Description
Few communities in the present mainland Dominion of Canada can write of 500 years of activity and occupation other than Canso, Nova Scotia. Known to have been seasonally inhabited by the Indigenous Mi’kmaw and visited by the brave seafarers and fishers from Portugal, Spain, France, England and the American colonies, the history of Canso is filled with characters, circumstances, and events that similar cannot be found elsewhere in North America. Canso’s geographical location at the extreme eastern point of mainland Nova Scotia, has beckoned the fisherman, sailor, explorer, trader, privateer, cleric, entrepreneur, and soldier for centuries, when travel was only succeeded via the sea. Its proximity to lucrative fishing grounds was at the root of all growth and decline of Canso and surrounding communities. Canso was known worldwide as a focal point of the fishery for centuries. Later, this same geography that lured the explorer and the great masted fishing schooner, lured those wishing to establish communication across the Atlantic Ocean, with the development of cable and telegram.
John A. Morrison was integrally involved in the social and business affairs of Canso, and the greater Guysborough County at the turn of the 20th century. He was perfectly positioned to research and write Historic Canso. This compilation of Morrison’s work is sure to entertain, educate, and bring a new perspective to the History of Canso.
John Morrison developed a deep affection, appreciation, and devotion toward his adopted home and this sentimentality and a humble gratitude of a life that provided him with great experiences and opportunities, Morrison thoroughly compiled Historic Canso over a 20-year period, completing it when he was approximately 88 years old.
(Paraphrased from Foreword written by Christopher A. Cook)
