Water Study History…
Previous posts are intended to refresh our memories of our past; lest it be forgotten. It is to provide a record of our events, lifestyle, good times and hard times, growth and decline and hopes and fears, with a consideration of our present-day quality of life, future growth, and activities.
We hope to increase admiration and sustain a sense of pride in our community.
Our recent posts that were descriptive of the 1970’s, were all great, as we certainly had no thoughts of an end. Our community was flourishing. The last post revealed the demise of our principle employment generators, all beyond our control. As a result, private businesses by the end of the 80’s were, or had experienced their results of the diminishing employment revenue, along with high interest rates. This was devastating to us, as it dictated a change in lifestyle, occupation, residents, and outlook.
Because of the diminishing of businesses, and in consideration of our future, the Bear River Board of Trade requested a water study from Annapolis County Planning. This study was received on June 15, 1984.
Quotes from the study are as follows:
“There are 4 reservoirs located on the left side of the main street. They are all large dug wells.”
“Two are presently in use. Reservoir #1 has a legal right of way and is privately owned by a Mr. Robert Benson.”
(at that time)
“Number two reservoir has a storage capacity of 20,000 gallons.” (as did number one.)
“There is also an unused holding reservoir estimated at 20,000 gallons.”
Throughout the 70’s, one of these wells I owned, and the second I leased. I made use of the right-of-way and installed two one-inch water lines, one servicing the Harris House (current location of the ArtWorks Gallery) and the second one was connected to the original iron pipe leading to the basement of the New Horizon’s building. (the only building on Main Street with a basement).
In the basement, Bear River Home Furnishings supplied the pumps (3 used over the years) and a storage tank. The Royal Canadian Legion supplied the power, and this supplied our needs to a degree in the downtown area (on the left side heading East).
Back to the study and a very important part in my mind, “In reference to the drilled wells of the area (ground water wells), the average yield for individual wells in the area is two gallons per minute. In all of the testing, not one well was found to have exceptional yield.”
The study suggests that “a central system in Bear River based on ground wells is an impossibility. These wells have such a small yield that to supply too many homes would result in a shortage. Bear River’s only hope for a central water system is a surface water source.”
This resulted in the study producing four water shed maps on the Harris Brook water shed.
Their estimate for a central system at the time with a chlorinated system was $50,942.00, using a six inch pipe. (over-kill for our needs).
The following year a returning businessman who was born in Bear River area engaged an engineer to check out using the then three wells as a water source. It was “$10,000 for water down town.”
Note: the Oakdene school reservoir is available at present to the best of my knowledge, and not considered in the original study.
Following the water study, under a federal lead program initiated by the Board of Trade, $297,910.00 plus $20,000 consultants costs was approved. Signatures on the contract were Allister C. Milner and Robert A. Benson.
Note: We were replaced by others when the check arrived at the post office, as there was a change in Government. We were no longer involved and a new BREDS administered the program.
The third line on the contract was “to provide potable water for the businesses in the downtown core of the community.”
The second activity, “Install a chlorination plant.”
Hindsight is always great. We need to learn by our mistakes and work on securing an adequate water system for our main street.
Also it should be noted that in the second Annapolis Municipality study dated August 2007, “Bear River is a tidal river, and therefore wells drilled in the downtown area are vulnerable to salt water influence. Background - groundwater quality data in the Bear River area was collected and reported on by Trescott (1969) as part of a report on groundwater resources of the Western Annapolis Valley.”
Since that date, 1969, known wells drilled in this area total six. Of the six, to my knowledge, only two are in use. This is due to a combination of poor water quality and quantity.
To the right of the photo below, is the location of the four existing wells including the school well that have very little use at present time. Certainly, the most sensible concept of a water supply for downtown Bear River would be to develop these reservoirs all located in a very central area.
It should also be noted that the majority of the residents that needed water now have drilled wells.
The mill shown in the left hand corner has been considered the first mill in Bear River, and was run by water power from Harris Brook. The United Church then still had it’s steeple and the original Oakdene Academy is shown just behind our noted oak tree.
The tall tree on the left in the photo was the result of the historic walking stick that was stuck in the ground and grew. The owner had walked from Halifax to Bear River. The deed for the property stated that the tree was not to be cut down.
Bear River Solar Aquatics Waste water Treatment Plant…
Established in 1995, this was a joint venture between the Municipality of Annapolis County, the Government of Canada and the province of Nova Scotia.
The plant was the first Solar Aquatics waste water treatment facility in Canada, and the first full scale plant in North America.
Yes, we were on the leading edge of green communities!
And as a result, were the recipient of the 1995 Sustainable Communities Award and the Innovation Award, which at present has 48 900 000 viewers on their website.
The concept was certainly great, with the late Chris Hawes as the driving force behind Bear River being able to claim fame to being the first in North America.
To have the Annapolis Municipality invest in such a venture, the property that being considered would need to be in the ownership of the municipality, therefore the Board of Trade, released their ownership of the land where the necessary structure was to be located. The land other than the actual site of the sewage facility was to be deeded back to the Board of Trade, and it was.
To deal without sewage in this location could be considered perfect with the land structure of Bear River.
The huge bonus, in addition to eliminating raw sewage going directly in our river by the majority of the downtown residences and businesses, was the major increase in our tourism visitors. Motor coach loads of interested professionals from Eastern US states were visiting our solar aquatics operation. Our annual tourist bureau visitation was nearly 10,000 per season, the greatest draw ever in our history.
This resulted in new people and new guests being exposed to all of the Bear River experiences.
How could we lose?
Did the Province of Nova Scotia and the federal government, since they were contributors to the concept, have any input in the decision to cease operations?
Being the first in most any venture has its disadvantages as well as a steep learning curve, and should have been expected.
What happened? Here comes our hindsight again.
This, we do know, the concept is certainly alive and well in many parts of the world. Why did we not keep up with improvements and necessary changes? Why was the double-glazing not used in the construction?
I remember Carol telling me that it was like a rainstorm in the winter because of the melting frost on the single-glazed glass.
Remember the reported $600, 000.00 cost? Why did we not advance with keeping up with proven changes?
Supply water always seemed to be a problem; our last post #9 will give you the information.
Why did the Municipality drill yet another salt water well that was already determined by their own water studies to not be possible in that area?
Why was the tourism aspect, the greatest man made draw to Bear River, not considered as the merit it truly was, considering the growing demand for eco-villages worldwide?
Bear River could still have its rightful position in eco-tourism, without much immediate effort; however inviting changes to green concepts. This still could be a major draw to Bear River. Future posts will deal more with that.
Understandably, having visitors inside the structure could be a liability; a hazard to both visitors and to the operator. However, interpretive panels could have been used on the exterior, because after all, the structure was glass.
As a result, the solar aquatics project in Bear River was closed and the operator from the beginning of operation, the late Carol Dibble, was given other duties in the municipality.
The Municipality at the time felt that operational costs were too great to support the concept.
We do know that Bear River is privileged to have its sewer system looked after by the Municipalities, both Annapolis and Digby, by the construction of a sewer line from our community to Joggin Bridge.
To all of us who experienced this important phase of Bear River life, it should be understood that we were recognized worldwide as a “first community.”
https://youtu.be/kfPVA1-7wTQ
The Continuation of our Community
In our previous 10 posts, we have attempted to provide descriptions of our natural assets and accounts of how they were used. We also described peak periods, declines and recoveries.
STILL STANDING? Yes we are!
The determination of our forefathers, going back to the Planters, Loyalists, and many after, despite impossible living and working conditions, established a vibrant community.
When our first real settlement began in the latter 1700’s, our area was occupied and enjoyed by the First Nations peoples who experienced a sustainable livelihood from what Mother Nature provided. Their knowledge was certainly of benefit to the new settlers.
We need to understand the intense labor needed to clear land with axes and oxen, build dams to provide water power for mills and lay rock foundations from cut granite, all with limited tools.
Because of this same determination of the descendants of these same families to continue development of our community regardless of discouraging situations, we are still standing.
Because of their faith demonstrated very early during settlement, the provision of five church buildings enabled congregations to worship, enjoy fellowship, guidance and share joy and sorrow in the sanctuary of God’s houses. Congregations, though dwindling, are the longest continual organizations of our community. Photo below.
Please note that in 1900 during our hay day, population was about 2000, and now we are at approximately 700, and STILL STANDING.
Other Organizations and Volunteers…
Since before 1900, some of these organizations were formed in Bear River. In no particular order are the following:
Bear River Agricultural Society formed in 1851; Exhibition building built in 1892 and was used for an off-season as a roller skating rink.
Bear River Cherry Carnival was established in 1893 - Originally organized as a relaxing celebration after haying was completed in July.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch #22-Branch number indicates that our veterans did not hesitate in forming a local branch. It was the 22nd Legion to be established in NS.
Women’s Institute - Organized in Bear River in 1920 - responsible for our war monument and all costs and maintenance involved for many years.
Bear River Volunteer Fire Department - Very active volunteers at present numbering near 40.
The Bear River Board of Trade - Established in 1905, March 19; formerly responsible for the development of much of our public infrastructure.
Masonic Lodge - Established in Bear River in 1851; longstanding for many years with a large Bear River membership.
I.O.O.F and Rebekahs - New Bear River building location in 1920; former home of the Royal Bank.
Mount Hope Cemetery- continual Board of Directors as volunteers since the establishment.
Relatively New Organizations…
Bear River New Horizons-Established by Rev. Foster Hall in 1981.
Bear River Historical Society-first organized by Rev. Foster Hall in 1983
Bear River Medical Centre - Volunteer Board of Directors
Bear River Economic Development Society - Volunteer Board of Directors responsible for the Bear River Trading Company Building with several business tenants.
All of this will give our readers a conceptual idea of the hundreds of volunteers in our community who have been involved over the past many years.
There is much more to be said about these organizations and their volunteers. This indicates how our citizens were involved in our community development.
Most importantly and not forgotten were our community doctors. We were so fortunate to enjoy resident doctors; our last and most presently remembered being Doctor Brennan.
Our first doctor was Dr. Beckwith in 1847, followed by at least 10 others. To the memory of some of us, perhaps in name only are Dr. Black, Dr. Campbell and Dr. Lovett. These were our country doctors who maintained offices in their residences and did house calls when necessary. Photos below.
We were also fortunate to have a drug store with the first pharmacist, L.V Harris, brought here by Dr. Lovett. Mr. Harris was assisted by Ethel Woodworth and Goldie Henderson. Following L.V. Harris, came the Somers family; Claire and David Somers were the pharmacists complimenting our business community.
All of the above can share responsibility for the continuation of our community.
The subject of our next post will attempt to address obvious future opportunities that are in keeping with present world changes.
Ventures Associated with Clarke Marsh…
The glacier and the run off left a flat area of gravel and sand with a mixture of rocks (some with fossils).
Adjoining and below the flat is the marsh area which was another flat area extending out into the river and known as Clarke Marsh.
The first historic recording of the area is in regard to the first cherry trees planted by William Sutherland in 1792 on the upper flat. He stated at the time that, “a curse will be upon the people and a blight upon the trees if a monument is not erected to the memory of me who first brought them here.” A plaque is now erected on the location of the first cherry tree planted at Millyard Recreation.
Recorded in history is the account of over 5000 boxes of cherries sold each season.
Cherries and Bear River were associated from that time to this day. The blight did come; the Cherry Carnival is currently being held, and is one of the longest running festivals in the province. However, the carnival did not run during the Second World War.
Cherry trees do spread by their roots, and at present, there are several young trees growing in the same location as the first cherry tree planted.
Passed down from my family is an account that the first log dwelling in Bear River was a structure on the flat. Uncovered bricks marking the place of a fireplace seemed to indicate that, as some of the bricks are odd shapes and angles.
The next recorded use of the Clarke Marsh was in regard to a tennis court owned by the Y.M.S.C. (Young Men’s Social Club).
The next activity was that of Captain John Benson and his son Reginald in establishing a ship repair yard. I can still remember the steel rails of the haul-up. (constructed in 1922) There still is one of the cross-ties partially covered in the mud. Captain John Benson also established the marine haul-up in Meteghan.
Looking out of our kitchen window in 1943, I still remember an old green truck going down the hill to the flat loaded with mill machinery. This was the beginning of the moving of the steam mill from Sundown Lake in Victory to Bear River by the Darres Brothers, Aaron and Titus, families and mill crew. Also, with them came the horse Bob.
Water was supplied by an existing mill pond as there had been a steam mill prior in connection with the Benson Shipyard.
Later the first electric mill came in to being at a slightly different location on the river bank. Power was supplied by an underwater cable 7 ½” in circumference connecting to a power source on the Chute Road.
Darres Brothers sold their mill to Bernard Alcorn, following an upgrading of the mill. Unfortunately their mill burned down completely. I remember riding my bike on the River Road looking down at the mill, and because the doors were open, I could see flames coming up through the floor. I rushed home and my father Harry Benson called the telephone office where the alarm was sent from. Bear River’s very new fire truck arrived on the scene; however, it was too late to save the mill.
Bernard Alcorn had a new electric mill constructed and eventually a barker and chipper was installed to deal with the edgings. The power for the new mill was then overhead also from the Chute Road with the transformers in front of the mill. Logs at the time were hauled in full lengths and rolled from the River Road down. A tractor replaced the horse team hauling the logs to the man-made huge water tank at the mill.
The counter weight for the tractor is now part of the foundation under our bandstand at the Millyard. Also, one of the large bed logs from the ship yard is located where the Fire Hall is currently located.
Many locals worked at the mill and there is currently a record of the available names in the main building at the Millyard campground, along with those from the Victory Mill.
Following Mr. Alcorn’s death, Gerald Buckler operated the Mill for several years. John Brittain later became the mill owner followed by Charlie Andrews.
The ventures undertaken at Clarke Marsh and level were in keeping with Bear River’s history; shipyards and mills. During a period of history, 1923-43, no business action was recorded at the location.
A similar time span took place following the mill closure as the land grew into a mixture of blackberry bushes and trees of all descriptions in the mixture of sawdust, slate and gravel.
In 2010, construction of the campground began within the guidelines of the building regulations which restricted conventional buildings; for example, permanent house construction.
We have grown to 7-cottage overnight tourist accommodations plus tenting and RV sites, enjoying approximately 1500 guests per season. This is intended to be part of my legacy to Bear River; plus increasing visitor traffic to our village.
Mother Nature provides the greater part of our guest experiences.
1. First the river and the tides; all of the water leaving the river is a wonderment. The river also offers the site of herring breaking water, seals as they fish, striped bass as they roll in the quiet of the night.
2. The variety of vegetation with over 24 varieties of trees that we have conducted contests of identification.
3. The variety of birds, land and sea, the eagles being the most admired followed by the blue heron, dipper ducks, mallards, seagulls and crows, just to name a few.
4. In addition to river vegetation includes marsh greens and grass and a general supply of rock weed on the rock ledges. The ledges are accompanied by several other varieties of rocks; some with fossils.
5. The sunsets over our river, along with the smell of smoke from the campfires usually determine a memorial close of the day.
6. These attributes result in a common remark regarding Bear River Millyard Campground and Cottages (which we enjoy hearing),“so peaceful and relaxing.”
Yes, Mother Nature has made our site a natural vacation package. Eco-tourism at its best!
MOST IMPORTANTLY…
Bear River is a very special place offering many opportunities to develop our tourism industry, with nature’s help.
We need to spread the word that “development is welcome,” resulting in maintaining our rightful tourism place and utilizing our natural attributes.