“STILL STANDING”…

Could our future, perhaps be in our past?

• Let us consider the evolution of our Bear River community during the past 150 years. 

• In 1871, the areas that were to become Bear River were two separate communities; Hillsborough in Digby County, and Bridgeport in Annapolis County. 

•  In 1871, there were approximately ninety-two family names in the two areas. Presently, there are approximately twenty-nine family names from that time, still living and/or connected to Bear River. 

•  From 1871 to 1930, approximately thirty-two additional family names were added to the population. Of those, twenty-seven family names are still residents or are connected. This makes a total of approximately fifty-six family names that have been residents of our community over those years.

• At the time between 1871 and up until the 1930’s, a resident anticipating in shopping, visiting or socializing in the village center, would reference their excursion as going, “To the Bridge,” the hub of the community. This location was the center of activity, particularly up until the early 1900s. 

• The hub of the community, with nine roads like the spokes of a wheel, supported industry and experienced great changes and development. 

•  The uniqueness of our Bear River did not and does not stop there. Where do you find a community with four tributaries and the mighty Bay of Fundy all joining together (at the head of the river), within half a kilometer radius? The ironic part is that, despite this natural water movement, we are still a village of limited water supply in the downtown.

•  In reference to the nine roads, eight are still in existence. Many of our roads have been renamed; however we still have some originals like the Chute Road and the Bell Road.

•  Perhaps our only true history connection to road names is now forgotten, that being the Imbert Hill Road, which present day is the extension of the River Road running past the Bear River Volunteer Fire Department. 

•  Also, our uniqueness includes two flats and a level. The historic flats are located at the present-day head of the tide, the site of the prior cooperage mill, and the Clarke flat by Clarke Marsh which is now home of Bear River Millyard Recreation Campground and Cottages. 

•  The level is located adjoining the Bear River Ball Field area along the Lansdowne Road, and was utilized as the shooting range for the First World War recruits. 

•  I guess to summarize this historical piece we need to ask, “Where else in Nova Scotia will you find a community on a tidal river with four tributaries, and eight roads of support and convenience?”