What ‘stuff’ do you have for others?

When my mother passed away we knew there was a lot of ‘stuff’, but we, his children, did not have the heart to address that with our late father.

Both mom and dad had a great respect for history, for the artifacts and memories. It was not a collection of antiques, but a collection of traditions, memories and lives. Perhaps that passion has led me to be a memory collector. I collect stories, what is called by the experts primary history. Thanks to the electronic age I have many recollections recorded.

Getting back to the divestiture of ‘stuff,’ I discovered artifacts, photos, tools, etc. On a whim with a spittoon with a CPR logo, I reached out. Yikes, that was valuable. I paid the postage for the papers and described some of the stuff’s documents. It was like gold to those folks. Now nine old photo albums are being properly preserved in archives for generations to come.

The papers that mom saved are now in the hands of a historical society. I find stuff at yard sales, like old tools, photos and toys. I pick them up for a small sum and do the research. If it has significance I find a home for them and donate.

Heritage and history are important, but sometimes we forget how valuable that piece of junk in the barn or basement could be to those whose passion is preserving our past and perpetuating the stories. The New France Society was working to capture a period in time and the losses from a recent fire are devastating. The August horrific fire in Weymouth destroyed many artifacts and records and stories. But this is rural Nova Scotia so we have people with memories still with us and stuff that we have forgotten to dispose of, as well as pictures yellowing and collecting dust.

I recently spoke with Hal Theriault and to quote him the society is literally and figuratively rising from the ashes. Much was lost that can never be replaced, but like me, you may have some ‘stuff’ that could help with the cause. Last Thursday, the Society held a public meeting at the Weymouth Consolidated School. As I write this all I have is his thoughts with respect to acquisitions, but he encouraged me to put this plea together.

Hal, an extremely gifted author, has written a number of plays on this topic including ‘Lights in the Forest,’ and the sequel ‘The Electric City.’ He drew much of his inspiration from the materials and artifacts that were part of the collection. However, as he says there is most likely a great deal yet-to-be found material and memories still to be discovered and perhaps acquired for the project. According to Hal, the society is determined to move forward with their plan. The Electric City was such a monumental historical entity. Not only for the technology or innovation that it represented, but for the societal and cultural aspects as well. It was here in that 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 in that era. The Stehelin family members were progressive entrepreneurs who welcomed all.

To contact The Electric City/La Nouvelle France Society you can email Hal at hal@newfrancens.org. Look around, perhaps you have something to want to have preserved or you want to share.

If not for this cause, perhaps for a society/museum in your community.