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Electric Scotland News
Get Ready For Arbroath Sea Fest 2014
Arbroath Sea Fest 2014, which takes place at Arbroath Harbour on August 9+10, will be even bigger and better this year – if that’s possible!
“After the breathtaking success of last year’s weekend-long event, we’re pulling out all the stops to ensure this year’s two day programme of seaside celebrations is packed full of even more fun, even more live music and even more things to see and do,” said Marco Macari, Chair of Arbroath Sea Fest.
Following the March meeting of Arbroath Sea Fest Committee, Marco confirmed that the theme of this year’s Sea Fest will once again be A Weekend At The Seaside. “This theme gave us so much scope and went down very well with the thousands of people who came along,” said Marco.
“However, we have a few surprises planned for this year’s event – and we’re always looking for new ideas. If anyone has any thoughts about activities or events we could include in Sea Fest 2014, please contact our Event Manager, Eleanor Whitby, by emailing Eleanor@redpepperevents.com.”
Over 25,000 people flocked to Arbroath Sea Fest 2014, ensuring a considerable boost for many local businesses, including eating places, pubs and accommodation providers. “Sea Fest has well and truly established itself as a super day out for all the family and attracts visitors from far and near,” said Councillor Alex King, who is a member of Arbroath Sea Fest Committee.
“Last year’s record breaking crowds were great news for Arbroath and the surrounding area – and not only because so many people came along and had a great time. Many of them used their visit to Sea Fest as an excuse to see more of Arbroath, boosting the local economy and further enhancing our town’s reputation as a must-visit destination.”
And if you manage to go remember to have a taste of the famous Arbroath Smokies!
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World Hickory Open Returns To Carnoustie Country
This October, the World Hickory Open 2014, an international golf competition celebrating golf’s hickory heritage, will ensure the east of Scotland remains in the global media spotlight after the Ryder Cup.
This is the third year Carnoustie Country has hosted the World Hickory Open, with this year’s tournament being played on 7/8 October across the world-famous links course at Panmure, on the outskirts of Carnoustie, Angus. “The World Hickory Open 2013, which was at Montrose, was an outstanding success,” said Lionel Freedman, co-founder and Director of the World Hickory Open, who explained that competitors in this tournament use hickory golf clubs almost identical to those favoured by golfers a century or more ago.
There is an interesting video about Hickory Golf at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/show...ormation-Video
And now we're promoting two series of books...
NE Scotland
Interested in the northeast of Scotland? Planning a visit, have roots there, or just want to know more about its heritage and history? If so, the Banffshire Maritime and Heritage Associations books may be of interest to you.
The following e-books are currently available to download from Amazon.com:
Along the Coast Burghead to Portknockie $2.57 (Printed copies sold out)
Along the Coast Cullen to Pennan $2.57
Along the Coast Pennan to St. Fergus $2.57 (Printed copies sold out)
Along the Coast St. Fergus to The Bridge of Don $2.57
Also available is our most popular book:
The Herring Lassies – Following the Herring. $4.09 (Illustraited)
Note: I personally purchased this one in Kindle format and really enjoyed it.
Books are also available on other Amazon domains.
Printed copies of Cullen to Pennan and St. Fergus to The Bridge of Don can be ordered at: www.banffshiremaritime.org.uk along with copies of our other books.
All proceeds from the books go to the Banffshire Maritime and Heritage Association registered charity number SCO 40505.
Guelph Series in Scottish Studies
Covering more than five centuries of Scottish history, this collection documents the diverse and influential role of Scottish Christianity in both Scotland and as part of the nation’s global diaspora. With work from established and new scholars, Keeping the Kirk confronts Christianity’s interactions with gender, race, language, and education, among other themes. This third volume in the Guelph Series in Scottish Studies asks new questions about Scottish religion while providing a number of thought-provoking answers.
It can be purchased from the Guelph Centre for Scottish Studies at:
https://www.uoguelph.ca/scottish/guelphseries
Electric Canadian
Nova Scotia Historical Society, Reports and Collections
I have found a number of volumes from this Society and have added the first four to get you started. I'll be adding more as I find them.
I added Volume VII 1889/91 which includes, Vinland, Notes on Census of 1767, Early History of St. George's Church (Part 2.), Papers relating to Early History of Church of England in Nova Scotia, Deportation of Negroes from Nova Scotia to Sierra Leone.
You can read this volume at http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...ions/index.htm
Federation for Scottish Culture in Nova Scotia
Got in a copy of their Broadsword Magazine which you can view at
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...word/index.htm
Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia Nationhood Proclamation
Added a few other videos to this page at http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...tia/mikmaq.htm
Bert Lloyd's Boyhood
A Story from Nova Scotia by J. MacDonald Oxley, LL.D. (1892). A new book we're starting.
PREFACE
THERE is something so pleasing to the author of this volume — the first of several which have been kindly received by his American cousins — in the thought of being accorded the privilege of appearing before a new audience in the “old home,” that the impulse to indulge in a foreword or two cannot be withstood.
And yet, after all, there would seem to be but two things necessary to be said: — Firstly, that in attempting a picture of boy life in Nova Scotia a fifth of a century ago, the writer had simply to fall back upon the recollections of his own school-days, and that in so doing he has striven to depart as slightly as possible from what came within the range of personal experience; and, Secondly, while it is no doubt to be regretted that Canada has not yet attained that stage of development which would enable her to support a literature of her own, it certainly is no small consolation for her children, however ardent their patriotism, who would fain enter the literary arena, that not only across the Border, but beyond the ocean in the Motherland, there are doors of opportunity standing open through which they may find their way before the greatest and kindliest audience in the world.
J. MACDONALD OXLEY.
Ottawa, Canada,
29th August, 1892
We now have the first seven chapters up which you can read at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...hood/index.htm
A History of Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia
By Frank H. Patterson, LL.D (1917). Another new book we're starting.
PREFACE
IT is not without misgivings that the writer presents this book to the public. Its subject matter is such that to do full justice to those mentioned therein, it should have been written at least one-half a century ago and by one who was either personally acquainted with the facts or had received them first hand. To endeavour at this late date to tell the story of the trials and hardships of our pioneers, many of whom have departed almost a century ago is well nigh an impossible task. That this book will fall far short of rendering a true appreciation of their labours none can be more conscious than the writer. But every year the difficulty of obtaining accurate information of former years becomes greater, for each year there are slipping from our midst men and women whose minds were veritable storehouses of the traditions and folk-lore of the past. Much of the information contained in these pages, the writer feels sure, could not be obtained ten or twenty years hence. It is better that the effort be made now and that a record, imperfect as it is, be rendered than that the lives and deeds of our early pioneers should never be known to the public.
Then, too, the writer has doubts as to the accuracy of several statements contained in the Dages of this book Still, apart from minor detail he thinks that the matter will not be found inconsistent with fact. That errors, especially n the genealogical records, have crept in inevitably follows from the very nature of the work.
The writer has experienced difficulty in determining to what area of country to confine his remarks. There is no statutory district of Tatamagouche and what country is to be included under that name is a question to which no definite answer can be given. Dealing with the earlier years when the settlers were few and information limited a larger scope of country has been included. During the last years references have been confined almost entirely to the village of Tatamagouche itself. Though New Annan and Earltown have not been included in the writer's observations, he has nevertheless inserted some quotations from the “History of Pictou County” regarding their settlement.
The genealogical records the writer, as a rule, has carried only to the first generation. Of those coming to Tatamagouche subsequent to 1850 no notice has been given other than to the head of the family.
Four years ago when this work was begun there was but little known to the public of the early history of this place; what references there were, being confined to a few pages in the “History of Pictou County” and “Memoirs of Dr. MacGregor” by the late Dr. Patterson. Without the information there a future history of Tatamagouche could have little value, for in these books and in these books only, is found the material that can form a good foundation for any historical work on Tatamagouche. Information concerning the early French period the writer has obtained from French documents contained in “Le Canada Francais” and also from the two books by Dr. Patterson mentioned above.
A lengthy letter by S. D. Scott, now editor of the “News-Advertiser,” Vancouver, and published in the “Colchester Sun” of July 31, 1893, contained many interesting facts relating to the days of the DesBarres estate. That papers belonging to Colonel DesBarres and pertaining to his Tatamagouche property are extant there seems little doubt. The contents of the above mentioned letter show that at the time of its publication such papers must have been in existence and its author, Mr. Scott, has informed the writer that a great deal of his information was obtained from an account of the Tatamagouche estate written for Col. DesBarres in 1790 by a Capt. McDonald of Prince Edward Island. The original manuscript was borrowed by Air. Scott from the late Sir Robert Wetherbee but since then it has been lost. The late Louis DesBarres of Halifax had, so it is said, many interesting papers of Colonel DesBarres in his possession, but what has become of them since his death is not known.
For information concerning happenings of later dates, the writer is indebted to many people in this community who have supplied him with old documents, family records, etc. Papers originally belonging to Well wood Waugh, Rev. Hugh Ross and the Rev. Robert Blackwood may in particular be mentioned.
Knowledge of matters within living memory has been obtained from many of our older inhabitants. Information concerning the development and decline of the shipbuilding industry has also been obtained from the same source. With the compiling of the list of vessels built at Tatamagouche the writer must publicly acknowledge the assistance of R. P. Fraser, Esq., Collector of Customs at Pictou, who undertook the tiring work of making out this list from the Custom records at that port. Records of vessels built before 1840 were obtained by the writer from the Custom records at Halifax.
Of those at Tatamagouche who have assisted the writer in the collecting and the arranging of the material contained herein, the public will pardon him when he mentions in particular his father, the late W. A. Patterson His thorough knowledge of conditions in Tatamagouche for the last fifty years—a knowledge acquired from a most intimate association with its people—and his retentive memory, which permitted him to recall with accuracy the events of fifty or sixty years ago, have made possible this present work. Mention must also be made of James Bryden of the village who has gone to no little trouble to assist the writer, particularly in gathering information of matters relating to the “forties” and “fifties” and the days of the shipbuilding industry. The writer may also mention his friend, W. M. Nelson, for whose assistance the writer gives this public acknowledgment. To the various others at Tatamagouche who in one way or another have lent their aid the writer extends his thanks.
Of those elsewhere he feels that he should mention two. Major J. P. Edwards of Halifax, although having no particular interest in Tatamagouche, has given the writer the greatest assistance; his library, one of the best collections of Canadian Historic works in Canada, and which is now owned by Acadia College, Wolfville, was placed as far as possible at the use of the writer. Information was secured from
Major Edwards and his library which could not be obtained elsewhere. W. F. Ganong, Ph.D., of Smith College, Northampton, has also assisted the writer, particularly by his explanation of the local nomenclature.
If, with all its defects and errors, this work is successful in a small measure at least in saving from oblivion the records of our past and in stimulating a more lively interest in the lives and labors of our pioneers—men and women whose memory deserves our highest respect—then the writer feels that he has not labored in vain.
Frank H. Patterson. Tatamagouche, N. S., Aug. 29th, 1917.
You can read this book and a couple of videos at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...uche/index.htm
The Flag in the Wind
This weeks issue was compiled by Clare Adamson where she starts of by saying... To say it has been a bad few days for the no campaign would be a bit of an understatement.
There is also a Synopsis this week.
You can read this issue at http://www.scotsindependent.org
Electric Scotland
Alexander Murdoch (1841-1891)
A Scottish Engineer, Poet, Author, Journalist
Added a third book called "Scotch Readings: Humorous and Amusing" and we're breaking this down into individual chapters for you to read. We've added two more chapters, "The Ministers Mistake" and "The Tailor Mak's The Man" which you can find at the foot of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...doch/index.htm
Tait's Edinburgh Magazine
This is now the final issue of this magazine and here is what I found...
The Night Third-Class Train to Glasgow
The nicely-printed yellow excursion hand-bills of the London and North-Western Railway Company afforded the gratifying information that you may be caried from Euston-square to Glasgow, and back again from Glasgow to Euston-square, for forty-two shillings, at any time within twenty-eight days.
You can the rest of this article at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...cles/train.htm
Major General Sir Henry Havelock, K.C.B.
This article starts...
Every circumstance connected with the history of this great and good man must have its interest. The publication of the present volume has been delayed that further particulars and documents received from India during the present year might be added.
The birth and parentage of Sir Henry Havelock have been stated over and over again: for the information of those who have never read, or may have forgotten, that statement, we may briefly say that he was born at Ford Hall, Bishop Wearmouth, a suburb of Sunderland, on the 6th of April, 1796.
A very long pedigree haa been assigned to him, and his descent traced back to the Norse kings. He is esteemed for his own rare qualities and valiant deeds, and therefore he need not draw on the resources of these defunct gentlemen for his respectability.
You can read the rest of this article and a book about him at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...g/havelock.htm
State of the Reform Bill
In last December a few lines were published in a newspaper of the East of Scotland, recording the death of a ploughman, apparently at a good old age, in no extraordinary manner, but probably from the exhaustion of life spent in hard labour, until the fine machine was worn out and could go no longer. This announcement was copied by nearly all the papers, yet the ploughman had been guilty of no great crime, was descended from no marked family, had been involved in no noted transaction, had exhibited no genius beyond being perhaps a little pawkie and shrewd, and of no grievous iniquity had he been the victim. His path through life was distinguished only by his capacity for keeping money. He was heir to nobody who could increase his riches, and no person, in any caprice, had included him in a last “will” All his means had been produced by his own strength, and he was less remarkable for earning than for keeping, Economy was the secret of Ms little fortune and the man died worth six or seven hundred pounds.
You can read the rest of this article at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...eform_bill.htm
and this now concludes our work on these magazines.
Robert Burns Lives!
Thomas Campbell of Pencloe, New Cumnock, Ayrshire (1746 - 1831) By Chris Rollie, St John’s Town of Dalry, Galloway.
I like Chris Rollie! He is a plain-spoken man and you always know where he stands. He is direct and to the point. I will always appreciate Chris’s honesty and forthrightness. He is a man of the people and in my view no higher compliment can be paid to anyone. I’ve gotten to know Chris through his two books on our Bard -Robert Burns and New Cumnock (1996) followed by Robert Burns in England (2009). The latter was written to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Burns. I feel it was one of the better books written during that period to honor Burns. For a review of this highly commended work, I refer you to Chapter 52 in ourRobert Burns Lives! index written May 28, 2009.
Another avenue through which I have gotten to know Chris is email. He is quick to respond and willing to share what he knows and feels about Burns, a hard combination to beat. When I wrote him recently with a request for an article on Burns, he responded quickly to my email: “Frank, good to hear from you. Very pressed for time right now but please find attached a short article on a hitherto little known correspondence of Burns, Thomas Campbell of Pencloe.” So I had his piece in hand the same day despite the time difference between Scotland and America. Chris’s encouragement is always appreciated and uplifting, and I greatly value the shout out at the end of an email: “All power to your work, my friend.”
It never fails to amaze me how much writing Burns did and to the number of people he wrote. It never fails to astound me at the new works on him that continually appear. We are repeatedly finding letters, articles, etc. from a man who has been dead nearly 225 years. OK, don’t get excited – 218 years!
Chris is an Area Manager for RSPB Scotland, the country’s largest nature conservation charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and all wildlife. Their goal is to inspire everyone to give nature a home and with their partners protect threaten birds and wildlife so Scotland’s towns, coast and countryside will once again teem with life. It would not at all surprise me to see a future book by Chris on Robert Burns and Birds. Anyone out there willing to take a wager? I’m sure you will enjoy Chris’s article below as much as I did. (FRS 4.2.14)
You can read this article at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...s_lives198.htm
Thomas Dick Lauder
This is an author that wrote many historical books and we are going to be bringing you a selection of his books over the next few months.. We are starting on his 3 volume book "Lochandu".
Added another two chapters to this book which you can find at the foot of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...er_thomas1.htm
Enigma Machine
Added puzzle 56 which you can get to at http://www.electriccanadian.com/life.../enigma056.htm
Scottish Historical Review
We've added the April 1921 issue. This issue includes an article on "The Stuart Papers at Windsor Castle".
You can read this issue at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...w/volume18.htm
The Book of Scottish Anecdote
Humorous, Social, Legendary and Historical edited by Alexander Hislop, eighth edition.
Added pages 102 to 151.You can read these at: http://www.electricscotland.com/history/anecdote
Alan Cunningham
This distinguished poet entered the world under those lowly circumstances, and was educated under those disadvantages, which have so signally characterized the history of the best of our Scottish bards.
We've added another two chapters (VIII and IX) to the Life of Alan Cunningham.
You can read these at the foot of his page at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...gham_allan.htm
Scottish Ghost Stories
By Elliot O'Donnell (1911).
This is a collection of Ghost stories we're bringing you and now up to chapter XII which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/kids/ghost/index.htm
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's Trip to Scotland
By Thomas Dick Lauder (1843).
We're now up to chapter XII where they are in Dalkeith and here is how this chapter starts...
Werxes himself, in all his pride, pomp, and pageantry, when receiving the slavish adulation of millions, could have had but small gratification, compared with that reaped by Queen Victoria from the honest and enthusiastic, though simple, greetings of her Scottish subjects. Fatigued by the exertions and excitement of that day, and filled as she must have been by the consciousness of possessing the combined love of a whole people, the Queen’s slumbers must have been sweet, and it may well be imagined that Sunday was indeed to her a day of rest. Her Majesty, however, was out with the Prince by nine o’clock, and having taken their way along the terraces, they crossed the bridge to the eastward of the palace, and then winding along some beautiful shady walks, through a wood of tall beeches and other trees, there clothing the whole northern banks of the river, they found out the new kitchen garden, recently constructed under the direction of Mr. Macintosh, whom the Queen had known as gardener to King Leopold at Claremont, and whom Her Majesty, with great condescension, immediately recognised as an old acquaintance. The garden contains about twenty imperial acres, five of which are within the inner wall. From a terrace on the western side, a very picturesque view of the town of Dalkeith, and the valley of the North Esk, is enjoyed. Returning by a different way through the same wood, where the sylvan roof of foliage is supported at a great height overhead, by the clear and columnar stems of the timber, the Queen and the Prince inquired of Macintosh, whether they could get directly across to the palace without retracing their steps. Macintosh told Her Majesty, that there was a temporary bridge, of the two planks wide, laid upon trestles, for the convenience of some workmen employed in making a new walk through the shrubbery on the south bank of the river, but that it was by no means a fit passage for Her Majesty. The Queen, however, thought otherwise, for, proceeding directly to the planks, she crossed them without the least hesitation, and returned to the palace by the new walk. A rake, over which Her Majesty stepped as it lay in her way, was afterwards scrambled for, and it has been since carefully preserved as a sacred relic by the person to whose lot it happily chanced to fall.
You can read this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...index.htm#trip
Beth's Newfangled Family Tree
Got in her Section 2 of her April issue which you can read at http://www.electricscotland.com/bnft
Clan Leslie International
Got in the February/March 2014 newsletter which you can read at http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...ters/leslieint
Clan Elliot
Got in a communication about the name Elliot which I've added to the Clan Elliot history page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...g/elliot2.html
Clan Munro
Got in their April 2014 newsletter which you can read at http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...sletters/munro
The Unsolved murder of Willie MacRae
This is still a most unusual case with the British establishment sticking to their version that he committed suicide. Got this article in from a person that knew him well.
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...lie_macrae.htm
Stirling's Butterflees
A new song from John Henderson which you can read at
http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerel530.htm
And Finally...
Here are a few wee stories from "The Book of Scottish Anecdote"...
HOW TO HEAT A CHURCH:
A minister of West Anstruther applied to Sir Robert of that ilk, who was an extensive heritor in the parish, to assist in putting a stove in the church, which, he said, the congregation found very cold.
"Cauld, sir! cauld!" exclaimed Sir Robert; "then warm them with your doctrine, sir. John Knox never asked for a stove in his kirk."
-----
WHISKY IN HEAVEN
A clergyman was administering consolation to a dying Highlander, when he was shockecl by the patient asking him if there "was any whisky in heaven?" Half apologetically he added, "Ye ken, sir, it's no that I care for it, but it looks weel on the table."
-----
CURIOUS RULE OF OLD SCOTTISH HOSPITALITY
A rude law of ancient Scottish hospitality bound the guest to take part With his host, any quarell or danger.
so long as the food eaten under his roof remained in his stomach.
And that's it for this week and I hope you all have a good weekend.
Alastair
Get Ready For Arbroath Sea Fest 2014
Arbroath Sea Fest 2014, which takes place at Arbroath Harbour on August 9+10, will be even bigger and better this year – if that’s possible!
“After the breathtaking success of last year’s weekend-long event, we’re pulling out all the stops to ensure this year’s two day programme of seaside celebrations is packed full of even more fun, even more live music and even more things to see and do,” said Marco Macari, Chair of Arbroath Sea Fest.
Following the March meeting of Arbroath Sea Fest Committee, Marco confirmed that the theme of this year’s Sea Fest will once again be A Weekend At The Seaside. “This theme gave us so much scope and went down very well with the thousands of people who came along,” said Marco.
“However, we have a few surprises planned for this year’s event – and we’re always looking for new ideas. If anyone has any thoughts about activities or events we could include in Sea Fest 2014, please contact our Event Manager, Eleanor Whitby, by emailing Eleanor@redpepperevents.com.”
Over 25,000 people flocked to Arbroath Sea Fest 2014, ensuring a considerable boost for many local businesses, including eating places, pubs and accommodation providers. “Sea Fest has well and truly established itself as a super day out for all the family and attracts visitors from far and near,” said Councillor Alex King, who is a member of Arbroath Sea Fest Committee.
“Last year’s record breaking crowds were great news for Arbroath and the surrounding area – and not only because so many people came along and had a great time. Many of them used their visit to Sea Fest as an excuse to see more of Arbroath, boosting the local economy and further enhancing our town’s reputation as a must-visit destination.”
And if you manage to go remember to have a taste of the famous Arbroath Smokies!
-----
World Hickory Open Returns To Carnoustie Country
This October, the World Hickory Open 2014, an international golf competition celebrating golf’s hickory heritage, will ensure the east of Scotland remains in the global media spotlight after the Ryder Cup.
This is the third year Carnoustie Country has hosted the World Hickory Open, with this year’s tournament being played on 7/8 October across the world-famous links course at Panmure, on the outskirts of Carnoustie, Angus. “The World Hickory Open 2013, which was at Montrose, was an outstanding success,” said Lionel Freedman, co-founder and Director of the World Hickory Open, who explained that competitors in this tournament use hickory golf clubs almost identical to those favoured by golfers a century or more ago.
There is an interesting video about Hickory Golf at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/show...ormation-Video
And now we're promoting two series of books...
NE Scotland
Interested in the northeast of Scotland? Planning a visit, have roots there, or just want to know more about its heritage and history? If so, the Banffshire Maritime and Heritage Associations books may be of interest to you.
The following e-books are currently available to download from Amazon.com:
Along the Coast Burghead to Portknockie $2.57 (Printed copies sold out)
Along the Coast Cullen to Pennan $2.57
Along the Coast Pennan to St. Fergus $2.57 (Printed copies sold out)
Along the Coast St. Fergus to The Bridge of Don $2.57
Also available is our most popular book:
The Herring Lassies – Following the Herring. $4.09 (Illustraited)
Note: I personally purchased this one in Kindle format and really enjoyed it.
Books are also available on other Amazon domains.
Printed copies of Cullen to Pennan and St. Fergus to The Bridge of Don can be ordered at: www.banffshiremaritime.org.uk along with copies of our other books.
All proceeds from the books go to the Banffshire Maritime and Heritage Association registered charity number SCO 40505.
Guelph Series in Scottish Studies
Covering more than five centuries of Scottish history, this collection documents the diverse and influential role of Scottish Christianity in both Scotland and as part of the nation’s global diaspora. With work from established and new scholars, Keeping the Kirk confronts Christianity’s interactions with gender, race, language, and education, among other themes. This third volume in the Guelph Series in Scottish Studies asks new questions about Scottish religion while providing a number of thought-provoking answers.
It can be purchased from the Guelph Centre for Scottish Studies at:
https://www.uoguelph.ca/scottish/guelphseries
Electric Canadian
Nova Scotia Historical Society, Reports and Collections
I have found a number of volumes from this Society and have added the first four to get you started. I'll be adding more as I find them.
I added Volume VII 1889/91 which includes, Vinland, Notes on Census of 1767, Early History of St. George's Church (Part 2.), Papers relating to Early History of Church of England in Nova Scotia, Deportation of Negroes from Nova Scotia to Sierra Leone.
You can read this volume at http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...ions/index.htm
Federation for Scottish Culture in Nova Scotia
Got in a copy of their Broadsword Magazine which you can view at
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...word/index.htm
Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia Nationhood Proclamation
Added a few other videos to this page at http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...tia/mikmaq.htm
Bert Lloyd's Boyhood
A Story from Nova Scotia by J. MacDonald Oxley, LL.D. (1892). A new book we're starting.
PREFACE
THERE is something so pleasing to the author of this volume — the first of several which have been kindly received by his American cousins — in the thought of being accorded the privilege of appearing before a new audience in the “old home,” that the impulse to indulge in a foreword or two cannot be withstood.
And yet, after all, there would seem to be but two things necessary to be said: — Firstly, that in attempting a picture of boy life in Nova Scotia a fifth of a century ago, the writer had simply to fall back upon the recollections of his own school-days, and that in so doing he has striven to depart as slightly as possible from what came within the range of personal experience; and, Secondly, while it is no doubt to be regretted that Canada has not yet attained that stage of development which would enable her to support a literature of her own, it certainly is no small consolation for her children, however ardent their patriotism, who would fain enter the literary arena, that not only across the Border, but beyond the ocean in the Motherland, there are doors of opportunity standing open through which they may find their way before the greatest and kindliest audience in the world.
J. MACDONALD OXLEY.
Ottawa, Canada,
29th August, 1892
We now have the first seven chapters up which you can read at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...hood/index.htm
A History of Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia
By Frank H. Patterson, LL.D (1917). Another new book we're starting.
PREFACE
IT is not without misgivings that the writer presents this book to the public. Its subject matter is such that to do full justice to those mentioned therein, it should have been written at least one-half a century ago and by one who was either personally acquainted with the facts or had received them first hand. To endeavour at this late date to tell the story of the trials and hardships of our pioneers, many of whom have departed almost a century ago is well nigh an impossible task. That this book will fall far short of rendering a true appreciation of their labours none can be more conscious than the writer. But every year the difficulty of obtaining accurate information of former years becomes greater, for each year there are slipping from our midst men and women whose minds were veritable storehouses of the traditions and folk-lore of the past. Much of the information contained in these pages, the writer feels sure, could not be obtained ten or twenty years hence. It is better that the effort be made now and that a record, imperfect as it is, be rendered than that the lives and deeds of our early pioneers should never be known to the public.
Then, too, the writer has doubts as to the accuracy of several statements contained in the Dages of this book Still, apart from minor detail he thinks that the matter will not be found inconsistent with fact. That errors, especially n the genealogical records, have crept in inevitably follows from the very nature of the work.
The writer has experienced difficulty in determining to what area of country to confine his remarks. There is no statutory district of Tatamagouche and what country is to be included under that name is a question to which no definite answer can be given. Dealing with the earlier years when the settlers were few and information limited a larger scope of country has been included. During the last years references have been confined almost entirely to the village of Tatamagouche itself. Though New Annan and Earltown have not been included in the writer's observations, he has nevertheless inserted some quotations from the “History of Pictou County” regarding their settlement.
The genealogical records the writer, as a rule, has carried only to the first generation. Of those coming to Tatamagouche subsequent to 1850 no notice has been given other than to the head of the family.
Four years ago when this work was begun there was but little known to the public of the early history of this place; what references there were, being confined to a few pages in the “History of Pictou County” and “Memoirs of Dr. MacGregor” by the late Dr. Patterson. Without the information there a future history of Tatamagouche could have little value, for in these books and in these books only, is found the material that can form a good foundation for any historical work on Tatamagouche. Information concerning the early French period the writer has obtained from French documents contained in “Le Canada Francais” and also from the two books by Dr. Patterson mentioned above.
A lengthy letter by S. D. Scott, now editor of the “News-Advertiser,” Vancouver, and published in the “Colchester Sun” of July 31, 1893, contained many interesting facts relating to the days of the DesBarres estate. That papers belonging to Colonel DesBarres and pertaining to his Tatamagouche property are extant there seems little doubt. The contents of the above mentioned letter show that at the time of its publication such papers must have been in existence and its author, Mr. Scott, has informed the writer that a great deal of his information was obtained from an account of the Tatamagouche estate written for Col. DesBarres in 1790 by a Capt. McDonald of Prince Edward Island. The original manuscript was borrowed by Air. Scott from the late Sir Robert Wetherbee but since then it has been lost. The late Louis DesBarres of Halifax had, so it is said, many interesting papers of Colonel DesBarres in his possession, but what has become of them since his death is not known.
For information concerning happenings of later dates, the writer is indebted to many people in this community who have supplied him with old documents, family records, etc. Papers originally belonging to Well wood Waugh, Rev. Hugh Ross and the Rev. Robert Blackwood may in particular be mentioned.
Knowledge of matters within living memory has been obtained from many of our older inhabitants. Information concerning the development and decline of the shipbuilding industry has also been obtained from the same source. With the compiling of the list of vessels built at Tatamagouche the writer must publicly acknowledge the assistance of R. P. Fraser, Esq., Collector of Customs at Pictou, who undertook the tiring work of making out this list from the Custom records at that port. Records of vessels built before 1840 were obtained by the writer from the Custom records at Halifax.
Of those at Tatamagouche who have assisted the writer in the collecting and the arranging of the material contained herein, the public will pardon him when he mentions in particular his father, the late W. A. Patterson His thorough knowledge of conditions in Tatamagouche for the last fifty years—a knowledge acquired from a most intimate association with its people—and his retentive memory, which permitted him to recall with accuracy the events of fifty or sixty years ago, have made possible this present work. Mention must also be made of James Bryden of the village who has gone to no little trouble to assist the writer, particularly in gathering information of matters relating to the “forties” and “fifties” and the days of the shipbuilding industry. The writer may also mention his friend, W. M. Nelson, for whose assistance the writer gives this public acknowledgment. To the various others at Tatamagouche who in one way or another have lent their aid the writer extends his thanks.
Of those elsewhere he feels that he should mention two. Major J. P. Edwards of Halifax, although having no particular interest in Tatamagouche, has given the writer the greatest assistance; his library, one of the best collections of Canadian Historic works in Canada, and which is now owned by Acadia College, Wolfville, was placed as far as possible at the use of the writer. Information was secured from
Major Edwards and his library which could not be obtained elsewhere. W. F. Ganong, Ph.D., of Smith College, Northampton, has also assisted the writer, particularly by his explanation of the local nomenclature.
If, with all its defects and errors, this work is successful in a small measure at least in saving from oblivion the records of our past and in stimulating a more lively interest in the lives and labors of our pioneers—men and women whose memory deserves our highest respect—then the writer feels that he has not labored in vain.
Frank H. Patterson. Tatamagouche, N. S., Aug. 29th, 1917.
You can read this book and a couple of videos at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...uche/index.htm
The Flag in the Wind
This weeks issue was compiled by Clare Adamson where she starts of by saying... To say it has been a bad few days for the no campaign would be a bit of an understatement.
There is also a Synopsis this week.
You can read this issue at http://www.scotsindependent.org
Electric Scotland
Alexander Murdoch (1841-1891)
A Scottish Engineer, Poet, Author, Journalist
Added a third book called "Scotch Readings: Humorous and Amusing" and we're breaking this down into individual chapters for you to read. We've added two more chapters, "The Ministers Mistake" and "The Tailor Mak's The Man" which you can find at the foot of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...doch/index.htm
Tait's Edinburgh Magazine
This is now the final issue of this magazine and here is what I found...
The Night Third-Class Train to Glasgow
The nicely-printed yellow excursion hand-bills of the London and North-Western Railway Company afforded the gratifying information that you may be caried from Euston-square to Glasgow, and back again from Glasgow to Euston-square, for forty-two shillings, at any time within twenty-eight days.
You can the rest of this article at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...cles/train.htm
Major General Sir Henry Havelock, K.C.B.
This article starts...
Every circumstance connected with the history of this great and good man must have its interest. The publication of the present volume has been delayed that further particulars and documents received from India during the present year might be added.
The birth and parentage of Sir Henry Havelock have been stated over and over again: for the information of those who have never read, or may have forgotten, that statement, we may briefly say that he was born at Ford Hall, Bishop Wearmouth, a suburb of Sunderland, on the 6th of April, 1796.
A very long pedigree haa been assigned to him, and his descent traced back to the Norse kings. He is esteemed for his own rare qualities and valiant deeds, and therefore he need not draw on the resources of these defunct gentlemen for his respectability.
You can read the rest of this article and a book about him at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...g/havelock.htm
State of the Reform Bill
In last December a few lines were published in a newspaper of the East of Scotland, recording the death of a ploughman, apparently at a good old age, in no extraordinary manner, but probably from the exhaustion of life spent in hard labour, until the fine machine was worn out and could go no longer. This announcement was copied by nearly all the papers, yet the ploughman had been guilty of no great crime, was descended from no marked family, had been involved in no noted transaction, had exhibited no genius beyond being perhaps a little pawkie and shrewd, and of no grievous iniquity had he been the victim. His path through life was distinguished only by his capacity for keeping money. He was heir to nobody who could increase his riches, and no person, in any caprice, had included him in a last “will” All his means had been produced by his own strength, and he was less remarkable for earning than for keeping, Economy was the secret of Ms little fortune and the man died worth six or seven hundred pounds.
You can read the rest of this article at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...eform_bill.htm
and this now concludes our work on these magazines.
Robert Burns Lives!
Thomas Campbell of Pencloe, New Cumnock, Ayrshire (1746 - 1831) By Chris Rollie, St John’s Town of Dalry, Galloway.
I like Chris Rollie! He is a plain-spoken man and you always know where he stands. He is direct and to the point. I will always appreciate Chris’s honesty and forthrightness. He is a man of the people and in my view no higher compliment can be paid to anyone. I’ve gotten to know Chris through his two books on our Bard -Robert Burns and New Cumnock (1996) followed by Robert Burns in England (2009). The latter was written to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Burns. I feel it was one of the better books written during that period to honor Burns. For a review of this highly commended work, I refer you to Chapter 52 in ourRobert Burns Lives! index written May 28, 2009.
Another avenue through which I have gotten to know Chris is email. He is quick to respond and willing to share what he knows and feels about Burns, a hard combination to beat. When I wrote him recently with a request for an article on Burns, he responded quickly to my email: “Frank, good to hear from you. Very pressed for time right now but please find attached a short article on a hitherto little known correspondence of Burns, Thomas Campbell of Pencloe.” So I had his piece in hand the same day despite the time difference between Scotland and America. Chris’s encouragement is always appreciated and uplifting, and I greatly value the shout out at the end of an email: “All power to your work, my friend.”
It never fails to amaze me how much writing Burns did and to the number of people he wrote. It never fails to astound me at the new works on him that continually appear. We are repeatedly finding letters, articles, etc. from a man who has been dead nearly 225 years. OK, don’t get excited – 218 years!
Chris is an Area Manager for RSPB Scotland, the country’s largest nature conservation charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and all wildlife. Their goal is to inspire everyone to give nature a home and with their partners protect threaten birds and wildlife so Scotland’s towns, coast and countryside will once again teem with life. It would not at all surprise me to see a future book by Chris on Robert Burns and Birds. Anyone out there willing to take a wager? I’m sure you will enjoy Chris’s article below as much as I did. (FRS 4.2.14)
You can read this article at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...s_lives198.htm
Thomas Dick Lauder
This is an author that wrote many historical books and we are going to be bringing you a selection of his books over the next few months.. We are starting on his 3 volume book "Lochandu".
Added another two chapters to this book which you can find at the foot of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...er_thomas1.htm
Enigma Machine
Added puzzle 56 which you can get to at http://www.electriccanadian.com/life.../enigma056.htm
Scottish Historical Review
We've added the April 1921 issue. This issue includes an article on "The Stuart Papers at Windsor Castle".
You can read this issue at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...w/volume18.htm
The Book of Scottish Anecdote
Humorous, Social, Legendary and Historical edited by Alexander Hislop, eighth edition.
Added pages 102 to 151.You can read these at: http://www.electricscotland.com/history/anecdote
Alan Cunningham
This distinguished poet entered the world under those lowly circumstances, and was educated under those disadvantages, which have so signally characterized the history of the best of our Scottish bards.
We've added another two chapters (VIII and IX) to the Life of Alan Cunningham.
You can read these at the foot of his page at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...gham_allan.htm
Scottish Ghost Stories
By Elliot O'Donnell (1911).
This is a collection of Ghost stories we're bringing you and now up to chapter XII which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/kids/ghost/index.htm
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's Trip to Scotland
By Thomas Dick Lauder (1843).
We're now up to chapter XII where they are in Dalkeith and here is how this chapter starts...
Werxes himself, in all his pride, pomp, and pageantry, when receiving the slavish adulation of millions, could have had but small gratification, compared with that reaped by Queen Victoria from the honest and enthusiastic, though simple, greetings of her Scottish subjects. Fatigued by the exertions and excitement of that day, and filled as she must have been by the consciousness of possessing the combined love of a whole people, the Queen’s slumbers must have been sweet, and it may well be imagined that Sunday was indeed to her a day of rest. Her Majesty, however, was out with the Prince by nine o’clock, and having taken their way along the terraces, they crossed the bridge to the eastward of the palace, and then winding along some beautiful shady walks, through a wood of tall beeches and other trees, there clothing the whole northern banks of the river, they found out the new kitchen garden, recently constructed under the direction of Mr. Macintosh, whom the Queen had known as gardener to King Leopold at Claremont, and whom Her Majesty, with great condescension, immediately recognised as an old acquaintance. The garden contains about twenty imperial acres, five of which are within the inner wall. From a terrace on the western side, a very picturesque view of the town of Dalkeith, and the valley of the North Esk, is enjoyed. Returning by a different way through the same wood, where the sylvan roof of foliage is supported at a great height overhead, by the clear and columnar stems of the timber, the Queen and the Prince inquired of Macintosh, whether they could get directly across to the palace without retracing their steps. Macintosh told Her Majesty, that there was a temporary bridge, of the two planks wide, laid upon trestles, for the convenience of some workmen employed in making a new walk through the shrubbery on the south bank of the river, but that it was by no means a fit passage for Her Majesty. The Queen, however, thought otherwise, for, proceeding directly to the planks, she crossed them without the least hesitation, and returned to the palace by the new walk. A rake, over which Her Majesty stepped as it lay in her way, was afterwards scrambled for, and it has been since carefully preserved as a sacred relic by the person to whose lot it happily chanced to fall.
You can read this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...index.htm#trip
Beth's Newfangled Family Tree
Got in her Section 2 of her April issue which you can read at http://www.electricscotland.com/bnft
Clan Leslie International
Got in the February/March 2014 newsletter which you can read at http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...ters/leslieint
Clan Elliot
Got in a communication about the name Elliot which I've added to the Clan Elliot history page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...g/elliot2.html
Clan Munro
Got in their April 2014 newsletter which you can read at http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...sletters/munro
The Unsolved murder of Willie MacRae
This is still a most unusual case with the British establishment sticking to their version that he committed suicide. Got this article in from a person that knew him well.
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...lie_macrae.htm
Stirling's Butterflees
A new song from John Henderson which you can read at
http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerel530.htm
And Finally...
Here are a few wee stories from "The Book of Scottish Anecdote"...
HOW TO HEAT A CHURCH:
A minister of West Anstruther applied to Sir Robert of that ilk, who was an extensive heritor in the parish, to assist in putting a stove in the church, which, he said, the congregation found very cold.
"Cauld, sir! cauld!" exclaimed Sir Robert; "then warm them with your doctrine, sir. John Knox never asked for a stove in his kirk."
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WHISKY IN HEAVEN
A clergyman was administering consolation to a dying Highlander, when he was shockecl by the patient asking him if there "was any whisky in heaven?" Half apologetically he added, "Ye ken, sir, it's no that I care for it, but it looks weel on the table."
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CURIOUS RULE OF OLD SCOTTISH HOSPITALITY
A rude law of ancient Scottish hospitality bound the guest to take part With his host, any quarell or danger.
so long as the food eaten under his roof remained in his stomach.
And that's it for this week and I hope you all have a good weekend.
Alastair