FORE WORD 
     
    
   
   
    
     The celebration of two centenaries —— the Charlottetown Conference 
     
     of 1864 and Prince Edward Island’s entrance into Confederation in 1873 — 
     
     has stimulated a widespread interest in local and Provincial history. Com- 
     
     munity organizations, historical societies, historians and other interested in- 
     
     dividuals have responded by writing many comprehensive histories of their 
     
     communities and Province. “A Bridge To The Past,” published by the 
     
     members of the Wilmot Valley Historical Society, is another valuable 
     
     addition to Island Historiography. 
     
    
   
   
    
     The authors of this volume have based their community history upon 
     
     authentic written sources and judiciously selected verbal evidence. A 
     
     carefully balanced emphasis is given to the social, religious, economic and 
     
     genealogical aspects of that history. The result is a fascinating and all- 
     
     encompassing portrayal of the past and present of Wilmot Valley. 
     
    
   
   
    
     The life and times of the early settlers and the gradual development of 
     
     a viable community as evidenced in the establishment of business, religious 
     
     and educational institutions, is narrated cleverly and interestingly. Ap- 
     
     propriate emphasis is placed upon the many religious and social organiza- 
     
     tions which have been at the very heart of the community of Wilmot Valley. 
     
     Finally, the genealogical record and some vivid folklore add an important 
     
     human dimension to the story. 
     
    
   
   
    
     The readers of this history will remain indebted to the many citizens of 
     
     Wilmot Valley who participated in its preparation. Our Island heritage will 
     
     always be the richer by virtue of their laudable efforts. 
     
    
   
   
    
     Rev. Francis W.P. Bolger, Ph.D. 
     
     Stanley Bridge 
     
     P.E.I. 
     
    
   
   
    
     November, 1980.