BEAR RIVER IN DAYS GONE BY

Bear River was once more thickly populated than it is today. In fact, there were two elementary schools. The children from the south end attended Bear River South School, and the children who lived farther north, went to Bear River North School. The boundary separating the districts lies between the properties of the late Thomas McCloskey and the late Robert Gallant. It was also the dividing line for the church. The religion was predominately Catholic and those living in Bear River South attended St. Alexis Church in Rollo Bay, and those living in Bear River North attended St. Margaret’s Church in St. Margaret’s. “The Crossing,” as it was called, and known as the “Hub” of Bear River, was a very popular spot in days gone by. The railway station and the post office were located here. The 1.] . Hughes Co. ran a general store and bought oats, eggs, and pork, in return for merchandise. They even carried caskets, which were stored up—stairs in the store.

There was also a lumber mill in this immediate area. It was very important to the people, for its whistle blew at 7 and 12 am. and 1 and 6 pm. It served as a time piece for farmers working in the fields. Few people owned watches in those days. Those who did, wore them only on Sunday or on other special occasions.

Bear River had a hotel within its boundaries. It was located near the railroad station, in the house now owned by Bernard Gallant. It was called “London House,” and was often a place for the doctor to stay, or other travellers who came on the train, and had to spend the night in the area. It had a reputation as a good place to stay when travelling.

There were very few cars in the district at that time; so, the train was the main mode of transportation. There were no coffee shops

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