Small History NS

Hi! I've been meaning to do this for a while. A thread about 19th-century Nova Scotian newspapers and what @smallhistory is about. I'm a historian and this account grew out of my ongoing research on the history of rural Nova Scotia.

Hi friends

Miss Maria Morrison arrived home from Boston today. More of the Boston “birds” are expected. Welcome. Oban Jul 24 1900

A prominent educationalist of our town is a recent convert to cycling. He sticks on pretty well for a beginner, too. Wolfville Jul 23 1897

The Cole Bros Circus arrived by train. After the parade, Madame Zizi leaped over a herd of elephants on a bicycle. The performance in the rings was exceptionally good: the leaping, the trapeze, the tight wire walking, and 31 funny clowns drew great applause. Truro Jul 22 1908

Mr Prince Penney and son saw a mammoth fish off Cape Sable, its body larger than a puncheon and 10 feet long, with two fins resembling fans and a tail like a slender appendage to the enormous bulk. Veteran fisherman set it down as a thrasher. Jul 21 1887

Our bay is full of Margarets Bay and Tancook boats, waiting for Mr Mackerel. Chester Jul 20 1887

Mr George Casson has Early Rose potatoes which were only planted 62 days ago, and now yield a handsome crop of fine smooth potatoes, averaging in weight eight ounces apiece. Truro Jul 19 1895

Haying, with all its rush, will commence in earnest this week. The crop on good uplands and dry marshes is a large one, and on poor uplands and wet marshes, it is average. Folly Village Jul 18 1898

The hand-organ man was in town this week. He had, at times, quite an audience. Classical selections such as the “Irish Washerwoman” and “The Girl I Left Behind Me” are always much appreciated in Wolfville. Long life to he of the hurdy-gurdy. Jul 17 1896

Master Frank Bent handed us a ripe raspberry today. The first this season. Digby Jul 16 1890

Now let us go picnicking. The grass is looking fine. Fine days for wheeling the baby out. How do you like this fine, mild weather? The country presents a charming appearance now. St Peters Jul 15 1896

A much needed improvement is being made in our village. The sidewalks, that were in a very delapitated condition, are now being thoroughly repaired. Lower Stewiacke Jun 21 1898

The shipping in the river gives the place a business appearance. Bridgewater Jun 18 1901

A new kind of churn has been invented by Mr Carmi Nickerson, Cape Island. It is an upright cylinder and works something on the egg-beater principle by turning a crank at the top. Jun 17 1886

The case against TS Moore, who was charged with having in his possession a number of counterfeit two Dollar Dominion Bank notes, came up this morning before Judge Morse. The accused pleaded guilty and was fined $125 with twelve hours imprisonment. Amherst Jun 5 1900

Mr Gee P Henry of Halifax paid this place a visit last week in the interest of the SPC. Complaints had been made to the society concerning William Mason’s dog biting several children and also about a lame cow. We believe the visit will do good. Port Dufferin May 30 1903

Mira River is one of the noted trout streams of the Province. Last week, four fishermen on this famous stream, in one day, captured 65 trout, weighing 80 pounds. The largest weighed over five pounds, and several were over two and half pounds each. May 29 1899

The Young Hawk, 4 years old, whose sire is the well known Black Hawk and dam is of the well known Andrew, stock of Judique, will stand for the season at Creignish, Port Hastings, River Inhabitants, River Dennis, and Judique. Terms: Four dollars for the season. May 16 1883

The weather is simply wonderful. Vegetation is blooming out in the most luxuriant fashion, under the influence of the warm, seasonable rains and fine days. Cherry, pear, plum, and early apple trees are already in bloom. Bridgetown May 15 1889