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Note: The Guysborough Journal, Thursday, June 29,1995
Eastern Shore Tragedy Recalled
by Sarah Mason Wilson
As I stood beside the graves of George Pace, his three sons, Percy, Arthur
and Freddie and his mother-in-law, Mrs. Angelina Pye, I could not help hut
wonder at the uncanny circumstances that has brought me to this spot.
On Saturday, June 17, I was loaned some old newspapers by a friend. On
opening a copy of the Mail Star I noticed the headline "Five Perish In
Flames In Nova Scotia Village". The story originated in Ecum Secum West, a
community bordering on Halifax and Guyshorough counties. For some reason I
looked at the calendar and realized not only did this event happen exactly
seventy-three years earlier but the week-end was the same, Saturday, June 17
and Sunday, June 18. I could not ignore this strange occurance. I knew I
must retell this tragic story.
Having no acquaintance in this village I contacted the only family I knew in
the Liscomb area, that of len Spears. Mrs. Spears was most helpful in
putting me in contact with the nephews of George Pace and grandsons of Mrs.
Pye. Although very young at the tirne Messers Bart and Ern Pace were able
to recall the fire of that long ago weekend. A weekend that brought grief
and a lasting sorrow to the community.
Situated on the Eastern Shore, Ecum Secum West possesses all the beauty
known to this area.
In 1922 it was no less lovely here, as for many years before the men
depended on the fishery for a living. The waters offered a plentiful
supply but the price was low, however there was no other industry so the men
continued this work. Among the villagers was a man named George Pace who had
a wife and seven children to sup port. On June 17, he had another duty to
perform, that of repairing his gasoline engine. This work was carried out
behind the two story house in which he and his family lived.
When the family retired the night was calm, all lamps were extinguished and
the fire in the stove long since burned out. As they slept, so did the other
community residents. None knew that daybreak would bring a terrible loss to
the little village.
In the house downstairs, Mr. and Mrs. Pace retired along with their baby
daughter. lottie and three sons, Foster age 8, Percy 6 and Arthur 3,
upstairs were Mrs. Pye, Nelson 14, Alexander 13 and Freddie 10.
The first hint of danger came when the baby awoke crying and Mrs. Pace saw
that the house was filled with smoke. Mr. Pace awoke and, telling his wife
to take the children out of the house, raced for the stairs to rescue those
above.
Unable to pass through the kitchen and porch, already ablaze, Mrs. Pace was
formnate enough to open a window and place Lottie and Foster outside but by
this time the bedroom was already an inferno and she could not return for
the two little boys. Upstairs Mr. Pace tried vainly to save the others bul
only Alexander and Nelson were to come out alive. Perhaps the father lowered
them out a window. It is thought that he tried to not only Save the
occupants who slept upstairs but downstairs as well. According to reports
he was found with his arms around his youngest son. Mrs. Pace who was
outside could do nothing but stand and watch as the flames engulfed her home
and half her family died.
Directly across the road lived Mr. Paces' uncle who was awakened by the
bawling of his cow who came to the gate. However it was too late for the
people to offer any assistance except to help the survivors.
When daylight came all that remained were the posts of the home and half the
salmon house. It was the relentless swiftness of the fire and the fact that
nothing had awakened them that moat surprised the residents of this village.
However, it is very doubtful that anything could have been done for the fire
was well underway before the family awoke. Concentrating on saving the
children, themselves and Mm. Pace's mother was their main concern. There was
no time to give an alarm or run to another home before it was too late.
In the meoning the villagers turned to the task of making the charred
remains ready for burial. Coffins were constructed by Mrs. Pye's son, Sidney
and Mr. Sandy Fleet. Only two were made for it was the wish of the family to
have Mrs. Pye and Freddie, 10, placed in one and George Pace and his sons
Percy 6, and Arthur 3, in the other. Taken to St. Paul's Anglican Church
the funeral was held from there and the bodies interred in the family plot.
It was years before Mrs. Pace joined her husband for she lived to be 84
years old. Never remarrying, she brought up her three remaining sons and
daughter, Lottie. Soon the oldest boys were able to work and with this help
and community assistance the family survived. Today only Foster Pace remains
irom this large family. Many years have passed since that night long ago.
The cornmunity has grown but one spot remains untouched, the field where the
Pace house once stood. No one has ever built another there.
Although I know it was difficult for the Pace brothers to talk about this
event they willingly gave me the information I required. Mrs. Bart Pace as
well was most courteous and Icind. I am grateful to them all.
Without doubt this was one of the worst, if not the worst tragedy that has
ever occurred on the Eastern Shore. The family remembers and no one should
ever forget. The cause of the fire was never determined.
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