Book of the century

Montague’s historic sites and past 100 years to be detailed in new publication

Although the party may be over, residents will soon be able to get a keepsake to remember Montague’s 100th birthday.

A book profiling Montague’s 32 historic sites and the past century of the town’s history will be released during next month’s regular council meeting on Sept. 11.

Mayor Richard Collins said the book, which includes drawings of each of the buildings, was compiled by Island historian and artist Sterling Stratton.

“It’s a beautiful book. It gives a tremendous amount of information about the council and history of the town over the last 100 years,” said Collins, noting the book received funding from Heritage Canada, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the town. “(Stratton) just did an excellent, detailed job of everything. I’m so pleased with this project.”

Framed copies of Stratton’s drawings will be installed in town hall during the meeting, while a public reception will be held afterwards to acknowledge the current homeowners.

Those homeowners will each receive a copy of the book, which will also go on sale that night to the public.

The town will also recognize its “100 Citizens of the Century” during a separate reception in September.

That project will see 100 of the town’s most prolific volunteers of the past century recognized on a plaque in town hall, with a public reception honouring the individuals at the Cavendish Farms Wellness Centre.

“Hopefully, (we can find) a member of all of those 100 families to join in on the celebration,” said Collins, noting that the date has yet to be finalized.

The town’s 100 Days Festival saw a different event held every day for more than three months to celebrate Montague’s 100th birthday. These final two events will be the icing on the cake for the three-month celebration that started in late April.

Coun. Debbie Johnston, chairwoman of the festival committee, said the festival got lots of positive feedback.

“It was a big undertaking and we learned some lessons, but most of the events went over very well. It went great,” said Johnson.