Living Heritage Podcast Ep123 The Brewnettes: The Newfoundland Women’s Craft Beer Collective

The Brewnettes have been bringing women together over a pint since 2012, first as an online forum and now in the form of monthly meet-ups and events. The St. John’s-based group welcomes women with all levels of experience and knowledge, from professional brewers to those tasting their first pint of craft beer. In this episode, Terra Barrett talks with organizers Nicole Evans and Christina Coady. Nicole Evans is a Newfoundlander-by-choice, business developer and entrepreneur by day, and craft beer nerd by night. Through working with the Brewnettes and Port Rexton Brewing Company, Nicole has witnessed first-hand the power that craft beer has to bring people together, revitalize communities and support the evolution of the already strong culture of beer in Newfoundland. Christina Coady is co-owner and head brewer at Landwash Brewery in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland. In addition to running a brewery, Christina works with other Brewnettes to organize monthly meet-ups and events. Join the Brewnettes Facebook page to learn more about the craft beer community or attend an upcoming event.

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The Living Heritage Podcast is about people who are engaged in the heritage and culture sector, from museum professionals and archivists, to tradition bearers and craftspeople - all those who keep history alive at the community level. The show is a partnership between HFNL and CHMR Radio. Past episodes are hosted on Libsyn, and you can subscribe via iTunes, or Stitcher. Theme music is Rythme Gitan by Latché Swing.

Newfoundland word of the day: Linkum (and where it comes from) #heritageNL

This fabulous shot of a gentleman identified as Uncle Abe Mercer is from the International Grenfell Association photograph collection of lantern slides in the holdings of The Rooms (Item IGA 13-58). The original photograph was taken in 1931 by Fred Coleman Sears, and shows a man wearing rain gear, with sou'wester hat, or what in Newfoundland English one might call a "lincoln" or "linkum."

Here is what the Dictionary of Newfoundland English says about the word:

lincoln n also linkum. A fisherman's oilskin hat with elongated flap at the back; CAPE ANN, SOU'WESTER.

1936 DEVINE 115 He sold. . .oil clothing, which was a specialty and included south-westers, Cape Anns and 'Lincolns.' 1937 ibid 31 Linkum. An oiled hat (sou'-wester) worn by fishermen. 1970 Wooden Boats 20 Those three shipwrecked men clung to the rock from Saturday to Tuesday, without food and the only water they had to drink was rain water they caught in a lincoln. 1971 NOSEWORTHY 217 Linkum. A large water-proof hat worn by fishermen with a strap under the chin, a small rim in front, and a flap on the back to keep the neck dry. 1978 Evening Telegram 9 Sep. p. 14 A linkum is an oil hat with a long back on it to protect your shoulders.

Waterproofed cloth garments were used in the North Atlantic from the late 1700s, and what we think of today as the oilskins worn by sailors and fishermen were originally made from sailcloth coated with tar. Traditional black or "tarred" Sou'Wester hats were developed in the 1800s, but replaced the tar with linseed oil and lampblack. 

Scottish chemist Charles Macintosh patented a method in 1823 for binding two pieces of material together with rubber dissolved in naphtha, and the Mackintosh was born (the K was added later, apparently). But the rubber Mackintosh didn’t breathe, which made it unsuitable for certain types of work, and it stiffened when cold.

Gabardine was invented in 1879 by Englishman Thomas Burberry (founder of the Burberry fashion house) The original fabric was waterproofed using lanolin (and Burberry coats were worn by polar explorers such as Amundsen and Shackleton). It was a New Zealander, Edward Le Roy, however, who is said to have developed a more commercially-available (and yellow) material circa 1898, using worn-out sailcloth painted with a mixture of linseed oil and wax. This produced a waterproof, yet still breathable garment able to be worn in foul-weather conditions. 

Scientific American (Vol. 79, No. 11, September 10, 1898, p. 172) notes:

When a sailor's oilskins crack or get worn so that they are not waterproof, he oils them. They may need oiling two or three times a year. There are prepared oil dressings made for this use and pnt up in little tin cans. Some sailors use oils of one sort and another,and some sailors make a mixture of their own for a dressing. The sailor is likely to have a preference for some one brand of clothing and to stick to it. And he has his own ideas as to the best dressing for it, but he carries always with him a dressing of some sort. It is put on with a brush, the garments being hung up and painted with it.

But what of our linkums? Where did that particular word come from?

The catalogue and price list for Joseph H. Rowe & Company, manufacturers of genuine Cape Ann oiled clothing, horse and wagon covers, sou'westers and oiled hats, out of Gloucester, Massachusetts (circa 1892) note that their Lincoln Sou’ Wester retailed for $8 a dozen, though the catalogue advised that one could write in for discounts. The image below is taken from the catalogue:

It seems likely that the Newfoundland word “lincoln” and its derivative “linkum” comes from the Lincoln Sou’ Wester, though why that particular style of Sou’ Wester was called a Lincoln is yet (by me at least) undetermined. The catalogue also offered for sale "Rowe's Prepared Oil" (at $3.50/doz) to keep your lincoln in tip-top shape, which was warranted to dry, soft and pliable, and free from tact. It came in pint cans with a patent screw top, for your convenience.

If you have an old linkum in your collections, we'd love to see it, and if there are people who remember the process of making oilskin, please get in touch! You can call me at 1-888-739-1892 x2, or email dale@heritagenl.ca

Tuesday's #FolklorePhoto: Crafting in Black Duck Cove

Blanche Dredge stands next to her table of crafts in her home, Black Duck Cove. Photo by Lisa Wilson. 2010.

Today's Folklore Photos come from The Straits collection on Memorial University's Digital Archives Initiative. The Strait of Belle Isle is a geographic region on the northwest coast of Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula. Colloquially know as 'The Straits,' this coastal strip runs from the community of Plum Point in the south, to Eddies Cove East at the northernmost tip.

Between these two locales, several small communities dot the coast. Families first arrived at The Strait of Belle Isle in the 1880s, to exploit the salmon fishery and perhaps set up a base for the fur trade. Early inhabitants were there seasonally, but by 1884, permanent settlers arrived and began fishing for cod, herring, and began sealing practices as well. Although resources may have shifted in value, abundance and importance, over the years, the local drive to work the land and sea has remained consistent. While the cod fishery ultimately saw its demise in the 1990s, forms of this industry continue to fuel the local economy today. In Anchor Point, for instance, many of the residents continue to work as fish harvesters, or alternately in the shrimp plant, which employs upwards of 150 people each season.

The Straits inventory is part of a founding collection for the Great Northern Peninsula Textiles Archive and Learning Center. This project, based in Conche, NL, is an on-going initiative to document and preserve the textile-based crafts that are being created on Newfoundland's Northern Peninsula. The items in this collection were gathered between May and July of 2010 and include photographs of textile craft objects such as sealskin boots, Newfoundland Quilts, knitted socks, and embroidered cloth. This inventory also includes audio clips of craftspeople discussing their particular textile-based skills and practices. Straits communities present in this collection include Green Island Brook, Pines Cove, Bird Cove, Black Duck Cove, Eddies Cove East, Anchor Point, Sandy Cove, and Flower's Cove. Flower's Cove, due to its comparably large population, has been given its own community inventory on the DAI.

If you want to learn more about this collection click here and if you want to listen to an interview with Blanche Dredge about life in Black Duck Cove click here for part one, and here for part two.

Five polar bears hooked mat made by Blanche Dredge, Black Duck Cove. Photo by Lisa Wilson. 2010

A toilet paper holder in plastic canvas made by Blanche Dredge, Black Duck Cove. Photo by Lisa Wilson. 2010

Grand Falls-Windsor Memories Mug Up - Ed Power

Storytellers on stage.

On Friday, July 13, as part of the celebrations for Salmon Festival the Grand Falls-Windsor Heritage Society hosted their second annual Memories Mug Up at the Classic Theatre on High Street. About a hundred audience members came out to listen to the six storytellers share their memories of growing up in Grand Falls-Windsor. The session was moderated by Mary Kelly, a recently retired teacher and member of the heritage society.

There were stories about growing up in during the Second World War, the newspaper industry, memories of High Street and Main Street, and stories about the paper mill. Today's story comes from Ed Power:

View of the Classic Theatre.

Living Heritage Podcast Ep122 Tiny Houses with Jess Puddister

Jess Puddister was born in Burin, raised in St. John’s, and has roots both in St. Mary’s Bay and the Southern Shore. She completed her B.Sc. in Earth Science at Dalhousie University in 2013 and has since worked in the Environmental Science Industry (private industry and not-for-profit). She and her partner Tim Ward from South East Bight started building a tiny house in 2015 in response to unstable job security in Newfoundland and a desire to reduce their carbon footprint. A year teaching English in Japan helped inform their minimalist lifestyle, and they are looking forward to getting back to basics once they secure property for their tiny house. Jess wants to incorporate traditional Newfoundland homesteading practices into her daily life, and raise her future kids with a focus on nature and self-sufficiency. You can learn more about tiny homes in Newfoundland on the Facebook page Tiny Houses & Alternative Dwellings NL.

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The Living Heritage Podcast is about people who are engaged in the heritage and culture sector, from museum professionals and archivists, to tradition bearers and craftspeople - all those who keep history alive at the community level. The show is a partnership between HFNL and CHMR Radio. Past episodes are hosted on Libsyn, and you can subscribe via iTunes, or Stitcher. Theme music is Rythme Gitan by Latché Swing.

Rectory and St. Mary's Anglican Church #FolklorePhoto

Photo courtesy Heart's Content Mizzen Heritage Society. 

This week's #FolklorePhoto is of the rectory(c. 1890-1954) and St. Mary's Anglican Church (1884-1989) in Heart's Content. Unfortunately, the church was destroyed by fire in May of 1989. 

Grand Falls-Windsor Memories Mug Up - Elizabeth Walters

Storytellers on stage at the Memories Mug Up.

On Friday, July 13, as part of the celebrations for Salmon Festival the Grand Falls-Windsor Heritage Society hosted their second annual Memories Mug Up at the Classic Theatre on High Street. About a hundred audience members came out to listen to the six storytellers share their memories of growing up in Grand Falls-Windsor. The session was moderated by Mary Kelly, a recently retired teacher and member of the heritage society.

There were stories about growing up in during the Second World War, the newspaper industry, memories of High Street and Main Street, and stories about the paper mill. Today's story comes from Elizabeth (Hicks) Walters:

Memories Mug Up at the Classic Theatre.

Living Heritage Podcast Ep121 U-boats and Lost Torpedoes

Neil Burgess has a Masters in Science and works as a wildlife biologist for the federal government. In his spare time, he pursues his passion for learning more about shipwrecks in this province. With friends, he established the Shipwreck Preservation Society of Newfoundland & Labrador five years ago. The aim of the Shipwreck Society is to document, protect and promote awareness of shipwrecks and nautical history across the province. The Society is currently working with the Bell Island Heritage Society to create a virtual museum exhibit online on the U-boat attacks at Bell Island in 1942 and the sinking of four ore ships. If you or someone you know has memories, stories, or photos of the Bell Island U-boat attacks, you can share them with the Shipwreck Preservation Society through their Facebook page or on their website.

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The Living Heritage Podcast is about people who are engaged in the heritage and culture sector, from museum professionals and archivists, to tradition bearers and craftspeople - all those who keep history alive at the community level. The show is a partnership between HFNL and CHMR Radio. Past episodes are hosted on Libsyn, and you can subscribe via iTunes, or Stitcher. Theme music is Rythme Gitan by Latché Swing.

Tuesday's #FolklorePhoto: Hooking Away

Dale Wells assembles her mat hooking frame, St. Anthony. Photo by Lisa Wilson. 2010

Today's Folklore Photos come from St. Anthony collection on Memorial University's Digital Archives Initiative. St. Anthony is located on the northeastern tip of Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula. This site was first given the name of 'St. Anthony Haven' in 1532, for the way in which the area operated as a safe landing point for fishing fleets. The region was initially settled based on the fact that there were rich cod fishing grounds in the vicinity, a move that helped to establish a productive fishery that would last for several centuries. Despite the eventual collapse of the cod fishery, St. Anthony has had many development successes, making it a vital service center for residents of the broader GNP region.

Another important feature of St. Anthony is the community's historic affiliation with the legacy of Dr. Grenfell. Wilfred Thomason Grenfell (1865-1940) - a British doctor-arrived in St. Anthony in 1892 as a medical missionary, sent by The Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen. Within a year of his arrival, Dr. Grenfell commenced building a medical system that eventually grew to serve the regions of Northern Newfoundland and Labrador. As his medical mission grew, his mandate expanded to include the development of schools, cooperatives, industrial work projects, an orphanage, and other social programs. One such program involved utilizing local textile-based craft skills to help sustain the region's economy. Grenfell style embroidered coats and hooked rugs with Grenfell inspired designs are being produced by residents of the Great Northern Peninsula to this day. These objects are now referred to as being a part of the 'Grenfell tradition' and can be seen and purchased at Grenfell Handicrafts, located in St. Anthony.

The St. Anthony inventory is part of a founding collection for the Great Northern Peninsula Textiles Archive and Learning Center. This project, based in Conche, NL, is an on-going initiative to document and preserve the textile-based crafts that are being created on Newfoundland's Northern Peninsula. The items in this collection were gathered between May and July of 2010 and include photographs of textile craft objects such as patchwork quilts, knitted items, and Grenfell-style hooked rugs. This inventory also includes audio clips of craftspeople discussing their particular textile-based skills and practices.

If you want to learn more about this collection click here and if you want to listen to an interview with Dale Wells about quilting and knitting click here.

A nautical themed quilt made by Dale Wells, St. Anthony. Photo by Lisa Wilson. 2010

A tie dyed quilted wall hanging made by Dale Wells, St. Anthony. Photo by Lisa Wilson. 2010

Grand Falls-Windsor Memories Mug Up - Roy Oldford

Storytellers on stage.

On Friday, July 13, as part of the celebrations for Salmon Festival the Grand Falls-Windsor Heritage Society hosted their second annual Memories Mug Up at the Classic Theatre on High Street. About a hundred audience members came out to listen to the six storytellers share their memories of growing up in Grand Falls-Windsor. The session was moderated by Mary Kelly, a recently retired teacher and member of the heritage society.

There were stories about growing up in during the Second World War, the newspaper industry, memories of High Street and Main Street, and stories about the paper mill. Today's story comes from Roy Oldford:

View of the Classic Theatre.

Living Heritage Podcast Ep120 Local experiences and fishcakes

Kelly Mansell is an owner, as well as sales and marketing manager, for the popular Rocket Bakery & Fresh Food on Water Street. She has a long history of creativity in entrepreneurship and, besides her bakery, she is also involved as a partner in the Toronto-based Comrags boutique and its acclaimed fashion line. She has worked as an account director and public relations consultant for several PR firms on international tourism accounts and, most recently for PraxisPR. In this episode, Kelly talks about how she came to Newfoundland to start the bakery, and her desire to create a space were people wanted to hang out. This summer, Kelly has all sorts of programs and events on the go, including “Fishcakes & Accordions” every Tuesday and “Fishing for Success” every Wednesday. Kelly also gave us a sneak preview of Rocket’s new space in Churchill Square, which she affectionately dubs “baby Rocket.” You can find more Rocket Bakery’s events and programs online here.

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The Living Heritage Podcast is about people who are engaged in the heritage and culture sector, from museum professionals and archivists, to tradition bearers and craftspeople - all those who keep history alive at the community level. The show is a partnership between HFNL and CHMR Radio. Past episodes are hosted on Libsyn, and you can subscribe via iTunes, or Stitcher. Theme music is Rythme Gitan by Latché Swing.

Lassy Days Photo Scanning Party, Spaniard's Bay

Church of the Holy Redeemer, Church of England, Spaniard's Bay, with car leaving church grounds, circa 1947.
The Rooms VA 15D-25.3.

Do you have an old photo album that might include images from Spaniard’s Bay?

During the town’s Lassy Days celebrations, the Spaniard’s Bay Heritage Society is hosting a scanning party, to help save and share old photos for all to see.

The society is looking for old photos of Spaniard’s Bay, from the 1880s to the 1980s, including anything showing old buildings, garden parties, family reunions, or cars decorated for weddings. The event will be hosted in partnership with the intangible cultural heritage office of Heritage NL.

“We want to see those snapshots Nan kept in the old biscuit tin in the closet,” says folklorist Dale Jarvis with the Heritage NL. “Sometimes photos from the 1970s and ‘80s include buildings or structures that have been torn down, so even if they aren’t ancient photographs, they can still help us document changes to the community.”

Jarvis and Spaniard’s Bay Heritage Society workers will be on site to scan the photographs and ask questions about who or what is in the photo. If you bring your own USB flash drive, you can take home a digital copy as well as your original photographs.

The digital copies will be used by the society, shared on Facebook with the owner’s permission, and a copy will be uploaded to Memorial University’s Digital Archives Initiative, which is indexed and archived for history buffs everywhere to see.

So go ahead and dig out those old photos, and come out Wednesday, August 8th, at 7pm for tea, treats, and a chat. The scanning party will take place at the Wesley Gosse Heritage Museum, located in the former United Church, 6 Church Hill, across from the Harold Gosse Park and Gazebo.

Update from the St. James Anglican Cemetery project, Carbonear

Last year, Heritage NL was asked by one of our Registered Heritage Structures, St. James Anglican in Carbonear, to give some advice on their cemetery cleanup project (see past blog entries here). A year into the project, they've made great strides to cut back invasive bushes and trees, trim rose bushes, and expose some hidden stones and markers.  A big shout out to Judy Symonds who has taken the lead on this project, and to last year's summer students for their excellent and careful work.

Yesterday, I was back in Carbonear to help give some training on this summer's phase of the project. The cemetery has been partially mapped, with the majority of the pre-1900s graves transcribed. Several plots were left unfinished, and there are quite a few 20th century grave markers that have not been recorded at all. So I worked with their current batch of summer students, and taught them how to use the Marker Record Form designed by the Family History Society.  The goal is to finish recording the south half of the cemetery.

One of the intriguing finds made this year was of a First World War Memorial Plaque (sometimes called a Dead Man's Penny) firmly mounted on concrete. The plaques were issued to the next-of-kin of all British and Empire service personnel who were killed as a result of the war, but it is rare to see one used as a cemetery memorial.

The plaque bears the name William Stephenson, who might possibly be this person:
https://www.therooms.ca/sites/default/files/stephenson_william_3737.pdf

More to come as research and documentation continue!

If you want to learn more about the process of cemetery transcription, we are holding a Cemetery Transcription Bee Thursday, August 9th, 2018 at 9am in partnership with Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove Museum. This combination workshop/documentation project will instruct participants on how to transcribe grave markers. You’ll learn about the DOs and DON’Ts of recording inscriptions, tombstone symbols and stone types, how to fill out cemetery marker forms, and assist the Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove Museum in collecting tombstone information at the St. Francis of Assisi RC Cemetery.  Pre-registration required (right here!)

Origin of the word "Bee" (the work party, not the insect)

DID YOU KNOW?

Origin of the word “Bee”

“Because the word describes people working together in a social group, a common false etymology is that the term derives from the insect of the same name and similar social behavior. According to etymological research recorded in dictionaries, the word probably comes from dialectal been or bean (meaning "help given by neighbors"), which came from Middle English bene (meaning "prayer", "boon" and "extra service by a tenant to his lord")”

Source: Wikipedia


We're organizing a work party of our own, part bee, part workshop, on how to transcribe tombstone inscriptions. You can read all about that right here.

Photo: Digby County, Nova Scotia quilting bee

Grand Falls-Windsor Memories Mug Up - Barbara Smith

Storytellers on stage.

On Friday, July 13, as part of the celebrations for Salmon Festival the Grand Falls-Windsor Heritage Society hosted their second annual Memories Mug Up at the Classic Theatre on High Street. About a hundred audience members came out to listen to the six storytellers share their memories of growing up in Grand Falls-Windsor. The session was moderated by Mary Kelly, a recently retired teacher and member of the heritage society.

There were stories about growing up in during the Second World War, the newspaper industry, memories of High Street and Main Street, and stories about the paper mill. Today's story comes from Barbara Smith:

View of the Classic Theatre.

The Outer Cove Cemetery Transcription Bee! August 9th

Thursday, August 9th, 2018
9am-12pm
Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove Museum
744 Logy Bay Road, Logy Bay

(backup rain date: August 16th, 2018)

This combination workshop/documentation project will instruct participants in how to transcribe grave markers. You’ll learn about the DOs and DON’Ts of recording inscriptions, tombstone symbols and stone types, how to fill out cemetery marker forms, and assist the Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove Museum in collecting tombstone information at the St. Francis of Assisi RC Cemetery. Participants will take a walk about the cemetery and then will record contemporary grave markers, as part of the Museum’s ongoing project to maintain a database of cemetery inscriptions.

The workshop component will take place at the LBMCOC Museum, followed by fieldwork at the nearby cemetery. Participants should bring comfortable closed-toe shoes/boots, dress appropriately for the weather, and bring their own bug spray/sunscreen.  This event is a partnership between Heritage NL and the LBMCOC Museum.

Cost: $10 (includes refreshments, instruction, and materials)

Pre-registration required at www.heritagenl.ca

Proposed Audience: heritage and church volunteers, genealogists, researchers

Biography of presenter:
Dale Jarvis is the Intangible Cultural Heritage Development Officer for the province of NL, helping communities safeguard traditional culture. Dale holds a BSc in Anthropology/Archaeology (Trent), and a MA in Folklore (Memorial). He has worked for Heritage NL since 1996, and is Adjunct Faculty with the Memorial University Department of Folklore. He regularly teaches on oral history, cultural documentation, and public folklore.


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For more information:

Katie Crane
Museum Coordinator
Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove Museum
lbmcocmuseum@gmail.com

(709) 726-5272

Living Heritage Podcast Ep119 A giant garden party

Chris Neary is President of the 2018 Royal St. John’s Regatta, which celebrates its 200th anniversary this year. In the past nine years, Chris has worn many hats with the Regatta. He’s been Vice President and Captain of the Course, Commutations Director, Secretary, and Treasurer. Chris is also an avid rower and has competed in many regattas across the province, including the Placentia and Harbour Grace Regattas, Fogo Island Punt Race, Canadian Henley Regatta, and Atlantic Championships. In this episode, Chris talks about the history of the Regatta, beginning with recreational races in the 1700s and the earliest known document announcing the St. John’s Royal Regatta in 1818. The Regatta isn’t just about sport- Chris also describes how the Regatta came to be the “a giant garden party,” with games of chance, food, and live music. The 2018 Regatta is the largest in history with 156 teams competing in 36 races. To learn more about the Royal St. John’s Regatta, visit the website here.

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The Living Heritage Podcast is about people who are engaged in the heritage and culture sector, from museum professionals and archivists, to tradition bearers and craftspeople - all those who keep history alive at the community level. The show is a partnership between HFNL and CHMR Radio. Past episodes are hosted on Libsyn, and you can subscribe via iTunes, or Stitcher. Theme music is Rythme Gitan by Latché Swing.

What to do with those buckets of capelin

This pair found a quiet spot along the beach at Middle Cove, despite the crowds. (Photo on Saturday, July 14, 2018).

As many Newfoundlanders know, July is the time to watch the capelin roll. These small, sardine-like fish swarm the beaches in early summer to spawn. Crowds gather to collect the fish with buckets and nets. As a come-from-away who has been offered capelin from the freezer of more than one friend, I wondered; what’s the best way to cook capelin?

From the looks of it, simple, pan-fried capelin is best. Barbara Noel Drover out of Mount Pearl said:

I like to clean and then dust with flour and fry with a little bit of fat back ... leftovers clean and freeze in small batches.

Another option is to cook them right up over a fire on the beach, or salt them for later. Robin Dooley said:

I cook them fresh on a stick around a campfire with lots of friends of course lol, I also roll in flour, salt and pepper and fry in oil on the stove for a brunch or breakfast.

Some people salt or smoke and dry for preservation, and I especially like these on a stick over the campfire. I don’t know the exact method but I’ve been told the gist of it; you add fresh water to a big bucket, add fisherman’s salt until a potato floats in the briny, buoyant liquid and then add your capelin until the eyes turn white. Then arrange on a flake, in a good breeze to keep the flies away. They are ready when they are dry but still pliable. We store these in the freezer in bags to keep fresh, but some leave in the cupboard! *eww, I’m a wuss for botulism*

In these photos, shared by Scott Sparks, you can see that not much has changed since the 1950s down at Middle Cove during the capelin run. Sparks’ father, William Sparks (pictured below), was the school principal at Earnest Harmon Air Force Base from 1957 to 1960.

William Sparks and friends at Middle Cove Beach in the 1950s. (Photo courtesy of Scott Sparks).

William Sparks collecting capelin at Middle Cove Beach. (Photo Courtesy of Scott Sparks).

Tuesday's #FolklorePhoto: Handmade Quilts and Guitars

Marie and Oliver Reid pose for a photo in their livingroom, Roddickton. Photo by Lisa Wilson. 2010

Today's Folklore Photos come from the Roddickton collection on Memorial University's Digital Archives Initiative. Roddickton is a community located between Main Brook and Englee on the eastern side of Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula.

This community got its start with help from the Grenfell Mission when in 1906, when they built a sawmill operation in the region. Setting up this land-based industry was a direct attempt to address the uncertainties of the fishing industry. Previous to this development, the Main Brook area was known as Easter Brook and was mostly used by residents of Englee as hunting and fishing grounds. The name Roddickton was given to the new settlement in honor of a Grenfell Mission supporter named Thomas G. Roddick. The town was officially incorporated under the name of Roddickton in 1953.

The sawmill history of Roddickton is one riddled with contrasting times of growth and decline. The original sawmill only lasted until the early 1920s-a closure that saw most of the residents evacuated. This economic slump was temporary, however, as within four years, the Bowater Company moved into Roddickton to establish new mill operations. This industry motivated consistent growth for the community until the 1970s when Bowater too, was forced to shut down. Roddickton now operates as a service center for the greater region, helping to sustain the local population.

The Roddickton inventory is part of a founding collection for the Great Northern Peninsula Textiles Archive and Learning Center. This project, based in Conche, NL, is an on-going initiative to document and preserve the textile-based crafts that are being created on Newfoundland's Northern Peninsula. The items in this collection were gathered between May and July of 2010 and include photographs of textile craft objects such as the Newfoundland Quilt, patch work quilts, and knitted items. This inventory also includes audio clips of craftspeople discussing their particular textile-based skills and practices.

If you want to learn more about this collection click here and if you want to listen to an interview with Marie and Oliver Reid about knitting, quilting, taxidermy, and homemade guitars click here.

A painted Newfoundland quilt made by Marie Reid, Roddickton. Photo by Lisa Wilson. 2010

A guitar made by Oliver Reid, Roddickton. Photo by Lisa Wilson. 2010

Mount Pearl Memory Mug Up at Admiralty House

Memory Mug Up participants at Admiralty House Communications Museum.

On Wednesday, July 18th, Dale, Natalie, and I were out in Mount Pearl at Admiralty House Communications Museum for their first Memory Mug Up. The Mug Up was hosted by several staff members at Admiralty House and it focused on Mount Pearl memories.

A dozen people showed up to tell stories about climbing haystacks and stealing turnips from farmers' fields, swimming at Twin Falls, and flattening pennies on the railway track. The main memories people shared were about the sense of community and the strong relationships which developed in Mount Pearl.

There were several residents who moved to the community in the 1960s through the 1980s and discussed the development over the years. Another common memory which was shared was of time spent volunteering with different organizations. Several people mentioned the sport alliance, and the Frosty Festival and how volunteering for these events helped build the community spirit of Mount Pearl.

If you want to learn more about how to run a Memory Mug Up in your community check out our easy how-to-guide or contact Dale Jarvis at 739-1892 ex. 2 or dale@heritagenl.ca

Sharing stories and memories of Mount Pearl.

Living Heritage Podcast Ep118 Victoria Park Lantern Festival with Elizabeth Tuck

Elizabeth Tuck is the Coordinator for the 2018 Victoria Park Lantern Festival. In this episode, Elizabeth talks about how the 2018 festival is the biggest yet, with even more fire and light performances, workshops, musicians, volunteer opportunities, and chances to make your own lanterns. The Lantern Festival is celebrated the last Saturday of July every summer, from 2- 8 p.m. at Victoria Park in St. John’s, and is a free event.

Download MP3

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The Living Heritage Podcast is about people who are engaged in the heritage and culture sector, from museum professionals and archivists, to tradition bearers and craftspeople - all those who keep history alive at the community level. The show is a partnership between HFNL and CHMR Radio. Past episodes are hosted on Libsyn, and you can subscribe via iTunes, or Stitcher. Theme music is Rythme Gitan by Latché Swing.

How do you cook your capelin?

It's capelin season! I was down at Middle Cove last Saturday watching everyone with their nets and buckets. What is the best way to prepare and cook capelin? And what do you do with leftover fish?

Salmon Fishing #FolklorePhoto

Photo courtesy Daphne March.

This week's #FolklorePhoto is of Jeff and his father, Arthur Hodder. This was the first fish he ever caught on a salmon fishing trip with his father. Jeff recalls:

"I remember it was a pretty exciting time. I remember it was in the evening, and the sun was just setting. Everything was perfect. It was calm. And the next thing you know, I had this fish on. Was I excited! I remember mom squealing and getting the camera ready for a picture. Dad was saying 'Keep your pole up! Keep your pole up!' I landed him, I didn’t need anybody’s help. He netted it for me. I just remembered everything he told me, and he was there coaching me. It was pretty exciting. Needless to say, I was pretty proud at the end of that day. I woke up the next morning, and I figured I was old enough now to shave. I put Dad’s lather on my face, took the razor out. You know those old razors with the blade you’d put in? I took the blade out and started shaving. There is a picture of me shaving somewhere. That was the next day, I figured if I was man enough to catch a salmon, I was man enough to shave!"

Memory Mug Up - Bell Island U-boat Attacks & Sinkings, July 20

The two German U-boat attacks in 1942 sank four ore ships off Bell Island and left 70 sailors dead. Do you have memories or family stories you can share of the attacks or the sinkings? Or of the care of the survivors or the funerals for the dead? If so, then we would like to invite you to a Memory Mug Up at the Bell Island Community Museum on Friday, July 20 at 7:00 p.m.

The Memory Mug Up is an informal story-sharing session, where people gather, have a cup of tea, and share memories. The goal of the program is to help participants (especially seniors) share and preserve their stories.

Join folklorist Dale Jarvis of the NL Heritage Foundation and members of the Bell Island Heritage Society for an evening of memories. This event is part of a larger project which the Bell Island Heritage Society is working on with the Shipwreck Preservation Society of Newfoundland & Labrador, to create a new website on the WWII sinkings and how they affected Bell Islanders.

To register for the Memory Mug Up, please call Teresita McCarthy at 709-488-2880 or email bellislandhs@nf.aibn.com

Facebook event listing

Living Heritage Podcast Ep117 Virtual Museums and Memory Mug Ups

Terra Barrett is a public folklorist with the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador. This week, Terra talks about a Virtual Museums Canada project in Grand Falls-Windsor, which will make oral histories and photographs from the town available online. Terra and Dale also talk about Memory Mug Ups, including a Mug Up in Grand Falls-Windsor and another on Bell Island, along with some tips and tricks for collecting stories. As part of her next project, Digital Storytelling, Terra will help community members tell stories by collecting and digitizing their photographs.

Download MP3


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The Living Heritage Podcast is about people who are engaged in the heritage and culture sector, from museum professionals and archivists, to tradition bearers and craftspeople - all those who keep history alive at the community level. The show is a partnership between HFNL and CHMR Radio. Past episodes are hosted on Libsyn, and you can subscribe via iTunes, or Stitcher. Theme music is Rythme Gitan by Latché Swing.

New Broadcast Intern joins the Living Heritage Podcast

Good morning, Newfoundland and Labrador! You might not hear my voice on the radio, but this summer I’ll be at the ICH office bringing you the latest on heritage and culture in our province. We’ll be talking to artisans, craftspeople, musicians, and more about festivals, food, farmers markets, and regattas (just to name a few!). Throughout the summer, I’ll be looking to chat with people who practice all kinds of culture, from crafts to music and more. If you or someone you know wants to be on the Living Heritage Podcast, email Natalie at livingheritagepodcast@gmail.com.

The Living Heritage Podcast is about people who are engaged in the heritage and culture sector, from museum professionals and archivists, to tradition bearers and craftspeople - all those who keep heritage alive at the community level. We talk about their work, their passions, and the day-to-day safeguarding of culture, history, and tradition.

Hillview School Memories Mug Up

Hillview Memory Mug Up.

On Tuesday, July 3rd Dale and I headed out to Hillview and their 50+ Club Centre to a community Memory Mug Up on school memories. We were invited by the Southwest Arm Historical Society to facilitate the event.

Twenty seven community members attended the Mug Up and shared stories from their school days as both students and teachers. Several people had memories of attending or teaching in one room schools with outhouses, while others attended larger schools in St. John's or Grand Bank that were fancy enough to have indoor plumbing! One person told a story of how in his mother's time if they wanted a day off school they would simply clog the chimney and the students would be free for the day. Another woman remembered walking to school and passing the piano rock which her and her sisters would "play" each day. Several people discussed children's games including tidley (or pidley), and marbles.

Do you have a memory that stands out from your time in school? Let us know in the comments below!

Hillview Memory Mug Up.

Tuesday's #FolklorePhoto: Textiles in St. Lunaire-Griquet

Louise Bussey poses with her patchwork leaf quilt, St. Lunaire-Griqeut. Photo by Lisa Wilson. 2010.

Today's Folklore Photos come from St. Lunaire-Griquet collection on Memorial University's Digital Archives Initiative. St. Lunaire-Griquet is scenic community located about twenty minutes north of St. Anthony on Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula. It is a community of approximately 1000 residents, spread across a region that was once two distinct communities. During the 1950s, sudden development in the area precipitated the conjoining of St. Lunaire and Griquet into one incorporated town-site. Unlike the vast majority of GNP communities, St.-Lunaire-Griquet has always seen a continual rise in population rather than a decline, with exception to the cod moratorium years, which invariable saw many people leave their homes to pursue work elsewhere. It is often said that the local post office marks the spot where the two communities come together.

The French began visiting this region as early as the 16th century, in order to exploit the renowned cod fishery. Despite the early arrival of these seasonal fishermen, the vicinity was not officially mapped until 1784, when the infamous French sailor Liberge de Granchain pursued the undertaking. He is still remembered for his work in the area, by an island near St. Lunaire Bay that bears his name. Granchain Island still holds evidence of the French presence, by the archaeological remains of French bread ovens that can be observed on the site.

The St. Lunaire-Griquet inventory is part of a founding collection for the Great Northern Peninsula Textiles Archive and Learning Center. This project, based in Conche, NL, is an on-going initiative to document and preserve the textile-based crafts that are being created on Newfoundland's Northern Peninsula. The items in this collection were gathered between May and July of 2010 and include photographs of textile craft objects such as embroidered and pieced quilts, knitted items, and Grenfell-style coats. This inventory also includes audio clips of craftspeople discussing their particular textile-based skills and practices.

If you want to learn more about this collection click here and if you want to listen to an interview with Louise Bussey about textile projects including quilts and parkas click here.

An embroidered Grenfell coat made by Louise Bussey, St. Lunaire-Griquet. Photo by Lisa Wilson. 2010

Close-up of a patchwork Canada goose quilt made by Louise Bussey, St. Lunaire-Griquet. Photo by Lisa Wilson. 2010

Heritage Update Summer 2018 - Documenting Traditional Places and Skills

In this summer edition of the Heritage Update newsletter, we are focusing on traditional skills and knowledge around our historic places. Jerry Dick writes about an oral history project to document the knowledge of traditional artisans and carpenters; Terra Barrett writes on “Remembering the Merchants of Main Street" -- a Windsor-based project which is part of the Virtual Museum of Canada’s Community Stories investment program; and summer intern Keith Burgess writes on the designated St. James Anglican Church in Battle Harbour Labrador.

Download the pdf here

Mother M. Bernard Clune #FolklorePhoto

Photo courtesy The Sisters of Mercy. 

This week's #FolklorePhoto is of Mother M. Bernard Clune. She was the nun who purchased Sir Little's property that eventually became Littledale in 1883-1884.