This town has been the heart and soul of Canadian coal mining, ever since the mine opened in 1872. The Number 2 Mine, said to be the deepest in Canada was hit by a series of disasters, which ended in its closure in 1958.
Attractions
Anne Murray Centre
36 Main St, Springhill
(Just 5 minutes from Hwy 104)
902 597-8614
Anne Murray grew up in the small Nova Scotia coal mining town of Springhill, far, far away from the glitter and glamour of Hollywood. Yet her breathtaking flight to fame has made Anne Murray a household name in entertainment capitals of the world, and she has amassed more musical awards and accolades than almost any female singer in history. Now, you can see firsthand the incomparable mix of awards, photographs, memorabilia and audio-visual highlights of Anne Murray’s career. Allow 1 hour. Open: May 15 to October 15 daily 9 – 5. Admission adults $5.50, ages 6-18 $3.
Springhill Heritage Group
{75 Main Street, lower level of Miners Hall}
Box 240, Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
(902) 597-2211
The Springhill Heritage Group possesses an excellent collection of newspapers and old photos, many of which are of coal mining. The Springhill Heritage Group will be selling CDs and books of The Moss Diary. These give births, deaths and other details about people who had lived in Springhill and surrounding area. The theme of the display for the summer, 2002, is “Churches of Springhill” which will contain pictures and information. Operated by: Springhill Heritage Group Open during Cumberland Regional Library hours
Springhill Miners Museum
145 Black River Rd, Springhill
902 597-3449
Tour the depths of a Springhill coal mine, famous in song and legend, with knowledgeable guide. Hear stories of the disaster of 1891, the 1916 subterranean fire which raged through the galleries, the loss of 39 men in the 1956 explosion and the major “bump” in 1958 which killed 75 men. Museum displays unique artifacts of the history of the town and its remarkable industrial heritage. Allow 30 minutes. Open May 18 to October 14 9 – 5. Rates: Adults $4.50 Seniors $4.00 Youth (7-14) $3.75 Children $2.50, Surface Tours $3.00
Wild Blueberry & Maple Centre
105 Lower Main Street, Oxford (on Hwy 321 east of town)
Box 338, Oxford, NS B0M 1P0
(902) 477-2908
fax (902) 447-2485
The centre showcases the Wild Blueberry & Maple industry in the region. The self-guided tour covers the natural history, harvesting, processing and the uses of these two products. Static and interactive displays are on site as well as glass encased live bee hive. The gift shop and small tea room features local artisan products and crafts and samplings of various blueberry and maple treats (in season). Operated by: Town of Oxford