Port Felix

Port Felix. . , Village of Port Felix/Molasses Harbour , Early Acadians called Port Felix Molasses Harbour because of a keg of molasses washing up on shore. Many Acadian settlers arrived about 1797 after the fall of Louisbourg. Following the American Revolution, many Loyalists flocked to Nova Scotia, and the Acadian settlers were refused land grants in the Chezzetcook area, so many left that area, travelling down the eastern shore and settling in Molasses Harbour (Port Felix), Charlos Cove and Larry's River. Isolated from the rest of their Acadian friends, and even with the challenges of isolation they remained, determined to build communities., The main industry in the area was fishing, but today only a few commercial fishermen remain. The land was not fertile for farming, people were limited to tending a few cows, sheep, oxen, horses, chickens, along with crops for their own use., Berry-picking in the summer and early fall supplemented incomes. Berries were picked by the gallons and were traded as well as lobster for goods at the Co-op, who in turn shipped to Boston, U.S., Electricity came to Port Felix in the summer of 1949, with the church, glebe house and schools being the first to enjoy the commodity. In the early 1960's paved roads ran through the village., Today (2014) the population is 64, and there are a few summer homes. There are a number of retirees., Port Felix is scenic, with its harbour and rugged coastline surrounded by many islands. It is great for recreational boaters and fishers., There were 2 Post Offices, one on the west side, established in 1869 and one on the east side, established in 1903. The latest closed in 1969., Left Photo: In 1864, Father Felix Van Blerk, a Belgian priest, took over the parish. He must have made an impression on the villagers because the settlers petitioned to have the village re-named in honor of Father Felix Van Blerk, St. Joseph's Parish Hall was built in the early 1930's on the Chapel Hill and in the 1970's was moved across the road. The church and the hall are still active today. By the 1930's, there were two one-room school- houses. In 1956, nine Sisters of Notre Dame arrived and a new school was built on the Chapel Hill. In the 1970's this school served the areas of Port Felix, Whitehead, Cole Harbour, Charlos Cove and Larry's River. Students were then bussed to schools in New Harbour, Canso or Guysborough. Today the students attend Fanning Education in Hazel Hill.