Looking back at Yarmouth County history
From 1968
Fire had destroyed the Thistle Knit-Wear factory on Kirk Street in Yarmouth. The Yarmouth Fire Department was at the scene for four-and-a-half hours and was called back two more times to deal with flare-ups. One firefighter was overcome by smoke and was treated by a doctor. Another firefighter suffered an eye injury and a few others received minor cuts. The fire had been discovered by an employee of the Thistle factory at about 12:45 p.m. Thirtynine people had worked in the facility, which produced sweaters, tartans and tweeds. Three people had worked in an upstairs office, which was used by a credit bureau. A spokesman for Thistle Knit- Wear said they hoped to have a section of the factory back in operation once insurance claims were settled.
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Major changes needed to be made on Yarmouth’s waterfront if the area was “to tap into the fruits of a booming fishing industry,” the Vanguard reported in March 1968. A local harbour and wharfs committee was recommending, among other things, that Yarmouth’s public wharf be extended. The committee, chaired by Walter Sweeney, wanted the board to ask the federal public works department to carry out a feasibility study for a number of development proposals for the harbour.
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There were plans for a major addition to the high school in SteAnne-du-Ruisseau, but due to a delay in government approval for the project, the work was not expected to be finished in time for the start of the 1968-69 school year. The proposal included the development of new classrooms, lab facilities, library and administration offices.
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There was word of a drying plant for Irish moss being built in Pubnico Head, where, according to an item in the Vanguard, “Men and machines are busy clearing the land for the construction of a new industry.” The plant’s operator would be a large purchaser of Irish moss, the story said.
*** Another item out of the Pubnico area noted it had been a long, cold winter – and an icy one – with little fishing activity other than smelt fishing. “Operation of even the larger boats came to a standstill as far as the use of the harbour was concerned,” the article said.
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There was a catchy slogan for an upcoming fashion show: “Fashions that rate for ’68.” The event was to be held in the auditorium at Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School. Proceeds would benefit a Yarmouth occupational workshop for adults with mental disabilities.
From 1978
Spokesmen for the Yarmouth area’s tourism industry said an exchange rate favourable for Americans could be good news for local tourism operators. The word from the Yarmouth County Tourist Association was that inquiries from prospective visitors were up 25 per cent over the same period the previous year. Industry reps cited a couple of other factors too, including the availability of gasoline here in Canada. In some American states, fuel rationing was in effect. “This is an important factor often considered by the motoring tourist,” said YCTA president Walter Boudreau. Meanwhile, the Marine Evangeline – one of the ferries serving Yarmouth at the time – reportedly would be spending its nights here, another positive for local tourism.
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The Yarmouth Light-Herald had published its last edition, marking the end of a journalistic era spanning 144 years. The Yarmouth Herald had first been published in 1833 and the Yarmouth Light had made its debut in 1890. The papers had merged in 1967. Alain Meuse edited the Light-Herald’s final edition, which rolled off the presses on Wednesday evening, March 8, 1978.
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“Can spring be far behind?” That was the headline over a story in the Vanguard about an earlyMarch storm that dropped more than 21 centimetres of snow on the Yarmouth area, reducing visibility and making driving treacherous.
Popular LP records on sale for $4.99 each at Music Village (38 John St. in Yarmouth) included Knock ‘ Em Dead Kid by Trooper, Endless Wire by Gordon Lightfoot and Rumours by Fleetwood Mac.