60

Christmas Island
Circa 1900
Christmas Island, Cape Breton County, NS

61

Until the turn of the 20th century, rural Cape Breton culture remained much the same. People farmed, raised animals and continued to provide for themselves with additions from local stores. Out migration began almost as soon as people came to Cape Breton with sons and daughters moving to the industrial area of Cape Breton or to the eastern United States in search of work and adventure or families who came to poor land moving to find a better place. The openness and hospitality of the Scottish Gael has continued with the Cape Breton Gael. Visitors are welcomed unannounced, céilidhs (visits), while not in Gaelic these days, share the news and stories of the neighbourhood.