by Jackie Fallon
Hello! Thank you so much for all the e-mails about The Miramichi Room.
I am told all the "down homers" really enjoyed the room as well as others. A new section in this issue honours legends that
have shaped Miramichi history and culture. I hope you enjoy it.
LORD BEAVERBROOK
Lord Beaverbrook's real name was Maxwell Aitken. Born
in 1879, he was only ten months old when he arrived in Newcastle with his family. He lived here until he was 23. At the age
of 27 he was believed to be Canada's leading financial person.
He was honoured with the title of Lord Beaverbrook when he was only 38.
He was very kind to the Miramichi. He gave money to build the Lord Beaverbrook Arena and the Beaverbrook Civic Centre in Chatham.
He had the Sinclair Rink and the Beaverbrook Town Hall built as gifts to his hometown of Newcastle. Also he helped rebuild
the Newcastle Town Square.
He believed in keeping the Miramichi way of life strong and alive. He helped
start the Miramichi Folksong Festival. Lord Beaverbrook died in 1964 in Surrey, England. He wished to have his remains brought
back to Newcastle and placed at the base of his monument in the Newcastle Town Square.
We thank you Lord Beaverbrook!
FASCINATING FACTS:
DID YOU KNOW 1929 to 1939 was the Great Depression on the Miramichi?
DID YOU KNOW 12,000 people in the Miramichi area listed Irish as their
ethnic background in the 2001 census?
DID YOU KNOW George Paul received the first East Coast Music Award?
DID YOU KNOW that as early as 1827 Middle Island had been used as a quarantine
station to house people fleeing poor living conditions and diseases in Europe?
DID YOU KNOW the Micmacs were the first inhabitants of the Miramichi?
DID YOU KNOW Tom Thumb visited the former Town of Chatham around 1849-1850
and his boot is in the Museum of Natural History?
