In the summer of 1873, a party of explorers headed by Mr. Von Chanvin, managing director of the Direct United States Cable Company, arrived at Halifax for the purpose of exploring the eastern coast of Nova Scotia, to find a desirable place to land a cable. They selected Torbay as best fitted for their purpose, owing to the scarcity of reefs and the vicinity being free from anchorage.

On the 29th of May, 1874, the cable ship "Faraday", of nearly four thousand tons arrived at Torbay, landed cable and proceeded to pay it out to Rye Beach, New Hampshire. This was accomplished at the rate of 9 knots per hour, a feat hitherto unprecedented in cable laying.

The Faraday then returned to England, took on board the main cable, and again started for Torbay, paying out as she steamed along. Unfortunately, the cable parted and as it was so late in the season, all hope of completing the line was abandoned till the next year.

As early as possible in 1875 the ships resumed the work. The broken cable was picked up and spliced and the undertaking accomplished. The ocean cable, had its terminal office at "Faraday" station, near Berry Head. Torbay was first opened to the public on September 15, 1875. Only 12 days later, the Atlantic line was broken, about three hundred and twenty miles from Torbay. It was repaired, and again at work November 4th. On December 10th it was again broken, one hundred and twenty eight miles from Faraday Station, between Misaine and Banquereau Banks. Repairs were completed January 10th, 1876, and the Faraday went to England, but she was obliged to return immediately to make good the line between Torbay and New Hampshire, which had parted on the LeHave Bank, about one hundred and eighty-seven knots from Berry Head. This, in order on March 1st, but parted near Rye Beach, March 26th. It was repaired and reopened April 11th and work went on day and night without interruption. In all these cases, the distance of fault, or point of fracture was accurately determined by electrical measurement made in the Superintendent's office at Torbay.

The first indications of the presence of the D.U.S. Cable Company's important station at Torbay, were some half dozen tents situated on the fir clad hill overlooking a magnificent beach of silvery sand, profusely strewn with shells, sparkling in the sunlight like myriads of glistening diamonds, while on this shining strand the undulating Atlantic sported in thousands of glittering wavelets, leaping and dancing in restless splendor. The surrounding country is truly magnificent, and owing to the misfortunes attending the completion of the eastern section of the cable, abundant leisure was afforded the staff for enjoyment, and judging from the robust, health appearance of all, the climate and tent life well suited them.

Soon, an almost incredible change was apparent. In place of tents, two large, commodious houses were erected by S.M. Brookfield of Halifax, which with the mortar buildings presented a very fine spectacle, in that isolated part of the country. The liberality of the Company was worthy of note; no expense was spared in improving the surroundings and rendering the men comfortable. Neat convenient cottages were added for the married members of the staff and a road was built to Torbay. The staff numbered twenty, comprising operators, mechanician, battery man, and others connected with the cable.

The inconvenience arising from so many mishaps induced the company to retain the Faraday in Nova Scotia and she was kept at Halifax ready for active service at short notice.

The little town of Faraday had a brief existence. After all the expense incurred in buildings and improvements, it was decided to move to Halifax. The shore end of the cable was landed there, and all the apparatus and staff transferred to the city in the autumn of 1887. The large buildings were closed, the cottages left tenantless, and Faraday is a deserted village.

FROM: "History Of The County Of Guysborough Nova Scotia" By: Harriet Cunningham Hart

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