Louisbourg Streets

Former Streets: CHURCH STREET / MCALPINE STREET

PEPPERRELL STREET

( north from Main cutting through Huntington )

The immediate source of the name was the Pepperrell House which was located on the north west corner of Main and Pepperell. The inspiration for the name was William Pepperrell the commander of the New England forces during the 1745 siege of Louisbourg. The street was named by 1903.

The Pepperell House was built by Ronald MacLean in 1894. It had 20 rooms and provided accommodation for the men attracted to Loulsbourg by work with the S&L railroad and on the coal pier.¹⁰⁵ MacLean went on to supervise the Marine Hospital at the top of Kent Street and the Pepperrell House became the Orange Hall and provided overflow classroom space for the school across the road.¹⁰⁶

William Pepperrell was the New England commander of the land forces during the siege of 1745. He was a successful merchant living in Kittery, Massachusetts and trading between New England, Newfoundland, the West lndies and Louisbourg. He also owned an interest in boats working out of Canso in Nova Scotia. Pepperrell became well established in the government of Massachusetts and succeeded his father as a colonel of the York County militia. He was among the small group of enthusiasts that convinced the Massachusetts General Court to attack Louisbourg. The reduction of Louisbourg brought both fame and honours to Pepperrell. He was commissioned colonel of the 66th Regiment of Foot and given a baronetcy.¹⁰⁷

The Town Council spent a good part of the summer of 1903 discussing funding improvements for Pepperrell Street. A number of people had begun to build houses there and were expecting the same type of service as residents on other streets. At a June meeting Councillor Joseph O'Toole pointed out that if the town was to spend any money the street would have to be widened to 50 feet.¹⁰⁸ At the next meeting in June it was moved to spend $25.00 on improvements, but the Coal Company would be asked to level the street between the two railway crossings.¹⁰⁹

Years ago Pepperrell was known locally as Hill 70. Mary Leahy believes that the name was given by Dan Townsend when he returned home after World War I.

PHELAN'S ROAD

( from Wolfe curving west )

The hundred feet of Phelan's road, leaves Wolfe street and passes between the home of Larry O'Toole, now the Cranberry Cove Inn, and that of Mrs. Millie Creaser. It is all that remains of a "wagon road" to the farm of Thomas Phelan. It appears on the Land Registration Information Services map.¹¹⁰ Phelan, a widower at the time of the 1891 census, lived on the farm with his 3 daughters Ellen, Kate and Rose. Rose married Paul Bates and was the mother of Tom Bates Sr., of Main Street. Tom remembers the road being open but doubts that there was ever any car traffic. Along the road there was a an open place on the east side called McCuish's fields.

Phelan's road is a reminder that farming has disappeared from the Louisbourg area. But in the 1871 census in Division 2 there were approximately 50 heads of household listed as farmers. The coming of the Steel Plant to Sydney and coal pier to Louisbourg was the death knell for this way of life.

There is one instance of this road being referred to as Whelan's Road. That was the 1906 survey of by Henniger.¹¹¹

RIVERDALE STREET

( north from junction of Wolfe and Main )

In naming streets in 1902 the Town Council determined that the, "... portion from Jerret's Bridge to the town limits on the Louisburg road is named Riverdale."

Riverdale street gets its name from the proximity to Gerrat Brook. The land adjacent to the brook was owned by Ellias Gerrot in 1772. By 1774 Gerrot had sold the land to William Russell and he with his family disappears from the historical record in Louisbourg.¹¹²

H. G. Henniger's survey of May 1902 calls the street Sydney Road pointing to the fact that it was the main way in and out of Louisbourg by car. This was changed in 1938 when the highway was constructed between the east end of Louisbourg and Catalone. Melvin S. Huntington notes in his diary that it was George Lewis along with his brother Earl and James Crowdis who first drove the new "highway diversion" by car on October 4, 1938.¹¹²a

The term Blueberry Hill has been used to refer to the settlement of houses on the hill for over ninety years. There are mixed reports of whether or not there ever many blueberries in the area. More importantly, the name illustrates the durability of popular usage.

SLATTERY STREET

( Wolfe s/e to Commercial east of Gerrat Brook )

The 1864 plan by A. F. Church shows this lane connecting Wolfe and Commercial Streets leading to the residence and wharf of merchant Michael Slattery. It is named on the 1950 Engineering Services Company report and the January 1990 Land Registration Information Services computer printout. The Slattery family was lived in Louisbourg for over 100 years. Michael Slattery obtained a licence of occupation from Lt. Governor Macarmick in 1794 for 300 acres "toward the Grand Battery".¹¹³

In 1901, the Sydney Record reported that the storm of November 25 had washed away an old fish store and block of a wharf of Michael Slattery. lt went on to mention that this was the last vestige of a once valuable property where a large fish business was carried on.¹¹⁴

Early in this century Slattery's Point was a popular picnic grounds used by many groups in Louisbourg. In 1905, an agreement was made between the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association (CMBA) and the Loyal Orange Lodge that allowed the LOL to use the Slattery grounds for a picnic on the 12th of July upon paying half the costs of the materials used for construction of booths and tables.¹¹⁵ In July 1919, there was a parade of the pipe band and brass band followed by a bonfire at Slattery's in the evening.¹¹⁶ And on July 26,1921 Melvin Huntington writes in his diary that "Cole Bros. Circus arrived on the morning train and located on the grounds near Slattery's Head. Held a performance at 2 and 8 PM".¹¹⁷

For a number of years the property was owned by the National Sea Products Fish company. In 1995 a large portion was purchased by Tom and Linda (Lynk) Kennedy. They have cleared the land of the alder growth of the last thirty years and constructed two country inn buildings and a campground for motor homes.

SPENCER STREET

( north from Main )

Spencer street first appears in the 1908 McAlpine Directory. In 1874 William Wentworth Spencer purchased a lot in this area from John Lorway. Spencer had moved to Louisbourg from his home on Hornes Road.^117a John Spencer, the founder of the Cape Breton branch of the family, came to Mira from New Hampshire in 1786.¹¹⁸

STRATHCONA STREET - formerly Church Street

( n/s connecting Commercial and Main )

The street is named in memory of Donald Alexander Smith , Baron of Strathcona and Mount Royal. Smith worked for the Hudson Bay Company and eventually became its Governor. He was a Member of Parliament and Canadian High Commissioner in London. He is the man shown in the historic photograph driving the last spike in the CPR line at Craigellachie, B. C. in 1885.¹¹⁹

Strathcona equipped and maintained Lord Strathcona's Horse during the South African War, and this is what drew him to local attention.

The citizens of Louisbourg were very much aware of the war between England and the Dutch farmers living in the Orange Free State and the South African Republic, which was fought between 1899 and 1902.¹²⁰ The Daily Post for February 18, 1902 mentions that Sgt. Moore of the Royal Canadian Regiment came to Louisbourg and recruited William Cameron, Peter McMullin, John A. MacDonald, Archie Johnson, John Kelly, Arthur Spears and Edward Sharp. The recruits were given a complimentary dinner and escorted to the station by Mayor Lewis and members of the town council. The platform was crowded with well wishers who came especially to see the young men off. Then on August 2, 1902, the Sydney Record reported that Mayor W. W. Lewis renamed his steam launch the Cecil Rhodes. Rhodes, who died that year, was an English mine owner, Prime Minister of Cape colony and ardent imperialist who worked for British control of all of South Africa.

This is probably the street referred to as Church Street by the Town Council in 1902 because of the presence of Calvin Presbyterian Church constructed in 1894.¹²¹

TANNER'S LANE

( diagonally s/e from Kent to Huntington )

Alfred Tanner, a fisherman, was born near Port Medway in Lunenburg County and came to Louisbourg about l882.¹²² The l89l Census lists three Tanner households in Louisbourg. Wesley Tanner Alfred's son, was one of the Town's first policemen. In 1928 there were two Tanner families living on the north side of Tanner's Lane.¹²³

The street is named by the time of the 1908 McAlpine Directory. Still, as late as 1976 at a meeting of the Town Council it was suggested by one Councillor that Tanner's Lane was not a formal Town Street.^123a

THIRD STREET

( west off Upper Warren )

This location appears on the Land Registration Information Services Map and the computer printout for Louisbourg. Like Fourth street, it is theoretical though it may have its origins in M. G. Henniger's 1902 plan of McAlpine Street.

TOWNSEND STREET

( east/west between Lower Warren and Aberdeen )

This street is named after Captain Tom Townsend who lived in the large house now owned by Joe and Jean Bagnell on the corner of Townsend and Warren.¹²⁴ On May 6, 1903 the Sydney Record notes that the Street and Bridge Committee visited and took exact measurements of the location of Townsend street before improvements were started. In September of 1904 the Citizens' Band gave its first public performance opposite the residence of Mayor Lewis on the corner of Warren and Townsend streets.¹²⁵

The Townsend family has a long association with Louisbourg. James Townsend was a sergeant in Captain's Clarke's Company of Warburton's Regiment in Louisbourg in 1760.¹²⁶ Warburton's, also called the 45th Regiment of Foot, took part in the 1758 siege of Louisbourg and garrisoned the town afterwards.

In 1801 when James Townsend was petitioning for a fishing lot in Louisbourg Harbour he is described as having been in the 45th Regiment of Foot, discharged and married in Louisbourg with 50 descendants.¹²⁷ In 1822 Thomas Townsend petitioned to obtain a grant of the 400 acres which his father had held by licence, becoming one of the largest property holders in Louisbourg.¹²⁸ By the time of the 1891 Census there were over 25 Townsend families counted. Today there is no one bearing that surname in Louisbourg. Gregory Townsend who is listed in 18th century documents as the "late deputy paymaster", has been claimed by some as the Townsend ancestor.¹²⁹ Gregory died in Halifax and is buried in the old cemetery there. His will does not mention a James Townsend and we suspect that he was no relation to the Louisbourg Townsend family.

VERRIER CRESCENT

( e/w from top of Lorway )

Verrier Crescent is named after Etienne Verrier who served as resident chief engineer at Louisbourg from 1724 until 1745. It is one of the streets developed in association with the reconstruction of the Fortress of Louisbourg in 1961/62. Verrier completed the fortifications, the Royal and Island Batteries, the major public buildings of Louisbourg and the lighthouse. He also planned the main works at Port Dauphin (Englishtown), Port Toulouse (St. Peters) and Port-La-Joie (Prince Edward Island). He was a key officer of the garrison and was heavily involved in the defense of the town when it was attacked by the English in 1745. In many ways the reconstructed fortress is a monument to his abilities as an engineer and a designer.¹³⁰ Though planned as a crescent, the loop at the eastern was not completed until 1995. There are several instances, including the Land Registration and Information System computer sheets, in which this street is called Vanier. This is an error. For the historical record, I think that it is important to note that Verrier Crescent, and Holland and Braddock Avenues, making up the "Government Housing Area", have also been known as Snob Hill over the past 30 years.

The demographics of the area has changed over the years, however, and at present less than 1/2 of the houses are owned by the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Park.

VICTORIA STREET

( east off Upper Warren )

The street is named for Queen Victoria and appears in the McAlpine Directory of 1908. Victoria died on the 22nd of January 1901, seven days after Louisbourg was officially incorporated. By the end of her long reign she had become a popular monarch symbolizing the British Empire.

It is not surprising that the town fathers chose to name a street after her. What is genuinely surprising is that a street named in her honour was not on the first Council list in 1902, since there was one for her husband, Prince Albert. It may have been an oversight by the newspaper correspondent.

Some people speculate that Victoria Street was meant to turn north and run parallel to Upper Warren. There is no evidence that the Town Council ever meant to extend Victoria Street in this fashion. E. S. McAlpine, who owned this block of town from Main Street north, did have it surveyed for building lots at the turn of the century. It is possible that he had a small lane developed to permit access to the lots behind those facing on Warren. But this was a private venture.

WARREN STREET - formerly McAlpine Street

( n/s Lower Warren from Commercial to Main, Upper Warren n from Main )

The street was named, in 1902, for Sir Peter Warren who commanded the English fleet during the 1745 siege of Louisbourg, and who with his marines was the first to enter the captured town.

Warren provided naval support for Pepperrell's land forces ensuring that there would be no attack by sea, and supplied experienced naval gunners to support the inexperienced New Englanders. He had some familiarity with Louisbourg before the war having a variety of investments in New England. He may even have traded, illegally, with the French town.

His success at Louisbourg obtained for him the rank of rear-admiral. He was also made the first British Governor of Cape Breton on I September 1745. He quickly asked to be relieved of the post, his real ambitions being the governorship of New Jersey or New York.

Warren's perspective on Louisbourg was that only a large settlement and garrison could protect the Island. He also felt that the fishery should be encouraged as the principal source of the Island's wealth and that Louisbourg ought to be declared a free port in order to stimulate trade.¹³¹

This street was originally called McAlpine Street.¹³² The McAlpines were merchants and government officials in Louisbourg. Charles McAlpine obtained land from J. Townsend in 1835.¹³³ Guy McAlpine Hiltz, a former mayor of Louisbourg, says that his grandfather Edward S. McAlpine was eager that the street be renamed Warren.¹³⁴ McAlpine had been a member of the Louisbourg committee of the Society of Colonial Wars celebration in 1895.¹³⁵ He obviously had a sense of history.

Over the years there have been several Warrens in Louisbourg. In 1902 there was Mr Warren of Warren's Shoe Store who offered " boots, shoes and gents furnishings."¹³⁶ At present, there is Isaac Warren who, as luck would have it, lives on Upper Warren. Isaac Warren and his family came to Louisbourg from Ramea, Newfoundland in 1954. ¹³⁷ None of these Warrens are related to Sir Peter who had no children.

WHITNEY STREET

( east off Pepperrell )

This is the newest street in town. The Town expropriated the land at a Council meeting on 31 May 1984. Council did not name the street at the time but on the survey plan by John S. Pope & Assoc. it is identified as Whitney Street.¹³⁸ This refers to the 1901 survey by M. G. Henniger for his "New Street" which he called Whitney.

Henry M. Whitney of Boston and a group of industrialists from Boston and Montreal created the Dominion Coal Company in 1893. Whitney attracted large amounts of capital which permitted the modernization of mining on Cape Breton. The amalgamation of a number of small coal leases brought control of a fleet of coal boats and the rail line between Sydney and Reserve Mines. lt also introduced a major consumer of coal in the form of the Everett Coal and Gas Works of Everett, Mass. Whitney and his board recognized that in order to develop and retain markets it would be necessary to ship coal year round from Cape Breton. The result was the extension of the rail line from Reserve through Morien, Mira, Catalone and on to Louisbourg in 1895.¹³⁹

lt is fitting that we memorialize Whitney in some way. His efforts at industrialization gave Louisbourg the impetus to expand and to dream.

WOLFE STREET

( south from Main and Riverdale junction to Town boundary )

In 1902 the Louisbourg Town Council decided that, ". . .from Jerret's bridge to the town limits, going toward Old Town, will be Wolf Street." James Wolfe was at Loulsbourg during the siege of 1758 in the army of General Jeffrey Amherst. On June 8, 1758, under protective fire from the frigate Kennington, Brigadier Wolfe lead the assault that established the English beach head at what would become known as Kennington Cove. On land, he commanded an elite force of light infantry and grenadiers constructing a series of batteries from the lighthouse around the harbour to bombard ships and fortifications. He also bombed and terrorized the civilian citizens of the town. This last point should be kept in mind when evaluating the heroic mythology built up around "dauntless Wolfe" over the years. Wolfe died on the Plains of Abraham on September 13, 1759 while defeating the army of Montcalm.¹⁴⁰

The fact that his name was chosen for the street in 1902 is a reflection of the very patriotic times. The recent death of Queen Victoria, the crowning of a new monarch, and the South African War heightened the fervour for England's past and present glories.

In addition, for Louisbourg, there was the memory of the visit by the Society of Colonial Wars in 1895 and the monument erected on the ruined walls of the 18th century fortress to those who fought in the siege of 1745. This ceremony had been a major event in the life of the small community and served to underline the part played by Louisbourg in world events. Local political notables including W.W. Lewis, the first mayor of incorporated Louisbourg, H.C.V. Levatte, Loulsbourg resident and County Warden, and future councillors James McPhee and Neil J.Townsend had been members of the Louisbourg committee.¹⁴¹ James McPhee also chaired the Council committee that would later name the streets of Louisbourg.¹⁴²

WALLACE STREET

( east off Havenside Road )

This street is named for Wallace Tutty and is referred to in the 1908 McAlpine Directory. Wallace, born about 1853, was the son of Thomas Tutty who owned property at the head of the harbour.

The Tutty family has held land in Louisbourg for many years. In 1808 Joseph Tutty petitioned for land at Sutherland's Redoubt at the north east in Louisbourg Harbour adjacent to the land of Mr. Townsend.¹⁴³ At the same time, Josia White was a petitioner. White said that he had lived in Cape Breton for the past seven years where he had married the widow of John Tutty and moved to Loran (Lorraine). He noted that, ". . as his step-sons were unfriendly, he moved the preceding spring to a lot on the north east of Louisbourg harbour where he planted potatoes and built a greenhouse. He felt that his stepson who was looking for the same piece of property and was attempting to undermine him.¹⁴⁴ Whatever the case, Tutty got the land.

MUNROE STREET

( north from Main )

At the April 25, 1975 meeting of the Town Council, the residents of the lane west of the Royal Bank on the north side of Main asked that a new street be established. They pointed out that there were five families, all ratepayers, on the lane. Both Councillors Alex Storm and Jim Steylen supported the idea. Councillor Storm went so far as to suggest that the town could save money by opening all dead end streets. On a motion by Councillor Gerry Gartland the Town was to approach Mrs. Munroe about acquiring the land for the new street.

Nothing was done about this for over seventeen years. At the Council meeting of March 26, 1992 the residents presented a petition asking for the road to be paved and saying that it would be called "Monroe" Street when the 911 emergency response system was implemented. The petition read: " We would like your support in petitioning the town of Louisbourg to pave the road that connects the homes of our neighbourhood. In the future, when the new emergency 911 service is installed this road will be referred to as Monroe Street. At this time of year, however, the road - whatever its name - could be likened to a quagmire, with the rain, the melting snow, and the thawing of the ground making every venture from our homes an adventure in itself. It has also been quite noticeable in the last month that the precarious and oftentimes dangerous effects of ice linger on a dirt road longer than a paved one. Most of us know how difficult it has been, when such conditions arise, to enter and leave our driveways. We believe that if Monroe Street is paved this action would-in-effect decrease the hazard that our road presents, and also make us more accessible to emergency services should the need ever occur. We are also perhaps the only street in town, with the number of families - longstanding citizens of Louisbourg and this neighbourhood in fact - to not have a paved thoroughfare. ( There is not one that can come to mind other than our own, and if there is, they should be given the same consideration. ) Streets with far fewer homes than ours have had their streets paved for years."

The petition is signed by Allan and Shirley Kennedy, Robert and Florence Fiander, Mr. & Mrs. Jack Mirao, William Hutt, Dale Hutt, Barbara Carter and Sammie Carter.¹⁴⁵

There was a motion by Councillor Gerry Gartland, seconded by Councillor Allister MacDonald that the town solicitor be consulted about the request and that all costs be borne by the property owners.

The problem with the request was that in order to have the street accepted by Council the Town would have to have an outright claim to the land and this was not the situation.

The street is still not paved, though the Main Street improvements that were part of the 1995 commemorative celebrations provided a street sign.

Rachel Ann Munroe ( 1907 - 1992 ), who sold the building lots to the petitioners, was the wife of Steve Murphy.¹⁴⁶ The Murphy's lived in the house on the corner of Main Street and the proposed Monroe Street. This house is now owned by Sammie and Barbara Carter.