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Archive Stories


The First Illustration of Bonne Bay?
One calm July day in 1866, a three-masted vessel sailed into Bonne Bay. It was carrying the Governor of Newfoundland, Sir Anthony Musgrave, who was inspecting the south and west coasts of the island. Also on board was Frances Musgrave, his sister and a keen artist. She painted a series of watercolours of coastal landscapes and communities along the way from Hermitage to St. John Island.
Bonne Bay Historical Archive
Sep 15, 2025


Taylor Parsons of Trout River
The Kingpin of Trout River is what Ella Manuel called him. As she said, “There weren’t many jobs Taylor Parsons couldn’t turn his hand too, including pulling teeth in the absence of a nurse...
Bonne Bay Historical Archive
Apr 11, 2025


Dickie Quick
From Bonne Bay came one of the most famous American sailing captains of the early 20th century, Richard Quick.
Bonne Bay Historical Archive
Jan 16, 2025


Never Trust the Ice in the Tickle
Never Trust the Ice in the Tickle (Al Sheppard) Mr. Short, the Anglican Minister here, was going away to get married and Al Sheppard...
Bonne Bay Historical Archive
Dec 1, 2024


How Could He Forecast the Weather?
How Could He Forecast the Weather? (Walter Payne) One beautiful morning in the summer of 1952 or 53, while loading lumber in Daniel’s...
Bonne Bay Historical Archive
Dec 1, 2024


Holy St. Patrick
Holy St. Patrick (Freeman Sheppard) Edward Connors was a shoemaker in Woody Point around 1900. He wasn't known to be much of a drinker...
Bonne Bay Historical Archive
Dec 1, 2024


Escaping Customs
Escaping Customs (Walter Payne & Wilson Payne) Before 1949, Newfoundland was a colony of Great Britain, so any schooner that sailed...
Bonne Bay Historical Archive
Dec 1, 2024


Along the Shore From Birchy Head to Silver Point
Along the Shore From Birchy Head to Silver Point (Doug Halfyard, Cyril Hedge, The Rounder Magazine and Roy Osmonds book) Silver Point is...
Bonne Bay Historical Archive
Dec 1, 2024


Irish Priest From Albania
A well-known landmark in Woody Point is St. Patrick’s Church, now in private hands. Its inscription in the register of Canada’s Historic...
Bonne Bay Historical Archive
Jul 6, 2024


Little Girl Lost
Amanda Howell was the daughter of Orestes Howell of Hell Cove, WHB. She was born in 1896 and is said to have had a rough life living with...
Bonne Bay Historical Archive
Jul 6, 2024
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