The Lobster Plug Story in West Pubnico

Musée acadien de Pubnico-Ouest
Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia

During the years following the expulsion of the French colonists from “Acadie” in 1755, and their subsequent return some 12 years later, the small village of West Pubnico retained its traditional way of life. As a result, it has become known as the oldest region remaining Acadian after 350 years. Through the hardships, this tiny village in Nova Scotia survived and flourished, and was once known as “the lobster plug capital of the world.” Wooden lobster plugs, the small pointed pieces of pine that were used to keep the lobster’s large claws shut, were made by the millions in West Pubnico, from the early 1900s until 1984. Lobster plugs were made in other communities, but not on as large a scale. Some villagers made a business out of buying and selling plugs, while others did it as a hobby and to make a little extra money. For this exhibit, many people of the community helped by offering their pictures, objects, and their own personal stories from the days of making lobster plugs. Through photographs, videos, text and oral reminiscences, we hope to keep this unique and important part of the village’s past alive so that this story can be passed on for generations to come.