Posts by Les McLaughlin
Former Blackville Police Department Chief Paul Fiander Retires After Four Decades of Service
After more than forty years of dedicated service in law enforcement, Miramichi Police Force Chief Paul Fiander has retired. Chief Fiander’s journey began in 1980 when he started as a police officer in the Village of Blackville, where he quickly distinguished himself with his exceptional leadership skills. By 1987, his dedication and capabilities had earned…
Read MoreA Final Farewell
It was a lonesome August day in 2012, a few months after my grandmother Noreen had passed away. My gram and I shared a special bond – she was like a second mother to me, since I spent most of my childhood at her house in Keenans. It was one of those days when the…
Read MoreIt Always Snowed On Christmas Eve: Memories of a Christmas Past
As a kid growing up in the eighties, in the time of wood-paneled walls and party lines, Christmas held a special place in my heart. The holiday season, with its sparkling lights and the excitement of Santa’s arrival, was pure magic. The anticipation of Christmas, for me, always began with the arrival of the Sears…
Read MoreGet Cozy with Our Community-Inspired Hoodies and Support the Local Cat Rescue
Show off your local pride with our stunning hoodies, now at a 35% discount! Sizes from Unisex Small to 2XL and available in 5 fantastic colors. Hurry, this sale won’t last long! If your community isn’t listed, let us know, and we’ll add it. Plus, a portion of proceeds supports “My 3 Sons Cat Rescue”…
Read MoreRemembering Hal Muck: Honoring the Legacy of a Beloved Community Leader
Hal Muck, a former Blackville councillor, mayor and educator, has died. Muck left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. As we reflect upon his life and legacy, we celebrate the profound impact he had on his community, his dedication to education, and the countless relationships he…
Read MoreThe House That Built Me: Memories of My Grandmother’s Home in Keenans
As the famous song once said, “A House is not A Home,” but this one certainly was. It was a place where memories were made, stories were shared, and love was felt. It was a place where family gathered for Sunday dinners and Christmas Eve gift openings. It was a place where neighbors became friends,…
Read MorePorter Ancestor Seeks Family History
Michael Duplisea is seeking information about his ancestors from Blackville. He explains below. Hello! I am interested in researching my ancestors who were from Blackville, particularly James Porter, Sr., who arrived there in 1825 and soon married Eleonora Whelan around 1827. They were Anglicans, but I know the Holy Trinity Anglican Church wasn’t founded until…
Read MoreMacDonald Descendant Seeks Family History
Gregory Chase, a descendant of the MacDonald family of Blackville, is seeking information about his ancestors. He explains below. My name is Gregory Chase and I live in Silverton, Oregon, USA. I’m currently asking for some help as I’m looking for some information on my great, great grandfather who came from Blackville, New Brunswick. His…
Read MoreBrophy Receives NBSRT Honorary Lifetime Award
In late Spring, the New Brunswick Society of Retired Teachers Honorary Lifetime Membership was awarded to Faye Brophy of Blackville. Faye Brophy retired in 1989 after 35 years of teaching. She had obtained both her BA (1967) and B. Ed (1971) from the University of New Brunswick. She taught in Doaktown and Devon before finishing…
Read MoreIn Remembrance of Former Village Councillor Eileen Corney
Eileen Olive Corney, formerly of Blackville, passed away on Thursday, June 23, 2016, at Parkland in the Valley, Quispamsis, at the age of 87. Born in Blackville, she was the daughter of the late Stanford and Catherine (Yeo) Connors. She was a homemaker and a member of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Blackville. She was a…
Read MoreMemories of the Old Store
This story was originally printed in Bread n Molasses magazine and gives the history of an old general store in Barnettville (the former Darlene’s Tea House). Memories of the Old Store By Franklin & Lorraine Lebans, Barnettville In the early years when Mr. & Mrs. (British Nathaniel) Underhill were running the store, they would order…
Read MoreThe Blackville Women’s Institute Active in the Community for 85 Years
The Blackville Women’s Institute celebrated Heritage Week in February with the theme “Leadership and Legacy”. Eleanor Donald, secretary, spoke of the Women’s Institute’s work in Blackville: I will speak on Legacy which means something handed down. I have in my hand a book entitled Fifty Years of Women’s Institute in New Brunswick. This was…
Read More