The newspaper had a tendency to exaggerate the potential of the town, sold for two cents, was printed weekly, and was enthusiastically received. It informed, organized, and agitated through its editorials. It became a vehicle for the proclamation of views on social, economic, cultural, and political issues. The Inverness News and Mining and Shipping Gazette was the link that expressed and documented the evolving days of the town. A few copies survived to give us an insight into life at the rum of the 20* century. Inverness in 1904 was an exciting place to be and was developing into one of the most significant coal mining centres in the province.
As the 20th century came into focus the Inverness mining industry was becoming a focal point for many coal miners throughout Nova Scotia, the Maritimes, and Europe. Once the mines were in operation, the population increased and the town was thriving.
The Inverness Railway and Coal Company was now shipping up to fourteen cars of coal per day to the port in Port Hastings. In 1905, the average production was 1200 tons per shift and by 1906 the mine had reached a distance of close to 3500 feet underground. It was now necessary to provide transportation by way of coal cars to get the men to the various levels. This would benefit both the men and the Company in that it would eliminate the long walk to the mine face and thus production would be increased. In 1907, the Inverness mines shipped 124,960 tons of coal, as compared to Port Hood's 24,274 tons. Successive years showed increased production, hi 1909, due to the underground network, a new and huge fan (Appendix 1-2) was needed for ventilation The mine was now 4415 feet deep and the fan was set over a 10x10 shaft with rotating blades 18 feet in length. The mines continued in full production and the miners had ample employment. The increased production tonnage was a testament to the work ethic of the miners.
The coal miners worked hard and played hard. In July, the mines would close down for a week to celebrate and rejuvenate. Athletic events among the various coal mining companies and mines culminated in feasts, dances, friendly competition, and renewed friendships.
Inverness would usually act as host and the visitors from Port Hood, Mabou, and other communities would begin the odyssey on the Judique Flyer to the Games. The Judique Flyer was a legendary coal transport, and passenger train renowned and celebrated in myth and song throughout Inverness County. The day would begin with greetings and bands at the Inverness Station to welcome the visitors and athletes. The men and women would dress in their Sunday best to reflect the stature of the events. The farmers would give their horses a good scrub-down, and drive into town with their best buggy, and a wagon full of family members in the rear. A grand parade would initiate the festivities. Elaborately designed floats, matching bands, pipe bands, and the cheers of the crowds filled the town and echoed for miles. According to rumour, one of the prerequisites to securing a good job at the mine was to be a good musician and/or athlete. In any case, Inverness was always fortunate in attracting quality musicians and athletes. At this time, there was a closed-in rink which attracted excellent hockey players who played on a semi-professional level. Hockey teams played on a elite level and once made it to Montreal to play in the national championship. AH teams were competitive. Baseball was also one of the high profile sports in Inverness. The competition came from Port Hood who fielded an All-American squad and Mabou who imported experienced players from Stellarton and Westville. The Inverness team consisted mainly of Springhill players and the competition was intense. The facilities consisted of the previously mentioned hockey rink and baseball field, combined with a soccer field, a half-mile cinder track for track events and in the centre the field events took place. It is difficult to perceive but we even had a cricket patch where some lively games were played.
Life was not always kind but when the opportunity for relaxation and enjoyment presented itself it was received with an intense enthusiasm and a love to be alive.
