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As we move into the twentieth century, Stanley Bridge reached the zenith of its development, and from 1900 to 1940, enjoyed phenomenal growth. Lucy Maud Montgomery who was born in New London and grew up in Cavendish, graphically portrayed the Stanley Bridge of her peri— od in a letter to G.B. MacMillan of Alloa, Scotland.

“There are first the three miles through Cavendish and BayView Bridge, spanning the pretty “Hope River”. Three miles further on is Stanley, a pretty village on the banks of another river. There are two or three stores in Stanley and we have always gone there to buy household supplies. Stanley used to seem quite a town to my childish eyes. It was the hub of the universe then - or of our solar system at the very least.”

Stanley Bridge was also the hub of my universe as I recollect the businesses and professions congregated on both sides of the Stanley Bridge in the 1930’s.

1. An architecturally pleasing two-storey school with two classrooms. It was a three

room school from 1892-1901.

2. The Stanley Bridge Masonic Hall which was, in effect, a very popular

community hall.

3. The Stanley Bridge United Church.

4. The John McLeod shoemaker and boot shop.

5. The Stanley Bridge post office,

6. Two Carriage and woodworking shops.

7. Three general stores: one store, the A.J. McLeod General Store, operated on the

east side of the bridge, and the other two — the Wesley & Upton Smith Establishment

and the Flemings (first Arthur, Dermot and D’Arcy) and later, Mrs. Alma Fleming

and KR. MacKay — on the west side of the bridge. It should also be noted that the

Smiths and Wilfred Palethorpe had at different periods operated a store in the John

Murphy homestead on the crest of the hill.

8. Undertaking parlors were operated by A.J. MacLeod and his son D.J. McLeod.

9. A garage was opened by DJ. MacLeod in the old Methodist Church which he

removed from its location by the Stanley Bridge Cemetery to a plot of land adjacent

to the McLeod store. Frank Dunning of New London operated this garage.

10. A lobster factory and cannery owned and operated by Fred Bennett.

11. Three blacksmith shops: James Quinn and his two sons, John and Joseph operated

a large forge and woodworking establishment on the corner of highways #6 and #224

William Gunn had a neat set—up a few yards east. The John Murphy forge on the west

side of the bridge was being phased out by his son William. George Henry served

some customers in his shop on the former Dougald Henry site.

12. A harness shop. This shop was operated by my grandfather, Patrick Walsh, from 1883 to 1922, followed by his son, Austin, from 1922 to 1940.

13. A tailor shop. This shop was operated by Norman Nicholson. Many, many tailors

apprenticed with him.

14. A millinery shop.

15. A bustling bridge with 2 busy wharves

16. A butter and cheese factory serving miles of the countryside and many, many

patrons.

17. A drug store and Barber Shop.

18. One medical doctor - for nearly fifty years, Dr. James E. Fleming, diligently served and catered to the medical needs of a large area.

19. One veterinarian.

20. Two tourist homes.

21. A hockey and skating rink situated on the comer of the Campbellton and New

London Highways and replete with electric lights! This rink was the home of the Stanley Bridge Dairy Kings who fought valiantly through the years for the coveted

MacKenzie-Wigmore Trophy against Graham’s Road Monarchs, French River

Nationals, and Sea View Maple Leafs. The first Stanley Bridge team was comprised of

the following six individuals who played all 60 minutes:

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