Albert County 175 - Photo A Day 2020 - June 28, 2020
This photo shows the birthplace of RB Bennett in Shepody, taken in 1931 by the Reid Studio in Moncton. This was the Stiles family home.
The Stiles family genealogy has been traced back through New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Connecticut, Massachusetts and England. David Stiles was born in New Brunswick in 1812. He married Mary Ann Wright in 1835 and they had several children at their modest home in Hopewell Hill. David was a sea captain.
David's and Mary Ann's children were Mary Ann, John Harvey, Lucy Elizabeth, Isabella R, Henrietta (mother of RB Bennett), Ernest Albert and Sarah Alberta.
Albert County 175 - Photo A Day 2020 - June 27, 2020
On this day, June 27, 1947 - 73 years ago, RB Bennett died. R.B. was buried in St. Michael's Churchyard on June 30 with a simple private service. He is one of only two former prime ministers of Canada not accorded a full state funeral. He is the only deceased Canadian prime minister not buried in Canada. A memorial service was held on July 4th at Westminster Abbey in London where many dignitaries and world government representatives, including the king and queen, paid their respects. Canada's Prime Minister King was conspicuous by his absence.
This photo is of the original Bennett Monument which sat in the Square in Hopewell Cape and is from January 1961. It is identical to the plaque which sits at Bennett’s grave site in Mickleham, England.
The Albert County MuseUm & Bennett Centre to Celebrate 150th Birthday of Canada’s 11th Prime Minster
The Albert County Museum & RB Bennett Commemorative Centre in Hopewell Cape, NB is celebrating The 150th Birthday of the 11th Prime Minister of Canada, the Rt. Honourable Richard Bedford Bennett, on Canada Day, July 1st. Serving as Prime Minister from 1930-1935, RB Bennett led with distinction through the darkest days of the Great Depression, and instituted some of the most progressive and important changes to Canadian culture, including the Statute of Westminster Act (1931), the establishment of the CBC, the Bank of Canada, the Canadian Wheat Board, and Employment Insurance.
Bennett’s 150th Birthday is major highlight of Albert County 175 Celebration. Join us as we mark the legacy of this remarkable national leader and proud New Brunswick native. The Albert County Historical Society, Museum and RB Bennett Commemorative Centre are proud to host this 150th Birthday event taking place on Wednesday, July 1st at an Open House at the Albert County Museum, with free admission, self-guided tours and family events taking place all day.
The Centre will be offering tribute to RB Bennett through various means, designed to share his history in a safe and respectful manner keeping social distancing in mind. During the July 1st, Canada Day Open House, 150 cupcakes will be given to the first 150 guests. Programs will be outdoors with plenty of room on the Museum’s 6 acre property. The event features the unveiling of newly acquired Bennett artefacts recently donated to the Museum, along with a special video greeting by Bennett’s nephew Mr. William Herridge, QC (the last remaining person to know Bennett on a personal level), live music outdoors featuring local group Fundy Ceilidh. The museum will also feature a special video presentation starring RB Bennett himself and a commemorative planting of a King Crimson Maple tree in honour of Bennett’s 150th Birthday.
Learn more at AC175.ca or by calling 506-734-2003 or email ac175@albertcountymuseum.com.
Celebrate RB Bennett’s 150 Birthday with us!
Albert County 175 - Photo A Day 2020 - June 26, 2020
Today we start off the week long celebration of the only Canadian Prime Minister born in New Brunswick, Canada’s 11th Prime Minister, RB Bennett who turns 150 years old on Friday, July 3, 2020.
Henry John Bennett & Henrietta Stiles were married on September 22, 1869. They took up residence in Hopewell Cape at a home on the water side of the Great Road to Moncton. Their home was located across the road from the local one room schoolhouse. On Sunday, July 3, 1870, Henrietta took the two hour long wagon ride to Hopewell Hill to attend the Methodist Church and visit her parents. She unexpectedly went into labour and her first child, Richard Bedford Bennett, was born. Mother and child remained in Hopewell Hill for a few days before returning home to Hopewell Cape.
Albert County 175 - Photo A Day 2020 - June 25, 2020
Albert County 175 - Photo A Day 2020 - June 24, 2020
Albert County 175 - Photo A Day 2020 - June 23, 2020
Albert County 175 - Photo A Day 2020 - June 22, 2020
Albert County 175 - Photo A Day 2020 - June 21, 2020
Albert County 175 - Photo A Day 2020 - June 20, 2020
RB BENNETT 150 Birthday Celebration - We are Getting Ready!
A Special Guest is coming to Albert County in Honour of RB Bennett’s 150th Birthday! Born on July 3rd, 1870, RB was born in Hopewell and raised in Hopewell Cape. He went on in life to become a successful lawyer, business person and political leader. He was the 11th Prime Minister of Canada, from 1930 to 1935, the only Prime Minster born in New Brunswick! The Albert County Historical Society & Museum are proud and excited to tell his story as a part of Albert County 175, leading up to and including Canada Day on July 1st, and his Birthday July 3rd. Stay tuned for details on “RB Bennett Week” June 26th to July 3rd and the Museum & RB Bennett Centre Open House on Canada Day. We are getting ready!