Preface / Pursuing the Past / How Westville Got It's Name / Minutes of the First Town Council Meeting, Sept.8, 1894
South Main Street, Westville; the Acadia Colliery smokestack in the distance
Preface
We are pleased to present the first comprehensive review of Westville’s heritage. We have been privileged to work with a wide variety of people to collect, organize, write, and publish the rich legacy of our town.
The book is not written by one individual, but by many. Much of the material was written especially for this project; however, we also wished to preserve in their original form historical accounts written by some of the citizens of the town at earlier dates. We wanted the book to contain both prose and poetry, factual and personal material, print and pictures – we wanted the book to be enjoyable!
Although many individuals were involved in the creation of this book, two specific groups have shaped its course. The Westville Heritage Group was formed in 1984 under the New Horizons Program of Health and Welfare Canada. One of the basic goals of this group was to record the heritage of Westville. Margaret MacKinnon, chairperson of the Book Project, Vincent Muirhead, president of the Heritage Group, and Doug Simpson, a local journalist, were appointed to provide leadership for collecting material for the history book that would eventually be produced.
Margaret MacKinnon
The Westville Heritage Group
Meanwhile, under the
direction of George Henaut, their English teacher, the
1984-85 grade 11 A English class decided to produce an
historical account of Westville’s past. The decided to work
on the project for a two-year period.
Very quickly the two groups
became aware of each other’s intentions and agreed to
combine their efforts. The result was an exciting adventure
for all. The wisdom and experience of the seniors combined
with the enthusiasm of the youth have helped create a unique
presentation.
Both groups have discovered
a fundamental truth of history – places, events disaster,
celebrations, and projects may have importance but people
are what really count! This book is the product of many
residents
of Westville, young and old. It is the legacy
of people – it is a legacy for people!
We hope that you will enjoy Celebrating Our Heritage: Westville’s Legacy!
George Henaut
Grade 12 English Teacher