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Nova Scotia family selling a piece of Halifax Explosion history

Click to play video: 'Family looks to pass on piano damaged during Halifax Explosion'
Family looks to pass on piano damaged during Halifax Explosion
Mon, Nov 20: Nearly a century after the Halifax Explosion, it’s still possible to find scars of the fateful day – if you look close enough. Jennifer Grudic has more on a Nova Scotia family looking to pass on a piece of Halifax Explosion history – Nov 20, 2017

It still plays beautiful music, but the century-old piano for sale by a Nova Scotia family has a history forever ingrained by one of Halifax’s darkest days.

The early 20th-century Stohlman New York piano was purchased from Phinney’s Music Shop on Barrington in 1918 by Lois Miller’s grandfather, Stanley Robson.

The piano was on sale because it was damaged on the side that was facing the shop’s window on the day of the Halifax Explosion.

READ MORE: Canada Post stamp commemorating Halifax Explosion centennial unveiled

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Shards of glass and debris are stuck into the side of the wood, creating small indentations that are still clearly visible today.

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“We grew up knowing it had survived the Halifax Explosion,” said Miller.

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“We would feel the marks on the side of the piano where the shards of glass had been embedded.”

Miller said her grandfather had the piano shipped by boat to Owl’s Head Harbour, and then by truck to Clam Harbour where it was enjoyed by her family for generations, despite its flaws.

READ MORE: A walk back in time: Researchers launch new Halifax Explosion app

After years of happy memories, Miller said she and her husband have decided to sell the relic.

“I thought, the piano has a story, it’s usable, it produces good music. I’d like to see it go somewhere that people would enjoy it and appreciate its heritage,” said Miller.

She said she is open to offers, but would like to see it go to a museum for all to enjoy.

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