John Chute and the co-operative movement

In 1912, a large number of members of the Berwick Fruit Company met at Forresters Hall in Berwick to give Mr. and Mrs. J.N. Chute a farewell celebration.

Mr. Chute had recently been selected to go to London, England, to represent the interests of the United Fruit Company. he had managed the Berwick Fruit Company since its beginning five years earlier.

Mr. Chute, recognized throughout the Annapolis Valley as the father of the co-operative movement in Nova Scotia, was the founder of several co-operatives in the Berwick area.

Going back a few years, a number of progressive farmers of South Berwick organized a club for the study of farm problems. They bought a small library of books on agriculture and met weekly for a discussion of some subject of study during the week. Out of their studies, there grew a firm conviction on the part of all involved that co-operation was the solution to many of the farmers’ problems, particularly marketing.

The first move was the establishment of a co-operative store, where groceries, flour and feed and other supplies needed by farmers were offered for sale. The store did a good business and paid a dividend annually, as well as handing back a rebate on all purchases by the members.

The second result of the discussions was the organization of the Farmers Fire Insurance Company, now the Kings Mutual Insurance Company. Founded by John N. Chute, this company celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2004.

In 1907, a number of fruit growers from around the Berwick area formed the Berwick Fruit Company, the first fruit company in the Valley. Next came the Berwick Strawberry Exchange, a society which included nearly all the strawberry growers in the Berwick area. LAst, but not least in importance to the community which it served, came the Berwick Egg Circle, which, after it was a year old, shipped the largest quantity of eggs of any circle in the province. This gave the poultry industry a great boost in the West Kings district.

After the Chutes returned to Berwick in 1913, Mr. Chute worked for the co-operatives and made many trips overseas for the United Fruit Company. He was heavily involved in farming, but his 40 acres was small compared to the large orchards of Sam Chutes, which surrounded John Chute’s.

In reviewing John Chute’s work, it is found, in 1901, he joined with the Apple King Sam Chute in the purchase of the Sharp place in Woodstock, N.B. This involved a 50-acre Crimson Beauty orchard, which had been neglected. This early variety was a favourite of Sam’s because it brought a good price on the local market at the time.

Because the trees were too thick and the sod so matted, it was necessary to employ two men and two teams for the entire summer. It was interesting to note Sam selected John to supervise the harvest.