September 27, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Liverpool.

In 1999, we purchased our home just outside Liverpool, knowing nothing about Liverpool. But we were pleased to be living close to a town that had a good sized grocery store and a library. I read a book with the history of Queens County, which includes the town of Liverpool. The little book was published in 1892. The last paragraph states that although Queens County is suffering difficult times, the writer assured the readers that because the residents are hard working and educated, the community would thrive. I read this little book in 2000, and I laughed and suggested that it had been over a century and the economy did not seem much better than 1892. But times have changed. When I drove the first time to the house, I saw lots of sold signs. This was unusual. Then at the first Readers' Festival I chatted with two ladies from Chester and they told me of a conversation they had with a real estate agent in Chester, which is the closest town to Halifax. The agent said that she had been showing homes to three couples who were moving to the shore from Ontario. Much to her surprise, they bought in Liverpool. She was horrified. This had never happened to her, so she asked them why. They gave answers: 1. The Astor Theater, which has movies and plays all year. 2. The Queens Place/Emera Center, which keeps the ice in all year, has a hockey team, and brings in big shows. Also they liked the fitness center and the walking paths, both inside and out and all at the arena. 3. The social life. They talked with people up and down the street and everyone told them about the active social life in Liverpool. 4. Finally, they discover that Liverpool has an active intellectual component. Lecture are gives thoughout the winter, Trivial pursuit evenings are held at Lanes, and there are a host of artists and writers in the area. Since we moved here in 1999, many people have moved here to retire. Now the town is buzzing with activity. The retired folks have brought expertise and energy and they are willing to play their part. So now finally, that last chapter in the little history book has come true. Liverpool is doing very well.