Eastern Shore, Halifax County

Jeddore Oyster Ponds is located on the east side of Jeddore Harbour, about 50 kilometres from Dartmouth. It is named for the “ponds”, or brackish inlets in the area which at one time were filled with oysters. In the late 1800s, and early 1900s, several saw mills operated where the ponds fed into the harbour. Logs were boomed down from Lake Charlotte, brought across the "Carrying Place" on a wooden "railway" into Oyster Pond, and then floated down to the mill. Brothers John George Mitchell and Andrew William Mitchell dammed the mouth of Oyster Pond in order to power their mill, and this eventually led to the death of the oyster beds. Folks over the years have enjoyed many outdoor activities both summer and winter on the ponds. Skating was a favourite pastime for many and often included an evening bonfire with friends. Access to inland waterways allowed residents to skate to other communities such as Upper Lakeville. In the background of the photograph is St. John's Anglican Church. Across from the church is a barn which belonged to Arthur Webber. The first house on the left past the church belonged to David C. Mitchell, and in later years Cyril and Merle Blakeney. In the early 1900s this home housed the telegraph office. Across the road from the telegraph office was a home and post office, operated by Herbert and Pearl Blakeney. The home was likely owned by a Stoddard before the Blakeneys moved there. To the far right in the photograph is Arthur Webber's house, which later belonged to his son Maynard. Many of these homes still remain and there is now a community boat launch and walking trail where the old mills once stood.

Date: [ca. 1910]

Reference:  Eastern Shore Archives D0053P034

For more information, please contact the Eastern Shore Archives.