News & Updates

As things continue to progress behind the scenes with Glenaladale, we thought this would be a good chance to let everyone know of a recent project by one of our partner groups.

Hillsborough River Association (HRA) has just re-published Frank Pigot’s highly regarded 1975 history of Mount Stewart, Prince Edward Island. HRA’s Publishing Committee—Dan McAskill, Aggi-Rose Reddin, and Jim Hornby—have added over 200 photos, illustrations, and maps; a timeline and community updates to 2017; and both an every-name index and a photos & illustrations index. At over 300 pages in length, the history also includes some information on Mount Stewart’s neighbouring communities.

In the words of Ed Macdonald, Chair and Professor of History at University of Prince Edward Island:

“From pre-historic times to the recent past, Mount Stewart has boasted a local history with a much larger significance than might be expected…its story is in large measure PEI’s story. It commemorates our aboriginal heritage…it encompasses wonderful characters such as Captain John MacDonald of Glenaladale, the pioneer of Scots Catholic settlement of Prince Edward Island, and the doughty “HellfireJack” Stewart, who gave the community its name. It also tackles crucial themes: the Island’s legendary shipbuilding industry; its evolving transportation infrastructure; the nature of village enterprise and social life; and the struggles of rural community in an urbanizing age.”

A History of Mount Stewart: Illustrated & Extended Edition sells for $20 and is available locally through the Mount Stewart Irving, and in Charlottetown at McAskill’s Woodworking, 26 Beasley Ave., and Bookmark, 172 Queen St. For mail order or further information, please contact hillsboroughriver[at]gmail.com ISBN 978-1-77515-990-2

Last week I was given a box of very special CD’s to sell for Glenaladale. This CD is a collection of Fiddle music featuring Colin J Boyd of Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Colin J Boyd was a pioneer Scottish Fiddler and he was the first eastern Canadian Scottish Fiddler to make a record –his first three in 1928 on the Colunbia label. His daughter Mary Boyd has been a big supporter of the Glenaladale project and lives in the community. She has donated these for us to sell. What I really enjoyed about the CD–besides the great tunes–was the sound. The CD was made from the records so it has that old sound a lot of us listened to in our youth. The CDs will sell for $20.00 and you can email me (maplehillcaner@gmail.com) if you are off Island and would like a price on shipping one to you or contact me and arrange to pickup if you are on the Island. I have attached a picture of the cover of the CD and the inside info on Colin J Boyd.

There is a limited quantity–so don’t procrastinate!!

A lovely and well deserved tribute to Capt John today as he was recognized for his contribution to Prince Edward Island. The official Party was piped in by Calum Brydon and after welcoming remarks from Harry Holman, PEI rep of Heritage Sites & Monuments Board of Canada, we were led in singing  “O Canada” by Annette Campbell.

This was followed by remarks by Karen Jans field unit superintendent Parks Canada PEI and Sean Casey Parliamentary Secretary to the the Minister of Canadian Heritage & Member of Parliament for Charlottetown. The Guest speaker Dr Ken MacKinnon, retired professor of Saint Mary’s University gave a very informative talk on Capt John and his many contributions to PEI.

Heather Rossiter represented the Glenaladale family–a 5 x grand niece of Capt John ( Heather is a direct descendant of Capt Johns Sister Margaret). Heather read the inscription on the plaque and Carl MacDonald & Myrna Babineau of the PEISSHS along with Sean Casey  unveiled the plaque.

The ceremony ended with members of the 84th Royal Highland reenactment members in full uniform dress of the 18th Century  firing a volley in honor of Capt John.

A reception followed at the Tracadie Community Center, where the 84th members had setup an 18th century style tent and answered questions as well as demonstrating how to put on a belted plaid.

On Friday July 28th at 11 a.m.  Parks Canada  will be holding a ceremony to unveil the plaque recognizing Capt John MacDonald of Glenaladale as a Person of National Historic Significance at the Old French and Scottish Cemetery on Rte 2 in Scotchfort (Scotsfort) . All are welcome to attend. We are pleased that we will have members of the 84th Regiment of Foot ( Royal Highland Emigrants) reenactment group on hand in uniform. Capt John received his title of Capt as a member of the 84th.

Everyone has been doing great–lets keep the voting going. Share with your friends and re-tweet our tweets (@GlenaladalePEI) help spread the word. We are neck and neck with our competitors–would be nice to have a sizable lead instead!! here is the link to our project–http://bit.ly/2roqf4X . We can do this -PEI may be the smallest Province but we are BIG on community and support. Remember-

THIS PLACE MATTERS!!

https://thisplacematters.ca/

Our Glenaladale School has been picked to take part in the National Trusts “This Place Matters” competition. This gives us an opportunity to raise and win much needed funds. We need your help -its easy–log in to National Trust, Register and then vote for our project  and if you wish you can also donate to our project. Every vote is equal to one dollar and you can vote once in every 24 hour period up until July 17th.

Here is a direct link to our Project  http://bit.ly/2roqf4X

Here is the link to the National Trusts main page for This Place Matters

https://thisplacematters.ca/

 

It was a privilege today to share our Scottish heritage with Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander series. She started with viewing artifacts then touring the Glenaladale Estate and the Scotchfort Cemetery. We shared information on the Glenaladale Settlers and the role our ancestors played in the Battle of Culloden and “Bonnie Prince Charlies” escape. Last evening Tammy MacDonald had presented her with a copy of our book Glenalladale Settlers 1772.

Thank you to Lori Cheverie and the Bookmark for making this possible.

 

Today marks the 271st. anniversary of the Battle of Culloden. The Battle of Culloden, April 16th. 1746, marked the end of the Jacobite uprising of 1745 and the beginning of much change for many of our ancestors.

The ancestors of many of the Glenaladale Settlers were directly involved with the Jacobite uprising and in helping get Bonnie Prince Charlie safely out of Scotland to France. For this they suffered consequences.

One example of this is Mary MacDonald of the Kinlochmoidart MacDonalds and wife of Hugh Ban MacEachern. Mary had six uncles who fought for the Jacobite cause. Her Uncle Donald was tried and executed, Uncle Capt. Dr. John was captured, tortured and released,  Uncle Capt Ronald was  pardoned, Uncle Capt Aeneas ( one of the seven men of Moidart who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape) was captured and sentenced to death–he received a kings pardon and went to France, Uncle Capt. Allan also went to France after Culloden and finally Uncle Capt James was captured, escaped and went to America. The manor house of Kinlochmoidart was burned and many people captured and livestock destroyed.

What happened to Marys family, happened to many of the families who supported the Jacobite uprising. Capt Johns father Major Alexander was wounded at Culloden and his home was destroyed and cattle taken.

It is no wonder than that we grew up knowing about the Battle of Culloden, the story being told with both a sense of pride for being a part of it and helping Prince Charlie escape under the nose of many English soldiers, and anger at the treatment dished out to the Highlanders after.

Commemorative services will be held at Culloden this year, and in other parts of the world as Highlanders pause to remember these men.

As we mark this day, I hope we will pause and remember all those who have died, and suffered consequences,  for a “cause” -not only at the Battle of Culloden,  but the many battles since around the world.

This Salted Silk Tartan dress was worn by Mrs Augustine Colin ( Mary Elizabeth) MacDonald–sister in law of AA MacDonald( Father of Confederation) at the 1864  Ball. The family referred to this dress as the Confederation dress. Mary Elizabeth would be a granddaughter of Peggy MacDonald ( Capt Johns Sister). The picture does not do the dress full justice. The waist is so tiny that very few people today would fit into it. The last to model it was a 13 year old descendant of the early Glenaladale Settlers at the 225 anniversary celebration of the arrival of the Glenaladale Settlers to PEI held in 1997 . Can you imagine Mr & Mrs Augustine Colin entering the Ball–Her in this dress and him in his kilt. If only these items could talk to us and tell us their story.