There is something special
about the part of the North
Shore of Nova Scotia that
lies between the Cobequid
Mountains and the
Northumberland Strait. It is
not extensive, there are no
major towns, there is no
public transport, there is
only one specialized industry

with limited employment - and
yet the population is
increasing. It was not always
like this - failings in
farming, mining ventures, and
ship-building caused families
to move away to find work
elsewhere; the majority
stayed and by hard work,
ingenuity, co-operation and

determination produced
settlements that have
survived. They are centred in
Tatamagouche with its range
of services, but most have
kept their character.
   The early farming
settlements struggled to
survive. The woodlot provided
a source of income in the

winter months; ox and horse
hauled logs through the snow.
Hay crops were vital and
grain was eventually ground
at the gristmills as they
were slowly built alongside
swift flowing streams. An
apple industry became
successful - and failed when
competition from elsewhere