The History and Stories of Clyde River - IslandLives

The History and Stories of Clyde River

Cuimhnich AirNa Daoine Bho'n D'thanaig Thu: Never forget those you come from

Clyde River, Prince Edward Island

The History and Stories of CCycfe (River

Cuirnhnich jAir Jia (Daoine rummond gained ownership of the area, perhaps btecause of outstanding debts. In 1806 it was sold to the E^arl of Selkirk. 6 Conditions on Lot 31 Lacques Cartier was impressed by the beauty of Prince Evdward Island and he wrote about the abundance of vfegetation and foliage on the Island. In Lot 31, the lot in w/hich Clyde River is located, was no exception to that fcact. In the book Tales of Abegweit (Prince Edward Issland) Benjamin Bremner reveals that the borders of West River had few settlers in 1800. The land was aovered with a very heavy growth of wood, principally bhrch, spruce, hemlock and pine... Av journal entry by Walter Johnstone dated October 20, 1820, reiterates the fact and reveals that the whole Iwland, when viewed from a distance at sea, looks as if thiere was not a tree upon it. The trees grow so close together, and are so equal in height, that in spring their dlark colour resembles heath; but upon a nearer ajpproach to the shore, the wood assumes the a/ppearance of strong growing hemp, for it is almost everywhere in the southern side of the Island choked up wnth spruce round the shore, as thick in proportion as hiemp will grow; and some of it dead and withered, tlhough still standing, and some of it broken by the muddle, forming a thicket impenetrable almost to the fcoot of man. Itt is hard to even imagine what the early settlers thought w/hen they arrived and saw such thick forests after hiaving endured weeks on a ship on the stormy Atlantic Ocean. By all accounts, these settlers proved to be a 13

strong, progressive, hard-working group of people. Theyy knew how to farm, and they quickly became skilled in cutting lumber and built small houses close to the river. These homes were built from round logs cut with an axe i and bucksaw. The spaces between the logs were filled with moss. A chimney made from field stones or oyster shell provided ventilation for the fireplace. An initial clay floor would be replaced by a wooden floor as soon as possible and then a cellar would be dug to keep vegetables for the winter. Fish were plentiful and the soil was rich so potatoes and grain grew easily. In time the men would be able to cut enough lumber to sell some and still have enough to build a barn. The pioneers would float the lumber down the river on a raft to Charlotte Town, where they could get enough money for it to buy dry goods. In time each farm had sheep, chickens, cattle, pigs and horses. Eventually life improved as more settlers arrived in the area, more land was cleared and roads were built for easier transportation. A conference in Charlottetown in 1864 led to the founding of the Dominion of Canada in 1867 and thus Prince Edward Island became known as the Cradle of Confederation. In 1873 Prince Edward Island became a province of the Dominion of Canada. The Origin of the Early Settlers of Lot 31 Most of the immigrants recruited by the proprietors were of Scottish descent although there were some English and Irish immigrants. In August 1771 a ship called the Hopewell left Londonderry for St. John's Island. Nine families recruited by Thomas DesBrisay 14

w^ere supposed to come to settle his land on Lot 31. Htowever, records indicate that DesBrisay's nine faimilies actually settled on his property on Lot 33. What beecame of these families is unknown. 17764 and 1766 records kept by Samuel Holland during hiis survey report roughly 100 acres of cleared land in thie Clyde River area and only five buildings. In our re^search, the earliest land transaction found for this area w/as dated 1786 when Governor Patterson deeded a piiece of land to Thomas Hyde." It is thought that a few Umited Empire Loyalists settled here sometime after this tiime period but this information is scanty and inconsistent. Im 1806 Lord Selkirk purchased 80,000 acres of land on Prrince Edward Island after he was refused land in what is; now Ontario. His lands were mostly located on the e;ast end of the Island, namely Point Prim and Orwell B.ay (Lots 57 and 58), but he also purchased Lot 31. 12 The famous Selkirk immigrants from the Highlands in Scotland numbered 800 on the first excursion. Selkirk allso brought recruits from the Hebrides and the Isle of Sikye. The immigrants were hard-working, prosperous farmers who were not leaving their home land due to uinfortunate circumstances, but because they wanted to try a new land. The Scottish immigrants quickly and efficiently learned the skills they needed to adapt to their mew environment.13 More voyages from Scotland took place in the early 1 800s and settlers travelled aboard ships like the Polly, tme Dykes and the Oughton. These immigrants mainly s(ettled on Selkirk's land in eastern PEL There is a 15

record from the ship Polly stating where the immigrants; settled, but five names didn't have a settlement listed. Some people think these five passengers settled on or near Lot 31. I 4 The Scottish settlers who arrived next came on the Spencer and the Rambler and came to the West River area, referred to as the Lands of Lord Selkirk. On the Spencer's passenger lists, dated September 22, 1806, were the Darrachs (or Darroch) who are well known in this community. Passengers listed were Angus, Malcolm, Duncan and John Darrach. According to the Darrach history, they bought 55 acres of land from Lord I Selkirk where the Dog River meets the West River. Some of the passengers such as the Livingston and the MacPhail families that came to Prince Edward Island and settled on Lot 31 and elsewhere, are not mentioned in the passenger lists of ships because some came in "steerage", which means an area below the top deck. It was a crowded and unpleasant way to travel, but when money was scarce and families wanted to come to a new/ land they made the decision to travel this way. 16 The following are some of the immigrants who come to Clyde River from Scotland in the years 1806 to 1808: Charles MacLean, Clyde River. Native of Argyleshire, emigrated 1808, died August 17, 1867, age 83. James MacLean, Dog River. Native of Morvin Argyle, Royal Gazette, died Feb 9, 1841, age 78. John Darrach, Clyde River. Native of Colonsay, Argyleshire, emigrated 1806, died M; May 13, 1874, age 72. I7 16

Charles MacLennan, Clyde River. Native of Argyleshire, emigrated 1808, died August 22, 1867, Summerside, age 83. By the 1830s settlers had arrived from England and Ireland as well as Scotland. Census Information The first few census reports found included all of Lot 31. In 1779 settlers were only scattered throughout Lot 31 and even by 1797, there were still fewer than five families residing on the entire lot. In the 1827 Census Report, there were 229 people in Lot 31, 540 acres cleared, 220 cows and 42 horses. By the 1841 Census Report, there were 630 people in Lot 31. This Census gave actual surnames, roads and occupations and this made it easier to identify the citizens of Clyde River. 1 Q

The surnames MacLean, Beer, Dixon, Livingston, MacPhail and Murray show up in the 1841 report. Many des.cendents of these settlers are still residents of Clyde River and they live on largely cleared properties that accommodate farm fields, family homes and landscaped yards. Understandably, these direct descendents are proud of the work their ancestors accomplished. Occupations Listed in the 1848 Census Report Cooper Cornelius Cahill, Bannockburn Shoemaker John Costello, Bannockburn Labourer John King, Bannockburn Miller George Dixon, Bannockburn Carpenter John Tremere, Bannockburn School Teacher Malcolm Darrach, Dog River North Ship Builder John Darrach, Dog River North 17

Farmer was the most common occupation with the following listed: William Auld, Thomas Beer, James Beer, Arch. Henderson, Angus MacFadyen, Angus MacPhail, Angus Murray, John Paul, John Ward, Christopher Younker, Angus Darrach, Duncan Darrach, Don Farmer, Malcolm McNeil, Colin MacPhail, Doug MacPhail, Donald Morrow, John Morrow, Alfred Fisher, John MacLean, Charles MacLean, Archibald MacPhail.19 By 1861, there were 1,329 residents in Lot 31, a big jump from earlier records. A Condensed List of Occupations Among the 251 Families in Lot 31 , Found in the 1881 Census George Dixon, Robert McDuff Miller David Fraser, Allan Mullin Sailor Barrett Henderson Butcher William Clark, Robert Hickox, Shoe Maker Mila McDonald Harness Maker Thomas Colwell Tailor William McDonald Johanna Henderson, Angus Teacher McDonald, Malcolm McLeod, Elizabeth Gill Isaac MacCoubray, Richard Saddler Toombs Arthur Newman, Archibald Carpenter McGilvery, Francis Kelly, John Murphy, Angus Darrach, Donald McPhail, Alexander McPhee, Everett Balls, Henry Yeo Kenneth Henderson Doctor 18

Blacksmith

Trader Servant Lumberer School Mistress

Duncan Wares, Francis Carragher Donald Livingston, A.M. McDonald, John Rogerson, Thomas Yeo, John Henderson John McLean, Murdock McLean, Hugh Mullin Allan Martin, Christy McLean, Sarah McCourt, Bernard MacQuaid John Quinn Mary Currie

The common occupation of farmer was omitted from this list. About 200 names were listed without an occupation. The assumption is that the remaining names would all be farmers.20.

THE RIVER: THE BEAUTY AND THE VALUE It is thought that the settlers landed on this section of Lot 31 because its proximity to the river provided a means of transportation. This would have allowed ships to bring supplies and more settlers to the area. The river that gives this community its name was not always known as Clyde River. The earliest name on record comes from the aboriginal Mi'kmaq, who called the river Oonigunsuk that means "portage place"."" In 1765 after his Island-wide survey, Samuel Holland named the river Edward Creek. Some records show the name 11

Edward Creek while others called it Edward River.'

The name Dog River appeared in the Hazard's Gazette, September 18, 1843 indicating this area was called Dog River Settlement.

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Map Showing Dog River (by white arrow)

Several theories exist about the origins of this name. It is believed the early settlers saw an abundance of seals in the river, and as seals swim with their heads above the water, resembling dogs, the river and community became known as Dog River. There is also a theory that the river was actually called Dock River and the name was slowly changed to Dog River. Another theory proposes that the name came about because dog sleds travelled over the river on the frozen ice." There is proof of a Dog River Wharf as shown in this newspaper report. 20

An Act for Appropriating Certain Moneys therein mentioned for the Service of the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty-six (Passed May 11, 1866) May it please your Excellency: We, Her Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the House of Assembly of Prince Edward Island, towards appropriating the several supplies raised for the exigencies of Her Majesty's Government and for other purposes hereinafter mentioned, do humbly beseech that it be enacted: And be it therefore enacted by the Lieutenant Governor, Council, and Assembly, That by and out of such monies as from time to time shall be and remain in the Public Treasury of this Island, there shall be allowed and paid for the services herein mentioned the several sums following: Sum towards extending Wharf at Dog River, £30.25 Although another record indicated that the name Dog River was changed to Clyde River by 1864, the exact date in which the name was changed, how or by whom is unknown. Most likely the river was given this name by the Scottish emigrants, because the name reminded them of the area named Clyde in Scotland, a beautiful place by a river. The name Clyde could have also been used because of shipping activities taking place along the river. Names like the Bannockburn Road, Dog River and Clyde River all have Scottish origin.""

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The Beautiful Clyde River The river was the initial reason people settled in this area two hundred years ago. It once played an important role in transporting goods to and from this community. It was the main transportation route in winter for early settlers to travel on foot and by horse and sleigh. It was also a great source of entertainment with ice races and privately owned boats. It once had a bountiful quantity offish (primarily smelts) that helped families survive and thrive.

Clyde River from the Clyde River Bridge

The information gathered for this history makes it clear that this river was the pivotal point for survival in the area. The early settlers built near the river because it was necessary for their survival. The area by the Clyde River Bridge has historic value as a busy shipping area of the past century. Kenison MacKinnon born in 1894, recalled a shipyard that operated on the eastern shore of Clyde 27 River Bridge area. 22

A concrete bridge on the Trans Canada Highway has replaced the wooden bridge that once crossed the Clyde River. This bridge is still used as a landmark when giving directions to and from the area. Today the Clyde River still holds a special place in the hearts of residents of this community and many have chosen to build a home along the shores of Clyde River. The Value of The River-Scenery The river has always offered breathtaking scenery all seasons of the year. This book contains several color pictures of the Clyde River to demonstrate its beauty. The Clyde River is beautiful and changes with the seasons and tides. Wild geese continue to make it a stopping place in the spring and fall. Eagles, osprey and many other birds can be seen flying over. Small boats and canoes still travel the river. The river continues to be a source of beauty and pleasure for people who live in or drive through this area. The sunrises and sunsets on the river are outstanding! The Value of The River-Pleasure The river was always a source of pleasure. The river is still used today but was used much more frequently years ago for activities such as swimming, skating, rowing and canoeing. Horse racing on the ice began in 1925 around the Clyde River area. These horse races occurred during the winter, especially in February and March when the ice was good and thick. The races were simply for pleasure and are remembered as great fun. Horse races took place on the Clyde River, at the Log that was half a mile up the West River from Dunedin Bridge and at Churchill on the West River. Interest in the races decreased when horses were replaced by 23

machinery. Several interviews completed for this history talk of swimming in the Clyde River. Apparently it was a common after-school activity to go down to the river on a hot day. The MacKinnon and Hyde families reported swimming below their respective properties, while the Darrach family reported swimming below the Livingston property. The Value of The River-Mussel Mud and Marsh Hay Mussel mud digging would begin when smelt fishing ended, about the end of January. The owner of the digger would set it up while the ice was solid and before spring holes weakened the ice. Because the mud was heavy, there was a danger of loaded sleighs breaking through the ice. The digger, plus the horse and capstan, plus the loaded mud digger fork meant a lot of weight. Musse, Mud Digger Farmers would unload by the river's edge and then move the mud to their properties when all the digging was over. The mud was rich in calcium from clam and oyster shells accumulated on the river bottom. A small amount of fertile soil that had washed into the water was also helpful. Ground limestone is now used for calcium in Island soils. In the early 1900s, lime was brought in from Cape Breton by schooner and landed at West River wharf as heavy blocks. Most communities had a kiln that would reduce this block to a spreadable powder. 24

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eas or a pound of crackers for ten cents.7 In Clyde River the store served as a post office as well. [Records show that Clyde River had a post office from [June 1, 1886 to July 13, 1969. The first recorded history k)f the post office shows it was situated on the Tryon Road (Trans Canada Highway) across from the present day Murchison Place Park.75 In the early years, the Tryon Road was called the Post Road as it was one of the main roads on the Island. From the post office, the mail would be delivered by imail drivers to the side roads. This post office was operated by Paul and Kitty MacPhail, brother and sister, as both a post office and a store. 115

Margaret Dixon in a column of Ellen's Diary wrote about the Post Office/Store: An old-time shop, that was, with its one small counter and shelves ranged behind. Doubtless to some, the most important furnishing there was the small spoolbox, with pictured anchor on the cover, wherein the incoming and outgoing letters were kept. To others, especially the children, it was the youthful merchandise - the three-for-a-cent slate pencils, the old pen-nibs for the "Copy Books" writings, the sticks of "boughten " gum and the penny candy, so good.' 76 Sadly a fire consumed the post office in 1911 and Paul and Kitty MacPhail died in that tragic fire. Following this tragedy, Kenneth Matheson built the 1 post office/store on the corner of the Former Matheson Store/Post Office Baltic Road and the Trans Canada Highway. He and his family lived in part of the house and operated both the store and post office. Later Kenneth's son Robert took over this duty. There were no set hours of operation at the post office but they were always closed on Sunday. In a 1991 document Warren MacKinnon told of the difficulty in getting to the post office in past years. "The post office was an awful place for water, the post master used to shovel a ditch right across the road to get the water to 116

run and would make a plank bridge, and sometimes the bridge wasn't too safe, but no one complained because there was an awful lot of water and it was the only way one could get their mail!" Clyde River was not entirely without crime in earlier years. A newspaper clipping from the Guardian-Patriot tells of a robbery in the post office in 1939. Store and Post office entered: Burglars entered the Clyde River post office/store of Robert Matheson (late Saturday night) and stole $40.00 No arrests have been made. The intruder(s) entered store/post office by breaking glass over front entrance 78 Thelma (MacKinnon) Singleton remembered a Mr. Inman at the store/post office before Robert Matheson. Apparently, Peter and Emily Inman lived at the corner when Emily's nephew Robert Matheson completed a commercial course in Charlottetown. Peter delivered the mail on what is now RR2 in the summer while Billy Cameron took over in the winter. Thelma remembered Mr. Inman giving her a lot of candy for a penny.79 The post office/store continued to be a local gathering pot, especially during the war years. Some men would walk to the post office in the evening after the chores were finished. They would sit gathering news of the day nd telling stories. Joyce and Mervin MacPhee shared memories of the ombined store and post office. Joyce remembered not wanting to go into the store because the men were sitting on nail kegs around the wood stove telling stories and she didn't want to interrupt. Bud MacLean, Robert 117

Boyle, Jack Cameron, Jack MacNevin and Gordon MacKinnon were some of these men. The store sold mostly staples like flour, sugars, tea and yeast cakes as well as other staples. Some locals would trade their eggs for groceries. Mervin MacPhee remembered "Hickey and Nicholson twist tobacco". This was considered to be quite juicy.80 Nancy FitzGerald remembered going to the post office with her grandfather, Gordon MacKinnon to get the mail and a treat from the owners. "Grampie would buy a twist of tobacco and we would wander back down the hill as he chewed on the new tobacco and I enjoyed the candy."81 Robert Matheson ran the store and the post office until his death in 1960 and his wife Patty continued to run the business until 1966. At this time Russell Carr took over for one year and then Ralph and Delia Darrach looked after it until the post office closed in Clyde River. By 1970 a new post office was built in Cornwall and the community was changed immensely at "the corner" as it was known by the locals. This corner was located where the Bannockburn and Baltic Roads and Trans Canada Highway intersect. This corner was a hub of activity for many years. Clyde River residents have fond memories of the store and post office and the people who faithfully provided this service. Postmaster Information For Clyde River In compliance with the Privacy Act (1983), personal information has been deleted from this file. 118

Date of Appointment/Vacancy

Name John McLaughlin

1886-06-01

1889-07-23

John A. McDougall

1890-07-01

1899-1900

Paul MacPhail

1900-06-01

1911-01-02

Kenneth Matheson

1911-01-27

1926-05-11

Robert Matheson

1926-08-16

1960-08-18

Mrs. Patty Matheson

1960-08-19

Acting

Mrs. Patty Matheson

1960-10-11

1966-05-18

Russell Harvey Carr

1966-07-22

1967-07-18

H. Ralph Darrach

1967-09-12

1969-07-31 82

M A I L DELIVERY

)elivering mail in rural Prince Edward Island was a ery tough job in past years and it still can be in winter torms. Over the years there have been many ioteworthy individuals who did commendable work making sure the mail reached its destination. It's obvious that delivering mail took considerable time and effort. Albert Clow, a faithful mailman for four decades, was iven special recognition in the Guardian Patriot. [Fine Record Achieved By Island Mail Courier

Albert Clow has been the mail carrier for more than forty years. His route included Kingston, Clyde River, Colville Road and part of New Haven. John Whear was postmaster in Charlottetown when Mr. Clow began in April 15, 1912. His daily route took in 24 miles which is the equivalent to travelling around the earth approximately eleven times in his forty years! Mr. Clow says he was treated well and had many dinner invitations especially if the travelling was poor. While the work brought little or no money, Mr. Clow reports he was provided dinner and many offers of food especially during winter storms.''

Mailman Albert Clow - Church Shed in the Background

Memories of mail delivery were shared during interviews with Watson Livingston, Warren MacKinnon, Lloyd Murray, Bill Waller and Garfield MacKinnon. Warren MacKinnon remembered, "Billy Cameron drove the mail with a horse and a sleigh or wagon. Bill Waller also delivered mail with both a horse and wagon or sleigh and later with a car. In the wintertime when the mail had to come from Charlottetown, each community 120

had to break a road for the delivery man to get through. Sometimes they would have to break a path (road) through a field. People would lower their fences and the mail man would go through the fields where there wasn't as much snow. They would break the snow by shovelling or by taking a horse and sleigh through it. A horse would make a path, pack it down a bit and then the horse would pull a sleigh behind it."

Mailman Billv Cameron with Gordon Chowan

In 1930 Billy Cameron's rural route included the Clyde River Road. Long Creek, New Argyle, Canoe Cove, Rice Point, Nine Mile Creek and New Dominion. The mailman always needed a wagon, because he had so much mail. The mail would be distributed from Charlottetown to various communities and would take a mailman much of the day to make the rounds. Of course the springtime mud was another great challenge. Sometimes individuals would ride along with the ailman as he completed his route. Some even travelled o Charlottetown. 121

There were two rural routes originating out of Clyde River and later from the Cornwall Post Office. Bill Waller was a mailman for Clyde River in Rural Route #3 (R.R.3) from 1961 to 1988. He first used a horse and wagon or sleigh and later used a car. When he first started, Patty Matheson held the second mail route (R.R.2). She had Billy Cameron and Lloyd Murray deliver the mail for her. For a time Warren MacKinnon also delivered mail. Billie McManus, Robert Matheson, Donald Currie, Bert Docherty, Russell Blackett and Pat Blackett were names of other mailmen that were cited by citizens of the area.

BUTCHER SHOP

Clyde River has had the good fortune to have a butcher shop over the years. The 1881 census lists Barrett Henderson as the butcher for Lot 31. 86 In the 1930s the present butcher store, located near the bridge of the Clyde River, was started by Louis MacPhee. Louis MacPhee grew up in Clyde River but spent some time in t he west of Canada as a homesteader. Around 1932 he returned to PEI and eventually started the butcher store. The house, circa 1840, and front field near the river were purchased from Dan and Christie MacDonald. Louis set up the abattoir and sold meat from the shop. He also peddled meat around the local community and at the Charlottetown Market. Louis would travel by horse and sleigh across the ice at York Point to Brighton on Tuesday and Friday each week to sell meat he had prepared.

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Louis had help peddling meat from his sons, Dan and Mervin. Their route would take them all the way to Rocky Point and around the south shore. The locals would also come directly to the shop to purchase meat or to have their animal killed for the market or for their personal use. Louis also sold meat seasonally to the Madeleine Islands by ship from harlottetown on the weekly Thursday sail until he winter when the ferry was not able to cross.

MacPhee's Meat Truck, Claude MacPhee on the running board

efore electricity, Mervin remembered having to hold the lantern so Louis could cut the carcass using large aws. They had a tap on the side of the house to collect water by the bucketful to clean the buildings at the end of the day. The butcher shop had electricity and a telephone before most of Clyde River. Having the telephone was good for business but it was also a bit of a burden. During war times they were the local contact for the sad messages to families regarding missing and presumed dead service people. Louis and his brother Richie performed this terrible task. Mervin shared a number of stories about working in the butcher shop including some near misses with animals 123

that escaped from the ropes while being off-loaded into the buildings. "I remember a farmer having a bull that was a bit wild. The animal broke away from the ropes and all the workers and the farmer ran out of the building fearing for their lives. One worker, Bob Smith wasn't as quick or got confused and he was left in the building with the wild bull. When Bob finally emerged from the barn, he was quite a sight. Bob was literally white. The bull accidentally caught a bucket of white lime with its horn and spilled it over Bob as he tried to escape. It's a funny story now, but probably not so for Bob at the time."87 Mervin said Bob liked to relive that story. He was proud of the day he survived the wild bull attack! Warren and Neila MacKinnon would go down to the butcher shop after they killed the cattle and get the lower legs, take them home and split them open, then fill the old boiler half full of water to cover the bones. They would boil the bones until all of the marrow was out of the legs. They skimmed off the marrow and used it for greasing the harness and their boots. It made them XX

water proof and nice and soft. Nancy Fitzgerald shared this memory. "As a young child I remember walking with my grandfather, Gordon MacKinnon, to the butcher shop for some meat and likely a soup bone was added to the brown paper package. We would walk back up the hill and my grandfather would tell me another story about the community."

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MacPhee Meats

Easter time was a busy time for the butcher shop. Mervin remembered having to collect a prize cow from Harold Scott. They walked the animal down the Trans Canada Highway to the shop where the meat was prepared for the Easter holiday. The meat was hauled to [the Market building in Charlottetown and sold on Easter Saturday to people who came to town on that weekend. [Easter Saturday was always a good day for sales. In 2009 MacPhee's Meats is one of only a few abbatoirs on the Island. Lindsay MacPhee now owns the business and his son Ryan also works there. Mervin still works there regularly but is happy to let Lindsay handle the tougher jobs! That makes four generations who have worked this business. Whether the shop continues on for the next generations, only time will tell.90

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BLACKSMITH

In the past, there were other businesses in the community, such as a carriage house near the Burnside Church and of course blacksmith establishments. The history committee was not able to find information on the carriage house although the MacPhail history records a carriage maker in their family. The 1881 Census lists Duncan Wares, Francis Carragher, Donald Livingston, A.M. McDonald, John Rogerson, Thomas Yeo and John Henderson as blacksmiths on Lot 31. The best known Clyde River blacksmith shop or forge in the past century was run by Will Gillespie on the Bannockburn Road.

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Gillespie's Forge

The correct name for a person who puts shoes on horses for a living is a farrier. Shoeing horses was the primary role of a blacksmith. However the hot fire in the forge allowed blacksmiths to create other necessities such as hinges and bolts for doors, runners for sleighs and even pokers to stir up the wood in the stove. As an interesting sideline, Mr. Gillespie was called upon by neighbours to determine the best place to dig to find a good supply of 126

water. The forge that Mr. Gillespie used can be seen in the photograph on the previous page. Warren MacKinnon told about blacksmiths when he was young. "In those days, horses had to have their shoes sharpened often at the blacksmiths. There was a blacksmith in Cornwall, Clyde River and New Haven. Sometimes the road was icy; they'd have to stop in wherever they could along the way. It didn't cost very much at that time. Blacksmiths had a lot of hard work especially when a horse wouldn't cooperate." ilacksmiths faded out with the coming of the tractor tnd the subsequent decrease in draft horses. Before that, lany men had some basic experience with the art of blacksmithing. To save time and money, farmers did, and still try to, improvise and make repairs when [equipment breaks down and then, often reluctantly, they'll hire specialists to repair the equipment. In Clyde [River in 2009, Brian MacPhee and Dean Richards do farrier work for race horses but this is done with "ready [made*' shoes. TAVERN

Mr. Samuel Widgery left England in 1831 to start a new life on Prince Edward Island. In England Mr. Widgery had owned and operated a grocery and tea dealers shop, l o it seemed natural that he would be an entrepreneur on (Prince Edward Island as well. >amuel left his wife and four children in England and :ame here to establish a new home and business while [rs. Mary Widgery completed the sale of their property in England. 127

The new home for the Widgery family was called the Rising Sun Tavern or the Rising Sun Inn. It was located on Lot 31, on the road to Tryon, just 9 miles from Charlottetown. This would place the property in the community of Clyde River. Some residents remembered hearing that this business was located on the corner close to what is now the Upper Meadowbank Road and the Trans Canada Highway. In the spring of 1832, Mary and her children sailed to Prince Edward Island and The Rising Sun Inn prospered for over two decades. Samuel Widgery's name appeared annually in the Royal Gazette's Colonial Treasurer's List of Licensed Tavern Keepers. Mr. Widgery died at The Rising Sun Inn on May 3, 1853 at the age of 75. His wife Mary moved into Charlottetown until her death on January 29, 1866 at the age of 81. '

MILLS

The borders of West River in the year 1800, had few settlers. The land was covered with a very heavy growth of wood, principally birch, spruce, hemlock and pine. After this date and especially in the years 1804, 1806, 1808 and 1812, immigrants began to arrive and locate on the lands fronting on West River and its tributary, Clyde River (then known as Dog River). In the 1760's these areas had been surveyed by Captain Samuel Holland and designated as being part of Lot 31. In 1803 Lord Selkirk purchased 79,953 acres of land on Prince Edward Island and began commissioning ships to take settlers to his purchase.95 Although Lord Selkirk's 128

role in the colonization of Lot 31 is not nearly as well documented as it is for his settlements in eastern PEI, the fact that the original deeds to several Clyde River farms state that the lands were purchased from the estate of Lord Selkirk attests to his role in the history of the community. The trees that were felled and the crops that were grown in meeting these commitments provided the raw laterials for milling, one of Clyde River's first industries. wo mills were built on the Bannockburn Road to arness the water power of the streams that fed into the orthern part of the Dog River. Mills were needed to saw the logs into lumber and shingles and to grind the oats and wheat into oatmeal and flour. Although the millstones and the outlines of the millponds are all that emain today of the mills that were built along the annockburn Road, the sites on which the mills once tood are still owned by the descendants of the families that purchased the land and built the mills in the 1800s. The first-built of the two Clyde River mills is the Dixon/Scott mill that was later referred to as Chowan's vlill, so-called because it was built and operated by Ueorge A. Dixon, sold by his son to John Scott in 1888 ind run by Mr. Scott and his descendants until it stopped operating and was purchased by Boyd Dixon in 1960. 3eorge Dixon and his wife emigrated from Berwick, ngland in 1829 and may have lived in Charlottetown or a time before making their way to Clyde River. 29

At some point after that, they built the mill by the stream and a house and barns on the hill above the mill, on land currently owned by Brian MacPhee. These buildings were demolished in the 1970s. The formerly leased land was bought from Lord Selkirk's estate in 1832 and the 1841 Census lists George Dixon as being both a miller and a farmer. 96 Scott Mill The other Bannockburn Road mill was built by Thomas Beer in 1871. It was a grist mill that had a saw mill added to it in 1893. Thomas Beer and his descendants operated these mills until they closed permanently. (See Beer Beer Mill 1944 family.) Central to the operation of the mills was the mill pond that was created upstream from the mill. A dam capable of storing the water up to a depth of 15 feet was built across the stream. The dam contained several gates that 130

could be opened to allow the water to flow and had an overflow or waste gate that allowed the water to continue to flow downstream when the pond was filled and the mill was not in use. When the mill was to be used, the overflow gate was closed and the gate leading to the flume was >pened. The water that lowed through the lume fell onto a lorizontal water wheel, causing the wheel to turn. As the wheel turned, it rotated a shaft connected to the saw or the millstones. f the two kinds of mill, he sawmill was the less omplicated. In the icture of the Dixoncott Mill, the sawmill is the building on the right; in the picture of the Beer mill, the sawmill is the smaller |building on the left. Logs were floated across the jmillpond or hauled to the front of the mill. From there they were maneuvered manually and with a winch onto the mill floor where they were pushed past 131

the saw blade to produce first slabs of bark and then sticks of varying widths and thicknesses. In the Dixon-Scott Mills, the grist mill occupied the buildings to the left of the sawmill. In the Beer Mill, the grist mill is on the right. After the grain was unloaded at the door, it was weighed, then sieved and passed over magnets to remove metal objects before being spread to dry on a mesh floor over the kiln. The dried grain was conveyed to another part of the mill where it was ground between the millstones or crushed with rollers to produce bran and flour. This picture, taken from the back of the Dixon-Scott Mill, shows the stone walls of the kiln where wood was burned to provide the heat necessary to dry the grain before it was milled.

The saw and grist mills at the Beer Mills would have operated on the same principles as those of the Dixon Mills. In addition, the Beer Mill contained a cleaner that was used to remove weed seeds and other impurities from grain that was to be planted. Through the early to mid 1800s the community grew to include two churches, a school and numerous houses and outbuildings. While the beams of these early buildings were often hand hewn with axes, lumber and shingles from the mills were important parts of their construction. 132

When George A. Dixon died in 1874, he left the mill, house and barns to his son George D. Dixon and bequeathed the farm and the house and barns that had been built on the east side of the millpond to his son Mackieson. In 1888 George D. sold the mills, the house and outbuildings to John Scott. As an article in the July J 22, 1902 Daily Examiner indicates, Mr. Scott made I several improvements to the mill, including new rollers i capable of producing finer flour, turbine wheels capable of producing more horsepower and a steam boiler to produce extra horsepower so that both mills could operate at the same time.97 y the early 1920s John Scott had purchased a farm on the west side of the Bannockburn Road and had built a house and outbuildings on the south end of this property near the corner. The mills were operated by John Scott's son Brenton until 1925 when Brenton died after suffering an accident at the saw mill. After the accident, Annie, Brenton's widow, enlisted the help of her brother Gordon Chowan, to run the mills. When Annie remarried, she and her two young children moved to Eastern PEI, Gordon continued to be the miller and the mills came to be referred to locally as Chowan's Mill. At the end of the war, Brenton's son Wendell returned to Clyde River to live and work with his uncle. I The Bannockburn Road mills were used by residents of IClyde River and surrounding communities for many •decades. The freshets that resulted from spring run-off and rain posed annual challenges to the dams and |eventually the dams of both mills were washed out and were not replaced. After the millponds were gone the Scott gristmill closed and the sawmill was operated for a 133

time with power from a gas engine. The Beer sawmill closed but the gristmill was used to clean grain with power from a pulley on a tractor. By 1960 both mills were closed and the sound of the saw blades no longer rang down the valley. It is reported that the Livingston family had a small mill operation off the Baltic Road. It was an up and down saw and was probably for personal use only. At the time of the writing of this history, the area where the mills once worked with zeal has now retired to a peaceful stream.

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CHAPTER IV COMMUNITY LIFE ADVANCES IN MODERN LIVING

Over the past 200 years there have been many changes in lifestyle for the residents of Clyde River. Some of these changes have been described in The Early Years section. To arrive by boat, clear land to make a simple og cabin and travel along a path through the woods, seems unbelievable compared to the modern, complex and ever changing modes of communication and travel and the variety of services that are available to the esidents of Clyde River in this century. The changes have been too many to record but this section highlights ome of the most important areas. The change to more modern conveniences was gradual until after the Second World War. From then on, changes proceeded at a much faster pace. Some of these reas include the advancements in communication by radio, telephone, cell phone and finally internet; ansportation such as paved roads and automobiles; and echnology as a result of electricity, such as television, electric stoves, washing machines, milking machines nd power tools. This section is a brief description of life in Clyde River, articularly in the past century, as told by the stories of ome of our community's residents. Nancy FitzGerald was the primary writer for this section and it includes nsights she remembered from when she visited with her maternal grandparents as a child. 35

Ice Blocks for Refrigeration There were great challenges to keep food safe in the summer months and to preserve food for the winter, yet the ingenuity of the early residents of this area was remarkable. The food from the land was used to a maximum benefit and perishables were kept safe through ice blocks. Most homes had an ice box and an ice house. Time was reserved in the winter for the collection of ice blocks. Warren MacKinnon in a 1991 interview described the ice processing used before electricity. "To make a place for winter ice, they took the handle off the crosscut saw and cut blocks, a foot by a foot. Sometimes the ice was about 12 to 15 inches thick. Once they were sawed, to get them out of the water, they used the ice tongs to bounce them up and down until they could swing them out of the hole onto the sleigh." "They would then take the ice blocks home and pack them around a box they used for keeping milk and butter. Once this was all done, they covered it with about a foot thickness of saw dust, and put boards up around the saw dust to keep it from falling down. The ice blocks would last all summer."1 Radio In the first half of the twentieth century, the radio was the primary source of local and world information and entertainment. Families would gather around a large furniture piece and listen for the recent news and the stories and songs of the times. These large contraptions ran on batteries and 136

were recharged using the car battery. The reception was often poor due to static and weak transmission lines but it still was appreciated. Eric MacPhail spoke of his very first radio that he bought from Jack Darrach for $4.00 in 1937. It operated using a sensitive crystal set and it was necessary to move the radio around the house to find the best reception, and then it was never moved! Eric MacPhail recalled having to wear large headphones and sharing the headphones with Lloyd MacPhail as they listened to oster Hewitt on Hockey Night in Canada describe the hockey games. "Lloyd MacPhail would come down to my house on Saturday nights around seven o'clock or whenever the game would come on and we would ieparate the earphones so that each would have one part o listen to the game! Your arm would get cramped, but you didn't dare let go!" Other radios, like the DeForest-Crosley, were hooked up to three batteries, an A, B and C battery. These were big square batteries and one of them was used to energize the filaments in the vacuum tubes. One of the others was Ithc 6 volt battery, a car battery, taken out during the •winter since the car was not used then. No matter what •method was used, static was a problem in all early Tradios.100 Telephone ;The telephone became another important communication line. The telephone was available in some homes by the early 1900s and the telegraph was used during wartime although the nearest telegraph 'office was Charlottetown. Incoming telegrams would 137

arrive there and the message would be sent by mail to the recipient. The local doctor, the post office and the butcher store in Clyde River had the first phones and many from the community would use these common phones. Messages would be relayed to the neighbours as the result of a call being placed to those establishments. Eventually there were more privately owned telephone lines. Individuals along the road would cut down and erect their own poles and buy the cord or line but the service was often poor. Around this time there were local switch board operators like Kate (Mrs. Kenneth) Docherty and Phyllis (Mrs. Stanley) Newman. The telephone office was the New Haven exchange and operators linked phones with nearby telephone exchanges. The existence of the famous "party line" system was talked about many times during the research for this history. This meant that one line was shared by many people. There was a system of long and short rings to indicate your incoming calls but of course there was no system to prevent someone from listening in on a call since the rings were heard in all homes. Everyone on a party line could hear every ring and would be able to identify who was receiving that call. Often it was only a short time before the call became the local gossip and this was not always passed along correctly! Eventually as telephone lines became more available, most homes had their own phone and this led to 138

interesting stories about party lines. An interesting story was about the habit of asking a person to get off the line if they seemed to be talking too long. The volume and clarity of the conversation was affected by the number of listeners on the line and thus it was considered fair game to ask people to get off the line. Another practice reported by residents who used the party line was actually asking a neighbour if he/she was listening in on the conversation and then including them in a three-way conversation. To those who know only a private phone system or cell phone, it will seem like the party line did not offer much privacy. The residents of yesteryear will agree that it did not. ; An example of a party line phone number from Clyde (River in 1935 would have been something such as [Murchison, Dr. A.J. - Office and Residence, Clyde jRiver - R7- 21. This would mean Route 7, two long [rings and one short ring.101 lectricity Electricity arrived in Clyde River beginning in 19491950. The homes along the Trans Canada Highway from North River to Borden received electricity several years before the side roads. This program was called Rural Electrification. The provincial government paid for the initial lines and then Maritime Electric paid the province lease amount for use of the lines at the rate of $1.51 )er customer per month. It seemed that the poles were there for a while before the lines were run. iric MacPhail remembered it cost approximately $39.00 .o run the line into their house from the road. 139

Allie MacLean was the first to have electricity along the Clyde River Road because he paid for the longer line from the Trans Canada Highway to his buildings. With his large herd of Ayrshire cattle, Allie needed the electric power for a milking machine. Electricity was a major change for the local residents of Clyde River. Prior to electricity, farmers used gasoline and water power to run their equipment and provide light. After electricity, farming chores could be done after dark and water could be pumped by flipping a switch. Historians report that having electric power in the house was seen as less important than having it in the barn. Some farmers still stored the cream from the milk cattle in the cream can in the well but now there was no need to collect blocks of ice from the river. Electric power had a monthly service charge of $3.50. Users were also given 20 kilowatts for free. Eric told how the locals learned to read the meter so they would not be charged extra for the month. Eric MacPhail felt that the electricity had more impact on the building trades because they could use power tools instead of the more labour intensive hand tools. Apparently even these new power tools still had a good deal of difficulty making holes in the walls for the electrical wires in the older houses that were made with I 09

thick heavy plank. 140

Household tasks were made much easier with Rural Electrification. Instead of hauling water from the barn to the house in a bucket, an electric pump was used. Now there as the wringer washing machine nstead of a tub and scrub board [and a refrigerator instead of an | icebox. There were lights in the ceiling, thus no need to keep filling and cleaning lamps. Life was good! Of [course some things still remained the same, such as the wood burning stove or furnace and the outhouse away [from the residence. Plumbing Every home had an outhouse for a toilet and a bhamber pot under the bed for late night emergencies. IM1 public places like the school had separate buthouses for males and females. This was an era before toilet paper, so a catalogue was used when necessary. Eaton's Catalogue also provided reading material. This may lound very primitive to younger readers but it is on ly in the past fifty years that this has all changed. Properties got an outside tap first to replace the hand pump. Eventually home after home was equipped with Indoor plumbing with a fully equipped bathroom and a 141

hot water heater rather than a boiler on the back, of the stove. Children were bathed in the bathroom instead of in the kitchen in a large metal tub. Privacy and comfort for all! Eric MacPhail referenced a quote from an older lady who grew up with outdoor plumbing and saw the coming of the outside barbeque. This lady said: "What is the world coming too? Young people do all the cookin' outdoors and the outhouse is in the house!"1 Television About the same time that people were getting electricity in their homes, the black and white television made an appearance and now some homes had the radio and television for entertainment and world news. Did this change have any negative effects on the community? Many felt it did. People could now stay at home to be entertained rather than going to the local post office or corner store for socializing. Some people thought the T.V. was a time waster and there was little time to waste. Many parents worried about what their children would be exposed to through television shows. Early shows such as Howdy Doody, Roy Rogers, I Love Lucy and Leave it to Beaver now appear quite innocent but they exposed children to a world more complex than the community they lived in and some homes thought it was harmful to have their children watch T.V. shows. At the time of the writing of this history, a similar concern is 142

echoed about children's exposure through internet sites. There was usually only one station on the early black and white televisions. Color televisions did not arrive until the 1970s and cablevision with the option of several channels occurred after that time. With more channels, more time was spent watching television. Over the years, Clyde River residents have tried to maintain community contact through local events at the school, churches and hall, but clearly, the community [was forever altered by the arrival of television. Transportation: From Paths to Pavement For the settlers, travelling was difficult before roads were created and improved. In the 19lh century, travelling was often difficult on clay roads. Visiting the next community or going all the way to Charlottetown was special before the black top. One might be in their teens before getting to Charlottetown, the capital city of the Island.

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Until the middle of the 20lh century, most of the time residents used a horse and carriage or sleigh for travel or they walked. Many have stories about getting stuck in mud in the spring, a fate much worse than getting stuck in snow.

I Lulu MacKinnon walking on the Clyde River Hill before pavement

In winter, the residents of Clyde iRiver would use a horse and sleigh and travel over the

I

river and across the harbour on the ice. So that they knew the route and did not get lost in a snow-storm, the ice road was bushed. That meant that evergreen trees were inserted into the ice along the route. This was a job that was the responsibility of the government but local men were hired to bush. This process was also useful in the springtime to spot spring holes. The winters were much rougher in past years and there was little equipment to move snow. Therefore people had to content themselves with minimal winter travel.

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Draft horses were more able to make it through heavy snow than were automobiles, so they were used to transport families to school, church, doctors and so on.

Beecher Hickox working on the Clyde River Hill in 1946

Lighter horses could be used for transportation in the spring and summer. Many supplies for the winter were brought in before the snow and another supply of essentials would be brought home before the spring mud season. Women still talk of having to go to Charlottetown if they were expecting the arrival of a new baby just to escape getting stuck in spring mud. Others remember the rubber boots or gum rubbers that they used to walk through the mud.

144

Springtime was the worst ; time to travel the roads. One had to travel before the frost came out in the early morning or wait till late in the evening when | the red mud had solidified. As the frost came out of the ground it was common to have huge ruts in the road. One jarticularly bad spot was the Clyde River hill. In Elizabeth and Angus Cameron In the early 1950s the spring when the roads were gravel (before pavement), Sterling MacLeod had a maintainer with a plough on it. As he entered each district, men were required to go and help to break through the huge snow banks because when he drove into a big bank he couldn't back out, so the maintainer had to be shoveled out manually. This was a hard way to •open the roads in the spring but it allowed the roads to •dry up quicker.104 •Clyde River presently still has many clay lanes and it is pasy to remember how hard it was to travel on clay roads in March and April when one looks at these lanes. | Stories are told of having to use the horses or a farm tractor to haul the vehicles out of the mud and up the Clyde River hill on the Trans Canada Highway! Chowan's Hill (or Scott's Hill), a half mile in on the Bannockburn Road, was another area said to be very difficult in the winter and spring. 145

If the vehicle had to stop for some reason on the hill, then it would be necessary to go all the way back down and hope to get a run at the hill, otherwise the vehicle was stuck. To this day the Clyde River hill seems to be a problem for travelers. The road was improved with gravel around the late 1940s and the first pavement came with the improvements to the Trans Canada Highway in the early 1950s. The Bannockburn Road and the Clyde River Road were paved in the late 1960s. One lane of pavement was completed on the Baltic Road in 1975. At the Tea to Remember event in 2008, there was a lot of talk about the roads prior to paving. Annie Boyle remembered, "The roads were muddy! The bottom of the Clyde River hill was especially muddy. In the summer they were dusty! Before the roads were paved my mother used to say that you'd have to watch which way the wind was blowing, in order to do your laundry, so you wouldn't get the dust off the road on your clothes ,i

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on the line. As the secondary roads were improved so were the bridges. There was once a wharf by the present day Clyde River Bridge but there is little evidence of this now. However the wharf at the West River Bridge in Duncdin, complete with a "lift", was a primary means of transport for bulky items such as machinery, fertilizer, coal and produce such as potatoes. The water level at Clyde River, even at high tide, was just not deep enough to accommodate boats like a three-masted schooner.

146

Automobiles Around the 1920s. automobiles could be found in Clyde River. The earlier cars used a crank to get them going. Darrach's Car 1930s Model A's and T?s I were the first vehicles to appear in Clyde River. These crank-started vehicles had no battery. The ignition was supplied by a magnet that fired the spark for combustion [ when the engine was cranked. In those days, it was a ; labour intensive process to start a car! Following the war years there were leftover army l vehicles for use on the farms. The early cars were not insured but you had to be licensed to drive them. Many residents talked about travelling on the back of a ;overed truck. jarfield MacKinnon told how his driving test was idministered by a RCMP officer taking him around the ;ity block and then issuing his license. His only driving experience before that was with a farm tractor.106 'hen few families had a ;ar, travel to town often jmeant travelling with I Johnny Gillespie, who picked up milk throughout ;thc community and surrounding districts. 'When John took the !milk cans, he would

Phyllis MacKinnon in Oliver MacDonald's Truck 1947

147

take neighbours into Charlottetown if they needed a drive. In the evening John would drive others, often the youth, to social activities.107 Warren MacKinnon told of a book published in the 1930s listing car license plate numbers. People would sit by the side of the road trying to spot the numbers and identify the owner of the car. This was an interesting form of entertainment, especially if one lived on the Tryon Road (Trans Canada Highway) where there was lots of traffic!108 Taxes A Land and Road Tax was introduced in 1910 under The Public Roads Act 1907. It levied a fee on each male between the ages of twenty-one and sixty years (excepting clergymen and overseers) of $1.00 per head and also 25 cents for each horse more than three years of age owned by or in possession of any person residing within the province, except clergymen and overseers. How the money was used is not clear, but what is clear is that there were always taxes! Some residents remembered when part of this road tax could be paid by working on the roads. Nonetheless most of the work the men did to improve the travelling conditions was done out of necessity or to help a neighbour and there was no money to be gained by such a gesture. School taxes were collected as well and this receipt shows proof of this tax.'

148

NOTICE OF DEMAND OF SCHOOL TAXES <

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Take notice that yon a nfcaasaaaslfor School Taxes In the above School District tor the rear endlnc 30th June, U...J&&. In the amount specified below, and this Is to d**""* payment of the same to the Secretary of Trustees of said Matrk* within TWENTY DATS after this demand. Amount for which your are amemed by war of PoD Tax . . . 1 Amount for which yon are assessed in respect of real uiouciiy - > Total amount of your assessment for said year . . . Amount of /fdk/fa/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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Total amount of your taxes for said year - - You are also HaMe for arrears of School and Qfiattes' m said School District, payment of which is required forthwith as follows:— *.

Total amount ordered'to be levied in said dmrict for said year Is: f Total assessed rains at district Bate pet $100

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V»fclaced throughout the park. A memorial flower bed was ireated to honour Arnold Beer, a long time serving perintendant for the Sunday School Program at urnside Presbyterian Church. A burning bush, a bench ind birdhouses shaped like churches were placed at the entrance to the park in appreciation of the commitment f Burnside Presbyterian Church to this project. 303

Split rails and old wheels were placed around the perennial garden and decorative touches such as gnomes, bird shapes, wind shapes and a horse swing were added. A storage shed was also purchased. Additional benches, a tic-tack-toe game, a bicycle stand and a ramp to the shed were built. A tree house was built by Bill MacRae and an arbor was added to provide a stately entrance to the perennial bed. Prizes were awarded to Bluefield High students for the birdhouses for Murchison Place Park. Twenty-three birdhouses were erected in the Park to add color and interest. An area was leveled, prepared and paved for a basketball area. David McAlduff and David Woodside erected the basketball equipment. Playground equipment for preschoolers complimented the playground equipment already built for older children. June 2007 was a frenzy of activity with media releases and a grand opening to plan. The major task was positioning and leveling a walking trail of over 700 feet of four foot wooden components that had been built by community volunteers, especially Ed Harper, Vans Bryant and Jim Pound. Asphalt was laid to join the walkway. A ramp to the gazebo ensured that both areas are 304

Official Park Opening Peter McCrady, Hilda Beer, Emily Bryant

wheelchair accessible. An off-road walking trail allowed jeople to walk from the community centre to Murchison 3 lace. All was ready for the official opening of Murchison Place on June 29, 2007. Hilda Beer, a resident of Clyde p^iver, cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open Murchison Place Park. Government officials spoke and veryone enjoyed music by Dave Thompson and his group. A Canada Day celebration followed. hat summer a bleeding heart, a blue spruce tree and a lag pole and Canada flag were placed in the Park in nemory of Paul MacPhail. In the fall of 2007, spring ulbs were planted by Burnside Sunday School children ind volunteers built a terraced flower bed and planted idditional spring bulbs. A walking trail was developed om the Park to the community centre. 'he Clyde River Recreation Spaces Project was thrilled o win the Women's Institute prize in the 2007 PEI Rural Beautification program for the changes in [Murchison Place Park over the past year. Leona Bagnall read an impressive citation at the Awards banquet and it • a s a proud moment for the committee. |Even though the Park was officially open, work [continued and in fact, it will be an ongoing task to keep it looking good for all who use this beautiful property. fThe Park is used frequently by children as a playground, •or picnics and birthday parties, as well as by walkers [and talkers. lAn official unveiling and dedication of Dr. A.J. plurchison and The Doctor's Place story boards took 305

place in June 2008 in conjunction with the Burnside Presbyterian Church's annual Sunday school picnic. Lloyd Alexander Murray unveiled the two story boards. The unveiling marked ninety-three years ago, when Lloyd was born and Dr. Alexander Murchison was the attending physician. Clyde River residents appreciate the interpretative story boards, especially seniors who have memories of Dr. and Mrs. Murchison. In the summer of 2008, with money from Clyde River's Community Council, basic electricity and water were installed as requested by users of the park. More colorful birdhouses were presented by Bluefield High students and placed around the park. A farm table with small animals and replicas of barns and an adult swing were added to the park. Stepping stones, made by the Grades 4, 5 and 6 Cornwall United Church group, were added to the perennial garden. The Community of Clyde River acknowledges the contribution of the Department of Highways and Public Works for improving the access to the park area with a strip of pavement. Again in the spring of 2009 there was a wonderful turnout for the annual clean up day. A heavy duty swing set was built by volunteers and more equipment was put in place and the North River 4-H Club planted evergreen trees to enhance the park for years to come. There is a risk of missing some very important contribution to Murchison Place Park by listing names and therefore volunteers names are not listed. Everyone who supported this park in any way can feel pride in the end result. Murchison Place Park offers something for 306

all ages and that was the goal of the project. While the story boards bring history to the park, the park project I no

)ecomes tomorrow's history. STORY BOARDS

In the summer of ^•T^^M 1 2007 Erica Ross, 1 iJr ~ a i l m~ n ' » mk "m. through Heritage Canada's student program, carefully a • esearched nformation about )r. A.J. • jptah rfSf Murchison and v.. S»fif wthe Doctor's -*-"* Property. The result, complete Peter McCrady, Emily Bryant, Sara lyith pictures, was Richard, Hon. Carolyn Bertram prepared in two [story boards and placed in Murchison Place Park. In K008 Sara Richard gathered information for two more [story boards and they were prepared as a preview or [summary of the Clyde River history. One story board is entitled Clyde River - The Early Years and the other, wClyde River- The Later Years. Thank you to the Cotton • rust Fund; the Department of Communities, Cultural •MTairs and Labour, PEI Government; the Federal fcrovernment's Heritage Canada student program and the fclyde River Community Council for the support and resources that made these story boards and this history possible. These story boards are located in Murchison Place Park. ,;

307

J

T H E MUNICIPALITY OF CLYDE RIVER

The Municipality of Clyde River was incorporated in 1974 and has a population of over six hundred people. It is governed by the Municipalities Act that falls under the Government of Prince Edward Island's Department of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour. The council is the governing body for the municipality. It consists of a chairperson, elected councillors and a part time administrator. The council holds an annual general meeting in the March-April time frame. At this meeting, the annual budget for Clyde River is approved and the tax rate is set for the current year. On an annual basis, the council meets approximately four to six times by design or upon request or need. An election for officers is held every three years. Meetings are held at the Riverview Community Centre. Since incorporation the council has worked on a number of projects to enhance the life of residents of Clyde River. For many years a recreation and swim program reimbursement has been available to residents 18 years of age and under to promote a healthy lifestyle. As well the Council creates, erects and maintains signage at the perimeters of the district. They also continue to monitor road conditions and safety concerns such as speed zones and advocate for change as needed. The community is well serviced by the North River Fire Department and Council is supportive of their needs and programs. The Community Council collaborate with the Clyde River Women's Institute in projects and events at 308

he Riverview Community Centre. rlere are a few highlights of the work of the Clyde River Community Council. 3n November 18, 1994, a eremony to unveil the Clyde River Coat-of-Arms was held t the Riverview Community Centre. This project was spearheaded by Councillor Edward Edmonds who worked diligently to research nd initiate the formalities ecessary for a specific coatf-arms.

Clyde River Coat-of-Arms

hanks to Dr. Edmonds, Clyde River was the first community on Prince Edward Island to have its own )fficial coat-of-arms. Honourable Marion Reid, jeutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island at the me, unveiled the Coat-of-Arms. n September 1, 1997, a Restoration Service for the Tyde River Pioneer Cemetery was held. The council red two students for eight weeks to clean up the :metery in advance of this special day. The service was ed by Rev. Henshaw, Clyde River Baptist Church and r. Rev. Adrian Auret, Clyde River Presbyterian IChurch. Eric MacPhail read the history of Clyde River. Matthew MacLaine played the bagpipes and the tccordion. Maintaining the grounds of the Pioneer [Cemetery is an ongoing project for the community and [for the Council. 309

In September 2002, the APM Centre in Cornwall held its Grand Opening. Clyde River, a partner in Communities 13 Inc., is helping to fund this project over a 20 year period. A representative from Clyde River serves on the APM Centre Board and residents participate in many of the programs at this facility. The Clyde River Community Council works in collaboration with the provincial government to ensure road and traffic safety. In 2008 improved lighting, highway markings, and rumble stripes were all designed to address Council's concern for safety. Chairpersons of Council have been: 1974-1975 1976-1977 1978-1979 1980-1982 1983-1984 1985-1991 1991-1993 1994-1999 1999-2003 2004-2006 2006-Present

Lowell Hogg Arnold Beer Ralph Darrach JimColodey J'Nan Brown Lowell Hogg BillGaudet Greg Peters Maureen MacNevin Doug Gillespie Peter McCrady

Administrators of Council have been: 1985-1989 1989-2009 2009-Present

KalhyClow Janice McAlduff Bruce Brine1""

CLYDE R I V E R IN

2009

The Municipality of Clyde River includes the small community of Dunedin located towards the end of the Clyde River Road. In the community of Clyde River and the adjacent community of Dunedin, there are 355 310

jroperties listed in the tax base. Property numbers also nclude crown land and properties owned by 200

:ompanies. h number of property owners do not live in the community. In this history, to clarify the original unding properties, current property owners are named nly when they live on one of the original farms or in ne of the historic houses. Many of the residents of Clyde River are direct escendents of the early settlers of Lot 31. Some still ive and make their living on the original farm >roperties. nee most families in Clyde River were involved in arming. In 2009 few families make their living solely )y farming. Some families combine farming with a job sewhere to help with living expenses. Other families msider Clyde River a quiet place to live while they lake their living by working elsewhere, most likely fcharlottetown. Bince the Clyde River School closed in 1973, the Children in Clyde River are bussed primarily to the Bluefield family of schools. Residents in the area participate in recreational and leisure activities in Cornwall or Charlottetown for hockey, soccer, theatre, land the like. Therefore the people in Clyde River do not generally know each other as well as they did in the past bentury.

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In 2009 the roads in the community of Clyde River include a section of the Trans Canada Highway, the Upper Meadowbank Road - Route 265, the Clyde River Roads Clyde River Road Route 247, the Bannockburn Road - Route 247. the Baltic Road, the Linwood Road and smaller areas such as the Circle M Trailer Park, Dunedin Estates and several other smaller streets, drives or avenues. Clyde River borders on the following communities: New Haven and Cornwall on the Trans Canada Highway, Kingston on the Bannockburn Road, Dunedin on the Clyde River Road and Meadowbank on the Meadowbank Road. At the time of the writing of this history, all of the main roads in Clyde River are paved although like many roads on Prince Edward Island, every spring there are cracks and potholes in the pavement. In the winter months, the roads in this community are well served by snowploughs and sand and salt trucks. The advent of school buses has improved early morning ploughing service to rural areas like Clyde River. Travel flow has increased dramatically; therefore street lights, warning signs and turning lanes have all become necessary for safety reasons. Being a small rural community, Clyde River has a simple governance system. An elected Community 312

Council is responsible for the overall community itructure. The Council advocates for community improvement and safety and initiates programs in nfrastructure. he Riverview Community Centre, the churches and Murchison Place Park, all part of Clyde River's infrastructure, have been described earlier in this book. n 2009 there are many types of business in this ommunity. The Clyde River Golf and Country Club, lat consists of an eighteen hole golf course and an additional nine hole course, is the largest business in lyde River. Its manicured greens span over the river ontage where the early settlers once landed. )ther businesses vary and range from small cottage ndustries to large companies employing several staff, 'hey include: Wood Millers, CK Kleaning and Restoration, Studio Gallery of Julia Purcell, Hickox ervice Center, Clyde River Orchards and Phytoculture reenhouses, MacPhee Meats, Dog River [Woodworking, Hilltop Construction, Beer's Auto Sales, Ford's Mobile Car Wash, Fond Memories Pet Cemetery, Cross Cut Silvics, Peony Rose Bed and Breakfast, Bulk Carriers, Scotty's Repair Center, Griffin's Service Center, Clyde River Auto Sales, Everyday Car Sales, Smet's Monuments, David Smith Plastic Repair, Allan Properties, Locus Surveys Ltd., Kevin Ross Fuels Inc., [Kenny Richard's Plumbing and Heating and McCrady's Diss Hill Tourist Accommodations. Large companies luch as Maritime Electric and Aliant have property or substations in the district.

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There are also a number of trades people such as plumbers, carpenters and electricians who live in Clyde River and work in their particular trade here and elsewhere. Farmers are independent business men and women trying hard to make a living in a time when farming is facing struggles from many fronts.

The Clyde River is still the identifying characteristic of the community and still a major source of pleasure for people in this area. The concrete bridge on the Trans Canada Highway is one of the changes necessary because of increased traffic flow. The Clyde River Community Council and the PEI Government continue to monitor the transportation needs to, and throughout, this community. Exactly two centuries ago, a few Scottish families came by ship and made Lot 31 their home. In the decades following, settlers came from other parts of the British Isles. The Clyde River History Committee has dedicated The History and Stories of Clyde River to the brave men 314

ind women who cleared, farmed and protected this area. They set the stage for a safe, beautiful and caring community. t's not just the founding families and their descendents who have influenced the community of Clyde River and ade it a nice place to live. Over the past two centuries any other families have lived here and have ontributed to community life. In a small place like lyde River, each resident impacts and affects the uality of life. ural living has always required neighbours to help out. ere are just a few examples that have been noticed in is community: a man stops his truck and shovels a car t of a snow bank so that a lady who lives alone can t to work on time; a tradesperson helps out at the ommunity Centre without any remuneration for his bkilful work; a woman visits and brings muffins to a Neighbour who has been ill; a self appointed leader ferganizes community events and encourages others to participate; an entire family shows up to help with a lean-up day at the Park; a family anonymously leaves od children's clothing for another family who is truggling financially; a teacher uses organizational ills to raise funds for worthy causes; a neighbour ows up with extra vegetables or eggs; a councillor volunteers time to serve the community knowing lecisions the Council makes will not be popular with veryone. 's too risky to name the people who are identified with he actions mentioned above as these descriptions have pappened many times over the years. The Clyde River History Committee felt it was important to mention that 315

"newer" families have added diversity and value to this community. This history offers an awareness of the community from its beginnings to the present day. Readers will be amazed at the changes that have occurred. Anyone who shares pride in the community today will realize that a great deal of thanks goes to the founding families of Clyde River. In 2009 Clyde River is still a great place to live.

fVclccmc tc...

Everyone is Welcome at Clyde River

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Notes I Andrew Hill Clark, Three Centuries and the Island: A Historical Geography of ettlement and Agriculture in Prince Edward Island Canada. (Canada: University [of Toronto Press, 1959), 42.

I Clark, 45. B Clark. 45. 14 Clark. 50. p Clark. 66. | Clark, 266. 7 Benjamin Bremner. Tales of Abegweit (Prince Edward Island). (Charlottetown: Irwin Printing Company Limited, 1936), 51. 8 DC Harvey, Eds, Journey to the Island of St. John, or Prince Edward Island: 1775 1832. (Toronto. Canada: The MacMillan Company of Canada Limited. 1955). 9 R.J. Dickeson, Ulster Immigration to Colonial America, 1718-1775. (London. Routeledge and Keagan Paul. 1966), 156. [0 Clark, 56. II Anna Lee Hogan, The Descendants of Michael Scaly, UEL and Frances Hyde, 'rince Edward Island Register, http://www.islandregister.com/sealy.html. Accessed 2008). 2 Clark, 67. 3 Douglas Baldwin. Land of Red Soil: A Popular History of Prince Edward •land. (Charlottetown: Ragweed Press, 1998). 58. \ Public Archives and Records Office. (PARO) Charlottetown, Passenger List inder. 5 PARO Acct# 2702-Passenger List for the Spencer Angus William Beck, A enealogy of the 1806 Darrachs. (Island Register). 5 J, Clinton Morrison, Century of Farewell, Vol. 1 and 2, (Crescent Isle Lblishing, 2009). 7 From Scotland to PEL PEI Genealogical Society, 1990. i PARO Census Record. ? PARO 1848 Census Record. D PARO 1881 Census Lots 26-40 Box 3. Prince Edward Island. 1 Alan Rayburn, Geographical Names of Prince Edward Island. (Ottawa, mrveys, and Mapping Branch, Department of Energy. Mines and Resources, 973), 38. 2 Rayburn, 3. 3 Hazard's Gazette. 18 September 1843. 24 Research collected by Warren and Ncila MacKinnon. • 5 www.islandregistar.com/1866budget.html, Donna Collings. 126 Rayburn, 6. Ml Kenison MacKinnon, taped interview 1991, transcribed 2008. 128 Betty Watts, MacLean family collection, 2008. [29 Wanda MacPhail. interviewed by Sara Richards, 2008.

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30 Wanda MacPhail. interviewed by Sara Richards, 2008. 31 Kenison MacKinnon, taped interview 1991. transcribed 2008. 32 Garfield MacKinnon, interviewed by Sara Richards, 2008. 33 Addison Livingston, taped interview 1991, transcribed 2008. 34 Garfield MacKinnon, interviewed by Sara Richards. 2008. 35 Hazel Beer, interviewed by Sara Richards. 2008. 36 Ncila MacKinnon's research, 1991. 37 Warren MacKinnon, taped interview 1991, transcribed 2008. 38 Tea to Remember. July 2008. 39 Walter Shaw. Tell me the Tales. Square Deal Publications. Charlottetown, P.E.I. 1975. 40 Margaret Dixon, Ellen's Diary, 1960. 41 Hunter. Dave. PE1-ROOTS-L Archives. Roots Web. 6 November, 2002. http://www.islandrcgister.com/lot31.html. (Accessed 2008). 42 Wisener. Kevin. Fence Viewers and Constable List PEL Island Register various dates hltp://www.islandregister.com/.html. 43 Document of School Boundaries on PEL http://www.islandregister.com/1822a.html. 44 Island Register http://www.islandregister.com/1820-1840 html. 45 Helen MacPhail Family Collection, 2008. 46 1892, Summerside Journal entry. Hazel Beer's collection. 2008. 47 Lillian Bentley, The Beer Family of Clyde River. 1973. Dorccn Pound and Vivian Beer. 2009. 48 Samuel Bell's Family Bible. Gillespie Family Collection. 2009. 49 J. Clinton Morrison. Chasing a Dream. Prince Edward Islanders in the Klondike, (Crescent Isle Publishing, 2004). 50 Carol (Gillespie) Murray. Clyde River History Committee member. 51 Sandra Cameron, Clyde River Hislory Committee member. Elizabeth Cameron. 2009. 52 A genealogy of the 1806 PEI Darrachs by Angus William Beck. 5.3 Original Deed. Dixon Family Collection. 2009. 54 Alex Dixon, 2009, Hilda (Dixon) Colodey, Clyde River History Committee member. 55 Ncila MacKinnon's research 1991. 56 Island Register, descendents of Thomas Hyde; Shirley McGec. Gloria (Lori) Jensen, 2009. 57 John Collins. MacPhails from the Island of Mull to Prince Edward Island, 2006: Livingston family members: Wanda MacPhail. David Livingston, Christine Young. 58 Nancy FilzGcrald. Clyde River History Committee member. 59 The MacLean Method of Writing book, Beer family collection. 2009. 60 Hazel (MacLean) Beer, Doreen (Beer) Pound, 2009. 61 Jean MacLean. Sharon MacLean, 2009. 62 Don McLaughlan. 2009. 63 Sandra (MacNcill) MacDougall, Karen (MacNcill) Gregory, 2009 Sandra Cameron, Clyde River History Committee member. 64 Neila MacKinnon's research 1991. Maureen MacNcvin. 2009.

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>5 John Collins. MacPhails from the Island of Mull to Prince Edward sland, 2006. r>6 John Collins, MacPhails from the Island of Mull to Prince Edward sland. 2006, Eric MacPhail, 2009. >7 John Collins, MacPhails from the Island of Mull to Prince Edward Island, 2006, Jocelyn Lloyd, 2009. >8 Percy and Janice Scott, 2009 Nancy Fitzgerald, Clyde River History Committee member. )9 Boyd Beck, for PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation Awards, 1999. 70 Eric and Wanda (Livingston) MacPhail's Family Collection, 2008. . The Official Website of the Government of Prince Edward Island, Canada tp://www.edu.pe.ca/parp/census/info/84/getlot.asp?l=31. 1 Neil Matheson, The Guardian, 1973. Dora Atwell's hand written article (year unknown). Helen MacPhail, interviewed by Sara Richards, 2008. Canada Post website. Margaret Dixon, Ellen's Diary (date unknown). Warren MacKinnon, taped interview 1991. transcribed 2008. The Guardian, 1939 (date unknown). Hazel Beer's collection. Thelma Singleton, interviewed by Sara Richards, 2008. Mervin and Joyce MacPhee, interviewed by Nancy FitzGerald, 2009. Nancy FitzGerald. Clyde River History Committee member. 2 Canada Post website. The Guardian Patriot, date unknown. Hazel Beer's collection. Warren MacKinnon, taped interview 1991, transcribed 2008. Lloyd Murray, interviewed by Carol Murray, Clyde River History Committee mber. 2008. PARO Census Records, 1881. Mervin and Joyce MacPhee, interviewed by Nancy Fitzgerald, 2009. Neila MacKinnon's notes 1991. Nancy FitzGerald, Clyde River History Committee member. ) Nancy FitzGerald, Clyde River History Committee member. Carol Murray, Clyde River History Committee member. 2 Warren MacKinnon . taped interview 1991, transcribed 2008. Anthony Widgery, Samuel and Mary Widgery: A Devon Family in North merica.1988. Benjamin Bremner. Douglas Baldwin. Dixon Family Collection. The Daily Examiner, July 22, 1902. Hilda (Dixon) Colodey, Clyde River History Committee member. Warren MacKinnon, taped interview 1991, transcribed 2008. 30 Eric MacPhail, interviewed by Sara Richards. 2008. 31 Island Telephone Archives (online). 02 Eric MacPhail, interviewed by Sara Richards, 2008. 03 Eric MacPhail, interviewed by Sara Richards, 2008. 104 Warren MacKinnon, taped interview 1991, transcribed 2008.

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105 Annie Boyle. Tea to Remember. July 2008. 106 Garfield MacKinnon, interviewed by Sara Richards. 2008. 107 George Gillespie, interviewed by Emily Bryant. 2008. 108 Warren MacKinnon, taped interview 1991. transcribed 2008. 109 PARO Census Records. 1 10 Helen MacPhail. Family Collection. I 1 I Sandra Cameron. Clyde River History Committee member. History-Burnside Presbyterian Church. I 12 Sandra Cameron. Clyde River History Committee member. History-Clyde River Baptist Church. 113 Meecham's Atlas. 1880. 1 14 Eric MacPhail. History of the Pioneer Cemetery. Clyde River. 1997. 115 Neila MacKinnon, interviewed by Sara Richards. 2008. 1 16 Emiiy Bryant, Clyde River History Committee member. 117 The Guardian, date unknown. Hazel Beer's collection. I 18 The Guardian, date unknown. Hazel Beer's collection. 119 Original lease agreement between Lord Selkirk and D. MacLean (Cameron Family Collection). 120 Lillian Bentley The Beer Family of Clyde River. 1973. 121 Original deed from Lord Selkirk to George A. Dixon (Dixon Family Collection). 122 The Island Register. Notes from 1841 Census. 123 Daily Examiner. July 22. 1902. 124 Walter Shaw. Tell Me the Tales. Square Deal Publications. Charlottetown, P.E.I. 1975. 125 The Island Register (online) The Livingston's of Clyde River. Lot 31. 126 Margaret Dixon. Going Home. Williams and Crue Ltd. Summersidc P.E.I. 1979. 127 The Island Register (online) The Livingston's of Clyde River. Lot 31. 128 Bill Waller, interviewed by Alex Dixon, 2009. 129 Clyde River Notes. The Guardian. 1926. Florence Willis' scrapbook. 130 Lee Darrach. Hector Darrach - His Life and Times 131 Kenison MacKinnon, taped interview 1991. transcribed 2008. 132 Margaret Dixon. Going Home. Williams and Crue Ltd. Summersidc P.E.I. 1979. 133 Watson Livingston, taped interview 1991. transcribed 2008; Warren MacKinnon, taped interview 1991. transcribed 2008. 134 Clyde River Notes in the Guardian. 1926. Florence (Beer) Willis' scrapbook. 135 Warren MacKinnon, taped interview 1991. transcribed 2008 Tea to Remember, July 2008. 136 The Island Register (online) The Livingston's of Clyde River. Lot 31. 137 Clyde River Notes in the Guardian. 1928. Florence (Beer) Willis' scrapbook. 138 Cameron Family Collection. 139 Watson Livingston, taped interview 1991. transcribed 2008. 140 Warren MacKinnon, taped interview 1991. transcribed 2008.

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141 Betty Watts, Tea To Remember, 2008 142 Warren MacKinnon, taped interview 1991, transcribed 2008. 143 Lease agreement, 1907, between Angus Cameron and Ewen MacLean (Cameron Family collection). .44 Alex Dixon, author of the farming section, August 2009. 145 Guardian Clipping. 1935. Hazel Beer collection. 146 Excerpts from Mrs. Annabelle Murray's Diary, circa 1930. 147 Lee Darrach, Hector Darrach - His Life and Times. 48 Warren MacKinnon taped interview 1991, transcribed 2008. 49 Bill Waller Sr.. interviewed by Alex Dixon 2009. 50 Audrey MacPhee, interview 2008. 1 Margaret Dixon, Ellen's Diary account of teaching in 1911. 52 Winnie MacMillan. taped interview 1991, transcribed 2008. 153 School Records kept at Riverview Community Centre. 54 The Guardian, excerpt from Lillian Bentley Collection, date unknown. 55 The Guardian, excerpt from Lillian Bentley Collection, date unknown. 6 Poems by Millar MacFadyen, self published. 7 School Records at Riverview Community Center. 8 The Guardian, clipping from Hazel Beer Collection, date unknown. 9 Warren MacKinnon, taped interview 1991. transcribed 2008. 60 Wanda MacPhail, taped interview 1991. transcribed 2008. 61 Warren MacKinnon, taped interview 1991, transcribed 2008. i2 Eric MacPhail, personal account, 2009. •3 Garfield MacKinnon, interviewed by Sara Richards. 2008. 4 Helen MacPhail, from Personal Collection. 6 The Guardian, date unknown, clipping from Hazel Beer Collection. 66 The Guardian, 1948. clipping from Hazel Beer Collection. 67 The Guardian, account of Paul and Kitty MacPhail's fire. 1911. 68 The Guardian, account of the Bannockburn Road mill accident, 1925. 9 The Guardian, account of Baltic Road Accident. 1937. OThe Guardian, account of Clyde River Hill Accident, 1955. 1 Source: Clyde River Women's Institute Minutes 1950- 2009 Compiled by ily Bryant, 2008-2009. 2 Annie Boyle. Interviewed by Carol Murray and her Personal Election. 2009. 3 Collections of Hazel Beer and Annie Boyle, Memories of Former 4-H embers Carol Murray. Hilda Colodey, Alex Dixon. '4 The Guardian, excerpts from Hazel Beer and Wanda MacPhail llections. 75 The Guardian, Audrey MacPhee's column, November 1991. 76 Hilda Colodey, 2009. 77 Nancy FitzGerald, Phyllis MacDonald, Doris Williams, July 2009. 8 The Official Website of the Government of Prince Edward Island. Canada. 79 Audrey MacPhee, personal account, 2008. 180 Helen MacPhail, interviewed by Sara Richard 2008. 81 Bumside Presbyterian Church records. 82 Jane Von Bredow, interviewed by Erica Ross, 2007.

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183 The Guardian, excerpt 1941, research completed by Erica Ross, 2007. 184 The Guardian, Sport PEI - clippings over a number of years. 185 Ethel MacQuarrie, personal account, 2009. 186 Kenison MacKinnon, taped interview 1991, transcribed 2008. 187 Kenison MacKinnon, personal account shared by Ethel MacQuarrie, 2009. 188 John MacKinnon, interviewed by Emily Bryant, 2009. 189 Hansards Gazette clipping, 1843. 190 Wanda MacPhail personal account 2009. 191 Addison Livingston, taped interview 1991, transcribed 2008. 192 Bill Waller interview. 193 Vans Bryant, personal account, shared 2008. 194 Neila and Warren MacKinnon research document, 1991 stored at the Riverview Community Centre. 195 The Guardian, 2004, stored at the Riverview Community Centre. 196 Poem, The Veteran, Lest We Forget, Author Unknown. 197 John MacKinnon, interview 2009. 198 Emily Bryant, Clyde River History Committee member. 199 Janice MacAlduff Clyde River Community Council Administrator 1989 - 2009. 200 Tax Records, P.E.I. Government.

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In the book Tales ofAbegweit, Benjamin Bremner wrote about the conditions on Lot 31 in 1800 at a time when there werefew settlers. "The land was covered with a very heavy growth of wood, principally birch, spruce, hemlock and pine. "It took years ofhard manual labour to clear the land surrounding the Clyde River.

This picture.taken in August 2009, shows large cleared fields by the Clyde River. The large round bales are evidence of fertile land and modern farming practices.