Napan, New Brunswick


Napan is a community in the Canadian province of New Brunswick, approximately north of Moncton. It is near Chatham, a neighbourhood of Miramichi, accessible from Highway 11.
Running through the community is the Napan River, and four bridges cross the river at various points: at Hannah Lane, Highway 11, Johnston Lane, and Highway 117. There was also once a crossing at White Lane. At one time, these bridges were covered, although all have been upgraded to steel and concrete structures.
Once a thriving farming community, the Napan landscape is now dominated by fewer farms and more residential buildings. One exception is Sunset Hill Farms, operated by John MacDiamid and Sons, a third-generation dairy which provides milk to Northumberland Cooperative.
Despite its relatively small size, Napan is home to Carmel United Church, Napan Elementary School, and the Napan Community Centre. Organizations active in the community include the Women's Institute, the Napan 4-H Club, the United Church Women and the Farm Women. It is also served by a variety of small businesses, including: L.J. Patterson Sales and Services, Bremner Farms, Ltd., Andrew's Fish and Chips, Scholten's Esso Gas Bar, Colin's Collision Repair, Harry's Bar and Grill, and the Northumberland Driving Institute.

History

In its earlier history, Napan was also the home of several sawmills and grist mills, as well as a creamery.
Napan was originally settled largely by Scottish immigrants, many of whom had roots in Dumfrieshire. The community was once known by its constituent parts, which at one time included Upper Napan, Centre Napan, Lower Napan, and Napan Bay. These various communities, although still known locally by these separate names, are more generally known as Napan.

Notable people