Settlement of the Tor Bay Area circa 1797

After many visits to this eastern coastline region of mainland Nova Scotia between the years 1763 and 1797, a determined group of Acadian families from Chezzetcook, who were once again searching for peace and freedom, decided that the isolation of this area would likely give them what they sought. The arrival of United Empire Loyalists from the United States in the 1780s meant that land preference was given to them, once again posing a threat to the Acadians. Although barren and rocky, here in the Tor Bay region, they would only have to concern themselves with the elements. So tired and fearful were these Acadians that several families decided to move before their certain eviction. From 1797 to 1805, families of Roy/Roi, Mannette, Pellerin, Avery, David, Richard, Petitpas, Bonin, Boudreau/Boudrot, Bellefontaine, and Fougère were given land grants in the Tor Bay and New Harbour areas. Soon after, they were joined by members of the Lavandier, Girouard/Gerior/Gerrior, Bonnevie, DeCoste, Boucher, Cashin, Benoît, Doiron, Deslauriers/Delorey, Déon/De Young, and Casey families from Tracadie, Pomquet, and Havre Boucher areas. These family clusters settled in Havre Melasse (later named Port Felix), l'Anse à Charlo (Charlos Cove), and Larry's River. In later years, a rest stop between Guysborough and Larry's River called la Junction (Lundy), was settled by splintered members of these families. These communities were totally dependent on the fishery, hunting, and berries from the surrounding barrens for survival, with only enough farming to provide them with the basic staples of potatoes, turnips, carrots and cabbage. Sharing ensured their survival and their faith carried them through their many hardships. Spiritual needs were fulfilled at first by visiting priests from Ile Madame, Guysborough, and the Monastery (Tracadie area). In 1845, St. Joseph's Church was built in Port Felix, in 1876, St. Joseph's Church was built in Charlos Cove and in 1893, St. Peter's Church was built in Larry's River., Today this region still has many of the original family names with many others that have since become important members these of communities. Although the fishery has changed greatly, it still plays a vital role in the survival of the area. Some family members have long left our coastal region to settle and make their contributions elsewhere in our country and our world. Many love to return to visit and share their pride of being Acadians which is very much alive in their hearts and ours as well. We love to tell our story to all who will listen. Vive l'Acadie! ,