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Lighthouses in Nova
Scotia have become prominent tourist attractions and are another reason why
people visit our province. The Cape Forchu Lightstation is complimented by
unique natural beauty and tells a piece of history that has enriched the
lives of the people in and around the community. This significant icon with
striking raw landscapes attracts people worldwide. And for this reason, The
Friends of the Yarmouth Light Society, through hard work and dedication,
wanted to ensure that the lightstation remain opened for everyone to visit.
The museum, located in the Light keeper’s house, depicts the history of the
Light, Cape Forchu and its people, holding a wealth of history in pictures,
guided tours and memorabilia.
The Cape Forchu Lightstation – past & present
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The tower stands as a proud symbol of dedication and service and
maintains a 169 year old tradition of guiding vessels in and out of Yarmouth
Harbour and is a Historical Landmark.
◄ Retiring lightkeeper Herb Cunningham
beside the old light and new lightkeeper Mr. Smith beside the construction
of the new light.
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Lightkeepers
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The job of a lightkeeper required maintaining the property, ensuring
that the light and fog alarm was running at all times, recording in journals
and included rescue operations.
◄ The lightkeepers kept a small farm with
pigs, chickens and a cow which provided them with most of their food.
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Fisheries
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Fishing has been the backbone of Yarmouth’s culture and economy for over
200 years. Lobster, ground fish, mackerel, cod, haddock, halibut, herring,
tuna, swordfish and other fish have provided the mainstay of the economy.
Equally profitable includes shellfish such as clams and scallops and the
harvesting of blood worms used for sports fishing and rockweed used in many
household products. |
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Shipwrecks
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Few words so effectively evoke misfortune and drama!
The museum provides history, pictures and other information on selected
wrecks that occurred in the vicinity. The waters can be treacherous and in
the days before modern navigational aids such as radar and GPS, shipwrecks
were more common along these rocky coastlines. Ship wrecks were common and
it was recommended by Colonel Robert Morse in 1874 that a chain of
lighthouses should be built along the shores of Nova Scotia from Cape Canso
to Cape Sable. |
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Life at the Cape
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Fisherman's
Monument
A monument dedicated to all seamen who lost their lives at sea from
Yarmouth County is erected at John's Cove. It is also the site of the
first ship launch in the county which took place in 1764. |
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Markland Hotel
The highest part of Cape Forchu Island was the site of a turn of the
century major resort style hotel called The Markland Hotel. Boats left
from the Killam Wharf in Yarmouth and landed at a large wharf on Cape
Forchu Island bringing guests and visitors. The Markland Hotel was built
in the early 1900’s and housed guests for $7 to $10 a week American. In
1925, the Hotel closed from lack of business due to the war. The Markland
Hotel was demolished in 1934. The roadway to the original spot is now
overgrown but can be distinguished. |
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Bug Light
The Bunker Island Light House, also known as Bug Light, was lit in
1874 consisting of a tapered square wood tower. The second Bug Light was
lit in 1924 as a wooden tower on a dwelling. Both of these Lighthouses are
not operational today. The existing Bug Light was lit in 1959 as a square
concrete tower on an engine room.
◄ Bug
Light can be seen on your way to the Cape Forchu Lightstation. |
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Bayview Lodge
The Bay View Lodge was a very popular summer resort, opening its doors
on May 25, 1896. It was accessible by three modes of transportation,
ferry, horse, and foot. On the evening of September 20, 1912 the main
building was destroyed by fire and was never rebuilt, the hotel foundation
is still visible today. |
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Acadians
When Samuel de Champlain was exploring here in 1604, he named this
point Cap Forchu, meaning “forked cape.” A year later, he settled in Port
Royal or La Cadie, derived from “L’Arcadie.” Hence, the early French
settlers were called “Acadian.” |
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Cape Islander
A Cape Island style fishing boat is characterized as having
distinctively high bows, a long, broad, open workspace, and is low to the
sea. It is constructed in different sizes, mainly from 30 feet to 50 feet in
length. The Cape Island boat design was created in the early 1900's by
Ephraim Atkinson of Clark's Harbour, Nova Scotia.
The Atkinson family builders have continued building world-renowned and
recognized pleasure and commercial boats to this day. This boat can now be
seen in use all over coastal Nova Scotia, North America, and the world. |
There are many pieces of history in the Museum waiting for you to visit!!
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