Former Queens County teacher inducted into Order of Nova Scotia

Now 94 years old, Barkhouse resides in Bridgewater. Barkhouse was also a schoolteacher who taught in Milton when World War II began. She also taught in Liverpool.

She was “very honoured and very surprised” to find out she was one of five Nova Scotians recognized for outstanding contributions and achievements.

The awards ceremony took place Oct. 3.

Having written autobiographies on George Dawson, Abraham Gesner and Thomas Raddall, her children books include Anna’s Pet and Smallest Rabbit.

Other titles include The Witch of Port LaJoye, The Heroine of Lunenburg and Yesterday’s Children.

She found it wonderful to see the children progress in their education.

Barkhouse said she has written all her life.

She wrote “Pit Pony” because of her interest in Sable Island’s wild horses.

A friend of hers told the story of two young boys who were frightened to go down in the mine, she said.

Neither one would go down without the other.

One day one of the boys were sick, she explained.

The boy refused to go down into the mine without him.

That day there was a bump and an explosion in the mine where they boys would have been working, said Barkhouse.

Marcia Pierce Harding has a Sable Island Fundraiser scheduled to take place Oct. 20.

Harding said Barkhouse was her inspiration for the fundraiser because she rekindled Harding’s love of Sable Island ponies.

Barkhouse’s daughter, Janet will read from her mother’s book, “Pit Pony” during the fundraiser.

“It would be lovely if mom could do it,” said Janet Barkhouse, but due to her age she finds it rather taxing.

Actor Richard Donat, who appeared in the movie “Pit Pony” will read from “The Nymph and the Lamp,” a story inspired by Raddall’s adventures on Sable Island, added Harding.

Zoe Lucas who lives on Sable Island will also present a slideshow.

The “Sable’s Spirits” fundraiser will take place at the Astor Theatre 7 p.m. Oct. 20.