Early projects of the society helped to save the Chester Train Station
and rebuild the
Lightfoot Tower
, built circa 1904, by American attorney
Alfred Ross Lightfoot to gain a better view of sailing activity in Mahone
Bay. The station now houses the Tourist Bureau, a gallery for local
artists and artisans and
an
exhibit
on
Oak
Island,
a
site
famous
for
hidden
pirate
treasure.
Another recent and major endeavour of the society was to gain control,
through purchase and lease, of a complete village block of the original
town plan of Chester Village to develop Lordly Park. The park has
cultivated areas, a natural wetland, a children's playground, and a
skating and games berm and is home to yet another project of the
society – the restoration of Lordly
House
Museum
and
Maple
Cottage.
The
house,
built
circa
1806
by
local shipwrights and carpenters for
Captain MacCurdy is valued for its age, architecture and historical
association with the Lordly family. It is a fine example of Georgian
architecture in the community and remains relatively unchanged
since
its
construction.
The
Cottage,
circa
1879,
was
the
first
municipal
office
where
Lordly
was
clerk.
Over the years, the society has been developing a database of heritage
properties and compiling obituaries, news clippings, genealogies and
other information related to the municipality. It has researched and
mounted a permanent display which features the "American
Connection" to the community. Educational programs for the local
community are offered in the winter months. It offers an outreach
school program, "Trade in Time" using local artifacts to help teach
students about local history. The
society
is
also
responsible
for
a wi-fi
site at Maple Cottage
(free
public
computer
access)
in
the
village
and
has recently launched a directory showcasing the talents of local
Artists and
Artisans
.
The society mounts changing displays each year at Lordly House
Museum, 133 Central Street, Chester, NS. This year we will feature a
World War ! display opening on June 1 at 5:00 PM and Underneath It All
opening on July 19th at 2:30 PM. Please plan to join us for these
events.
The Chester Municipal Heritage Society is always looking for people
who are willing to participate in its community building activities or to
share information. Please feel free to contact us if you’d like to assist.
© Chester Municipal Heritage Society 2013
The Chester Municipal Heritage
Society was established in 1981
to promote and cultivate
awareness of the unique heritage
of the
Municipality of the District
of Chester
for the enjoyment and
benefit of present and future
generations through the
preservation of historically
significant properties and the
delivery of educational
programming.
Chester Municipal Heritage Society
About US - 2
