By Lisa Blackburn, Special to The Laker News
BEAVER BANK: One of Beaver Bank’s oldest businesses was celebrated last week as Barrett Lumber opened its doors to the community to mark its 100th anniversary.
Residents, suppliers and political leaders gathered at the mill for a day of festivities that included bouncy castles and face painting for children, a supplier trade show, cake and refreshments.
The Beaver Bank Kinsac Lions Club was on hand serving barbecue and cold drinks.
For Nancy and Norm Kemp of Beaver Bank, attending the celebration was an opportunity to support a company they say has spent a century supporting the community.
“They’re the Barretts,” said Nancy Kemp. “They’re in the community and they do so much for the community.
“To me, they’re so community-minded and so generous that the community needs to show up for them.”
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Norm Kemp remembers experiencing that generosity firsthand when he built his family home in Beaver Bank in 1980.
He had arranged for a group of volunteers to help with construction on a Sunday but realized he was short on lumber.
“I had to go back to Barrett Lumber,” he recalled. “They started up their mill, and they cut me enough to do me for the next day, and off I was gone in my truck.
“That’s the kind of community service. They just do so much for the community.”
The company traces its roots back to 1926 when Harold T. Barrett purchased a water-powered lumber and lath mill in Beaver Bank. He operated the business for most of his life before his sons, David, Hugh and Keith, joined the company and helped expand the operation.
Under their leadership, production increased and the company added a planer mill and roof truss plant.
Following Harold Barrett’s death in 1982, the next generation continued to build on the foundation he established.
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In 2014, David Barrett was inducted into the Nova Scotia Forestry Hall of Fame in recognition of his lifetime contributions to forestry, environmental stewardship and sustainable land management.
Protecting the land has long been a priority for Barrett Lumber.
While the family has welcomed community members onto its private forest lands for recreation, increased use by motorized vehicles has created challenges over the years.
Rather than restricting access, David Barrett worked with community members to develop the Family Forestry Stewardship Agreement. Under the program, residents attend a meeting on forest management and safe use of the property.
Once the agreement is signed, participants receive access to the forest road system through locked gates.
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Ted Parisee, a volunteer who helps organize the stewardship meetings and oversee the lands, says the program reflects the family’s longstanding commitment to the community.
“We want to make sure it’s safeguarded and protected,” said Parisee. “Make sure people are safe. That’s something the Barrett family has been extremely generous with over the years.”
Parisee said Barrett has always encouraged people to enjoy the outdoors and make use of the property responsibly.
“There’s never been a question about letting people use it and providing access,” he said. “They’re really proud when people go and enjoy it, whether it’s walking, fishing, hunting or any of those activities.”
That relationship benefits both the community and the land itself, he added.
“There’s also a good side to this. The people actually act as eyes on the ground when it comes to preserving everything and watching out for it.”
