It's not often that a Canadian history blog attracts the interest of media, so I am particularly grateful to the good folks at CBC Radio in Saint John, 91.3 FM for suggesting an interview. We have recorded a chat in which I offer a little something about myself, explain the rationale for this project, and describe what might be accomplished in terms of showcasing the lost history of the valley and creating a lasting memorial to generations of inhabitants.
I enjoyed the taping process and also learned that staff at the CBC station have very deep family roots in Saint John. Local radio is the perfect venue for reaching out and locating other families who lived in our Lost Valley and I earnestly hope a few will consider sharing their stories here in the Blog. I've been informed that the interview will be broadcast on Wednesday, January 2 at 7:40 a.m. That's too early for me here in B.C., but perhaps Lost Valley readers as far west as Ontario might catch it. INFORMATION MORNING programs are also available via Internet streaming, and I see they maintain an archive of older interviews which you can enjoy. Simply go to the website of CBC Saint John , click on 91.3 FM and then select your choice of download speed.
Here we see the crowded Portland foreshore, just over a hundred years ago. Dozens of such images made by Isaac Erb were purchased and printed by postcard publishers. Favored were photos taken from Fort Howe emphasizing the busy harbour. Because scenes of workaday streets on the shore and further down the valley had less appeal, postcard views of Main Street are scarce and I have not collected even one documenting life or business on a busy arterial like Paradise Row. For reference I marked the approximate location of CBC Station FM 91.3 with an (X).Update Jan. 2 - The interview is 10.24 in length and is now archived at CBC (link).
