Revisiting the story of the Electric City
New France, as many of us know, was for its day a modern, progressive settlement not far from the Village of Weymouth.
What some of you might not know it that there is now an Electric City Research Centre that is open at least four days a week, Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at other times by chance.
The entirely volunteer group welcomes visitors to drop by and learn of the centre’s plans, share their stories, and view some of the many artifacts from the Stehelin family collection that are on display. They encourage residents and others that if they have items from the Electric City they would like to loan or donate that they would be delighted.
They have been diligently working on a photographic record of the site. It is known that many have private collections and photographs of artifacts and also that narratives of memories handed down from elders are significant.
The society commissioned a business plan that includes the interpretive centre and the maintenance of the archival record donated by the Stehelin Family. They have also collected artifacts including furniture, etc., that are part of the ever-growing massive collection. Interpretative events that include the actual site as part of a bike ride fundraiser have been happening for several years, but it is hoped that this can be further developed.
The society has taken up the gauntlet and will ensure this magnificent legacy continues moving forward through this next century and beyond.
The family, particularly the grandfather who was the son of the founder, were prolific writers and documented things very well. It is Hal Theriault’s contention, and indeed the committee’s contention, that the Electric City – although a momentous development in south west Nova Scotia – so truly demonstrates the Canadian Philosophy. It was here in this tiny hamlet that all were equal, all were welcome. Members of the Aboriginal, Black, Acadian and European extractions all worked together for the common benefit of all. Each were paid equally in real currency, which was not always the case.
The Stehelins were progressive entrepreneurs who managed to move between all class structures. Yes, aristocrats from Europe were welcome and frequented the ‘city,’ but so too did people from all walks of life.
The Stehelin family valued ingenuity and empowered the people that worked with them to grow and develop. Yes, the technology was incredible for the time, but the lasting inclusive philosophy has remained pat of the fabric of this area and boldly reflects the values that we hold in the Canada of today.
Talented playwright Hal Theriault has written a number of plays on this topic including ‘Lights in the Forest,’ and the sequel ‘The Electric City.’
Now he has penned ‘ The Light Shines Beyond’ – a story of the multicultural workers and magic of the Shehelin family’s New France, which is being performed in English at the Marc Lescarbot Theatre at University Saint Anne’s in Church Point, April 27 to 29. Tickets are available for $12 at the Weymouth Mercantile, Digby Convenience and Clare Pharmasave. They will be $14 at the door. I am so looking forward to the evening.