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Explore the nuanced history of the Old Glebe House at Pipers Cove and unravel the tale of the Grand Narrows community through the lens of a single dwelling. Authored by M. G. Mader (author of The End of an Era and The Local Electric Light Utility) and complemented by Rochelle MacQueen's captivating photography, this history succinctly captures the entire timeline of European settlement in this part of Cape Breton, tracing the area's origins from Scottish pioneers to the present.
Originally serving as the residence of a parish priest, the Old Glebe House stands as one of the oldest structures in the Grand Narrows district today. The narrative details its unique relocation to Pipers Cove by a team of horses and delves into the local cultural fabric, exploring tales of fairies, superstitions, and even an exorcism!
An Seann Taigh (a Scottish Gaelic phrase meaning 'the old house') is a journey of the mind that spans from the early 1800s to the present day, providing a clear and concise exploration of the story of the Grand Narrows area through the history of one house, while encapsulating the enduring spirit of a bygone era.
About the author
M. G. Mader is a town and country planner working in local government within the Victorian planning system. He has a Master of Planning and Environment from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Arts with a focus on Political Science from Cape Breton University. He has a strong interest in local government, democratic community governance, and local history. He lives with his partner in Melbourne, Australia.
