Old Stone Bridge in Chester Receives Provincial Heritage Plaque

Families from Chester are paying tribute to the Old Stone Bridge, one of the village's most important historic landmarks.

Denise Peterson-Rafuse, Minister of Community Services, on behalf of Leonard Preyra, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage, was joined by representatives from the municipality and village commission to unveil the bridge's official provincial heritage plaque today, Sept. 14.

"This was a real community effort over many years," said Ms. Peterson-Rafuse. "I am proud to have brought together our community partners and the municipality to make it possible for a bridge that still carries vehicles to be designated a provincial heritage property.

"This is a first in Nova Scotia, and I thank the municipality and the community partners for pulling together to make life better for families by helping to preserve our heritage."

As one of the two known surviving stone arch bridges in Nova Scotia, the Old Stone Bridge is a rare example of provincial industrial heritage. The Victoria Street bridge was built in about 1882 to carry horse carriages. More than a century later, its arch design continues to provide enough strength and structural integrity for today's vehicles.

"The Old Stone Bridge is a very important feature in the Village of Chester," said Brenda Mulrooney, chair of the Village of Chester Commission. "I know this was hard fought for by community groups, and I'm honoured to be here to see this happen.

"Receiving the Provincial Heritage plaque ensures the bridge's protection, which I know has been a concern for many people from Chester."

For many years, the bridge serviced Hawboldt's Foundry, a marine engine manufacturer founded by Chester inventor Forman Hawboldt in 1906. His company began in a barn and is now internationally known as Hawboltd Industries Limited. Before that, the bridge carried over the Old Mill Race Stream which powered the Mill's Family Saw and Grist Mills and Tannery.

The Old Stone Bridge became a provincial designated heritage property in March.