20
The area grew both economically and culturally and by 1800 St. Stephen was perhaps the most important regional port for shipments of timber and lumber overseas. Both sides of the St. Croix River were studded with numerous shipyards and wharves as the "Golden Era" began. St. Stephen, NB and Calais, Maine shared lives as "border towns' in a most amicable fashion21
St. Stephen1905
22
To this day, St. Stephen residents take pride in the atmosphere of concord and cooperation with their American neighbours in Calais, a tradition since the War of 1812.23
Former Kirk McColl Church1920
24
When news of the declaration of war reached St. Stephen on June 27, the Methodist preacher, Duncan McColl was able to convince his congregation that the great issues of the day could never be decided at this border juncture, and a truce was arranged which lasted for the duration of the war.The Kirk-McColl Church on King Street reminds later generations of Duncan McColl's contribution to peace.
25
St. Stephen town logo7 May 2004
26
St. Stephen was incorporated as a town in 1871, then five years later its business district was almost totally consumed by fire when eighty buildings and thirteen wharves were destroyed.27
King Street, St. Stephen, NB1930
28
By 1900, lumbering and shipbuilding had all but disappeared from the area. Diversification of industry had, however, prepared St. Stephen to survive the end of the tall-ship era.29
Original Surprise Soap Factory Complex, St. Stephen, NB1890
30
A soap factory, brick yard, machine shop, saw and axe factory, local newspaper,31
Canadian Cottons Plant (Cotton Mill), Milltown, NB1930
32
a wool-carding mill, saw mill, hockey stick factory, stamp company, and a candy factory assured continued prosperity for the residents. Most of these no longer operate, but the St. Croix Courier, established in 1865 and in uninterrupted operation since that date, has grown from one to two editions per week.33
Ganong's original factory1900
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