1911 - 1920

1911

In 1911, the Automobile question, still, continued to be a fiery topic in Pictou County. When the Automobile season again opened in 1911, the regulation restricting their use to Mondays and Fridays was again in force in the County. The approaching election made it a particularly delicate and touchy subject to deal with, and the candidates did not want anything done that would excite and anger the people.

Those actively opposed to the Bill, claimed: “Automobiles have come to stay. If so, why oppose?”

Those actively for the Bill, asked: “Why have they come to stay? Automobiles have not come to stay. Just wait until they kill a few people and we will see whether they have come to stay.” Is it reasonable that the mass of the people who will never own an auto, will give up the roads they made and practically own to the devil machines? Is it reasonable to believe that the legislation will take the roads of the country people away and transfer them to the rich man, who may wish to make motor tracks of them? Have they come to the public roads of Great Britain to stay? If so, why is the Government proposing to construct an automobile road for the exclusive use of those contraptions, so as to keep them off the public roads? In England, the public roads are wide and country comparatively level. There is no chance to escape one of those human spirits on wheels. In this Province, where the country is hilly and the roads narrow, if an automobile comes suddenly over a hill in the face of a horse unacquainted with them, ten men would not keep him from going over the bank with the wagon to which he may be attached. Automobiles haven’t come to stay on our country roads and they won’t stay, March 14, 1911.

Towards the end of 1911, it became apparent that another change was to be made with the Nova Scotia Woolen Mills, Limited.

1912

The name of the Woolen Mills was again changed, this time to the Nova Scotia Knitting Company, and as such was capitalized for $300,000. The water power and equipment were increased. The trade names of “Eureka” and “Pictou” were retained, having proved a guarantee of quality and creating a demand that proved hard to cope with. The Company was placed under efficient management and no time was lost in getting it in first class shape. More Nova Scotia wool was to be used in the manufacture of winter, woolen garments, and it was expected that the more general use of native wool by the Woolen Mills of Nova Scotia, would result in a revival of profitable sheep-raising throughout the Province.

 

During the month of May, 1912, a protest was lodged by the people living down the river, concerning the pollution of the East River, by an outhouse at the Woolen Mills, used by over 100 employees, situated directly over the mill race. The situation was reviewed by a Councilor from Stellarton. The result was that steps were taken to correct the situation and to prevent other refuse of the Mill from entering the river.

During the months of July and August, more controversy arose about the “Auto Nuisance” in the County. The damage to the streets and county roads, by the chain bound wheels, was deplored, and also the noise created by the motor cars. Appearing in the papers were such articles as: “The Auto Association are greatly surprised that Country people assert their unalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It is next to being a public indecency. Poor deluded Country People! They presume to retard the joy riding of the town Plutocrats.”

“The sawmill sounding chuggers were very busy, Sunday, with the horse and the rubber-tired buggy, we hear nothing but the rhythmical beat of the horses feet on the roadway; but with the motor car we have the unmusical sound of the sawmill chugging and that horrid stink.”

In August, 1912, construction work at the Eastern Car Plant site was advancing rapidly. Trains were running in and out of the grounds and two steam shovels were handling the earth and leveling the location. On a recent Wednesday the local train between Hopewell and Pictou Landing, carried no less that 1700 passengers during the day’s work.

During the month of August, 1912, Dr. W. H. Robbins and his wife, who had made a recent trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, returned to the locality and Dr. Robbins resumed his practice.

In September, 1912, new electric lights were installed in the Knitting Mill, in Zion Church, and on the streets of Eureka and Ferrona. Mr. Ballantyne was the current Manager of the Knitting Mill.

In October, 1912, Dr. W. A. MacLeod purchased the practice of Dr. W. H. Robbins and located in the village of Hopewell. Dr. and Mrs. Robbins intended to return to the Old Country, where he would continue the special studies he had undertaken.

During the month of December, 1912, a young chap of the village, undertook to beat up Station Agent, Mr. Kenneth McMillan, and did give him a severe handling. The result was that he was fined $15. for the offence and bound over to keep the peace for one year.

In December, 1912, Rev. Alexander McLean, D.D., then residing in Eureka, celebrated his Diamond Jubilee. In 1911, he had published his book “ The Story of the Kirk in Nova Scotia”. At the celebration were present: Rev’s Dr. Polly, Mr. Forbes, Dr. Thomas Cumming, Mr. John Fraser, Mr. Denoon, Rev. A. McLean Sinclair and Rev. Mr. McNairn.

1913

In March, 1913, a bill was introduced into the local legislature, to enable the people of Eureka to provide themselves with a system of Street Lighting. The first Commissioners, under the Act, were George H. McKay and Donald M. Grant. The amount of the annual expenditure was not to exceed $325.00

A slight fire occurred at the Woolen Mills, at Eureka, on March 24, 1913, when their picking house was damaged. The loss was not great and did not interfere with the progress of the works to any appreciable extent.

The business property of the late William Urquhart & Son, was purchased in March 1913, by Mr. James H. Reid, who intended to continue the business as in the past. (The older residents of the village will remember this grocery business, situated on the brow of the hill, a few yards closer the bend in the road, than the present Orange Hall.)

In April, 1913, The Woolen Mills, at Eureka, advertised for “Young Ladies” for their underwear factory. Offering constant employment, clean work, good work and good pay, with special wages to those who were able to run sewing machines.

On April 24, 1913, fire was started under the boilers at the Eastern Car Plant, at Trenton. The Electric lighting plant was expected to be in operation in a day or two. (Continued reference is made to the Eastern Car Plant, because of its importance to the people of Eureka in later years).

A “Goodfellowship Club” was organized in Hopewell, on June 23, 1913. Its chief aims were to promote the quest for education and improvement in the village. It consisted of members from both Eureka and Hopewell. The second meeting was to be held at the home of Mrs. A. D. Lynch, Eureka.

The Woolen Plant at Eureka was burglarized in the month of July, 1913, and some goods taken. No cash was secured, it being intimated that, the burglars probable preferred the famous Eureka Underwear, which was in such demand and reckoned as good as cash with the trade then.

A Fireman’s Picnic and Sports Day were held At Eureka, on August 23, 1913, and followed by a dance at Muir’s Hall, in the evening.

The first “Sample Car” to be built at the Eastern Car Plant, was declared finished on August 30, 1913. This was one of an order of 2,000 cars. The Eastern Car was the first of the assembly firms to complete their sample car.

On September 22, 1913, a destructive fire raged at Hopewell. It was believed to have been started by a spark from the locomotive of the noon express, which set fire to a barn belonging to Alex F. Grant, meat merchant, from there it spread to other buildings. With no other fire fighting apparatus, save buckets, the fire made rapid headway. Three dwelling houses, two stores, a hall and two barns were destroyed before the fire was brought under control. The smoke and flames were clearly visible at Eureka, causing much concern among the older people and excitement amongst the children.

1914

Although the year, 1914, proved to be an historic one in the History of the World, marking the start of the first World Conflict among the Nations, there was little of an historic nature taking place in the village of Eureka and Ferrona. Work was comparatively plentiful at the Woolen mills, and at the Steel and Car Plants at Trenton, and the customary social and other routine duties were performed in the village.

Donald M. Fraser, in 1967, becoming a long time resident of the village of Eureka, received a badly fractured and lacerated arm, in April, 1914, in a wood working mill, at New Glasgow, where he was then living.

Rev. Alexander McLean, D.D., of Eureka, reached his 94th birthday, on May 20, 1914. He was believed to be the oldest Presbyterian, as well as the oldest Clergyman of any denomination in Canada.

1915

In March, 1915, following the declaration of War in the previous year, the Woolen Mills, at Eureka, booked another large order for their fine underwear for the Military Department. This was their largest order since the War started.

The Woolen Mills, at Eureka, sponsored a Picnic for Red Cross Benefit, on July 24, 1915. It was a grand success. Receipts were over $800.00. The Red Cross to profit by about $350.00. After expenses were paid, $150.00 was to be used to establish a reading room and library for the firemen and employees at the Woolen Mills.

In September, 1915, another order for 12,000 dozen underwear was announced by Mr. Ballantyne, for the Woolen Mills, at Eureka. This order was from the Italian Government and was for its Army Supply Department. It was one of the largest ever taken by the Nova Scotia Knitting Company, and was probably the first order placed by the Italians in Nova Scotia.

The result of the above order was, that tenders were immediately called by the Nova Scotia Knitting Company, for the erection of an extension to their plant; a building of wood, two stories high, having a ground floor area of about 7,000 square feet. Due to War conditions, the successful contractor would be called upon to rush the work with all possible speed. The advertisement for tenders was dated, September 10, 1915.

Towards the end of September, 1915, a complaint was lodged in regards to the smallness of Eureka Station. From the village, upwards of 5,000 passengers were traveling by train per month. The village was progressing as fast, if not faster than any town in the county.

Disaster struck at the Nova Scotia Knitting Company, and the village of Eureka, at an early morning hour, on Wednesday, October 13, 1915. A fire originated in the Carding room, its cause unknown. The flames got into some oily material and spread rapidly. The whole countryside was lit up. The conflagration was both spectacular and awful, striking wonder in some, and terror and consternation in others. It was a blessing for the village that it was a calm night, even then, on the following day, charred cinders were picked up, over a mile distant from the scene. Within a couple of hours the plant was in ashes. Two carloads of wool were destroyed. A considerable quantity of goods were removed. The day previous garments valued at $20,000. were shipped to the Italian Government. One hundred and fifty men had been employed, working night and day, on War Orders. Insurance on the plant was reported at $150,000. W.M.P. Webster, President of the Company, arrived at the scene of destruction, on the following day, to see what could be done to restore the Industry.

It was quickly decided that the Industry would continue, but, for the rest of the year, the big question was, where would the new plant of the Nova Scotia Knitting Company be established? All the towns in Pictou County, particularly Stellarton and New Glasgow, and the Town of Windsor in Hants County were considered. Relocation at Eureka was also considered and hoped for by the people of the village. Finally at the last of December, 1915, the final decision came. The Eureka Mills were to go to Windsor. The town of Windsor offered the following inducements: The purchase of a building, once occupied by the Textile Company, for $35,000. A bonus of $5,000. from the town of Windsor. Exemption from taxes and free water for 10 years.

After almost thirty-five years of location in the village of Eureka, having started its establishment, early in the year, 1881, this Woolen Mill Industry, bowed out from the scene of its birth. An Industry, that in 1886, after only three years of exhibiting their goods, was able to display a prize list of a silver and a bronze medal, a first class diploma from the Dominion Exhibition of 1883, and eight first class prizes at Provincial and District Exhibitions. An Industry that was responsible for bringing a Post Office to the Community and for the Intercolonial Railway building a platform, in 1885, from which the Company could ship their manufactured goods, and later in 1895, a Railway Station. An Industry, that despite its many ups and downs, had contributed much to the economy of Eureka, and provided it with many early conveniences, that were not usually enjoyed by villages of its size. It left the village it had created, born of industry and nurtured by the Ferrona Iron Works Boom, to find a new status in life – that of a purely residential area.

1916

In February, 1916, Miss Jennie McLeod, organist at Zion Church, was presented with a purse of money and an address.

From the appearance of the following events that occurred in the year, 1916, it would seem that Industry having departed from the village of Eureka, “Cupid” moved in and took charge.

Fraser MacGregor MacDonald, of Springville, married Catherine Florence MacLean, at Eureka, on June 7, 1916.

John Preston MacLean, of Hopewell, married Emma Gertrude Fraser, of Eureka, on September 12, 1916.

George Francis Kerr, of Eureka, married Margaret Sarah Cumming, of Fox Brook, in October 1916.

Daniel Elmer Proudfoot, of Hopewell, married Katherine Margaret Grant, of Eureka, on October 25, 1916.

1917

William Munro, farmer and fine citizen, of Eureka, lost his life by drowning, while on a fishing trip, on June 23, 1917. With him on the trip were: William, Kay and Robert McNaughton; Joseph and William Boates.

In July, 1917, George Wood Sinnis, of Foxbrook Road, was awarded the D.C.M., for his good work at the front.


In the mid-morning, December 6, 1917, the Halifax Explosion occurred. It was clearly felt in the Community of Eureka, 100 miles away; and well remembered, too, was the vicious snowstorm in the afternoon and evening.


1918

The Eureka school only taught as far as the eighth grade, and it was customary for those who wished to further their education to go down to New Glasgow High School to continue their studies. As a rule not a great many advanced beyond the eighth grade, but in the fall of 1918, a much larger group than usual made the trip for higher education. There were thirteen students in that group, only one of them have since died, and none of them are residing, in Eureka, at the present time.

In November, 1918, the glad news came to the Community of Eureka, that the Armistice had been signed, on November 11, 1918. No particular celebration was indulged in, although the display of many flags about the village was very evident.

1919

The death of Mr. Isaac McNaughton occurred on March 2, 1919, although his home was actually in Riverton, he had been so closely connected with the affairs of Eureka for so many years, that he was considered a resident of the Community. He was a remarkable man, keen, alert and possessed of boundless energy. An honorable, upright man with strong convictions for the right. He had made a study of geology and hankered after the hidden treasures of the earth and conducted many drilling operations in search of coal, his keen mechanical instinct being of service to him. He was also a progressive farmer setting an example to many in the fine acres of his farm. He was 78 years of age, and only six weeks before, he and Mrs. McNaughton had celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary.

Early in 1919, the firm of Kerr and Lynch was established and a factory was erected for the manufacture of Yarns, sweaters, stockingette and other woolen products. The site of this plant was in the hollow, a short distance above the old mill dam. While started on a more modest scale than its predecessor, it gave employment to a number of hands from the village. This industry continued quite actively for a number of years but began to taper off in the late 20’s.

In 1919, the village of Eureka and Ferrona was served by four merchants: D.M. Grant’s store, which was established in 1890, and which also contained the Post Office; James H. Reid, who took over the business of William Urquhart. H.H.Reid, son of James H. Reid, conducted business in the store, formerly run by William Ross; Mrs. Jemima Gillespie, widow of W.G. Gillespie, kept the fourth store. The first and last stores mentioned were situated on the Eureka side of the river, while the two middle ones were on the Ferrona side. Andrew McLean, farmer, conducted a flour and feed business, which had been for many years successfully conducted by his brother, Alex., his supplies were landed at the Eureka Siding. J.W. Gillespie conducted a livery and trucking business. Hugh McKay, harness maker, attended to the leather needs of the farmers and other requirements in the leather manufacturing industry. Everett Muir, son of Sylvanus K. Muir, supplied the residents of the village with coal from his coal chute, which was in operation at that time. The undertaking business was conducted by D. Fraser & Co., of which Stanley Fraser was the Manager, the coffin-house was located, almost directly across the road, from the present home of Arthur Kindervater. In earlier years, a shoe making shop was operated by Donald Allan Fraser, situated about 50 yards beyond the school. At the top of the hill, in the Y, where the road from the village joined the highroad, had been a blacksmith shop that had been operated by George H. MacKay.

Life went on at a fairly even pace. There were the usual number of Church Organizations. In the summer, recreation and entertainment were mostly provided by ball games, swimming in the dam, and occasional garden parties and picnics. In the winter, there was skating on the dam and the various ponds, and little persuasion was necessary to promote a skating excursion over to Churchville lake or out to Davy’s Lake, on a moonlight night. Coasting on the big hill, down the road, over the crossing and across the bridge, took place at all hours, with no interference from cars, as the few that were in the district, were carefully put away in the winter. House parties, entertainments and dances in Muir’s Hall occurred quite often, and frequent trips were made to New Glasgow to see a moving picture.

In July, 1919, “The Eureka Prospective Power Company” was formed. This Company proposed to erect 3 major dams along the East River, with several storage dams to provide against low water. They had prospects of developing 4,000 H.P., from the 3 dams. The No. 1 dam, 40 feet high, was to be erected at Riverton, on land owned by Johnson Cameron and William Stewart. It was to have a capacity of 26,000 cu. Fr. Per minute, and develop 1,500 H.P.

No. 2 dam, was to be located on the East Branch of the East River, near the site of the Old Ferrona Iron Works. It was to have a 100 ft. head, with a supply of 16,000 cu. Ft. per minute, and develop 2,000 H.P.

No. 3 dam, was to be located midway between Eureka and Hopewell, and was to have a 60 ft. heat, with a supply of 10,000 cu. ft. per minute, and develop 1,000 H.P. The storage dams to provide against low water were proposed to be built further up the branches of the East River.

Because of the enormous price of coal, making power production by steam was practically an impossibility. The promoters of the Company believed they could generate electricity for a fraction of the cost of producing it by steam. The future of the market for power in Pictou County was foreseen to be very considerable. The promoters believed that cheap power could be produced. The plant proposed by the Company would give sufficient power to supply all present market requirements and return a very satisfactory, dividend, it was believed, by the Company.  (Apparently the development of this Power Company, like the one proposed in 1894, did not advance beyond the planning stage.)

1920

In May, 1920, a daring robbery took place at Thorburn, when the Cashier of the Greenwood Coal Co., Donald A. Campbell, was held up, shot and robbed of a payroll of $3,100 I mention this occurrence, as the bandits made their way to Eureka, and going into the store of James H. Reid, stocked up on supplies, one of them making the purchases, while the other, watched outside on the door step. Not long after their departure, police officers arrived and made numerous inquiries. The bandits didn’t get far, before they were captured and $2,938. of the payroll was recovered.

On September 22, 1920, Simon McKay Fraser was married to Gladys Ruth MacNamara.

1921-1930