A Beautiful Spot Called Minto
Well I thought I would take a little time and tell you about the Village
where I live, and of course the surrounding areas. I have lived in Minto all
of my life. Some people may ask why? Minto is a Beautiful little Village of
approximately three to four thousand people. I do have to say that we are
very friendly. Minto had its official beginnings as a community in 1904 when
the train first made its way through the forest of Southeastern New Brunswick.
The modest settlement of a few immigrants quickly grew into a prosperous
centre of trade and activity as enterprising new Canadians representing
virtually every nationality came to Minto to partake in the Coal Mining boom.
Many of these families have remained to make this area their home. We provide
a warm welcome to newcomers. The first coal mined in North America was
shipped from our Grand Lake Area in 1639. Our coal was shipped to Boston
U.S.A. In the early years our Coal Miners worked underground. Many lives
were lost. The Underground Mining folded in 1967-1968. At the present time
Coal is still mined in the Minto area but it is Strip Mining, or Open Pit
Coal Mining. We have the largest Dragline in Eastern Canada known as the Maid
Marion. Quite a Tourist attraction. The dragline digs approximately sixty to
eighty feet deep to reach it's seam of Coal. Some of the Coal goes to the
Grand Lake Thermal Plant, but the bulk of it goes to Dalhousie and Belledune,
New Brunswick, Canada. Our Coal has a lot of Sulfer content so therefore
it is best used for generating power, but also causes pollution. Coal is
still being used alot in homes in New Brunswick as a major source of heat.
And with our Winters, we need all the heat we can get.
It sounds like I know alot about this coal business doesn't it...but to be
honest... I got this information from my Dad. He is now retired, but worked for
the Coal Mines most of his life.
Minto is very keen on history and in the last few years a lot of
hard work was put forth by many people to make every one, young and old
aware of the fact that during the time of 1940-1945, an Internment Camp
was built nine miles from the Minto area. The Internment Camp was on
58 acres and was a fenced in Prison Compound during the war. This was the
only Prison Camp in the Maritime Provinces. The first people housed at the
Prison Camp were Jews, who had escaped from the brutal holocaust of Nazi
Germany and fled to England. Canada and Australia were asked to house
the refugees, reasoning that there may be spies within the Jewish group.
Between 600-700 Jews were interned at the camp. After a year and a half
the Jews were given the opportunity to return to England and join
the Military or they could obtain a sponsor and remain in Canada or
the United States. During the years of 1942-1945 the camp mainly housed
captured Germans and Italian merchant marines along with many Canadian
citizens who may have spoken out against the war, or supported Germany
in the war effort. The number of people housed at the Camp during the war
ranged from 600-1100. There were approximately 350 guards. When the war
was over there were 52 buildings on the site. These buildings were sold
to people in the surrounding areas. A small number of these
buildings have been used as homes or cottages in the Minto,
Grand Lake areas.
Well I definitely think this is enough about the History side of Minto.
Lets get to the more entertaining side.
The Minto Summer Festival is one of the year's most popular events
for local residents, relatives returning home and visitors from afar.
It is a full week of scheduled activities during the end of June and
beginning of July. The Grand Lake Provincial Park hosts a Christmas
in July celebration.
A torch light parade is held at Christmas time in the Village's downtown.
Grand Lake is also the venue for an ice fishing tournament every year in
February. There are many attractions to entertain the young and old. Grand Lake
is approximately 15 minutes away from Minto and is a spectacular place
for water activities such as boating, canoeing, swimming, fishing and
waterskiing. The surrounding wilderness is a haven for bird
watchers, cyclists and hikers. There is also a Gulf and Country Club
near by.
The winter activities include such things as sliding, outdoor skating,
ice fishing, cross country and down hill skiing. We have a very fine
local arena which provides hockey , ice skating and roller skating.
We have two gymnasiums for indoor sports, two ball fields, a tennis court,
two bowling alleys and two parks in the general area. Minto's downtown
is a pretty sight at night and a busy spot during the day, with many
businesses to serve you.
Have I sold you on Minto yet ?? It really is a beautiful spot and we
would love to see you here some day. The weather in the summer
months ranges from 70-90 normally, but in the winter be
prepared.. it can go as low as 30 below 0 F, Bring your snuggies...
Hope to see you all someday soon.
PICTURES OF CHRISTA
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