Society Events



BELMORE, Eleanor Mae "Dolly" - 1914 - 2008
    Dolly died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on January 31, 2008, as a result of a sudden stroke.
    She was born on October 23, 1914, in Wittenburg, a daughter of Corey and Susan (McLeod) Taylor. She was the 10th child in a family of 11.
    After graduating from Normal College at the age of 17, Dolly set out to conquer the world in her Model A Roadster.
    Her first stop was Caribou Gold Mines, where she began her career as a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse. There she was told that no woman would last more than a year, they either leave or get married. Dolly was determined to prove them wrong, but she met and married the love of her life, Bernie Belmore, raised seven children, and remained the teacher in Caribou for more than 30 years.
    Although she lived and taught in other communities, she eventually returned to Caribou and made it her home until her death.
    Dolly was extremely passionate about so many things. She never stopped being a teacher and never stopped learning. An avid historian, she published two books and at the age of 91 traveled to Labrador to research her third.
    It was a challenge for her family members to keep up with her unending creative endeavors. At the age of 88, she and her sister, Bobbie, recorded a CD, "In the Pink."
    She was instrumental in the restoration of the Markland historical site and became a founder and Chair of the Icelandic Memorial Society of Nova Scotia. She also designed and oversaw the building of the Caribou Memorial Walk and dedicated countless hours to the Moose River and Area Mining Museum.
    She was a great orator and storyteller, never shy to speak and never needing preparation. Her love of learning, people and culture took her to many countries, including Iceland, Mexico, England, Bermuda and Switzerland.
    From chopping her own wood until well into her 80's, going underground in the gold mine, and lecturing at conferences and university classes, Dolly knew no limits.
    As the mining community in Caribou dwindled, she assumed many roles including historian, secretary, treasurer, unofficial mayor, and ambassador.
    Dolly was a woman of strong conviction who never hesitated to take on an issue or a challenge. She was an inspiration and was very proud of everyone in her extended family and all of their accomplishments.
    She was predeceased by her husband, Bernie Belmore (1974), and is survived by son, Roderick (Gail); daughters, Bonnie Price (Errol Goudey), Shirley-Dale Easley, Dianne Englund (Roy), Glenda Burrows (Ken), Betty Belmore (Bill Stevenson), Kathy Didkowsky (John); 17 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Roberta (Bobbie) Annand. She was also predeceased by sisters, Luella, Muriel, Elva, Erma, and Cora; brothers, Clarence, Percy, Clifford, and Byron; great-granddaughter, Gessica Englund; son-in-law, Gordon Price.
    Visitation in Ettinger Funeral Home, Shubenacadie, 2-4, 7-9 p.m. Monday, February 4. Funeral service in St. James United Church, Upper Musquodoboit, 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 5. Reception to follow in Bicentennial Theatre in Middle Musquodoboit.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Icelandic Memorial Society of Nova Scotia and/or the Moose River and Area Mining Museum.
    On-line condolences: ettingerfuneralhome(@)hotmail.com      [ delete ( ) ]



PRIME MINISTER VISITS MARKLAND, NOVA SCOTIA
    Sunday July 29th, 2007, was a very special day at Markland, Nova Scotia.
    The Prime Minister of Iceland, His Excellency Geir H. Haarde and his wife, Mrs. Inga J. Þordardóttir,
    paid a special visit to the site where 30 Icelandic families (200 persons) lived from 1875-1882.

    Joining the Prime Minister were the following persons:


    On Saturday, July 28th, the Chronicle Herald interviewed Mrs. Eleanor (Dolly) Belmore, Chair of the Icelandic Memorial Society of Nova Scotia, about the visit. In 2000 the Society erected a memorial cairn at Markland to remember the Icelandic families that once lived in the area. The 3000 acres of land (30 lots of 100 acres) was named "Markland" by the pioneer settlers.

    The guests were greeted at the site by the Hon. Brooke Taylor, Nova Scotia Minister of Agriculture, and MLA for the area. The Executive of the Society were then introduced: Dolly Belmore (Chair), Bev Redden (Treasurer), and J. Marshall Burgess (Secretary).

    Mrs. Belmore explained to the guests that the cairn was constructed by the Society members. The base consists of stones from the 30 homesteads. The stone on the top came from Iceland. The Government of Iceland contributed $6000 towards the $20,000 project. Eimskip, the Icelandic shipping line, shipped the stone to Shelburne as their contribution to the project.

    Next to the cairn is a large map showing the location of the homesteads in the settlement. The houses are long gone and only the holes in the ground remain where the buildings were located. The stonewalls remain from the land clearing efforts. Donald and Harley Redden gave a narrative to the guests about life in the community. Harley and Bev Redden own Lot 23 originally granted to Ólafur Pórsteinsson and have a camp there.

    Mrs. Belmore and Diane Englund, her daughter, presented to each guest a copy of Gudbrandur Erlendsson's book, "Markland - Remembrance of the Years 1875-1881", published in 1916. They also presented the guests with a copy of the CD telling the story of Markland. This was produced by Ken Burrows and music by Bill Stevenson. Marshall Burgess presented a copy of his 1987 paper "The Markland Icelanders - An Immigration Experiment".

    This year, Bonnie Price, daughter of Mrs. Belmore, designed a new logo pin for the Society. These pins were distributed. The new flag poles erected by Harley Redden and Wayne Scott on this site this spring had the Canadian, Icelandic and Nova Scotia flags blowing in the wind. The guests were shown a copy of the new historical plaques which the Society is now making up for the various lots.

    Members of the Society and other guests in attendance were introduced to the Prime Minister. The visit lasted one-half hour and the guests left to return to Halifax. The guest book was signed by the group and this will be a priceless souvenir for the Society.

    Lunch in Halifax was hosted by Ambassador Antonsson and his wife, Steinnun Armannsdottir, at Saege Bistro, a Norwegian Restaurant. Peter Morgan, Chair of the Scandinavian Society, and his wife Wendy, greeted the guests. The Executive of the Scandinavian Society were introduced: Irma Pitkanen, Susan Morris, Carola Holmgren, Birgit Ballantyne, Marshall Burgess and Lissi Jeppesen. Canada's Ambassador to Iceland, Anna Blauveldt, attended the luncheon.

    Geir Simensen, Chef and Proprietor of Saege and his mother, Unni Simensen (a Scandinavian Society member) who runs Scanway Café Limited, welcomed their guests and provided a delicious lunch. Dr. Brigitta Wallace, a Scandinavian Society member, presented the Prime Minister with a copy of her new book "Westward Vikings - the Saga of L'Anse Aux Meadows".

    The delegation then went on a tour of Canada's Immigration Museum at Pier 21 (greeted by John Oliver, Dot Duhan). Next they went to Province House and were greeted by the Honourable Len Goucher, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. Next they visited the Halifax Port Authority (Karen Oldfield, CEO) who took them on a tour of Halifax Harbour aboard their vessel the J. R. Mitchell.

    The delegation then visited the offices of Eimskip (Reynir Gislason, CEO and Russell Herder) and Landsbanki (Olafur Thorsteinsson). These two companies hosted a dinner that evening at Seven Wine Bar and Restaurant.

    The Prime Minister visited the Chronicle Herald on Monday, July 30th. The delegation toured the offices of Atlas Cold Storage (Eimskip) at Burnside Industrial Park on their way to the airport. They flew to St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, for the next segment of their visit.

    With the TV interviews and the press coverage given to this visit to Nova Scotia, it was a great start for our Icelandic guests. After Newfoundland, they will continue on to Winnipeg and North Dakota.

MARKLAND WALK

International Trails Day -
    On Saturday June 2nd, 2007, more than 40 devoted hikers, gathered at the cairn in Markland to celebrate trails and pay homage to those courageous Icelanders who once called this place home. Markland, tucked deep in the wilderness between Mooseland and Caribou Gold Mines, was an unforgiving piece of rocky land where, for seven years, Icelandic families struggled to build themselves a community. Foundations of their homesteads, the old school and church are passed on the two-hour walk to our lunch spot. The new green of the spring woodland, the sparkling brooks and the sound of the birds reminded us of just how beautiful and quiet this place really is. It was wonderful to have so many members and friends of the Icelandic Society attend, including the chair of the society, 92-year-old Dolly Belmore, who hiked part of the distance. Also enjoying the walk were members of the Scandinavian Society, some Icelandic descendents and International Trails day coordinator, David Carter and his family. Back at Harley and Beverly Reddens camp, everyone enjoyed lunch while chatting around the campfire. Later the mandolin, fiddles, guitars and banjo were tuned up for an afternoon of music, singing and a few even had enough energy left for a little two-step. It was another great celebration of International trails day in Markland.

MARKLAND WALK

International Trails Day - Saturday, June 2, 2007
    Meet at the Iceland Memorial Cairn at Markland at 10 am.
    Walk through old settlement (2 hours). Visit some of the old homesteads.
    Lunch at Lot 23 (old Lot 18 in 1881) ARNES. Hosted by Harley & Bev Redden.
    How to get there:
      (a) Go to Middle Musquodoboit (Airport/Elmsdale/Route 277).
      (b) Head towards Upper Musquodoboit. Route 224.
      (c) Turn south at Elmsvale. Highway sign on road says Markland/Moose River Gold Mines/Mooseland.
      (d) Travel 10 km on the paved road. The Society has signs posted "Iceland House" and "Iceland Cairn".
      (e) The Cairn is 2 km in on a gravel road at the junction of Caribou Road and Fairbanks Lake Road.
      (f) Follow the Fairbanks Lake Road (logging road) to see the Icelandic settlement.


    ICELANDAIR RETURNS
      On May 17, 2007 Icelandair began its service to Halifax, NS. Flight # 606 landed at 8:15 pm. The airport authority had two fire trucks on hand to spray the plane with water (not champagne) to celebrate this event. A reception was held at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Eleanor Humphries, CEO of the Halifax Airport, welcomed Icelandair back to Halifax. Jon Karl Olafsson, CEO of Icelandair, stated how pleased the airline was to return and looked forward to future opportunities in Canada with its new Blue Sky Policy. Many members of the Icelandic and Scandinavian Societies attended the event. Scandinavian foods (oysters, herring, gravalax, etc.) were served.
      Dolly Belmore, in her Icelandic costume, stole the show. She was introduced to all of the dignitaries present, including the Mayor of Reykjavik, Vilhjalmur Vilhjalmsson, Iceland's Ambassador Marcus Antonsson and his wife Steinnun Armannsdottir and Hans Indridasson and his wife Erla Einarsdottir. Hans managed Icelandair's office in Halifax when the airline first came here.
      The airline flies out of Halifax on Monday, Thursday and Saturday nights.
      Book on line: Icelandair or call 877-435-7940.
      The Society wishes the Company success in this new venture.



    Markland Fall Harvest Picnic - September 16, 2006.
      Each September Beverly and Harley Redden host a fall pot luck at their camp which is located on Lot 23 (18-1875) 100 acres of land settled by the pioneer settler, Olafur Thorsteinsson, the blacksmith.
      This year as special guests, we had the descendants of Bjarní Solvason and Kristen "Christina" Johannsdottir, the pioneers who were granted Lot 9 [13-1875 - Crown Grant 13569 - 96 acres; and 17-1875 - Crown Grant 14126 - 100 acres] which they named Vatnahlið (Lakeside).
      June MacNab, her daughter Mary MacNab, her granddaughter Molly Fraser and her grandson Duncan Moffat live on Vancouver Island and planned a special trip to Markland in September 2006.

      Here is a brief sketch of the family provided by June MacNab.
        In 1874 Bjarní and Kristin left the farm Mikligarður, Seylu Township, Skagafjarðarsýsla region, Iceland, on the S. S. Patrick bound for Canada. They went to Kinmount first and in 1875 they arrived in Markland.
        A son, Solvi, died of measles while staying at Iceland House. Daughters Maria "Mary" (age 13), Gudrun "Gertrude" (age 9) and Ingibjorg Margret "Margaret Solvason Turner" (age 1) are listed in Jon Rognvaldsson's survey of Markland (February 1878). A daughter Emily "Emma" Margaret appears to have been born on January 14, 1879. This family was one of the last to leave Markland in 1882 for Emerson, Manitoba.
        June MacNab's grandmother was Ingiborg Margaret (Mrs. David Turner). They had 8 children. Only 2 of Margaret's children had families. June's mother was Mary "Molly" and her sister, Florence "Floss". Tuberculosis appears to have ravaged this family.


      September 16, 2006, was a beautiful fall day in Nova Scotia. The MacNab family first visited the site of Iceland House and then the memorial cairn. Don Redden, Wayne Scott, Marshall Burgess and Glenda Burrows then took them to Lot 2 (Lot 35-1875, Grænvatn) where Gudbrandur Erlendsson lived. He wrote the book in 1916 about his life in Markland (1875-1881).
      Lunch was served by the Reddens at their camp. Then a group of people headed out to visit the two Solvason lots. The group saw segments of the "Iceland Road" leading to Mooseland which was built by the pioneer settlers.
      First the family arrived at Lot 13-1875 where the family homestead (Vatnahlið) was located. The hole in the ground which was the root cellar of the old house is all that remains. The well is located nearby. The view to Copes Lake has all but disappeared. The group then visited the second lot and saw the foundation/well located there.
      A pot luck supper was served at the Redden camp. Banjos and guitars were played. The sun set and we left to return to our homes.
      Without doubt from 1875-1882 the Icelanders visited each other in Markland and shared whatever they had with each other. Music and singing are noted in Erlendsson's book.
      The Society hopes that other descendants will be found, they will come to visit Markland, they will meet the members of the Icelandic Memorial Society of Nova Scotia, and their stories and ours will be exchanged. This way the Icelandic Society will continue to grow and this saga unfold.

    Scandinavian Film Series - September 17, 2006.
      The Scandinavian Society's Fall Film Series (3rd Sunday each month) began on Sunday, September 17, 2006, with the showing of Beowulf and Grendal.
      This movie was proceeded by Sturla Gunnasson (Rare Birds, Such a Long Journey) who is an Icelandic Canadian. It was shown at the closing gala of the Atlantic Film Festival in September 2005 and Mr. Gunnasson attended.
      This Anglo Saxon epic was written between the 7th and 10th centuries in Old English and was derived from Norse sagas. It marked the beginning of English literature.
      The film was shot in Iceland. With vistas of breathtaking beauty, this film does for Iceland what the Lord of the Rings did for New Zealand.
      The mists, the barren crags, the lava fields, the glaciers, the waterfalls, the powerful natural greens and earth tones and the colors of blue in the sky, the rivers and the sea bring this film to life.
      Was Grendel, the troll, really a monster? Why did he slaughter the Danish King Hrothgar's people. Beowulf, the hero from Geatland, who arrives with this men and mercenaries, tries to piece together the story and to unravel the root causes.
      Twenty-four members/guests attended the event. Lunch was served after in the mead hall. Thanks to Megan, Leslie and Irma Pitkamen for arranging the event and the people who brought the food.
      Next movie is October 15. "Flickering Lights" (Denmark, 2000).



    International Trails Day
      June 3, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. is the next International Trails Day Walk in Markland. Members and guests will start at
      the cairn site and then walk to Ólafur Þórsteinsson's - (site 18, Harlan and Bev Redden's camp - 8kms) for lunch refreshments and music.

        Remember to have suitable footwear, bring a bottle of water and bug protection.
        Arrive early and drive into the camp. A ride will take you back to the monument to begin the walk.
        For more information call 902-384-2453.

Ambassador's Visit to Nova Scotia - April 5 to 9, 2006.
    His Excellency Markús Örn Antonsson, Ambassador of Iceland to Canada (October 2005) and his wife, Ms. Steinunn Ármannsdóttir, visited Nova Scotia from April 5 to 9, 2006. This is a short summary of their official visit.
    A) Wednesday, April 5, 2006:
      1. The Ambassador and his wife are met at Halifax International Airport by Ms. Colleen MacDonald,
        Chief of Protocol and J. Marshall Burgess, Secretary of the Icelandic Memorial Society of Nova Scotia.
      2. Meeting with The Honourable Rodney MacDonald, Premier of Nova Scotia, in the Veterans Room,
        Province House.
      3. Meeting with The Honourable Kerry Morash, NS Minister of Economic Development, The
        Honourable William Dooks, NS Minister of Energy and The Honourable Judy Streatch, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. B) Thursday, April 6, 2006:
      4. Meeting with His Worship, Peter Kelly, Mayor of Halifax Regional Municipality.
      5. Lunch at Peggy's Cove. View the deGarthe monument.
      6. Meeting with the editor-in-chief of the Chronicle Herald.
    C) Friday, April 7, 2006:
      7. Visited two Icelandic companies in Halifax.
      8. The Ambassador and his wife visit Her Honour, The Honourable Myra Freeman, Lieutenant
        Governor of Nova Scotia, at historic Government House.
      9. Visit to Pier 21 where one million immigrants entered Canada from 1928 to 1971.
      10. Reception held by the Ambassador at the Halifax Club. Many Icelandic companies and Icelanders
        attended.
    D) Saturday, April 8, 2006:
      11. The Ambassador and his wife visit the memorial cairn at Markland erected by the
        Icelandic Memorial Society of Nova Scotia in 2000. Thirty Icelandic families lived in Markland from 1875-1881. They then left and went to North Dakota and Gimli. A few families (Huskilson family) and individuals (Mrs. Porter Taylor) remained.
      12. Their Excellencies lunched with the Executive of the Society at J. & J.'s Country Grill,
        Upper Musquodoboit.
      13. The Ambassador was the guest speaker at the Annual General Meeting of the Society held at
        the Musquodoboit Forestry Complex. He spoke of the links and ties between Iceland and Canada starting with the Vikings in 1000 and continuing to this day. From 1875 - 1914 twenty percent of the population left Iceland for North America, including the two Icelandic settlements at Markland and Lockeport, Nova Scotia. The Ambassador then showed a slide presentation on Iceland. The Ambassador thanked the Society for their work over the past eight years. A lunch followed with Icelandic pancakes, brown bread, ginger cookies and half moon cookies.
      14. Mrs. Belmore thanked the Ambassador and his wife for coming and presented them with gifts.
      15. The Honourable Brooke Taylor, NS Minister of the Department of Natural Resources, bid them
        goodbye.
    E) Sunday, April 9, 2006:
      16. The Executive of the Scandinavian Society had brunch with their Excellencies at Saege, a new
        Norweigan restaurant in Halifax.
      17. Their Excellencies were given a tour of the city of Halifax, including visits to the Citadel, Titanic
        burial site, 1917 Halifax Explosion Memorial, Province House Government House, Point Pleasant Park, Historic Properties, and the Halifax waterfront.

      J. Marshall Burgess, Q.C. Tour Director


Icelandic Ambassador to visit Nova Scotia

    Ambassador Markús Örn Antonsson will visit Nova Scotia April 5th to 9th, 2006.

    There will be a reception at the Halifax Club, 1682 Hollis St., Halifax, on Friday, April 7th from 4 - 6 PM.

    On April 8th, the Society will host the Ambassador and his wife Steinunn Ármannsdóttir for a tour of Markland at 11:00 AM, then to lunch at J.J.'s Restaraunt in Upper Musquodoboit.

    At 2:30 PM, Marshall Burgess will introduce our guest speaker, Ambassador Antonsson, to those attending the Annual General Meeting at the Natural Resources Education Center in Middle Musquodoboit. This A.G.M. is open to the public and Icelandic refreshments will be served following the meeting.





Stephansson House Historic Site

    On June 18, 2005, I attended an Icelandic Picnic (Islendingamót) hosted by the Stephan G. Stephansson Icelandic Society at Markerville, Alberta. Markerville is near Red Deer and was founded in 1888.

    First, I visited the Stephansson House Historic Site. Stephan Gudmundsson (1853-1927) and his wife Helga Jonsdottir, moved to America in 1873 (Shawano County, Wisconsin; North Dakota and finally Alberta in 1889).
    A farmer by trade, Stephan G. was also a prolific writer. In 1908, the first three volumes of Andvökur (Wakeful Nights) were published. Six volumes in total were published in Icelandic in 1923, 1924 and 1938. The "Poet of the Rocky Mountains" became widely recognized as the "greatest Icelandic poet since the 13th century".

    Second, I visited the historice Markerville Creamery built in 1902. Dr. C. P. Marker, a Dane, was hired by the government to open creameries in Alberta and he helped to establish the creamery in this community. In 1903, the community was named Markerville in his honour.

    Finally I attended the Icelandic Picnic. Icelanders first arrived in this area on June 27, 1888.
    A special dedication was made to the "Women of Aspenland". A story board on the live of Stephan G's wife, Helga, was unveiled. Representatives from the Leif Eriksson Icelandic Canadian Club in Calgary (Dr. Ron Goodman, President) and Nordurljos Icelandic Club (Del Sveinson, President) were present. I met Shirley Dye, President of the Stephan G. Stephansson Icelandic Society and her sister Bernice Anderson.
    I picked up a copy of selected translations from Andvökur first published in 1987. The book presents a wonderful selection of the topics covered by this writer.
    Icelandic Poetry (1912)
    In Iceland it's no happenstance
    Whatever life's afforded
    All their thoughts and circumstance
    They've in verse recorded
    If you listen and you're told
    Their rhymed repertory literature
    To your mind will then unfold
    Culture, land and history.
    (Translated by Sigurdur Wopnford)

J. Marshall Burgess, Q.C.


Markland Walk - International Trails Day, June 4, 2005.

    On Saturday, June 4th 2005, 28 members and friends of the Icelandic Society of Nova Scotia gathered at the Icelandic Memorial Cairn at Markland to participate in the annual International Trails Day hike. The hike has been an annual event since 2003 and this year we had our largest turnout.

    Before beginning the hike we had a dedication and tree planting ceremony for Dave Dwyer. Dave passed away in January of this past year. He was one of the founding members of our Society and was instrumental in obtaining our millennium grant for the Year 2000 ceremonies. Dave never missed a meeting. He was extremely supportive and enthusiastic with all of our projects. Dave was a forester all of his life with a passion for the woods. Our Society thought it very fitting to plant a Red Spruce tree in Dave's memory at the site of the cairn. This was his favourite tree and he was with the Department of Natural Resources when it was selected as the Provincial tree.


    Glenda Burrows, Harley Redden, Bev Redden, Dolly Belmore, Eric Kittilsen, Marshall Burgess

    We all remember Dave in a very special way and several people spoke in his honour. Harley Redden spoke about working with Dave and about his strong commitment to the Forest Industry. Marshall Burgess spoke about Dave's interest in our Society and how we couldn't have proceeded without him. Dave's son in law, Eric Kittilsen (Kay Dwyer) was present and he spoke about his father in law, his work and hobbies.

    Dolly Belmore, chair of the Society, read a poem before the planting called "As I Age".

    As I age
    in the world it will rise and spread,
    and be for this place horizon
    and orison, the voice of its winds.
    I have made myself a dream to dream
    of its rising, that has gentled my nights.
    Let me desire and wish well the life
    these trees may live when I
    no longer rise in the mornings
    to be pleased with the green of them
    shining, and their shadows on the ground,
    and the sound of the wind in them.
    Wendell Berry, Planting Trees.

    After the tree planting ceremony we began the 7-km hike into Harley and Bev Redden's camp, which is at Site #23, the old homestead of Olafur Thornsteinsson. It was a beautiful morning with a light breeze, which kept the black flies and mosquitoes at bay. We marveled at the newly leafed trees and all their shades of green and talked about the Icelanders and how they must have welcomed spring with all of the splendor and wonder of the forest that surrounded their cabins.

    The new wooden signs marking each family lot are erected. Wayne Scott made these signs this winter. They make the journey very interesting and help us to be more appreciative of the distance between the lots and how far these families had to travel to visit their neighbours.

    Upon arrival at Harley and Bev's cabin we were welcomed by the smell of the outdoor fire, food, refreshments and music, which continued well into the afternoon.

    This is one of our favourite events as it gives us a chance to experience the beauty of Markland, talk with members and friends along the way and put ourselves back in time for just a few hours. We welcome more members to join us for the hike next year.
Glenda Burrows.




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