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"Un Petit Coin d'Acadie"
"A Little Corner of Acadia".
by: Judy Bellefontaine 
Nestled amid the rolling hills, deep green fields and bright blue
Atlantic waters of Chezzetcook Inlet along Nova Scotia's Eastern
Shore, is the Acadian community of West Chezzetcook. "Chezzetcookers"
as residents of this area sometimes refer to themselves, includes
several other communities which surround the Inlet. These communities
are Grand Desert, Head Chezzetcook, East Chezzetcook and Lower
East Chezzetcook. Of these villages, the community of West Chezzetcook
and Grand Desert, is home to the largest number of original Acadian
families. Evidence has been found, in written references, of the
existence of a few French families in the Chezzetcook area as
far back as the 1740's.
 However,
the names of these early families have not as yet been located
in historical documents and are in all likelihood lost to time.
The permanent establishment of Chezzetcook occurred following
the release of Acadian prisoners (held since the deportation of
1755 and others captured later) by the British, at Halifax in
1764. Some of the earliest settlers mentioned in historical records,whose
names can still be found today, are those of Bellefontaine, LaPierre,
Wolfe, Roma, and Petitpas.
Other families who followed these Acadians to Chezzetcook shortly
thereafter, whose names can also be found today are Murphy, Bonin,
and Mayet. Later came the Juliens, Fauchers, Mannettes, Robicheaus
and others. Scottish, Dutch, German and of course British peoples
were also part of our early ancestry and existed in harmony within
or close by our community. Names such as Ferguson, Gates, Conrad,
Crawford and Porter.
The Acadians of Chezzetcook made their living from farming, fishing,
and forestry work. At one time there was also a shipbuilding industry
and a brick factory. The clam beds of Chezzetcook Inlet were so
fruitful that for many years a bountiful harvest allowed many
families to be supported by the digging and processing of the
clams at a factory which shipped much of its product to the United
States.
Many families added a small income to their daily lives by selling
their products at markets in Halifax and Dartmouth. These products
consisted of items such as fresh vegetables, eggs, wild berries
and clams. Peaceful, hard working and contented people, these
Acadians faced many hardships and difficult situations particularly
in their efforts to acquire ownership of land and later in their
need to find work in the city. The retention of their French language
was nearly impossible given the strong influence of the larger
anglophone population and the limited opportunity for schooling
in their own language of origin.
Chezzetcook is located some 25kms from downtown Halifax and can
be reached very quickly via the new highway #107, by taking exit
#19 or exit #20. However, an alternate and far more picturesque
route is suggested, and that is to follow the Marine Drive. Marine
Drive follows highway #207 and meanders along the seacoast. This
drive provides magnificent scenic viewpoints and outstanding photographic
opportunities.
The marshlands of Grand Desert and West Chezzetcook Inlet are
world famous for their most interesting and unusual ecosystems.
Many studies have been conducted on these tidal salt marshes.
In addition to their beauty, these marshlands are the habitat
of a significant waterfowl population. Bird watchers from near
and far are delighted and amazed at the numerous and varied types
of birds which frequent this area. In certain seasons, an estimated
25,000 wild birds of various species are present along the shores.
Acadian life in the past was centered around the religious activities
of the Parish. This is still true today and the magnificent century
old Roman Catholic church of St. Anselm's dominates the community.
Standing statue on a hill overlooking the village and the Inlet,
this brick and wood structure of a French Baroque design, is a
tribute to the deep faith and hard work of its founding parishioners.
To the south of the church is a small religious "Grotto".
Built in the fall of 1937, it is a representation of Bernadette
and the apparition of Our Lady of Lourds at Lourds, France.
This little alcove presents a tranquil enclave where one can
pause to rest and spend a quiet moment in meditation. A walk through
St. Anselm's pristine graveyard located directly behind the church,
would be particularly interesting to genealogists. For those who
are interested, the stones will take you back in time and here
you will read many original Acadian names of our ancestors. Some
of these names have since disappeared, lost in the passing of
many generations. There are headstone which date back to the early
to mid eighteen hundreds. Some of the following businesses are
found in this community.
In Grand Desert, there is a rather unique General Store, operated
by the LaPierres. In West Chezzetcook, a Hilltop Craft Store on
Bellefontaine Road is the newest business, opened in March, by
the Robicheaus. Also on Bellefontaine Road is a most interesting
costume shop called Maddies Costumes, proprietors are the Mannettes.
Supportive of our fishing and clamming industries, there is Chezzetcook
Fisheries owned and operated by the Poiriers on Petain Station
Road and Searise Fisheries, operated by the Purcells on Hill Road.
A. & G. Bellefontaine Hothouses is operated by the Bellefontaines,
also located on Hill Road. On the Shore Road, we have Laughleton's
Arts & Crafts, proprietors are the Brannens and we also find the
Chezzetcook Tea Room whose tasty delights are offered up for our
enjoyment by the Richards.
West Chezzetcook/Grand Desert has recently embarked on several
Community Economic Development projects which are creating excitement
and enthusiasm as work gets underway. The West Chezzetcook/Grand
Desert Community Interest Group, is currently carrying out fundraising
events in order to finance some of the one hundred or so projects
identified as being priorities. A few of these projects are as
follows:
The West Chezzetcook/Grand Desert Community Interest Group is
well aware of the work it has set out for itself. The delivery
of any number of the identified projects will require participation
and significant commitment from everyone in the community. The
true challenge for our future is to find a way to continue to
provide an environment for community economic development and
yet preserve the unique charm and quiet solitude of this delightful
little corner of Acadia.
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The Chezzetcook Harbour revitalization project which addresses
the environmental issues concerning our clam beds and salt
marsh hay. Attention is being focused on the goal of reopening
and managing our clamming business by restoring the industry
to its past productive levels.
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The purchase of an older Acadian home to be restored and
turned into an Acadian museum.
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A community newspaper called " GrandChezz Review "
is preparing to print its third issue and is being well received
by everyone.
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The development of multi-use trails using existing abandoned
railbeds and/or seacoastal lands is of growing interest to
the residents of West Chezzetcook, Grand Desert and the neighbouring
seaside community of Seaforth.
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Ties are being developed between Chezzetcook and other Acadian
communities in concert with La Federation Acadien de la Nouvelle
Ecosse, (FANE).
©
Novacan IS
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