INTERESTING FACTS
Architect designed and constructed of brick and granite the Commercial Cable Canso Station was unique to the landscape. Signifying the presence of the engineers, this impressive structure was by far the largest building on the peninsula and stood magnificently overlooking Hazel Hill Lake
CONNECT WITH THE CCRS
I grew up in a home located on Route 16 in Hazel Hill just below the hill and a little to the east from where the Commercial Cable Building and the homes of the operators were located. Many of my family and friends grew up in the houses and workshops converted into homes that were formerly owned and operated by the Commercial Cable Company. For many years my Dad operated an auto repair business out of a Commercial Cable work shop located on the Back Tickle Road.
Commercial Cable closed the year I was born; yet, I have many memories as a boy of the building. I have vivid; although, brief glimpses of wandering through the building when people lived there. I remember a metal gate and a toilet being stored by the stairwell. I am not sure why I remember them; but, I do. I would have been four years old at the time. I believe it was the MacDonald’s who lived there for a short time after their home, located directly across the road from our house, burned down. I have striking memories of that day as well. Shortly after this I moved with my family to live in Labrador City for six years.
Upon my return my friends and I frequently explored the Commercial Cable building. We would gain access through one of the basement doors facing Route 16 that we would have to pry open. At the time, the batteries and much of the equipment complete with gauges and switches were still present in the basement. The attic was littered with a plethora of abandon equipment.
To my knowledge, I have worked with every group (formal or otherwise) that has taken on the task of saving this building. This affiliation started when I was just 15 years old, when as part of the Hazel Hill Youth Group we pushed a cast iron bath tub from the village of Guysborough to Hazel Hill to raise awareness of the building’s situation and I trust that it will end with the Commercial Cable Rehabilitation Society’s successful restoration of this beautiful historic building.
Darren Bennett
As a child growing up in the area I heard many interesting stories about the Commercial Cable Company and their operator’s community from my parents and other relatives. After the Company left the area in 1962, my family lived in a couple of the CCC houses. While living in the company’s houses I learned many interesting things about how this community lived. For example one had a maid’s quarters attached to the house and another had several serving windows.
For the past three years I have served as a volunteer on the board of directors and have taken a lead position on several fundraising events such as our prize bingos. As my involvement at the board level evolved so did my passion for history and the many stories of this time in our history. I am proud to be a member of the Commercial Cable Rehabilitation Society and have learned so much in my short time on the board. I feel I have grown both professionally and personally while working on this project.
Anything I could do to help restore the Commercial Cable Company building I will do it, this is an important piece of our history and we must preserve it.
Please support our efforts to save this History Worth Saving!
Nina Rose
Built Heritage has always been an attraction for me. Seeing and being involved in our own heritage enriches all of us, it allows us to grow in the knowledge of where and what we have been in the past.
In driving towards Canso one rounds the corner coming into Hazel Hill and this odd apparently misplaced building looms in the foreground. The Commercial Cable Company’s ‘Canso Station’ is completely out of character with any other building for many miles. The building itself fascinated me upon first seeing it in the mid 1980’s, subsequently learning of its history only increased that interest.
I was asked to join an Ad Hoc committee formed by local Regional Development Authority in 2004 which had listed the building and its potential for re-development is a priority in its Strategic Plan many years prior. Many groups had previously attempted to elusively obtain and renovate the building. Time was clearly running out and the building as it sat was becoming a public safety hazard. From that Ad Hoc committee CCRS was formed.
The building was privately owned, negations took place and ownership was secured. Basic safety concerns were dealt with and the building was made more secure. It was my feeling and overall the Society’s plus all the other associated agencies that before anything could precede in terms of renovations a functional and viable use must be found for the building.
Without exception groups and individuals were interested in the physical, social and architectural aspects of the Commercial Cable Building. As interesting as it was its odd location proved time and again to be the major stumbling block. In almost any other place the building would have been embraced and a use found with relative ease. The frustrating thing of course it was its location and setting that really make the building and its history more interesting and important. We had great general support but without a use we were stymied.
I personally felt well supported by the Society and all others. As time progressed my passion for saving the building and chronicling its social history only increased. It was though my own opinion that perhaps another view might be able to advance the project in different directions and to greater success. As of writing this testimonial that proves to have been the right decision.
Stephen Townsend
I lived in Hazel Hill all my life & well realize the importance of the Commercial Cable Company with regard to communication all over the world, especially between Europe & North America during the two World Wars. The Canadian Army was stationed here on both occasions to protect the station. This Historic Building has to be saved so that future generations will know the history of Communication before the Microwave & Internet came into existence. Growing up in the area it was an added bonus to have use of the recreation facilities built and maintained by the Commercial Cable Company.
My involvement in the project is to help make sure that this very important piece of our heritage is not lost and the history forgotten.
Marg MacDougall
As a young boy growing up in the area, I always marveled at the splendor and grandeur of the Commercial Cable building in Hazel Hill, Guysborough County.
I can recall playing with kids my age around the building. But more importantly, I can remember seeing operators working at the building and wondered what it would be like, to be an operator, communicating with the world. This had to be one of the best jobs in the world!
When I was approached by a board member to join the Society's Board, I felt compelled to do so. I wanted to do my part to help save this unique part of Guysborough County's history and see it become an integral part of the community once again. Since joining the Society more than 3 years ago, it is clear that the level of dedication and perseverance from the board members, in their plight to save this building, has been truly inspiring for me.
In my mind it is the birth place of the information highway and truly is history worth saving.
Harold Roberts