47

Murray A. Calhoun
1996
Hayesville, New Brunswick, Canada

48

Murray A. Calhoun
April 28, 1911 - August 6, 1995
Outfitter

Murray Calhoun was born in Hayesville, the son of Perley and May Calhoun. In 1931 he married Merle MacDonald of Bloomfield Ridge where they lived and raised 11 children, five boys and six girls.

Murray started guiding at age 19. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, cook and was an excellent host who was well respected by the sportsmen for his vast knowledge of the river and the woods. He guided for William Harris of Bloomfield Ridge, William Griffin of Boiestown and his father, Perley Calhoun of Bloomfield Ridge.

In 1939, he built the Calhoun Camps in Bloomfield Ridge and starting outfitting himself, the camp was mainly used for spring fishing and employed upwards of 12 canoes equipped with outboard motors. This provided employment for a great many men. He later took over the operation of Deadman Camp as well as Salmon Brook Camp, operating all three for many years. In the off season, he was a trucker and a logging contractor. He also worked for Forest Protection for many years setting up the bud-worm spray camps at their various locations in New Brunswick.

He was also well-known for his handmade canoe poles, axe handles and peavey stocks. His canoe poles were always made from black spruce and his axe and peavey handles from rock maple. His axe handles were always in demand and can be found in many US states and as far west as Vancouver in Canada.

He was a member of the salmon Brook Club, the Miramichi Salmon Association and the Miramichi Board of Trade. His contributions and loyalty to these various organizations and the love of his profession, will serve to keep his memory alive for years to come.

1996