1

After his time in western Canada, Charlie returned to the valley where he could "get apples with flavour". More likely, at age 38, he was ready to settle down. Charlie had been introduced to concrete in his travels and work, and became interested in its versatility as a building medium. He started a concrete factory in a one room structure in nearby Centreville, and, while living in a tent on the roof, began making concrete blocks and pipe for the North Mountain Railroad. When he depleted the local gravel, he moved the business to Yoho (Meadowview) near Kentville and turned the Centreville property into his house. Macdonald also brought home with him, strange new socialist ideas.The concept of "production for use, not for profit" led Macdonald to run the business co-operatively " for the general benefit of all the workers". In terms of pay, according to former foreman Bob Ferris, the men "drew what we needed".

2

Centreville Concrete Factory
Approximate, 20th Century, Circa 1912
Centreville, Nova Scotia, Canada


Credits:
The Charles Macdonald House of Centreville Society

3

Letterhead Chas. MacDonald
20th Century, Circa 1912
Centreville, Nova Scotia, Canada


Credits:
Charles Macdonald House of Centreville Society

4

Concrete Pipe Test
20th Century, Circa 1930
Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada


Credits:
The Charles Macdonald House of Centreville Society

5

Kentville Concrete Products
20th Century, Circa 1925
Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada


Credits:
The Charles Macdonald House of Centreville Society

6

The Charles and Mabel Macdonald Home
20th Century, Circa 1920
Centreville, Nova Scotia, Canada


Credits:
The Charles Macdonald House of Centrevillle Society