A Colorful Chronicle - Sussex's Mural Tapestry

Located in New Brunswick, Sussex is known as the Mural Capital of Atlantic Canada, thanks to its stunning collection of murals that tell the town's history. These murals, painted by talented artists, bring to life important events and stories from Sussex's past. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of these murals and explore the history of the town, from the arrival of the railway to the local dairy industry. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, Sussex's murals offer a unique way to experience the town's heritage.

The Sussex Vale Exhibition Building: A Forgotten Grandeur

Ken White, an artist from the United Kingdom, captures the grandeur of Sussex's Sussex Vale Exhibition Building, which once stood as a beacon of civic pride. Built in the 1860s, this magnificent Italian-style structure hosted a provincial exhibition in 1861 but was torn down after it fell into disuse. White's mural uses the trompe l'oeil technique to recreate the building in its full glory, blending its majestic design with the lively spirit of the event it once hosted. The scene invites viewers to imagine the crowds that gathered to witness the excitement, immortalizing a key moment in Sussex's history.

Sussex – The Dairy Town: Celebrating Agricultural Heritage

Fred Harrison, a muralist based in Sussex, pays homage to the town's agricultural roots with his mural Sussex – The Dairy Town. Known as the Dairy Capital of the Maritimes, Sussex has a long-standing tradition of producing top-quality cream, butter, and cheese. Harrison's mural celebrates not only the people who worked the land but also the fertile valley that sustained the dairy industry. The vibrant scene depicts a joyful graduating class from the Sussex Dairy School alongside families, all bound by a shared connection to the land that nourished their community.

Francis Sproule Memorial Hospital: Honoring Sussex's First Medical Care

Thomas Melvin, a talented muralist from Chicago, brings to life the story of Sussex's first hospital through his mural Francis Sproule Memorial Hospital. Established in 1925 by Miss Damie Warren and Dr. D.H. McAlister, this "cottage" hospital provided medical care to Sussex residents. Melvin's mural thoughtfully incorporates portraits of the key figures involved and a depiction of the original hospital buildings, paying tribute to the essential role they played in the community. The rich symbolism in the piece, including magnifying glasses and a vase of spring flowers, conveys both the historical significance and the personal stories woven into the hospital's legacy.

Famous Sussex Ginger Ale: A Flavorful Memory

Andrew Giffin, an artist from New Brunswick, takes a nostalgic approach with his mural Famous Sussex Ginger Ale. The mural celebrates the iconic Sussex ginger ale brand, which originated in 1895 when S.H. White discovered mineral-rich water on his property. Giffin's mural bursts with color and energy, reflecting the vibrant flavors of the soft drinks and the excitement they generated for locals. The dynamic depiction of the soda's mascot, Gurgles the Clown, and the original brewery windows captures a sense of childhood joy, transporting viewers back to the days when the town was buzzing with the effervescent spirit of Sussex soda.

The Coming of the Railroad: A Turning Point in Sussex's Growth

Fred Harrison's mural The Coming of the Railroad tells the transformative story of how the arrival of the railroad in 1859 reshaped Sussex's future. Originally planned for Sussex Vale, the railway station was relocated due to objections from a local landowner, resulting in the birth of the town of Sussex. The mural captures the monumental arrival of the first train and the excitement it brought, with a panoramic view of the town's growth and the arrival of new transportation methods that would alter the course of its development.

The Knoll – Centre of Social Life in Sussex: A Glimpse of Elegance

Peter Bresnen's mural The Knoll – Centre of Social Life in Sussex transports viewers to a time of luxury and social gatherings in the town. Built in 1862 by General William Fenwick-Williams, The Knoll was once the epitome of grandeur, hosting lavish events and entertaining distinguished guests. The mural depicts a garden party at The Knoll, with a larger-than-life portrayal of Fenwick-Williams in military garb and scenes of guests enjoying the lush gardens and elegant surroundings. The mural brings this lost moment of Sussex's history to life, offering a window into the town's golden age of social life.

Hockey – A Rural Religion: A Tribute to Sussex's Hockey Legacy

Pierre Hardy's mural Hockey – A Rural Religion honors the legendary Sussex Amateur Athletic Club, also known as "the Old Grey Mares," who achieved local fame in the 1920s for their championship victories. The mural depicts key players, including Joe Lamb, a Sussex native who went on to play in the NHL. Hardy's piece captures the passion and energy of the town's love for hockey, featuring memorabilia such as the team's logo and portraits of the players while celebrating the historic connection between Sussex and the sport.

Sussex's First Skating Rink: A Winter Wonderland

Rudolf Stussi's mural Sussex's First Skating Rink takes us back to 1877 when the town built its first skating rink—a beautiful, round structure with a pyramid roof and cupola. The mural focuses on the 1881 visit of the Marquis of Lorne, Governor-General of Canada, and the reception held in his honor at the rink. Stussi uses light and color to create a sense of warmth amidst the snowy winter streets, allowing viewers to experience the joy and excitement of that historical event.

First Nations

First Nations: Wolastokqiyik (Maliseet): A Celebration of Indigenous Culture

Charles Johnston's mural First Nations: Wolastokqiyik (Maliseet) explores the rich heritage of the Wolastokqiyik people, the Indigenous group that has long called the Saint John River valley home. The mural illustrates the creation mythology of the Wolastokqiyik, with a powerful depiction of Glooscap, the creator figure in Maliseet tradition. Through this vibrant and meaningful work, Johnston sheds light on the Wolastokqiyik's deep connection to the land and water, as well as their enduring cultural practices and history.

Living Canvas of Sussex's Past

Camp Sussex and the 8th Canadian Hussars: Honoring Military History

Brian Romagnoli's mural Camp Sussex & The 8th Canadian Hussars honors the long-standing military presence in the town, which dates back to the 1870s. The mural showcases the crest of the 8th Canadian Hussars, a cavalry regiment with deep historical roots, and includes imagery of military life at Camp Sussex. Featuring archival photos and a tribute to Princess Louise, the regiment's official mascot, the mural honors the town's military history and the sacrifices made by those who served at Camp Sussex during both World Wars.

A Living Canvas of Sussex's Past

Each mural in Sussex's outdoor gallery offers a unique and vibrant snapshot of the town's rich history. These stunning works of art not only beautify the streets but also celebrate the diverse stories that have shaped the community. As you walk the streets of Sussex, you'll find yourself immersed in the history of this beautiful town, from its agricultural roots to its military legacy and cultural traditions. The murals serve as both a testament to the town's past and an invitation to future generations to appreciate the importance of preserving local history and community pride.

Early Pioneer Settlers

Early Pioneer Settlers

The history of Sussex is deeply rooted in the struggles and triumphs of its early settlers. During the American Revolution, the British Loyalists, branded as traitors by American Patriots, were forced to leave their homes and start anew in an unfamiliar and wild land. They arrived in the Sussex area with little more than the clothes on their backs, exiled to a rugged wilderness. These Loyalists played a significant role in shaping Canadian history, as their presence helped form the provinces of New Brunswick and Ontario.

The hardships they faced were similar to those of pioneers throughout history: isolation, loss, and the constant battle to transform a raw wilderness into productive land. These first settlers had to adjust to a new way of life, one that was far below the comforts they had once enjoyed.

Yet, despite these challenges, they exhibited remarkable resourcefulness, determination, and endurance. The vastness of the land, coupled with the solitude they faced, is powerfully captured in a mural that evokes the profound isolation felt by those early pioneers.

The Merchants of Sussex

The Merchants of Sussex

In its early days, Sussex was a small village, with most of its buildings clustered around the train station. However, as the village grew, it attracted people who wanted to settle and start businesses. These merchants contributed to the town's development, turning Sussex into a bustling service center for the surrounding county. Over time, tradespeople set up shops that remain in operation today, and Sussex began to thrive.

The town also became known for its popular Wednesday afternoon racetrack events, where shop owners and customers alike would gather to enjoy the sport. The story of these early merchants and the way they helped shape the town is captured in a mural that reflects the hustle and bustle of Sussex as it began to grow and evolve.

The Telephone: A New Brunswick Invention

The Telephone

While Alexander Graham Bell is often credited with inventing the telephone, the true origins of telephone technology in New Brunswick stretch back even earlier. In the 1860s, an inventor named William McLeod, who lived in Penobsquis, near Sussex created and used a telephone to connect his house and shop long before Bell's famous invention. McLeod was a remarkable innovator, not only making his camera for daguerreotypes and a clock that tracked the passage of time but also generating electricity and designing a compass for woodsmen.

His contributions to early technology helped lay the groundwork for future inventions. By 1891, the New Brunswick Telephone Company had installed its first switchboard in Sussex, further enhancing communication for the growing town. The evolution of this technological breakthrough is honored in a mural that tells the story of how the telephone first took root in the area.

1898 – Official Change of the Cancellation Stamp

The arrival of the railroad in the 1850s marked a turning point in the development of the Sussex area. Originally planned for Sussex Vale, the train station was eventually built 3.5 kilometers west, in what became the village of Sussex. This change, sparked by objections from a local landowner, led to the stagnation of Sussex Vale's growth and the rise of the settlement around the station.

By 1904, this settlement had grown enough to be officially recognized as a town. One significant moment in Sussex's path to townhood came on April 1, 1898, when the federal government ordered that the word "Vale" be removed from the Sussex post office cancellation stamp. This small but important change marked the beginning of the town's official identity, and it is remembered in a mural that highlights this pivotal moment in Sussex's history.

Conclusion

The history of Sussex is one of resilience, transformation, and community. From the early struggles of the Loyalist settlers who shaped the land to the growth of the village with its merchants and innovations like the telephone, the town has continuously evolved. Key events, such as the arrival of the railroad and the official change in the postmark, mark milestones that reflect the town's journey toward becoming a vibrant, thriving community. These stories of determination and progress are part of what makes Sussex's history unique and enduring.