Many of the following pictures are of the Meuse family. Some of these pictures can be viewed through the Nova Scotia Museum Web Site and found in the book entitled "Lsitkuk" the Story of Bear River Mikmaq, written by Darlene Ricker. Hope you enjoy strolling back through time and enjoy some of my favorite pictures. (click on pictures to make larger)

 

This is a picture of our Great Aunt Fannie Meuse, taken in the 1970's. Fannie was the aunt of our dad, Frank Sr., and she was married to a brother of our Grandfather William (Billy) Meuse. The fondest memory of Aunt Fannie is her love for tea and her favorite pipe. She was not a materialistic person and enjoyed life through inner peace.

 

 

 

Here is a picture of my Godmother Madeline Harlow (left) and my Grandmother Rose taken in the early 1900's. I was never fortunate to meet my Grandmother in life however, I do believe her spirit exists within me. According to those who did know her, I have inherited my looks from her.

As a child, I remember Godmother Madeline Her smile is what I remember the most and her love for cats. On my visits to her home, which was a little house with small rooms, I would help clean the floors, wash dishes and in exchange I would get tea and cookies. This, I believe, contributed to my cravings of today for a good cup of tea.

 

 

This is our Dad, Frank Meuse Sr. in his golden years. This picture was taken the summer of 2002 at Stone Bear Track and Trails Lodging Retreat when it was first being constructed. Dad is peeling the bark off poles with a draw knife. The poles were used to build the teepee that is located on the grounds of the lodge.

 

Picture of Great-Grandfather Chief James Meuse and his wife Glyd Meuse and friend Elizabeth Pictou taken in 1905. Great Grandfather James is mentioned frequently in many of the history books found in Nova Scotia. He was a respected leader among the Micmac Nation and his burial site is found at the St. Anne's Church cemetery located at the Bear River First Nation community.

 

Standing proudly with his great catch of the day is Grandfather William Meuse, son of Great Grandfather James Meuse. Grandfather William was well known for his skills in hunting, fishing and guiding through the woods.

This picture dates back to the 1920's.

 

 

These cute little children are three of the ten children of Grandfather William and Grandmother Rose (Jeremy) Meuse. Left to right is: Joe, Oliver and Olive, taken in 1933. Uncle Joe resided at Indian Brook First Nation where his family still lives. Uncle Oliver resides in Cahoes, New York with his wife, children and grandchildren. Aunt Olive passed away giving birth to her son, Joe who grew up in Bridgewater with his Aunt Fannie Meuse.

 

 

 

Here are a few more siblings of Grandfather William and Grandmother Rose. On the left is Uncle Clarence who died at war and on the right Uncle Oliver. On the ground is our father, Frank Sr. who resides at the Bear River First Nation. Picture taken in 1935.

 

This picture is one of a younger looking dad, Frank Sr. Taken in 1940, he was 14 years old. Later in life he would marry Lois Kilmer of Troy, New York and have five children after moving back to Bear River. Today he and Mom Lois have numerous grandchildren and great children.

 

 

Another Meuse sibling is Bruce. Uncle Bruce enjoyed playing the fiddle and entertaining. With wife Ilene, they had four daughters and all grew up at the Bear River First Nation community. This picture was taken sometime between 1950-1960.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Birch bark creations were an art mastered by many of our past Elders. Todd Labrador shows his talents in hopes to carry on the tradition. His web site is listed on the links page.

 

 

The Mi'kmaq people spent many hours playing the traditional game of Waltes. Shown here is a picture of the various items used and eloquently designed and hand crafted by Todd Labrador.