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Authority record
Corporate body · March 22, 1987- ca. 1991

The Sydney and Area Community Futures Committee was established to create a long term economic development strategy for the Sydney area of Cape Breton. The goal was to determine the root of the region's negative economic growth and establish self-reliance within the community. Membership on the committee was made up of individuals from local small businesses, unions, educators and government and private sector developers. When the committee disbanded is unknown.

Person · 1903-1978

Dr. Carleton Lamont (Monty) MacMillan was born in Goldboro, Guysborough County in April 1903 to William H. and Constance E. MacMillan (née Griffin). He had two sisters Netta Dillion (née MacMillan) and Olive. Dr. MacMillan married Ethelean Parker and they had two children, a son and namesake, Dr. Monty MacMillan Jr. and a daughter named Connie. Dr. MacMillan lived in Guysborough County from 1903-1919 when he moved to Sydney. After graduating from Sydney Academy, he went on to attend Acadia University for one year before continuing his education at Dalhousie Medical School where he graduated in 1928. After graduating, Dr. MacMillan did a brief stint in Rose Bay, Luneburg County before moving to Baddeck in 1928. It was in Baddeck that Dr. MacMillan set up his medical practice and worked as a county doctor from 1928-1966 when he was forced to retire due to health problems. He also served as the MLA for Victoria County from 1949-1967 and went 18 years undefeated. Dr. MacMillan published his only book in 1975 titled, “Memoirs of a Cape Breton Doctor”, where he discloses his experiences as a country physician in Baddeck for 38 years. Through his influence in 1949, the Victoria County Memorial Hospital was built. In 1973, Dr. MacMillan was awarded the Order of Canada in recognition of his contributions to the community of Baddeck. In 1977, he was awarded the senior membership in the Canadian Medical Association. He was officially honoured twice by the community of Baddeck who declared Dr. MacMillan Day where an official celebration was held. For his service as an MLA, the ferry that travelled between Grand Narrows and Iona was named, “C. Monty MacMillan”. The ferry was in service from ca.1971–1993 when it was replaced by the Barra Strait Bridge. He has been featured in a leading Canadian magazine as an outstanding example of the ideal country doctor. He was a past master of St. Marks Lodge No.35, AF and AM, chairman and life member of the Baddeck Public Library, a Rotarian, and a member of the Board of Trade and the Bras d’Or Yacht Club. On February 10th, 1978, Dr. MacMillan passed away at the Victoria County Memorial Hospital in Baddeck.

Denny, Sarah
Person · 1925-2002

Sarah Agnes Denny, the daughter of Richard and Mary Rose Johnson (Mary Rose Christmas), was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia on September 2, 1925 and was raised by her grandmother, Julie Bernard Nevin. She was originally from Potlotek (Chapel Island), but later moved to Membertou. Sarah married Noel R. Denny and together they had twelve children. Sarah and Noel established a home in Eskasoni and would remain in that community for sixty years. Sarah was an educator and the first Mi’kmaq Teacher's Aide at the Eskasoni Federal School. She completed an Early Childhood Education course at the Centennial College of Applied Arts and Technology in Toronto, Ontario, and in 1972, she received her certification as a classroom assistant from Seneca College in Toronto. She also completed courses at York University and worked as a teacher’s assistant. In 1973, Sarah became the first Mi’kmaq Cultural Officer from the Mi’kmaq Association for Cultural Studies and was a part of the Association for three decades. She shared her knowledge of language, culture, songs, dances, and ceremonies in the Nation and across the globe. She was Christian as well as a believer in Mi’kmaq tradition. She was a bridge between the two realities for the community and one of her major accomplishments was the production of the Mi’kmaq Hymnal kit. She loved and taught her children how to chant, sing, pray and dance in traditional ways but not only her children, she formed the Eskasoni Mi’kmaq Dancers to teach others. She also formed the Eskasoni Noel R. Denny Memorial Powwow. Sarah was present in several films, videos and radio interviews. She was honoured in 1991 by Grand Chief George Eramus/National Indian Brotherhood, presently the AFN, for her Dedication and Commitment to the Preservation of Aboriginal Languages. She passed away on September 6, 2002.

Paul, Michael
Person · 1900-1984

Michael Paul, the son of Thomas Paul of Potlotek and Mary Susie Paul of Eskasoni, was born in 1900. He was a prayer leader and was well versed in Mi’kmaq prayers, hymns, traditional Mi’kmaq songs and dances. He was known for singing the traditional Mi’kmaq songs, I’ko and Ko’jua. Paul died on July 4, 1984.

Denny, Joel
Person · 1952-2020

Joel Denny, son of Noel R. Denny and Sarah Johnson (Sarah Denny), was born on August 23, 1952. He was a traditional Mi’kmaw chanter, dancer, artist, musician and pipe carrier. He wrote many Mi’kmaw traditional songs. He was a master in making traditional waltes/ atestaqnk, wapnaqnk, medicines, drums, and regalias. When he was young, he was a bricklayer and carpenter along with his father and brother. Joel, with the help of others, completed the masonry work on the Mala Mass altar and cross in Malagwatch, NS. Annually, he helped serve feasts and held Mala Masses with his family in Malagwatch, NS. Joel performed in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Chile and for Queen Elizabeth and the Royal Family in the United Kingdom. Nationally, he was an Elder for Tourism Canada and he brought the National Dance Symposium to Eskasoni in 2003. Joel had his own filming company, Kewniq Recordings and Productions Eskasoni, through which he created and edited films; he also served as an actor in the following documentaries: CBC’s Spirit Wind, The Mi’kmaq Family, and The Mi’kmaq Series (1978). In 2018, he was awarded The Indigenous Musicians of the Year award from NS Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network & was nominated for the East Coast Music awards. He passed away on December 25, 2020.

Pringle, James
Person · 1804-

James Pringle was born in Scotland [1804] and came to Cape Breton in 1826. He settled at St. George's Channel, West Bay, Richmond County, where he operated a mill for many years.

M. J. T. MacNeil

Dealer in Staple & Fancy Dry Goods, Ready-Made Clothing, Tinware, Hardware and Glassware, Flour and meal, Groceries, Stationery, &&&.

Robson, Wanda Eloise
Person · 1926-2022

Wanda Eloise Robson (née Wanda Davis) was born December 16, 1926, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, as one of fifteen children born to James Albert Davis and Gwendolyn Irene Davis. She attended Sir Charles Tupper School, Alexandra School, Bloomfield Junior High School, and graduated from Queen Elizabeth High School. Upon graduating high school, she began working as a lab assistant for the Federal Fisheries department in Halifax. She had three children, Stephen Neal, Jeff Neal, and Gordon Neal, and raised them as a single mother until she married Joe Robson in 1971. The couple moved to North Sydney, Nova Scotia in 1975. In 2004, Wanda completed a Bachelor of Arts (BA) at the University College of Cape Breton (UCCB, now Cape Breton University(CBU)). Wanda experienced racial discrimination throughout her life and after graduating with her BA, became an activist, speaking about being a Black Nova Scotian and telling her sister, Viola Desmond's, story. Robson's work led to Viola Desmond’s posthumous pardon in 2010 and she created a lasting legacy for herself and her sister. In 2010, Robson published Sister to Courage: Stories from the World of Viola Desmond, Canada's Rosa Parks, which recounted the courage and ambition of Viola Desmond and the Davis family. Due to her work, Wanda received an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from CBU in 2012. She died in Sydney, Nova Scotia on February 6, 2022.

Person · October 14, 1922 - August 29, 2010

Charles R. "Sharkey" MacDonald was born October 14, 1922 in New Waterford to parents Ronald and Teresa (MacPherson) MacDonald. Charles was known to enjoy hockey and boxing as a youth and carried that interest throughout his life. Charles' nickname "Sharkey" was derived from his resemblance to Lithuanian-American professional boxer and heavyweight champion Jack Sharkey.

Charles "Sharkey" MacDonald enlisted in 1940 at the age of 18 with the Cape Breton Highlanders and served in England, Italy, and Holland and while serving in Italy, was wounded. After the conclusion of fighting in May 1945, the Cape Breton Highlanders remained in Holland until repatriation in 1946. While stationed in Holland, MacDonald was part of a unit softball team known as "The Hayshakers" as well as participating in divisional boxing.

Following the war, MacDonald was a founding member of the Cape Breton Highlanders Association and later served multiple executive roles including multiple terms as president. The association was known for their yearly reunions that assembled former comrades. MacDonald also played a part in seeing the establishment of the Cape Breton Highlanders memorial that sits on King's Road in Sydney, N.S. In addition to his wartime service, MacDonald also worked for over 40 years as a miner for the Dominion Coal Company, a security guard for DEVCO and also as served as a councilor for New Waterford for 17 years.

MacDonald passed away at the age of 88 in 2010 and is buried at the Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery in New Waterford, N.S.

MacDonald, Charles R.
Person · 1922 - 2010

Charles R. "Sharkey" MacDonald was born in 1922 to parents Ronald and Teresa (MacPherson) MacDonald in New Waterford, N.S. As a youth, boxing was one of many passions that carried with MacDonald throughout his life. He was given the nickname "Sharkey" for his resemblance to Lithuanian-American professional boxer and heavyweight world champion Jack Sharkey.

In 1940, at the age of 18, Charles "Sharkey" MacDonald enlisted with the Cape Breton Highlanders. During his service MacDonald served in England, Italy, Holland, and was wounded while in Italy. Following the end of the war in May 1945, the Cape Breton Highlanders remained in Holland. During this time MacDonald was part of a unit softball team known as "The Hayshakers" and also won a lightweight boxing championship within the 5th Canadian Armoured Division.

In the years after the war, MacDonald became a founding member of the Cape Breton Highlanders Association that would become known for keeping the camaraderie of old wartime comrades alive through annual reunions. MacDonald also served several terms as president of the association as well as other executive roles and played a key part in the establishment of a memorial for the Cape Breton Highlanders on King's Road in Sydney, N.S.

Outside of the life of the Cape Breton Highlanders and association, MacDonald worked for over forty years as a miner for the Dominion Coal Company and as a security guard for DEVCO. He also served as a councilor for New Waterford for seventeen years. Charles R. "Sharkey" MacDonald passed way in 2010 at the age of 88.

Davies, Ralph S.
Person · 1921 - 1979

Ralph S. Davies was born in 1921 to parents Thomas and Blanche (Davidson) Davies of Glace Bay, N.S. Davies enlisted with the Cape Breton Highlanders during World War II and served in England, Italy, and Holland.

After the war, Davies became a part of Branch 3 of the Royal Canadian Legion as well as becoming a part of the executive of the Cape Breton Highlanders Association, serving as president and later as its secretary between 1974 and 1979. Davies also worked as a car inspector for the Cape Breton Development Corporation Railway.

In 1975, Davies, alongside fellow Cape Breton Highlanders veteran and Association member Charles R. "Sharkey" MacDonald, went to Italy as part of the Official Canadian Pilgrimage to events commemorating the 30th anniversary of the liberation of Italy. Davies passed away suddenly in July 1979.

Prosper, Wilfred
Person · 1927-2005

Wilfred Prosper, son of Peter Prosper and Clara Young, was born in 1927 in Potlotek. Wilfred lived in Potlotek until 1947, at which time he and his parents were relocated to Eskasoni as a part of the Centralization initiative of the Department of Indian Affairs. There he met and married his wife Bessie Stevens and together they had 9 daughters and 6 sons. Within the community he served several roles throughout his life including Chief of Eskasoni. He also served as Spiritual Leader of the Mi’kmaq Grand Council, and worked as a carpenter. He started out on the guitar and eventually switched to the fiddle at the age of sixteen. He was influenced by Simon Cremo who was a Mi’kmaw fiddler and would often perform with Lee Cremo. He was well known as a fiddler to the Mi’kmaq and non-Mi’kmaq communities and won many awards. In the 1960s he was awarded the title of former Maritime Fiddling Champion and was a long standing member of the Cape Breton Fiddlers Association. In 1998, he was recognized for his accomplishments and was awarded the Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. Elders Award. Wilfred was also a well respected Mi'kmaw elder and translator and spent his lifetime preserving and teaching Mi'kmaw Hymns and Mi'kmaw Traditions. He passed away on March 25, 2005 at the age of 77.

Denny, Noel R.
Person · 1920 - 1983

Son of Richard and Bridget Denny was born on March 5, 1920 in Eskasoni, Nova Scotia. He married Sarah Agnes Denny and they had 12 children together. He also had one more child in Afton N.S. He strongly believed in the Christian faith and in Mi'kmaq traditional ways. He always read the bible to his children and brought them up to always pray for the sick. He also established the Mala Mass Feast to ensure no elders went hungry. He passed away on July 4, 1983 in Eskasoni.

MacDonald, Daniel Joseph
Person · July 23, 1918 - September 30, 1980

Daniel Joseph MacDonald was born to a family of farmers in Bothwell, Prince Edward Island on July 23, 1918. At the age of 22, MacDonald enlisted with the P.E.I. Highlanders in 1940. Later in June1943, he transferred to the Cape Breton Highlanders where by October of the same year would become a sergeant in the unit. MacDonald was first wounded in an an assault on the Gothic Line. Again, MacDonald was wounded at the Battle of Senio River on December 21, 1944 by an exploding shell. This time, his wounds were serious; MacDonald had his left arm and leg amputated over fear of infection. After being in hospital, those who were unable to walk on their own required a wheelchair. Loathing not being able to walk on his own, MacDonald requested a British cobbler to make a protector for his amputated arm so that he could use crutches to walk on his own.

Years after the end of the war, MacDonald turned to politics . He was elected to the Prince Edward Island legislature in 1962 as the member for 1st Kings where he also served as the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry under Premier Alex B. Campbell from 1966 to 1972. In 1972 MacDonald resigned from P.E.I. provincial politics to run as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Cardigan where he was elected in 1972, again in 1974, and a third time in 1980. In March 1974, MacDonald was appointed by Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau to become the Minister of Veterans Affairs. The role included many tasks including acting as the Canadian Agent for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. In 1975, MacDonald also attended the ceremonies in Italy for the 30th anniversary of the liberation of Italy alongside comrades including Cape Breton Highlanders veterans Charles "Sharkey" MacDonald and Ralph Davies.

MacDonald accomplished much as Minister for Veterans affairs and was well liked by many, including Prime Minister Trudeau whom he became good friends with. During his time in parliament, MacDonald fought for greater support for veterans and their families as well as to increase the pensions for those with disabilities. MacDonald passed away on September 30, 1980 and was given a state funeral. MacDonald had a saying: "it isn't what you've lost, but what you have left."

Bell, Alexander Graham
Person · 3-Mar-1847 to 2-Aug-1922

Alexander Graham Bell, teacher of the deaf, inventor, scientist (born 3 March 1847 in Edinburgh, Scotland; died 2 August 1922 near Baddeck, NS). Alexander Graham Bell is generally considered second only to Thomas Alva Edison among 19th- and 20th-century inventors. Although he is best known as the inventor of the first practical telephone, he also did innovative work in other fields, including aeronautics, hydrofoils and wireless communication (the “photophone”). Moreover, Bell himself considered his work with the deaf to be his most important contribution. Born in Scotland, he emigrated to Canada in 1870 with his parents. Bell married American Mabel Hubbard in 1877 and became a naturalized American citizen in 1882. From the mid-1880s, he and his family spent their summers near Baddeck on Cape Breton Island, where they built a large home, Beinn Bhreagh. From then on, Bell divided his time and his research between the United States and Canada. He died and was buried at Baddeck in 1922.

Bell, Mabel Hubbard
Person · 25-Nov-1857 to 3-Jan-1923

Mabel Gardiner Hubbard Bell, aeronautics financier, community leader, social reformer and advocate for the deaf (born 25 November 1857 in Cambridge, Massachusetts; died 3 January 1923 in Chevy Chase, Maryland). Bell actively supported and contributed to the work of her husband, inventor Alexander Graham Bell. Her financial investment in his work made her the first financier of the aviation industry in North America. She was a community leader in Baddeck, Nova Scotia, where the Bell family spent their summers. She was also a social reformer and supported innovation in education.

Abbass Studios Ltd.
Abbass · Corporate body · 1946-Present

The Abbass family emigrated from Lebanon to Cape Breton at the turn of the 20th century. With his wife, Lilly Khattar, Jobe Abbass built a home on Townsend Street in Sydney, N.S. and together raised twelve children. It is in this building that three of those children, George, John and Anthony started Abbass Studios in the summer of 1946.

While still in high school at Sydney Academy, George took a job as an apprentice at Meyer’s Photography, a national chain. In 1941, after graduating from high school, his brother John also secured a job with Meyers where they both learned the craft of photography. Eventually they began private work contracting jobs with the Post Record and Chronicle Herald newspapers. In January of 1943 four of the Abbass boys, George, John, Joe and Ferris, enlisted to serve during World War II. They left their younger brother Anthony (Tony), who was too young to enlist, in charge of their Post and Herald contracts. When the brothers returned from war, they received a stipend from the government to open their own business.

Abbass Studios opened its doors July 18, 1946 in the family home on Townsend Street in Sydney, N.S. . The studio offered photo finishing, portraits and commercial photography. By the mid-1960s Abbass Studio served all of the Maritime Provinces. The company built a photo finishing plant in Moncton, New Brunswick and purchased stores in New Castle, New Brunswick. The brothers eventually brought the Econo-Color Camera Stores and Studios franchise from Sherman Hines.

Abbass Studios captured and continues to document the diverse economic, political and cultural heritage of the area. The business is still in family hands and run by John’s sons Blaise and John. The Townsend Street building was demolished in 2014 and Blaise Abbass now operates Abbass Studios, Sydney from his home. John Abbass runs the store at Scotia Square Mall in Halifax.

Shedden Studio
Corporate body · 1916-1977

Shedden Studio was founded by David Thompson Shedden in 1916. Mr. Shedden continued to work part-time as a meat cutter until the business gained traction within the local community. In 1930 the eldest of David Shedden's children, Stanley, began working as a photographer for the Studio. He was responsible for taking the photograph of aviator Beryl Markham's plane crash in Baleine, Nova Scotia in 1936. This photograph ran in the New York Times and this negative along with a selection of others are still held by the Shedden family in a private collection. Tragically, Stanley succumbed to illness at the young age of 26. Prior to serving overseas during WWII, David’s other son Leslie, trained as a photographer. When he returned in 1945, he started working with his father at the studio and took over operations when David died in 1948.

Just before Stanley began working with his father, a fire in 1929 destroyed all earlier negatives of the commercial studio. Although there is speculation that Sheddon Studio was contracted by local coal company British Empire and Steel Corportation (BESCO), the negatives no longer exist. This loss was further compounded with the destruction of more negatives before the sale of the company to Cyril McDonald in 1977.
The remaining negatives document the commercial activity of the studio from 1948 to the mid-1970s. The collection consists of portraiture, wedding, anniversary, school groups and graduation photography. Religious ceremonies and social events located mainly in Glace Bay and surrounding areas are also included. A separate grouping of negatives documenting industrial contracts with the Dominion Steel and Coal Company (DOSCO) from 1948-1968 also survived.
McDonald continued to provide reproduction prints on request until 2006. At this time, he decided to donate the first grouping of Shedden negatives to the Beaton Institute at Cape Breton University. McDonald donated the remaining Shedden Studio negatives to the archive in January, 2016 and no longer provides photography services.

Johnstone, Anne Ethel
Person

Anne Ethel (Brown) Johnstone was the daughter of Richard Henry Brown and Barbara (Davison) Brown. She was married to Dr. L.W. Johnstone.