The Chester Municipal Heritage Society in association with OakIslandMystery.com are pleased to present an impressive body of Oak Island research compiled by key individuals who have played important roles in the Oak Island saga.
David Tobias - Smith's Cove 1976
David Tobias - Smith's Cove 1976
David Tobias – Artefacts Found
The family of Oak Island treasure hunter David Tobias of Montreal donated this collection of materials to the Chester Municipal Heritage Society. The original documents remain safe and secure in the Society’s collection and this duplicate set of files is presented here for your reading and research pleasure.
We recognize that this record is incomplete as it relates to the most recent search activity being undertaken on Island, but it none-the-less provides a valuable record of historical discoveries.
D’Arcy O’Connor - Oak Island in background
D’Arcy O’Connor - Oak Island in background
D'Arcy O’Connor Oak Island Fonds
Mr. O’Connor is a well-known, prolific Oak Island author and researcher who has written five important and well received books about the famous Island and its treasure hunt. Mr. O’Connor generously donated this large collection of materials to the Chester Municipal Heritage Society. It represents many years or research in archives, conducting interviews with treasure hunters, partners, witnesses, on site observations, and some unique, original materials not to be found elsewhere.
Les MacPhie and Graham Harris- the Money Pit 1988
Les MacPhie and Graham Harris- the Money Pit 1988
Les MacPhie
Les MacPhie spent his early years in rural Cape Breton. He graduated in 1964 from Nova Scotia Technical College (now Faculty of Engineering Dalhousie University), Halifax, Nova Scotia with a Master of Engineering degree in the specialty of Geotechnical Engineering. During his years in Halifax, he was introduced to the Oak Island Mystery. Les pursued his career working out of Toronto and Montreal with Geocon Ltd and then SNC-Lavalin. He handled geotechnical aspects of projects in many countries of South America, Africa and Europe involving mine and hydro developments. He had the good fortune to meet and work with Graham Harris, a graduate of Imperial College, London, and a geotechnical engineer. When Graham took some time off, Les provided him with a batch of Oak Island files collected over the years and it was decided that they would write a book with emphasis on geotechnical issues and a proposed historical context. The book, “Oak Island and Its Lost Treasure,” was published in 1999 and was followed by second and third editions in 2005 and 2013 respectively.
During the years preceding and following publication of the first edition, Les visited Oak Island frequently and had many discussions with Triton Alliance partners Dan Blankenship at Oak Island and David Tobias in Montreal. This resulted in having access to numerous historical documents and more recent technical reports on geotechnical and geophysical investigations carried out at Oak Island. Also, he exchanged ideas and information with Oak Island author D’Arcy O’Connor and researchers including Paul Wroclawski, John Wonnacott and Mark Schmaltz. Les and his Oak Island colleague John Wonnacott have provided technical advice to the Oak Island team involved with the current TV series “The Curse of Oak Island.”
It is our hope that people around the world can access these materials freely to further their understanding of this fascinating piece of Nova Scotia history and the famous Oak Island Mystery.
For those who desire or require an original and/or un-watermarked copy of any item for a school project, writing a book, treasure hunting or for any other reason, please contact Danny Hennigar at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details.
Please respect our desire to keep this collection publically available for everyone and give credit where credit is due. Any unauthorized duplication of this collection or portion thereof without written consent is prohibited.
We hope to post more collections and add to these research materials as opportunity permits.
We would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their help and support on this project:
Les MacPhie
D’Arcy O’Connor
Danny Hennigar
Carol Nauss
Chester Municipal Heritage Society, Chester NS
Digital Fusion Inc., Bridgewater NS
DesBrisay Museum, Bridgewater NS
Archives of Nova Scotia, Halifax NS
Please Support the Chester Municipal Heritage Society (CMHS)
CHMS is a registered not-for-profit organization which has been in existence since 1981. All members of the Society are volunteers as there are no paid staff. The Society operates the Chester Train Station, Lordly House Museum, Maple Cottage (which is a research centre and the first Municipal office), Lordly Park, and a children’s playground. All of which are open to the public.
The Society does not receive government funding other than monies received through grant applications. The Society’s archives are available to the general public and it continues to collect and catalogue information from all areas of the municipality.
Your support, through memberships and donations, is what makes this possible. Without public support the Society would not be able to continue its work. Please consider donating to the Society to aid in our efforts to bring the past alive for future generations.
Donation Information can be found on the CMHS Website.
