“A woman’s work is never done” – nowhere might this adage be more applicable than on Sable Island in the late 19th century. Residents on Sable Island were isolated from the mainland of Nova Scotia by miles of ocean. The women and children living on Sable Island were isolated in a host of other ways: no friendly over the back fence chats with neighbours, no walk to church, no picnics on the lawn of the Halifax Public Gardens or games on the Commons. From the Main station the nearest human lived two miles away, the nearest settlement, #3 station, 10 miles. If supply ships were delayed by weather, islanders learned how to be resourceful. Lines linking Sable Island’s stations with telegraph were strung in 1885, telephone a bit later, wireless connection with the mainland in 1905.
About the presenter: Jill Martin Bouteillier is an author/historian with family ties to Sable Island. She shares what life on the island playground in the middle of the North Atlantic was like for the children and the women who fed, clothed, and cared for them – all gleaned from primary sources such as diaries, logs and photos taken by her Great aunt Trixie. Jill is also a volunteer Director on the Board of Friends of Sable Island.
These virtual presentations replace our bi-annual fundraiser. If you learned something new about Sable Island please consider a small donation towards our education programs at https://sableislandfriends.ca/product/donation/
You can watch Jill Martin Bouteillier’s presentation below…..