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Pictou Island Heritage Society · Virtual Museum
Photographs of Island people, working life, places and transportation.
Island collection
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Two women pose on a railing. Their names are not known. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P09-01
The handwriting at the side includes Laura and possibly Chester. The names are partly unclear, and it is uncertain which person each name refers to. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P09-02
A note identifies Victor MacCallum as Lena’s brother. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P10-01
A typed note gives the names from left to right. The writing beneath the photograph is less clear. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P10-02
A typed note gives both full names. Dolina and Laura are written beneath the photograph. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P11-01
Fraser MacLean is written beneath the photograph. The other person has not been identified, and the caption does not say which person is Fraser. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P12-01
A note reads “Pictou Island Church; Movie View 1975.” The people and occasion are not identified. 1975, from the archive’s typed note; the occasion is unconfirmed. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P12-02
A typed note names Ruth, gives the year 1931 and adds “Tiny.” It does not give a surname or make clear who “Tiny” was. 1931, from the archive’s typed back-side note. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P13-01
An undated photograph with no name recorded. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P13-02
Typed list names Florence MacKeil (Rankin), the child; Jessie Fraser; Aileen Beers (Fraser); Laura MacDonald (Rankin); Dolina Keenan (Rankin); Annie Mae Hilbert Rankin. Adult positions are not explicitly established. Undated childhood family photograph. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P14-01
Jean is handwritten beneath the photograph. No surname or date is added here. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P15-01
A place name is written along the left edge. Jimmie is named beneath the group, and another note may say Russel or Russell. The other people and the date are unknown. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P15-02
The handwriting names Peter, Clara, Mae R. and possibly Vinny. Arrows appear on the photograph, but the names cannot all be matched confidently to the people. The boat and date are unknown. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P16-01
A typed note names Elva MacDonald, Lauchie’s wife, and John. It gives no surname for John or date for the photograph. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P16-02
The names come from a typed note on the back. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P17-01
This photograph has faded considerably. No readable name or date is attached. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P17-02
Typed note lists Wife Bertha; Lachie (Jack's brother) and wife (the former Elva Cairns); Adeline; Happy Angus. The note does not explicitly map every visible person to a position. Undated; before 18 March 1938 if the album’s Happy Angus identification is correct. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P18-01
Typed list: Jessie Fraser; Duncan Rankin; Dolina Keenan (Rankin); Jimmy Happy (MacDonald); Laura MacDonald (Rankin). Adult positions are not independently verified. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P18-02
Handwritten caption beneath the photograph. No date is given. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P19-01
A note names Jimmy and Jean; the child is not named. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P19-02
The vessel’s name, the port and the date are unknown. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P20-01
The vessel, people, location and date are unknown. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P20-02
“Cape Tormentine N.B.” is written along the edge, and Jimmie is named beneath the group. The other people have not been identified. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P21-01
Jean is handwritten beneath the photograph. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P21-02
Handwritten caption reads Sonny & Bee, with spelling also indexed as Sonney in the compilation. No surnames or date are supplied. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P22-01
Typed back-side list: Mae MacDonald (Tug); Happy Angus; Maggie Bell; Heck & Betty (in arms). Exact positions and the meaning of Tug are not established. Undated; before 18 March 1938 if the album’s Happy Angus identification is correct. Location unrecorded. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P22-02
Typed note explicitly lists these from left to right. Margaret's sister is unnamed; the fourth entry is ??? in the compilation. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P23-01
Bottom caption lists Betty, Margt R., Heck, Adeline, M. Stewart, Dolina and Duncan MacDonald. Side writing also names Heck, apparently Melda Stewart, and Happy Angus. Preserve these source labels; their positional relationship and any corrections are unresolved. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P23-02
Jimmie is written beneath the photograph. The location and date are unknown. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P24-01
A typed note names Willis MacLean; the album index calls him Willie. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P24-02
A typed note and handwriting name Oma and Cassie. The baby is not named, and the captions do not say which adult is which. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P25-01
Named in the typed album caption. Prior research identifies a likely Angus Hector MacDonald/Adelina MacFarlane match (Angus death: Nova Scotia record 283242). If that identification is correct, the sitting predates Angus's death on 18 March 1938. That is a conditional limit, not a date written on the photograph. Undated; before 18 March 1938 on the album’s identification of Happy Angus. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P25-02
Names are written along the edge. A preceding name or word is crossed out. No date or further family link is inferred. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P26-01
Handwriting reads Cora, Willie, Jimmie, Alice, followed by a less certain name and Hughie. The exact reading and person positions remain open; no additional surnames are assigned. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P26-02
Handwriting names Jean and Jimmie. Prior original-record comparison supports a probable match to Olive Jean MacLean and James Duncan MacDonald, married 24 September 1936 (Nova Scotia marriage record 226263, book 84, page 317). The date is inferred from that match, not written on this scan. Probably 24 September 1936; the wedding identification and date are inferred. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P27-01
Handwriting names Annie Mae, Jean, Jim and Charlie; a final initial is uncertain. Prior comparison supports the same probable 24 September 1936 wedding, with witnesses Annie Mae Rankin and Charles W. Munroe (Nova Scotia marriage record 226263, book 84, page 317). Do not assign unnamed rear figures or turn the probable match into a certain date. Probably 24 September 1936; the wedding identification and date are inferred. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P27-02
Names are written beneath the photograph, though the last abbreviated name is partly unclear. No date is given. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P27-03
No readable identification or date is attached. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P27-04
Names are handwritten beneath the photograph; Margt. is retained as the source abbreviation for Margaret. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P28-01
No readable identification or date is attached. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P28-02
Boats, a shoreline building and a steep rocky hill are visible. The place and vessels are not identified. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P28-03
Handwritten caption beneath the photograph. No date is supplied. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P29-01
Adeline is written at the side, along with a second name that is unclear. Her companion has not been identified. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P29-02
Adeline is handwritten beneath the photograph. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P30-01
Handwritten caption beneath the photograph. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P30-02
Jimmy is handwritten beneath the photograph. Site and date are unknown. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P30-03
Jimmie is written beneath the photograph, followed by a mark that is incomplete or unclear. The other person is unidentified. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P30-04
Names are handwritten beneath the photograph. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P31-01
Handwritten caption beneath the photograph. Names are accepted as album attribution, without an additional identity merge. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P31-02
The annotation names Jimmie and Elva; the word following Elva is uncertain. No surname or family relationship is inferred. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P31-03
No readable name or date is attached to this photograph. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P31-04
Jean is handwritten beneath the photograph. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P32-01
Jimmy is handwritten beneath the photograph. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P32-02
Side handwriting includes Dolina, Adeline and Margt. Ross, with an intervening name crossed out and other writing uncertain. The fourth person and exact positions are not established. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P32-03
No individual names or date are recorded for this photograph. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P33-01
Jean is handwritten beneath the photograph. Location and date remain unknown. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P33-02
Handwritten caption beneath the photograph. Undated; see the source and caption notes. Credit: Contributed by Chris Stafford.
View photograph, caption and connections →Catalogue reference: P33-03
Construction of the Pictou Island Volunteer Fire Department’s steel equipment building, 1989; subject and year confirmed by PIHS. Workers and individual photographer unidentified. Elwood Rankin Collection, courtesy of Lorne Matheson and PIHS. Reproduced with PIHS-confirmed permission.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-ELWOOD-RANKIN-8
Vessels, waterfront works and cranes appear in these three photographs. The project, date, exact location and workers are not yet identified. Elwood Rankin Collection, courtesy of Lorne Matheson and PIHS. Reproduced with PIHS-confirmed permission.
Read the transport and wharf history →Catalogue reference: PIHS-ELWOOD-RANKIN-9
A crane handles large stones beside marine works, and a dump truck works on shore. The project, date, exact location and workers are not yet identified. Elwood Rankin Collection, courtesy of Lorne Matheson and PIHS. Reproduced with PIHS-confirmed permission.
Read the transport and wharf history →Catalogue reference: PIHS-ELWOOD-RANKIN-10
Campbell MacCallum barn, Pictou Island. Photograph supplied by Ron MacDonald; reproduced with permission. PIHS collection. Photographer and photograph date are unrecorded. The building’s historical lot number is not established.
Read Island farming history →Catalogue reference: CAMPBELL-MACCALLUM-BARN-RON-MACDONALD
A view of Pictou Island’s East End from Darrell Rankin’s slides. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-EAST-END-1983
Logan MacDonald and Vernie Rankin at the East End. Photograph from a Darrell Rankin slide; Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-EAST-END-FISHERMEN
Historic view of the island wharf, preserved from Hazel MacDonald’s collection. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-PICTOU-ISLAND-WHARF-HAZEL-MACDONALD
Jack Rankin bought a farm with a log house and built this house with Mary before their 1910 marriage, using wood brought from Wood Islands. The small building at right was used as a store. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-JACK-RANKIN-FARM
Jack and Mary Rankin. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-JACK-MARY-RANKIN
An island Sunday school picnic at Jack and Mary Rankin’s property. Participant identifications were supplied with the Andrea Rankin Sibley collection. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-SUNDAY-SCHOOL-PICNIC
Brothers Vernie and Duncan Rankin. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-VERNIE-DUNCAN-RANKIN
Vernie and Isabel Rankin with hockey sticks on Pictou Island. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-VERNIE-ISABEL-RANKIN-HOCKEY
Angus Hector “Happy Angus” MacDonald and Adeline “Dollie” MacFarlane. They farmed and kept horses on the property later associated with the Stafford family. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-ANGUS-DOLLIE-MACDONALD
Henry “Bush” MacDonald and Vernie Rankin. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-BUSH-MACDONALD-VERNIE-RANKIN
A historic view of Torquil MacLean’s farm. The people shown are not yet identified in the available record. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-TORQUIL-MACLEAN-FARM
Torquil and Isabella MacLean. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-TORQUIL-ISABELLA-MACLEAN
Hector MacLean, believed to be Torquil MacLean’s brother. The collection notes that he played bagpipes on the mainland boat journey for Vernie and Isabel’s 1944 wedding. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-HECTOR-MACLEAN
Dollie, Janie, Mamie, Bella (Isabella), Annie, and Ena—daughters of Charles and Annabel MacLean. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-MACLEAN-SISTERS
Annabel “Bella” McCallum (1853–1922), Isabella MacLean’s mother. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-BELLA-MCCALLUM
Isabel Hooper Rankin. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-ISABEL-HOOPER-RANKIN
Teddy Hooper and Vernie Rankin. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-TEDDY-HOOPER-VERNIE-RANKIN
Sidney, John Ralph, and Theodore “Teddy” Hooper, all of whom served during the Second World War. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-SIDNEY-RALPH-THEODORE-HOOPER
A large family group from the Hooper and MacLean families. Identifications supplied with the Andrea Rankin Sibley collection accompany this family photograph. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-HOOPER-FAMILY
Island residents skating outdoors. The people and date are not confirmed in the available catalogue information. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-SKATING
Vernie Rankin aboard a fishing boat at the East End, preserved from a Darrell Rankin slide. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-VERNIE-RANKIN-EAST-END-FISHERMAN
Cattle on the beach near the East End harbour, photographed in the 1970s or early 1980s and preserved from Darrell Rankin’s slides. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-EAST-END-SHORELINE
A portrait identified in the supplied collection record as Annabelle MacLean Hooper. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-ANNABELLE-MACLEAN-HOOPER
A second portrait of Torquil and Isabella MacLean, shown seated together. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-TORQUIL-ISABELLA-MACLEAN-SEATED
A MacLean family group gathered beside a car and farmhouse. Family identifications were supplied with the Andrea Rankin Sibley collection. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-MACLEAN-FAMILY-GROUP-CAR
Annabel “Bella” McCallum at a spinning wheel, identified in the Andrea Rankin Sibley collection. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-MCCALLUM-SPINNING-WHEEL
A colour view of boats and fishing activity at the Pictou Island Wharf. The supplied record identifies Anderson MacLean, Teddy Hooper, Henry “Bush” MacDonald, Isabel and Vernie Rankin, and Logan MacDonald among those present. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-PICTOU-ISLAND-WHARF-COLOUR
A wide view across the fields toward Jack and Mary Rankin’s farm. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-JACK-MARY-RANKIN-FARM-WIDE
An elevated colour view of Jack and Mary Rankin’s house, outbuildings, fields, and shoreline. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-JACK-MARY-RANKIN-FARM-AERIAL
Jack Rankin photographed outdoors in work clothes. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-JACK-RANKIN-WORKING
Jack Rankin seated at home in 1956. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-JACK-RANKIN-1956
Jack Rankin standing among tall garden flowers. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-JACK-RANKIN-GARDEN
A historic exterior photograph of the house Jack and Mary Rankin built before their 1910 marriage. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-JACK-RANKIN-HOUSE
Animals gathered beside the barn at Torquil MacLean’s farm. The person shown has not been confirmed in the available record. Andrea Rankin Sibley collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-TORQUIL-MACLEAN-FARMYARD
An early aircraft photograph supplied by Lorne Matheson, who identified the aircraft as Pictou Island’s “first mail plane.” This identification is preserved as Lorne’s family-history attribution, rather than as independent verification of the aircraft, a first flight or the beginning of postal air service. The date, location, aircraft model, pilot and service history remain unconfirmed. Lorne Matheson collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-PHOTO-00
Historic family photograph awaiting identification of the people, place, and date. Lorne Matheson collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-PHOTO-01
Historic island photograph awaiting identification and context. Lorne Matheson collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-PHOTO-02
Historic island photograph awaiting identification and context. Lorne Matheson collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-PHOTO-03
Historic family photograph awaiting identification of the people, place, and date. Lorne Matheson collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-PHOTO-04
Historic island photograph awaiting identification and context. Lorne Matheson collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-PHOTO-07
Historic island photograph awaiting identification and context. Lorne Matheson collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-PHOTO-08
Historic island photograph awaiting identification and context. Lorne Matheson collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-PHOTO-09
Historic family photograph awaiting identification of the people, place, and date. Lorne Matheson collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-PHOTO-12
Historic island photograph awaiting identification and context. Lorne Matheson collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-PHOTO-14
Historic island photograph awaiting identification and context. Lorne Matheson collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-PHOTO-15
Family photograph preserved in the Lorne Matheson collection. The people and date are not yet confirmed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-MOMS-03
Nina Vennita Matheson stands with another woman beside an aircraft. The photograph may date from after the Second World War, and the aircraft may be associated with a later mail-plane service; neither the date nor the aircraft’s role has been confirmed. The second woman and the location remain unidentified. Photograph from the Lorne Matheson collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-MOMS-06
Family photograph preserved in the Lorne Matheson collection. The people and date are not yet confirmed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-MOMS-07
Historic family photograph preserved in the Lorne Matheson collection. PIHS welcomes names, relationships, locations, and an approximate date.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-OLD-FAMILY-09
Historic Factory Road scene showing a horse-drawn carriage and large industrial buildings. Ray Hayman / PIHS collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-RH-001-FACTORY-ROAD
One of four photographs of an unidentified vessel wreck on a rocky shore. Ray Hayman / PIHS collection. Vessel, location and date remain to be confirmed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-RH-002-WRECK-01
Second view of an unidentified vessel wreck, with a person and barrels visible. Ray Hayman / PIHS collection. Identification remains provisional.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-RH-003-WRECK-02
Third view of an unidentified vessel wreck on the shore, with people visible. Ray Hayman / PIHS collection. Vessel, place and date remain to be confirmed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-RH-004-WRECK-03
Fourth view from the same unidentified wreck sequence. Ray Hayman / PIHS collection. Further identification is being sought.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-RH-005-WRECK-04
This group portrait bears the handwritten name “John C. McDonald.” We would like to learn more about the people, place and date. Ray Hayman / PIHS collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-RH-006-PEOPLE-JOHN-C-MCDONALD
Historic photograph of two men with handwritten names that appear to read “Sam Giddings” and “Mark McKenzie.” The readings are provisional and may need correction. Ray Hayman / PIHS collection.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-RH-007-SAM-GIDDINGS-MARK-MCKENZIE
Two children on the rocky shore with large shoreline buildings and wharf structures in the background. Ray Hayman / PIHS collection. People, date and exact location remain to be identified.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-RH-022-CHILDREN-CANNERY-SHORE
Children playing with a small wagon near shoreline buildings. Ray Hayman / PIHS collection. Names, date and location remain to be identified.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-RH-027-CHILDREN-WAGON
Children wading at the beach. Ray Hayman / PIHS collection. PIHS is seeking names and an approximate date.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-RH-028-CHILDREN-BEACH
A group gathered at a wharf or landing, with a barrel in the foreground. Ray Hayman / PIHS collection. The occasion, people and date remain to be identified.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-RH-017-WHARF-CROWD
Historic group of men at a wharf or landing with boats and shoreline buildings visible. Ray Hayman / PIHS collection. PIHS is seeking identifications and context.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-RH-035-WHARF-GROUP
A man stands in a yard with boats and buildings behind him. Ray Hayman / PIHS collection. Person, place, date and activity remain to be confirmed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-RH-038-MAN-BOATS-YARD
Distant view of a lighthouse and associated buildings across the water. Ray Hayman / PIHS collection. The lighthouse and date remain to be confirmed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-RH-016-LIGHTHOUSE-DISTANT-VIEW
Adults and children in a rowboat close to shore. Ray Hayman / PIHS collection. Names and date remain to be identified.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-RH-029-ROWBOAT-GROUP
Bronze Roll of Honour naming seven volunteers and remembering William McLure as a friend of the Pictou Island people. Photograph: PIHS. Source: PIHS collection; individual photographer not recorded.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-1000010457
Several Pictou Island residents served during the Second World War. Ralph Hooper served with the Lincoln and Welland Regiment, R.C.I.C. and died overseas. Source: PIHS collection; individual photographer not recorded.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-RALPH
The stone and Veterans Affairs record identify F/79900 Lance Corporal J.R. Hooper of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment, R.C.I.C., who died January 26, 1945, aged 28. He is buried at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, grave XVI. A. 2. John Ralph belongs to the Lester and Annabell (MacLean) Hooper line connected to Pictou Island. Its relationship to the separate James and Dolina/Dollie Hooper line remains unresolved. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-JR-HOOPER-GRAVESTONE-PIHS-CONTRIBUTED
Adamson's Shipyard at the east end and Vincent Turple's business were two notable boatbuilding operations. Newly built wooden boats were soaked in a pond so their boards would swell and seal the hulls. Source: PIHS collection; individual photographer not recorded.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-BUILDING
Filmstrip captions document Pictou Island ferry service by the 1920s. A 1910 start date appears in some PIHS material, while the surviving photographs establish the service by the 1920s. Source: PIHS collection; individual photographer not recorded.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-FERRY
Aircraft entered the recorded transportation story in 1930. A postal Air Stage flight is securely documented on April 1, 1949; the exact start of regular mail-plane service and the end of routine iceboat mail remain open. Source: PIHS collection; individual photographer not recorded.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-PLANE
Margaret MacCallum entered nursing training at Montreal’s Royal Victoria Hospital in January 1918 and completed the three-year program about 1921. She later worked in Montreal and Boston before returning to Pictou Island, where she became an important source of nursing and emergency care. The exact year of her return remains unresolved. Gloria Stephens’s biography credits her with assisting at more than sixty births. Source: PIHS collection; individual photographer not recorded.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-MARGREWT
The iceboat was an important winter connection, though crossings were not always possible. The preserved boat is attributed to Vincent Turple; sources differ on whether it was built in 1940 or 1941. Source: PIHS collection; individual photographer not recorded.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-ICEBOAT
The report states that foreman Milton Welsh landed 19 Minto passengers on Pictou Island while 35 remained aboard. Most of those landed intended to continue toward High Bank, approximately 17 miles away, in dories belonging to the lobster factories. It does not establish that the crossing was completed in those dories or identify which factory owned a dory. Credit: UPEI Robertson Library, University Archives and Special Collections. Public domain; no reproduction permission required.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-DAILY-PATRIOT-1903-02-23-MINTO-PICTOU-ISLAND
This report may add context to the Minto and Stanley story. Its reference to ‘twenty men from the shore’ is not treated as proof that the men were Pictou Islanders. Credit: UPEI Robertson Library, University Archives and Special Collections. Public domain; no reproduction permission required.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-DAILY-PATRIOT-1903-03-17-MINTO-STANLEY-PICTOU-ISLAND
Lobster fishing has been central to island life and the economy since the nineteenth century. Several canneries once operated on the island; later catches were sold and processed on the mainland. Source: PIHS collection; individual photographer not recorded.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-FISH
Factory Road led to one of Pictou Island's last operating lobster canneries. The island's final canned-lobster production appears to have ended between 1923 and 1926. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-FACTORY-ROAD
This historic photograph shows a Pictou Island lighthouse beside wooden outbuildings, with several people visible along the shoreline. If you can identify the location, approximate date, buildings, or people, please contact PIHS. Source: PIHS collection; individual photographer not recorded.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-PHOTO014-PICTOU-ISLAND
The cemetery is documented through historic photographs and ongoing work to record and care for its gravestones. Source: PIHS collection; individual photographer not recorded.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-PIONEER-CEMETERY
Photographed on May 30, 2019, a wooden boat passes Sutherland Memorial Church—an unusual meeting of two parts of island heritage. Hugh MacLean / PIHS collection. Contact PIHS if you can identify the boat, its builder, owner, or destination.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-HUGH-BOAT-CHURCH-2019
Photographed on May 30, 2019, a wooden boat passes Edward Rankin’s former house. Hugh MacLean / PIHS collection. Contact PIHS if you can identify the boat.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-HUGH-BOAT-RANKIN-HOUSE-2019
This historic photograph shows the South Side Lighthouse near the island wharf, several fishing boats, and three people; the name MARITA is visible on one boat. Hugh MacLean / PIHS collection. Contact PIHS if you can identify the people, boats, or approximate date.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-HUGH-HISTORIC-LIGHTHOUSE-BOATS
Several people guide cattle aboard a boat, a reminder of how farming and travel by water were connected on the Island. Hugh MacLean / PIHS collection. Can you identify the people, boat, place or date?
Catalogue reference: PIHS-HUGH-CATTLE-BOAT
Island residents and visitors gather outdoors during PIHS's eighteenth annual LobsterFest on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Source: PIHS event photograph collection; individual photographer not recorded.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-GATHERING
Guests share the annual LobsterFest meal, a community gathering and fundraiser for the Pictou Island Heritage Society, June 6, 2026. Source: PIHS event photograph collection; individual photographer not recorded.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-COMMUNITY-MEAL
Lobster donated and prepared for PIHS's 2026 LobsterFest. Island fishers have traditionally supported the event by contributing part of their catch. Source: PIHS event photograph collection; individual photographer not recorded.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-LOBSTERS
Community members gather for the 2026 LobsterFest meal on Pictou Island. Source: PIHS event photograph collection; individual photographer not recorded.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-ARRIVAL
Children explore the grounds during the June 6, 2026 LobsterFest gathering, with a model lighthouse and the South Lighthouse visible nearby. Source: PIHS event photograph collection; individual photographer not recorded.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-CHILDREN
Volunteers help with serving and cleanup during PIHS's annual LobsterFest fundraiser in 2026. Source: PIHS event photograph collection; individual photographer not recorded.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-VOLUNTEERS
Guests enjoy the LobsterFest XVIII meal on June 6, 2026. Names and additional details can be submitted through the photograph's identification form. Source: PIHS event photograph collection; individual photographer not recorded.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-DINNER
Joyce MacLean (teacher); back row: Isabel Hooper, Thelma MacFarlane, Flossie MacLean, Annabelle MacLean; third row: Nina MacMillan, Fraser MacLean, Claire MacDonald, Howard Hooper; second row: Joan MacDonald, Lois MacCallum, Beatrice Ann MacCallum, Dawn Lewis; front row: Doris Ann MacLean, Alfie MacLean, Florence Rankin, Ethel MacMillan, Billie MacDonald, and Keith MacDonald. Published by PIHS January 28, 2017. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-758939454258634
The Society's first project, begun before it was formally a society, restored the trap-house building that shelters Pictou Island's original horse-drawn hearse between the church and community centre. Published by PIHS January 10, 2017. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-748878958598017
PIHS identified Eddie Glover, Billy MacMillan Sr., and Punch Patterson in this historic group photograph. Published March 8, 2023. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-490868076582414
Back row: Hazel, Susie, Lena, Roy, Jimmy, Florence, Jennie Bell. Second row: Julia Mae, Jimmie, Kenny, Duncan, Alice, Annessie, May. Front row: Cassie, Angie, Mae, Net, Skit, Ona, Dollie. Published by PIHS February 8, 2024. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-671529858516234
PIHS described this as a gathering to welcome a soldier home, probably in 1945. The people remain to be fully identified. Published February 25, 2024. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-680922937576926
The photograph is marked 'Pictou Island' and appears to show the old east pier. A written date of 1846 is considered unlikely. PIHS asked the community for information about the vessel Morag. Published January 25, 2024. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-663424049326815
Shared by James Turple and believed to show Ward MacCallum grading a road in the 1940s or 1950s, possibly away from the main road. PIHS requested further identification. Published December 9, 2019. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-1450607318425174
Ron MacDonald, son of longtime island nurse Margaret MacDonald, cuts the ribbon to officially open the Iceboat Exhibit. Published by PIHS August 1, 2019. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-1334683293350911
In 2023 PIHS appealed for photographs of keepers William Hogg, Andrew Hogg, James Hogg, Andrew MacFarlane, William 'Bill Cole' MacDonald, Archibald MacDonald, Hugh 'Big Hughie' MacLean, Lauchlan 'Lauchie' Rankin, John 'Big Jack' MacLean, Edward Rankin Jr., Charles Dan Patterson, and John 'Jack Happy' MacDonald while preparing the three lighthouse panels. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-573570634978824
Ron MacDonald recorded his recollection of the traditional Pictou Island Auction 45 card-game rules for PIHS. Published August 8, 2023. Open the image to examine the complete record. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-572589811743573
PIHS hosted its first old-time card party at the community centre in October 2022, bringing together card playing, sandwiches, sweets, and community company. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-380805594255330
A second photograph from PIHS's first old-time card party at the community centre, held October 1, 2022. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-380805794255310
Ron MacDonald, who recorded the old island rules, won both the 2023 tournament and its fundraising draw and donated the proceeds back to PIHS. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-564399392562615
Sheila Rankin's painting interprets the surviving Pictou Island South Lighthouse. PIHS used it in a 2023 fundraising raffle. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-561456336190254
Martin Brain won Sheila Rankin's South Lighthouse painting in 2023. PIHS noted that his great-great-grandfather, Hugh 'Big Hughie' MacLean, was appointed a federal lightkeeper on June 24, 1905; his exact pre-1907 duties remain unresolved and a c.1910 endpoint is reported. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-575077584828129
Rob Boudreau and a crew of island residents carried out major church renovations. PIHS thanked Bonnie Rankin and Anna LeBlanc for preparing the grant application and Karla MacFarlane for helping the project through the funding process. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-821198826882669
Volunteers landscaped around the Hearse House and Iceboat Exhibit during the Society's first annual work party on June 1, 2024. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-736295972039622
Volunteers painted and cleaned the Hearse House and Iceboat Exhibit as part of the 2024 work party. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-736295985372954
The 2024 work party built benches and a picnic table and cleaned and improved the surviving Wharf or South Lighthouse area. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-736296205372932
One of two professional photographs made for PIHS by Caitlin Banks and The Agency and shared by the Society on June 22, 2024. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-748375177498368
The second professional photograph made for PIHS by Caitlin Banks and The Agency and shared by the Society on June 22, 2024. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-748376390831580
TJ prepares to pipe in the lobsters at PIHS's sixteenth annual LobsterFest in May 2024. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-733216012347618
Christie and Scott cook the lobsters at PIHS's sixteenth annual LobsterFest in May 2024. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-733215965680956
Corinne selects seating as the community gathers for PIHS's sixteenth annual LobsterFest. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-733215969014289
The 2024 event raised more than $2,300 for PIHS, supported by volunteers and ten fishermen who each donated part of their catch. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-733215959014290
A volunteer at PIHS's seventeenth annual LobsterFest in May 2025. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-978454437823773
Community members dig into the meal at the seventeenth annual LobsterFest, PIHS's annual wharf fundraiser. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-978451611157389
PIHS described this photograph as bringing together one of the island's longest-standing residents and one of its newest full-time residents. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-978451777824039
Skipper Ronny is recognized during PIHS's seventeenth annual LobsterFest in May 2025. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-978458344490049
Christie and Scott, described by PIHS as the event's annual visiting boilers, prepare the lobster. The Society thanked Jason Langille, Jason Rankin, Ryan Fleury, Kiel MacDonald, Jake Langille, Kevin Reid, Grant Rankin, Chuck MacLean, Myles MacLean, Trevor MacLean, Bill MacMillan, and Jeff Rankin for donating part of their catch. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-978459367823280
A photograph from PIHS's fifteenth annual LobsterFest at the wharf. The event raised $2,105 for the Society. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-535396662129555
Community members gather at the wharf during PIHS's fifteenth annual LobsterFest in May 2023. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-535396692129552
Volunteers and participants at PIHS's fifteenth annual LobsterFest, the Society's principal annual fundraiser. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-535396712129550
The first Society bottle drive was supported by island volunteers who stored, loaded, transported, and delivered refundable containers to the mainland bottle depot. PIHS thanked Caitlin, Skip, Janice, Billy, Jonathan, Colin, Patty, Jeff, Ed, Wendy, and Lorne. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-904270433058868
Island volunteers load another shipment of refundable containers for the mainland. PIHS thanked Lorne and Wendy for hosting the collection, Jeff Rankin for sailing it across, and the volunteer loading crew. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-556202670048954
Another load of donated refundable containers reaches the mainland. PIHS described the program, supported by Wendy, Lorne, and the loading and transportation volunteers, as a major source of fundraising. PIHS contributed.
Catalogue reference: PIHS-1075293211473228