Down memory lane
e story behind the Truro-bible Hill 1985 video
It’s a ride down memory lane. When Robert Bishop posted some old video clips of Truro and Bible Hill to Youtube, he was amazed by the response.
Bishop created the Truro and Bible Hill – January 1985 video that was viewed by thousands of people within a few hours.
“I was clearing out some stu when I found this,” said Bishop, who now lives in Toronto. “I thought a few people would nd it interesting, so I decided to upload it. e next thing I knew, it had ten thousand views. I’m really surprised by the reception, and the fact that people are talk- ing about this.”
Bishop was a student at York University when he recorded the footage.
“It was pre- Google maps and the other students had a lot of misconceptions about the Maritimes, so when I was home for Christmas break I shot a video to have something to show them.”
On Jan. 7, 1985 his friend Tony Jans drove him around and he filmed, using a large VHS camera he had to rest on his shoulder.
e men, about 20 at the time, chat about what they’re driving past, while radio station CKCL serves up a soundtrack as it plays on the car radio.
Along the way, some long gone businesses, including KMart, Yould’s, Snook’s Save Easy, Ryan’s IGA, Best for Less, The Lincoln Pub, Greer’s Pharmacy and Bennie’s Restaurant can be seen.
The old Truro civic building was still standing; Truro Police Service was located in what is now the civic building.
Several of the more traditional pay phones can be seen downtown.
There were also many large trees lining the streets.
As the men drive up Pictou Road, they remark on the new fire hall in Bible Hill.
“ ere’s probably more footage somewhere, and I know I have right-mm footage I shot when I was at CEC,” said Bishop. “If I dig it out, I’ll post it.
“I remember seeing something on Cablevision that was the same type of thing but better quality. I wonder where that footage is now.”
Bishop didn’t make it back to the Truro area much during the 1990s and early 2000s, but he now tries to make it back for Remembrance Day services.
“There are always changes in buildings, and the library project has made such a difference,” he said. “That’s a project where I feel they went in the right direction.”
e 1985 video can be seen online at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=xcajj-j2tfo&t=8s