NB Slang Heritage

Fundy Trail Parkway

We started our journey on the Fundy Trail Parkway from Sussex to St. Martins(about a half hour drive) that took us through the country side and the Appalachian Mountain Range. Then on to the parkway where we took our time to stop at all the points on our map.(yes you want the map) We then drove on to explore Alma NB(half hour drive);of course . It was quite a full day of adventures! This route put us on the ride side of the road for the best scenery and oh it was all so breathtaking.

The Fundy Trail Parkway is an adventure you absolutely must put on your list of things to do and experience this summer. This spectacular wilderness hugs the southern coast of New Brunswick; through the Appalachian Mountain range, that extends to the Bay of Fundy. It provides something for everyone! You can view the scenery from the numerous observation decks(easy access) to view the rugged coast lines, the beaches and the vastness of our Bay.

There are various hiking trails(of all levels of expertise) along the way that lead you through both open and winding wooded trails to beaches and points of interest. We hiked the 2km trail(the shortcut) to see Walton’s Gorge/waterfall and that was well worth the visit. You just can’t visit this area and not walk the suspension bridge over the Big Salmon River. Was a first for me and yes it was sturdy and all ok.

St. Martins

St. Martins has a great deal to offer on your adventure; camping, beaches, fine food(lobster),history and culture . The displays at the Quaco Museum tell the story of the earliest settlers, shipbuilding and interesting tidbits about living life there. Ask about the painted murals on the exterior of the building! It’s a whole historical story in itself! Of course; you have to visit the beach and the famous caves but try to get there at low tide, so you can walk out to explore them. We missed the boat on that one; however, we could see the caves in the cliff, walk the shoreline and feel the salty bay air. The beach is a thick layer of small flat rocks(careful as it tends to shift underfoot) and the tides ebb and flow; over these rocks, creates the most unique sound you will ever hear. Don’t forget to stop in to the Sand Piper gift shop and the cafe next door!

Alma

It’s always a pleasure to stop in to Alma and wander around. So much to offer in the gift shops, fine food in the restaurants, the wharf, explore the beach, hiking in the park, camping, swimming and so much more. Of course; ya can’t go and not have some fried clams, fish and chips, sticky buns and of course the lobster. YUM!

Take a drive; you will be so glad you did. We had a great day!

The Monument Lefebvre

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Exploring off the beaten path! We came across this spectacular building set up on a hill in the center of Memramcook NB. So we pulled up to check it out and discovered that yes we could go in and found ourselves in a beautiful museum. The Monument Lefebvre is dedicated to the history, culture and journey of the Acadians.

The MONUMENT LEFEBVRE is a National Historic Building that was built in 1898.  It is located in the heart of Memramcook which is just a short car ride from Moncton, NB. This building was the new home for the Saint Joseph's College (est:1864)that was the first to offer post secondary education in the French language; in Atlantic Canada. It stands as the symbol of the Acadian Renaissance which began with the first Acadian National Convention held in Memramcook in 1881. The building was dedicated in honour of Father Lefebvre.  Today it serves as a museum depicting his life and the remarkable history of the Acadians. It is definitely a must see in your travels.

Camille Lefebvre(1831-1895)

Father Lefebvre came to Memramcook from Quebec in 1864 to help establish a College with the Congregation of the Holy Cross. He was the superior to the college(1864), educator and the local parish priest. He was appointed the Provincial Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Cross in 1872 and the apostolic missionary in 1876. He was devoted to and concerned about Acadian rights and was instrumental in organizing the Acadian National Convention in 1881. Acadians numbered 5000 strong on these grounds that year. Delegates at the convention declared August 15 as the celebration of National Acadian Day. He was very remarkable man who made a strong impact in the lives of so many.

Monument in the entrance of The Monument Lefebvre.

So take a side road and explore! The information documented in the museum will transform you to the earliest days of Acadian history, the culture, the hardships and their journey during the tragic Expulsion in 1755.

Small Town Livin’…

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St. Stephen,New Brunswick: One of the nicest small towns to check out; along your path, is located along the southwestern part of the province (Charlotte County). It’s a border town that shares the beautiful St. Croix River with Calais, Maine. The present population is approximately 4400 strong. You can experience small town livin’;at its best, in just a short drive from wherever you might be.

The Acadians were the original settlers to establish communities along it’s shores; in the early 1700’s. The Loyalists soon ventured to the area in the latter part of the century. Imagine life then! Settlers with their log homes set up along or near the shores of the great St. Croix River. The river was a major mode of transportation and a great food source too. The proximity of St. Stephen to the USA and the majestic St. Croix River was condusive to the early lumbering and shipbuilding industries. At one time; St. Stephen had about 100 wharves and slips along it’s waterfront to service these operations. It was a busy little spot with income for the people. St. Stephen’s business district grew and in 1873; the Ganong Bros. set up their candy store here. Ganong Chocolates grew to become the oldest candy company in Canada, today. St. Stephen can be now known as “Canada’s Chocolate Town.” It’s certainly a must have when you’re there! What you might not know is that St. Stephen is also the home of Canada’s smallest accredited University “St. Stephen’s University”. That’s just a glimpse of what you can expect to see and find on your trip there but the scenery all along yer way is right breathtaking!

Location of New Brunswick — Chocolate Image by congerdesign from Pixabay

If you want to experience small town East Coast livin’ with all the amenities of the city; then, put St. Stephen on your must see list of places to explore. Walk down that road and submerge yourself in the history, the culture and of course don’t forget to eat some of the chocolate!

The NB Fenian Raid 1866

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EAST COAST HERITAGE VIGNETTE – THE NEW BRUNSWICK FENIAN RAID OF 1866 – The Fenians were an Irish Republican organization based in the United States. Their mission was to pressure the U.K. into withdrawing its stronghold back in Ireland. So in April of 1866; directly after the U.S. Civil War, a plot was hatched by the Fenians to capture New Brunswick. About 1000 armed Fenians arrived in the Eastport – Calais area of Maine intending to invade Campobello Island. The British, wanting to end the threat, immediately sent a half dozen Warships and about 700 British Regulars into the area. In short, the Fenians seeing this display of British military strength, skedaddled from the area ending the threat to New Brunswick. This whole event led to New Brunswick joining Confederation shortly thereafter. And now you know …..

The Dungarvon Whooper

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The tale of the Dungarvon Whooper is a bit of Miramichi folklore from the 1700’s. New Brunswick was settled by strong and hardy people. They had to make a living from resources that only the Land and Sea could provide. Many settlers would fish or farm during the spring and summer months. When the snow set in; they were cuttin’ wood in the forests. Families had to be fed and income was needed all year round. It was back breakin’ work but they met the challenges head on.

Lumber Camps

Lumber camps were set up; in the interior of the province, to harvest the bounty of wood. These camps could accommodate many people and provided the bare necessities to survive a working life in the woods. The lumberjacks(as they were known as) would stay in the woods for weeks even months at a time. Now lumberin’ was real hard work; plain and simple. You know; there were no chainsaws in those days. At the days end from logging; a warm homecooked meal was welcomed. So the Cook in the camp was of prime importance. These men were hungry and had to be fed. ‘Magine that job!

Dungarvon River

Our story ’bout the Dungarvon Whooper takes us to the Dungarvon River. This river flows through central New Brunswick, to the Renous River and then on into the Miramichi River. In the early days; this whole area was prime for lumbering operations. It was not yet settled and possessed massive stands of lumber. Camps were set up all through out the area to capitalize on this booming industry. Work was plentiful.

Miramichi Folklore

The Dungarvon Whooper is a tale told about one of these camps in the late 1700’s. The story begins with a young fella by the name of Ryan(probably Irish). He travelled to NB from PEI looking for work. Somehow he found his way to one of the Dungarvon lumbering camps where he scored a job as a cook. On his very first day; and once the lumberjacks left for the woods, he found himself alone with the Boss of the camp. Now the Boss; who obviously had a bit of a greedy streak in him, noticed that young Ryan kept a money belt around his waist. Well; to make the long story short; a struggle soon broke, Ryan was strangled, dumped on the floor and robbed of his money.

Stormy Night

A snow storm was raging outside. The men returned to the camp to find poor Ryan lying dead on the floor. The Boss claimed he had been away for the day and acted surprised at this turn of events. It appeared to everyone that he died of natural causes. Due to the weather; it was decided to quickly bury him before the storm got worse.

Eerie Sounds in the Night

Well; after it was all said ‘n done, the men turned in for the night. They were awakened by a distinct whooping and wailing sound. They discovered the eerie sound was coming from the direction of Ryan’s gravesite. The blood curdling sounds persisted long into the the night. By the mornings light; the men high tailed it out of there. Periodically; and only at night; the whooping and wailing could be heard all through the region. It is said that a Priest(from Blackville) was brought to the camp site to perform an exorcism at the gravesite. But the wailing never ceased. Needless to say; the legend continued and no one ever returned to log at this camp!

Train Whistles

During this time; there was a nightly passenger train that ran from the Miramichi to Fredericton. This train became known as the Dungarvon Whooper. On a frosty winter night; the train whistle travelling through the night sky, resembled the skin crawling sounds of the Whooper. It was a reminder to all that knew the story. The locals soon dubbed the train the Dungarvon Whooper!.

If you ever pass through the area; on a cold winters night, beware of the whoop and wail of the Dungarvon Whooper! Thats mighty Scarey!

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