Port Hood Island, Nova Scotia facts for kids
Port Hood Island is a small island and community located in Nova Scotia, Canada. It sits in St. George's Bay, which is part of the larger Northumberland Strait. The island is right next to the west coast of Cape Breton Island. It was named after the nearby community of Port Hood. A long time ago, the island was known as Smith Island.
Island History
Port Hood Island was once connected to Cape Breton Island by a narrow strip of sand. This sandy path allowed people to walk between the island and the mainland. The island was a busy place, especially with a successful lobster cannery. This factory processed many lobsters caught by local fishermen. However, a big winter storm in the late 1800s changed everything. The strong waves washed away the sand connection. This made Port Hood Island truly an island.
In the late 1950s, people tried to build a road to connect the island to the mainland. This road went from the main fishing dock on the mainland to the island's dock. Sadly, the new road could not handle the strong weather. It washed away soon after it was finished. The rocks from this old road are still there today. Locals now call these rocks the "Breakwater."
Island Life and Community
The first settlers on Port Hood Island were United Empire Loyalists. These were people who stayed loyal to Britain during the American Revolution. They were mostly Protestant, which was different from the Catholic majority in the nearby Port Hood area. In the 1950s, about 28 families lived on the island. Most of these families were fishermen or small farmers. The island had its own one-room school. This school taught students from grade 1 up to grade 8 or 9. After finishing the island school, students would live in Port Hood. They would then attend Port Hood Academy for their higher grades. The island church also shared a minister with the community of Mabou.
Port Hood Island Today
Today, Port Hood Island is mostly used during the summer months. Many people have summer homes there. There is only one person who lives on the island all year round. The island is also famous because of a song. The song "Lonely Island" was written by Jimmy Rankin. It was featured on The Rankin Family's first music album in 1989.
Notable People
- Sidney Earle Smith was a very important person from Port Hood Island. He served as the President of the University of Toronto. He also held a high government position as the Secretary of State for External Affairs. This role is similar to a country's foreign minister, dealing with other nations.
