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How about a few more miscellaneous articles this week, a few (hopefully) interesting items taken, of course, from the back issues of the Kings County Record.

Sussex - Nov. 1, 1889

An article on the pearl-fishing on the different streams throughout New Brunswick has attracted some attention and will no doubt have the tendency to start some speculators and others interested in the search for this little article.

That a number have been found in Smiths Creek is well known, and the fact that a young son of Mr. Radcliffe's during the summer found one as large as a pea is well known to many.

It will no doubt surprise our readers to learn that pearls to the amount of thousands of dollars have been found in Kings County

Lower Millstream - May 27, 1892

Miss Annie Musgrove, of Lower Millstream, has in her possession an ordinary school slate which is 113-years-old and has rather a remarkable history connected with it.

About the year 1800, Thomas Musgrove, of Durham, England, landed near the mouth of the Miramichi River, but, not content with the prospect before him, he resolved to go to Fredericton, and engaged an Indian to guide him across the province, giving the brave one pound for his services. The journey was made on foot in something less than 3 days. Being a good mechanic, Mr. Musgrove soon found employment in Fredericton, where he remained a few years. But he subsequently moved to Hampstead, Queens County, where he soon after wedded Miss Elizabeth Slipp, daughter of Leonard Slipp.

About this time Millstream was attracting considerable notice on account of the richness and fertility of the soil, and in 1810 Musgrove purchased 400 acres of land along the margin of the stream, on which he settled and where he remained until his death, which occurred April 22nd, 1869. The farm was then divided between his 2 sons, William and F. Good.

The old slate above mentioned to was used by Thomas Musgrove when a boy in England and was brought with him to America and always carefully preserved, and, strange to say, has been used by 4 generations of little hands and is entire throughout, even to the frame. It was the first school slate brought to Millstream.

L. Carleton Musgrove possesses a number of small articles he prizes as having been the property of his pioneer grandfather. Among these may be mentioned a hone manufactured from petrified wood, a razor-case, and a map of England and Wales, with illustrations of the world's most important battles on the margins. All of these articles are in a good state of preservation and present a marked contrast to articles now in use.

Sussex - Aug. 26, 1892

A rather amusing incident occurred on the day of the I.C.R. employee picnic. A youth, who was taking in the sights of town, with a girl in each arm, stopped before one of the shops and inquired if this was the "village blacksmith shop?". Upon being informed that it was, he wanted to know where the "chestnuts" were. "You have them with you." was the ready reply. The youth forthwith made himself scarce in that locality.

Sussex - Oct. 14, 1892

Gabriel Johnson, while digging a ditch near the railway crossing, found a watch several feet underground, which must have been there since the building of the I.C.R. over 30 years ago.

The watch has a hunting case pattern, No. 23-985, and so far as the case is concerned is quite well preserved. The interior was found to be worthless. Mr. George Suffren, watchmaker, who has the watch now in his possession, says it is of American make and belongs to a class made by one of the first American companies.

Hampton - Sept. 15, 1893

The Indian families who have been camping on the Woodpecker Hall road have gone away. One, when asked why they were leaving, said that ash was getting scarce. A number of farmers around here say the same thing.

Sussex - June 4, 1897

On Saturday last, H.E. Goold, our Sussex florist, performed one of the most difficult feats in the line of transplanting trees ever attempted in this vicinity. One that day he moved a large oak tree, some 30 feet high and 16 inches in diameter, from it's birthplace on the banks of the Kennebecasis River near Passekeag, to the handsome grounds of Mr. Samuel Hayward, Hampton. The moving was done without the slightest injury to the tree, which will probably live and thrive in it's adopted home.

Millstream - June 3, 1898

Rather a good story is told of our friend, Harry Ogden, who is not too arduous for the affections of the opposite sex, but on the day in question took two lady friends for a drive. The barn where he got his horse contained a Sussex gentleman's horse and harness, and, to the surprise of the latter gentleman, when he went to start for home, his harness was gone, which upon inquiry was found to be driving the ladies. Conclusions in this respect are easily imagined.

Duke of Connaught Visits Sussex

June 25, 1915

Sussex was in gala attire on Saturday last in honour of the visit of His Royal Highness, The Duke of Connaught. A clear sky and a not too warm sun made ideal weather, and many strangers were in town. All the principal places of business and many residences were tastefully decorated with flags and bunting and presented a holiday appearance, the good taste displayed calling for much favourable comment from visitors.

Across Post Office Square, near the junction with Maple Avenue, a large banner, neatly decorated with small flags, was suspended by guy-ropes hearing the word "Welcome" on both sides. The band stand was nicely trimmed with bunting and flags, as was also the fire engine house. The citizens' response to His Worship, the Mayor's appeal to fly flags and decorate buildings was generously responded to, and the display, while not lavish, was neat and most creditable to all concerned.

The special train conveying the Royal party was sidetracked at Petitcodiac on Friday night about 12 o'clock, where it remained until Saturday morning. The Duke was up bright and early on Saturday, only letting the sun beat him by about an hour, and took a long stroll through the woods, during which he made use of his Kodak by taking several snapshots of Petitcodiac's rural scenery. The Royal train reached Sussex at 10 o'clock, stopping at the military siding, much to the disappointment of the crowd who had assembled at the depot to give the party a hearty greeting. Lt.-Col. McLean, brigadier, met the distinguished visitors on their arrival

The Royal party were entertained at lunch at the officers' mess, after which they were taken for an auto trip around town in Mr. George W. Fowler's touring car by J. Everett Keith and shown the principal points of interest.

His Highness was loud in his praise of the beautiful views in and about the "Garden Town of the Maritime Provinces", and spoke in flattering terms of the Sussex School buildings and grounds, the armoury, Agricultural School, and other buildings, how nicely the residences and lawns looked, and of the beauty of the town and it's surroundings in general, which, he said, put him in mind of some scenes in the old country.

During the auto trip, the Duke called at the "Knoll" and had an enjoyable chat with Major O.R. and Mrs. Arnold. He asked to be shown through the residence, which was built for Sir Fenwick Williams, and appeared to be greatly interested in the pictures and the many historic souvenirs owned by the major.

The Duke and party left for Moncton at 3:30, and seemed to be greatly pleased with their visit. A big crowd was on hand at the depot and they were given a Royal send-off.