The community is gathering at the Fundy Geological Museum to remember and celebrate Eldon George on Saturday September 14th at 2:00 pm.
Eldon George was born in Parrsboro on May 11, 1931. He grew up along the shore of the Minas Basin in a house, at the end of the tracks of the coal train from Springhill.
At eight year’s old Eldon suffered a traumatic injury to his arm and spent time away from his home while at the Hospital in Halifax . His injury eventually became a blessing, as his mother directed his attention with art and encouraged Eldon’s interest in collecting beach shells.
It was near Partridge Island that Eldon then found his first fossil, what he thought was a dinosaur footprint, but it turned out to be much older.
Eldon,or “Bubby” to those who knew him well, spent his life learning, exploring and making significant discoveries along the shores of the Minas Basin. With his wife Elaine, the two operated the Parrsboro Rock and Mineral Shop and Museum in Parrsboro, which Eldon opened in 1947.
The iconic destination became very popular after the Giant Tides of Fundy article was published in the National Geographic Magazine in August of 1957. Photos of Eldon’s bounding enthusiasm for minerals was included in the article, featuring photos of Eldon and his brother Willie who was often by his side.
There were significant discoveries and fossils, and the world came to know about Parrsboro largely though the persistent and passionate efforts of Eldon to raise the profile of the areas geology, minerals and fossils.
Eldon spent his life doing what he loved, surrounded by family and friends, including many who will gather today to remember and celebrate his life.
I spent many happy hours in the rock shop, as my Grandparents lived directly behind the building. While my parents visited with relatives, my brother and I were free to visit with Bubby. Learned to appreciate the varied, beautiful treasures he had personally found, or traded with others world-wide to acquire.
Eldon, rest well my friend. Until we meet again, we’ll have a cup a tea and talk about our adventures. Miss you
I’ve met Eldon George only twice during several holidays in Nova Scotia. The first time I met a warmhearted, hospitable and friendly man, who invited me, a complete stranger to him, to come in his kitchen to have cupper with him. The second time we met he had just lost his son to cancer. He was devastated, as was his grandson who was also present, but still was the same warm man as before and took his time for me. My heart went out to them! Now I learned he passed away several years ago and I am deeply sorry he is no longer with us. I want to say only Thanks Eldon George, it was a honour to have nknown you.!
In the mid 1960’s I was a rock carrier for Mr. George as he explored Bass River area and the local streams. He would work day and days digging out rocks that he considered ‘gem stones’ and roll stones ( some would be 20 or 30 pounds) down the bank to the streams to wash. Each evening I would meet him at his dig sites and would pack up the stones and carry these to his Jeep. During these early evening I learned about what he was doing and the products he would make from these stones.