I was fortunate to have been born next to one of the quickly disappearing
beloved covered bridges of N.B. As time goes on and much of our past
is gone, the history of our childhoods seems more important to document
and preserve. The Canadian & American border crossing of River de Chute
in Carleton county, but also north into Victoria County, has never been
fully documented. Indeed, people zooming by the sadly unmarked community
on the TCH as well as even those living in the surrounds are unaware of
just how much there once was here, who were the first settlers, what they
did for a living and who came after them up through this century. The book
is partially, a two year collaboration of myself and a dedicated core of
River de Chute enthusiasts from locally , across Canada, the USA and Australia.
Former residents or descendants of those past, were of great help
with photographic and anecdotal reminisinces. It is mainly though, a lifetime
labor of love of my interest in my birthplace. As many photos were gathered
and printed here as possible of the covered bridge of R de C, built in
1923 to replace the washed out open bridge. It was dismantled in 1963.
Of course further submissions are always welcome for later additions. There
seems to be no capture of the bridge in any photo books on covered bridges.
Detailed in the book are the military and pioneer settlers, all the 13
stores and food establishments, the sawmills and gristmills, blacksmith
shops, the one room River de Chute school in a 20 page section with class
photos from 1902- 1959...and I have written a "R de C one room school house
exam" taken from school books of the 1920's. A large section on notable
people and social news of the century puts a face on names you might have
seen in various cemetaries along the St. John River valley, which are also
included. The book is done in a "Walking Tour" style with over 120 plates
of photos, many plates have several photos on each. Those old enough to
remember the Great Depression, along with younger folk, have submitted
their thoughts on the old days...The book has an emphasis on "The Goodness
of Man", rather than the negative. Other communities are also included
Bill G. Terlecki
Visit Bill G. Terleckiab Official Web Site
To read the Biography of Bill G. Terlecki click here.
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