New Brunswick Archives > East Coast 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!

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!

Atlantic Cod au Gratin

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Cod is a fish you can sample pretty much anywhere you care to travel on the East Coast. Its a tastey white fish that is low in fat, low in calories and a good source of protein. Need B12? This is yer fish. Remember takin’ cod liver oil pills as a kid? Maybe not but its sure good fer what ails ya! You can find so many recipes for cod. Cod cheeks. Cod tongues. But I will share Cod au Gratin with ya. Its my best way to eat cod! My Mamma taught me!

Ingredients:

1 lb cubed cod
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour(I use gluten free)
1 1/4 cup milk(I use lactose free)
pinch salt r not
pepper…lots
Parsley and thyme(optional)
squirt of lemon juice
1 small onion chopped fine
1 stalk celery chopped fine
mushrooms sliced
1/2 cup bread crumbs or cracker crumbs(gluten free Bretons)
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese(white/marble cheese=less fat)

Method

Preheat oven to 375
in a skillet melt butter and stir in flour til smooth
remove from heat and add milk
heat this till smooth and shiney
add remaining ingredients and cook and stir till smooth and thick
Place cod in greased casserole dish
Top with the white sauce
Sprinkle with bread crumbs and cheese.
Bake 20 – 30 minutes till bubbles and slightly brown
Serve with potatoes ‘n veggies or yer favorite salad.
Yum! Enjoy!

Welsh Settlers in NB

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In April of 1819; a group of 180 Welsh settlers bravely left their hometowns and families inWales. With minimal supplies: they set sail on the brig Albion bound for Saint John NB. They had dreams of beginning a new life in British North America and great hopes for better opportunities for their loved ones. By June of that year, they successfully landed in Saint John NB.

Land Grants

It was known amongst the settlers that the The Legislative Assembly; in Fredericton, was granting parcels of land to newcomers. So by mid July; they once again journeyed towards that hope of an opportunity for a better life. They were soon granted parcels of land approximately 15 miles outside Fredericton; towards Stanley NB. The intent was to establish their own community; of Welsh settlers in NB, in a place that would become known as Cardigan.

Homesteading

Hardships would soon prevail. They were not prepared for the hardwork, skills and supplies needed to clear the land and build shelters. With the impending arrival of a harsh Maritime winter; by September, many wandered back to the city. Thank goodness they had the presence of mind to do so. Fredericton was a small town then and this influx of immigrants caused much concern amongst the citizens. They knew first hand about the trials and tribulations of homesteading. Therefore; it was feared that the Welsh would perish from malnutrition and inadequate shelter. The kind citizens banded together and formed an Emigrant Society. They set up shelters, provided food and supplies to help them survive the coming winter.

Back in Cardigan; there were eight families who were able to settle their land and build shelters for their families. They indured a very harsh winter with the cold weather and little food. Unfortunately; a few of these brave people did perish.

Cardigan

News of the existing settlers survival; back in Cardigan, soon travelled to the settlers in Fredericton. By that spring they set out with great strength and determination to reestablish their place in their own community. The Emigration Society provided people with the knowledge, skill, and tools to help them clear their land and set up habitation. By the fall of 1820; the Welsh had set up roots in Cardigan and it soon prospered as a booming farming community.

Community

The Welsh proved to be very successful in the coming years. They made major contributions to NB and the Canadian Society that had taken them in so many years ago; when they were so vulnerable. Cardigan flourished until the end of the second World War. At this time; migration out of the rural areas had began. Today; much of the land has been reclaimed by nature but the village remains in a reduced fashion.

This past summer(2019); a celebration was held in Cardigan to commemerate the Welsh forefathers arrival to this new land; 200 years ago. We can only imagine the human suffering they indured to finally establish a community of Welsh settlers in NB. So many brave souls. We have a saying here in the Maritimes: “No Pain…No Gain!: Just maybe it came from these situations. Good, strong, people working together with their dreams and hopes in the forefront. These settler were proof positive of this axiom. We celebrate our early settlers! Be so proud!

Check out the Welsh cakes recipe in Mama’s East Coast Kitchen. Easy to make and tastey too!

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