Fredericton Then and Now

Beginning in 1783 due to an influx of United Empire Loyalists, Fredericton holds many keys to our past. Although rarely considered in our day to day activities, the buildings that populate downtown Fredericton have a significant amount of history hidden in their walls. By mimicking the location and angle of archival photographs, I hope to show the changes our buildings and streets have seen over their lifetime.   

Fredericton City Hall, taken from the corner of King and York Street. 

It was originally built in 1876 and the fountain with the infamous "Freddy the little nude dude" was added in 1885. Other than a metal roof and a major restoration a couple years ago the building has not changed greatly in appearance. 

Justice Building, also taken from the corner of King and York Street.

The Provincial Normal School was constructed in 1875 but burnt in 1929. The Annex in the rear survived the fire and the current building was built as a replacement. In 1970 the building was renovated to house law courts which remains in use today. The Annex is currently used as studio space. The street scape has changed as have the trees, but the building is fairly similar.     

The Legislative Assembly Block

In the centre is the Provincial Legislature which opened in 1882 after the previous building burnt two years earlier. The Departmental Building to the right was designed in 1882, and the Education Building on the left was built in 1816 and a second story added in 1869. All three are still in use by the government with few major exterior changes. 

These photos can be found at the Provincial Archives web page for Historical Images. If there are any photos you would like me to recreate please let me know. I am not a professional photographer but I will do my best!

Glenwood Provincial Park

 

Between Campbellton and Saint Quentin is the former Glenwood Provincial Park. At the top of the Upsalquitch hill you'll find a small pullover area with a stone.

Glenwood was the first provincial park for New Brunswick, and was originally setup as a spot for motorists to pull over after a long drive.

 

Some of the old park infrastructure is still around including picnic shelters, concrete pads, and what looks like an old well.    

Some of the old trails and camping spots can be picked out from the weeds.

 

It's a great spot to stop and stretch your legs when you are driving along route 17!

 

Salmon River Road Stone

If you ever need to get from Fredericton to Rexton, the Salmon River road is the way to go. Through Minto and Chipman, the Route 116 is mostly woods and cabins. Somewhere along this road (I would tell you where, but I can't quite remember) is a clearing with an inscribed rock. It says "The one billionth tree was planted here by Hon. Allan R. Graham, Minister of Natural Resources and Energy June 26, 1997"

Next time I am back there, I will get a couple more pictures, but I would recommend the area as a good stop for a quick rest.

Typically I take the bus to work, and afterwards walk over to my wife’s workplace for the drive home. I’ve been slack the past couple months so I haven’t been able to wander downtown as much as I would like.

Fortunately I’ve gotten my act together and while wandering by the Centennial Building I noticed a new sign! It lists all the New Brunswick Premiers from Andrew Wetmore to David Alward (the current Premier, incase you live under a rock).

I'm not up on my history, so this is a great addition to the downtown for visitors and New Brunswickers alike. 

Loyalist Burial Ground

Walking along Brunswick Street in Fredericton you'll come across this large stone at the intersection of Carlton Street. This is a Monument to the United Empire Loyalists, a group of people, still loyal to the Queen, left the United States after the Revolution and came to New Brunswick.  

Incase you have never stopped to take a look, it says the following.

TO THE MEMORY OF THE 

UNITED EMPIRE LOYALISTS

WHO SETTLED IN THIS REGION

FOLLOWING THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

***

COMPELLED TO LEAVE THEIR HOMES IN

THE THIRTEEN COLONIES FOR THEIR

LOYALTY TO THE CROWN THEY FOUNDED

THE PROVINCE OF NEW BRUNSWICK

IN 1784 TO SECURE BRITISH INSTITUTIONS

FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR POSTERITY

***

MANY OF THESE LOYALISTS LIE BURIED HERE

***

SPEM REDUXIT

***

ERECTED 1783 BY THE FREDERICTON BRANCH

UNITED EMPIRE LOYALISTS ASSOCIATION OF

CANADA ON THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE

ARRIVAL OF THE LOYALISTS IN THIS PROVINCE

Spem Reduxit is also featured on the New Brunswick coat of arms, and means "Hope was restored".

Walking through the graveyard will join you back up with Carlton Street. There are plenty of trails which lead you deeper into the graveyard, some of which are surprisingly quiet and peaceful as they are not often used. 

On the Brunswick Street side is a new addition to the area; a map which lists the names and locations of the various graves and people. If you are "New Brunswick Royalty" (of Loyalist descent), and you are in the area, stop by to take a look and see if any of your relatives are listed!

Priceville/McNamee Footbridge

The drive from Fredericton to Miramichi (Route 8) is one of my favourite because of the varied scenery, beautiful views, and the occasional town. There are plenty of little places to stop for a break, such as the Village Family Restaurant in Doaktown. Another stop I would highly recommend is the Priceville Footbridge.

Stretching 200 meters across the Southwest Miramichi River is a suspension bridge that connects Priceville to MacNamee. Originally built in the 1930's it collapsed in 1939, killing 3 men. 

A new bridge was built, and then replaced in 1988 with the current iteration. 

This isn't for the faint of heart, but does offer some spectacular views of the Southwest Miramichi. 

Once you have made it to the other side you have arrived in Priceville! If you are into Geocaching you might even find a cache or two in the area.

You can find the Priceville footbridge east of Boiestown by turning off Route 8 onto the McNamee or Carrolls Crossing Road. 

Reardon Road Overpass

Although incredibly useful, the Fredericton to Moncton highway (Route 2) can be a bid tedious at times. A lot of the trip is spent driving through woods, with the only real pit stop being the Youngs Cove Irving.

Other than trees, I'd bet the next most abundant element is the over passes. The Reardon Road, which connects Route 105 and Route 695 is one of these concrete structures, but has a twist. 

Every other overpass (as far as I can tell) has the typical 'plywood concrete form' look. The Reardon Road (both east and west lanes) has a board and batten type design, with an interesting retaining wall as well. Why is this one different? The road isn't anything special; in fact having an overpass there probably wasn't necessary, considering there are two major on/off ramps minutes down the road.

Regardless, it is nice to see a touch of personality put into something as utilitarian as an overpass. You can find this oddity between the Coles Island and Mill Cove exits, so keep your eyes open.