historic DARTMOUTH
Walking Tour
2nd Edition
“View of Dartmouth, 1819, G. Childs”; NSM
Historic Dartmouth Walking Tour 2nd Edition
Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission, 2006
The images in this publication were provided by:
• Dartmouth Heritage Museum: DHM
• Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission: DDBC
• Form:Media: FORM
• Halifax Regional Municipality: HRM
• National Archives Canada: NAC
• Nova Scotia Museum: NSM
• Historic American Engineering Record: HAER
Design: Form Media
ISBN:
0-9687262-1-6
Discover Downtown Dartmouth!
Special thanks to:
• Dartmouth Historical Association;
• Dartmouth Regional Councilors;
• Dartmouth South Portland Valley MLA;
• Waterfront Development Corporation
Financial support provided by:
• Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission
• Halifax Regional Municipality
• Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture and Heritage
“View of Dartmouth, 1861”; NSM
Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour historic DARTMOUTH
Walking Tour
2nd Edition
Purpose:
The Historic Dartmouth Walking Tour is an introduction to the
people and places of historic interest in Downtown Dartmouth.
The first edition, printed in 2002, became a very popular way
for citizens and visitors to learn about the fascinating history of
the community long known as Dartmouth. When copies of the
2002 edition became scarce, the Downtown Dartmouth Business
Commission made the decision to guide the development of a second
edition. In this edition we strive to enhance the visitor experience by
presenting the 36 sites as eight thematic experiences:
• Dartmouth Firsts
• Settlement & INDUSTRY
• Canal & COMMUNITY
• LAKES & LEISURE
• Faith & Churches
• Town centre
• Dartmouth common tour
• historic houses
We encourage you to set aside sufficient time to
fully experience these attractions.
Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour
Compass Rose Plaza; DDBC 2006
Starting Point Compass Rose
The large compass rose set into the plaza
may help you to get your bearings- please
remember that this is a historic feature - it
shows North, South, East and West in 1750.
In Downtown Dartmouth we begin the
walking tour at the Compass Rose Plaza.
This is an open gathering place located
adjacent to the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal.
Set into the floor of the plaza is a bronze
plate that tells the story of the Ship Alderney
and the 353 settlers that arrived from
England in 1750. 06
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OR
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ue
View of Plaza Entrance; DDBC 2006
Proceed up the stairs / ramp to Alderney
Drive and Portland Street.
Pl
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Land
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la
ng P
ce
Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour Dartmouth Firsts
“Mi’kmaq Encampment, circa 1791” Hibbert Newton Binney;
Mi’kmaq Portraits Collection, NSM
(1) The First People City Clock
The first people to live in this area were
Aboriginal people, calling themselves
L’nu’k, which means ‘the people or human
beings’. The people migrated to a place
called Chebucto each summer to pursue
a fishery. The word ‘Chebucto’ means
‘great bay or long harbour’. Today, the
long harbour is Halifax Harbour. In 1986
a historic site associated with the first
people was uncovered near the City Clock.
Of significance is the date and origin of a
clay pipe. The clay material can be traced
to the Ohio Valley. The date is estimated
between 2300 and 2600 BC. This discovery
indicates that the first people to live in
Dartmouth were traders that lived in this
area nearly 5000 years ago
Proceed along the walkway to the right
to site # 2.
Dartmouth City Clock;
DDBC 2006
Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour
(2) The First Europeans Harbour View on Alderney Drive
Mi’kmaq Man, Woman and Baby, Dartmouth, NS;
Mi’kmaq Portraits Collection, NSM
The first Europeans to visit Chebucto
Harbour were early navigators and
fishermen. These voyages are known to
have started in the 9th-century; however
references are too vague to state who was the
first. What is known is that as early as the
14th-century fishermen from Europe were
pursuing a summer fishery off the coast of
Nova Scotia. The common pursuit of fishing
created a way for Mi’kmaw and Europeans to
meet. Fishermen at home in winter told tales
of a New World rich in fish and wild game.
This place became identified as Acadia on
maps and nautical charts
(3) The First Settlers
Prince Street and Alderney Drive
“View of Dartmouth Common, 1829”; NSM
In the early 18th-century England, France,
Spain and Portugal made claims and counter
claims for the New World. In 1713 England
and France signed the Treaty of Utrecht
which brought peace for the next 31 years.
The treaty gave each nation a portion of
Acadia: Cape Breton Island was ceded to
France and rest of Nova Scotia was ceded
to England. In 1749 England transported
2576 settlers and soldiers to Halifax to
protect their military interests. In 1750
the merchant ship ‘Alderney’ sailed into
Chebucto Harbour with 353 settlers aboard.
While at anchor it was decided that a new
settlement would be created across the
Harbour from Halifax in a place to be called
‘Dartmouth’. The name Dartmouth was
likely given in honour of William Legge,
Earl of Dartmouth.
Proceed along the sidewalk to a point where
you have a view up and down King Street.
Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour “View of Halifax from Dartmouth Cove,1829”; DHM
Settlement & industry
(4) Early Settlement
King Street and Alderney Drive
In keeping with English Town planning,
four blocks formed a square centred at King
and Queen Streets. At the height of the
town a Block House was built and armed to
protect settlers.
Proceed along the path around the cove to the canal pedestrian bridge, cross over the
bridge to view Hartshorne’s Grist Mill.
“Detail, HMS Pegasus Journal, 1786”; NAC
Charles Morris, the Surveyor General, was
tasked with the preparation of a plan for
Dartmouth. The Plan laid out two main
streets that form a cross: King and Queen
Streets. King Street was laid out on lands
that gradually rise up from a sheltered cove,
plateau briefly and then rise up a steep
slope to culminate at a high point in heavily
treed parkland. At the foot of King Street
a wharf was constructed to facilitate trade
with the Garrison Town of Halifax across
the Harbour. Queen Street rises up to the
plateau then it descends to a juncture with a
fresh water stream.
Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour
(5) Industry in Dartmouth Cove
Hartshorne Grist Mill
In 1749 colonial authorities directed that
the first saw mill be built in Dartmouth
on the fresh water stream that flowed
into Dartmouth Cove. Trees cut down
in Dartmouth, became the boards for
construction in Halifax. The saw mill, in
Dartmouth, became an irritant for colonial
authorities – being across the harbour it was
difficult to staff, defend and maintain.
In 1785 the Nantucket Whaling Company
was established at Dartmouth to pursue the
rich whale oil fishery. The business attracted
skilled tradesmen, coopers and carpenters
J.B. Mott Spice Works; J.S. Rogers, DHM
to the community. Dartmouth grew and
prospered for six years, until the company
founders returned to Great Britain in 1791.
In 1792 Lawrence Hartshorne, a Loyalist
from New York, built a Grist Mill and Bake
House in Dartmouth Cove. Today, as you
walk along the trail, be on the lookout for
Dartmouth Historical Society cairns that
mark the sites of the early industries of
Dartmouth Cove.
Proceed along the gravel path up towards the Shubenacadie Canal.
Starr Manufacturing Company, circa 1913; DHM
Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour Canal & community
(6) Shubenacadie Canal
(7) St. James United Church
Prince Albert and Portland Street
In 1827, one year after the Shubenacadie Canal
Company formed, it became clear that workers
skilled in canal construction would be needed to
work on the canal project. To build the locks the
company needed workers skilled in stone canal
construction. The best stone canal masons in
the world were from Scotland so agents for the
company encouraged masons to immigrate with
their families to Dartmouth. Historical texts inform
us that Rev. James Morrison, a Church of Scotland
pastor and missionary, arrived from Glasgow,
Scotland in 1827. One of his first tasks was to erect
a small church, erected on King Street in 1829.
Four years later, work on the canal stopped but
through perseverance the congregation survived .
In 1871 the present St. James Church was erected.
Cross Portland Street at Prince Albert Road.
Proceed along the Prince Albert Road sidewalk.
Church of St. James,1871; DHM
Proceed along the gravel path beside the canal to
Mill Lane. Proceed up Canal Street.
Shubenacadie Canal; DDBC 2006
St.James Church; DDBC 2006
In 1794 the Colonial Governor proposed that a
navigable canal be built from Dartmouth Cove
to the Bay of Fundy along the stream and series
of lakes that flow from Shubenacadie to Halifax
Harbour. Thirty years would pass, however,
before the first Shubenacadie Canal Company was
formed in 1824. The company built five locks and
two ponds in Dartmouth to raise barges up the
50 feet from Dartmouth Cove to Banook Lake.
The mounting cost of construction and annual
reconstruction related to climate conditions
exceeded the financial resources available to the
company. Work on the first ShubenacadieCanal
ceased in 1831.
Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour
In 1854 the Inland Navigation Company
began construction of a navigable canal
from Dartmouth Cove to the Bay of Fundy.
Assisted by advances in engineering, lock
design and water power the canal opened
in 1861. A new water-powered turbine was
installed to pull a cradle (with a barge on
board) up a set of rails from Dartmouth Cove
to Sullivan’s Pond. Although this replaced
three locks and increased speed, the canal
“Morris Canal, New Jersey, Plane 2 East”; HAER
operation was challenged by a new method
of moving bulk goods – Railways. In 1870
a fixed bridge was built across the canal for
the railway. This effectively stopped canal
traffic. The railway became the preferred
(and only) shipping route to Truro. The
Inclined Plane is designated as a National
Historic Civil Engineering Site.
Proceed up the Prince Albert Road sidewalk.
“Morris Canal, New Jersey, Plane 8 East”; HAER
(8) Inclined Plane
Corner of Prince Albert and Pine Street
Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour (9) Starr Skates
Starr Lane and Prince Albert Road
In 1861 a new industrial venture was
established on Prince Albert Road that
would become known worldwide – the
Starr Manufacturing Company. Initially
the company produced wire products and
cut nails. When, in 1865 the company
invented a new design for ice skates, the
reputation for high quality at low cost spread
internationally. The company marketed
this product at International Expositions
and sold 11 million pairs of “Starr Spring
Skates” worldwide. The Skate Plant was
closed in 1939 and demolished in 1949.
Recently, a plan was developed with the
community that proposes to construct an
interpretive feature on the site of the Starr
Skate Plant.
Starr Manufacturing Industries; DHM
Continue along Prince Albert Road
(10) Irish Community
Sullivan’s Pond Park
In this neighbourhood Irish labourers lived
while building the Shubenacadie Canal.
The area became known as “Irish Town”. In
the collection of the Nova Scotia Museum
we identified a picture taken of two houses
on Ochterloney Street in 1931. Future
historians may be able to identify where
these houses once stood. At this time only
the house at 133 Ochterloney Street is
confirmed as an Irish Town House.
Proceed across Ochterloney Street to
Sullivan’s Pond Park.
“North Side of Ochterloney Street, near Maple”, 1931; NSM
10 Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour
Historic Lakes & Leisure
Proceed through Sullivan’s Park on the paved path.
(11) Legion War Memorial
War Memorial; DDBC 2006
(12) Sullivan’s Pond
Sullivan’s Pond is a man made lake created
by Irish labourers constructing the
Shubenacadie Canal. The pond was created
between 1826 and 1831 by construction
of a dam. Designed as a holding pond for
barges awaiting entrance to the locks, the
pond served a similar purpose from 1861 to
1870 when the inclined plane operated.
The first feature you will see upon entering
Sullivan’s Park is the Canadian Legion War
Memorial. The Somme Branch erected this
memorial in 1959 to remind citizens of the
sacrifices made by military members and their
families in the Boer War, First and Second
World Wars and Korean War. War Memorials
are also located in front of the Dartmouth Post
Office on Queen Street and in front of Christ
Church located on Ochterloney Street.
Sullivan’s Pond; DDBC 2006
Like many lakes in Dartmouth, the pond
became surrounded by homes and stores
in the late 19th-century. Guided by
foresight, Dartmouth acquired the lake front
properties in the 20th century to create a
public park for all citizens to enjoy.
Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour 11
(13) Totem Pole
On a small island in the holding pond you
will see a gift from the Province of British
Columbia. The Totem Pole was given to
the City of Dartmouth to commemorate the
first Canada Summer Games to take place
in the twin cities of Halifax and Dartmouth
in 1969.
Follow the path up to the Rotary Bandstand
located in the upper reaches of the park.
Totem Pole; DDBC 2006
(14) Rotary Bandstand
Rotary Bandstand; DDBC 2006
In the upper part of the park the Rotary
Bandstand offers a venue for summer
concerts. It was built and gifted to the City
of Dartmouth in 1978 to celebrate 25 years
of community service by the Rotary Club of
Dartmouth
Follow the trail up and across the street to
Canal Lock One.
12 Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour
(15) Canal Lock # 1
The 1861 Shubenacadie Canal system
is being restored by the municipality and
the Shubenacadie Canal Commission to
enable visitors to see how the Canal worked
in 1861. To raise a barge, the upper gate
would open and the lower gate closed. To
lower a barge, at Lock no.1, the bottom of
the lower gate would open to let out water in
a controlled way.
Lock no. 1, circa 1861; DDBC 2006
Continue along the path to the Banook
Canoe Club.
“Regatta, Dartmouth Lakes”, circa 1907; NSM
(16) Banook Canoe Club
The oldest aquatic club in Dartmouth is the
Banook Canoe Club. Established in 1903,
this club has won national and international
paddling competitions. The original
boat house still stands today. It has been
renovated and modified over the years.
Proceed up a small paved lane to your right
until you reach Crichton Avenue, turn left
(or downhill).
Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour 13
(17) Lakeside House
84 Crichton Avenue
Well named, Lakeside House was built
in 1870 for John Forbes, the inventor of
the spring skate. Ever the inventor John
Forbes installed some unique features such
as a water system that collected rain water
in a cistern in the attic and distributed it
throughout the house as needed.
Look across Crichton Avenue.
Forbes House; HRM, G. Lehman
(18) Edgemere House
79 Crichton Avenue
The large and highly decorated Victorian
house known locally as “Edgemere” was
built for Dartmouth Mayor Frederick Scarfe
in 1905. Unfortunately, he died as a result
of injuries from a horse and buggy accident
before the house was completed. On
December 6, 1917, Emily Scarfe opened
her home for use as a medical aid station
to care for citizens injured in the Halifax
Explosion. The house now functions as the
social centre for a senior citizen’s housing
complex (the large red brick building).
Continue down Crichton Avenue to
Ochterloney Street.
Edgemere House; DDBC 2006
14
Starting
Point Dartmouth Walking Tour
Downtown
Dartmouth Firsts
(1) The First People
(2) The First Europeans (3) The First Settlers
Settlement & industry
(4) Early Settlement
(5) Industry in Dartmouth Cove
Canal & community
(6) (7) (8)
(9)
(10)
Shubenacadie Canal
St. James United Church
Inclined Plane
Starr Manufacturing
Irish Town Historic Lakes & Leisure
(11)
(12)
(13)
(14)
(15)
(16)
(17)
(18)
Legion War Memorial
Sullivan’s Pond
Totem Pole
Rotary Bandstand
Canal Lock # 1
Banook Canoe Club
Lakeside House
Edgemere House
Faith & Churches
(19) St. Peter’s Catholic Church
(20) First Baptist Church
(21) Victoria Road Baptist Church
(22) Christ Church
(23) Grace United Church
( see also St. James Church; site no. 7 )
town centre
(24)
(25)
(26)
(27)
Historic Post Office
Union Protection Building
Military Museum
Joseph Howe Park
DARTMOUTH COMMON TOUR
(28)
(29)
(30)
(31)
Leighton Dillman Memorial Park
Dartmouth Common
Summer House
Alderney Monument
historic houses
(32) Evergreen House
(33) Forrestall House
(34) Quaker House
The Dartmouth Ferry
> Continue North from“Site 14”
Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour 15
16 Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour
Faith & Churches
St. Peter’s Church; DDBC 2006
(19) St. Peter’s Catholic Church
The first Catholic Church in Dartmouth was
built close to the homes of the Irish workers
near Edward Street. The structure- a small
wood church- was just large enough to
house the first congregation. By 1880 a new
church was needed to serve a much larger
congregation. Accordingly, a large and
decorative brick church was built in 1890 on
the present site (see historic photo). When
fire destroyed the brick church in 1966 the
community experienced a great sense of
loss. To remind parishioners of the much
loved church, a new brick church was built in
1969 with a tall bell tower.
Proceed down Ochterloney Street two
city blocks.
St. Peter’s Church, circa 1890; DHM
(20) First Baptist Church
First Baptist Church, Lewis Billard
The fieldstone church located near the
corner of Ochterloney Street and Victoria
Road is the First Baptist Church. The faith
traces its origins in Dartmouth to 1843.
One year later the congregation erected the
first Baptist Church on King Street. The
King Street church was destroyed by the
blast from the Halifax Explosion in 1917. In
1918, the congregation selected a new site
- Ochterloney Street.The current building
was designed by Maritime architect Andrew
Cobb and dedicated in 1922.
A short walk up Victoria Road leads to the
next site.
Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour 17
(21) Victoria Road Baptist Church
The first structure built in Dartmouth to
serve African Baptists was known as the
Dartmouth Lake Church. Built in 1844, the
church and a cemetery were located at the
top of Crichton Avenue. In 1905, a church
hall was offered to the African Canadian
congregation. The hall was moved on rollers
from Christ Church on King Street to
Victoria Road.
Return down Victoria Road and turn right
on to Ochterloney Street.
Victoria Road Baptist Church; HRM Planning Services
(22) Christ Church
Ochterloney Street and King Street
The corner stone of Christ Church was
placed on July 9, 1817 by the Lieutenant
Governor of Nova Scotia. The church
was consecrated in 1826 by the Anglican
Bishop, Charles Inglis. Recently, a
columbarium was erected near the historic
church. It draws many of its design details
from the steeple of the 1817 church. Christ
Church is open to the public in summer
months for tours.
Cross Ochterloney Street and proceed one
block to the corner of King Street.
Christ Church; DDBC 2006
18 Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour
(23) Grace United Church
Proceed along King Street to the corner of
Queen Street.
Grace Methodist Church, Window; FORM 2006
Grace Methodist Church; DDBC 2006
The Methodist congregation established
its first church in Dartmouth in 1853. The
first church was damaged beyond repair
during the Halifax Explosion of 1917. The
congregation preservered through this
trying time by meeting in other locations.
The corner stone of the church we see today
was placed on October 30, 1919 and the
building was dedicated on November 14,
1920.
Dartmouth Post Office, 1905; DHM
Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour 19
town centre
(24) Historic Post Office
Corner of Wentworth and Queen Streets
The first postal service in the community
of Dartmouth was set up in 1847 in a
temporary way station. Shortly thereafter the
need for a permanent Post Office became
evident. This lead to the construction of
the first permanent Post Office opened
in 1852. In keeping with the prosperous
period of development that transpired in the
late 19th century, a new Post Office opened
in 1893. Sadly, as we have discovered
on this tour, buildings built in the late
Victorian period were often consumed by
fire. The Post Office building we see today
was built in 1915 with a striking Clock
Tower (see photo). The tower immediately
became a landmark - it housed the first
electrically illuminated clock in Dartmouth.
Unfortunately the tower was removed when
it became a safety concern. This building
now functions as a Post Office on the main
floor with Offices above.
Dartmouth Post Office, Present-Day; DDBC 2006
20 Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour
(25) Union Protection Building
The building located at 50 Queen Street was
built for the Union Protection Company,
a volunteer fire service, in 1895. It served
this purpose for many years. In 1980 the
building was renovated to support business
uses. Fortunately, the front of the building
was restored sensitively and we can visualize
where fire engines once entered.
Union Fire Protection Company; DDBC 2006
A historic photograph showing an early
Union Protection Company fire wagon
gives us a better understanding of the
considerable efforts that once challenged
volunteers fire fighters in the 18th and 19th centuries.
U.P.C. Fire Wagon; Notman College
Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour 21
Somme Branch Military Museum; DDBC 2006
(26) Military Museum
The Somme Branch of the Canadian Legion
located at 54 King Street operates a military
museum. The museum is located in a
building originally constructed as a house
in 1895. The museum has a number of
fascinating exhibits that illustrate Canadians
in service during a number of international
conflicts. Military and amateur historians are
encouraged to contact the Somme Branch of
the Canadian Legion at 463-1050 to make
an appointment to visit the museum.
Proceed down Queen Street to
Joseph Howe Park.
Lest we forget...
Somme Branch Military Museum; DDBC 2006
22 Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour
Joseph Howe Park; DDBC 2006
(27) Joseph Howe Park
r tm
ou
th H
erita
ge Musuem; D
HM
In 2004, Dartmouth christened this park to
mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of
Joseph Howe. Joseph Howe started his life as
a journalist, became a newspaper publisher
and went on to a distinguished political career.
Interpretive Panels on site tell the fascinating
story in detail.
Joseph H
owe
ib
Exh
it,
Da
Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour 23
“Halifax Harbour from Dartmouth, NS”; NSM
DARTMOUTH COMMON TOUR
(28) Leighton Dillman Memorial Park
At the foot of the Common is an area called
Leighton Dillman Park. This area was named
after a gardener who diligent restored
the Victorian beauty of this corner of the
Dartmouth Common into the beautiful
floral park we experience today. Take a few
moments to read the interpretive panels
that tell the story of the Park and Leighton
Dillman.
Leighton Dillman Park; HRM / G. Lehman
This is a tour of the Common, situated
3 blocks North-west of Downtown. The
Common may be reached on foot, by
walking along Alderney Drive. Alternatively,
if you wish to drive to the park, parking is
available off Thistle Street.
24 Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour
“In the Park, Dartmouth, NS” , circa 1911, Postcard; NSM
(29) Dartmouth Common
In the Park; DDBC 2006
In the 17th century in England it was a town
planning practice to set aside a large area
of land for common community purposes.
This land acquired the name of the Town
Common over time. In 1788 the English
authorities overseeing the development of
Dartmouth set aside 300 acres just above
the settlement for the Dartmouth Common.
In the 18th century this was an area where
any citizen could allow cattle and sheep to
graze. In the 19th century the Dartmouth
Common provided an area for the ornamental
parks so enjoyed by Victorians. Today the
area bounded by Park Avenue, Victoria
Road, Thistle Street and Alderney Drive
provides an area for all citizens to enjoy
a walk along treed paths to appreciate an
unsurpassed vista of Dartmouth and Halifax.
Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour 25
Summer House; DDBC 2006
(30) Summer House
An interesting feature in the Dartmouth
Common is the Summer House, a covered
gazebo located at the top of the park.
A climb to the gazebo is rewarded with
remarkable view of Dartmouth, Halifax and
the Harbour.
The Alderney Monument was erected to
commemorate the arrival of 353 settlers on
the ship “Alderney” in 1750. These first
settlers founded the English settlement of
Dartmouth.
Alderney Monument; DDBC 2006
(31) Alderney Monument
26 Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour
Historic houses
There are three Historic Houses on this
tour. The Dartmouth Heritage Museum
Society operates two houses: Evergreen
House and Quaker House. These museum
houses use exhibits to depict early life in
18th and 19th century Dartmouth. The
third historic house introduced here is a
private art gallery, open by appointment.
(32) Evergreen House Museum
26 Newcastle Street
This house was built for Judge Alexander
James, Secretary of the Nova Scotia
Legislature. It was designed by architect
Henry Elliot in 1862 and constructed in
1867, the year of Canadian Confederation.
Evergreen House was home to folklorist
Helen Creighton from 1921 to 1977.
Today the house is a historic museum and
archives open to the public on a year round
basis.
Contact the Museum at (902) 464-2300 or visit their website at
www.dartmouthheritagemuseum.ns.ca
ele
nC
reig
hton
; DDBC 2006
Evergreen House, circa 1867; DDBC 2006
Evergreen House Interior; DDBC 2006
Ima
ge
of
H
Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour 27
(33) Forrestall House Art Gallery
4 Albert Street
The high Victorian house located at the
corner of Albert and Newcastle streets was
built in 1894 for a Dartmouth businessman.
Mr. Howard Wentzell later became
President of the Dartmouth Board of Trade.
It is currently owned by Tom Forrestall,
an artist of international standing. The
Forrestall House houses a private art gallery.
Gallery open by appointment, please
call 469-7454.
Forrestall House Art Gallery; DDBC 2006
(34) Quaker House Museum
57 Ochterloney Street
The Quaker House was built for William
Ray, a Quaker from Nantucket Massachusetts
in 1785. Today it is operated as a historic
house museum open to the public in summer
months and year round by appointment. The
house offers a glimpse into the life of one of
40 Quaker families that relocated from the
community of Nantucket. Attracted by lower
tariffs on whale oil exported to England
from Nova Scotia (still a British Colony)
the Nantucket Whaling Company created
a period of great prosperity in Dartmouth.
The industry employed local coopers and
carpenters to make the barrels for shipping.
As the only house still standing from this
period of time, we strongly encourage a visit
to experience life of the Quaker family in
Dartmouth in 1785.
Quaker House Museum, circa 1785; FORM 2006
28 Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour
Dartmouth Ferry Terminal, Postcard; NSM
The Dartmouth Ferry End of Tour
Dartmouth Ferry Terminal,
circa 1930
We end our tour at the Dartmouth Ferry,
where visitors may “catch a ride to the other
side”. The Dartmouth Ferry service is one
of the oldest continuous running saltwater
ferries in North America. Since 1752 a ferry
has been operated from Dartmouth to Halifax
carrying passengers back and forth across the
harbour. During the early years of the service,
passengers sat in open boats propelled by oars,
sails, or hand-cranked paddle wheels. Today
the ferries are made of steel, powered by
diesel, and carry only foot passengers.
Dartmouth Ferry Tokens, 1908 – 1921; DHM
Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour 29
We hope that you have enjoyed this introduction to the history of Downtown
Dartmouth. For more information, contact the Alderney Gate Public Library (see
hours below). The branch is located in Downtown Dartmouth. It serves as the
official repository of books, articles, plans and minutes associated with Dartmouth,
Nova Scotia.
Dartmouth Firsts
• The Story of Dartmouth, J. P. Martin, 1957
Call No. 971.622 M38s
• In the Wake of the Alderney, H. Chapman, 2000 Call No. 971.6225 C466i
Settlement & Industry
• White Shirts & Blue Collars, H. Chapman, 1997 Call No. 338.09716
• Wheels of Water…Time, S. MacLeod, 2000
Call No. 971.6225 W565
Canal & Community
• “Men, Money and Muscle, H. Chapman, 1994
• History of Dartmouth Families D. Trider, 1999
Call No. 971.6225 T824h
Lakes & Leisure
• Hockey’s Home, Martin Jones, 2002
• Banook Canoe Club, A. Billard, 2003
Call No. 796.962 J78h
Call No. 797.122 B596b
Historic Churches
• The Mustard Seeds: H. Chapman, 1999
• There are many books on historic churches
Call No. 277.16225 M991
ask at Reference Desk
Historic Parks
• The Story of Dartmouth Park, G.Gosley, 1985
• Dartmouth Common Enhancement Plan, 1989
Call No. 971.622 G676s
ask at Reference Desk
Dartmouth Ferry
• Like a Weaver’s Shuttle, J. & P. Payzant, 1979
• We Love to Ride the Ferry, J. Payzant, 2002
Call No. 386.6 P347L
Call No. 386.6 P347w
Alderney Gate Public Library
60 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth B2Y 4P8
www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca
Hours: Phone & Fax:
Monday - Thursday: 10 am - 9 pm
Youth Services: (902) 490-5748
Friday and Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm
Adult Services: (902) 490-5745
Sunday: 2-5 pm (Sept. 10, 2006 - May 13, 2007) Fax: (902) 490-5889 “View of Dartmouth, 1861”; NSM
30 Downtown Dartmouth Walking Tour
Historic Dartmouth Walking Tour 2nd Edition
The Historic Dartmouth Walking Tour 2nd Edition provides a glimpse
of the people and places of historic interest in Downtown Dartmouth.
This edition is sure to appeal to all interests. Explore the fascinating
history of Dartmouth, learning as you walk along historic paths, city
streets and public parks.
The 2nd Edition presents 36 historic sites through eight themes:
• Dartmouth Firsts
• Settlement and Industry
• Canal and Community
• Lakes and Leisure
• Faith and Churches
• Historic Town Centre
• Dartmouth Common
• Historic Houses
An enclosed map guides you on a journey of discovery through
Downtown Dartmouth. Discover three centuries of history in 3 hours.
Discover Downtown Dartmouth!
Price: $ 2.00 CAD
“View of Dartmouth, 1819, G. Childs”; NSM