AN INVITATION
The Village of Bear River
Historically referred to as “The Switzerland of Nova Scotia”
Contemplating visiting or already in the Digby and Annapolis Royal area? We sincerely welcome you to share our unique river valley discovered in 1609. Take an exit, any exit, either 23, 24, or 25, and head in a southerly direction, 5-8 km to the village of Bear River.
Titles given to the village through the decades include The Switzerland of Nova Scotia, Tidal Village, A Place Like No Other, and The Artisan Home.
As described years ago of Bear River, “it leaves you barren of words, either for description or appreciation.”
For photographers – Outdoor Enthusiasts …
Capture photos of our river valleys. Hills laden with a mixture of hardwood and softwood trees include oak, maple, ash, beech, locust, cherry and poplars that were brought by the Germans. All offer a variety of greens in the spring and brilliant orange and red shades in the fall.
Check out the riverbanks and tributaries, with rock formations of several varieties, along with granite boulders deposited as a gift from the glaciers.
Also view large older homes built upon steep hillsides, by shipbuilders. See the Bay of Fundy Tides rising at the mouth of the river to a height of 28ft, and our fantastic sunsets over the calm river. This natural phenomena have inspired visitors for decades.
Note: Early history refers to Bear River as the Rhine of Nova Scotia.
History Culture and Geneaology Buffs …
In advance of the European presence, the Mi’kmaq were the only residents of the land. They welcomed newcomers and were much more peaceful than mainland tribes.
The communities of Bridgeport and Hillsborough later to become known as Bear River, began settlements to a greater degree in the late 1700’s, with the Planters, then the United Empire Loyalists who were mostly from the New York area.
Among the Loyalists, were German soldiers hired by the British Crown. This resulted in the Waldek line and the Hessian line settlements. Because of the Loyalist family connections to the New England area, particularly Boston, many from Bear River took the steamer from Yarmouth Nova Scotia to Boston, some becoming permanent residents. This was mainly during the 1900’s.
Shipbuilding became the primary industry, contributing to the population growth to slightly over 2000 in 1901. At that time, approximately 150 ships were recorded as being built in Bear River. One notable ship was the Dei Gratia (Brigantine) built in 1871. She became famous in 1872 when she discovered the mystery ship Mary Celeste. The largest ship built in Bear River was the Tamar E. Marshall, a barque of 434 tons and a length of 204ft.
Our museum is located in our former Oakdene School, on Clementsvale Road. There you can view photos and other historical presentations.
While there, view one of the largest recorded red oak trees in Nova Scotia.
Our war memorial and cemeteries, Mount Hope and the United Empire Loyalist enable visitors to check out the many family names with connection to New England, Ontario, and the Maritimes.
Most families living in Bear River had a trade, business, industry or title connected to their name.
Studios, Food and Wine
While in Bear River, enjoy our artisan studios. There is a map showing their location and descriptions available. The Flight of Fancy located on the Main Street, has been recognized as the best fine art and fine art retailers in Atlantic Canada.
Visit Myrtle and Rosie’s for breakfast or lunch.
Bear River has two wineries, Bear River Vineyards at 133 Chute Road, and Casa Nova Cidery and Winery at 2635 Clementsvale Road.
The information bureau is located on the main street, known as Clementsvale Road, and welcomes the opportunity to answer any questions.
We invite you to discover our past, enjoy our present, and envision our future.
1. Gnarly Tree-the remains of an old Bear River cherry tree planted before 1900.
2. Cherry Tree from the roots of the original trees planted in BR in the late 1700s.
3. Wild pear
A bit of Bear River history…
These two photos reveal an interesting part of our past. We had a permanent dock with steps for boat traffic in the river. The River Queen is at this dock with passengers and myself, Bob Benson aboard. The boat was built by Harry Benson, my father and was the last Benson built boat in Bear River. The length of this vessel was 26ft and built with local oak for the keel, stem, ribs and floor timbers. Planking was local air dried pine. She was launched in May 1956, the same year as the photo.
The Main Street of Bear River was and is all filled in material, cribbing and rock from the bottom of the hills on each side of the river. Over the years periodically, we see the bridge appearing higher than the road as the filled in areas continue to drop and require added toppings.
Launching of the River Queen 1956
River Queen at the Bear River docks 1956. Background in this photo shows the deterioration of the crib work of our Main Street at that time.
December 1957 the old original crib work of the main street was replaced. It shows a section of Main Street missing as the new treated crib work was constructed
Bear River Cherry Carnival History
Cherry trees were first brought here from England by William Sutherland in the late 1700’s, and were planted on the upper flat of Clarke's Marsh.
It was recorded in approximately 1910 that the oldest cherry tree was cut down about 1840 and “had grown to an immense size.”
“A curse will be upon the people and a blight upon the trees if a monument be not erected to the memory of him who first brought them here.” Quote from a 19th Century history book of Annapolis County (previously the district of Clements).
Fact: the blight did come and many trees did die.
In 1902, the first Provincial Department of Agriculture set up a model cherry orchard in Bear River to encourage the interest in the form of Bear River cherries.
In 1893, the first Cherry Carnival was held in celebration of the end of haying season and has continued until the present time, with the exceptions of during the Second World War and during the 2020-2022 pandemic.
Historically, people literally came by local boatload from as far away as Grand Manon and Freeport, Nova Scotia.
Carnival is held in July. Come celebrate with us.
Remember When…
This post will deal with a variety of items and remembrances from the late 40’s, early 50’s and a bit beyond. We welcome anyone to add to this continuing list in order to preserve some of our known history at this time.
The following are in no special order. They are from memory and I hope you find this interesting.
• Main Street Bear River was not paved.
• The Main Street bridge was a single lane with a sidewalk on each side.
• The Main Street was filled with people on Saturday nights.
• Thousands of people attended the Cherry Carnival.
• Cherries were sold by the tree.
• There were no school buses.
• Conveyor belts stocked pulp wood.
• The Lugunver steamer loaded pulp wood for the Lincoln Pulp Company.
• Later a converter landing barge carried 500 cords of pulpwood down the river every week through the summer season.
• The Bear River Trading Company carried a dry goods department with several lines of showcases.
• A.B Marshall’s grocery store later became Darres Brothers.
• R.N Harris’ variety store featuring photos and ice cream.
• Stewart Darres’ grocery store, ice cream and pinball machines .
• D. I. Jacks General Store also had livestock feed.
• Sanford’s Meat Market, always known as Allies.
• George Benson’s Meat Market by Campbell’s Brook.
• Ralph Purdy and Will Brittain working in the Trading Company.
• School bell rang every school day.
• Church bells rang every Sunday.
• All businesses were busy from open to close.
• Ox and horse teams were common.
• Two steam mills were in operating.
• Riverview Lodge was busy with summer visitors. Mrs. B.C Clarke.
• Purdy’s Ship Chandeliers.
• Chester and Mary Kaulback were operating a lunch counter in the Masonic Lodge Building.
• Rice Brother’s operated 2 taxi’s.
• Harry Harris operated the Irving Service Station and drove the mail from Bear River Station.
• Fred Harris was our Harbor Master.
• Lloyd Sanford operated the B.A Garage.
• Dr. Lovett, Dr. Campbell and Dr. Brennan were our doctors at different times.
• L.V. Harris was our druggist assisted by Helen Woolworth and Goldie Henderson.
• Coasting was not allowed on either side of our two big hills.
• Louis Banks was operating the Blacksmith Shop.
• Logs were being hauled to the mill in long lengths on long trailers.
• The Joe White was the Bear River tug.
• Black out practice was held during the Second World War.
• Sugar, gas and molasses were rationed during and post war.
This is half of the currently prepared list but please feel free to add your own memories you may have, or those of your parents or grandparents. This is our history.