Cape Breton Island's People And Places

About Rita's Tea Room
In 1982, I purchased a renovated one room school house which was built in 1939. I lived there for a few years and was able to enjoy the beautiful scenery for which Cape Breton, Nova Scotia is famous for. Over the years of performing, I invited many people to drop by for tea - a well known Cape Breton tradition. Many took me up on my offer, so the idea to open a Tea Room came about.

In June 1986, we officially opened Rita's Tea Room and Gift Shop. Because of all the wonderful people who took the time to drop by, say hello, and have a cup of tea, the tea room has enjoyed pleasant success. Open seasonally, it offers warm hospitality, homebaked goodies (including our very popular oat cakes), full lunch and light dinner menu, and of course, a good cup of tea!
http://www.ritamacneil.com/tearoom.html

The Dominion School House was built in 1888 as Mitchell School 9 ½ (referring to the school district). The majority of students in attendance were the children of coal miners who worked for the Dominion Coal Company. During this period, industrialization in Cape Breton was on the rise and shortly after the turn of the twentieth century, Cape Breton was producing close to forty percent of Canada’s coal. As industries grew, so did the population of Dominion and the small school house became too small for its growing student body. In 1896 a new four-room school was built and the old one-room school house was closed. Since that time the building has been used for many purposes. In 1985 it was restored to its original appearance and is used as a community museum highlighting Dominion’s economic and social history.