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History
of Immigration Continued
The
Dominion Coal Company tended to employ many people of the same
ethnic group at one colliery and the people were housed and,
thus, settled together in "ethnic pockets". And as
each ethnic group arrived, they quickly attempted to build their
own Church. Religion became both the spiritual and social bond
that strengthened ties between those of similar ethnic backgrounds.
The Catholics were the largest single group in Glace Bay and
the Presbyterians formed the second largest group in other towns.
The
1920s gave rise to a variety of fraternal and benevolent associations
in all mining towns. This did something to transcend class
identities and at times of misfortune, members could offer
assistance and consolation. Of course, societies were formed
among those of certain nationalities and ethnic groups, including:
Sons of the British Isles Social, Literary and Provident Society,
Maple Leaf Lodge of the Society of United Fishermen and La
Société de l'Assomption.
In
conclusion, the phenomenal growth rates of the Island's population
in the 1890s and early 1900s ended by the start of the First
World War. But by this time the industrial way of life had
taken shape and the formation of trade unions and co-operative
stores made life easier for both immigrants and native Nova
Scotians.
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