BS: Writer's research query for Nova Scotians +

Subject: BS: Writer's research query for Nova Scotian
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 May 09 - 10:41 PM

I am doing the first edit of my second novel, a fictionalised version of my dad's oral history. I have a small detail I'd like to ask for your help with: in the mid-1880s a character from Nova Scotia, now in Colorado, gives a small early reader children's book to a newborn saying it was his back in Nova Scotia when he was a child which would have been around 1850-60 or thereabouts. I'd like to add the name of a likely book and would appreciate it if any of you might know of one, or a site you might recommend where I could research it.

Also, not Nova Scotian-centric, but any advice on what to call an ore wagon when used in the winter over mountain passes? I hesitate to call it a sleigh or sledge. I wonder if just "sled" would be accurate? I see WIKI has some interesting details, so I'll probably go with one of them, but again, I always appreciate Mudcatters' input.

Thanks!

Subject: RE: BS: Writer's research query for Nova Scotians +
From: Willie-O
Date: 02 May 09 - 08:09 AM

Hi Kat, can't give you answers to your specific questions, but for a pleasant read that will give you a good sense of the world as seen by a rural Nova Scotian child, Depression era, I recommend "Tales From Barrett's Landing", and "More Tales From Barrett's Landing", by Helen Dacey Wilson. Among my mom's favourites.

W-O

ps just like his privateers, a fictionally namd locale.

Subject: RE: BS: Writer's research query for Nova Scotians +
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 May 09 - 11:44 AM

Thanks, W-O! I will add those to my get books list as I've been looking for new suggestions.

Subject: RE: BS: Writer's research query for Nova Scotians +
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 02 May 09 - 12:08 PM

The first readers that come to mind are McGuffy's; Nova Scotia in 1850-1870 was influenced greatly by New England as a whole- the closest trading and schooling partner for maritime Canada.

McGuffy's New Sixth Eclectic Reader, 1857, Wilson, Hinkle, Phila.
McGuffy's First Eclectic Reader- [New reprint by Van Nostrand Reinhold; much interest by educators and the series has been reprinted, $15 or less for each].

Lindley Murray, 1834, "The English Reader." NY

Key to Pelton's New and Improved Series of Outline Maps, Containing C. Pelton, 1851, "All the Important Geographic Names in the known World Arranged in Verse for Musical Recitation," Sower and Barnes.
[My grandfather found this in an old cabin in Colorado, I have it and find it very entertaining!

Sullivan, Robert, "Geography Generalized,...", pub, 1849 in London by Longman, Brown et al.

Tower and Walker, 1855, "North American First Class Reader, the Sixth Book," NY. {A series of these).

Collecting old school books on particular topics is a widespread hobby, and many of the old books are expensive now. Search "19th century schoolbooks" in Abebooks, etc., and you will find more.

Subject: RE: BS: Writer's research query for Nova Scotians +
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 May 09 - 12:25 PM

Thank you, Q! I wasn't sure if the American books would have been related/similar or not. I had thought of ABE, but wanted to make sure it was Nova Scotia specific, or at least Canadian. Really appreciate your help.

Subject: RE: BS: Writer's research query for Nova Scotians +
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 02 May 09 - 01:31 PM

Ties with U. S.
Confederation (1867) was fought by wealthy merchants in Nova Scotia, since their ties were with Boston and New York. It was felt that Confederation would damage trading ties.

Recently put on the net, "The Canadian Current, 1850-1914," has something about the close relationship.
http://www.archive.org/stream/canadiancurrent100mcleuoft/canadiancurrent100mcleuoft_djvu.txt

Not pertinent to your search, but important to an understanding of Nova Scotia's relationships with the world; there was more interchange with New England and NY than with the rest of Canada. Large numbers of people moved back and forth.

Subject: RE: BS: Writer's research query for Nova Scotians +
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 May 09 - 03:10 PM

Very apropos for my further family research, though, Q, thanks! I didn't know about that new info online. Some of my family did go from Boston to NS, according to what my dad was told. I have not been able to track back that far, but know they were supposedly Loyalists. Some of my NS ancestors came there directly from N.Ireland and/or Scotland, so I am always interested in more info on tracking any info about those times. Thanks, again.