SHOEMAKING

Among the early industries carried on in Crapaud was that of shoe- making, Joseph MacNeill being remembered as the earliest. Later, David S. MacQuarrie entered into business, followed by Mark Trowsdale. When

Mr. McQuarrie built his Grocery Store, he engaged John Wesley Leard to carry on the shoemaking business in the upstair department.

In 1905, John Parker came to Crapaud and was employed by Mr.

MacQuarrie. Shortly after, he rented the old shop, afterwards buying it, and entered into business for himself. The two shoemakers, Mr. Trows-

dale and Mr. Parker, continued to do business for a number of years, each one, in his own separate establishment being kept busy all the time. After Mr. Trowsdale’s death, Mr. Parker remained at his own stand.

This building was moved to the site formerly occupied by the Tele‘ graph Office at Crapaud Bridge, and later, across the road to Where the Irving Oil Service Station is situated, and finally to a spot in the owner’s yard, Mr. Parker still doing business at each site, until in 1954, owing to disability, he was rendered unable to work.

In the early days, John barbered some in the evenings, during which time, much to the delight of his listeners, he entertained them with stories of his adventures in younger days. He has travelled extensively, having sailed on vessels, visiting Liverpool and other ports in the British Isles. He has a very retentive memory, and still delights in recounting tales of early days, especially his voyage around Cape Horn, or fishing off the Grand Bank.

Q

FOX RANCHIN G 1

About 1912, a number of men from Crapaud and vicinity organized a Company for the purpose of promoting the Silver Fox industry in Crapaud.

The following Directors were appointed: Bowley Leard, Thomas N. Stordy, Donald MacLean, H. B. Arbing, Warren Newsom, and Edward Boswell, with Donald MacLean as Secretary.

This Company, known as The Silver Tip Fox Co., purchased a mated female from Frank Tuplin, New Annan, for $20,000., and left her in his care until after whelping. She puroduced a litter of six pups, which they sold, thus enabling them to pay off their indebtedness.

They procured land from Richard Lea, on which they built a Ranch. H. B. Arbing was caretaker until. 1915. He was succeeded by Percy Dawson, who carried on for a short time. Percy Hatley was the next caretaker, holding the job for two years, when Percy Dawson again succeeded him.

This Ranch contained nothing but Silver Foxes. The Company sold pelts and paid a fair dividend to the shareholders. It continued in opera- tion until 1923, when it went out of existence.

In 1914, ’15, and ’16, The LaPaz Fox Co. was in operation, their Ranch being built near that of The Silver Tip Co. Horatio Bowness was

manager. The Crapaud Fox Co. started operation in 1914, with George Nich-

olson as manager, and D. S. MacQuarrie Secretary. This ranch, which was built on the premises of George Nicholson contained a small number

of pens. They purchased Patch Foxes, and paid a dividend of 40% the first

year. They continued in operation for another year and then ceased to exist.

_...,5{ 98 g..-