This handsomely illustrated volume is a comprehensive history of Stanley Bridge, a small, picturesque village cradled at the junction of Stanley River and New London Bay. Called Fyfe’s Ferry until 1865, Stanley Bridge enjoyed the closely knit community life, the self—sufficiency and moderate pros— perity that characterized so many Island communities from the mid—nineteenth to the mid-twentieth centuries. Located in a pros— perous agricultural area which it served, and which in turn served it, and enjoying all the advantages associated with excellent water communication, Stanley Bridge became a thriving commercial centre. The wharves built where the bridge crosses Stanley River, served the farmers and merchants who moved most of their produce and mer— chandise by schooners until they were replaced by vehicular modes of transport on a modern network of roads.

The History of Stanley Bridge empha— sizes in appropriate detail the social and economic fabric of the community. Based on comprehensive research and authentic documentation, the history of Stanley Bridge is carefully unfolded, from its begin- nings t0 the present. The names of the resi— dents of Stanley Bridge community, their professions and extensive genealogical detail on all the families is presented. Agriculture, the fisheries, the technological improvements, recreation, entertainment, the progress of culture, of religion, of archi— tecture, the mores and traditions, and their patriotism, are all delineated. The business, the trades, the professions, the schools, the churches, and organizations such as the Women’s Institute all enjoy pride of place. The reader is thus treated to an enlightening and fascinating story of this idyllic commu— nity. The History of Stanley Bridge is a good read indeed.