Book Tells History of N.S. Cranberries

A history book on the 130-year-old cranberry industry in Nova Scotia was launched today by author and well known horticulturalist Bob Murray, at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Truro.

The 200-page research book, entitled Nova Scotia Cranberry History and Development 1872-2000, traces the industry back to the first commercial planting of cranberries in Canada, by William McNeil of Melvern Square in Annapolis County in 1872.

"This important history book will provide a permanent record of the achievements in cranberry production since the 1800s, and highlight the contribution cranberry growers make to the agricultural community in Nova Scotia and to the rest of Canada," said Deputy Prime Minister Herb Gray, who is also federal Minister responsible for the Millennium Initiative. "The Government of Canada is proud to have supported the Nova Scotia Cranberry History and Development project with a partial financial contribution through the Canada Millennium Partnership Program."

This millennium program contributed up to one-third of eligible project costs, while the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and the Nova Scotia Cranberry Growers Association contributed the remainder. The Canada Millennium Partnership Program supported projects promoting Canada’s history, youth, arts and culture, environment and the development of communities.

One of the book’s interesting tidbits lists the Indian Garden Bog in Hebbville, Lunenburg County as the oldest cranberry bog in Canada. It has been in continuous operation since the 1890s.

Ernest L. Fage, Nova Scotia Agriculture and Fisheries Minister met with the author last week and congratulated him and the Cranberry Growers Association.

"There are dozens of communities across Nova Scotia with interesting linkages to this history," said Mr. Fage. "Clearly, countless hours have been spent locating family members, searching the records and compiling this chapter of our rural history, much of which might otherwise have been lost. The extensive co-operation and assistance that Mr. Murray received from many people shows that this was a meaningful undertaking."

In 1996, 48 acres (19 hectares) in Nova Scotia were planted in cranberries. Since then, an additional 116 acres (47 hectares) have been planted. The province has 19 cranberry growers.

Roland Hamilton, president of the growers association, assisted with the official launch of the book and a slide series. The book and slide show are available through the Agricultural Awareness Program of the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.