October 17, 1934
Urges Action In Marking Ancient Acadian Village
Workers excavating a ditch at fort Lawrence, near Amherst, last week discovered an interesting relic of Acadian occupation, a long-handled meat fork.
The end of the handle is provided with a hook so that the utensil could be hung on a beam by the fireplace, and the length and size of the fork are evidence that the Acadians enjoyed weighty and ample pot roasts. The fork was found on the site of the ancient village of Beaubassin, said to be the largest and most prosperous of Acadian settlements. Numerous other relics have been uncovered in the past, such as keys, axes, pots and old knives.
In 1715, Beaubassin contained fifty families, who had 32 acres in apple orchards and owned 1000 cattle and 800 hogs. It was then a leading trading post as well, dealing exclusively with the Penobscot and St. John Indians who traded their furs for supplies. In 1747 it was the headquarters of deRamezay’s raiders who marched from the village in the winter on their expedition against Col. Noble at Grand Pre. When the settlement was burned by LeLoutre and his Micmacs in May, 1750, the records state that 121 buildings were destroyed, including the church, a mill, a brick kiln and tannery.
In the hope that action may be taken by the proper authorities to mark the site of ancient Acadian village, Hon. A. S. MacMillan has directed the following letter to J. B. Harkin, Chairman, Historic Sites and Monuments Board, Ottawa:
"It has been brought to my attention that the site of the ancient Acadian village of Beaubassin, at Fort Lawrence, near Amherst, can be easily traced, and that the remains of its brick kiln and tanyard can be uncovered. Numerous Acadian relics have been found here in the past. The village road can still be followed, and until recent years the depressions of several cellars were distinct. It is claimed that Beaubassin was the largest of the Acadian settlements and it was, as you know, the headquarters of LeLoutre and of several raiding expeditions. It would be fitting, therefore, to have such a site restored as far as and properly marked by various signboards, with egress for visitors provided.
"I urge strongly that your Department take immediate steps towards having the principal features of this ancient village traced and marked as a valuable tourist attraction.
(Sgd.) A. S. MacMillan,
Minister of Highways,
Nova Scotia."