Chester, Nova Scotia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chester, Nova Scotia
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Village
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| Motto(s):
A Progressive Community
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 Chester, Nova Scotia
Location in Nova Scotia
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Nova Scotia |
| County | Lunenburg County. |
| Municipality | Chester Municipal District |
| Founded | 1759 |
| Incorporated | 1963 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Village Commission |
| Elevation | 17 m (56 ft) |
| Population
(2011)
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| • Urban | 2,348 |
| Time zone | UTC-4 (AST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-3 (ADT) |
| Postal code |
B0J 1J0
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| Area code(s) | 902 |
| Telephone Exchanges | 273 275 277 279 299 980 |
| NTS Map | 21A9 Chester |
| GNBC Code | CAGYN |
| Website | chester.ca |
Chester is a charming village located on the Chester Peninsula in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada. It's a lovely place with a rich history and lots of fun things to do.
Contents
A Look Back at Chester's History
How Chester Began
In the early 1700s, the British started to expand into the area now known as Nova Scotia. After a group of French settlers called Acadians left the region, the British wanted new people to live on the land. They invited colonists from New England, a busy area at the time, to move here.
In 1761, led by people like Timothy Houghton and Rev. John Seccombe, a group called New England Planters received land in the Chester area. Back then, this place was known as Shoreham.
Chester During Conflicts
During the American Revolution, which happened in the late 1700s, Nova Scotia faced attacks from American forces and privateers (ships that were like legal pirates). One famous event was the 1782 Raid on Chester. Some of the new settlers were suspected of not being loyal to the British during this time.
In the 1800s, Chester became a busy place for trade along the coast. People worked in lumber, shipbuilding, shipping, and fishing. During the War of 1812, an American privateer ship named Young Teazer was caught near Chester. To avoid being captured, a crew member sank the ship.
Modern Chester Milestones
In 1922, a statue was put up to remember 54 soldiers from the Chester area who bravely fought and died in World War I. A Scottish artist named J. Massey Rhind created it. After the war, the Women's Institute of Nova Scotia started the Zoé Vallé Memorial Library, which is still a valuable resource today.
In 2002, there was a discussion about making Chester a town instead of a village. Many residents wanted to keep it as a village. They voted on it in 2003, and the idea to become a town was turned down.
Learning in Chester
Chester has great schools for students of all ages.
- Chester District School teaches younger students from Primary to Grade 5.
- Chester Area Middle School, often called CAMS, is for students in Grades 6 to 8.
- For high school, students from all over the Chester area and even Tancook Island attend Forest Heights Community School for Grades 9 to 12.
Chester's Vibrant Culture
Arts and Entertainment
The Chester Playhouse is a special place for performing arts. It started as a cinema in 1939 and became a theatre in 1963. In 1987, Christopher Ondaatje bought the building and gave it to the Theatre Council. It can seat 176 people and offers many different shows all year, including performances by local folk musician Old Man Luedecke.
The Chester and Area Family Resource Centre helps new parents and families in the community.
Chester has also been a filming location for TV shows! Parts of the series Haven and The Curse of Oak Island were filmed here.
Music and Community Spirit
The Chester Brass Band was started in 1873. It's a volunteer group that plays British-style brass music. They play classical songs, marches, hymns, and popular tunes. The band also has smaller groups like a Dixieland band. They have performed all over Nova Scotia and even around the world. The Chester Brass Band has even placed in the top three at the International Brass Band Championships five times!
Fun Things to Do in Chester
Water Adventures
If you love being on the water, Mahone Bay is perfect for kayaking and sailing. There are many public places to launch boats. The Chester Yacht Club hosts a big event called Chester Race Week every August. Sailboats from all over eastern North America come to compete.
Exploring on Land
For those who enjoy walking or biking, the Chester Connector is a great trail. It's part of an old railway line and is also used by motorized recreational vehicles.
Annual Events and Gatherings
Every year, the last weekend of July is packed with fun. You can visit the annual Chester Garden Show and take a House and Garden Tour. There are also harbour tours and the Bonnie Lea Lobster benefit.
The Chester Municipal Heritage Society runs the Lordly House Museum, which has a children's playground. They also host an Antique Auction in early July and a House and Boat Tour after Race Week. In December, there's a Christmas Craft Fair. At the old Train Station (built around 1905), you can find an Oak Island Display and a Visitors Information office. In winter, events include "Sing! Choirs" in December and the "Coldest Day of the Year" in February, which is a fundraiser for the Chester Drama Society.
Sports and Recreation
The Chester Golf Club is on the eastern side of the harbour. It has 18 holes and offers amazing views while you play.
"The Park," also known as The Church Memorial Park, is a hub for sports. It's home to the Chester Tennis Club, the Eleanor Pew Memorial Rink, and the Chester Curling Club. This is the home club of Mary Fay, a famous curler who won a gold medal at the 2016 Youth Olympics and was a champion at the 2016 World Junior Curling Championship in 2016!
Notable People from Chester
- Desmond Piers: (1913–2005) A naval officer who retired and lived in Chester.
- Donald Hebb: (1904–1985) A famous psychologist who was born and lived in Chester until he was 16.
- Christopher Ondaatje and John Risley: Businessmen who have summer homes or secondary residences in Chester.
- Old Man Luedecke: A talented folk musician.
- John Seccombe: One of Chester's founders.
