Looking back at Digby County history

From 1960

The Town of Digby’s police committee was expressing concern over some recent break-andenters and met with the town’s police chief, Webster Dunn, to discuss the matter. Three breakins had been reported, the latest at a private residence. Nothing seemed to have been taken from the residence and no damage was done there. Recent breaks also had occurred at the Anglican church, which reportedly had been ransacked, and at Digby’s curling club. “The chief was asked to continue to lend every effort to bring those responsible to account,” said a newspaper story, referring to the police committee meeting.

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A 40-foot section of the wharf at Sandy Cove was carried away by what was described as a “vicious storm.” Loss of the wharf was bad news for fishermen who used it. “It is understood many of them will be forced to give up fishing for the season,” a local newspaper item said.

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A newspaper notice from the Digby General Hospital informed readers that effective Jan. 1, 1960, daily rates for hospital stays were $4 (semi-private room), $6 (private) and $8 (private with bath). These rates were in excess of the standard ward rate of $10.65 paid by the Nova Scotia Hospital Insurance Commission, the notice said. ***

In celebration of Minor Hockey Week, which was slated to kick off Jan. 23, Digby Mayor Victor Cardoza offered some thoughts on the sport, which he said benefitted both the young people who were playing and the community. “We are proud ... that minor hockey here in Digby has the support of many public-spirited citizens and service clubs,” he said.

*** Ratepayers in Tiverton were slated to vote on whether to incorporate their community under the Village Service Act. Residents would have a chance to vote on the issue at a meeting scheduled for early February.

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A Digby rink skipped by Jack Rosenthal won the annual Broom & Gavel Masonic curling event at the Digby curling club. Eight teams took part. The winning rink consisted of Rosenthal, H.G. Webber, Reigh Jayne and Robert Bearne. *** Movies playing at Digby’s Capitol theatre in January 1960 included Green Mansions, starring Audrey Hepburn and Anthony Perkins.

From 1971

A Digby County resident who turned 100 on Jan 13, 1971, was the recipient of many cards, gifts and telegrams from people congratulating him and wishing him well as he hit the century mark. George Adams of Brighton, who was on the receiving end of these birthday greetings, was said to be still active, tending a vegetable garden during the warmer months and carrying his own firewood during the colder ones. The new centenarian also had a sense of humour. Referring to a congratulatory telegram he had gotten from Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Adams said, “there must be another election coming. They want my vote.”

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The 1970-71 lobster season reportedly had been poor so far, with bad weather an ongoing issue practically from the start, according to one media report. There was word that fishermen were seeking an earlier start to the season – perhaps a couple of weeks earlier – in order to take advantage of better weather in the fall.

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Benoit Comeau, Clare MLA and minister in charge of the Emergency Measures Organization, opened a two-day EMO conference in Debert, an event attended by about 50 municipal officials. There was a new emergency planning program at the time involving the federal and provincial governments, as well as municipal units.

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The Clementsport branch of the Royal Canadian Legion had a new building. The branch’s regular meetings were being held in the $30,000, two-storey facility and all branch activities were to take place there.