Debec is a charming community nestled in Carleton County, in the Canadian province of New Brunswick. Known for its vibrant outdoor activities and rich history, Debec offers a unique blend of rural charm and historical significance.
In the early 2000s, Debec established an outdoor community park known locally as "The Field of Dreams." This park provides local residents with a place to ice skate, play volleyball, and baseball. Every August, the park hosts the annual summer celebration, "Debec Days," facilitated by the Debec Recreation Council. This event is a testament to the community's commitment to outdoor recreation and community engagement.
Debec was named after George De Beck, who settled there in 1835. Before that, it was known as Blairs Mills, named after Andrew Blair, a surveyor and father of premier Andrew George Blair. Located southwest of Woodstock and close to the Maine border, Debec developed as a railway junction.
In the late 19th and early 20th century, the border between Maine and New Brunswick was fluid, at least for people. Men from Debec and the surrounding areas followed work opportunities to Maine, particularly in forestry and railroading. Many young men followed the jobs of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) to Brownville Junction, Maine, a midpoint in the CPR route across Maine to Quebec and Montreal.
Debec was a prosperous community from the late 1870s through to the end of World War I. However, farming declined after that period due to the mechanization of farm operations and the high rock content in the soil. Despite these challenges, farming has recently made a comeback in some parts of the community, with several large operations now growing crops.
In November 1919, Debec opened a branch of the Bank of Nova Scotia. At that time, the village had six stores, a grist mill, several potato shipping operations, and was one of the busiest points for freight on the CPR rail lines in Carleton County.
However, the high hopes for success in Debec were never fully realized. By 1922, the bank's manager reported that low prices of farm produce and losses in the potato season were causing a significant reduction in current account and savings balances. Competition from banks in Houlton, Maine, where interest rates of 4% were offered on deposits (compared with 3% offered by The Bank of Nova Scotia), also contributed to the branch's struggles. The bank branch was closed in May 1925, and accounts were transferred to the Woodstock Branch.
Despite these economic challenges, Debec, New Brunswick, remains a community rich in history and outdoor activities, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
