15 MAIN ST |
Nova Scotia Tourism Region : Eastern Shore
Description From Owner:
- This rural area is located on the west side of the St. Mary's River, opposite Sherbrooke, on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia. It was so named because gold was discovered and mined here.
- Nelson Nickerson found gold in August, 1861 and Zeba Hewitt built one of the first houses in the village that fall. By July, 1862, several houses had been erected and mining was begun.
- Two wharves were built the following spring and a road was constructed to the diggings. In 1867 the Templars erected a hall which was also used as a church. An Orange Lodge Hall was built in 1869 and the lower part was used as a schoolroom.
- A Masonic Lodge Hall was also built in 1869. A Roman Catholic chapel was built in 1871 and it was moved to Sherbrooke in 1907. A new Presbyterian church was opened January 12, 1902.
- About 1888 the gold mining industry slumped. Mines were abandoned, houses were pulled down and the Masonic hall became a ruin. About 1896 new leads were discovered and mining boomed for a few years.
- In 1906 little work was done. The mines were worked somewhat during the second World War but were abandoned in 1942. A new two-room school was built in 1939. Farming and lumbering have become the basic industries. Population in 1956 was 85.
- Gold production for the period of 1862 to 1941 is reported to be 209,383.3 oz., the best producer in Nova Scotia.
- From: guyscogene.net
Address of this page: http://ns.ruralroutes.com/Goldenville