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Transportation1800's onward
Cascapedia St Jules
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Most families had one or several horses. These animals were essential to provide a means of travel, since the distance from one farm to another could have meant several miles. They also helped the farmer plough his fields, the woodcutter to haul out his logs and then took the family to church on Sunday morning.3
A Horse on the Road1800's onward
Cascapedia St Jules
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Jack Carroll was an early citizen of Irishtown, and according to his daughter Ila, foresaw the advancement of how we travelled when the horseless carriage first came out. He predicted that the day would come when people would turn their heads and be amazed to see a horse walking down the road.5
Horse and Carriage1800's onward
Cascapedia St Jules
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Most families had a horse and carriage to travel with, taking them to buy supplies, and to visit friends and family.7
Travelling by Canoe1700's onward
Cascapedia Valley
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Many of the first settlers cleared land and built their homes near the banks of the Grand Cascapedia River. This gave them an easy access route by canoe to travel down river to pick up supplies.9
Ferry Crossing1885-1920's
Grand Cascapedia River
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As early as 1865, Mr Duthie operated a ferry near the mouth of the Grand Cascapedia River. There may have been an earlier version of a ferry before this date because there was no other way, except by canoe, to cross the river. Horses and wagons, as well as livestock and supplies had to be transported across the river by way of a ferry or barge.11
The Need for a Bridge1891-1892
Grand Cascapedia River
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In 1891, a temporary wooden bridge spanned the Grand Cascapedia River, awaiting the completion of stone piers so the permanent bridge could be fitted to their foundations. This bridge was also needed so that the railway line could cross the river on its way down the Coast.13
Mercier Bridge1891-1892
Grand Cascapedia River
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The Mercier Bridge was completed in 1892. The new bridge spanned across the Grand Cascapedia River with an elaborate set of wooden trestles and connected the two towns of St Jules and Grand Cascapedia. A one lane road enabled the citizens to travel across by horse and wagon or by foot. |
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