Then and Now

In the early 1800’s the first English-speaking settlers came to the Cardi- gan area with all their diversity of interests and skills. By 1887, they had built a leading, competitive shipbuilding community and were well on the way to building a great country.

The Summerside Journal, March 29, 1888 describes Cardigan of that

time:

We had the pleasure not long since, of spending a day or two at this thriving village, and enjoying the hospitality of Mr. H.L. McDonald, that prince of good fellows. Who does not know “Hughy Lord”, and what would Cardigan be without his cheery presence?

To say that Cardigan Bridge is about the most progressive town in King’s County, is not disparagement to the many go—ahead and pros- perous villas and shipping ports of that part of the province. Most admirably situated on the beautiful Cardigan River, its two business portions connected by a long graceful bridge, its main street bordered by stores, dwellings and gardens running along the steep northern bank of the river, the well-tilled farms on each side sloping to the water, and each dwelling commanding a full view of one of the most picturesque scene’s in King’s County.

Cardigan Bridge is indeed worthy of the great attachment its citi- zens have for it. It is one of the principal shipping ports of the county, doing a very heavy export trade in cattle, pork, oats, potatoes and other farm produce, which are shipped to Boston, Halifax, Pictou', Cape Breton, Newfoundland and St. Pierre.

The Newfoundland trade, which has already reached considerable dimensions, is steadily growing. A very large import trade is done in Cape Breton limestone, which is purchased in large quantities, at about $1.50 per ton at the wharves by the farmers of the surrounding sections, who burn it themselves, and use it extensively as a fertilizer. The wharf accomodation is excellent, including the government wharf, and those of Messrs. Morson and Morgan, Capt. Joseph Mac- Donald and George F. Owen. Mr. J as. E. Norton is also building a new wharf, which the growing trade demands.

Cardigan Bridge derived its first importance from shipbuilding, which some years ago was extensively carried on by our esteemed friend H.L. MacDonald, the present representative of the district in the House of Assembly; Messrs. J as. E. MacDonald, M.P.P.; Donald Stewart, John Lebrocq and others. Since the decline of the shipbuild- ing the people have turned their attention to farming, With the result

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