all these additions, with many others, added to the cost of maintainance will for some time militate against the accumulation of any surplus. The necessity of having to erect a new waiting room in station House in halifax, the repairs to docks, words and buildings, have made heavy demands on the resources of the commission, so that sometime will probably elapse before any much greater reduction in rates can be contemplated; but being in the hands of the citizens they have the assurance that so soon as the income May warrant, a revision of tariff rates will take place, and they will receive the full benefit that may be compatible with security. I trust that the accounts of the commission at the close of the first full year of operation will show on the whole a very satisfactory result.
Public schools
These have been under the control of a special commission for the past two years, and should now be showing the advantages anticipated by the change of management, how far these have realized I will leave to the judgment of such parents as of children in attendance, who should be in the best position to form an impartial opinion.
The town having in the spring of 1889, established a kindergarten department as part of the public system of education; which has now been operation upward of three terms, and if the special method of imparting instruction is in itself a success, apart from the original idea of introducing a brightening and invigorating principle into the lives of the little waves of a great city, who had previously found little in this world but squalor, want and misery; it is now quite time that it should be shown by the improved status the pupils that have received this training attain in the other departments of the schools, for if it terminates in their ability to imitate the actions of their instructors it is of small value semicolon I am sure you will anxiously watch the developments in this connection.
The sum asked for maintenance this year appropriated by your Council for the service was $6,603, which with the sum of 1,357.62 the amount of provincial Grant to teachers makes a total of $7,960.62, and there has been expended for this purpose $8,211.31.
For the purchase of land and the erection of three new buildings, the benches had been issued by the town for the sum of $12,300 for 20 years bearing interest at the rate of 4% per annum. The North end building of two departments has been erected, the Tufts Cove school occupying one of the rooms. The green veil or Central building for four departments is in course of construction, the contract for the Woodside building has not been let at present, and the commissioners have found it necessary to make an application for the further sum of 2,500 to enable them to complete the grading and fencing of the grounds attached to the central school and the erection of the building at woodside; the consideration of this additional requisition will devolve upon the incoming Council for a particulars see chairman’s report page 31.
Dartmouth Park
This fine tract of land has been, under the charge of the commission, planted with 500 ornamental trees, a pavilion erected, seats set up, the roads and paths have been improved, portions of land leveled, the surface stones removed, and drains constructed, which in the course of a few years will greatly add to the appearance and usefulness of the place as a public resort semicolon much more could have been accomplished had more extensive funds been available for this purpose. The receipts for the year have been, from the town funds, $250; from voluntary contributions, $55; an interest of deposit, $30.21; for building stone, $9.50; these, with the balance in hand on first January, 1890, of $831.62, make a total of $1,176.33. the expenditure has been for town, $100; pavilion, $210.38; labor and sundries, $563.63, and all $874.01, leaving a balance of $302.32, $300 of which wise in the bank on special deposit, and the sum of $50 of the voluntary contributions still uncollected.
Streets
This service has received the constant attention of the committee and overseer, who have endeavored to bring into as efficient of State as possible, the roads and streets of the outlying sections, and as in the year 1889, doing a little more than cleaning and maintaining the streets of the center plot, having in contemplation the necessity of their surfaces having to be broken up in the near future, for the purpose of constructing sewers etc. The some placed in the estimates was $2,100, out of which $2,081.44 has been expended. granite Crossing on water street, paving 500 ft of gutter with stone on Ochterloney street, the Reconstruction of several large culverts, the erection of new fences, the repairing of Lake road with 1,244 bushels of broken stone, 436 loads of shore gravel was used in the general repairs throughout the town, and in cleaning out and repairing the various gutters, drains and culverts this service will in the near future require a much larger expenditure, is the shore gravel now obtainable is becoming yearly deteriorated in quality, and all the pits in the vicinity of the town from which material have been from time to time drawn, have been exhausted, the only resource left being the purchase of an improved Stone crusher with portable engine, and the breaking up of the wind Stone so abundant on all.
The sum of $300 was provided for watering of streets; during the summer the committee had the cart out 43 days from May 23rd to September 26th, using saltwater throughout at an expenditure of $194.93.
Public property
Town clerk’s office– The sum of $250 was provided in the estimates for the construction of a fireproof fault, to contain the papers, vouchers, and documents appertaining to this office; this much required work has been satisfactorily completed by tender and contract at a total cost of $339.47, and all although this some exceeds the estimated amount by $89.47, still the outlay is small for the obtained certainty of security against possible loss by fire of the vast accumulation of documents, that no money compensation could possibly recover.
Lamont property– This is under conditional lease to Levi Conrad the dam in Mill being considerably out of repair the place is let at a nominal rental; the house was slightly damaged by fire during the summer colon and has been repaired at the charge of the insurance company.
Engine house and lock up– In additional room has been fitted up and added to the apartments of the caretaker of The engine House and necessary repairs affected to the lockup, at a total cost of $43.92. the bell tower of The engine House having lately developed symptoms of weakness will require thorough examination in the spring, and any defect that may be found attended to.
Street lamps– These at present number 57, distributed throughout the town; they include three new ones erected by the town, and one presented by ex mayor Simmons and erected in Ward 1 the cost for this service has been $755.93. I cannot leave this subject without reverting to the various proposals that have been made to employ electricity for this purpose; but has no reasonable plan that was likely to satisfy the requirements of the citizens, at a cost within the reach of your Council has been propounded, it has again been necessary to defer action in this direction for the time being semicolon but I trust that, through the many and great improvements that have, and are continually taking place in the application of electricity to Street and other lighting, it will not be long before it can be made available.
Pumps and Wells– There are at present 19 public Wells and 18 pumps these have been duly cleaned and repaired there has been during the year one new well excavated and three new pumps set up the whole service insofar is it extends is in a satisfactory condition although the quality of the water is in general far from good and the distribution inadequate to meet the requirements of all sections; the amount expended has been $167.69.
Fire department– This service has been maintained in its usual state of efficiency, and is promptly responded to the several calls during the year, which have been six, this, three alarms, and three fires, and in each case the fire was so far controlled as to confine its ravages to the building within which it originated, the amount expended has been $457.92.
Police
The usual force has been employed and from the large extent of ground to be patrolled by so small of force, it has on the whole been satisfactorily performed, the town having been exceptionally free from disorder in crime; the expenditure for this service has been $1,197.94. a change has been decided upon whereby half of the force will be from the first of the present month perform night duty and, and it is fully anticipated that the change will be the means of preventing the repetition of a series of petty offenses that have been at various times occurred to the annoyance of the citizens.
Liquor Licenses
This is the fourth year in which the only application for license has been from messers Oland and sons and company, for a wholesale Brewer’s license, for which they have paid the statutory application fee of $10.
Poor
There has been an increase of two persons chargeable to the town during this year, making a total of eight, namely, five males and three females; they have been taken care of in the county pores farm at a charge to the town of $424.37. they appear to have received all requisite care and attention. The other charges under this department amount to $179.19 for usual Grant to dispensary and general assistance to some of the families while suffering from attacks of diphtheria and other indigent persons.
Pauper lunatics
The number of town patients in hospital at the commencement of this year was eight, admitted since two, making a total of 10. Two patients have died, and one has been discharged, leaving a balance of seven in hospital at present chargeable to the town, VIS three meals and four females. the amount paid to the hospital has been $66.50, do on the 31st of december, 1889, of which some the town has received for maintenance, etc, of the patient the sum of 117.46, making a net expenditure of 489.04, paid by the town. There is now due to the hospital to date the sum of $1,138.29, which will have to be provided for in the estimates for the year 1891.
Public cemetery
The plot of ground devoted to this purpose is nearly all taken up, and although there is an authorization to extend the enclosure southwards to the line of stairs street, it has not been deemed advisable to carry it into effect, the general consensus of opinion being favorable to the establishment of a place of burial further removed from the population, and in this connection your Council has been like their predecessors untiring in their inquiries and examinations of localities for this purpose, but have up to this present failed to recognize a plot that will meet all the requirements; they haven’t viewed two probable parcels of land either of which can be procured, and they are in many respects very suitable, but each has its own deficiencies. From the massive information that will be placed at the disposal of the incoming council, I have every reason to Hope they will be enabled at an early date to select a satisfactory plot that will meet with your full approval.
Post office
I have much satisfaction in reporting that the Dominion government have acknowledged the long made just claims of the town for a change in this service; at the last meeting of the legislature a sum of money was placed in the estimates for the purpose of purchasing a site for and erecting a suitable building for a post office. After full consideration your Council have decided that the lot of land owned by the ferry commission on the southwest corner of Portland and water streets, is the most suitable site for this purpose, and they have appointed a committee to wait on the county members of the House of Commons to request their services in recommending the same to the government, and urged the necessity of the work being proceeded with immediately.
Litigation
During the year no very important litigation has occurred. A suit was brought against the town for proceedings of the street committee in 1889. The committee had made an arrangement with Mr Franklin, who assumed to be the owner of the Cottage Hill property, for the privilege of taking Earth from the side of the hill to repair the streets. The ownership of the land has since been claimed by Mr L.B. Fairbanks, who brought a suit against the town for the value of the Earth taken. The cause was tried before Mr Justice Townshend, who gave judgment against the plaintiff on the ground that no trespass was shown to have been committed outside of the line of the street, even assuming that the land adjacent was that of the plaintiff, as alleged by him. The plaintiff has appealed from this judgment to the supreme Court in banc.
Before closing this report I have to acknowledge the great obligations I am under to the several members of my council, the numerous commissioners and others with whom I have been associated in the onerous duties of the various services of the town, to his honor the recorder, the town clerk, and other officials of the town, for their hearty cooperation and cordial assistance under many difficult and trying circumstances and carrying out of the various duties devolving upon them and the ability with which they have throughout attended to the best interest of the town.
Thanking you for the honor and confidence you have a second time bestowed upon me and with sincere wishes for the progress and prosperity of the town of Dartmouth, I have the honor to be, ladies and gentlemen,
Your most obedient servant, Frederick Scarfe, Mayor
Dartmouth NS January 22nd 1891.
Auditors report
To his worship the mayor and counselors of the town of Dartmouth:
Gentlemen,-
We beg to report having audited the books, vouchers and accounts of the Town clerk and treasurer, including the books, vouchers and accounts of the board of school commissioners, Dartmouth, for the year ending December 31st, 1890, all of which we find in order and correct.
Annexed is a list of the current liabilities of the town, and a statement of the consolidated and bonded debts, as shown by the ledger accounts and sundry documents placed in our hands for inspection.
By the accompanying statement it will be seen that the receipts for the year amounted to $19,968.13, and the expenditure to $21,179.53, leaving to debit of the Town $54.68, being the difference between receipts and expenditure, less 1,156.72, balance at credit of the Town brought down from last year.
The statement of the board of school commissioners shows that the receipts for the year amount to $8,146.23, and the expenditure to $8,211.31, leaving a balance to the debit of this account, $48.98. it will be seen the balance between receipts and expenditure shows $65.08; the difference, $16.10, is in the balance brought down.
By the school board capital account the receipts from debentures sold amount $11,998.65, and sale of Falconer house, $255 = $12,353.65, and expenditure on school sites and buildings, $5,520.20, leaving balance of $6,733.45, on special deposit, $6,200 in Bank current account $484.47, and owing this account by general fund $48.98.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
Geo. Foot, W. Creighton, } Auditors
Dartmouth, N.S., January 12th, 1891.
Statement of Receipts and Expenditures of the Town of Dartmouth for the year ended 31st Dec., 1890.
Auction, Hackney, Truck & Trader’s licenses and Dog Taxes Paid, 1890
Dartmouth Municipal Court
Police Court
Staff of Teachers, Nov 1890
Ratepayers of the town of Dartmouth
Ladies and gentlemen it is my duty, as chairman of the board of school commissioners, to lay before you a brief report of the receipts and expenditures for the financial year ending the 31st December last, and also to acquaint you with the general condition of this most important branch of the public service.
Seventeen teachers were employed during the winter, and 18 during the summer term of the past year, an increase of one over the corresponding terms of the previous year.
During the winter term the schools were open 118 days full time; $988 pupils were enrolled, who made a total attendance of $73,389 days, or an average of 62% of the school days was open.
It is to be regretted that, owing to the prevalence of diphtheria, it was deemed advisable to close the schools in the center of the town for about 6 weeks. During this term the schools were open only on an average of 68 days; the enrollment was $1,057. The total attendance during this time was 44,404 days, making the average 62% of the enrollment, daily present.
The attendance for the term previous to the appearance of diphtheria, was much larger than that of the corresponding term of any previous year; but the attendance from the reopening of the schools, until the end of the year, was only about 1/3 of the usual number.
The total number of different pupils enrolled during the year was 1,176, and increase of 45, or about one department, but there is no doubt had it been not for the outbreak of diphtheria the increase would have been very much larger.
The total cost for the year was $7,975.46, or a per capita cost of $6.78 for those enrolled, which is an increase of six cents per capita over the last year; but if the increase in attendance had been as large as anticipated, the per capita cost would have been less.
The equipment is much better than formerly, and the teachers are there for enabled to do better work.
The kindergarten department coordinates easily with the regular primary departments; many of its methods have been carried on in the succeeding department, continuing that training of the hand and eye, so valuable and afterlife.
The action of the board and establishing this department has been fully endorsed, by the establishing of three fully equipped kindergartens, in the city of Halifax, besides several others in different parts of the province. In a few years, no town of any importance will consider its system complete, without a department in which Froebels principles are fully practiced.
The attendance in this department for the past term was 69, which is as many as can be efficiently taught. It is to be regretted that the assistance are all from Beyond the confines of our own town; but these unpaid, but wise young ladies will reap benefits, that should be secured by those among us.
As the people everywhere are asking for practical education, and are urging the establishment of manual training schools, it can readily be seen that, our kindergarten is a step in the right direction introducing as it does, the manual training at the outset, which is admitted by all, to be the proper time.
The schools’ banks still continue to be well patronized.
The amount deposited since their establishment, three years ago, has been $3,165.15.
Of this amount there has been transferred to the Government and Post Office Savings’ Bank $2,501.
Repaid to depositors $343.35.
Leaving a balance in hand of $320.80.
$300 of which is on deposit in the Union Bank, Halifax, at four per cent interest, and $20.80 in same bank in the current amount.
The contract for the school at the North end was awarded to Mr John T. Walker for the sum of $2,149, being about $1,600 less than the next tender.
Several tenders were received for the construction of the central building, but Mr Walker’s tender was again $28 lower than any other, being $5,997. The building is now in course of construction, and will be handed over to your board early in the spring.
The architect in preparing the plans has made provision for future needs; and has so designed it that future enlargements can be economically made. The building will, when completed, enable the board to provide for all the pupils attending without renting outside rooms.
Your bored considered the question of sites very carefully, and examined a number in all quarters, getting prices and comparing sizes. The site selected were in each case fully considered, and all things being taken into account, your board feel the selections were the best that could be made with the funds at their disposal.
At the North end a site was purchased from Mr D. Farrell measuring 200 ft on Windmill road and 150 ft on the side street.
On this site they have erected a fine substantial building containing two rooms, one of which is now occupied. This building is lighted, heated and seated according to the most approved methods.
It is so situated, that while doing Justice to the residents at Tufts Cove who have been promised such accommodation for several years past, it will also be convenient for a number residing in the North end of the town.
A site has been purchased from Mr AC Johnston at the south end, at such a distance from the sugar refinery that a number of pupils residing in the town may be accommodated without coming, as at present, to Hawthorne school.
In the center of the Town a site has been purchased from Mr James Shand, measuring 249 ft on Ochterloney street, and 283 ft on pine street, which street, according to the deed, has to be extended so as to meet an extension of quarrel street, thus making it a corner lot. The lot contains nearly one and one half acres.
The three sites cost about $350 less than was estimated; but the cost of construction being so much greater, that when park and Hawthorne schools were built; you’re bored find that they will not be able to accept tenders for the south end school, and for fencing and out buildings for the central school, without a further Grant of $2,500. You’re bored regrets having to ask you for a further sum, for completing the work, but as tenders were asked for, and the lowest accepted in every case, they feel that you will see they were as economical as possible, and did the very best they could with the money voted.
It is gratifying to note the very few cases of corporal punishment inflected on pupils during the year, and therefore we must conclude that the moral character of the young is improving.
The action of the ferry commission in passing the children attending the county academy, without charge, has removed one of the principal reasons for starting a high school in Dartmouth, and therefore your board has not deemed it advisable to add that department to the system.
Appended will be found a statement of receipts and expenditure both for the general and capital accounts.
I have the honor to be, ladies and gentlemen, your obedient servant,
W.H. Stevens, Chairman of the Board of School Commissioners.
An article of note for the information it provides of the Dartmouth Ferry Commission’s first external ferry purchase, the Annex. It’s full of interesting observations.
“In this generation it is safe to give one advice to go to Halifax. Such was not the case in the days of our great grandfathers. To send a man to Halifax in those times was the same as banishing him to perdition in good orthodox fashion today.”
“There is a line of steamers from Brooklyn direct to Halifax… Persons can also go to Halifax all the way by rail if they so prefer. This is, of course, a somewhat long and tedious ride. The most popular way, however, is via Boston… The express train, called the Flying Blue Nose, connects with the boat (in Yarmouth) and goes direct to Halifax in about ten hours time… Another very popular route to Halifax is by boat from Boston direct to the city.”
“(Halifax) is a quaint old town, not unlike Quebec, only vastly more prosperous. There are handsomer houses and better kept stores. You do not see the great poverty and wretchedness that you see in the city on the St. Lawrence. Although business is not very brisk, Halifax in its day has been a very prosperous city and is said today to contain a great deal of wealth. The inhabitants, however, are very dissatisfied with the union with the other Canadian provinces. They wish that they had remained an independent province. They say they have received no benefit whatever from the union. They have to send to Ottawa and other parts of Canada for the grain and other products of the soil they cannot raise and have to pay for them in money. They cannot exchange their coal and metals for those articles. Canada can do with out Nova Scotia, but Nova Scotia must send her gold to Canada for very many necessary articles. She has a high protective tariff, but it does not do her any good. The people here I find are nearly all very loyal to the mother country. While they desire trade with the United States, and wish for some reciprocal plan of commercial relation, yet there seems to be very little desire to be annexed to this country. Probably in no part of the British Provinces is the feeling for the mother country so loyal than here in Halifax.”
“Recently, for some unaccountable reason, the military authorities have leased the citadel hills to local alderman for the pasturage of cows and the Nova Scotian and the visitor from America are told by the English sentinels to “keep off the grass.” The American, of course, feels very indignant that he cannot climb about the hill as he would like to, but his indignation is nothing compared to that of the old residents of Nova Scotia, who from their boyhood days have been accustomed to prowl about the Citadel at their will. Of course, a pass can be obtained from some high official and, by keeping the roadway, the visitor can go to the top of the hill, but he is not allowed to climb up the side and to walk around the summit of the fort.”
“Across the harbor is the village of Dartmouth and one of the ferryboats plying on this line was formerly on the Pennsylvania Annex running from Brooklyn to Jersey City. Dartmouth is the Brooklyn of Halifax. It has a large park on the summit of a hill where the view is even finer than that obtained on the summit of citadel hill.”
This is the paddle-wheeler “Annex 2” built in 1878 at New Baltimore, N. Y., and one of the six boats of the Jersey City-Brooklyn ferry system. She was bought in New York by John White and Byron A. Weston representing the Citizens’ Committee of Dartmouth to run as a competitor to the Ferry Company. The boat cost $25,000 but in the months subsequent to her purchase a considerable sum had to be spent on repairs. The “Annex” was re-named the “Halifax”, and did duty until 1909 when she was destroyed by fire at her dock in Dartmouth.
When Halifax was first settled, this side of the harbor was the home and hunting ground of the [Mi’kmaq].
Soon after the settlement of Halifax, Major Gillman built a saw mill in Dartmouth Cove on the stream flowing from the Dartmouth lakes.
On September 30th 1749, [Mi’kmaq] attacked and killed four and captured one out of six unarmed men who were cutting wood near Gillman’s mill.
In August 1750, the Alderney, of 504 tons, arrived at Halifax with 353 immigrants, a town was laid out on the eastern side of the harbor in the autumn, given the name of Dartmouth, and granted as the home of these new settlers.
A guard house and military fort was established at what is still known as Blockhouse hill [—the hill on King Street, at North].
In 1751 [Mi’kmaq] made a night attack on Dartmouth, surprising the inhabitants, scalping a number of the settlers and carrying off others as prisoners.
In July 1751, some German emigrants were employed in picketing the back of the town as a protection against the [Mi’kmaq].
In 1752, the first ferry was established, John Connor, of Dartmouth, being given the exclusive right for three years of carrying passengers between the two towns.
Fort Clarence was built in 1754.
In 1758 the first Charles Morris, the Surveyor General, made a return to Governor Lawrence giving a list of the lots in the town of Dartmouth.
In 1762 the same Charles Morris wrote: “The Town of Dartmouth, situate on the opposite side of the harbour, has at present two families residing there, who subsist by cutting wood.”
In 1785 three brigantines and one schooner with their crews and everything necessary for the whale fishery arrived, and twenty families from Nantucket were, on the invitation of Governor Parr, settled in Dartmouth. These whalers from Nantucket were Quakers in religion. Their fishing was principally in the Gulf of St. Lawrence which then abounded with black whales.
In 1788 a common of 150 acres [—200 acres, in keeping with with the New England tradition of “200 acres for a common, sixty acres for a Town Site“, (1808 Toler map overlay) and certain tracts for a meeting house, cemetery, school”] was granted Thomas Cochran, Timothy Folger and Samuel Starbuck in trust for the town of Dartmouth. When these good Quakers left, Michael Wallace, Lawrence Hartshorne, Jonathon Tremaine, all subsequently members of Christ Church, were made trustees [in 1798]. Acts relating to this common were passed in 1841, 1868 and 1872, and the present Dartmouth Park Commission was appointed in 1888.
In 1791 the idea of building a canal between the Shubenacadie river and Dartmouth by utilizing the lakes, a plan which originated with Sir John Wentworth, was brought before the legislature. The Shubenacadie Canal company was incorporated in 1826.
In 1792 most of the Quakers left Dartmouth. One at least, Seth Coleman, ancestor of the Colemans of today, remained.
In early days Lawrence Hartshorne, Johnathon Tremain and William Wilson all Churchmen, carried on grist-mills at Dartmouth Cove. At a ball given by Governor Wentworth on December 20th, 1792, one of the ornaments on the supper table was a reproduction of Messrs. Hartshorne and Tremain’s new flour mill.
Many French prisoners of war were brought here off the prizes brought to the port of Halifax. Some were confined in a building near the cove, which now forms part of one of the Mott factories.
In 1797 “Skipper” John Skerry began running a public ferry between Halifax and Dartmouth.
In 1809 Dartmouth contained 19 houses, a tannery, a bakery and a grist-mill.
In 1814 Murdoch relates that “Sir John Wentworth induced Mr. Seth Coleman to vaccinate the poor persons in Dartmouth, and throughout the township of Preston adjoining. He treated over 400 cases with great success.”
The team boat Sherbrooke made her first trip across the harbor on November 8th, 1816.
As already related the first schools in the town were established by the Church of England, the teachers getting salaries, small it is true, from the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. Mary Munn (appointed 1821) was the first teacher of the girls at a salary of £5 a year. William Walker (appointed 1824), father of E.M. Walker, and grandfather of H.R. Walker, now superintendent of Christ Church Sunday School, at £15 year of the boys. Mr. Walker held school in a little half stone house on the site of the present Central School. The S.P.G. was specially anxious for the religion instruction of the children, and the following “Prayers for the use of the Charity Schools in America”, issued by the society were doubtless regularly used by these early teachers.
A fire engine company was formed in 1822, a Axe and Ladder Company in 1865, and a Union Protection Company in 1876.
Lyle & Chapel opened a shipyard about 1823.
In 1828 a steam ferry boat of 30 tons, the SirCharles Ogle, was built at the shipyard of Alexander Lyle. In 1832 a second steamer, the Boxer, was built; and in 1844 a third, the Micmac.
In 1836 the ice business was commenced. William Foster erecting an ice house near the Canal Bridge on Portland Street. The ice was taken in a wheel-barrow to Mr. Foster’s shop in Bedford Row, Halifax, and sold for a penny a pound.
In the thirties the industries of Dartmouth included besides the grist mill, of which William Wilson was chief miller, a foundry run by James Gregg on the hill back of the railway station; the manufacture of putty and oils by William Stairs; a tannery kept by Robert Stanford; a tobacco factory; the making of silk hats or “beavers” by Robinson Bros.; a soap chandlery run by Benjamin Elliott opposite Central School, and several ship building plants.
It is estimated that altogether $359,951.98 was spent on this canal. The stone locks and parts of the canal are all that remain today.
Edward H. Lowe, a leading member of Christ Church, was for many years secretary and manager of the Dartmouth Steamboat Company. At his death he was succeeded by another good Churchman, Captain George Mackenzie, whose wife was a daughter of Rev. James Stewart.
The first vessel built in Dartmouth was called the “Maid of the Mill”, and was used in carrying flour from the mill then in full operation.
In 1843 Adam Laidlaw, well known as driver of the stage coach between Windsor and Halifax, commenced cutting and storing the ice on a large scale, making this his only business.
In 1845 a Mechanics Institute, the first of the kind in Nova Scotia, was formed in Dartmouth.
The first regatta ever held on Dartmouth Lake is said to have been that on October 5th, 1846.
About 1853 the late John P. Mott commenced his chocolate, spice and soap works.
In 1853 the inland Navigation company took over the property and in 1861 a steam vessel of 60 tons, the Avery, went by way of the canal to Maitland and returned to Halifax.
In 1856 George Gordon Dustan Esq., purchased “Woodside.” He was much interested in the refining of sugar, and the Halifax Sugar Refinery company was organized with head offices in England, and Mr. Dustan was one of the directions. The first refinery was begun in 1883, and sugar produced in 1884. In 1893 the refinery was transferred to the Acadia Sugar Refinery Company, then just founded.
Mount Hope, the Hospital for the insane, was erected between 1856 and 1858, the first physician being in charge being Dr. James R. DeWolfe.
About 1860 the Chebucto Marine Railway Company was found by Albert Pilsbury, American Consul at Halifax, who then resided at “Woodside,” four large ships being built by H. Crandall, civil engineer.
In 1860 the Dartmouth rifles were organized with David Falconer as captain, and J.W. Johnstone (afterwards Judge) and Joseph Austen as lieutenants.
A month later the Dartmouth Engineers with Richard Hartshorne as captain and Thomas A. Hyde and Thomas Synott lieutenants were found.
Gold was discovered at Waverly in 1861.
In 1862 the whole property and works were sold by the sheriff to a company which was styled “The Lake & River Navigation Company,” which worked the canal for a little time at a small profit. Thousands of pounds were spent on the enterprise.
The works of the Starr Manufacturing Company were commenced by John Starr in 1864, associated with John Forbes. At first they made iron nails as their staple products. Mr. Forbes invented a new skate, the Acme, which gained a world-wide reputation, and in 1868 a joint company was formed.
In 1869 the Boxer was sold and the old Checbucto also built there, put in her place.
In 1868 the firm of Stairs, Son & Morrow decided to commence the manufacture of rope, selected Dartmouth for the site of the industry, erected the necessary buildings and apparatus in the north end of the town, and began the manufacture of cordage in 1869.
In 1885 a railway was constructed from Richmond to Woodside Sugar Refinery, with a bridge across the Narrows 650 feet long, which was swept away during a terrific wind and rain storm on Sept. 7th, 1891. A second bridge at the same place was carried away on July 23rd, 1893.
In 1886 the railway station was built.
In 1888 the Dartmouth (ferry) was built.
The present Ferry Commission was appointed on April 17th 1890. It purchased the Arcadia from the citizens committee, and also the Annex 2 of the Brooklyn Annex Line, which was renamed the Halifax. The Steam Ferry Company finally sold out to the Commission, thus terminating an exciting contest between town and company.
In 1890 the Halifax and Dartmouth Steam Ferry Company withdrew the commutation rates, and the indignant citizens purchased the Arcadia which carried foot passengers across for a cent, but at a loss.
Until 1890 most of the water was obtained from public wells and pumps.
In 1891 a Water Commission was formed. E.E. Dodwell, C.E. was appointed engineer, and on November 2nd 1892, our splendid water supply was turned on for the first time.
In 1891 a public reading room, believed “to be the only free reading room in the province” at the time, was established near the ferry docks.
The old brick post office near the ferry was erected in 1891, the present fine building quite recently.
On July 13th 1892, the Dartmouth Electric Light and Power Company began its service.
Woodside once had a brickyard and lime kilns, first owned by the late Samuel Prescott. They then passed by purchase to Henry Yeomans Mott, father of John Prescott Mott and Thomas Mott.
Mount Amelia was built by the late Judge James William Johnstone.
Among the early settlers in Dartmouth was Nathaniel Russell, an American loyalist, who settled near the Cole Harbor Road near Russell Lake. He was the father of Nathaniel Russell, who took so great an interest in the Mechanics Institute, grandfather of Mr. Justice Benjamin Russell, great grandfather of H.A. Russell, one of our progressive citizens of today.
The Rev. J.H.D. Browne, now of Santa Monica, California, and editor of the Los Angeles Churchman, who was with the Late Archdeacon Pentreath, one of the founders of Church Work, was born and spent his boyhood in Dartmouth.
Captain Ben Tufts was the first settler at Tuft’s Cove.
John Gaston, who lived near Maynard’s Lake, drove a horse and milk wagon into Halifax, a two-wheeled conveyance known as “Perpetual Motion”. He is said to have been the first to extend his milk route from this side to Halifax.
“…any favoured trait can be developed by the proper study of heredity.”
“The human family is composed of four classes:
The Good, Those who are actuated by high resolves, no matter what their position or associations may be.
The Bad, Who are quite intractable
The irresponsibles, Insane and idiotic
The great bulk of humanity that is moulded by and are the creatures of association and training.
The first does not need our attention. The second are ulcerous and diseased outgrowths on society that will pass away and our efforts must be directed to prevent future recurrence. The third, a gradually increasing class, the result of natural causes, and if not to be eliminated in toto could be greatly reduced in numbers. The fourth class is the one that all efforts of society should be directed towards perfecting, for from it the preceding classes spring, and but few laws need to be studied or acted upon. They are:
Hereditary transmission
Indissolubility of the marriage tie with its home associations
A correct appreciation of the dignity of labour, and that all individuals be trained to make their own living by the hand as well as the head.
Moral training with fixed or positive religious ideas.
A general and practical education
Definite instruction in sanitary laws.”
“We have about 1,500 to 2,000 insane in our province … a very large percentage of whom are immured in asylums, many for a great part and more for the whole of their active lives, at a very large and increasing cost to the communities. These people are nearly all dependent on state aid, but the impoverished condition of them and their dependents is due to their affliction. In looking over the histories of the 2400 admissions to our own asylum, I could not find one who had not been self-supporting before his or her affliction.
…there is no vivid consciousness that men and women of every grade of society, except the paupers and criminals, are immured in what to them is a prison, and all civil rights and personal freedom denied them, and as far as they can see, for no just cause. They never did any injury (except now and then in self-defense from their point of view) and have not even the melancholy pleasure enjoyed by the criminals of at least knowing how long their liberties are to be restrained and the cause for their incarceration. They were simply honest in expressing their opinions and these did not coincide with those prevailing in the community.”
“From one tainted emigrant to this province there has been a thousand crippled intellects”
“A rule that was once general and still obtains at the Imperial Palace, at Berlin, that every young man should be proficient in some handicraft and every woman in the practical details of household work, has, unfortunately, been falling into abeyance; more so in America than in Europe.”
“…it stands to reason that if Jack were as good as his master he would occupy that position.”
“…the subject of Stirpiculture, the perfection of our race, is a grand one and deserves more care and study than it has thus received”
“The total number of [black] slaves brought into Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island from the revolted colonies previous to the summer of 1784 may be estimated with some approach to certainty. Under instructions from Sir Guy Carleton, Colonel Morse, commanding Royal Engineer, made a tour of the Provincial settlements in the autumn of 1783 and early part of the summer of 1784, and to his report appended a “return of the disbanded troops and Loyalists settling in Nova Scotia,” for the purpose of ascertaining the number entitled to the “Royal Bounty of Provisions.”
In the column allotted to ”servants” are, Dartmouth, 41 ; Country Harbour, 41 ; Chedabucto, 61 ; Island St. John, now Prince Edward Island, 26; Antigonish, 18; Cumberland, etc., 21 ; Partridge Island, now Parrsboro, 69 ; Cornwallis and Horton, 38 ; Newport and Kennetcook, 22 ; Windsor, 21 ; Annapolis Royal, etc., 230 ; Digby, 152 ; St. Mary’s Bay, 13 ; Shelburne, — ; River St. John, 441 ; a total number, inclusive of some small figures not quoted, of twelve hundred and thirty-two persons, to nearly all of whom must have belonged the appellation of “slave.””
