The following is an excerpt from:
A History of Riverport NS by Lillas Amy Ritcey
The town of Riverport is situated on an inlet of the LaHave River, about 3 miles from its mouth. The harbour, which at the upper end is spanned by a bridge 600 feet long, is one of the finest in America; free from shoals, and in which vessels are safe from every wind that blows.
This place was settled by Germans in 1754 and the inhabitants, which now number about 600, are descendants of these early settlers.
Account for Name of Place
The inlet of the LaHave River near its mouth, now known as Riverport, was settled about the year 1753 by Germans. Foremost among these Germans were families known as HENERICIES. Some years later these people allowed their name to be changed to RITCEY and hence the settlement became known as Ritcey’s Cove. As years went by, this place grew in importance and people of other names settled here; it was thought advisable to change the name. Accordingly, in the winter of 1902, the citizens met to discuss the proposed change. Various names were suggested, but the name “Riverport” was finally thought to be the most appropriate as this beautiful inlet forms the principal part of entry on the LaHave River.
The Indians of LaHave
The Indians living along the LaHave river were Micmacs belonging to the Algonquin family. They called the river PIjenooIsKaK meaning having long joints.
These Micmacs were of reddish brown colour, with high cheekbones, large lips and mouths, long black coarse hair, and fine intelligent penetrating eyes, and were often of surprising size, strength and quickness.
There is today a small settlement midway between LaHave and Lunenburg known as Indian Path. This name is suggestive of the fact that the Indians carried their canoes from the inland waters to LaHave, thus making for themselves a path through the forest
A reminder of the Indians comes to us at least once a year, when we are favoured with that brief, but pleasant season known to all as the Indian summer.
Indian summer, how like magic,
Memories cluster at the name
Memories of a race long blighted,
Of a wild yet princely, fame
Fancy views, the lowly wigwams –
Dark-eyed maidens of rare charms,
Sable chieftains in grave counsel,
Dusky warriors clad in arms.
The First White People of LaHave
The first actual landing in what is now the county of Lunenberg, of which any account is given, was that of Marc l’Escarliot, a French lawyer and poet, who called at LaHave in July 1607 on his way from Port Royal.
In 1613 a French lady, wife of Sieur de Liencourt, Governor of Paris, fitted out an expedition which arrived in Cape LaHave on 16th of May. Sailing up the harbour and river LaHave, they planted a cross with the armorial bearings of their patroness affixed and Mass was said. This was probably the first Christian service held in the County.
Isaac de Rasilly, Commander-in-Chief as Lieutenant Governor for the French king, was so charmed with LaHave that he obtained possession of it, fortified it, and fixed his residence there in 1632. He brought settlers from France to whom he gave lands on the bank of the river. In 1634, he built a fort and some time later, a large chapel was also built.
When the fort at Port Royal was captured, the English took also the French fort at LaHave. Previous to the surrender, the French threw the chapel bell, candlesticks, several brass cannons and other treasures into a pond, a short distance from the fort where they still remain. This fortification was built on a point of land known today as Fort Point. All trace of the fort has now disappeared, but the foundation walls of the chapel may still be seen.
The French have gone, but Fort Point, on which stands the harbour lighthouse, and the river retaining the name they gave it, will always remind us of our predecessors in possession.
German Settlers
The British Government, anxious for the more rapid colonisation of Nova Scotia, invited people to come from Germany. Many accepted the invitation, coming at various times to Halifax. They were mostly farmers. Differing from the other colonists in language and customs, they chose to form a settlement by themselves. Accordingly, in the year 1753, most of them removed to Lunenburg and in the following year, some of these German families settled near the mouth of the LaHave.
The Germans are a big, square shouldered, deep chested race – a simple, earnest, homely, genuine people. They believe in themselves and respect themselves, and are lovers of freedom, manliness and fair play.
The first houses of these early settlers were constructed of round poles and were about 6 feet in the post, and 18 or 20 feet square outside. Others were of hewed timber, about 6 inches through. The roofs of many were thatched. The doors and shutters were made of two inch plank and fastened with iron bolts.
The first style of vehicle used was made of native beech or birch, the wheels being sections of the trunks of trees with holes bored to receive the wooden axles.
Clothing of men and women was made of cloth and linen, spun from native flax. Their shoes were at first of wood, but in later years a traveling shoemaker went from house to house making leather shoes for the families.
Some of the descendants of these Germans lived at Riverport, where a number of very old houses still remain – the oldest of these being built about 150 years ago.
Old German Customs
Baptisms and weddings were not, in olden times, as summarily disposed of as they are at present. Baptisms were celebrated with feasting. The godfathers and godmothers, with the guests, met at the house of the parents, after the ceremony, and passed the rest of the day “right merrily”.
The modern style of being married by license, if known, was not then in favor. On the second publication of the banns, those about to be united attended service. When the wedding day arrived, the party walked to church in procession, led by the bride and groom elect. The ladies were dressed in white, with white caps and ribbons, the men wearing white trousers and round, blue jackets. At the conclusion of the marriage ceremony, they all adjourned to a tavern and partook of refreshments before returning home, where several days were often spent in dancing and other amusements.
Sorrowful seasons were also observed in a manner differing from present practice. The dead were carried some distance for internment at Lunenburg, and the funeral procession was met by friends, at or near the entrance to the town, from whence to the grave singers preceded the corpse; and in sweetly appropriate German hymns gave expression to the general feeling of grief for the loss of the departed. The procession was often halted and hymns were sung at different places on the way to the churchyard.
Primitive Modes of Travel
Compared with present day, the early German settlers of Riverport travelled principally on foot. Their nearest place of worship was Lunenburg, some 10 miles distant. Here the children were carried by their parents for baptism. On the Sabbath morning, when people started for church, they carried their shoes and stockings until nearing the town. Their return from church was again made in their bare feet. The nearest doctor lived at Lunenburg and there also the people had to go to do their shopping. The “oxomobile” was very fashionable in those days. Produce was carried to Halifax in large boats called “shallops” and traded for household supplies.
Today we have steam packets running weekly between Riverport and Halifax, bringing goods for the enterprising merchants. The steamship “Trusty” makes daily connections with the trains at Bridgewater; while numerous motorboats may be heard speeding up and down the river during the summer months. In many ways the horses have taken the place of the slow moving ox, and often in summer sounds the “toot toot” of the automobile.
Doctors W.H. Macdonald and S.S. Slaunwhite reside in the town of Riverport and may be had, by the ring of a telephone, at anytime. On Sabbath days large numbers of well-dressed people may be seen “wending their way” to the different churches in the town.
Industrial Life
The principal industries of LaHave are farming, fishing and lumbering.
Well-kept farms border both sides of the river. These yield large crops of hay and vegetables. Every season large quantities of cabbage are shipped to Halifax. On some of these farms are large orchards, but the fruit does not develop as perfectly as inland owing to the salt sea air.
LaHave’s source of wealth is the fishing industry. Riverport alone owned a fleet of 25 sail engaged in fishing. The average cost of these vessels is $6000 each. They leave port for the fishing grounds during March or April, returning in September. Their average catch of fish is about 2000 quintals to each vessel, or an amount of $8000. Besides the fishing fleet, Riverport owns a number of three masted schooners engaged in the coasting trade.
Lumber is shipped from Bridgewater, a town situated 16 miles from the mouth of the river. From early in the spring until the river is closed by ice, large ships and steamers carrying from 600,000 to 3,000,000 feet of lumber, may be seen coming down the river. This lumber is shipped to European and Southern ports.
Religious and Educational Life
The town of Riverport has three religious denominations – Methodist, Presbyterian, and Lutheran. The Methodists form the largest body, the Presbyterians coming second, and the Lutherans third. The first Methodist Church was built where the residence of the late Doctor MacGregor now stands. The second church was built in the year 1870, during the pastorate of Reverend G.O. Huestis, on property purchased from Frederick Conrad at the east end of Riverport. But, after a period of over 27 years, this church was found too small to accommodate the rapidly growing congregation. Accordingly, in the summer of 1897, there was erected a beautiful and spacious building at the cost of $10,000. This church has a seating capacity of 600, with a school room adjoining, sitting 250. The late Reverend Oskar Gronlund was the first to officiate in this church, and has been succeeded by Reverend F.M. Fisher, J. Appleby, W.C. Perry and William Brown.
In 1846, a United Presbyterian and Lutheran Church was built at the cross roads. In 1890, these congregations separated and the Presbyterians erected for themselves a splendid church with a seating capacity of about 500, known as St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. The late Reverend G. Leck was then pastor and has been succeeded by Reverend Fraser and. G. Robertson.
In 1897, the Lutherans, finding their old church too small, erected a new one near the site of the first building. This church cost about $6000 with the seating capacity of 350. At the time of its erection, Reverend F. Bowers was Pastor; his successors were Reverends J. Maurer, Holl and Behrens.
Educational life in Riverport has made great progress during the past years. From a small schoolhouse with one teacher to a larger with two, we have today an up-to-date building of four commodious rooms, built in the summer of 1905. Three teachers are here employed, teaching grades from one to eleven. There is, in connection with the school, a growing library, a small laboratory, and other school equipment. The 4th room forms at present (formed in the past), the Odd Fellows Hall.
Scenery on LaHave
The length of the LaHave River from its mouth to Bridgewater is about 20 miles. Its course is very winding, and the land along its shores, quite high. Owing to its exceeding beauty, this river is called the Rhine of Nova Scotia. The water scenery is almost matchless. In the summer months, “when the early morn lets out the peeping day” during the advancing hours, or in roseate hues of a golden sunset, the pictures presented are very beautiful. The fishermen’s boats moored in lines; the larger crafts of superior models, being either prepared for, or having returned from fishing, coasting, or foreign voyages, – each one so clearly reflected beneath as to realize the words of the poet:
“The shadow of her masts
Checkered the deep below;
You might trace the lines of her slenderest spar
On that azure mirror’s glow.”
The Beautiful LaHave by Rev G.O. Huestis
Let others of Saint Lawrence sing
Or Mississippi grand
My muse would fain a tribute bring
To one in Scotia’s land.
Not muddy Shubenacadie
Nor Avon’s classic shore
Nor of the streams of Cumberland
Dear in the days of yore.
But of LaHave the beautiful
As fair and lovely now
As when the French explorer’s ship
First upward turned its prow
Enchantment seized them on that day
No scenery more grand
A home, long sought, at last was found
In fair Acadie’s land.
Briefly Razilly viewed the scene
Death closed the Governor’s eyes
And soon the little band removed
To dwell ‘neath other skies.
The footsteps of the sons of Gaul
Are scarcely seen today
While Celtic and Teutonic crowds
Here live, not merely stay.
Hail Scotia’s most delightful stream
Tourists no finer crave
Here, let me live, and sing and dream
Beside the fair LaHave.