14
From here we made our way to Mabou bridge, where we arrested our westward course and boxed our compass N N E for Strathlorne. Conspicuous in the village of Mabou is the convent and the exhibition buildings - especially so in virtue of their commanding positions. The latter was more familiar to us as being associated with the losing of slippers than the winning of prizes. Mabou farms show their occupants industrious, and their dwellings, while models in style, display a refinement of taste in their simplicity. The route to Strathlorne is brimful of interest to the tourist. Green fields and sweet scented valleys, sky-towering mountains and "craigs that are wild and majestic" feast the eye with beauty and the mind with grand and sublime conceptions of the handiwork of nature. Emerging from the behind those lofty peaks you have at once a full and commanding view of the beautiful nook and rich verdant hills of Lake Ainslie, which, without robbing any other place of due respect, I can safely say outstrips in scenery any other spot on the island. We close the circle after a pleasant drive of about fifty miles, and studded with pleasures long to be remembered by those who enjoyed it. And this we learned, that admirers of nature need not wing their to "ape or monkey climb" for in our own more congenial clime the will find ample scope for observations in the fascinating charms of "Our hills at Hame."Lake Ainslie, Oct.20, 1893
15
Farms rise to the hills behind Lake Ainslie.December, 2003
East Lake Ainslie
16
Modern language does not do justice the sights, sounds and people of Lake Ainslie. John L. MacDougall in his History of Inverness County, published in 1922, beginning on page 508, describes the people and place we have come to know."East Lake Ainslie
This is and interesting division of Inverness County. It comprises all the territory along the water front from Scotsville to Head Lake, and projects into the hinterland so as to take in the settlements of Mount Pleasant, Keppoch and Piper's Glen. The land rises very gently from the lake inward for a half a mile, and then lifts abruptly into towering hills and mountains. The front farms are well cleared and cultivated and the natural scenery is very pretty. To the early immigrants this handsome lake, hidden in the wilderness, was always a happy relief. It was a glorious break in the spell of the forest. We imagine we hear some of the old settlers, after a hard day's toil, singing in soliloquy as follows:
"How sweet at set of sun, to view
Thy golden mirror spreading wide
And see the mist of mantling blue
Float round the distant mountains side."
17
Gentleman fishing at the mouth of Trout River.1958
Trout River
18
Trout Brook, about five miles south of Scotsville, is a well-known resort of anglers. This brook finds its source in excellent springs at the foot of the mountain, and when the trout come up from the sea to the lake they are attracted at once by the cool waters and green shades of this rippling stream.19
Trout River Hotel1950
Trout River
20
Hosts of dyspeptic desk workers from far and near, come here for a cure in vacation time. In a week or two the virtue of the treatment can be seen in the happy faces, the lilting songs, and the glad Gaelic of these convalescent knights of the rod and reel.21
The first East Lake Ainslie Presbyterian Church manse shortly after it was built.1906
East Lake Ainslie
22
The residents of this district are, we think without exception, lineal descendants of the genericHighland Scots. The settlers fronting on the Lake are all Presbyterians, having their own resident
minister, and their own church and manse. The people living in the rear sections are chiefly
Catholics belonging to the parish of South West Margaree
23
Edward MacInnis' family: (standing) John, James and Edward; (sitting) James, Mary Jane and Thomas.1900
unknown
24
Turning to the political arena, we find that this district gave a senator to the Parliament of Canada, and a Lieutenant Governer to the Province of British Columbia in the person of the late Hon. Thomas McInnis. This deceased gentleman was not, in any sense, superior to his East Lake neighbours and contemporaries, but he hearkened to the voice that said "Go west, young man, and grow with the country.". Before going west he had graduated in medicine and was a man of talent. ....... At the same time, we are glad to know that not many of his East Lake friends and neighbours could be tempted to "go and do likewise".......25
The East Lake Ainslie road looking north towards the church and manse.1906
East Lake Ainslie
26
The main road of this district runs close to the water; and follows the windings thereof from the Outlet to Head Lake, thence around Head Lake till it strikes the boundary of the North Whycocomagh District. In the main, it is good hard, level road.27
The road to Scotsville, Nova Scotia on a fine fall day.2003
Scotsville, Nova Scotia
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