Changes, Likes and Dislikes

Besides additions and improvements to their own properties the most noticeable changes in Stanhope commented on by our summer re- sidents have been the coming of the National Park, with the paved Gulf Shore Highway and the bridge at Covehead Harbour; the founding of the Stanhope Golf and Country Club; the remarkable proliferation of summer cottages; the Stanhope shopping centre, the new marina at the head of the Bay, and board-walks over the dunes were also noted. As shown by their likes and dislikes, by and large summer residents would prefer not to see much change here, though they allow that the coming of electricity has revolutionised country living, and for the better: no more oil lamps, hand pumps or outhouses. The paving of the Bayshore Road in 1962 was considered a big improvement, ending the dust problem for cottages near the road — cottagers along this road lived with a constant cloud of red dust that filtered into everything. (Marianne Morrow). The paving of the Eastern Road in 1970 was also a change for the better.

High on the list of summer residents’ dislikes are the mosquitoes, and it is interesting that in the 19303, when the Stanhope peninsula was almost entirely farmland, they were not a problem; it is possible that the increase in numbers of trees and shrubs around the cottages has favoured these pests; and also there are far fewer mosquito-eating barn swallows than in farming days. The National Park has been considered a mixed blessing; summer residents have appreciated the conservation work done by the Park, and the amenities and services provided, but the closing of the north ends of the access roads and lanes to cottages on the Gulf side, and the toll-booths, are both very unpopular, and the closing of Stanhope Lane even more so. Refusal of the Park authorities to cut down or trim trees on Park land which obscure cottagers’ views of the sea was also a sore point. Too many crows, noisy motor cycles, and the spruce budworm were other complaints, but really there were not many things disliked by the summer residents who answered our survey, and these were far out- numbered by their “likes”. These included the lovely, long, quiet beaches, and the warm sea-water; the picturesque harbour with its neat bait sheds, handsome boats, friendly fishermen, and the really fresh fish to be bought there; and the first-class golf course. Our weather and moderate temperatures were approved (cool nights for sleeping were much appreciated by people from hot cities), as was the almost total lack of fog — this from a Halifax native! Other points in Stanhope’s favour: easy accessibility from Charlottetown, good paved roads, the several churches nearby, the beautiful sunsets reflected in the Bay, the wildflowers, and the birds.

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