Full slate of Natal Day events

Digby Courier editor and publisher Edith Wallis was named Digby’s citizen of the year, recognizing her volunteer efforts in Digby and her success in journalism. She was the first woman elected president of the Nova Scotia Weekly Newspaper Association.

The award to Wallis came, perhaps by coincidence, as the Courier was about to celebrate its 100th anniversary on Aug. 16.

The newspaper wasn’t as old as the town, however, because Digby was about to celebrate its 190th birthday on July 30. The Natal Day celebrations included parades, canoe races, a free concert by Vic Mullen and the Hickories in the Digby Forum, and a service at the fishermen’s memorial bell and cairn across from the post office.

Natal Day also included dedication on the new Charles McBride Memorial Park that had been developed by the Kinsmen Club to honor the former town councillor and naval cadet officer. The Courier noted that McBride did much to preserve the town’s seafaring history, and the park was on the site of one of the earliest schoolhouses in Digby.

The province purchased the Wile property at Upper Clements so that its heavily used access road to the clam flats would be “forever preserved”, said Digby MLA Joe Casey.

Municipality of Digby councilors decided to ask assistance of the Digby General Hospital board in attracting two new physicians and a dentist. Coun. Penny Gott said the area’s heath care was threatened by a shortage of family doctors.

At the Little Cinema was ‘Escape From the Planet of the Apes’, starry Roddy McDowall and Kim Hunter.

50 years ago

July 24, 1958 – The Acadian Festival in Clare was getting some royal attention with a planned visit by Princess Margaret, younger sister of Queen Elizabeth. The princess was to land in a helicopter at St. Anne’s College to take in some of the festival before then flying to Digby.

Princess Margaret’s helicopter to land in Digby at Larche Farm, and then drive downtown where she was to take part in several events before enjoying supper at the Pines and the boarding a train just before midnight.

Pat Boone and Terry Moore were starring in ‘Bernadine’, playing at the Capitol Theatre.

60 years ago

July 22, 1948 – An unconfirmed report said the closed Cornwallis base was to be reopened as a camp for Canada’s permanent army. After serving as the Commonwealth’s largest naval training base, all that was left in operation was the hospital that was handling veterans.

A new sardine plant opened at Church Point, owned by F.N. Frankland, and employing 40 to 50 workers.

One of the most beautiful summer homes in the county was nearing completion in Smith’s Cove, reported the Courier. Built for J.W. Tatum, owner of a shipping line in the Dominican Republic, the house was named ‘The Highlands’ and was on a hill overlooking the Cove.

Crowds thronged Bear River for the revived Bear River, being held for the first time in a decade.

Maritime Telegraph and Telephone ran a large ad outlining the etiquette of party line use.

‘Under California Stars’ was playing at the Capitol with stars Roy Rogers and his horse ‘Trigger’.