Our district does not have many place names. We have already written the origin of our district's name. A field owned by Peter MacLeIlan is called the “French Field”. Apparently, at one time a French family lived here. A little cove along the shore line is called “Oyster Cove” because of the large number of oysters caught here. At one time many fish called tommy cods were found in the water of a certain place and thus it was named “Tommy Cod Cove”. A road going up from Heckbert’s Road is called “Hannah’s Road” after a settler who lived on that road.

Although the early settlers had a great amount of work and drudgery they also had occasion for recreation. Many sociable hours were spent at frolics and bees which provided entertainment and at the same time much necessary work was accomplished.

At these bees and frolics the women brought along well-filled baskets of food. After the work was done, food eaten, everyone was ready for a dance.

Other social gatherings were held with stories, song and fiddle music, square dances, jigs and lancers. Many famous fiddlers were found among the families of Indian River probably the last of these great musicians was Roderick MacLeIlan, father of Mrs. Hubert Gillis. There were few his equal.

Also tea parties and pie socials were held on the church ground. A party of this kind brought people from miles around. A great deal of fun was had and money raised.

Today we have card parties, radio and television for entertainment. Notes from Diaries

Dec. 1, 1868 —The winter set in with snow.

Mar. 28, 1868 — All the settlement turned out to cut hay on the marsh to keep the cattle alive.

April 30,1868 —- Oats selling for 3 shillings and 6 pence per bu. Po- tatoes for 3 shillings; straw for 2 shillings 6 pence; hay 7 shillings per cwt.

Nov. 29, 1868 — Bay frozen over.

Mar. 22, 1868 — Weather broke up for Spring. The mud-diggers were brought ashore.

Dec. 30, 1869 —— The ice broke in the Bay. Three boats out fishing oysters. Not an inch of snow. Weather as mild as October.

Nov. 28, 1871 — Severe frost. Froze the Bay and all the crops. Never experienced by the oldest people.

May 1, 1872 —We have school district laid off.

Aug. 12, 1896—St. Mary’s Church burned about 9 o’clock. Lightning struck the spire.

Sept. 26, 1896 —- Frame of new vestry put up.

Oct. 4, 1900—Commenced building new St. Mary’s.

Mar. 9, 1902 — Had first Mass in new church.

Oct. 31, 1906 — Rained for 13 days. Worst storm experienced.

Indian River was always a happy place. True, like all communities, all the ills that flesh is heir to, befell the people. The same fortitude that made the early settlers leave the safety of the old land and seek the unknown

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