“On the way down the hill, looking around, the only pleasing sight Jean saw, was the blue shining waters of Saint Mary’s Bay in the distance, over the green trees of a little woods. As the wagon turned the bend at the foot of the hill, College Sainte Anne and the big white church of Sainte Marie came into view.

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The welcome Father Blanche extended his former pupil, the son of his comrade in arms, was warm and genuine and Jean fell under that old spell of admiration and instinctive willingness to follow the leadership of this big man, with shaggy white hair, pinch nose glasses and the friendly piercing eyes.” (p.15)

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Jean Jacques stayed at and worked for the College for the first year, but also investigated the area and the countryside and even traveled to Halifax.

“Jean Jacques continued his explorations and by the time the college year ended in June (1894), he had pretty well decided he would try his luck in the lumbar business. Father Blanche had given much of his valuable time to Jean, looking into possibilities and discussing projects with him. Jean’s letter home were very enthusiastic about prospects and the beauty of the forest, much of it still in its virgin state. The climate was healthful and life was peaceful. It was therefore not a great surprise when Jean’s father received a definite proposal to buy timber lands in Digby county. Father Blanche recommended the purchase.” (p.21)

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“Two dams would be needed, one at the foot of Tusket Lake to build a large reservoir of water and the other at the mill.”