Bridgetown and Area Historical Society at James House Museum
12 Queen Street B0S 1C0 Bridgetown, NS, Canada

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh., who served as consort to his wife Queen Elizabeth II for more than 60 yea...rs, has died at the age of 99. His Royal Highness, an officer in the Royal Navy who served in World War Two, had a long and deep attachment to the Armed Forces and held many honorary commands. Rest in Peace HRH Prince Philip (19212021).

Janet and Gene; do you remember Toyland? Janet knew how to run that business!

1936 Easter Monday

Bridgetown County Home In 1877 discussions began about having a Poor Farm to serve the County. A farm was bought near the main part of Bridgetown on what is no...w known as Church St. The Farm of Edward Poole on Church road was bought and in 1881 the contract for building the house was awarded to John Buckler of Saw Mill Creek (201 HWY). His tender was $3,2500.00 for brick, $25 lower than the lowest cost tender for a wood structure. The brick was locally sourced from a local brick factory. Edmund Clark on Granville was the first keeper at a cost of $450 a year. It is said that the building, architecturally was "very good and a credit to the area". Work on the Insane Asylum next to the Poor House was started in July, 1894. Gradually the names of these buildings changed to County Home and the County Hospital. The Insane Asylum / County Hospital was located south the of the Poor House / County Home. The Photo we have included shows the County Home in the foreground and the County Hospital in the background. 'Alm House', otherwise known as the County Home was demolished in 1967. The County Hospital was demolished in 1987. A larger burial ground is located on the property of this institution. There is believed to be at least 193 grave plots, containing the remains of 193 - 200 individuals. For another image of the County Home and County Hospital please visit HTTP://novascotia.ca/archives/mccully/archives.asp Photo 1 - Photo of County Home and County Hospital c. 1881 - 1987

We have a number of people expected for our VERY informal AGM tomorrow night at 7:00 at the James House on Queen street. Please come along with no obligation; particularly if you are new to our town!

The following information was received regarding a COVID supplies benefit for Veterans with a K number: From the Medavie Blue Cross site. Veterans with a K num...ber are entitled to $200.00 a calendar year. This years entitlement ends 31 Dec 2020 Benefit Description COVID SUPPLIES (NON-MEDICAL MASKS, GLOVES, HAND SANITIZER) Benefit Code Number 400935 Program of Choice MEDICAL SUPPLIES Province/Territory Nova Scotia Prescriber Required N/A Recommender Required No Preauthorization Required Group A No Preauthorization Required Group B No Subsequent Preauthorization Required No Limit $200.00/CY

Halifax Explosion, December 6, 1917. This panoramic shot shows the damage looking west from the area of most devastation. Reference Number: 93-47-24021. Photographer: W.G. MacLaughlan.

The rotunda was restored after the Province acquired it in 1959

JE ME SOUVIENS - LESS WE FORGET

The Executive and membership of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 33 Bridgetown are saddened to announce the passing of one of our longest serving members, Gerald C.... (Snookie) Mack. Snookie also served many years with the Bridgetown Volunteer Fire Dept, and is the recipient of the Fire Services Exemplary Service medal. He received his 50 year Legion Service medal recently, pictured below. Snookie served in the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (RCEME) as a Mechanic, and maintained Centurion main battle tanks during the 1950s. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning; we will remember them. RIP Snookie, stand easy. See more

50 year medal from the Legion.

Alex Trebek at 23 on CBC’s Music Hop in 1963. Alex passed away today at 80.

Sign me up for one maple syrup bucket of coffee for #NationalCoffeeDay, please. Pouring coffee made over an open fire at the Catholic Church Picnic; Doucetteville; August 27, 1950. John Collier Jr. photograph

50 years is history.

WHO ARE THESE MEN? - We have no idea who these men are or where the photo was taken, although we assume it is fairly local. We're hoping somebody out there may recognize a face or two. It looks like it might be a logging operation or a mill site, perhaps in the 1940s or 1950s.

I wish I could look this fabulous while fishing! "Doris MacLaughlin, sport fishing, ca. 1937"

We hope to make the next round. If you would like to help please join (PM) us!

The James House is seeking a quote for two matching front doorsteps: 824-0810

We remember this CBC slight; thank you Mr. Mayor for your efforts.

On September 10, 1939 Canada declared war on Germany, entering WWII. Those six years left a mark on Nova Scotia. Explore wartime Halifax through 'An East Coast Port': Halifax in Wartime, 1939-1945' https://archives.novascotia.ca/eastcoastport

TAKING A LOOK BACK - Who remembers the O'Dell House Museum when it looked like this? The back of this photo, probably taken in the late 1970s, is stamped "Phot...ograph by Walter K. Morrison". For those of you who don't know, Mr. Morrison was a renowned cartographer who worked at what was, at that time, the Nova Scotia Land Survey Institute in Lawrencetown. (His collection of antique maps and books was donated to the school after his death in 2011). In 1978, he was instrumental in creating and setting up a display of Fred Harris photos in the Pickels & Mills building (now home of The Chocolate Shop), owned at the time by what was then called the Historic Restoration Society of Annapolis County (now AHS). Anyone recall seeing that display or other ones in that building? See more

Traffic and road safety is extra important today as students get back to class. Thankfully these crossing guards were on the job! Undated photos by G. Hedley Doty

Williamston Cheese Company South Williamston used to have its very own Cheese Factory. This cheese factory ran from the mid 19th century until the mid 20th cent...ury (1800's - 1900's). On April 30th, 1873 the Williamston Cheese Company incorporated. This factory was located just East of the Crisp Rd, on hwy 201 across the road from 7019 and 7035 hwy 201. Asa Beals, who had the General Store in South Williamston was also manager of the Williamston Cheese Factory between 1888-1891. The previous owner of 7019 hwy 201 between 1899-1917, was William A. Bishop. He succeeded Asa Beals as manager. The past owner of 7035 hwy 201 was William G. Wild between 1872 - 1884. He was a cheese maker who worked at the cheese factory across the road from his property. It is unknown if any photos of the Willaimston Cheese Factory exist. If you know of any images existing please contact us. Photo 1 - A.F. Church map circa 1864 depicting the location of the Cheese Factory in South Williamston. Photo 2 - a document stating the record of incorporation for the Williamston Cheese Company circa 1873 Photo 3 - Expenses and receipts for the company circa 1900 Photo 4 - account for David Layte(?) at the Cheese Factory circa 1900 DISCLAIMER - All photos and information are for educational and personal use only. Annapolis Valley Macdonald Museum must be credited.

Hello BRCS teachers!

To all of our Acadian families.

Even after the turn of the 20th century, we had a number of successful coopers.

Hello Folks: we are in need of a number of older wooden frames for our displays. If you have any looking for a new home please PM us to arrange for pickup or drop off. - Many thanks.