Description Roland Sherwood's Pictou Parade

Eight (Sec. C) - Pictou Advocate. Wed. Sept 20, 1979

Roland Sherwood’s

Pictou Parade

BALLOTS

Now that the provincial election is over it might be well to remember that the secret election ballot became law in Nova Scotia one hundred and eight years ago.  And it also became law to hold one day elections.  Prior to that, voters stood up on a platform, raised their hand and declared for which candidate they voted.  And that was the signal for a barrage of rotten eggs, and over- ripe fruit to be aimed at the voter.  Both sides took part in plastering voters of opposite preference. 

                Before 1870, voting took nearly a week.  Now, one day is the law.  Except, of course, for the advanced polls, made necessary for those who will be away from their normal place of voting. 

Library

 

LIBRARY

                When John A. Fisher, late editor of the Pictou Advocate died, his will included a fund done under the name of the fisher Memorial Library that functioned for many years. 

                Today the town of Pictou Library has replaced the Fisher Memorial Library, but, I believe a plaque of the Fisher Library is in view in the Coleraine street library.  I wonder when the Fisher Memorial Library ceased to carry that name in favor of the Pictou Regional Library?

 

OLD ROAD

                When John A. Fisher was editing the Pictou Advocate, he delighted to take daily walk out what was then called, “The old Road.” He often stated that this scenic route should be the main entrance to the town, and when he passed on, his will included funds to pave that road for a certain distance.

                This was done, but the paving laid down was narrow, but served the purpose for many years until it broke up.  Then the town re-paved the road adding more width, and about a year ago (1977) Town council decreed that the name “Old Road” be changed to “Halliburton Road.”

                John Fisher would be pleased had he lived, to see the road become an important entrance to town, with Mortimer Place, Sutherland- Harris Memorial Hospital, the medical Clinic, Strathcona Place, Oddfellows Home, Blink Bonnie, Dunromin Terrace, MacCulloch House, Hector Exhibit Center, and many fine homes located along the route. 

 

WARNING

 

                When the first model T. Ford came to Pictou, it was owned by one of the town councilors at the time.  At that time Water and Front streets were not paved.  They were dusty and the gravel flew from the wheels of “speeding” vehicles. From out of town, of course!

                But “speeding” vehicles weren’t only autos, which were few, but those driving fast stepping horses.  These latters were wont to race up and down the streets. 

                The councilor who owned the first Ford, was restricted to the speed of 10 to 15 miles per hour, and resented the drivers who have the right of way.  Some, to curb the speeders with horse and buggy to the same speed he was compelled to drive his car, this councilor posted signs along Water and Front streets.  The signs read: “Drive slow and see our town.  Drive fast and see our jail.”

 

MEMORIAL

                It is now 211 years (as of 1978) since the first settlers arrived here on the Betsey, and there is nothing to mark this historic period in the life of Pictou. 

                Back in 1923, the descendant of those who came on the Hector in 1773, erected a memorial to those pioneers.  Tat memorial is in Hector Square.

                Over the long years the Hector people have overshadowed the Betsey people, although both were dew=serving of remembrance.  Wouldn’t it be fitting if a huge boulder could be placed on the foot of Hector Square, upon which could be place da tablet commemorating the arrival of the Betsey people in 1767.

                Maybe descendants of those Betsey people could give this some thought and work toward something tangible to recall the first settlers.  

 

PARTING THOUGHT

“Fond memory brings the light of other days around me…”

 

By Roland H. Sherwood (D,Litt.)

Historical writer