O'BRIEN, ALOYSIUS P. 141

OAKLEY, JOHN THORNE (? -1878). Merchant; pol­ roundings in prints and drawings which were exhibited itician; magistrate. Married Mary Smith. The son of in individual and group shows throughout eastern Can­ Robert Oakley, an agent for the Trinity firm of Lester ada, including several solo shows at MUN Art Gallery. and Co. at Silly Cove (Winterton), John Thorne Oakley Her works included graphite drawings of windows in was likely named after another Trinity Bay agent of the landscape, and multimedia drawings placing photo­ firm. In 1808 he was indentured to George Garland qv graphic images - whales, skeletons, fishermen and as a mariner. It is likely that Oakley originally came to nets - within misty pools of colour. In 1992 she was Greenspond as an employee of the Greens pond branch living in Palouse, Washington. Frank LaPointe (inter­ of Garland and Co. (successor to the Lester firm). In view, Apr. 1992), Atlantic Insight (Jan. 1982), ET any case, he was living at Greenspond by 1825 and was (June 16, 1973; Feb. 5, 1975; Mar. 12, 1977), Centre Garland's agent there by 1827. Oakley was appointed for Newfoundland Studies (Heidi Oberheide). KAW a Justice of the Peace in 1830, and it appears that by OBLATE MISSION. The Oblate Order, formally the 1840s be was a merchant and vessel-owner on his known as Les Peres Oblats de Marie-Immaculee, was own account. He served a single term as a Conservative founded in the early 1800s by the Roman Catholic MHA for Bonavista, from 1865 to 1869. In 1874 he Bishop of Marseilles. After 1844 a few Oblate fathers was appointed stipendiary magistrate at Greenspond, came to Labrador to establish coastal missions, where serving until his death there on April 13, 1878. O.G. they gave instruction in church doctrine, reading, writ­ Tucker (interview, Sept. 1992), Newfoundlander (July ing and singing. In 1867 Father Louis Babel visited 10, 1834), Maritime History Group (Keith Matthews North West River (Sheshatshit qv) where he preached name file, 056). RHC to 14 Innu families. A church was built at Sheshatshit OBED, ELLEN BRYAN (1944- ). Author. Born Or­ by 1872 and was visited by Father Babel, Father ange, New Jersey, daughter of William L. and Marga­ Lacasse and Father George Lemoine. The visits ceased ret A. (Bradley) Bryan. Educated Bradford College, in 1895 because of an ecclesiastical dispute over reli­ Massachusetts; University of Maine. Married Enoch gious jurisdiction in Labrador. The mission subse­ Obed. In 1965 Ellen Bryan went to Labrador as a quently came under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of volunteer with the International Grenfell Association, Harbour Grace. spending a year in St. Anthony and four summers in In 1946 jurisdiction was assumed by the Oblates, Cartwright. Between 1969 and 1988 she taught school Father Joseph Pirson replacing Father E.J. O'Brien qv, in North West River, who was later made an honorary Oblate. Father Pirson Sheshatshit and Nain. She offered formal schooling in Sheshatshit, teaching in has published three child­ summers from the mission house. A strong believer in ren's books: Borrowed Black the British educational system, he felt that native peo­ ( 1979), set on the Labrador ples should assimilate themselves to the larger Cana­ coast; Wind in My Pocket dian society. Although dedicated to the welfare of (1980), a collection of po­ people, he was sometimes criticized for coercive tac­ etry; and Little Snowshoe tics. In the 1980s Oblate Father James Roche became (1984), set in northern Lab­ known as a social activist on behalf of native peoples. rador. In 1988 Borrowed As part of a larger campaign against low-level military Black was reprinted in a flights, Roche went on a hunger strike in September of second edition and pub­ 1988 and was imprisoned briefly for taking part in lished in eight countries. demonstrations at the Goose Bay air base. Peter During her stay in Labrador Ellen Bryan Obed Armitage (1989), John McGhee (1961), ET (Oct. 19, Obed conducted studies on 1988), Newfoundland Historical Society (Northwest Labrador's coastal flora. She left Labrador in 1988 and River), Sunday Express (Sept. 18, 1988). ACB returned to Maine, where she continued her writing O'BRIEN, ALOYSIUS P. (1915- ). Farmer. Born St. career. Ellen Bryan Obed (1979; 1980; 1988; letter, John's, son of Margaret (English) and Denis O'Brien. Nov. 1992). LMS Educated St. John's. O'Brien grew up in Freshwater OBERHEIDE, HEIDI (1943- ). Visual artist. Born Valley on a 27-acre farm established around 1820 by Germany. Educated Werkkunstschule Art Institute, his great-grandfather. As a youth he worked with his Wiesbaden, Germany; Northern Illinois University; father in the family's extensive orchard and gardens. Illinois State University; University of Illinois; South­ He later was employed as assistant to a landscape ern Illinois University. Married Gaylen Hansen. On gardener for the Baird family in St. John's and began graduating from Southern Illinois University with an to study botany. Most of his working life was spent MFA in printmaking and drawing Oberheide came to either in farming or gardening, including seven years Newfoundland. She began teaching with Memorial at Oxen Pond Botanic Park. University's Extension Services, and was shortly O'Brien has been a lifelong student of the Gaelic thereafter chosen to set up a proposed print shop which language. His grandmother was a native Irish speaker later became the St. Michael's Printshop on the who came to St. John's from County Kilkenny. He and Avalon's Southern Shore (see PRINTMAKING). Liv­ his father together studied the language until his ing near the print shop, Oberheide captured her sur- father's death in 1944. In the late 1960s O'Brien 142 O'BRIEN, DENNIS

visit to North West River/Sheshatshit qv in 1921, and thereafter spent more than 20 summers with the Innu of Sheshatshit and Davis Inlet, to whom he was affec­ tionately known as Father Whitehead because of his prematurely grey hair. His priesthood in Labrador was marked by tireless work for the poor. With financial assistance from the Knights of Columbus in St. John's he provided clothing and supplies. He also arranged for the Hudson's Bay Company to give food to fami­ lies on government account. In 1946, Labrador was separated from the diocese in Harbour Grace, but O'Brien continued to serve at Northern Bay, retiring in 1970. He was a keen photographer, and his pictures of Innu life were donated to the National Film Ar­ chives. O'Brien died at the age of 101, the oldest Roman Catholic priest in Canada at the time. Paul AlyO'Brien Kenney (NQ Spring 1988), Nigel Markham attended Memorial University's first Irish class, and (1979/1985), Centre for Newfoundland Studies (E.J. in 1974 he accompanied John J. Mannion qv on a O'Brien). ACB five-week trip to Ireland, visiting Ghaeltacht or Irish O'BRIEN, JOHN TERENCE NICHOLLS (1830-1903). speaking areas. In 1979, at the request of the Irish­ Governor. Born Ireland?, son of Major-General Ter­ Newfoundland Society, he began teaching the Irish ence O'Brien. Educated Gaelic language and Irish-Newfoundland culture. Royal Military College, 0' Brien was awarded an honorary doctorate by Me­ Sandhurst. Married (1) morial University in 1982. Joan Weeks (Atlantic Advo­ Philippa Eastgate; (2) Vic­ cate Mar. 1983), Centre for Newfoundland Studies toria Temple. O'Brien was (Aly O'Brien). KAW assigned to military duties O'BRIEN, DENNIS. See BRIAN, DONALD. in India as a young man, and ~ in 1867 became inspector­ f general of police in Mauritius. He was knighted in 1888. The next year he was ap­ pointed Governor of New- foundland. He was on leave Sir Terence O'Brien in England in 1892 when news reached him and Lady O'Brien of the fire that had swept St. John's. Returning immediately, both de­ voted themselves to raising funds and materials for the needy. The following year O'Brien helped the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen in its efforts to establish medical services in Labrador. Following the Bank Crash of December 1894, the O'Briens were again called upon to help raise funds for the destitute. That same year the Governor had to contend with a political crisis when the administration of William V. Whiteway resigned, following charges against 15 gov­ ernment members under the Corrupt Practices Act. O'Brien sent a message to the Governor General of Father O'Brienpacking his vestments for a trip to the Labrador Canada suggesting the re-opening of negotiations for confederation as a possible solution to the crisis. R.A. O'BRIEN, EDWARD JOSEPH (1884-1986). Priest; Mackay (1946), D.W. Prowse (1895), J.R. Smallwood missionary. Born Carbonear, son of John and Ellen (1937; 1967), DNLB (1990). ACB (Cahill) O'Brien. Educated St. Bonaventure's College; All Hallow's College, Ireland. O'Brien studied for the O'BRIEN, LAURENCE (1792-1870). Merchant; poli­ Roman Catholic priesthood in Dublin and was or­ tician. Born Clashmore, Waterford, Ireland. Married dained in 1910. Margaret Manning. O'Brien came to Newfoundland Upon his return to Newfoundland, O'Brien took up sometime between 1808 and 1810. Within 10 years he parish duties at Tilting on Fogo Island. In 1914 he was had established himself as an importer and exporter, transferred to the parish of Northern Bay qv, which with premises on Water Street. In 1840 Bishop was then responsible for Labrador. He made his first Fleming called upon O'Brien, as a prominent Irish O'BYRNE, FERGUS ANTHONY 143

Catholic, to run for the House of Assembly in St. OBSERVER'S WEEKLY. The Observer's Weekly was a John's. He won the subsequent election by eight votes news magazine inaugurated on January 20, 1934 by and sat in the House as a Liberal, advocating the insti­ Albert B. Perlin qv, who envisaged it as a two-way tution of responsible government. In 1843 he replaced information vehicle between the people and the newly William Carson qv in the Executive Council, and later formed Commission of Government. At first the mag­ served in the Legislative Council. azine was modelled on the American news magazine With the granting of Responsible Government in Time. Perlin wrote virtually all the material for the 1855, O'Brien was appointed president of the Legisla­ paper, including a column which chronicled his own tive Council and, as president, served as member with­ weekly activities, "Pepys Behind the Scenes". Other out portfolio in the cabinets of Philip Little and John early features included ''Story of the Bible in Kent. Although strongly iden­ Pictures", "Book of the Week", "The World News", tified with the Liberals and ''Topics of the Times'' and' 'Newfoundland Mfairs''. the rights of Irish Catholics The Observer's Weekly was a combination of newspa­ in Newfoundland, O'Brien per and magazine, printing only the most important always showed a compro­ news of the previous week, sometimes with editorial mising spirit. Described by comment. Despite the Great Depression, within four historian D.W. Prowse as a months the magazine had a circulation of over 7000. man of duty, dignity and ef­ Its format was changed late in 1934, the magazine ficiency, in 1861 he was the becoming Newfoundland's first tabloid, enclosed only Liberal Roman Catho­ within coloured covers. During the change it merged lic to join a coalition pro­ with the Free Press, a subsidiary of the Daily News. In posed by Conservative 1938 Perlin sold the weekly to the Daily News and Prime Minister Hugh thereafter it drew heavily on that paper for editorial Boyles. Five years later he Laurence O'Brien and other content. At the same time it adopted a more was a member of the coali­ critical attitude to the Commission of Government. tion administration of Frederick Carter. O'Brien was a The Observer's Weekly strongly opposed confederation long-time member of the Benevolent Irish Society qv with Canada. The last issue was published in March and served as its president on three occasions. He died 1963. Suzanne Ellison (1988), Hollohan and Baker at his estate outside St. John's. Gertrude Gunn (1966), (1986), Observer's Weekly (passim). JAMES WADE D.W. Prowse (1895), DCB IX. ACB

O'BRIEN, MARY MARGA~ET (1905-1984). Arti­ san. Born Cape Broyle. Married James O'Brien. O'Brien received widespread recognition for her talent in making hooked rugs, traditionally made by many outport women from scraps of material from worn out clothes and other sources. Living in Cape Broyle all her life, O'Brien made two or three rugs a year from the time she was a young woman. In the 1970s folklor­ ist Gerald Pocius qv became interested in her work, and in 1978 the Memorial University Art Gallery arranged an exhibition of rugs made over a period of 20 years. O'Brien's designs are generally geometrical, repeating patterns or parts of patterns in bright colours. Several of her rugs were later acquired by the National Mu­ seum, Ottawa. ET (Jan. 16, 1984), Memorial Univer­ sity Art Gallery (brochure, 1978). ACB O'BRIEN, MICHAEL JOSEPH (1887-1955). Busi­ nessman. Born St. John's, son of James and Bridget (Gordon) O'Brien. Educated St. John's. Married Cath­ erine Cantwell. O'Brien began in business as a grocer Fergus O'Byme in 1908, with a store on New Gower Street (near the site of St. John's City Hall in 1992). He subsequently O'BYRNE, FERGUS ANTHONY (1947- ). Musician. acquired or established 10 other fruit, grocery or con­ Born Dublin, Ireland, son of Fergus and Eileen fec,tionary stor~s in St. John's (including the Orchard, (McGrath) O'Byrne. Educated Dublin; Memorial Uni­ the Orange Grove, the Fruit Bowl, the Sunkist and the versity of Newfoundland. O'Byme came to Newfound­ Star Grocery), favouring street corner locations in the land in 1971 as a member of the band Ryan's Fancy. east end and the New Gower Street area. He also made O'Byrne studied piano from the age of seven, and in candies and ice cream for sale in his stores and main­ the early 1960s developed an interest in folk music. tained a stable on LeMarchant Road. Kevin O'Brien He began his career in 1968 as a musician in Toronto, (interview, Nov. 1992). RHC with the Irish traditional group the Sons of Erin. In 144 OCCASIONAL HARBOUR

1970 he formed Ryan's Fancy (with Denis Ryan and coast of New Jersey and Ireland before arriving on the Dermot O'Reilly qv). The group moved to St. John's Grand Banks of Newfoundland on November 6, 1980. in 1971. Featuring O'Byrne on a number of instru­ The Ocean Ranger began drilling in the Hibernia field ments (including five string banjo, tin whistle, guitar, on contract between Mobil Oil Canada Ltd., the oper­ mandolin, piano and bodhran) Ryan's Fancy released ator for the Hibernia Consortium, and ODECO Drill­ 12 albums before disbanding in 1983. In addition to ing of Canada Ltd. It completed three wells before touring, O'Byrne appeared with the group in several moving to a new well site, known as J-34, on Novem­ one-hour specials with the CBC and in a weekly se­ ber 24, 1981. It continued to drill at this location, in ries, which aired nationally for four years. After 78m of water, until approximately 4:30PM on February Ryan's Fancy disbanded O'Byrne attended Memorial 14, 1982. At about 3:15AM the next morning the Ocean University, graduating with an education degree in Ranger capsized and sank during a severe storm. The 1987. He became a director of the St. John's Folk Arts entire crew of 84 men were lost in this disaster. Of the Council in 1988 and in 1990-91 chaired the New­ 69 Canadian crew members, 56 were residents of New­ foundland and Labrador Folk Festival. Fergus foundland. O'Byrne (interview, Aug. 1991). JAMES WADE The structure of the Ocean Ranger consisted of two pontoons 120.1 m long, 18.9 m wide and 7.3 m high OCCASIONAL HARBOUR. A Labrador fishing sta­ that had semicircular sides. The internal arrangement tion, Occasional Harbour is a long, narrow fiord of each pontoon was a mirror image of the other and located a short distance south of Cape St. Michael, consisted of 12 ballast water tanks, two drill water between Charlottetown and Port Hope Simpson. tanks and two fuel oil tanks. The displacement of the "Occasionable" was being used sporadically by New­ rig at the time of its loss was estimated to be 39,368 foundland crews by the 1820s, and probably first be­ tonnes. A pump room and propulsion room were lo­ came a major harbour for the Labrador fishery out of cated in the tapered section of both pontoons. Each Bay Roberts and Port de Grave in the 1840s. Visiting pump room contained pumps, piping and valves asso­ in 1867 Captain William Chimmo noted that "the ciated with the pontoon tanks and bilge pumping sys­ place was crowded with boats fishing close to the tem. Each propulsion room contained two electric shore, the banks dotted with huts and fishing stages, propulsion motors and their control panels as well as the rocks covered with fish" (Kirwin ed.). In 1870 its the hydraulic motors and controls for the steering sys­ summer population was estimated at 150, with the tem. chief planter being Charles Russell of Bay Roberts. The pontoons were connected to the upper hull by However the heyday of the Newfoundland-based eight watertight vertical columns. The four corner col­ Labrador fishery bad passed by the early 1900s and umns were 11.6 m in diameter at the base, the four the Harbour was once again used only occasionally by smaller side columns 7.6 m. A structural framework of Newfoundlanders. While some people from the Bay tubular members connected and supported the upper Roberts area continued there, by the 1920s most of the hull and the columns. In addition to giving structural summer people were Labrador "livyers", such as the support, greater stability and additional flotation, Burdens from George's Cove and St. Francis Harbour these columns provided space for equipment and stor­ qqv to the south. In the 1930s the availability of winter age, and routing for pipes, ducts and electrical wiring. woods work at Port Hope Simpson led some to aban­ Each of the corner columns contained three chain don the fishery, and from the 1940s Occasional Har­ lockers for the storage of anchor chains. The Ocean bour was largely a summer station of Port Hope Ranger used a 12-point mooring system consisting of Simpson. A few Newfoundlanders, from Halls Bay twelve 22.5 tonne main anchors. Each anchor was and the Bay Roberts area, did continue there until the attached to 503 m of 82.6 mm link chain, which in turn 1970s. In 1992 Occasional Harbour was being used by was connected to 1707 m of 88.9 mm wire rope. Each four or five crews out of Port Hope Simpson, mostly mooring line passed through a fairlead attached to the members of the Penney family. Wilfred Burden (inter­ corner column and then up to the mooring platform view, Sept. 1992), A.P. Dyke (1969), Lawrence Jack­ where it was engaged by a set of two winches. Open­ son (1982), W.J. Kirwin ed. (1989), John Parsons ings to the chain lockers lay beneath these winches (1970), H. Robinson (1851), JHA (1870). RHC and were the first point above the waterline where seas OCEAN PERCH. See REDFISH. could enter the hull if the rig developed a severe list. Three of the smaller side columns contained two bulk OCEAN RANGER. The Ocean Ranger was the largest storage tanks for dry drilling mud components. The self-propelled semisubmersible offshore drilling unit third starboard column had only one tank with the in the world when it was launched in 1976. It was space above it occupied by two control rooms. The designed by ODECO Engineers Inc., for ODECO In­ ballast control room was situated at the 32.8 m level ternational of New Orleans and the Norwegian firm of above the keel and the control room for the mooring Fearnley and Eger A/S. The unit was built by system lay directly above it. The centre of the port­ Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Hiroshima in accord­ holes was at an elevation of approximately 34 m. Thus ance with the 1973 rules of the American Bureau of the portholes were approximately 9.6 m above the still Shipping. The rig completed wells in the Bering Sea, waterline at the maximum permissible operating draft the Gulf of Alaska, the Lower Cook Inlet and off the of24.4 m. OCEAN RANGER 145

The Ocean Ranger The main deck structure was 68.9 m long, 61 m wide provide more clearance between wave crests and the and 6.6 m deep. Two box girders divided this upper underneath side of the deck, nor had they closed the hull transversely into three sections, providing struc- metal deadlights on the inside of the glass portlights. tural support for the drill floor and derrick. The lower A considerable quantity of water must have washed deck, 40.8 m above the keel, contained the primary over the control consoles at the time of the portlight and emergency generators, air compressors, a machine breakage. The electrician would have tried to dry each shop, and storage and handling areas for drilling mud lamp holder and switch cavity, a task which would and cement, as well as the first of three accommoda- have taken several hours. tion levels. The upper deck, 46.2 m above the keel, It was concluded that the electrical supply to the formed the roof of the lower deck and the exposed top panel was restored shortly after 12:30 AM for reasons surface served as a storage and handling area for the that will never be known with certainty. The restora- supplies and material required to support the drilling tion of power allowed random microswitch short cir- operation. cuits to open the corresponding remotely operated The forward starboard corner of the upper hull pro- valves in the pontoons. It is known that the rig in- vided crew's quarters on the first and second levels, curred a sudden port bow list, and it was assumed that and a radio room, hospital, officers' and managers' the cause of this list was an ingress of water from the quarters on the third level. The helicopter deck was sea into the port pontoon via the sea chest. The subse- located directly above the accommodations area. The quent dive survey of the wreck found that both manual upper deck was designed to be watertight when in an sea chest valves had been closed. The closing of these undamaged condition. A severe bow trim, however, valves would have prevented any further ingress of would expose several ventilators at the bow and the water from the sea, but restoring power to pump out windows located in front of an unprotected stairwell forward tanks would have again allowed short-circuits in the forward port corner of the accommodations area to open ballast valves. Gravitation of water between to wave damage which could result in the flooding of tanks would have accelerated the rate of forward trim the lower deck. despite pumping efforts. Sometime between 7:45 and 8:00 PM on Sunday, A last desperate attempt to close valves by use of February 14, 1982, a wave broke the glass in the port manual control rods only worsened the list until at forward porthole installed in the ballast control room. about 12-15 degrees chain locker flooding began. A It was unlikely that the crew had deballasted the rig to Mayday call was issued at 1:09 AM. The last radio 146 OCEAN RANGER FAMILIES FOUNDATION

transmission at 1:30 AM noted that the crew were Eighteen months after the tragedy, with family de­ going to the lifeboats. As the forward portion of the pendency on the Foundation lessening, the organiza­ upper hull sank lower in the water, lack of watertight tion gradually changed its emphasis from survivor integrity led to flooding of the lower deck which support to broader safety issues. At this time, member­ would have progressively destroyed longitudinal sta­ ship was widened to include "all interested people ... bility. The Ocean Ranger became unstable and dynam­ who share concerns for the impact of oil and gas de­ ically assisted by wave motion, capsized and sank at velopment [on] family and community life". In early approximately 3:15AM, February 15. 1985, the Foundation's name was officially changed to The Seaforth Highlander made visual contact with Ocean Ranger Foundation at the request of the fami­ the Ocean Ranger at approximately 2: 11 AM and sighted lies, who felt that serving their needs had become a the Harding lifeboat that was launched from the aft "lesser function" and that the focus was now more on end of the rig. Although damaged and partly swamped, safety promotion and social research. Work began on this lifeboat managed to come alongside the Seaforth a book emphasizing the impact of the tragedy and Highlander, only to capsize and spill its occupants issues arising from it, which was published in 1987 as into the sea. All attempts to rescue these men and But Who Cares Now? The Tragedy of the Ocean Ranger. others in the water failed. The search and rescue oper­ The Foundation was separate from the Ocean ations led to the recovery of 22 bodies from the 84- Ranger Disaster Fund, established by the Evening man crew. Autopsy results indicated that the cause of Telegram in early March 1982. This fund raised a total death was drowning while in a hypothermic condition. of $97,778.49 from corporate and private donors. Of The Royal Commission on the Ocean Ranger Ma­ this amount $37,600 was given directly to family rine Disaster issued Report One: The Loss of the members, and over $60,000 was used to endow a Me­ Semisubmersible Drill Rig Ocean Ranger and its morial Scholarship Fund. J. Douglas House (1987), Crew in 1984 in which it detailed the comprehensive CleNewhook(1983),ET(Apr.19, 1982;June4, 1982; investigations that led to the conclusions outlined July 17, 1982; July 14, 1984; Aug. 19, 1984; Jan. 31, above. It discussed the features of the design of the 1985; Feb. 15, 1985; May 15, 1986), The Ocean rig that contributed to the loss, and noted the lack of Ranger Families Foundation; A Registered Non-Profit suitable marine training for the crew. A total of 66 Organization (1982). JEAN GRAHAM recommendations were made by the Royal Commis­ OCEANOGRAPHY. A multi-disciplinary science, sion to lessen the possibility that similar diasters oceanography is the study of all aspects of seas and will occur again. Report One: The Loss of the Semi­ oceans, including marine life, the movements of ice submersible Drill Rig Ocean Ranger and its Crew and currents, the geography of the ocean floor and the (1984). DEREK B. MUGGERIDGE nature of its oil and mineral deposits. Oceanographers OCEAN RANGER FAMILIES FOUNDATION. The are involved in mapping ocean depths, calculating tide Ocean Ranger Families Foundation was established tables and producing navigational charts, as well as after the sinking of the oil rig Ocean Ranger on Feb­ biological and ecological studies. Oceanographic work ruary 15, 1982. The Interchurch Commission on Off­ in Newfoundland and Labrador is concentrated on fish­ shore Resources and the Newfoundland and Labrador eries biology, offshore resource development and a Federation of Labour contacted family members of the study of ice and weather conditions. Private firms, 84 men lost in the disaster and, followi'lg a meeting trade schools, Memorial University and government with them, set up the Foundation. The Foundation was agencies are involved in the expanding field of ocean­ incorporated as a non-profit organization on April 19 ography. with 17 board members, 11 of whom were family Early oceanographic research around Newfound­ members, and was chaired by Sister Lorraine Michael qv. land and Labrador, carried out by British and Ameri­ On an informal level, the Foundation gave the be­ can survey ships in the nineteenth century, was reaved families a forum for communication. More tan­ primarily concerned with measuring currents and sea gibly, it offered practical support: counselling, levels and compiling charts, although naturalists, and financial aid, information and attendance at the various later biologists, often accompanied the surveys to col­ hearings into the tragedy. The first fund-raising drive lect and identify new species of marine life. By the was to help the Foundation with offshore inquiries, 1900s, biologists had become increasingly concerned consulting costs, support of families, an education trust with explaining fluctuations in the fishery, and many fund, administrative costs and lobbying for offshore had become engaged in government research projects safety programs. In November 1982 Cle Newhook qv (See FISHERIES RESEARCH; HYDROGRAPHY). was appointed executive director. Eventually, 69 of the The loss of the Titanic off the coast of Newfoundland affected Canadian families settled out of court with in 1912 prompted more intensive study of the move­ ODECO and Mobil, owners and operators of the Ocean ments of sea ice and the hazards it posed to naviga­ Ranger. A total of $20 million dollars was awarded in tion. The British ship S.S. Scotia conducted such a an average settlement of $450,000. Two Newfoundland survey of the waters of theN orth Atlantic in 1913, and families chose to lay claims in American courts, result­ American, and to a lesser extent, Canadian ships also ing in substantially larger out-of-court settlements, al­ became involved in tracking ice movements as part of though it was 1986 before their cases were resolved. what became known as the International Ice Patrol qv. OCEANS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, NEWFOUNDLAND 147

ments. Research facilities at C-CORE were expanded in 1981 when the National Research Council of Canada built the Arctic Vessel and Marine Research Institute at Memorial, incorporating large experimental ice and wave tanks. Further research grants were provided to C-CORE through the Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Development Fund and from private businesses. In 1975 the Newfoundland *Oceans Research and Devel­ opment Corporation (NORDCO) qv was formed with government funding. Its purpose was similar to that of C-CORE, to enhance research and development in in­ dustries related to the offshore. See also ICE; PETRO­ LEUM EXPLORATION. Susan Schlee (1973), C-CORE (Annual Report 1980-81), Centre for New­ foundland Studies (Oceanography; C-CORE; NORDCO). ACB Iceberg impact study at Newman's Cove In the 1960s, Memorial University and the Bedford OCEANS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COR­ Institute of Oceanography became increasingly in­ PORATION, NEWFOUNDLAND (NORDCO). The volved in deep-water research in the North Atlantic. Newfoundland Oceans Research and Development Memorial University's *Marine Sciences Research Corporation (NORDCO) was established as a provin­ Laboratory qv (renamed the Ocean Science Centre in cial crown corporation in 1975. Its mandate was to 1988), was built at Logy Bay in 1967 with funding from seek ways to utilize resources of the sea and to provide the Province and the National Research Council of Can­ consulting services for private firms. Privatized in ada. Under the direction of David Idler qv, the centre 1986, NORDCO suffered the effects of economic re­ gained an international reputation in marine research. cession and ended operations in 1991. In the 1970s, as interest in the development of off­ NORDCO was established under a Federal-Provincial shore oil deposits off the coast of Newfoundland grew, agreement to encourage northern 0ceans research and private concerns began to co-operate with government development. Much of the initial cost was provided by and the University to sponsor research into the move­ the Department of *Regional Economic Expansion qv. ment of ice and currents and into the practical consid­ The first president and chief executive officer was erations of offshore drilling. The Centre for Cold Norwegian-born Jan Furst. A multi-faceted enterprise, Ocean Resources Engineering (C-CORE) was estab­ NORDCO had several divisions. The operations divi­ lished at Memorial University in 1975 with a mandate sion was responsible for geophysical work, including to assist in the research and development of Canada's surveys and weather forecasting services; the oceans resources in cold and ice-infested waters. Indepen­ engineering division was concerned with the effects of dently funded by business and government, C-CORE environmental forces, such as the movement of ice; worked closely with the University's faculty of engi­ while the division of fisheries technology worked on neering and applied science. C-CORE's field programs developing new methods and equipment. In 1979, have included studying sea ice movement and the ef­ when the Canada-Newfoundland Subsidiary Agree­ fects of controlled oil spills on the ocean environment. ment on Ocean Research and Development expired, In 1980, C-CORE incorporated Instrumar Ltd. to de­ funding to NORDCO was cut. But the corporation velop, make and sell high technology marine instru- won contracts with private firms, such as Esso Re­ sources Ltd. and British Petroleum to provide weather and ice observation services. It also did consulting work for firms in Norway and Japan. Frank D. Smith qv became president in 1980. The corporation became a tax-paying business (though not yet self-sufficient) as direct provincial ownership was reduced. NORDCO was awarded contracts to assist in the development of fisheries in Tanzania, Sri Lanka and India. In the early 1980s an economic recession and decrease in offshore oil exploration affected the corporation's earnings, but two subsidiary companies had been formed by 1983. Can-Am Offshore Systems Ltd. was formed as a partnership with the New York naval architecture firm Hoffman Marine Consultants, while geophysical operations were taken over by a newly-created subsidiary, Geonautics. NORDCO was privatized in 1986 when the provincial government Testing the waters at St. John's harbour sold 70% of its holdings to employees oJ the firm, for 148 OCHRE

$200,000. Spar Aerospace of Toronto purchased a fur­ inshore fishermen, many of whom had come from ther 28% of the Province's interest in 1988, though the Ochre Pit Cove. Some Ochre Pit Cove people later Province maintained a seat on the corporation's Board turned to the Labrador fishery. In the twentieth cen­ of Directors. By 1991, however, NORDCO was in tury a few also found work as miners at Bell Island or financial difficulty after failing to win a contract to in Cape Breton. After the collapse of the Labrador develop a ship bridge simulator. Unable to secure suf­ fishery in the 1920s the decline in population contin­ ficient funding or loans from banks or government ued, the remaining families relying on the shore fish­ agencies, NORDCO closed in August, 1991. ET (Oct. ery and seasonal work elsewhere. From an early date 7, 1978; Mar. 17, 1979; Mar. 24, 1983; Mar. 25, 1986; the dominant religion of Ochre Pit Cove was Method­ Aug. 9, 1991), NORDCO Annual Report (1979-80, ism, but there was a significant Roman Catholic mi­ 1980-81, 1981-82), Sunday Express (Nov. 18, 1990), nority in the nineteenth century. A Charles Centre for Newfoundland Studies (NORDCO). ACB "Webister" was living in the Cove in 1801, and may have been the Charles Webster who taught at a local OCHRE. Ochre is a substance composed of a powdered school built before 1840 and was the local Methodist iron ore, ranging in colour from orange to yellow, lay reader. brown or red. Ochre was commonly used as a pigment by many native peoples. In Newfoundland its use is associated most often with the Beothuk qv, but it was also used by prehistoric Maritime Archaic qv groups. At a large cemetery site in Port au Choix ochre was found in the graves of over 100 indi victuals. Though it is uncertain whether these people used ochre in other ways, its inclusion with human burials indicates that it '' ...almost certainly had some magical or religious significance'' (Tuck). Red ochre was a part of Beothuk burial customs as well. They also used it extensively in everyday life to colour their bodies, clothing and utensils, and hence were known to Europeans as Red Indians. This extensive use of the pigment disappeared with the Beothuk, but settlers on the Island used ochre to mark straight lines on wood to be sawed and to make paint. Deposits of ochre are found throughout New­ foundland, notably near Fortune Harbour and at Ochre Ochre Pit Cove Pit Cove. J.P. Howley (1915), James Tuck (1976), Frustrated in their attempts to have a public wharf DNE (1990). ACB and harbour breakwater built, a local committee took action in 1985. Claiming status equivalent to that of a OCHRE PIT COVE (pop. 1986, 159). Like most other third world nation, the committee petitioned the fishing communities on the Conception Bay North Shore, American Secretary of State for $1 million in foreign Ochre Pit Cove once had a much larger population. It is aid. The petition was refused, but the provincial gov­ notable for the number of communities founded by its ernment began work on harbour improvements shortly expatriates - from Pinchard' s Island to Ladle Cove to thereafter. In 1991 the wharf facilities at Ochre Pit Gander Bay. A large deposit of ochre gives the cove its Cove were used by fishermen from most nearby com­ name. The first record of settlement is a 1762 petition by munities, affording the best anchorage on the Concep­ one John Keating, who was probably a fishing servant. tion Bay North Shore. R.K. Halfyard (MHG Michael Lane mapped two stages in the cove in 1774, and 41-B-1-77), C. Grant Head (1976), Michael McCarthy by 1776 John Carnell and William Skinner were living (1982), E.R. Seary (1977), Census (1836-1986), there. Other family names prior to 1800- most of Eng­ Lovell's Newfoundland Directory (1871), Sailing Di­ lish origin, several from the area of Wimbome, Dorset - rections: Newfoundland (1986), Centre for Newfound­ include Halfyard, Parsons and Cosh (Coish). In the early land Studies (Ochre Pit Cove). ACB 1800s other arrivals included families named Gillingham, Rose and Pennell. While many of these family names O'CONNOR, MARY BRIDGET (1862-1945). Sister were still present in 1992, others once familiar, such as of Mercy; educator. Born Brosna, County Kerry, Ire­ Pinsent, Gill and Tuff, had long since been absent from land, daughter of William and Mary O'Connor. Mary the community. O'Connor received her early education at the Convent Ochre Pit Cove was recorded in the first Census in of Mercy in Abbeyfeale, Kerry, and at the age of 21 1836, with a population of 235. While the earliest volunteered for the Newfoundland Mission of the Sis­ settlers were involved in the local inshore fishery, by ters of Mercy. She and a companion arrived in St. the early 1800s many were engaged in a migratory John's on September 6, 1883. She received the habit fishery to the Straight Shore, Bonavista Bay, the In­ of the Sisters of Mercy, as Sister Mary Bridget, on dian Islands and Hamilton Sound. By 1874, when the January 6, 1884 and made first profession of vows on community's population had peaked at 391, the fish­ December 28, 1885. In 1886 Sister Mary Bridget be­ ery in these areas was being prosecuted by settled came headmistress of *St. Bride's Academy, Littledale OCTOPODS 149

qv, a boarding school for young women which the Sisters of Mercy had established in St. John's in 1884. For the next 17 years her leadership helped the fledg­ ling institution develop the standards of excellence in scholarship and culture that made it one of the leading educational establishments in Newfoundland. Under her tenure, in 1895 St. Bride's became recognized as a training school for Roman Catholic female teachers. In 1903 Sister Mary Bridget was transferred to Burin where she was involved in all aspects of school life-administration, concert preparation, teaching of French, painting, drawing, embroidery, typing and shorthand. She was recalled to St. John's in 1914 to become Superior of the Motherhouse on Military Road. When the nine Mercy Convents in Newfound­ land were amalgamated into one Congregation in 1916, Sister Mary Bridget was the unanimous choice of the three bishops to be the first Superior General. At the expiration of this three-year term, she was unanimously elected by the Congregation's general chapter for another six-year term. Mother Bridget, as she became known by her sisters, continued in leader­ ship roles in the Congregation either as Superior Gen­ eral or Vicar from 1916 until her death in 1945. These were years of growth and expansion for the ministry of the Sisters of Mercy, as St. Clare's Mercy Hospital was established, St. Clare's School of Nursing came into being, Littledale was extended and six new con­ 24, 1915 a second fire destroyed it. Paul O'Neill vents were founded. She died at St. Clare's on Janu­ (1975), J.R. Smallwood (1975). KAW ary 17, 1945. Sister Mary Williamina Hogan (1986), OCTOPODS. Octopods are any of several species of Inter Nos (June 1937), Archives of the Sisters of marine invertebrates related to the squid qv, having a Mercy, St. John's (address of Archbishop E.P. Roche soft, rounded body, well-developed eyes, a beak-like at the dedication of St. Augustine's Hall, Feb. 1, mouth and eight muscular arms bearing rows of suck­ 1944). SISTER CHARLOTTE FITZPATRICK ers. Commonly called the octopus, though not all spe­ OCTAGON CASTLE. A hotel resort near St. John's cies belong to the genus Octopus, these creatures have from 1896 to 1915, the Octagon Castle was named by not been fished commercially in Newfoundland and its eccentric creator, ''Professor'' Charles H. Danielle Labrador. Most octopods occur in shallow water along qv. Danielle ran a costume rental agency and ballroom the continental shelf, feeding on other invertebrates in St. John's from 1866 to 1878 and a restaurant at such as crustaceans and preyed upon by cod, haddock Quidi Vidi Lake from 1888. In 1896 he dismantled his and whales. restaurant and rebuilt it as Octagon Castle near what There are at least two octopods belonging to the family became known as Octagon Pond (in 1992 part of the Octopodidae which occur in the waters of Newfoundland town of Paradise). A reflection of the professor's curi­ and Labrador. The Benthoctopus piscatorum, also called ous notion of opulence, the "castle" was opened on the fisherman's devil fish, has been found on the Grand June 18, 1896 by Prime Minister William V. Banks and in the waters of Placentia Bay. With a total Whiteway. length of about 160 mrn it is characterized by long, slen­ Windows of the four storey, eight-sided building der arms and a deep purple-brown colour. Perhaps the sported caribou horns. A huge dining room was most common species is Bathypolypus arctic us, recorded crowned with railings bearing artwork and satin ban­ by Verrill as Baird's devil fish. Usually found in water ners. Ornaments included Chinese lanterns, fans and between 200 and 600 m deep, its colours may range from coloured balls; and draperies were spangled with the a translucent bluish white to a mottled orange or purple. professor's own needlework. Danielle's taste for the Specimens over 200 grams are rare. This species occurs macabre was indulged in his "mortuary chamber", along the coast of Labrador, around Newfoundland and displaying the coffin he had prepared for his own on the Grand Banks. It has been noted in the deep waters funeral. Covering an area of nearly 4000 square feet, of Newman Sound and Clade Sound. Other species of the Castle was well patronized by fraternal organiza­ these small invertebrates have been caught on the Grand tions and society functions (as well as by orphaned Banks and in other areas to the south of Newfoundland. children, to whom Danielle gave a yearly outing). The Deichman and Bradshaw (1984), D'Or and Macalaster resort continued to operate after Danielle's death in (1983), S.J. Stephen (1982), Addison Emery Verrill 1902. It was repaired after a 1906 fire, but on February (1882), Osprey (July-Aug. 1975). ACB 150 ODD FELLOWS, INDEPENDENT ORDER OF

I

Officers ofthe first Newfoundland Odd Fellows lodge: C.R. Thomson (noble grand), R.R. Chappel (vice-grand), J. W. Robinson (warden), W. T. Brown (conductor) and William Bannister (district deputy grand sire). ODD FELLOWS, INDEPENDENT ORDER OF. The be forgotten, sought another arrangement. Some ac­ Odd Fellows began in England during the seventeenth counts claim that Boyle desired a more dignified set­ century as a fraternal organization engaged in commu­ ting, while others say he was simply looking for nity projects and teaching activities. Its own tradition something with a wider appeal. He contacted his attributes the name Odd Fellows to the regard with friend, well-known British composer Hubert Parry, which observers viewed their charitable activities. The who composed two settings, one of which was chosen organization moved to the New World in 1819 with the by the government on May 20, 1904 as establishment of a lodge at the Seven Stars Tavern in Newfoundland's official anthem. Two settings were Baltimore, founded by Thomas Wildey and four Eng­ published by Charles Hutton qv in 1906, and Alfred lishmen. In 1851 the female version of the group, the Allen, organist and choirmaster at the Church of Eng­ Rebekahs, was founded. Later a junior foundation for land Cathedral, created another in 1907. While some boys and a girls' group named Theta Rho were formed. critics claim that Allen's setting, written for orchestra The first Odd Fellows lodge in Newfoundland was and chorus, is superior to early settings, it is the Parry formed on August 20, 1894 at Temperance Hall in St. arrangement that carne to be known and loved by John's. It later moved to Fraternity Hall, Victoria Hall, Newfoundlanders. The title of Boyle's poem evolved Atlantic Hall and then Atlantic Lodge in Mount Pearl. into "Newfoundland: An Ode" in the first decade Other lodges were founded in Grand Falls, Bonavista, after its publication, but eventually became known as Clarenville, Buchans, Channel/Port aux Basques, Cor­ the "Ode to Newfoundland" or simply as "the Ode". ner Brook and Labrador City. The first St. John's Rebekah Lodge was founded on August 14, 1940. Odd Fellows support a number of national and interna­ tional programs, including the World Eye Bank and Visual Research Program and the Arthritis Founda­ tion. Locally they raise money for the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Newfoundland, and support the Janeway Children's Hospital, the Cana­ dian Mental Health Association, the CNIB, the New­ foundland Heart Foundation, the Canadian Red Cross Society, the Epilepsy Association of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Newfoundland Cancer and Re­ search Foundation. BERKLEY LAWRENCE/KAW ODE TO NEWFOUNDLAND. Composed in 1902 by Governor Cavendish Boyle qv, the four-verse poem "Newfoundland" was first sung in public December 22 of that year at the Casino Theatre in St. John's. The singer, Frances Daisy Foster, closed a performance of the play Mamzelle with the verses set to music by E.R. Krippner, a German bandmaster, music teacher and music store owner living in St. John's. The song became so popular that local newspapers called on the government to adopt it as Newfoundland's national anthem. The poem was to have many settings, as Boyle, buying the rights to Krippner's music so that it could O'DEA, FABIAN A. 151

The Ode is said to be unique among state anthems in ography was published in 1986. In recognition of her that it celebrates the natural beauty of the country outstanding achievement O'Dea has received awards rather than patriotism. Paul O'Neill (1975), Paul from the Canadian Historical Society, the Newfound­ Woodford (1987), ET(Apr. 3, 1979). KAW land Historical Society, the Atlantic Provinces Library Association and the Bibliographical Society of Can­ O'DEA, AGNES CECILIA (1911-1993). Librarian. ada. In 1987 Memorial University awarded her an Born St. John's, daughter of May (Coady) and John V. honorary LL.D. The next year she received the Distin­ O'Dea qv. Educated St. John's; University of Toronto; guished Graduate Medal from the University of To­ Rutgers University. In 1934 O'Dea was appointed to ronto. She was also honoured as a Memorial the position of assistant librarian at the newly-formed University alumna by the Eaton Honour Society. Gosling Memorial Library in St. John's. She later Agnes O'Dea (1987; interview, Sept. 1991), Biblio­ worked in the circulation division of the Toronto pub­ graphical Society of Canada (1987), DNLB ( 1990), lic libraries system, at the Ontario Research Founda­ ET (Dec. 24, 1986; May 30, 1987). RUTH KONRAD tion and at the Memorial University Library. In 1955 she was commissioned by Memorial University to O'DEA, FABIAN A. (1918- ). Lawyer; Lieutenant­ compile a list of documents which would eventually Governor. Born St. John's, son of May (Coady) and form the bibliography of printed material in New­ John V. O'Dea qv. Educated St. Bonaventure's Col­ foundland. Out of this assignment developed the lege; Memorial University College; University of To­ University's Centre for Newfoundland Studies, of ronto; Dalhousie University; University of Oxford; which O'Dea became head in 1964. Starting with a Inns of Court, London. Married Constance Margaret mere 40 volumes in 1955, 10 years later the Centre's Ewing. collection consisted of some 20,000 books, 350 maps, O'Dea was selected Rhodes Scholar for Newfound­ over 1000 documents on microform, as well as masses land in 1939 but deferred study to join the Royal of pamphlets and periodical articles, all dealing with Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve. He served as a Newfoundland. Torpedo Officer in R.C.N. and R.N. ships on the North Hand in hand with developing this specialized Atlantic and in the Mediterranean and Norwegian collection went the task of gathering data for the seas. On discharge in 1945 he read for the B.C.L. planned bibliography. O'Dea describes herself at degree at Oxford, and was admitted to the English Bar this time as "a title-lister, an opus-eater and a table­ at the Inner Temple in 1948. O'Dea returned to St. of-contents reader." She wrote to some 200 libraries John's to practise law and became a Queen's Counsel around the world asking them for the titles of books in 1963. When a naval reserve division was formed in about Newfoundland in their collections. In 1978 Newfoundland after Confederation O'Dea was ap­ she was joined by Anne Alexander, who did the final pointed its first executive officer, and first command­ editing of the bibliography. The two-volume bibli- ing officer of the University Naval Training Division.

Agnes O'Dea Hon. Fabian O'Dea 152 O'DEA, FRANCIS

He was later commanding officer of the naval divi­ O'DEA, JOHN ROCHE (1915- ). Businessman; politi­ sion. From 1950 to 1963 O'Dea was honorary solicitor cian. Born St. John's, son of May (Coady) and John V. of the Newfoundland Command of the Royal Cana­ O'Dea qv. Educated St. Bonaventure's College; Loyola dian Legion. He was appointed honorary A.D.C. to the College, Montreal; Memorial University College. Mar­ Governor General in 1949 and to lieutenant-governors ried Madeleine Connolly. O'Dea joined Newfoundland of Newfoundland from 1949 to 1961. O'Dea was ap­ Brewery Ltd. in 1934, later becoming managing director. pointed Lieutenant-Governor of Newfoundland in With Augustine Duffy qv he founded the United 1963 and served until 1969. Newfoundland Party in 1959, a breakaway group of Active in community affairs, O'Dea was a member Progressive Conservatives who opposed the party's of the Board of Regents of Memorial University from stand on Term 29 of the Terms of Union. He was 1959 to 1963, vice-president for Newfoundland of the elected MHA for St. John's South in 1959, but as a Canadian Bar Association from 1961 to 1963 and for Liberal was defeated in 1962. The next year he be­ some years a member of the Rhodes Scholarship Se­ came president of Newfoundland Brewery, which had lection Committee. In 1972 he was appointed chair­ been taken over by Molson Breweries. He eventually man of a Royal Commission inquiring into the leasing left the firm to establish an of premises to the Newfoundland Liquor Commission. independent brewery, At­ O'Dea's business interests include membership of the lantic Brewing Co., at Ste­ boards of Newfoundland Brewery Ltd., 1949-62, phenville in 1968. O'Dea Browning Harvey Ltd., 1960 to present, Newfound­ served on the Royal Com­ land Telephone Co. Ltd. and NewTel Enterprises Ltd. mission on the Economic A collector of sixteenth to eighteenth century maps Prospects of Newfoundland and Newfoundland landscapes, O'Dea published a and Labrador. In 1971 he monograph on seventeenth century cartography, wrote was appointed chairman of another on the eighteenth century and an article on the St. John's Metro Board. maps for volume III of the Book of Newfoundland. He As chairman, a position he is also the author of CARTOGRAPHY in the Encyclo­ still held in 1992, he advo­ pedia of Newfoundland and Labrador volume I. cated amalgamation of O'Dea was made a Knight of Grace of St. John of Metro lands with the city of John R. O'Dea Jerusalem in 1963, a Knight of Justice of that Order in St. John's. DNLB (1990), 1990 and a Knight of Malta in 1988. He was awarded ET (Jan. 27, 1991), Newfoundland Journal of Com­ an LL.D. degree by Memorial University of New­ merce (Oct. 1963), Canadian Who's Who (1966). KAW foundland in 1969. Fabian O'Dea (interview, Dec. O'DEA, JOHN VINCENT (1868-1958). Businessman; 1991), ET (June 25, 1988), Newfoundland Who's Who municipal councillor. Born St. John's, son of Joanna Centennial Edition (1968), RB Weekender (July 18-24, (Roche) and Michael O'Dea. Educated St. John's. Mar­ 1987). KAW ried (1) Mary Kough; (2) May Coady. The son of a St. O'DEA,FRANCIS (1916-1979). Physician. Born St. John's farmer, O'Dea was considered qualified to teach John's, son of May (Coady) and John V. O'Dea qv. at St. Patrick's School as a Educated St. Bonaventure's College; National Univer­ young man even though he sity of Ireland. Married Raymonde Judd; father of had little formal education. Shane O'Dea qv. One of the first trained obstetrician/ He began his business ca­ gynaecologists to practise in reer as a clerk and book­ Newfoundland, O'Dea was keeper with the Ryan firm at the first head of obstetrics at Trinity. In 1890 he estab­ St. Clare's Mercy Hospital, lished J. V. O'Dea and Co., holding the position for and made considerable prof­ about 20 years. Aside from its in importing flour. In his work at the hospital and 1892 he was a founding di­ at his own office, O'Dea rector of Newfoundland worked at the public health Brewery Company, becom- clinic in St. John's, and trav­ ing a major shareholder and John v. O'Dea elled to outlying areas to eventually company presi- treat patients who could not dent. From 1896 to 1900 he served as a St. John's get to St. John's. He served municipal councillor/commissionei O'Dea was ap­ several terms as president of Dr. Francis O'Dea pointed to the Legislative Council in 1929. His interests the Newfoundland division outside business included membership in the Benevo­ of the Canadian Medical Association. O'Dea was lent Irish Society and the Academia Club. H. M. widely respected for his community service. Agnes Mosdell (1974), Henry Y. Mott (1894), Agnes O'Dea O'Dea (interview, Jan. 1992), Raymonde O'Dea (inter­ (interview, Jan. 1992), DNLB (1990), NQ (Sept. view, Jan. 1992), ET (Feb. 5, 1979), Monitor (Mar. 1902), Who's Who in and from Newfoundland 1937 1979). KAW (1937?). KAW ODERIN 153

O'DEA, SHANE (1945- ). Educator. Born St. John's, Placentia Bay, centred on Oderin and Burin qv, and son of Raymonde (Judd) and Francis O'Dea qv. Edu­ soon employed 150 servants at Oderin. Spurrier's cated St. Bonaventure's College; Beaumont College, Room (fishing premises) was on the north side of the England; Memorial University of Newfoundland. Mar­ harbour near its entrance. The firm's shipbuilding was ried Maire Frecker. In 1970 he was appointed to the carried on at Ship Cove to the east, using timber cut in English department of Memorial University. An inno­ the harbours to the north and west (such as Rushoon, vative teacher, in 1988 he received one of Memorial's Baine Harbour, Boat Harbour and Bay de l'Eau qqv). first President's Awards for Distinguished Teaching, By 1802 some English servants had settled perma­ and was named Canadian Professor of the Year by the nently, giving Oderin a population of 235. However, at Council for the Advancement and Support of Educa­ this time the Spurrier firm was in decline, and went tion. bankrupt in 1830. Thus by the first Newfoundland A student of Newfoundland architecture, O'Dea be­ Census in 1836 the population of 133 was purportedly came active in heritage organizations in the early less than half its former number. That Census noted 1970s. From 1973 to 1975 he was president of the that there were twice as many Church of England Newfoundland Historic Trust, and for two years members as Roman Catholics, presumably indicating chaired the Community Planning Association of New­ that the majority was still of English origin. Spurrier's foundland, helping in the development of St. John's Room was taken over by a trader named Hamilton and neighbourhood improvement and heritage conserva­ then by Irish-born merchant James Furlong. In 1877 tion areas. O'Dea was given a community service Philip Tocque reported that "Spurrier's ruins" were award by Heritage Canada in 1978, and the Pioneer of still being occupied by the Furlong firm. Preservation Award by the From the 1820s it seems likely that the majority of Newfoundland Historic new settlers at Oderin were of Irish descent and by Trust in 1988. In the early 1845 (pop. 223) the community had a Roman Catholic 1990s he was a founding majority. By 1857, 247 of 384 settlers were Roman member of Memorial Catholic, although 11 residents in that year reported University's Centre forMa­ their birthplace as England and only four were listed terial Culture Studies. as having been born in Ireland. The Church of England Shane O'Dea (letter, Dec. congregation erected a school/chapel in 1853, and a 1991 ), Luminus (Winter Roman Catholic church and school were also con­ 1989), ET (Feb. 18, 1985; structed at about that time. Settlement spread from the Sept. 22 1988), MUN Ga­ north side of the harbour to the south and eventually to zette (Sept. 9, 1977; June 3, the Beach. 1988; Sept. 22, 1988; Oct. In the nineteenth century most of the fishing fami­ 17, 1990), Saturday Night Shane O'Dea lies of Oderin had winter quarters on the nearby (Feb. 1989). KAW "mainland". Thus Oderin formed the base for the settlement of several nearby communities, and this ODERIN (pop. 1966, 143). A resettled fishing commu­ helps to account for the consistent decline in popula­ nity, Oderin was located on Oderin Island in western tion after 1874 (when 421 residents were recorded). Placentia Bay- about 30 km northeast of Marystown. Oderin Island, horseshoe-shaped (with its mouth fac­ ing west), has a superior natural harbour and is sur­ rounded by fishing grounds which were once some of the best in the Bay. Consequently, from the late 1600s -and possibly earlier-it was an early fishing station of the French. Its modern name is an English corrup­ tion of Audierne, after a coastal town in Brittany. Oderin was probably used by the French as a fishing station shortly after the establishment of Placentia in the 1660s. In 1704 two wintering planters, Ricord and LaFosse, were noted as employing about 50 fishing servants. LaFosse, who was accompanied by his family in 1704, likely lived at Oderin until 1713 (when the French presence in Placentia Bay ended under the terms of the Treaty of Utrecht) and is said to have been pursued by the French under suspicion of spying for the English. In later years a local legend persisted that LaFosse had buried treasure in the area known as the Beach-on the northeast corner of Oderin Island-in a tunnel between Beach Pond and nearby Castle Island. In 1773 Poole merchant Christopher Spurrier qv es­ tablished a fishing and shipbuilding concern in western Oderin 154 O'DONEL, JAMES LOUIS

Coastal boat calling at Oderin However, with these fishermen continuing to VISit sian of poor years. Some people found berths at the Oderin for supplies and with many maintaining sum- Cape St. Mary's western boat fishery, out of Red Is- mer fishing premises on nearby islands, Oderin con- land and Merasheen, while others went to the bank tinued to be regarded as the "capital" of the fishery out of Burin Peninsula ports. During World surrounding area. Father Michael Morris qv was sta- War II younger people continued to leave, worlcing in tioned there in 1873, and during his 10-year stay re- construction and services at the Argentia base, the placed the Roman Catholic church and school (where population dipping below 200 in the 1950s. Oderin Father Morris's brother, future Prime Minister Edward was resettled in 1966, with families relocating to P. Morris, began his working life as a teacher). Oderin Rushoon, Parker's Cove, Burin and St. John's. How- planter Richard McGrath was elected MHA for Pia- ard Brown (1974 ), Mary McGrath (1980), H.M. centia and St. Mary's in 1861, and later was appointed Mosdell (1923), E.R. Seary (1977), Philip Tocque magistrate there. In 1885 his son James F. McGrath qv (1877), Census (1836-1966), List of Electors (1962), established a business at Oderin and later succeeded Statistics: Federal-Provincial Resettlement Program him as MHA. Planter Philip Power had also estab- (1975?), Newfoundland Historical Society (Oderin; lished himself as a vessel owner and trader by the Rushoon). RHC 1870s. Stationed at Oderin were most government of­ ficials for the area- the way officer, police constable O'DONEL,JAMESLOUIS (1737-1811). Roman and customs officer- while from the late 1800s until Catholic bishop. Born Knocklofty, Tipperary, Ireland, his death in 1908 the community also had the only son of Ann (Crosby) and Michael O'Donel. Educated resident doctor between Burin and Placentia, Dr. A. Limerick; St. Isidore's College, Rome. McCulloch. In 1913 Oderin became the seat for Sa­ The son of a well-off farmer, O'Donel entered the cred Heart parish, serving the Roman Catholic popula­ Franciscan Order with his brother Michael. After his tion from Rushoon to Paradise. However, while ordination in 1770 he taught philosophy and theology Oderin remained an important service centre, its pop­ in Prague. In 1777 he returned to Ireland as prior of ulation was in decline as settlement spread to areas the Franciscan house in Waterford, and in 1779 was with better access to land resources. In particular, elected to a three-year term as head of the Franciscan most of the Church of England population left as the Order in Ireland. Meanwhile, in 1783 Roman Catho­ area ceased to be a mercantile centre. By 1911 the lics in Newfoundland obtained permission from Gov­ Church of England church and school had closed and ernor John Campbell qv to build a chapel and to bring there were only a handful of Protestants among the clergymen to the Island. Noting his renown as a population of 239. Of the most common family names preacher, his fluency in Irish Gaelic and the fact that, in 1871 - Bailey, Brown, Butler, Clarke, Drake, like so many Newfoundland Irish, he was from the King, Pittman, Power, Smith, Travis, Lake and Mur­ Waterford area, O'Donel was the choice of Newfound­ phy - only the latter two were present in any great land Catholics to oversee work here. In May 1784, numbers in the community's declining years. The Rome decided that Newfoundland should become a twentieth century saw a continued decline in popula­ separate ecclesiastical territory and that O'Donel tion as the local shore fishery experienced a succes- would be superior of the mission. O'DONOVAN, ALEXANDER 155

He arrived in St. John's on July 4, 1784, and before Governor Campbell left for England that winter an order was issued giving freedom of religious worship to Newfoundlanders. The next year O'Donel oversaw the completion, on Henry Street, of the first Roman Catholic chapel to exist in Newfoundland since the French left Placentia in 1714, and a second chapel was soon completed in Harbour Grace. Despite the governor's support, however, O'Donel was to face many obstacles as the Church grew. In 1786 Prince William Henry, a son of George III, arrived in Placen­ tia, where O'Donel had established his third parish the previous summer. Bitterly opposed to Roman Catholi­ cism, the Prince petitioned governors and courts to limit the Church's influence. O'Donellater wrote that the prince "finally, bursting into open madness, with violence hurled an iron file from a window", injuring O'Donnells O'Donel's shoulder. Other conflicts arose between one (or all) of the four 0' Donnell brothers who served 0' Donel and unauthorized priests. Meanwhile as parish priests in Newfoundland in the late 1800s, Governor Mark Milbanke, appointed in 1789, was not although some sources suggest that it was renamed as friendly towards O'Donel as Campbell had been. after Bishop J.L. O'Donel. Tradition has it that the first Responding to reports by Church of England clergy­ settler was a man named Edward Coombs, who lived men that Irish Catholicism was becoming a powerful on a grassy place around Mussel Pond Point. The political force, Milbanke threatened new restrictions community was first recorded in the Census in 1869, on worship. with a population of 13. By 1871 there were two resi­ Two years later, with the appointment of Chief Jus­ dent families, those of fishermen Thomas Butland and tice John Reeves qv, these fears were quelled. Despite Patrick Mahoney. There were five families and 30 obstacles the Church in Newfoundland grew under people fishing there and raising sheep and goats by O'Donel, and on September 21, 1796, he was conse­ 1891. Other early family names were Hickey, Hanlon, crated as Newfoundland's first Roman Catholic bishop. Comerford and Grace. The settlement grew only When the United Irish rebellion broke out in 1800, slowly until the early twentieth century. By 1921 mutinous tendencies broke into open rebellion among O'Donnells had a population of 148 and a school. Irish members of the garrison in St. John's. O'Donel's There were 75 families by the 1960s. St. Joseph's, with support of British authority in this and other issues its fish plant, church, doctor, school and shops, func­ facilitated his work as ~~ tioned as its service centre. Bishop. He later claimed to From the 1970s there has been some employment have brought "the mad­ within the community of O'Donnells itself, with the dened scum of the people to firm of John Hickey and Sons trucking frozen fish to cool reflection". By 1804 the United States and bringing produce back for New­ the Bishop's health was fail­ foundland wholesalers. In the 1980s and early 1990s ing and he requested a coad­ Hickey's operated two 65-foot boats employing local jutor who could succeed skippers, and in 1987 John Hickey built a small fish him. Patrick Lambert qv was plant to process capelin. Other common family names chosen, and in 1807 of O'Donnells in 1992 were Butland and Hanlon. O'Donel retired first to Bris­ Dermot Butland (interview, Nov. 1991), Margaret But­ tol, then to Waterford. In land (interview, Nov. 1991), Vera Butland (interview, 1811 a candle fell against Nov. 1991), John Hickey (interview, Dec. 1991), Cen­ the reading chair in which J.L. O'Donel sus (1869-1986), DA (May-June 1987), Hutchinson's O'Donel had fallen asleep. Newfoundland Directory (1864), Lovell's Newfound­ Though he was not seriously burnt he died from the land Directory (1871). KAW stress less than two weeks later. See also IRISH SET­ O'DONOVAN, ALEXANDER (1813-1864). Educator. TLEMENT; ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. Cyril J. Born County Cork, Ireland. Educated Ireland. Married Byrne ed. (1984), George Conroy (1884), Raymond J. Catherine Walsh. A professor of humanities, French Lahey (1984), John Thomas Mullock (1860), DCB V. and history at Carlow College, Ireland, O'Donovan KAW came to Newfoundland in 1843 to establish the nonde­ O'DONNELLS (pop. 1986, 264). Situated in St. Mary's nominational Carbonear Grammar School. As princi­ Bay, the community of O'Donnells sits in front of pal of the Grammar School he was a pioneer in educating Mussel Pond and a cradle of wooded hills which opens outport students, and the merchants, mariners and to the southeast. The settlement was originally named teachers he helped produce had a wide-ranging influ­ Mussel Pond, but was probably renamed in honour of ence throughout the Country for many years thereafter. 156 O'DRISCOLL, JOSEPH P.

O'Donovan was commended in the first report of with Canada following the 1894 Bank Crash. From school inspection in 1845 and continued his outstand­ 1899 to 1900 he was a municipal commissioner for St. ing performance until his death. Professor O'Donovan John's. After his death the firm, operated by his sons was said to have no superior in all Newfoundland as a John and Joseph qv, was incorporated as P. C. teacher, with his classes in navigation beginning a long O'Driscoll Ltd. Shortly after Confederation it ex­ line of outstanding foreign-going skippers from Car­ panded and began to stock products instead of solicit­ bonear. ing orders for shipment from Canada, the United His wife died in 1860, leaving O'Donovan to care for States, and Britain. DNLB (1990), Newfoundland Jour­ six children. Following O'Donovan's death four years nal of Commerce (July 1970), Newfoundland Histori­ later one of his outstanding students, Lawrence cal Society (P.C. O'Driscoll). KAW Mackey qv, took over as principal of the Grammar School (but in 1866 the Carbonear Grammar School O'DWYER, RICHARD HORTON (1858-1922). Mer­ chant; politician. Born St. John's, son of Richard and Act was repealed and Mackey went to the Catholic Wilhelmina (Horton) O'Dwyer. Married Mary Ellen Grammar School as schoolmaster). As a lasting tribute Casey. O'Dwyer was born in Newfoundland, but to O'Donovan the street in Carbonear which runs along moved to England with his family after his father the old site of the Grammar School is still known as O'Donovan's Lane. MICHAEL F. HARRINGTON retired from business. At age 21 he returned tp St. John's to take over the business in partnership with his O'DRISCOLL, JOSEPH P. (1899-1978). Soldier; poli­ brother John. After 10 years as one of few Catholic tician. Born St. John's, son of Margaret (Dalton) and Water Street merchants he entered politics in 1889, as Patrick C. O'Driscoll qv. Educated St. Bonaventure's supporter of William V. Whiteway, and was elected for College. Married Amy Chaplin. O'Driscoll enlisted in the Placentia and St. Mary's. From 1889 to 1893 O'Dwyer .Newfoundland Regiment in held the position of Receiver-General in the Whiteway 1916 and was wounded at the cabinet. Unsuccessfu! in his bid for re-election in battle of Monchy-le-Preux. 1893, he was appointed commissioner of Public Char­ He returned to Newfound­ ities, holding the position until his death in 1922. J .R. land to join the family busi­ Smallwood (1967), DNLB (1990). ACB ness, but enlisted in the Home Defence Force on the out­ OFFER WADHAMS. See WAD HAM ISLANDS. break of World War II. For a OFFSHORE MINERAL RIGHTS. See LAW OF THE time he commanded the SEA; PETROLEUM EXPLORATION AND DEVEL­ coastal battery at Bell Island, OPMENT. then joined the Royal Air Force, serving as flight lieu­ O'FLAHERTY, FRANCES (1939- ). Actress; theatre tenant and intelligence offi­ reviewer; social work director. Born St. John's, daugh­ cer. After the War he was los O'Driscoll ter of Frances (Kennedy) and James O'Neill. Educated prominent in veterans' orga- Memorial University of Newfoundland; London nizations as president of the St. John's Great War School of Economics; Institute of Family Therapy, Veterans' Association and later the Royal Canadian Le­ London; Marlborough Family Service, London. gion. In 1949 he was promoted lieutenant-colonel and While O'Flaherty worked as a clinical social took command of the newly re-established Royal New­ worker, through the 1970s and 1980s directing the foundland Regiment. O'Driscoll served one term as Lib­ social work departments of the Janeway Children's eral MHA for Bell Island from 1956 to 1959 and served Hospital and the Waterford Hospital, she became well­ for a time as provincial commander for the Canadian known as an actress and theatre critic. From the late Legion after 1956. G.W.L. Nicholson (1969), Stephen 1950s to the 1970s she performed in many school O'Driscoll (interview, May 1992), Newfoundland and dramas and radio broadcasts, and in subsequent years Labrador Who's Who Centennial Edition (1968). RHC performed with the St. John's Players, the St. John's Arts and Culture Centre, CBC TV and radio and with O'DRISCOLL, PATRICK local film productions. Through the 1980s she re­ CLEARY (18 58-1918). viewed theatre on CBC radio and in the Evening Tele­ Businessman. Born Mobile. gram, writing a column entitled Stage Whispers. Married Margaret Dalton. O'Flaherty has also written a number of articles and During the late 1880s contributed to books on social work, her subjects in­ O'Driscoll established him­ cluding domestic violence and children's rights. She self as an auctioneer and was a commissioner and contributing author for the manufacturer's agent, form­ 1990 Roman Catholic archdiocesan report on child ing a family business that sexual abuse by clergy. Frankie O'Flaherty (interview, continued into 1992. In Mar. 1992; letter, Apr. 1992); Centre for Newfound­ 1895 he served as secretary land Studies (Frankie O'Flaherty). KAW of the Anti-Confederate League, opposing attempts O'FLAHERTY, PATRICK AUGUSTINE ( 1939- ). to negotiate terms of union P.C. O'Driscoll Educator; author. Born Long Beach, Conception Bay, OGILVIE, ALLAN MCPHERSON 157

son of Jane (Howell) and Augustus O'Flaherty. ~du- Ogden was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme ated Memorial University of Newfoundland; Umver­ Court. He resigned the next year, and, according to city of London. Married Frankie O'Neill. A specialist O'Neill, was lost on the voyage to England. Paul ~n eighteenth century English literature, O'Flah~rty O'Neill (1976), D.W. Prowse (1895), DNLB (1991). ACB has made major contributions to Newfoundla_nd st~dtes. OGILVIE, ALLAN MCPHERSON (1921- ). Airman. After receiving his Ph.D. from the Umverstty of Born Grand Falls, son of Alexander and Lillian (Lush) London in 1963, O'Flaherty taught English at the Uni­ Ogilvie. Educated Grand Falls; Toronto; R.C.A.F Staff versity of Manitoba. In College, Toronto; N.A.T.O. Defence College, Paris. 1965 he came to Memorial Ogilvie served overseas with the Royal Air Force dur­ University's English de­ ing World War II, and later held senior positions in the partment, serving as depart­ R.C.A.F. ment head from 1982 to After completing navigational training in Canada, 1987. His Newfoundland Ogilvie was sent to Britain. In August 1942 he volun­ works include By Great Wa­ teered for service with the recently established Path­ ters: A Newfoundland and finder Force, No. 8 Bomber Group. On the completion Labrador Anthology (1974) of his fiftieth combat mission he was awarded the -with Peter Neary qv; The Distinguished Flying Cross. On March 11, 1943 while Rock Observed: Studies in returning from his fifty-first mission, a raid on Stutt­ the Literature of Newfound­ gart, Oglivie's aircraft was attacked over France a~d land (1979); and Part of the the crew bailed out. Ogilvie found himself alone In Main: An Illustrated His- PatrickO'Flaherty German-occupied territory near Verdun. He was soon tory of Newfoundland and lucky enough to find one of his fellow crew members Labrador (1983) - with Peter Neary. He has also and together they began an amazing escape, lasting 88 published two short story collections, Summer of the days and covering hundreds of miles on foot and_ by Greater Yellowlegs (1987) and A Small Place in the train. They reached Spain, where they were Im­ Sun (1989). In 1990 he published his first novel, prisoned for a week. On arrival back in England in Priest of God, and in 1992 produced a travel guide for June 1943 Ogilvie was awarded the Bar to the DFC. visitors to Newfoundland, Come Near at Your Peril. After serving as an instructor at an observer's school O'Flaherty has also written literary history and criti­ in the south of England, Ogilvie was posted in May cism for academic journals, and has contributed book 1944 as Group Navigation Officer of No. 6 (R.C.A.F.) reviews and articles to several publications, including Bomber Group. He transferred to the R.C.A.F. as act­ the Newfoundland Quarterly, the Globe and Mail and ing squadron leader, and in 1945 was posted to Can­ Canadian Forum. In 1987 he became founding co­ ada. His post-war service included numerous staff and editor of Newfoundland Studies qv, Memorial command positions, including those of personal staff University's scholarly journal on Newfoundland cul­ officer to the chief of the air staff and Canadian na­ ture and society. He served for a short time as contrib- tional military representative to Supreme Headquar­ uting editor of the Evening Telegram. . ters Allied Powers Europe. In July 1971 Colonel O'Flaherty has been active in a variety of orgamza­ Ogilvie was appointed chief of stafflb~se comman~er, tions. In 1979 he was an unsuccessful candidate for Canadian Forces Base Europe. He retued from active the Liberal party in both the federal riding of St. service in 1975. John's West and the provincial district of Harbour From January 1976 to December 1979 Ogilvie was Grace. He represented Newfoundland on the Canada a director of the Anti-Inflation Board in Ottawa and Council from 1981 to 1984. In 1985 he was named to from 1980 to 1986 executive director to the Sergeant­ the board of directors of the Institute for Research on at-Arms in the House of Public Policy. He was appointed chairman of a com­ Commons. His other deco­ mittee advising the provincial government on arts pol­ rations include the Croix de icy in 1989. Frederick W. Rowe (1976), DNLB (1990), Guerre with Bronze Star, ET (Jan. 21, 1989; Aug. 19, 1989), Newfoundland Officer of the Order of Mil­ Herald (Mar. 16, 1991), MUN Gazette (Apr. 15, 1982; itary Merit, Canadian Cen­ June 28, 1987), Who's Who in the Writers Union of tennial Medal, Canadian Canada (1988). KAW Forces Decoration and OGDEN, JONATHAN (? -1803). Surgeon; Chief Jus­ Clasps and Canadian Vol­ tice. Born Nova Scotia. In 1784 Ogden was sent to St. unteer Service Medal and John's as an assistant surgeon in the Royal Navy. After Clasp. Bill Learning (inter­ 10 years as one of few physicians in the ColonY_ h~ w_as view, Apr. 1992), G.W.L. appointed magistrate for St. John's. In 1798 his JUns­ Nicholson (1969), A.M. diction was extended to all of Newfoundland. He also Ogilvie (letter/interview, Col. A.M. Ogilvie became deputy naval officer under Richard Hatt Noble May 1992), ET (Sept. 18, . (whose appointment permitted him to remain in Eng­ 1991), National Defense Headquarters (Release ftle: land as long as a deputy carried out his duties). In 1802 A.M. Ogilvie). JOHN PARSONS 158 O'GRADY, JEREMIAH J.

O'GRADY, JEREMIAH J. (1880-1967). Soldier; edu­ cator. Born Charlottetown, P.E.I. Educated St. John's. A prominent member of the Catholic Cadet Corps in St. John's, O'Grady joined the Newfoundland Regi­ ment with the outbreak of World War I and was soon made a sergeant and drill instructor. He was subse­ quently commissioned and sent overseas to train re­ cruits. In 1915 he returned to become senior instructor of recruits at St. John's and adjutant at depot headquar­ ters. He was promoted captain in 1916 and served until 1919, at which time he was awarded the M.B.E. for his war service. In 1920 O'Grady joined St. Bonaventure's College in St. John's as physical training instructor. He taught physical education at most other Roman Catho­ lic schools in St. John's over the next 40 years, retiring I from St. Bon's in 1960 at the age of 80. O'Grady also was visiting staff member at Memorial University Col­ Okakc. 1900 - lege for some years, and was drill instructor for the of Okak Bay, approximately 120 km north of Nain qv. Newfoundland Constabulary after 1935. Gillian Power With several wooded valleys offering access into the (letter, Nov. 1992). RHC interior and with salmon and char spawning grounds in the North River, Okak Bay was a favoured hunting area O'HEHIR, MARTIN OTTERAN (1886-1978). Edu­ of the Inuit prior to the establishment of a Moravian cator. Born Tubber, Ireland. O'Hehir entered the order mission station at Okak in 1776. This mission, the of Irish Christian Brothers in 1903 and came to St. second established by the Moravians in Labrador, was John's three years later. the most northerly station in Labrador until the From 1907 to 1909 he founding of Hebron qv in 1818. In 1821 there were taught at Holy Cross 260 Inuit in the Moravian congregation at Okak, at a School, and then began a time when Nain (the second largest station) had a long association with St. congregation of 175. Patrick's Hall School, serv­ The Okakmiut, however, in keeping with the prac­ ing as principal from 1925 tice at other Moravian stations, were not actually to 1931 and from 1937 to "resident" at Okak; they lived for much of the year 1940. He is perhaps best at scattered locations in Okak Bay, in the adjacent known for his establishment interior or to the north, depending on the availabil­ of a night school for boys ity of such resources as char, caribou and seals. who had quit school during Over time the dependence of the Inuit on the mis­ the Depression. O'Hehir ad- sion increased and many families lived near the mis­ vocated the involvement of BrotherM.O. O'Hehir sion, especially during the period from Christmas to religious orders in the New- Easter. In the later 1800s, as the Moravians encour­ foundland *Teachers' Association qv, and served as aged the Inuit to fish for cod in the summer, most president in 1938-39. He was a supporter of the Boy families spent the summers at fishing stations on the Scout movement and a founder of the Patrician Asso­ islands to the east of Okak at Sillutalik (Cutthroat), ciation. Simekutak (Moores Harbour) and to the north at In 1940 O'Hehir was transferred to the United Mugford Tickle qv. States and taught at Chicago's Leo High School and Increasingly as the Moravians improved services at New York's Power Memorial Academy. He retired Okak the Inuit population became more settled, at from teaching in 1967 and lived for the next decade at least during the winter months. In 1901 Okak had a the Brothers' monastery in Boston. In 1977, in ill population of 386. In 1903 a hospital, which served health, he moved to the Brothers' infirmary in New­ the Labrador coast north of Hopedale, was opened ark, New Jersey, where he died. The Brother O'Hehir and Okak acquired its first resident medical practi­ Arena on Bonaventure Avenue in St. John's was tioner, Dr. S.K. Hutton qv. The very next year the named in his honour. DNLB (1990), Centre for New­ community suffered a major influenza epidemic and foundland Studies (Martin O'Hehir). KAW 65 people died. The 1904 epidemic, however, was OIL. See FUEL; PETROLEUM EXPLORATION AND dwarfed by the tragedy which struck Okak in 1918. In DEVELOPMENT; PETROLEUM REFINING. November of that year the mission ship Harmony brought the disease (then reaching epidemic propor­ OKAK (pop. 1935, 14). Once the largest of the missions tions in most of the world) to the Labrador coast. ofthe *Moravian Church qv in Labrador, Okak was all Although all the Mission stations were devastated by but wiped out in an influenza epidemic in 1918-19. the flu, Okak suffered the greatest losses, only 59 Okak ("the tongue") is located on the north side of women and children surviving into the spring of the more northerly of the Okak Islands, at the mouth 1919. OKALAKATIGET SOCIETY 159

Okak, just before the epidemic of 1918 When the Harmony left Okak people were begin- Are Everywhere (1977), Them Days (vol. 4 #4, 1979), ning to fall sick, and the sickness spread like Archives (A-7-4/36; GN 56/2/11/112). RHC wildfire. Crews went off to their sealing places OKALAKATIGET SOCIETY. The OK~UaKatiget So­ only to fall sick and die. Some tried to get back ciety was founded in Nain in 1983 to provide informa­ to Okak and failed, portions of the boats' crews tion and entertainment services by and for the people dying along the way. In some settlements a small of northern Labrador. The group's mandate was to remnant survived to tell the story, but at some improve communications between the communities of places all died. (Moravian Periodical Accounts, northern Labrador and the outside world, to promote cited in Our Footprints Are Everywhere). pride in Inuit and settler cultures and to provide ser­ In the spring, with all the hunters dead, it was vices in both the English and Inuktituk languages. decided to abandon Okak and move the survivors to Funded by the Secretary of State of Canada, the Society Nain and Hopedale. A settler living at Napartok Bay was asked to come to Okak as caretaker for the Mis­ sion store. By the summer of 1920 some Inuit fami­ lies, as well as some settlers, had returned to Okak Bay, which was a good hunting and trapping area. A Newfoundlander also settled at Okak Bay - Esau Gillingham (whose life in Labrador was fictionalized by Harold Horwood in the novel White Eskimo). Eventually, the Moravian church decided to reopen its store at Okak Harbour for the convenience of the 15 to 20 families resident in the Bay at least part of the year. Okak itself, however, was not re-established and remained home only to the storekeeper and one or two Inuit families. In 1929 the store at Okak was closed, as Okak Bay families were now able to trade with a recently-opened Hudson's Bay Company store at Nutak qv. From 1929 to the early 1940s Okak Harbour was a seasonal home for a few families of Inuit. But since the resettlement of Nutak in 1956, Okak has been visited only occasionally by Inuit fre­ quenting other camps in the area. In 1986 the release

{;~ of the film Last Days of Okak made the story of the rT\~.(l'-~-:/1! "'io!nni.Wmbw _..,._."___ t-,t• epidemic there widely known throughout Canada. fi'I'S!I)E: ... Labrador and ill> people ______.... ••• Judge James Igloliorte :Md.fw~ ··----·P.:U P.W. Browne (1909), S.K. Hutton (1925), E.P. ------t.:Q""""'··------'" and the justice system ~-.. ~~----"·· Wheeler (1953), Census (1891-1935), Our Footprints r-~:.,._w.~--'·"'-·----"··' 160 OKE, HARRIS RENDELL

has been described as one of Canada's strongest native Island. A son, Edward, was appointed keeper at Har­ communications organizations. bour Grace Island, where he was succeeded by his The Society uses several media to reach its audi­ brother, Austin. In 1855, at the age of 62 years, Robert ence. The newsletter, Kinatuinamot /lengajuk (To Oke was appointed Inspector of Lighthouses and Whom it May Concern), is published quarterly and moved to St. John's. Over the next 15 years he devel­ contains news and human oped a system of lighthouses marking the major capes interest items. It had a cir­ and headlands of the Island, overseeing the design and culation of about 800 in construction of seven lighthouses. He also drafted 1992. Radio and television standards of conduct for the keepers and their assis­ programs are broadcast tants. Oke died at St. John's on September 15, 1870. through the Canadian John Templeton (1987). DAVID MOLLOY Broadcasting Corporation's Northern Native Broadcast OKE, WILLIAM A. (1859-1923). Printer; politician; Access Program. Music magistrate. Born Harbour Grace, son of Edward Oke. programs and religious ser­ Educated Harbour Grace. Married Sophie Snow. Oke' s vices in both English and father, a Harbour Grace Island lighthouse keeper, Inuktituk can be heard in drowned while returning to his post when Oke was the communities of Nain, only six. After attending the grammar school at Har­ Hopedale, Makkovik, Postville, Rigolet, Happy Val­ bour Grace, Oke apprenticed at the printing office of ley, Goose Bay and North West River for several hours the Harbour Grace Standard and eventually became each week. The television program "Labradormiut" is foreman. Around 1900 he formed a partnership with shown weekly. The OKalaKatiget Society employed Standard publisher, James D. Munn, serving as editor 20 people in Nain in 1990 and provided on-the-job and co-owner until his son Edward succeeded him a training in written and broadcast communications. few years before his death. Kinatuinamot llengajuk (passim, 1990-1992), A Liberal, Oke was elected OKalaKatiget Society (1985). ACB MHA for Harbour Grace district for four terms be­ OKE, HARRIS RENDELL (1891-1940). Soldier; tween 1897 and 1908. From civil servant. Born St. John's, son of Florence (Jeans) 1909 until his death he was and John Carnell Oke. Educated Bishop Feild College. District Court judge at Married Melinda DuChesne. A law student from 1909 Harbour Grace. Oke was a to 1914, Oke joined the Newfoundland Regiment as member of the Conception one of the original "Blue Puttees". After a year's Bay British and Masonic so­ service he was commissioned with the Royal Scots. cieties, and served as presi­ From 1916 to the end of the War he served in France. dent of the Sons of England Wounded three times and gassed twice, he was Society of Harbour Grace. awarded the Military Cross. After the War Oke served Suzanne Ellison (1988), w. A. Oke for a year in Russia, and then held administrative posts H.M. Mosdell (1974), DN in the colonial civil service in Nigeria and Gambia. (Feb. 26, 1923), DNLB (1990), NQ (Oct. 1904; Apr. Periodically, from 1934 until shortly before his death, 1919). KAW he was Gambia's acting governor. J.R. Smallwood (1975), Who's Who in and from Newfoundland 1937 O'KEEFE, JOSEPH PHILIP (1909- ). Businessman; (1937?), Newfoundland Historical Society (H.R. Oke). politician. Born St. John's, son of Lawrence and KAW Louise (O'Toole) O'Keefe. Educated St. John's. Mar­ ried Margaret Walsh. Before entering politics O'Keefe OKE, ROBERT (1794-1870). Lightkeeper; civil ser­ was the owner and operator of a grocery store on vant. Born, Southampton, England. Married Ann George Street in St. John's, one of the first stores in Waugh. Oke came to Newfoundland in 1811, to work Newfoundland to adopt the self-serve ''supermarket'' for Spurrier & Co. at Burin and later moved to Harbour format. In 1963 he was elected Member of Parliament Grace, where he worked for a number of different for St. John's East, defeating James A. McGrath. Run­ firms. In the early 1830s he became involved in the ning against W.J. Browne he was re-elected in 1965 highly competitive business of providing mail and pas­ but was defeated by McGrath in 1968. O'Keefe retired senger services by packet boat between Harbour Grace in Ottawa. Canadian Parliamentary Guide ( 1968), and Portugal Cove. Newfoundland and Labrador Who's Who Centennial In the summer of 1836 Oke was appointed keeper of Edition (1968). RHC the lighthouse on Harbour Grace Island, the third lighthouse to have been erected in Newfoundland. OLD AGE HOMES. Prior to Confederation most el­ During the 10 years he was keeper there Oke was also derly residents of Newfoundland and Labrador fended called upon to oversee the installation of the light for themselves or were cared for by family members. mechanism at Cape Bonavista. In 1846 he was ap­ Until 1949, the Home for the Aged and Infirm (also pointed commander of a Revenue cutter assigned to known as the ''Poor House'' qv) accommodated indi­ tax and duty collection on the West Coast of the gent elderly people, the overflow living in unlicensed OLD AGE HOMES 161 and often overcrowded private St. John's homes. The Hull House fire in February 1948, which took the lives of 33 residents, demonstrated that government stan­ dards of care for the elderly were urgently needed. As societal change occurred - including increased life expectancy, resettlement and the decline of the ex­ tended family - there was an increasing number of elderly citizens who could not depend on family mem­ bers for assistance. Newfoundland eventually developed a system of both privately-operated ("licensed boarding homes") and non-profit residences, the latter founded by reli­ gious denominations, multi-denominational groups or service clubs. In 1950, the Department of Health iden­ tified and "licensed" (no actual paper license was issued) private homes with adequate facilities and ap­ pointed a welfare officer to monitor them. For the first St. Patrick's Mercy Home, St. John's time, subsidized housing for the elderly was available ince in 1984 spent $40 million to keep 2100 senior outside St. John's. By the end of 1953,97 men and 128 citizens resident in the homes. Nursing homes grew to women lived in licensed boarding homes. Housing for supplement, and even supplant, hospitals. The Agnes seniors needing medical care was difficult to obtain. Pratt Home, for example, added a nursing care facility, Just two of these homes would care for female bedrid­ including a 28-bed dementia unit in 1989. In the late den patients, while bedridden males had to go to the 1980s there was criticism over admission require­ Infirmary. ments to old age homes, some being accused of admit­ The Province's first not-for-profit senior citizen's ting only those of the "right" denomination, and home was St. Patrick's Mercy Home in St. John's, smaller private facilities were criticized for overlook­ opened in January 1958, with 162 beds. The Agnes ing seniors with handicaps. In the meantime there was Pratt Home opened in September of that year, and, like still a severe shortage of accommodations, caused in most nursing homes, housed healthy people who had part by further improvements in health care and life retired at 65 and who were "without family support". expectancy as well as by the aging of the population. Five non-profit residences were established in the By the early 1990s, different models of care were 1960s: three in St. John's (1965), one in Clarke's being explored. The Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Care Beach (1966) and one in Badger's Quay (1968). In the Centre in Botwood developed one option, providing a 1970s the number of not-for-profit homes increased nursing home in one wing and a clinic in another. In dramatically. Many were oriented to healthy retired the meantime there was a growing feeling that nursing people, while others combined "cottages" for the rel­ homes were not necessarily the best places for the atively healthy with facilities for those needing care. elderly, and options such as improved home services Non-profit homes constructed in this decade included were pursued. In 1991, when the government reduced residences in Carbo near ( 1971 and 1979), Corner provincial hospital services, creating five regional Brook (1972), Gander (1973), Grand Falls (1974), Health Boards to oversee care for particular geograph­ Grand Bank, Springdale and Lewisporte (all in 1975), ical areas, some accommodation was provided for the St. Anthony and Stephenville (1976), Bonavista and needs of the elderly. For example, the Baie Verte Pen­ St. John's (1977) and Happy Valley (1979). insula Health Care Centre was changed from a hospi­ By 1972 the need for greater medical care was evi­ tal to an acute care centre. By June of 1992, 65 dent. The Agnes Pratt Home added a 16-bed nursing licensed boarding homes operated under the supervi­ unit, but there was still no allowance for permanent sion of the Department of Health, 20 under the Water­ treatment of chronic illnesses. Doctors and Public ford Hospital, with 30 entrepreneurs preparing to open Health nurses visited when required, while pharma­ facilities. Both types of facilities charged monthly fees, ceutical, nutritional, and recreational advice was but when personal resources were exhausted govern­ given when possible. After a fire at a boarding home ment funding was available. Annabel Bruce (Sunday in the Goulds took the lives of 21 residents in 1976, Express Sept. 6, 1987), Reg Gabriel (interview, June the Welfare Institutions Licensing and Inspection Au­ 1992), Jane Heller (interview, June 1992), Ted Warren thority replaced the licensing board. Licensed homes (ET Apr. 12, 1988), Maudie Whalen (ET Jan. 12, 1988), were inspected by the Fire Commissioner's Office and Dora Yetman (1983), ET(May 3, 1988; June 17, 1988; Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. Buildings were June 22, 1989; Dec. 27, 1991; Dec. 30, 1991), The updated to meet the requirements of the Fire Safety Laying of the Cornerstone of the New Extension to the Codes and Building Regulations. By the end of March Agnes Pratt Home (1988), A Liturgical Celebration of 1977, 45 licensed boarding homes housed 611 resi­ Praise and Thanksgiving on the extension of the bless­ dents. ing and opening of the Newly Renovated and Extended The 1980s saw non-profit homes constructed in St. Patrick's Mercy Home (1986), Newfoundland Hos­ Mount Pearl (1982) and Placentia (1985). The Prov- pital and Nursing Home Association (membership list, 162 OLD AGE PENSIONS

Jan. 1992), The Official Opening of the Agnes Pratt ity harbour from the late 1600s. It was probably settled Home's New Nursing Care Facility (1989), Week in year-round in the mid-1700s, the first recorded settlers Review (Apr. 11, 1988). JEAN GRAHAM being John and Honora Verge in 1758. Other families recorded at Old Bonaventure in the later 1700s include OLD AGE PENSIONS. In the absence of an adequate the Millers, Ivanys and Stones, while the Shorts, Kings pension system in the nineteenth and early twenti~th and Pitchers were first recorded there early in the centuries, the elderly often found themselves the recip­ 1800s. William Cormack, visiting in 1822, noted a ients of poor relief qv. An Act for the Support of Aged dozen families engaged in the cod fishery and growing and Infant Paupers (3 Vic. cap. 1), passed in 1840, "a few potatoes ... amongst the scanty patches of soil provided payments of 6d per person per day or less. In around their doors''. 1931 the Health and Public Welfare Act (22 Geo. V, While the harbour offered good access to inshore cap. 12) provided old age pensions of $6 to $8 per fishing grounds it was quite confined and so over­ quarter, and relief that was limited largely to fo?d. crowded by the early 1800s that families such as the Before 1943 pensions of up to $50 a year were bemg Ivanys, Millers and Kings had moved on to New Bon­ paid to men and widows over the age of75 where there aventure and Kerley's Harbour qqv. At the time of the was evidence of need. The pension was then increased first Census in 1836 Old Bonaventure was a thriving to $6 a month for single people and $10 for married fishing community of 148 people. By 1845 the popu­ couples. Additional allowances could be granted on lation had increased to 182, a number that is almost the recommendation of a relieving officer, clergyman inconceivable to the modern visitor, and supported a or magistrate. . Church of England school and church. Some of the Following Confederation (in which the benefits of later arrivals established their premises at less shel­ the Canadian system of old age pensions was a major tered locations near the harbour's western entrance: campaign focus of pro-confederates) pensions in­ the Baileys at Whale Cove and the Vivians just around creased dramatically, from $60 to $360 a year. In 1951 the point at Cat Cove. Other residents had winter the federal government introduced the Old Age Secu­ houses at Smith Sound, where Old Bonaventure soon rity Program which provided a pension of $40 a _month spawned such "daughter" communities as Monroe to all Canadians over the age of 70. A second piece of qv. Some built schooners and established themselves legislation provided a Guaranteed Income Supplement as vessel owners and local traders, although the com­ to those over 65. The Canada Pension Plan, introduced munity continued to come within the commercial in 1966, required most businesses and their employees sphere of Trinity, and by the late 1800s some Old to contribute an income-related amount to a federally­ Bonaventure planters were involved in the Labrador managed pension fund. The first of these pensions fishery. The 1901 Census recorded 133 people at Old were paid out in 1967 to citizens 65 and over. In 1990 Bonaventure proper, 31 at Cat Cove and 27 at Whale there were approximately 59,000 recipients of old age Cove. pensions and related plans in the Province. J.R. Small­ After World War I, however, the local shore fishery wood ( 1967), Canada Pension Plan Historical Statis­ declined somewhat while the Labrador fishery out of tics (1986), Inventory of Income Security Programs in Trinity Bay virtually collapsed. By 1935 many people Canada, July 1990 (1990). ACB had left to find work elsewhere: there were 107 people OLD BONAVENTURE (pop. 1986, 100). Old Bona­ recorded at Old Bonaventure and 15 at Cat Cove in venture is a fishing community on the north side of 1935, further declining to 88 and 4 by 1945. Thereaf­ Trinity Bay, about 15 km southwest of Trinity qv. It is ter Cat Cove was totally abandoned, as Whale Cove likely that the snug, well-protected harbour known as had been earlier, with the Baileys and Vivians moving Bonaventura (good or safe arrival) was an outpost of to Old Bonaventure proper over the early decades of the west of England migratory fishery centred on Trin- the 1900s to take up vacated shore space. In 1992 Cat

Old Bonaventure Old Bonaventure OLD HOME WEEK 163

Cove and Whale Cove were accessible by a branch of both the Women's Suffrage League and the Old path off the old road or "back way" between Old Colony Club, Julia Salter Earle, Fannie McNeil and Bonaventure and New Bonaventure. Common family Mae Kennedy, ran unsuccessfully for office in St. names of Old Bonaventure included Bailey, Miller, John's. The Old Colony Club continued to operate for Pitcher, Toope (formerly a family name of the reset­ a time, but is best remembered for its role in the tled island of Ireland's Eye qv), Verge and Vivian. beginnings of the suffrage movement in Newfound­ Garland Bailey (interview, July 1992), W.E. Cormack land. Catherine Cleverdon (1950), DN (Aug. 18, 1921; ( 1929), George King (interview, July 1992), E.R. Nov. 3, 1922), "Ladies Reading Room and Current Seary (1977), Lovell's Newfoundland Directory Events Club- Newfoundland Society of Art" (BN II, (1871), Archives (A-7-2/M; VS 64A). RHC 1937), Who's Who in and from Newfoundland 1930 (1930). ACB OLD COLONY CLUB. Between 1898 and 1900 the Ladies' Reading Room and Current Events Club was OLD COMRADES ASSOCIATION. See CHURCH formed by a group of prominent St. John's women to LADS' BRIGADE. provide a place for the exchange of ideas and the OLD FORT (VIEUX FORT) (pop. 1986, 145). Old sponsoring of guest speakers. Renamed the Old Col­ Fort is a settlement on Quebec's lower north shore, just ony Club in about 1910, its members were associated west of St. Paul's River. Old Fort Bay is sheltered by with such causes as the child welfare movement and Old Fort Island and by the surrounding hills. Old Fort the campaign for women's suffrage. The group flour­ was known to sixteenth century French fishermen as ished for about 25 years, disbanding after 1926. Hable de Brest (see BREST) and was a summer station A subscription to the club entitled women to use the by at least 1534 when Jacques Cartier provisioned club rooms in the Lyon building, Water Street, to at­ there. Because fishing equipment left in the harbour tend lectures and to take advantage of the stock of was sometimes disturbed by Inuit groups some men current magazines and newspapers. Members were stayed behind at the end of the season as caretakers. generally well-educated women from the upper mid­ They erected a small fort, probably located in a shel­ dle class. In its general nature the group bore a strong tered area of the harbour where the boats were laid up. resemblance to the Toronto Women's Literary Club, Merchants and shipowners wanting to encourage in­ founded in 1876 and regarded as the precursor of the vestment or settlement sometimes exaggerated the size suffrage movement in Canada. The first president of and wealth of Brest. A letter of 1608, supposedly what was then the Current Events Club was Lady Julia written by the Sieur de Combes at Brest, described it (Hutchinson) Horwood, and Armine (Nutting) Gosling as a well fortified town of 50,000 inhabitants, where qv was the secretary-treasurer. The position of presi­ the sand was mixed with grains of gold. dent was in later years filled by Gosling and by suf­ After 1820 English-Newfoundland fishermen and fragist Frances Knowling McNeil qv. Other members merchants began to visit the lower north shore, with a were Agnes (Miller) Ayre, Margaret Duley, Julia major fishing station being established at nearby Salter Earle qqv, Margaret (Mulcahey) Burke, Eleanor Bonne Esperance qv in the 1860s. By the 1880s a few (Walsh) Howlett, Elizabeth (Upham) Knowling, Mar­ families on the island known as Old Fort were winter­ guerite Mitchell, Mae Kennedy, May Goodridge and ing in the inner harbour. The settlers of Old Fort were Antonia Hutton. members of the Church of England, and were joined The topic of votes for women was often discussed. by several other Church families from St. Paul's River Meeting at the home of Anna Mary (Barnes) Mitchell around the turn of the century. Old Fort remained a qv, some members of the club decided to press for small and relatively isolated community throughout reform, and invited supporters to sign a petition to be the early and rnid-1900s, with a resident population of presented to the House of Assembly. Not all members less than 150. The summer cod fishery attracted some were in favour of the suffrage movement, however, fishermen to the area and provided most local employ­ some objecting to the use of Club rooms for this pur­ ment. Though primarily a Protestant community, the pose. The club moved to more spacious quarters in the people constitute a linguistic mixture of French- and Smallwood building, Duckworth Street in 1922. One English-speaking families. Located on the Quebec member reported that from these new premises the side of the border, Old Fort nevertheless has a strong group would continue to act as " ...the nucleus of Newfoundland connection through the fishery and thought from which woman's point of view will subsequent settlement. Samuel Dawson (1905), W.G. radiate" (DN Nov. 3, 1922). Interest in social activi­ Gosling (1910), John J. Mannion ed. (1977), Census ties of the Old Colony Club began to decline in the (1986). ACB 1920s as a separate group, the *Women's Suffrage League of Newfoundland qv, demanded more time. OLD HOME WEEK. Old Home Week was held in St. The club was kept alive by a few women who arranged John's and surrounding communities in the summer of various social events. It also contributed to a travel­ 1904. The celebrations were designed to encourage ling library for the purpose of adult education, helping Newfoundlanders living elsewhere to return home for to distribute 2000 books to 54 outports. a few days in order to "promote a spirit of patriotism In 1925 when women were permitted to take part in and love for the land of their birth" (NQ Mar. 1904), municipal and parliamentary elections, three members and to encourage tourism. The idea for an Old Home 164 OLD MAN'S BEARD

Week seems to have arisen among a group of New­ the rind. Stalks are ringed with pale scars of pith that foundlanders living in and around Boston. Inspired by have grown to heal cracks made by weather and ani­ similar events held in some American cities, the Cabot mals. The genus Usnea is valued in Scandinavia for its Club of Boston decided to organize festivities in St. antibiotic properties, uses having included medicines John's. It negotiated special travel rates to Newfound­ for hair, uterine problems and haemorrhages. Frank land with various companies, including the Reid New­ Dobson (1979), A.A. Radclyffe Dugmore (1913), G.G. foundland Company. In St. John's, a welcome Nearing (1947), DNE (1990). KAW committee was formed with Edward P. Morris as pres­ OLD MAN'S COVE. A Labrador fishing station, Old ident. Governor Cavendish Boyle welcomed visitors Man's Cove is located on the western shore of with a poem written for the occasion, ''Newfoundland Huntingdon Island, at the mouth of Sandwich Bay qv. is Calling''. An estimated 600 Newfoundlanders living Historically, the Cove has been a station of Cartwright in the United States and Canada attended the festivi­ qv, with the two or three families resident there each ties, held during the first week of August. A public summer trading their catches of cod to merchants at welcome was given by members of the welcoming nearby Pack's Harbour qv. A.P. Dyke (1969). RHC committee in Bannerman Park on August 1. Other events included a labour parade, the Quidi Vidi regatta, OLD PERLICAN (inc. 1971; pop. 1991, 745). Old Per­ garden parties, concerts and railway tours. ET (August lican is one of the oldest fishing communities in New­ 2-9, 1904), NQ (Mar., June, Oct. 1904). ACB foundland, serving as the major fishing station in Trinity Bay for migratory fishermen from England in OLD MAN'S BEARD (Usnea barbata). This lichen is the 1600s. Its name has been the subject of some the primary one of several U snea species that hang like curiosity. It was recorded as "Parlican" as early as beards from bark and dead wood of conifers through­ 1597 (the oldest recorded feature in Trinity Bay), with out Canada and the northern United States. ''Moldow'' the "old" being added sometime before 1689 to dis­ (as it is commonly known in Newfoundland) is slender tinguish it from New Perlican qv further up the Bay. and pliant, hangs downward at lengths of more than 50 The name is presumed to come from ''pelican''. The em, and has been described as both eerie and graceful bird is not native to Newfoundland, but the name was by observers. In his 1913 Romance of the Newfound­ often given to English ships (the vessel in which Sir land Caribou, A.A. Radclyffe Dugmore described it as Francis Drake circumnavigated the globe, for instance, a most conspicuous moss which "clings to the trunks was the Pelican before being renamed Golden Hind). and hangs from most of the branches in graceful In the 1600s Old Perlican was the largest fishing masses and imparts a curious effect to the woods, the station in Trinity Bay, chosen by Poole merchants be­ grey colour looking almost like frost under the shade cause of its proximity to prime headland fishing of the branches." While old man's beard is usually a grounds. It had a summer population of about 200 greenish-grey it can be tinted black or reddish on older people in 1677, at which time there were 16 dwellings stalks. It is an important source of food for caribou which presumably housed a small year-round popula­ when heavy snows cover ground bog mosses and for tion as well. Berry's List of 1675 notes the principal moose as well. Usnea are easily distinguished by the planters of the harbour: family names Biddle son, Burt, layered structure of their stalks, which each contain a Cook, Corbel, Elliot, Gange, Garter (or Carter- who tough white core surrounded by two more layers and had the largest establishment, employing 22 servants), ~ Green, Taylor, Spinchernel, Swain and Witchman. Of these Burt and Green were common family names of the community in 1992. In 1697 Pierre *Le Moyne D'Iberville qv judged Old Perlican to be of sufficient importance as to attack and raze it. Old Perlican is not easily defensible, the harbour being broad and open, and it would seem that D'Iberville's attack, and con­ tinued fear of French attack through the early 1700s, led the Poole merchants to relocate their major prem­ ises to Trinity, 45 km across the Bay. Old Perlican became a fishing outpost of Trinity in the early 1700s, but access to lucrative fishing grounds encouraged at least some fishermen to settle year-round. In 1729 Old Perlican was one of 11 harbours in Newfoundland to warrant the appointment of a Justice of the Peace. By 1763, when the commu­ nity had a winter population of 429 and a summer population of 738, families such as the Barretts, Burseys, Buttons, Cramms, Hopkinses, Pikes, Tilleys and Woodlands were established. Of the 429 approxi­ mately half were Irish Catholics, but subsequently Moldow (old man's beard) many Catholic families left the community for OLDSHOP 165

Daniel's Cove and Grates Cove qqv, to the north. Doubtless others were among the converts made by teacher and lay preacher John Hoskins qv, who arrived in the community in 1774 and led a great Methodist revival in 1778 and 1779, making converts of virtually the entire community. In the early 1800s the population of Old Perlican would appear to have increased rapidly, for while it did not harbour the commerce of some of the other early "fishing capitals" its location for the inshore fishery was ideal. There were 572 people by the first Census in 1836, 792 in 1857 and 920 in 1874. Further up Trinity Bay many communities were pioneered by Old Perlican people, who, in the absence of forests, ranged far afield for timber for fuel and boat building. Many of these later settled elsewhere,. supplied in the move up the Bay by Stephen March qv, one of the Old Perlican most important local merchants from the 1840s. Other fresh-frozen fish plant in the 1960s had the effect of services at Old Perlican, which also served much of making the community once more an important fish­ the south side of the Bay, included those of a magis­ ing centre but, with improved transportation overland, trate, a doctor and a blacksmith. The first local black­ this was not reflected in a dramatic increase in popu­ smith would appear to have been Joseph Boyd qv, lation. Improvements to the harbour benefited fisher­ whose business was taken over by the Coombs family men from other communities as much as those of Old when he entered politics in 1882. Boyd had previously Perlican and by the 1980s the fish plant, operated by tried to improve the harbour by having a breakwater Quinlan Brothers Ltd. of Bay de Verde, provided a constructed between the mainland on the north side major source of employment for the surrounding area (since known as Breakwater Point) and Perlican Is­ as well. An integrated central high school, John Hos­ land. The structure did not prove equal to the force of kins Memorial, has served Old Perlican and area since the seas and Old Perlican remained inhospitable to 1956. W.J. Bursey (n.d.), B.C. Butt (1978), C. Grant larger vessels. Nonetheless, in addition to the general Head (1976), Hopkins and Lockyer (1968), Charles businesses owned by March and Boyd, Uriah Bursey, Lench (1912 ?), E.R. Seary (1971; 1977), Eastern Benjamin Barrett and Joshua Burt were soon estab­ Newfoundland Settlement Survey 1953 Old Perlican lished as merchants. The Rodgers and Strong families ([1953]), Lovell's Newfoundland Directory (1871), also owned schooners trading "up the bay" and were Sailing Directions: Newfoundland (1986), Newfound­ involved in the Labrador fishery as skippers, as were land Historical Society (Old Perlican). RHC others such as the Barretts and Cramms. By the tum of the century the largest local merchant was Eleazer OLD SHOP (pop. 1986, 241 ). Old Shop is a community March, later bought out by his clerk, George Howell. located at the bottom of Trinity Bay. Local tradition By the 1930s the firm of George Hopkins was the has it that it takes its name from "old chop", because largest. Like those of earlier firms Hopkins' premises it was for many years used by winter people of Trinity, were located on the south side of the harbour, where cutting ships' timbers. In his diary Trinity merchant "the Cliff" (later known as Hopkins' Cliff) was the Benjamin Lester qv referred to dispatching winter best deep water anchorage before harbour im­ crews to Old Shop (he also pastured cattle in the area). provements in the 1960s and 1970s. Old Shop is situated along a bank on the west side Old Perlican was connected to the Grates Cove of Dildo Arm. There is a small beach and cove at the branch railway from 1913 to the mid-1930s. This rail­ south end of the community and it was there that John way followed the old "Workington Railway", a tram­ Kirby of Trinity, by tradition the first settler, built his way which had at the turn of the century connected the fishing premises in 1817. He was followed in the Workington Mine at Lower Island Cove to its shipping 1830s by families named Day and Newhook from port at the Cliff. The collapse of the Labrador fishery Chance Cove, who built fishing premises to the north in the early 1900s, coupled with a succession of bad of Kirby's Beach. Meanwhile, a few families of Irish years in the inshore fishery, saw the community expe­ origin (family names Brazil, Shea and Sullivan) rience decline from the 1920s. While services for the area moved to the bottom of Dildo Arm. (Locally known as continued to be based there (as in 1936, when the first Brazil's, this area has more often been considered a cottage hospital was built at Old Perlican) the decline part of South Dildo qv). Old Shop appears in the first was one which affected the area as a whole. One of Census in 1836 with a population of 16, six of whom Newfoundland's first fresh fish plants was opened were Roman Catholic. The community consisted for there in 1943 by Captain Thomas Strong, but the plant the most part of the Days and Newhooks until the did not survive long after the end of the War and arrival of a few other families in the late 1850s (family subsequently much of the catch was trucked to a plant names Soper and Sully). The community's first at Harbour Grace. The opening of Ocean Harvesters Church of England school/chapel was built in 1860, 166 OLDFORD, WILLIAM AUGUSTUS

and a tiny Roman Catholic chapel had been built by Progressive Conservatives 1901. By 1869 the population had reached 46, grow­ a majority in the House of ing to 106 by 1901. Assembly. Reappointed Remote from the better fishing grounds farther out magistrate in March 1972, the Bay, some of the fishermen of Old Shop went to Oldford served in Grand the Labrador fishery out of New Harbour or Concep­ Falls until August 1974 tion Bay ports after the Harbour Grace railway passed when he was transferred to through South Dildo in the early 1880s. The presence Wabush-Labrador City. of the Peddle family in Old Shop, who were from the From 1977 to his retirement noted Labrador-fishery port of Spaniard's Bay, dates in 1990 he was provincial from this period. The mixed blessing of access to the court judge in Springdale. railway caused considerable destruction of forests, Augustus Oldford (inter­ with some disastrous fires being caused by train view; letter, Apr. 1992), ET brakes, notably a fire of 1890 which is said to have (July 31, 1971; Aug. 3, W.A. Oldford destroyed the last pine stands in the area. In the 1890s 1971; Nov. 30, 1971; Jan. 22, 1972). JOHN PARSONS a local shop was started by Joshua Reid, who moved from nearby Spreadeagle qv and had a schooner built OLDS, JOHN MCKEE (1906-1985). Physician. Born for the bank fishery. However, this involvement in Windsor, Connecticut, son of Alfred and Mary Olds. deep-sea fishing ended when Reid's Speedwell sank in Educated Yale University; Johns Hopkins University. 1902, with the loss of five Old Shop men, including Married (1) Elizabeth Arms; (2) Stella Manuel; (3) the owner. His widow later married James Reid, who Gloria Chisholm. Dr. Olds first came to Twillingate in expanded the business, built two sawmills and estab­ 1930, for a summer practicum at Notre Dame Bay lished a shipyard, where four schooners were built in Memorial Hospital. He returned in 1932 after graduat­ the early 1900s. Although the forest around Old Shop ing and two years later succeeded Dr. Charles Parsons was largely harvested to supply shipyards at New qv as medical superintendent and chief surgeon, posi­ Harbour in the nineteenth century, the importance of tions he held until 1960 and 1976 respectively. For lumber milling increased from the 1920s when the many people in Notre Dame Bay Dr. Olds epitomized local fishery all but collapsed. Since that time most of medical care. He was a skilled diagnostician and sur­ the people of Old Shop have worked away from the geon, a medical pioneer and an improvisor. community. The community has continued to grow, The Twillingate hospital was at that time the only however, in part because many of the people of one between St. Anthony and St. John's, serving Spreadeagle relocated there when that community was 35,000 people in a hundred communities from Cape resettled (family names Cooper, Hillier, Reid and John to Cape Freels. It survived on government grants, Smith). In 1992 the largest local employer was the donations and local fund-raising. Money for staff, sawmill and hardware store of Alfred Cooper and Son equipment, supplies and travel was scarce. Doctors (established in 1947), while there were also a handful and nurses seldom stayed more than a year. Dr. Olds engaged in fishing or farming and in a few businesses thrived on these challenges. In 1934, when the Com­ catering to cabin owners at Spreadeagle. W.G. Hand­ mission of Government cut the hospital's operating cock (interview, Oct. 1992), E.R. Seary (1971; 1977), grant, he implemented a "Contract Plan", a prepay­ Census (1836-1986), Lovell's Newfoundland Direc­ ment scheme offering free basic medical care for 44 tory (1871), "Old Shop Past and Present" (1983), cents a year per subscriber in cash or in kind. This Sailing Directions: Newfoundland (1986), Archives early form of medicare, one of North America's first, (VS 62). RHC while saving the hospital also influenced the government's subsequent Cottage Hospital plan. OLDEST COLONY. See ANCIENT COLONY, MOST. To defeat beriberi Olds successfully pursued Dr. OLDFORD, WILLIAM AUGUSTUS (1925- ). Social Parsons's campaign to add Vitamin B to government worker, magistrate. Born Burnside, son of Augustus dole rations by replacing white flour with brown. He and Hilda (Rose) Oldford. Educated Burnside; Memo­ set up regular children's rial University College. Married Mabel Caines. After health clinics and occupa­ teaching school for four years, in 1951 Oldford was tional therapy and school­ appointed a welfare officer and served in that capacity ing for long-term patients. in Jackson's Arm until June 1958. He was then ap­ To extend basic care around pointed a magistrate, and served in the districts of the Bay and to collect Harbour Breton, Harbour Grace, Grand Falls, Wabush­ yearly hospital fees, he ac­ Labrador City and Springdale. Oldford resigned from quired a medical boat, the the bench in 1971 to enter politics as a Liberal. He was Bonnie Nell. From 1936 to appointed Minister without portfolio in the cabinet of 1960 the Bonnie Nell and J.R. Smallwood and later was elected MHA for For­ Bonnie Nell II took a doctor tune Bay. In November he was appointed Minister of and nurse to most commu­ Supply and Services, but resigned his seat on January nities in the Bay at least 22, 1972. His resignation had the effect of giving the once a year. Before New Dr. J.M. Olds O'LEARY, FRANCIS MARTIN 167

World Island's first medical clinic was opened in questioning the value of remembering the holocaust on 1960, the Bonnie Nell II also served as a radio­ TV newscasts and urging support of the Reform Party equipped winter clinic, stationed in Herring Neck. of Canada obscured the column's homespun reminis­ In the pre-antibiotic days before World War II, Olds cences. Francis J. O'Leary (interview, Apr. 1992), ET battled tuberculosis with advanced thoracic and ortho­ (Dec. 29, 1984; Feb. 23, 1985), Newfoundland Histor­ paedic surgery, his reputation drawing patients from ical Society (Francis J. O'Leary). KAW across the Island and beyond. In the late 1940s he O'LEARY, FRANCIS MARTIN (1894-1963). Busi­ found a cure for "seal finger" (an ailment then treated nessman. Born St. John's. Son of Francis and Margaret by amputation), going twice to the Front to research (Lambert) O'Leary. Edu­ the disease. He researched northern dietary sources cated St. Patrick's Hall. and experimented with capelin aquaculture. A chronic Married Mollie Duchemin. shortage of medical staff obliged him to train many The son of a fishing captain local women as nurses' aides, and to cope with the who for many years worked summer influx of patients he continued Dr. Parsons's the Grand Banks, O'Leary practice of recruiting medical students from Johns served overseas in World Hopkins and later Harvard. In 1943 he launched the War I. Returning home in Northern Medical Review with Dr. Evarts Loomis of 1918, he joined the firm of St. Anthony. T. H. Estabrook and Co.· During the War, Olds was for two years the Ltd. as a commercial travel­ Hospital's only physician. He remained chief surgeon ler. In 1922 he established until retirement, and carried on a private geriatrics his own business, F.M. practice until just before he died. Olds became a Cana­ O'Leary Ltd., as a commis- F.M. O'Leary dian citizen in 1966. Three years later he received the sion agent. By the late Order of Canada. Other honours include the Royal 1930s the company was distributing products through­ Canadian Legion Friendship Award, an honorary out Newfoundland. Among other business interests, LL.D. from Memorial University in 1970, the Silver O'Leary was a director of Northern Box Co. and of Jubilee Medal in 1977 and senior membership in the Newfoundland General Fire and Insurance Co. Canadian Medical Association (1979). J.M. Olds Col­ At the urging of Joseph R. Smallwood, in 1937 legiate in Twillingate is named in his honour. Notre O'Leary sponsored the "Barrelman", partly as an ad­ Dame Bay Memorial Hospital, Twillingate, Newfound­ vertising medium. That program, along with the free­ land: 50 Years in the Life of Our Hospital, 1924-1974 distribution paper, the Newfoundlander qv, was (1974), Twillingate Sun (passim). GARY L. SAUNDERS instrumental in the success of the Newfoundland Patri­ O'LEARY, FRANCIS J. (1926- ). Businessman; otic Association (NPA), which O'Leary had reorganized writer. Born St. John's, son of Molly (Duchemin) and shortly after the outbreak of World War II. In it he Francis M. O'Leary qv. Ed­ published a "one-percent scheme", whereby every per­ ucated St. Bonaventure's manently employed person would contribute one per­ College; Loyola College, cent of wages to the NPA. This source of revenue Montreal. O'Leary became accounted for over 60% of the NPA's finances. O'Leary vice-president and sales also helped to establish the Allied Merchant Seaman's manager of the family firm, Club, and was its first chairman. Another scheme of F.M. O'Leary Ltd. in 1950, O'Leary's was launched at this time- the fish-a-man and managed it from the fund, which appealed to fisherman to contribute one time of his father's death in fish each season. The fish was sent to F. M. O'Leary 1962 until he sold it in Ltd., and brought in over $65,000 for the NPA. 1970. A fund raiser for the Interested in all aspects of Newfoundland life, Conservative Party, under O'Leary introduced in 1944 the Newfoundland Poetry the Moores administration Awards to promote native literature, and in 1947 he became chairman of the awarded monetary prizes for essays on great New­ Frank J. 0 'Leary St. John's Housing Corpo­ foundlanders. He served as vice-president of the New­ ration, a position which lasted until the corporation foundland Tuberculosis Association and as Chairman was subsumed under the Newfoundland Housing Cor­ of the Christmas Seal Committee, and was a member poration in the late 1970s. Following the death of of the Knights of Columbus. After the war O'Leary Kevin Jardine qv, who had for about 20 years written became involved in politics, advocating the return to a weekly column, "me 'n' ned" for the Evening Tele­ self-government. In February 1947 he was one of the gra~, O'Leary continued the column under the principal figures in forming the Responsible Govern­ pseudonym Mike Murphy, renaming it "ned 'n' me". ment League qv, of which he became president. He In February of 1985 a column supporting the freedom was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1944, of speech of James Keegstra and Ernst Zundel attracted and in 1955 was given the papal title of Knight Com­ nationwide attention and protest. Other writings cau­ mander of the Order of St. Gregory. DNLB ( 1990), NQ tioning against equality for South African blacks, (Spring 1948). JAMES WADE 168 OLEOMARGARINE MANUFACTIJRE

OLEOMARGARINE MANUFACTURE. Oleomargarine on the manufacture, importation and sale of marga­ (in 1992 more usually known as margarine) is a butter rine. The ban remained in force till 1948, except for substitute mostly made from refined, hydrogenated periods when it was lifted to meet wartime food needs vegetable oils, milk powder and water, with added salt, (although the sale of coloured margarine was not per­ emulsifiers, vitamins A and D, preservatives, vegeta­ mitted elsewhere in Canada until much later). ble colour and artificial flavour. Because it was origi­ In the absence of a strong local dairy industry, how­ nally made of a combination of oils and fats it was ever, Newfoundland more readily accepted margarine. known as oleomargarine (oleo meaning oily). Oleo­ Local butter production in 1884 amounted only to 1.25 margarine was invented by a French chemist in 1869. pounds per person. Margarine was first made in New­ Margarine's soluble and insoluble ingredients are foundland in 1883 by Harvey and Company. Robert A. heated separately in vats, then churned to form an Brehm was in charge of production, which used fish emulsion which is passed through heat exchangers to and seal oils. Sometime during the 1880s Brehm left be cooled and hardened. It was soon patented and Harvey and Co. to set up a second manufacturer, Hearn manufactured in many countries. In the beginning beef and Company. At the turn of the century, on the death fat and lard were used, but later there was a general of the original partners, Brehm took over the firm and trend away from animal fats to vegetable oils. By the operated under the name Brehm Manufacturing Com­ 1950s cottonseed, soybean, peanut, coconut and corn pany. oils were being used. Since that time nutrition and In 1925 a third firm, the Newfoundland Butter Com­ health concerns have prompted a greater use of poly­ pany, founded by John C. Crosbie qv, began margarine unsaturated oils, including corn, rapeseed, safflower production. Under Crosbie's leadership-and that of and sunflower oils. his sons George, Chesley and John, as well as Danish Soon after its invention opposition by dairy farmers chemist George Ehlers-the firm prospered. Before resulted in its regulation and prohibition in many long it took a leading role, promoting two new brands countries. Generally high taxes were imposed on yel­ of margarine, sold chiefly in wooden tubs, Golden low margarine and licence fees were levied on manu­ Spread and Silver Spread. In 1932 the original two facturers, wholesalers and retailers. Such measures firms amalgamated as Harvey-Brehm Ltd. By 1937 kept sales lower than they would have been. Restric­ Harvey-Brehm had sold their plant to Lever Brothers tive legislation remained in place a long time - the and Unilever Ltd.-a London-based organization prom­ state of Wisconsin, for instance, did not repeal its tax inent in world markets. The same year Lever Brothers until1967. As early as 1886 in Canada there was a ban entered into negotiation with the Newfoundland Butter

I The Newfoundland Butter Company OLSEN, OLAF 169

and an agreement to sell was arranged. Harvey- Canada after 194.8. R.M. Crosbie (interview, Mar. C a., C 1 Brehm and the Newfoundland Butter o. were ama - 1992), W.H. Henk (Newfoundland Studies vol. 2, #1, gamated early in 1938 under the Newfoundland Butter 1986), A.B. Perlin (1959), J.H. van Stuyenberg ed. ame as a subsidiary of Lever Brothers of Can- (1969), Sunday Herald (July 6, 1947; July 13, 1947). C a. n ' N a d a. In 1950 the name was again changed to the ew­ JAMES WADE foundland Margarine Company Ltd. OLIVE COVE (pop. 1845, 8). A long-abandoned fish­ Though the margarine industry in Newfoundlan_d ing community near the head of Hermitage Bay, Olive did well during the 1930s and early 1940s, the n~tn­ Cove was probably named for the greenish hue of the t" nal value of margarine products was called mto 1 water in the area. It is likely that it was occupied only in two major health surveys established by ~estion from about 1820 to 1850, although the site may have ihe Commission of Government. In 1944 a com­ been used by winter crews from Hermitage and prehensive medical survey was _c?nducte~ by a group Gaultois at an earlier date. Some of these may have of Canadian, American and Bntlsh medtcal experts. decided to settle permanently, as was the case at other Noting deficiencies in diet, they advised, among ot~er sites at the head of the Bay, which had a total popula­ recommendations, that vitamins A and D in marganne tion of 66 people in 1836 (see ROUND COVE). A year be tripled. Later the amount of vitamin A was ag~in earlier the community had been visited by the Rev. doubled. In post-war Newfoundland oleomarganne Edward Wix, who noted three resident families at manufacture remained a significant industry, though "Olaves" Cove. But by 1845, the last time the com­ there was now only one company, the Newfoundland munity was recorded in the Census, there was only one Butter Co. For most of the 1940s, due to the War and family. Perhaps an explanation for the abandonment of its aftermath, the scarcity of raw materials presented a Olive Cove may be found in the journal of Methodist special difficulty for the Company. Supposedly this missionary William Marshall: in February of 1841 he was overcome and there was enough margarine on the attempted to visit the community from Furby's Cove, market, but it nevertheless appeared on the black mar­ but was unable to reach it because of a storm in which ket during those years (with a pound of the Green he noted that several fishermen were lost. Edward Wix Label brand selling for 55 cents). As late as 1947 (1836), Census ( 1836-1945), "The Journal of William customers had to contend with "tie-in sales" from St. Marshall" (n.d.). RHC John's shopkeepers, whereby they were forced to buy other items in order to get margarine. With Confeder­ OLIVER'S COVE, PLACENTIA BAY. See ST. LEO­ ation the Newfoundland margarine industry faced new NARD'S. problems. What was a thriving industry in Newfound­ OLLERHEAD, JOSEPH E. (1910-1987). Business­ land had been banned in Canada for 60 years. J.R. man; municipal councillor. Born St. Anthony, son of Smallwood bad first broached the subject of the mar­ George and Ellen (Sulley) Ollerhead. Educated St. An­ garine problem with the Canadian delegation in July thony. Married Annie Dyke. At the age of 22 he became 1947. The Newfoundland delegation later repeated the the owner of a retail business in St. Anthony, which he point in a formal written query. Ottawa responded by ran for the next 50 years. He was elected to the St. stating that despite the illegality of margarine in Can­ Anthony town council in 1947, and again in 1951, ada, Parliament could act to exempt Newfoundland serving for over 30 years. In June 1959 be was elected from this legislation. By late August the negotiators mayor, serving for several terms, and was deputy mayor had agreed to the substance of a paragraph on marga­ for two terms. He also served as vice- president of the rine that would become part of the terms of union Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipal­ (Term 46) offered to Newfoundland. Margarine could ities. In 1966 Ollerhead began working for the provin­ continue to be manufactured and sold in Newfound­ cial Department of Fisheries as a field worker. He land but could not be sold in other parts of Canada. retired in 197 5. His long years of service to the town of The margarine issue was not surprisingly taken up St. Anthony were recognized in 1985 when he was by local journalists. Albert Perlin qv, editor of the presented with a community service award by the De­ Daily News, warned that if Newfoundland voted for partment of Municipal Affairs. In his later years, he Confederation they would effectively be forfeiting recorded his memories of the earlier days of fishing and their favourite "spread for bread". Confederate Greg everyday life on the Great Northern Peninsula. An~ie Power qv helped defuse the issue with his satirical Ollerhead (interview, Jan. 1992), Joe Ollerhead Jr. (m­ "Ballad of Oleo Margarine": "I pray that I shall never terview, Jan. 1992), DNLB (1990), Newfoundland His­ know/ a future without oleo/ or live to see my little torical Society (Ollerhead family). ACB sons/ turn up their noses at my buns .... " Following continued controversy, the Supreme Court of Canada OLSEN, OLAF (1881-1945). Mariner; businessman. in 1948 ruled that the ban on oleomargarine was un­ Born Tjotto, Norway, son of Paul and Olea Olsen. constitutional. After 1950 the Company's main prod­ Educated Bergen Seamen's College. Married Ina uct was the Good Luck brand, and later Eversweet. Hann. After obtaining his master's certificate in 1909 Seal oil was dropped in favour of vegetable and min­ Olsen was employed in his father's business in Nor­ eral oils. The sole producer of the product in New­ way. His ship was torpedoed by a German submarine foundland after 1938, Newfoundland Margarine in 1917. He then left Norway for the United States, experienced increased competition from the rest of where he was master of an American Shipping Board 170 O'MARA, JAMES J.

steamer for several years. In politics. A Liberal, he was at one time campaign sec­ 1921 Olsen came to New­ retary for John Kent qv. Concerned for the welfare of foundland as manager of the the poor, he worked through the *Benevolent Irish Hawkes Bay Trading Com­ Society qv. In 1847 O'Mara was Commissioner of pany. By 1924 he had estab­ Roads for St. John's and district Health Warden. He lished his own business, was Justice of the Peace for the central district of the Marine Agencies Limited, city in 1853. Margaret Mullins (1989), Royal Gazette as well as a bait refrigera­ (July 15, 1856; Feb. 15, 1859; July 30, 1867). ACB tion facility in Holyrood and a whaling firm at O'MARA, JOHN THOMAS (1851-1893). Pharma­ Rosiru, Placentia Bay. The cist. Born St. John's, son of Mary (Allen) and John Olsen Whaling and Sealing O'Mara qv. Married Mary Josephine Murphy. O'Mara Company was incorporated probably learned his trade_from Thomas McMurdo qv, in 1944 and moved from OlafOlsen a pharmacist who had emigrated to Newfoundland in Placentia Bay to northern White Bay. Apart from his 1830. O'Mara opened his own drugstore on the east business activities, Olsen acted as consul to New­ end of Water Street in 1874. He soon built up a large foundland for Sweden and Norway, and vice-consul business, especially in the east end of the city, and for Latvia and Finland. Olsen was awarded the Latvian became a well known local figure. O'Mara's drugstore Order of the Three Stars in 1939 and was created a was destroyed in the fire of 1892, but within a week he Knight of the Order of St. Olav by King Haaken VI of had reopened with a temporary store in a King's Road Norway. In his adopted home of Newfoundland, Olsen warehouse. A few months later he moved the business was known for his generosity to local charities as well to Rawlins Cross. After O'Mara died, the business was as to his local church in Manuels. ET (Feb. 25, 1945), taken over for a brief period by McMurdo before pass­ NQ (Spring 1939), Who's Who in and from Newfound­ ing to O'Mara's son, Leo. The business eventually land 1937 (1937?). ACB passed out of the family, but in 1992 the Rawlins Cross establishment was still known as O'Mara-Martin O'MARA, JAMES J. (1938-1990). Pharmacist. Born Drugs. Margaret Mullins (1989), J.J. O'Mara (1969). St. John's, son of Leo and Genevieve (Channing) ACB O'Mara. Married Joan Marie Sullivan. O'Mara began working in his father's drug store in 1962, serving his O'MARA, MICHAEL J. (1840-1892). Lawyer; politi­ cian. Born St. John's, son of Thomas O'Mara. O'Mara apprenticeship under Mary .1 Johns, the first female phar­ articled in law under George Hogsett qv and was ad­ macist in Newfoundland. He mitted to the bar in 1862. He established his own legal became an active member of practice on Duckworth Street and in 1870 was ap­ both the Canadian and New­ pointed chief clerk to the Central District Court. In foundland Pharmaceutical 1878 he was elected MHA for St. John's East, in associations, serving as opposition to the government of William V. Whiteway. president of the latter group He was defeated in 1882 as a supporter of the New for several years. He was Party, but in 1885 was once again elected for St. John's also president of the Cana­ East as a Liberal. He played a role in establishing a new dian Conference on Contin­ daily newspaper in 1886, the Colonist qv, devoted to uing Education in Pharmacy keeping alive the principles of the old Roman Catholic and the Canadian Academy Liberal party in the face of the decisive victory of Robert Thorburn's overwhelmingly Protestant Reform of the History of Pharmacy. 11.. 0 'Mara In 1981 O'Mara left his po- party in the 1885 election. However, by 1889 he was sition as the director of the Newfoundland Pharmaceu­ supporting Thorburn, but was defeated in a bid for tical Association's educational services to become the re-election as a Reform candidate. An active temper­ organization's secretary-registrar. Through his efforts, ance supporter for much of his life, O'Mara was pres­ Apothecary Hall, a museum of pharmacy, was opened ident of the *Total Abstinence and Benefit Society qv in St. John's in 1988. After his death, the hall was from 1879 to 1882. He died at St. John's on December renamed in his honour. Margaret Mullins (1989), ET 23, 1892. Devine and O'Mara (1900), P.K. Devine (June 24, 1981; May 25, 1991), Newfoundland and ([1936]), ET (Dec. 24, 1892). RHC Labrador Who's Who Centennial Edition (1968). ACB OMMER, ROSEMARY ( 1943- ). Academic. Born O'MARA, JOHN (1806-1867). Merchant. Born Water­ Glasgow, Scotland, daughter of Rose Martha ford, Ireland. Married (1) Mary Allen; (2) Margaret (McNulty) and Otto Ommer. Educated University of Nowlan; father of John T. O'Mara qv. O'Mara came to Glasgow; Memorial University of Newfoundland; Mc­ St. John's sometime before 1831 and established a Gill University. From 197 8 to 1980 she was a re­ business. At his main premises on Water Street he dealt searcher with the Atlantic Canada Shipping Project at in general merchandise, including liquor. As a ship­ Memorial University, and in 1980 began teaching eco­ owner he was involved primarily in the seal fishery. nomic history at the University. In 1986 Ommer was Like many other merchants, O'Mara was active in managing editor of the provincial government's Royal O'NEILL, JOHN JAMES 171

appointed toNewfoundland and spent the next 10 years in Lamaline and surrounding communities. Trans­ ferred to St. John's by Bishop Power in 1891, he became the administrator of the district and of the *Basilica of St. John the Baptist qv after the death of Monsignor Scott. Elevated to the status of Archdea­ con, in 1902 O'Neill celebrated his Silver Jubilee as a priest. Directory of the Living and the Deceased Priests for the Archdiocese of St. John's (1983), NQ (Dec. 1902). ACB O'NEILL, HUGH (1906- ). Magistrate; musician. Born St. John's, son of Agnes (Jordan) and Thomas H. O'Neill qv. Educated St. Bonaventure's College; Me­ morial University College. O'Neill articled in law with Thomas Halley, and in 1933 began practice with William Kent qv. He was appointed Clerk of the Peace with the District Court at St. John's in 1935. From 1949 until his retire­ Rosem£Jry Ommer ment in 1977 he served as magistrate and chief magis­ Commission on Employment and Unemployment. She trate at the Provincial has edited and contributed to publications that include Court. After retiring from Merchant Credit and Labour Strategies in Historical the Bench O'Neill was Perspective (1990) and From Outpost to Outport: A counsel to the law firm of Structural Analysis of the Jersey-Gaspe Cod-fishery, Green and McGrath, and in 1767-1886 (1991). In 1990 she was appointed research 1980 became partner in the director of Memorial University's Institute of Social Hugh O'Neill firm of Parsons and and Economic Research (ISER qv), with an interest in O'Neill. He was also well known as a musician. He petroleum development and fisheries. Rosemary performed with a dance band called Prince's Orchestra Ommer (interview, Feb. 1992), MUN Gazette (July 26, and played among friends in a regular quartet perform­ 1990). KAW ance for some time. He played second violin in ONE-FLOWERED SHINLEAF. Other names for this performances conducted by Charles Hutton qv and boreal member of the Pyrolaceae or wintergreen fam­ during the late 1960s performed with the St. John's ily, Moneses uniflora L., are one-flowered winter­ Symphony Orchestra, which he had helped to estab­ green, one-flowered pyrola and single delight. Like lish in the early part of that decade. O'Neill was other wintergreens this plant is a low, herbaceous per­ awarded an honorary LL.D. degree by Memorial Uni­ ennial with evergreen basal leaves and nodding flow­ versity in 1978. Hugh O'Neill (interview, Dec. 1991), ers. Its habitat is moist cool woods and moss-covered DNLB (1990), ET (Sept. 30 1978), MUN Gazette (May ground, its range from Labrador to Alaska and south 19, 1978). KAW to Pennsylvania and Minnesota, from sea level to 2000 O'NEILL, JOHN JAMES (1931- ). Lawyer; Supreme metres. From its basal rosette of shining leaves rises Court justice. Born St. John's, son of Florence (Wil­ the slender stem which bears an ivory bloom. Its scent son) and John Francis O'Neill. Educated St. Patrick's comparable to that of hyacinths, the flower blooms all Hall School; St. Bonaventure's College; Dalhousie summer, a crown of eight to ten stamens circling a University. Married Mary Rodgers. Called to the bar sculpted, bright green pistil. The anthers are a vivid in 1955, O'Neill was a general practice lawyer, and in amethyst. Often forming substantial beds in shaded January, 1967 began, with David Riche qv, the firm of forests rich with leaf mould, the one-flowered shinleaf O'Neill Riche. From 1969 to 1974 O'Neill chaired the imparts to the woods a mystery similar to (though less Labour Relations Board, and in that capacity was seen eerie than) that of its relative, the Indian pipe qv. Tim as bringing collective or social rights before a court Fitzharris (1986), Diane Griffin (1984), Peterson and system which had traditionally placed more value on McKenny (1968), Ernest Rouleau (1956), Catharine individual and property rights. He was also the first Parr Traill (1906). KAW chairman of the Law Reform Commission, and served O'NEILL, CHARLES H. (1853- ?). Roman Catholic until he was appointed to the Supreme Court of New­ priest. Born Dublin. Educated Broadway, Worcester­ foundland (Appeals Division) in November 1986. J.J. shire. O'Neill was ordained a priest in 1877 and O'Neill (interview, June 1992), Newfoundland Quar­ spent the next several years in Paris, London, Liver­ terly (Mar. 1955), Sunday Express (Nov. 19, 1989). pool, Birmingham and Broadway. In 1881 he was KAW 172 O'NEILL, JOHN MICHAEL

O'NEILL, JOHN MICHAEL (1903-1974). Roman Catholic bishop of Harbour Grace and Grand Falls. Born Harbour Grace, son of Michael and Catherine (Lynch) O'Neill. Educated Bay de Verde; St. Bonaventure's College; Laval University. O'Neill was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1927 and was parish priest at Little Bay, Grand Falls and Buchans from 1927 to 1930. In that year he became curate at Harbour Grace and he was appointed Bishop of Har­ bour Grace in 1940. Subsequently, the diocese was renamed Harbour Grace-Grand Falls and in 1965 the seat was moved to Grand Falls, with O'Neill becoming the first Bishop of Grand Falls. He retired in 1972 for health reasons and died at St. John's on March 2, 1974. DN (July 8, 1940), DNLB (1990), ET (Mar. 4, 1974). RHC O'NEILL, PATRICK J. (1855-1925). Actor; temper­ ance advocate. Born St. John's. Married Mary E. Foley. O'Neill apprenticed as a tailor and began his own tailoring business in St. John's in 1877. In his youth he was a member of the *Total Abstinence and Benefit Society's qv juvenile branch, and from 1887 to 1895 was president of the senior Society. He became well-known as an amateur actor and musician, once ChiefPatrickJ. O'Neill managing a dramatic com­ 1935. Paul O'Neill (1976), H. M. Mosdell (1974), pany in which many Total DNLB (1990), NQ (Spring 1922), Who's Who in and Abstinence Society mem­ from Newfoundland 1937 (1937?). KAW bers played parts. He was also a platform speaker of O'NEILL, PAUL (1928- ). Producer; writer. Born St. ''very considerable histri­ John's, son of Josephine (Flynn) and James O'Neill. onic zeal''. After the fire of Educated St. Bonaventure's College; National Acad­ 1892 O'Neill had a barber emy of Theatre Arts, New York. O'Neill spent his shop on Water Street. He childhood in St. John's and Bay de Verde. For two served as chairman of the P.J. O'Neill years he studied theatre arts in New York, and from Trades Committee and ran 1949 to 1952 was an actor in the United States and in unsuccessfully for the Conservatives in St. John's England, where broadcaster Margot Davies qv helped East. In 1898 he was appointed customs officer, a post him in radio and encouraged him to write. In 1954 he he held until his death. H.Y. Mott (1894), Paul O'Neill began a career with CBC radio in Newfoundland, es­ (1976), DNLB (1990). KAW tablishing a drama department, which he headed for 15 O'NEILL, PATRICK J. (1883-1944 ). Policeman. years; initiating school broadcasts, "Terra Nova Born Witless Bay, son of Katherine and James O'Neill. Theatre", and "Reach For The Top"; and assembling Educated Witless Bay. O'Neill was chief of the New­ artifacts for CBC' s radio museum. He retired as exec­ foundland Constabulary from 1934 to 1944. utive producer of arts programming in 1986. O'Neill joined the Constabulary in 1903. In 1917 he O'Neill has published was commissioned second lieutenant in the New­ plays, articles, stories and foundland Regiment, his duties to investigate enemy poetry, and works of popu­ presence in Newfoundland. He once travelled to lar history. His first book, northern Labrador to apprehend suspected informers. Spindrift and Morning Promoted to the rank of lieutenant, he was appointed a Light (1968), was a volume Justice of the Peace. Serving under Commodore Sir of poetry. The Oldest City Charles Coke, he was sent to patrol the entrance of the (1975; 1976), two volumes Strait of Belle Isle, one of the most strategic points that included mercantile policed by Admiralty boats in the northwest Atlantic. and harbour history, theatre Following the War O'Neill returned to police duties as and communications lore, a detective, and was appointed superintendent of the and a section on St. John's Constabulary in 1922. In 1934 he was appointed Chief "characters", began as a of Police and of the Fire Department. O'Neill was tourism pamphlet but made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in turned into a major work. Paul O'Neill OPENBAY 173

His juvenile novel, Legends of a Lost Tribe, was pub­ weeks before his death at the age of 87. Hugh O'Neill lished in 1976, while Upon This Rock, with paintings (interview, Jan., 1992), DNLB (1990). KAW by Gerald Squires qv, on aspects of the Roman Catho­ O'NEILL-HUTCillSON, FLORENCE MARY (1905- lic church in Newfoundland was published in 1984. 1990). Educator; civil servant. Born Witless Bay, O'Neill has served as president of the Newfoundland daughter of Nicholas and Maud O'Neill. Educated Writer's Guild, as chairman of the Newfoundland and Witless Bay; St. John's; Memorial University College; Labrador Arts Council and as president of the St. Dalhousie University; Columbia University. Married John's Folk Arts Council. Leslie Hutchison in 1974. At 18 O'Neill began teach­ In 1988 Memorial University awarded him an hon­ ing in a one-room school at Oderin, and three years orary LL.D., and in 1990 he was appointed to the later became principal of a school on Bell Island, Order of Canada. Paul O'Neill (1975; 1976), DA (Feb. where she also gave evening classes for adults. This 1986), ET (Oct. 31, 1988; Sept. 5, 1990), MUN Ga­ experience led to a lifelong zette (Oct. 6, 1988), Newfoundland Herald (Mar. 8, interest in adult education. 1986), Sunday Express (Oct. 25, 1987), Writers Union She became an itinerant ofCanada (1981). KAW adult education teacher in O'NEILL, RAYMOND ANDREW (1945- ). St. John's 1936. After receiving her municipal councillor. Born St. John's, son of Mary doctorate in adult education (Firth) and John O'Neill. Educated St. Bonaventure's from Columbia University College; Brother Rice High School; Memorial Univer­ in 1944 she became assis­ sity of Newfoundland. Married Barbara Ann Mercer. tant director of the Depart­ Before joining the Newfoundland Safety Council as ment of Education's adult president, O'Neill worked for the Unemployment In­ education division, and di­ surance Commission and the Workers' Compensation rector in 1950. She founded Board. He was elected city councillor in 1973 and and became director of an again in 1977, when he topped the poll and became educational division de- Florence O'Neill-Hutchison deputy mayor. He ran for voted to the development of mayor in 1981 unsuccess­ leadership in rural communities, by the introduction, fully, but was re-elected for the example, of 4H Clubs qv, jointly sponsored by councillor in 1985 and the departments of Agriculture and Adult Education. 1990. In 1990 he was also In 1962 O'Neill joined, and later became the head elected president of the of, the adult education division in the Indian Affairs Federation of Canadian Mu­ Branch of the Department of Citizenship and Im­ nicipalities. O'Neill's other migration. On her retirement in 1970 she was the civic involvements include Department's research and planning consultant. the East End Boys and Girls O'Neill-Hutchison was the recipient of several Club and the Newfoundland honours. As well as life memberships in the 4H Asso­ and Labrador Down's Syn­ ciation of Canada and in the Newfoundland and Lab­ drome Society. He has been rador Association of Adult Education, in 1973 she was chairman of many civic Ray O'Neill awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by committees, including Memorial University (to which she donated substan­ Neighbourhood Improvement and Housing, and the tial scholarships and bursaries). She was appointed to Finance Committee. ET(Oct. 31, 1987; Feb. 14, 1981; the Order of Canada in 1974. F.W. Rowe (1976), Sept. 25-26, 1981; Oct. 6, 1990). KAW DNLB (1990), ET(May 16, 1990), MUN Gazette (Apr. 13, 1989). RUTH KONRAD O'NEILL, THOMAS H. (1869-1956). Businessman; actor. Born St. John's, son of Elizabeth (Murphy) and OPEN BAY (pop. 1961, 12). Open Bay is located on the Thomas O'Neill qv. Educated at Christian Brothers' Labrador coast about 12 km southwest of Batteau qv. School. Married Agnes Jordan; father of Hugh It was a ''winter place'' of Batteau and other fishing O'Neill. The son of a Tipperary stonemason and a stations on the nearby Island of Ponds and was first Kilkenny woman who met in Newfoundland, O'Neill recorded as being occupied in the winter of 1863-64- became managing director of M. Connors Ltd. (drug­ with a population of seven, the families of William and gists) and a director of Standard Manufacturing Co. Thomas Keefe. For many years the site was used as a O'Neill was well known as a supporter of the Benevo­ seasonal residence. In the 1950s, as Labrador fishing lent Irish Society, and as an actor in the B.I.S. Dra­ families were being generally encouraged to move off matic Company, of which he was a founding member the isolated headlands and into the bays, some families in 1890. A "natural" performer, he picked up tech­ of Batteau and Black Tickle attempted to establish niques from professional actors staying at his home Open Bay as their year-round residence. A population while playing in St. John's. He performed in well­ of 22 was recorded in 1956, but five years later many known plays of the time such as Prisoner ofZenda and of these had left and the remaining people were later The Octaroon, and also played the violin. O'Neill resettled to Cartwright. Lawrence Jackson (1982), served as manager of M. Connors Ltd. until three Them Days (Jan. 1991). RHC 174 OPEN HALL

OPEN HALL (pop. 1986, 75). A fishing community on the southern side of Bonavista Bay, Open Hall is about 30 km southwest of Bonavista. Its name is said to have originated with French migratory fishermen who stopped at the site to obtain fresh water ("la bonne eau"). The name was anglicized as Open Hole - which is also somewhat descriptive of the broad, deep cove- and later changed to the "more euphonious" Open Hall (Howley). Tradition bas it that the French were followed by summer crews out of Bonavista, with the first settler being one Roger Lane, in the 1790s (the oldest head­ stone at Open Hall is that of a Lane, dating from 1803). Other early fishermen were named Pottle, Dominey, Alwood (Aylward) and Gould- the last being the only one of these names still recorded in the community after 1830. Joe Batt of Bonavista is also said to have Open Hall, 199/ fished there for some years, giving his name to a small Roman Catholic school at Red Cliff meant that Open cove on the northwest side of Open Hall before pre­ Hall was no longer the miniature centre of learning it sumably moving on to Fogo Island. Settlement was had once been. probably both gradual and largely seasonal until mer­ The population of Open Hall continued to increase, chant John Shears moved up from Bonavista in 1828. to a peak of 265 in 1891, but thereafter declined as the Shortly thereafter what were to become the dominant local inshore fishery became less lucrative and many families of Open Hall arrived. Samuel Barker was re­ families moved to the "Boston States". By the 1935 corded at Open Hall in 1829 (in 1992 most of the there were only 152 people. During the late 1930s remaining inhabitants bore this family name). Families Open Hall became the hub of the first commercial of Irish origin tended to settle on the southeast side of squid fishery in Newfoundland, but this industry the cove-including the Fitzgeralds, Longs, Murphys quickly faded after World War II, when civil war and and Walsbes-while the Barkers, Batts, Joys, Mosses revolution in China cut out the market for dried squid. and Warrens (of English origin) settled on the north­ Although the squid fishery revived for a time begin­ west side. Tradition in the Long family has it that the ning in the late 1970s, the major commercial catches family name was originally Furlong, but was changed at Open Hall after Confederation were salmon, lobster soon after their arrival in Open Hall. (One of and cod. In 1992 the few residents of Open Hall Newfoundland's better-known folk songs, "Down By mostly made their living from work outside the com­ Jim Long's Stage", is set in the community). munity, or were retired. The beach- the old "Irish" In 1836 the first Census noted a population of 124, section of the community - was abandoned, as were 40 of whom were Roman Catholics. Subsequently, many of the remaining homes. M.F. Howley (1901), E. however, the Roman Catholic population made up the James Long (1971), E.R. Seary (1977), J.R. Small­ majority of residents. By 1845 Open Hall had a popu­ wood (1941), Census (1836-1986), DA (Mar.-Apr. lation of 186 and was the major mercantile centre for 1984), Hutchinson's Newfoundland Directory (1864 ), the few hundred people living in that part of Bonavista Lovell's Newfoundland Directory (1871). RHC Bay south of Keels. A non-denominational school was begun there in 1838 and was for many years overseen OPPELT, OTTO (1883- ?). Chauffeur; athlete. Born by "Master" Miles. A Roman Catholic church, built in Bavaria, Germany. Oppelt came to St. John's in 1906 1845, also served Tickle Cove, Red Cliff and Plate as chauffeur for W.D. Reid qv. During his residence in Cove. It may be that the sense that the community was St. John's he became the idol of local automobile and "going places" led residents to rename it Prescott wrestling fans. The first automobile had been intro­ Harbour in the 1840s (after Governor Henry Prescott), duced to Newfoundland by R.G. Reid Jr. only three but that name is not recorded subsequent to its official years before his brother W.D. Reid engaged Oppelt as proclamation in 1851. chauffeur for his new Fiat touring car, the largest and In the 1840s roads were built to Tickle Cove, King's fastest motor car in St. John's at the time (see MOTOR Cove and Plate Cove, further increasing traffic VEHICLES). In 1907 Oppelt performed the feat of through the area and leading Patrick Walsh to open an driving up the steep Blackhead Road, which had pre­ alehouse on the King's Cove road. Clearly, by the viously been considered impossible for automobiles. 1860s, the village was a cut above most of its neigh­ He was once taken to court for speeding and for smash­ bours (a directory of 1864 even lists a tailor). How­ ing up the Fiat on a telephone pole. In 1912 Reid ever, the death of Shears in 1868 appears to have entrusted him with the purchase of a new 90 horse­ brought an end to the heyday of Open Hall. The Quin­ power car in London, which was built under Oppelt's ton firm at Red Cliff became the dominant traders in supervision. the area and, although Miles continued to have a repu­ As a middleweight wrestler, Oppelt became a celeb­ tation for producing "scholars", the opening of a rity overnight when he outwrestled every local ORACH 175

opponent in all styles of wrestling: Sailor Renwick, The first small optical laboratories in Newfound­ Pius the Handcuff King, Jim Smart and Young Olson. land were established in the 1970s. Several national He made a name for himself in the United States as optical chains opened retail and wholesale outlets in "Young Hackenschmidt", "Hack" and "Bavarian the larger centres. One of the first Newfoundland man­ Tiger" by defeating the amateur world champion Ber­ ufacturers was Superior Optical of St. John's. In 1975 nard Hansen in St. Louis in 1905, and other opponents House of Spectacles opened a lens surfacing labora­ in Brooklyn in 1909. Founder of the first Newfound­ tory in St. John's, specializing in prescription and land wrestling club for systematic training, Oppelt is protective eye wear and diving lenses. Clearview Op­ credited with the inauguration of professional wres­ tical and Hearing Aid Company was established in tling in St. John's. In January 1913 he left Newfound­ 1977 and two years later B.T. Optical opened in Clar­ land to continue as Reid's chauffeur in New York. enville. Optical equipment and supplies were avail­ Bunt and Johnson (in BN II, 1937), Ferd Hayward able in Corner Brook in 1985 through Provincial (interview, Feb. 1985), ET (1905-1913 passim), Optical and Regional Optical Labs of Stephenville. By Evening Herald (1905-1913 passim). GERHARD P. 1992 optometrists and opticians were in business in all BASSLER of the larger centres on the Island and in Labrador City and Goose Bay. Secondary manufacturing of eye­ OPTICIANS AND OPTOMETRISTS. Opticians and glasses was done in the Province, though raw material optometrists have provided services in Newfoundland such as unfinished optical glass and plastics was im­ since at least the mid-1800s. In the nineteenth century ported. Brian Bursey (1983), Thomas Hutchinson correcting vision problems was often a sideline to the (1864), John Rochfort (1877), John Sharpe (1885), watchmaking or jewellery business. In 1864 a St. Directory of Manufacturers (1981; 1985), Directory John's business directory listed two opticians on Water of Newfoundland and Labrador Manufacturers (1975- Street, George Langmead and James Whiteford, both 1976), McALpine's St. John's Directory and Newfound­ also watchmakers and jewellers. The firm of Ohman Land Business Directory, 1908-1909 (1909?), NQ and Lindstrom offered similar services in 1885, as (Christmas 1925), Office of the Director General of agents for Lawrence's spectacles. In addition, Ohman Economic Development (1952). ACB and Lindstrom dealt in opera, field and ships' glasses. Shortly after the turn of the century, there were six ORACH. A member of the Chenopodiaceac or Goose­ opticians working in St. John's: Langmead, Alfred foot family, Orach (Atriplex patula L., A. glabriuscula MacNamara, Joseph Roper, C.D. Sleater, R.H. Edmondston) is a mealy plant with thick, succulent Trapnell and T.J. Duley and Company. Optical ser­ leaves. Its range extends from Labrador to British vices in the outports appear to have been limited to the Columbia and south to South Carolina and California, business of P.L. Herman in Lewisporte and Twillingate. its habitat coastlines, salt marshes and upper regions Unlicensed practitioners of optometry seem to have of beaches. An annual plant flowering from July to been a problem as late as the 1920s, especially in September, orach has triangular leaves with basal isolated areas where qualified people made only infre­ spears, and bears flowers in interrupted spikes in axles. quent visits. An advertisement in the Newfoundland A related species, A. hortensis, is a valued pot herb in Quarterly from optometrist H.B. Thompson warned: Europe, comparable to spinach or sorrel, and the New­ "Beware of the Eye Specialists (Fakers and Peddlers) foundland variety is just as choice. In his study of who come uninvited to Newfoundland and sell ques­ edible wild plants of eastern north America, botanist tionable glasses in the outports every summer'' M.L. Fernald noted the juicy leaves growing along the (Christmas 1925). seashore become salt-scented and succulent, and re­ Prescribed by qualified optometrists or not, all of ported the following item of interest from our area: the glasses sold in Newfoundland and Labrador were Entertained at one of the great cod-fishing imported, largely from the United States and Canada. 'rooms' on the coast of Labrador, where vege­ By the 1950s two firms based in Toronto, the Imperial tables are the products of tin-cans, a party of Optical Company and the Canadian subsidiary of the botanists, delighted with the thickets of Atriplex American Optical Company, supplied most of the Ca­ glabriuscula growing 6 feet high and freely nadian market. In 1951 a proposal was submitted to branching on the refuse from the fish-cleaning the Smallwood government to establish an optical fac­ sheds, brought in a large bundle of leafy tips and tory on the Island. A group headed by Dr. Lothar requested to have them cooked. After the meal Sennewald, a German professor of ophthalmological the genial host, native of southern Newfound­ optics, requested $150,000 in government assistance land, said to his daughter, 'This is a godsend. for the project (see NEW INDUSTRIES). The factory Now we can induce Mother to come down to the would import unfinished materials and employ 80 Labrador if she can have fresh vegetables.' ... people making glasses and lenses for cameras and The plant is often so abundant on seashores that microscopes. The plan was abandoned when it was it might supply many families throughout the learned that Sennewald was depositing the money into season. (Fernald and Kinsey). his own account and that his cases of "manufacturing equipment" were actually filled with rocks, waste Agnes Marion Ayre ( 1935), Fernald and Kinsey metal and packing materials. (1958), Diane Griffin (1984), Peterson and McKenny 176 ORGAN, MICHAEL MAIDMENT

(1968), Ernest Rouleau (1956), Peter J. Scott (inter­ form the largest family of seed plants (Angiospermae), view, Apr. 1992). KAW with 35 species growing in the Province. Still, they are seen and appreciated by relatively ORANGE ORDER. See LOYAL ORANGE ASSOCI­ few. Unlike most orchids, which ATION. connect their roots to branches of ORGAN,MICHAELMAIDMENT (1916- ). Born trees and draw nutrients, New­ Norris Point, son of Matthew and Caroline Theodore foundland and Labrador orchids are (Laing) Organ. Educated Norris Point; Bishop Feild terrestrial, except for two species · College. Married Elsie Pike. Attending summer school which lack chlorophyll and feed on in 1933, Organ planned a teaching career, but instead decaying debris on the forest floor. joined the mercantile firm that his father had acquired They are all herbaceous perennials. at Red Bay qv from the Penney family of Carbonear. Most have one or two oval leaves, Organ developed the firm into one of the leading busi­ while others bear grass-like leaves nesses in Labrador, exporting cod, salmon, herring and along their stems. Flowers range bakeapples. There were branch stores at Red Bay, Tub from a single large bloom to a spike Harbour, West St. Modeste, Lance au Clair and Scent-bottle orchid of small flowers. Ranging in hue Forteau. For many years the firm used Lunenberg from green and white to purple, or­ schooners to ship fish to Halifax and to bring back chids bear three sepals and three petals, the lower petal supplies, but it later acquired its own freighter. Mi­ usually elongated so that insects can land and imbibe chael Organ has been an active supporter of the archae­ nectar. ological investigations at Red Bay. M.O. MoRGAN While more study remains to be done, it is known that four species are common on the Island: ORGAN-DIXON, SARAH L. (1908-1974). Librarian. Platanthera clavellata, P. dilatata, P. psycodes and Born St. John's, daughter of Michael and Bridget Spiranthes romanzoffiana. Newfoundland has one or­ (Hearn) Organ. Educated Mercy Convent School; Me­ chid not reported anywhere else in North America­ morial University College; McGill University; Michi­ Platanthera albida var. straminea, while a variety gan University. She was winner of the Senior Jubilee named after Newfoundland, Platanthera lacera var. Fellowship. Returning to Memorial University College terrae-novae, is unique to Newfoundland and Sable with an honours degree in mathematics and physics, Island. Many orchids grow in Labrador, notably the Sadie Organ joined the faculty as an instructor in Northern Twayblade or Listera borealis. That wild mathematics and with responsibility for library ser­ orchids thrive in Newfoundland and Labrador has vices. been in large part a lucky accident born of slow devel­ Obtaining a degree in library science while on a opment. Perhaps the greatest threat to them is the sabbatical leave, she became the first Memorial Uni­ increased use of the all-terrain vehicles, which disturb versity librarian, a position she held until 1958 when the habitat that the delicate wild orchid requires. In she resigned to marry Huston Dixon. A person of wide 1980 the Newfoundland Orchid Society was founded interests and deep commitment to the University, she with seven members, and within a year the member­ had a decisive influence ship tripled. In 1981 its founding president, Peter Bell upon the development of its qv, started the Canadian Orchid Journal, an expansion library services. She was of an earlier newsletter. Editorials and articles by him­ largely responsible for the self and botanist Peter J. Scott qv attempted to ensure planning and design of the that orchids of Newfoundland and Labrador would first University library receive due attention. When Bell left the Province in building on its new campus, 1987 the magazine was transferred to Winnipeg, but later known as the Henri­ the Newfoundland Society continued into 1992, with a etta Harvey Building, and, membership of about 200. Jim Carscadden (interview, with her deep interest in the Dec. 1991), Marsh and Burrows (1981), Robertson et promotion of art, included al (1973), Canadian Orchid Journal (Summer 1981), an art gallery in the new li­ Osprey (16:2 1985), Peat News (7:2 1985). KAW brary. After a decade abroad she returned to SadieOrgan-Di.xon ORDER OF CANADA. The Order of Canada was cre­ Newfoundland in 1969, ated on July 1, 1967, to recognize outstanding achieve­ and was elected by convocation to membership on the ment and public service by Canadian citizens. University's Board of Regents. A street in St. John's is Appointments are made by the Governor General of named in her honour. Melvin Baker (letter Feb. 1992), Canada on the recommendation of an advisory council Sadie L. Organ (1940), Memorial University of New­ chaired by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The foundland Jubilee Yearbook. M.O. MoRGAN Order is the highest honour "for service achievement" ORCIDDS. Newfoundland and Labrador are among that Canada can bestow upon its citizens. few areas in North America where native orchids have The original constitution of the Order provided for remained relatively undisturbed in their natural habi­ two levels of membership, but was revised in 1972 to tat. While most people think of orchids as rare, they add a third level. The Companion level recognizes O'REGAN, SEAMUS 177

Millicent Loder, C.M. North West River Harold Snyder, O.C. St. John's 1983 Adrian Battcock, C.M. St. John's Angus Bruneau, C.M. St. John's Eugenie Fillier, C.M. Roddickton Walter Tucker, C.M. Grand Falls Christopher Pratt, C.C. Mount Carmel 1984 Sister Mary Fabian (Hennebury), C.M. St. John's James McLoughlan, C.M. St. John's Alice Perrault, C.M. Happy Valley Ethel Williams, C.M. Arnold's Cove 1985 John Murphy, C.M. St. John's Ian Rusted, O.C. St. John's Doris Saunders, C.M. Happy Valley 1986 Clara Campbell, C.M. Rigolet Rufus Guinchard, C.M. Hawke's Bay Joseph Smallwood, C.C. Roache's Line SEAL OF THE ORDER 1987 Leslie Harris, O.C. St. John's Noel Murphy, C.M. Corner Brook Sybilla Nitsman, C.M. Hopedale international service and achievement, or national pre­ Arthur Scammell, C.M. St. John's eminence; the Officer level recognizes national ser­ Peter Troake, C.M. Twillingate vice and achievement; and the Member level 1988 Albert Cox, C.M. St. John's recognizes outstanding contributions at the local or Morag O'Brien, C.M. Cape Broyle regional level. The Governor General may appoint 15 Anthony Paddon, O.C. North West River Companions in any year (provided that the total num­ George Story, C.M. St. John's ber of living Companions does not exceed 150) as well 1989 Augusta Barter, C.M. Bay de Verde as 46 Officers and 92 Members. A list of recipients in Richard Cashin, O.C. St. John's Newfoundland and Labrador up to 1992 is given below. Ranjit Chandra, O.C. St. John's RHC Maxwell House, C.M. St. John's 1967 Raymond Gushue, O.C. St. John's Ian Stewart, C.M. St. John's Leonard Outerbridge, C.C. St. John's 1990 Henry Collingwood, O.C. St. John's 1968 William Peacock, O.C. Nain Henry Gault, O.C. St. John's Vera Perlin, O.C. St. John's Oscar Hierlihy, C.M. Chamberlains 1969 Lester Burry, O.C. North West River Edith Manuel, C.M. Springdale John Olds, O.C. Twilling ate Paul O'Neill, C.M. St. John's 1972 Alain Frecker, O.C. St. John's 1991 Maureen Brown, C.M. Curling Jane Hutchings, C.M. Corner Brook Christina Cole, C.M. Fogo Albert Martin, O.C. Corner Brook Harold Lundrigan, C.M. Corner Brook 1973 Myra Bennett, C.M. Daniel's Harbour Arthur Lundrigan, O.C. Corner Brook Jessie Mifflin, C.M. St. John's Cyril Poole, C.M. St. John's M.O. Morgan, C.C. St. John's 1992 Craig Dobbin, O.C. St. John's 1974 James Channing, C.M. St. John's Josephine Gibbons, C.M. St. Mary's Albert Perlin, O.C. St. John's Frances Laracy, C.M. Conception Harbour Frederick Tessier, C.M. Grand Bank 1993 Aidan Maloney, C.M. St. John's Gordon Winter, O.C. St. John's Jay Gajjar, C.M. Stephenville 1975 Ignatius Rumboldt, C.M. St. John's 1976 John Angel, C.M. St. iohn's ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE. See HONOURS Frances Clarke, C.M. St. John's AND DECORATIONS. Gordon Warren, C.M. St. John's O'REGAN, SEAMUS (1942- ). Judge. Born St. John's, 1978 Campbell Eaton, O.C. St. John's son of Donald and Mary (Maher) O'Regan. Educated Leonard Miller, C.M. St. John's Memorial University of Newfoundland; Dalhousie Harry Roberts, C.M. St. John's University. Married Janet Harris. O'Regan was called 1979 Harold Horwood, C.M. St. John's to the Newfoundland bar in 1968 and became a partner Frederick Russell, C.M. St. John's in the firm of Adams and O'Regan, which was later Ralph Andrews, C.M. St. John's 19~0 amalgamated with the firm Halley, Hickman, Hunt, Gordon Stirling, C.M. St. John's Adams and Steele. In 1973 he formed a new partner­ 1981 Lewis Ayre, C.M. St. John's ship with Gerald O'Brien, but in 1977 joined the Selma Barkham, C.M. St. John's Crown Attorney's office. In 1984 O'Regan was named 1982 Gertrude Crosbie, C.M. St. John's a judge of the Newfoundland District Court, the first Mel Fitzgerald, C.M. St. John's judge to be appointed to the judicial centre of Happy 178 O'REGAN'S

Valley-Goose Bay. In 1986 the District Court system In 1921, the first Census in which the name was merged with the Trial Division of the Newfound­ O'Regan's was applied to the entire community, guid­ land Supreme Court. In 1990 O'Regan was appointed ing, hunting and fishing had become an important to inquire into the Sprung greenhouse affair, reporting supplement to vegetable farming for some families, in 1992. Centre for Newfoundland Studies (Seamus and increasing numbers of dairy cattle were being O'Regan). LMS kept. Shortly thereafter Mr. and Mrs. Sandy Ryan opened the first "tourist establishment" in O'Regan's O'REGAN'S (pop. 1986, 159). A farming community and in 1926 a bridge was built across the Grand on the north side of the Grand Cod roy River, Codroy between Upper Ferry qv and O'Regan's. At O'Regan's stretches along a road into the interior. the time and for many years afterward the longest Originally known as Backlands, the community was bridge in Newfoundland, the Grand Codroy bridge renamed early in the twentieth century after Father offered farmers improved access to the railway at Camelius O'Regan, a local priest who drowned in Doyles and markets for produce along the railway 1901. line, particularly at the growing town of Corner As in other parts of the Codroy Valley qv the river Brook. By the 1930s some seasonal work in logging bank was likely the first area cleared for agriculture, also supplemented the incomes of residents, but the in the mid-1800s. In 1840 geologist J.B. Jukes visited community remained largely one of small farms. After the area, noting three Micmac wigwams near the Confederation, as farmers in the Maritime provinces mouth of the river, two or three English families keep­ offered increased competition in traditional markets ing cattle on the south side of the river and a few Irish for vegetables, some people turned exclusively to people keeping pigs on the north side. The first set­ dairy farming. In 1992 most residents of O'Regan's tlers at O'Regan's likely arrived at about this time. continued to be involved in family farms, or worked The Ryan family (still by far the most common family away from the community. The community was served name in the community in 1992) came from Nova by St. Anne's Church and Belanger School in Upper Scotia and began farming where Ryan's Brook emp­ Ferry. J.B. Jukes (1842), W.C. Wonder (1951), Carpe ties into the Grand Codroy. Other early arrivals in­ Diem: Tempis Fugit (1977), Archives (A-7-1), Census cluded the Farrells, Mclsaacs, Mcinnis's, Smiths and (1901-1986). RHC Whites, most families being of Irish or Highland Scottish descent. It is likely, however, that apart from O'REILLY, DERMOT ANTHONY ( 1942- ). Musi­ the Ryans most were second- or third-generation im­ cian. Born Dublin, Ireland, son of Michael and Marga­ migrants to Newfoundland (largely from Nova Sco­ ret O'Reilly. Educated Inchicore; Dublin. Married Ann tia), as the Backlands were not settled until the best Brennan. O'Reilly emi- land along the riverbank had been taken up, in the late grated to Toronto in 1968, 1800s and early 1900s. and that year was a found­ Back1ands first appeared in Census returns in 1901, ing member of the Irish tra­ with a population of 51 (previously the entire area had ditional music group The been recorded as Grand River). In 1911 the population Sons of Erin. In 1970 he of Backlands was 35, with a further 50 listed in "Val­ helped to start the group ley O'Regan". Except for two trappers - likely Sullivan's Gypsies. The Micmac, whose residence in the community is com­ next year, band members memorated in the local landmark Indian Hill - all moved to St. John's, and inhabitants were engaged in farming. Although some Sullivan's Gypsies was re­ livestock was kept, for the most part the produce was formed as Ryan's Fancy. vegetables, marketed to fishing communities along the Ryan's Fancy became one southwest coast. of Canada's best-known Dermot O'Reilly Irish bands, travellin-g throughout Canada, the United States and Ireland. The group released 12 albums, and was featured on numer­ ous television shows including "Ryan's Fancy on Campus," a CBC series recorded in Halifax. In 1983 the group disbanded, and O'Reilly founded a TV/video production and marketing company in Torbay, Piper­ stock Productions. While he continued musical perfor­ mances, both solo and as a member of the group Brishney, O'Reilly began to concentrate more on tele­ vision and video. His television work has included "The Last Run", "Rigs, Jigs, and Songs from the Heart" and "Cain's Legacy". Dermot O'Reilly (inter­ view; letter, Jan. 1992). JEAN GRAHAM O'REILLY, JOSEPH A. (? -1921 ). Priest; author. O'Regan's Born Placentia. Educated St. Bonaventure's College; ORNITHOLOGY 179

Irish College, Rome. nearly 20 years. In 1878 he founded a local branch of O'Reilly received a doctor­ the *Star of the Sea qv and was elected its president ate in theology and philoso­ every year until his death. DN (Feb. 22, 1897), DNLB phy in Rome. Following his (1990). LMS return to Newfoundland be ORIOLES. See MEADOWLARKS, BLACKBIRDS served briefly as curate in AND ORIOLES. St. John's before moving to the United States in the ORNITHOLOGY. The study of birds in Newfoundland early 1890s. Thereafter he and Labrador, as in other parts of the world, has grown was a frequent contributor from small, unorganized beginnings to an exact and to the Newfoundland Quar­ complex science. No species is confined to one geo­ terly and was the author of graphical area; even the great auk, which was flightless a novel, The Last Sentinel of and which may in historic times have bred only on Castle Hill (1916), set in FatherJ.A. O'Reilly Newfoundland islands, travelled extensively. Many Placentia. J.A. O'Reilly (1916), NQ (Autumn 1902). species that are resident here, or are seen here, are LMS found generally in boreal forest, throughout eastern North America or the Arctic, and are seen only in O'REILLY, MICHAEL (1894-1973). Roman Catholic migration, or while wintering in our more ice-free bishop of St. George's. Born Mullabrack, Ireland. Ed­ waters. Yet others are marine and spend much of their ucated All Hallow's College, Dublin. O'Reilly was lives far from shore. It is important to note that the ordained a priest in 1917 and in March of the following avifauna of a region does not remain static. Expert year came to Newfoundland. He served as a priest in observers have seen repeated examples of new species St. George's under Bishops Michael F. Power and invading, while changed conditions have caused pre­ Henry T. Renouf qqv until September 1928 when he viously established species to become much less com­ was appointed parish priest at Lourdes. In the 1930s, mon. concerned for the poor of his parish, he encouraged the The early explorers in Newfoundland mentioned the development of agriculture and helped to persuade the abundance of common coastal species which they ex­ Commission of Government to establish a *land settle­ ploited. These included eiders, "penguins" (great ment qv at Lourdes. auks) and murres. But no comprehensive lists were O'Reilly succeeded Bishop Renouf in 1941. He was prepared, and no attempt was made at classification or one of few Roman Catholic priests to support the idea serious study before the work of Joseph Banks qv, of confederation with Can­ who arrived in 1766 for a brief visit to the Island and ada (in defiance of Arch­ to Labrador. Banks was a well-known British natural­ bishop E.P. Roche qv) and ist, but the record of his work fell into obscurity until gave encouragement to recovered by Lysaght in the mid-twentieth century. In confederate William J. the eighteenth century George Cartwright qv, residing Keough qv, National Con­ in southern Labrador for almost 16 years, collected vention delegate for St. specimens, and made many observations of birds. Re­ George's and later a provin­ corded in a journal published in 1792, these observa­ cial cabinet minister. In tions refer to 49 species of birds. About the beginning 1947 the see of St. George's of the nineteenth century the great auk became extinct, was moved to Corner due to over-exploitation, and later in the century there Brook, where O'Reilly re­ were some interesting accounts of visits to their habi­ mained Bishop until 1970. tat, Funk Island qv. Remains were collected, some of During his episcopate new Bishop Michael O'Reilly which have been preserved in museums abroad. parishes were established During the nineteenth century a considerable in Deer Lake, Humbermouth and Berry Head (Port au amount of study was done on birds in the Newfound­ Port East). Bishop O'Reilly died in Stephenville, Feb­ land area. In 1833 the celebrated American ornitholo­ ruary 15, 1973. DNLB (1990), Newfoundland Who 's gist J.J. Audubon qv visited the Quebec north shore Who 1961 (1961), Newfoundland and Labrador Who's and western Newfoundland, and in 1874 the French Who Centennial Edition (1968). LMS naturalist John Milne visited Funk Island. Some au­ O'REILLY, THOMAS (1839?-1897). Politician; mag­ thors made lists of birds. The Rev. L.A. Anspach istrate. Born Placentia. Educated St. Bonaventure's (1819) lists 28 species, together with comment and College. O'Reilly was a teacher and a trader in Placen­ description. Other lists are found in the works of J.B. tia before being elected in 1865 as a Conservative Jukes (1842) and Richard Bonnycastle (1842). Henry representing Placentia and St. Mary's. In 1869 he ran Reeks (1869) produced a more comprehensive list, as a Confederate in Placentia and St. Mary's, but he 212 species, but there is some doubt concerning some and his running mates (including Ambrose Shea qv) of his identifications. None of his specimens survive, were soundly defeated by anti-confederates, including but other specimens collected in the late nineteenth Charles F. Bennett. O'Reilly was appointed magistrate and early twentieth centuries have been preserved in at Placentia in 1877 and remained in that position for American museums and in the British Museum of 180 ORNITHOLOGY

Natural History. The first banding in Newfoundland sity, was of major importance in promoting the orni­ was done by William Pepper in 1919 amid growing thology of Newfoundland. interest in bird ranges and migrations. Shortly thereaf­ The 1970s and 1980s saw considerable study and ter the first, but not very successful, attempts were publication. The Canadian Wildlife Service was re­ made to form a natural history society in St. John's. sponsible for extensive studies on birds of Labrador, Harold Peters and and especially on ducks; William Threlfall qv was Thomas D. Burleigh began engaged in the study of seabird populations and the their investigations of New­ parasitology of birds; and D.N. Nettleship was promi­ foundland birds in 1937 nent in studies in the breeding and distribution of and 1942. These investiga­ marine birds. For the work of other scholarly writers tions led to the publication we refer the reader to the bibliographies of the more in 1951 of Birds of New­ well-known works. The most definitive work on the foundland, illustrated by avifauna of Labrador is W.E. Clyde Todd's Birds of the Roger Tory Peterson. In Labrador Peninsula and Adjacent Areas, published in this work 227 species were the U.S.A. in 1963. Many other people have also con­ described and many of tributed substantially to the scientific study of New­ them were illustrated. It in­ foundland birds. Mrs. H.J. Reid, who lived in Ramea cludes a section on ornitho- from 1958 to 1974, kept a diary of birds visiting her logical work and sections Leslie Tuck feeders. Her records proved to be of real value be­ on classification and con- cause they gave precise details of migration dates. servation. The high quality of this book, extraordinary Some of her records were new for Newfoundland. for its time and place, led to an upsurge of public Subsequent reports from Ramea have been supplied interest in birds in the Province. It is likely that it was by Richard Northcott. In St. Pierre an association was also a major factor in strengthening interest in the formed for the "study and preservation of nature in newly formed Newfoundland *Natural History Soci­ the territories" (AEPNT) in 1975, with Roger ety qv. This society was established (or revived) in Etcheberry as its first president. This association pro­ 1950 by a group of people which included Leslie M. duced a checklist for St. Pierre and Miquelon. Many Tuck qv. It introduced to Newfoundland the Christmas bird reports from this group have added to our knowl­ bird count, a practice which had originated in the edge of migrations. W.A. Montevecchi qv of Memorial U.S.A. with the Audubon Society in the early years of University bas kept permanent records of all sigbtings the twentieth century. The bird counts have been of of unusual birds in the Province. He hopes to complete scientific value in providing information not only on the comprehensive work on Newfoundland ornithol­ population fluctuations and major declines, but also ogy envisaged by Leslie Tuck. Montevecchi has con­ on movements and migrations throughout North ducted a substantial amount of field work, especially America and Central America. The number of counts at Funk Island and Baccalieu Island. The first volume have grown from one in St. John's in the 1950s to en­ from these studies, Newfoundland Birds, Exploitation, compass most regions of the Island in the 1980s and 1990s. Study and Conservation, was published in 1987. In 1967 the first checklist of the birds of insular In 1987 the Newfoundland Natural History Society Newfoundland was published. It had been prepared by initiated a project to survey peregrine falcon nesting a committee authorized by the Natural History Soci­ sites in Labrador, but the scope of the project was ety, and was designed to show the status and seasonal enlarged with the financial support of the World Wild­ occurrence of all birds reliably reported for the Island. life Fund, the Canadian Wildlife Service and the New­ It is periodically revised. The 1989 list, prepared by B. foundland Wildlife Division. The Canadian Mactavish, J .E. Maunder and W.A. Montevecchi, in­ Department of National Defence also assisted by pro­ cludes 343 species, three additional subspecies and viding logistical support in the Saglek area. This sur­ eight listed separately as hypothetical. The publica­ vey, which was conducted by helicopter, continued tion in 1961 of Tuck's monograph on the murres, the through the summers of 1987 and 1988, and extended first in the Canadian Wildlife Service's Monograph all the way to Cape Chidley. In addition to the nesting Series, marked a major contribution not only to New­ of peregrine falcons, information was gathered on gyr­ foundland ornithology but to the ornithology of North falcons, golden eagles, rough-legged hawks and harle­ America. It was followed in 1972 by a monograph The quin ducks. The study added to our knowledge of the Snipes: a Study in the Genus Capella. These scholarly population and nesting of all these species in Labra­ works are the result of extensive field work, and raised dor. The northern nesting limit of the harlequin duck Newfoundland ornithology to a new level of scientific was established. Those participating directly in the excellence. In recognition of his work Tuck was survey were David Lemon of the Newfoundland Natu­ awarded an honorary doctorate from Memorial Uni­ ral History Society, Ian Goudie of the Canadian Wild­ versity of Newfoundland in 1965 and another in 1977 life Service and Joe Brazil of the Newfoundland from Acadia University. In 1977 he was appointed J.L. Wildlife Division. Paton Research Professor at Memorial University. The In 1991 the National Museum of Canada completed interest and continued support from Dr. Leslie Harris, the assembly of a skeleton of the great auk, recon­ as president and vice-chancellor of Memorial Univer- structed from bones which had been retrieved at Funk ORPHANAGES 181

Before the 1800s there were no orphanages in New­ foundland and Labrador. Orphaned children became the responsibility of relatives or were taken in by other members of the community. The poor asylums which did exist were places of last resort and the placement of children in them was avoided when possible. In many isolated parts of Newfoundland and Labrador this feeling of community responsibility for orphans and abandoned children persisted after the establish­ ment of institutions intended to care for them. The early 1800s saw the growth of charitable organizations and the child welfare movement in St. John's and a few of the larger towns. The *Benevolent Irish Society qv was the first group to address the needs of orphans, opening a small school in the home of a Mr. Gill in 1825. In 1827 the Society opened the Orphan Asylum on the site where St. Patrick's Hall would later be built. Intended for the education of orphans, both boys and girls, the Asylum was open to all poor children by 1838. There were few facilities for orphans who re­ quired special care, such as the mentally and physi­ cally handicapped or children with emotional or behavioral problems. When in 1849 Dr. Henry Stabb began admitting patients to the Provincial Asylum for the Insane, several children were among those trans­ ferred from St. John's Hospital. At least one male Birders at Cape St. Mary's orphan under the age of 15 was admitted to the hospi­ Island by Montevecchi, together with some sternum tal in 1860 and four other patients were between the parts contributed by the Museum of Comparative Zo­ ages of 15 and 20. The practice of admitting minors, ology at Harvard University. (These were collected often abandoned children, to an Asylum inte11ded to from Funk Island in the late nineteenth century.) The house adults was continued at least until 1911. mounted skeleton was presented to Memorial Univer­ The first orphanages opened in St. John's and sur­ sity at a ceremony in St. John's in April 1991, and rounding areas were organized by religious denomina­ housed in the Centre for Newfoundland Studies in the tions. In 1854 the Sisters of Mercy opened the Queen Elizabeth II Library. The government of New­ Orphanage of the Immaculate Conception (later re­ foundland and Labrador has provided for seabird sanc­ named St. Michael's) on Military Road, next to the tuaries on islands and nesting cliffs, and has Mercy Convent. It housed Roman Catholic girls and established parks and wilderness areas. These mea­ was under the care of Sister Mary Vincent Nugent qv. sures have been designed to ensure the protection of Of the 13 girls there in 1854, most were not orphans nesting sites and the preservation of habitats; and have but children from poor or troubled homes. The grow­ also made it easier for the public to enjoy the birds and ing numbers of children who came to the Orphanage for specialists to study them. Several seabird sanctuar­ resulted in a shortage of space and a lack of proper ies, such as the Witless Bay islands, Baccalieu and accommodations. In 1859 the Sisters of Mercy trans­ Funk Island, have become known throughout much of ferred the girls to the former Franciscan monastery in the world. The author and the editors are grateful to J.E. Maun­ der for valuable suggestions, and to W.A. Montevecchi for consenting to read a draft of this article. Peters and Burleigh (1951), Montevecchi and Tuck (1987). CHARLIE HORWOOD

ORPHANAGES. Homes for orphans and abandoned children were first instituted in the nineteenth century as part of a widespread concern for child welfare qv and the plight of less fortunate members of society. Orphanages in Newfoundland and Labrador were op­ erated by charitable and religious organizations, with increasing government support in the twentieth cen­ tury. Since the 1960s, however, foster homes, adoption and small group homes for children with special needs have largely replaced orphanages. Muddy Bay Orphanage 182 ORPHANAGES

St. John's, known as Belvedere. By 1884 there were and industrial school in 1898. A farm was later added 200 children at St. Michael's and a new brick and to the grounds. stone building had been added to the institution. Sev­ Orphanages were first opened in northern New­ eral other orphanages were opened following the es­ foundland and Labrador shortly after the turn of the tablishment of St. Michael's. The Church of England century by Dr. Wilfred Grenfell qv. As he later wrote, established a home for widows and orphans in 1855 in "In my boyhood I used to collect postage stamps, the wake of a cholera epidemic which swept St. butterflies and bird's eggs. When we sailed to Labra­ John's. It began with a widowed· matron caring for dor, however, a new chance presented itself and I eight male and female children, and gradually ex­ started to collect children." Grenfell's involvement panded. Up to 70 Roman Catholic boys were housed at with children began when he chanced upon an or­ an orphanage founded by Father Michael Morris qv in phaned brother and sister from a small coastal village 1886. Located in the former Bellevue Hotel and Tav­ in Labrador for whom the community could no longer ern near Manuels qv, it was renamed St. Thomas of care. Grenfell took the children to England, where Villa Nova Orphanage and, like St. Michael's, pro­ they were placed in an orphanage. An epidemic of vided vocational training for the children. Boys at influenza soon left many other children orphaned and Villa Nova learned the basics of farming, shoe repair, by 1904 a Children's Home and boarding school had tailoring and carpentry. In 1888 the Newfoundland been built at St. Anthony by the International Methodist Conference founded an orphanage later *Grenfell Association qv (I.G.A.). Eleanor Storr, a known as the United Church Orphanage. A house at volunteer worker from England, was first placed in Mundy Pond belonging to John Angel was rented and charge of the children. The orphanage had an initial a Miss Barton was hired to care for orphaned and capacity of 70 children. Grenfell was known to re­ destitute girls between the ages of six and sixteen. move children from homes when he felt they were not Both John Angel and his son James Angel qv contrib­ being properly cared for by their parents. Within a few uted financially to the Orphanage and maintained an years the I.G.A. was operating orphanages and board­ interest in its administration. The Salvation Army ing schools at St. Anthony, Cartwright and St. Mary's opened a home for unwed mothers in 1894. The An­ River. chorage, as it was called, soon expanded to take in the The Rev. Henry Gordon qv built a home for the indigent elderly as well as homeless children with children of Sandwich Bay in 1919. The Labrador Pub­ mental handicaps. An epidemic of typhoid fever killed lic School in Muddy Bay qv had a staff of 10 and many people in 1889, including Father Morris. Villa housed up to 40 children. During the summers, the Nova was forced to close within a few years of his orphans and other boarders were sent to live with death leaving dozens of orphans homeless. In re­ relatives. Taken over by the I.G.A. in 1923, the school sponse, the *Irish Christian Brothers qv agreed to was later closed and replaced by a similar institution Bishop M.F. Howley's qv request to manage a new in Cartwright. orphanage for boys. Mount Cashel qv, formerly the After the turn of the century, private donors support­ Howley family estate, was opened as an orpha~age ing the church institutions, the number of children in

Belevedere Orphanage ORPHANAGES 183

Mount Cashel Orphanage orphanages increased. Charles R. Ayre qv donated dren in private foster homes, with the consequent clos- $15,000 in 1901 for a new Methodist (later United ing of several orphanages, including St. Michael's in Church) orphanage. Erected on Hamilton Avenue, it 1969. Mount Cashel remained open but was in severe could accommodate 45 children as well as staff. The financial difficulty. During the summer of 1971 when Church of England Orphanage was also in need of the Christian Brothers were forced to close the build- more space. Thomas Raffles Job qv donated a house, ings for several weeks the boys stayed with relatives Job Memorial, to house the girls in 1918. The boys or at summer camps. The provincial government were moved to the Shannon Muon Memorial, a house agreed to finance restorations following the temporary and farm provided by Edgar Bowring qv and May closure. (McCowan) Muon. An addition was similarly made to By the 1970s there were limited facilities in St. St. Michael's in 1922 in the form of a Recreation Hall. John's for children and adolescents with special Private bequests were supplemented by government needs. Exon House in St. John's cared for up to 116 assistance and fund-raising ventures. The best known mentally handicapped children and a few adults. of these fund events was the Mount Cashel raffle, held About 75 severely mentally and physically handi- annually from 1923 to 1989. capped children, the majority of them wards of the The Depression of the 1930s brought more children Province, were accommodated at the Children's Home into the care of institutions. Some of the youngest in the former Merchant Service Hospital. Complaints were housed in the Waterford Hall Home for Infants in in the local media about conditions at the two homes St. John's, established specifically for illegitimate led to an investigation and a 1977 report by the Cana- children under the age of two. Over 200 boys were dian Association for the Mentally Retarded. The cared for at Mount Cashel by the late 1930s, while St. Association's report recommended changes to the fa- Michael's reached a peak occupancy of 230 girls. Fol- cilities to improve conditions, but cleared employees lowing Confederation, the Department of Social Ser- of the homes of suspicion of wrongdoing. vices began placing wards of the Director of Child In 1975 investigations into physical abuse at Mount Welfare at Mount Cashel and also increased financial Cashel began, following complaints made by several contributions for the maintenance of the Orphanage. of the residents of the Orphanage and their relatives. Mount Cashel occasionally became a last resort for The police inquiry was short-lived initially, but was boys who had trouble adjusting to foster homes or to re-opened in 1989 after the conviction of Father James the correctional home for boys at Whitbourne. Hickey qv on charges of sexual assault and growing Vocational training had been stressed at the various allegations of similar abuse by Christian Brothers at orphanages from the beginning, and this emphasis Mount Cashel. Eight Christian Brothers and former continued into the 1950s and 1960s. Apprenticeships Brothers were eventually convicted of sexual and and training at local trade schools were offered at physical assault against residents of Mount Cashel. Mount Cashel. Girls at St. Michael's were taught typ- The ensuing public scandal led the remaining Brothers ing and shorthand in addition to their regular school to leave the orphanage in late 1989. A planned $7.5 work. In the late 1960s there was a trend away from million expansion of Mount Cashel was cancelled as a institutional orphanages toward the placement of chil- judicial inquiry headed by retired Ontario Supreme 184 OSBORN, HENRY

Court judge Samuel Hughes was convened to investi­ O'SHAUGHNESSY, MAGDALENE ( 1 7 9 3-1 8 8 9). gate abuse at the Orphanage. In June of 1990, Mount Presentation Sister. Born Galway, Ireland. Cashel was closed as the final 35 residents between 0' Shaughnessy entered the the ages of 10 and 21 were removed to foster homes or Presentation order in Gal­ supervised apartments. The building was demolished way in 1821, taking her in 1992. The Hughes Inquiry qv demonstrated the need vows in 1823. In 1833 she for more careful supervision of institutions and foster was one of four Presenta­ homes caring for children. Its report was released in tion nuns-with Sisters April 1992 and included a series of recommendations Xaverius Lynch, Mary Ber­ intended to prevent the further victimization of chil­ nard Kirwan and Mary Xa­ dren in institutions run by church or state. vier Maloney-recruited by In 1992, wards of the Province were placed primar­ Bishop Michael Fleming qv ily in foster homes. Three private group homes for to establish a Roman Catho- children under the age of 16 were operated in St. lic girls' school in St. John's in conjunction with the Child Welfare Division John's. Sister Magdalene Sister Magdalene of the Department of Social Services, but no such died on March 2, 1889 in St. O'Shaughnessy facilities existed elsewhere in the Province. Ethel John's. M.F. Howley (1887), Dempsey (interview, June 1992), Wilfred Grenfell H.M. Mosdell (1923), Paul O'Neill (1976). LMS (1948), Michael Harris (1990), M. Williamina Hogan OSMOND (pop. 1966, 43). A resettled community lo­ (1986), Joyce Nevitt (1978), Patricia O'Brien (1989), cated just south of Cape Ray qv, in 1992 Osmond was Paul O'Neill (1975), J.R. Smallwood (1937), Atlantic the site of several summer cabins. At one time the Advocate (Oct. 1968), Canadian Association for the windswept coast between Cape Ray and Grand Bay Mentally Retarded (1977), ET (June 6, 1990), Sunday West qv was occupied by about 100 people, farming Express (Mar. 19, 1989). ACB and fishing at scattered locations. Going south from OSBORN, HENRY (1694-1771). Governor. Born Eng­ Cape Ray these tiny communities were known as Cape land, son of John and Mary (Kelynge) Osborn. Married Barrisway (or Barachois Point), Middle Barachois, Mary Hughes. Osborn was the first naval governor of Jerrett Point, Big Barachois, Dreadfall Point, Rocky Newfoundland, serving from 1729 to 1731. Barachois qv and Point Rosy. Most of these sites were Entering the Royal Navy in 1717, Osborn came to first occupied in the late 1800s and were abandoned by Newfoundland in 1729 as commander of the Squirrel. 1921. After about 1930 the population was concen­ When, in the face of growing lawlessness, the Home trated near a railway siding at Barachois Point, which Government decided to create a governorship for the was renamed Osmond. On modern maps the site of Island, Lord Vere Beauclerk, naval commander of Osmond is identified as Jerrett Point. But former resi­ Newfoundland, declined the position and Osborn was dents maintain that the point is incorrectly identified appointed. He divided the Island into six districts and and that Jerrett's Point was in fact the next point of selected magistrates from the resident population to land to the south, which appears on maps as Windsor administer justice during the winter months. The au­ Point. thority of these "winter justices" was not recognized The first record of permanent residents in the area is by the "admirals" of the the 1857 Census, which lists a population of 19 at migratory fishery and con­ Point Rosy, likely the Matthews and Lomond families flicts arose (see JUDI­ who moved from Channel and Grand Bay to farm. By CIARY). To finance the 1884 several other families had arrived, establishing construction of courthouses farms which sold vegetables to the fishing communi­ and jails, Osborn levied a ties of the southwest coast and fishing for cod in local tax on all fishermen. The waters. Some of the new arrivals came from fishing migratory fishermen ob­ communities east of Port aux Basques (such as the jected to the tax, but it was Osmonds, from Margaree, who settled at Middle upheld by the British Board Barachois, and the Cousenses of Burnt Island at of Trade. In 1730 the Gov­ Rocky Barachois). Others came from the nearby fish­ ernor requested a ruling by ing communities of Cape Ray and Grand Bay and a this same Board on the mat- few appear to have moved to the area from the Codroy ter of magisterial authority. Governor Henry Osborn Valley (the Carters, Hulans and Yarns at Jerrett Point). The jurisdiction of the mag- In 1884 there were 33 people recorded at Cape and istrates was upheld. In 1731 Osborn was replaced by Middle Barrisway, seven at Jerrett Point, 11 at Big George Clinton. Osborn later served in the navy with Barachois, 24 at Dreadfall Point and 25 at Rocky distinction, until suffering a stroke in 1758. He was Barachois. After the railway went through the area in subsequently Member of Parliament for Bedfordshire 1897 the population became increasingly concentrated (1758-61). Osborn died on February 4, 1771 in Lon­ near Middle Barachois, where the Osmonds were the don. R.G. Lounsbury (1934), D.W. Prowse (1895), dominant family. The smaller sites were gradually DCB IV. ACB abandoned because of the availability of wage labour OSMONTON 185

terview, Nov. 1992), Natalie Sellers (interview, July 1992), Centre for Newfoundland Studies (Douglas Os­ mond). LMS OSMOND, MARCELLA (1944- ). Musician; teacher. Born Corner Brook, daughter of William and Marcella (Bishop) Dawe. Married David Osmond. Educated Salvation Army College, St. John's; Memorial Univer­ sity of Newfoundland. Fol­ lowing her graduation Osmond taught school in St. John's and in 1983 set up a private piano studio. For some years Osmond was a member of the MUN Cham­ Osmond ber Choir. For several se­ at the railway terminal at Port aux Basques and in­ mesters she was a visiting creased competition for local produce from farms in instructor in the school of Marcella Osmond the Codroy Valley, which now had railway access to music at Memorial Univer- the southwest coast. By 1921 only Rocky Barachois sity. Since 1986 she has been piano and vocal adjudi­ (pop. 18) and Middle Barachois (pop. 27) were re­ cator in Newfoundland Kiwanis music festivals and in corded. Osmond first appears in the Census in 1935 New Brunswick. In the summers of 1991 and 1992 she (as "Osbournes") with a population of 46. Some was music consultant and accompanist in the small farming and fishing was still carried on by the Elderhostel program at Memorial University which Osmond family, but most heads of households were featured Newfoundland history in music, songs and employed as sectionmen on the railway. The commu­ stories. nity had a population of 30-40 people until the late Her works have included arrangements and compo­ 1960s, when most of the people moved to Grand Bay sitions for hand bells as well as for brass bands and or Channel-Port aux Basques. In 1992 Osmond and choirs. Two of her choral/brass arrangements were the other sites were accessible by walking along the featured in Salvation Army international congresses in old railway roadbed from the beach at J.T. Cheeseman Halifax and Winnipeg. Osmond's medley of New­ Provincial Park. Isaac Lomond (interview, Mar. foundland folksongs was used in a performance dur­ 1992), Walter Osmond (interview, Aug. 1991), E.R. ing St. John's centenary civic celebrations. For several Seary (1977), Census (1857-1966), McAlpine's New­ years she was the music arranger and accompanist for foundland Directory 1894-95 (1895), Archives (A-7- a St. John's gospel singing group. She has been a 2). RHC lifelong Salvationist, beginning her career as a piano player in the St. John's Citadel Singing Company. In OSMOND, DOUGLAS MCNEIL (1916- ). Musician. 1983 she was appointed leader of the St. John's Cita­ Born Twillingate, son of Frederick and Isabelle del Songster Brigade (adult choir). She was awarded a (Hughes) Osmond. Educated Moreton's Harbour; Canada Copncil grant in 1992 to study at the Royal Royal Academy of Music, London; Boston University. Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Canadian Salva­ In 1934 Osmond moved to England where he first tion Army War Cry (May 2, 1992), Marcella Osmond studied with York Bowen (interview, July-Aug. 1992). OTTO G. TuCKER and then at the Royal Acad­ emy. He later returned to OSMONTON (pop. 1921, 45). An abandoned lumber­ Newfoundland, and served ing community in Notre Dame Bay, on the eastern as the head of the music de­ shore of the northwest arm of New Bay qv. Originally partment at Holloway known as North West Arm, the community had been School and Prince of Wales officially renamed by 1911. The site was probably College for 33 years. He used for winter homes by families of Cottrell's Cove also taught at Morris Acad­ and Leading Tickles by the late 1800s. A handful of emy and Bishop's College. settlers lived both at the bottom of the Arm (Mill In addition to his career as Cove), which offered good winter access to the interior an educator Osmond was over Mill Pond and Southern Lake, and seasonally at the organist at Wesley Budgell Harbour on the northwest side of the Arm. United Church and Gower Douglas Osmond North West Arm was first listed separately in the 1901 Street United Church, Census, with a population of 28. where he was the organist from 1949 until his retire­ Most of the people known to have lived at Os­ ment in 1982. In 1992 Osmond was organist Emeritus monton bore the family names Boone, Budgell or at Gower Street United Church. Douglas Osmond (in- Moores, all family names of Cottrell's Cove and area, 186 OSPRAY

patch at the bend of the wings, which are held at a definite angle at the bend when in flight. A black streak runs from eye to neck, and there is a small but noticeable crest. The beak is black, and sharply hooked. The brightly coloured feet, nicely adapted for catching fish, are equipped with long, sharp, curved talons and a special adaptation of spiny scales on the soles. The osprey feeds almost exclusively on fish, hunt­ ing by flying over water, soaring, circling, hovering until at last there is a dramatic dive, feet-first, into the water. Some authors claim that ospreys are successful in 90% of their dives - a remarkable success rate, since dives are executed from 10 to 30 m and occa­ sionally higher. The osprey seems not to be particular about the species of fish it consumes. Although it can Looking across Osmonton Arm take a fish of several pounds, and in Newfoundland and White from Leading Tickles. People were em­ catches trout and salmon, it is not thought to have a ployed in the fishery and by a small sawmill. By 1911 detrimental effect on fish populations. the five Methodist families at Osmonton had con­ Nests may be found together in loose colonies, or structed a school/chapel. The community last ap­ singly, and are always huge and constructed of sticks. peared in the Census in 1921, the last known residents These are usually in the tops of tall trees, on cliffs or being Hallett Boone, Frederick and Phoebe Moores even on telephone poles, but they may also be on the and Bessie Saunders. In the late 1950s a road from ground. The nests are used year after year, and grow Point Leamington to Leading Tickles barely by-passed larger as more sticks are added. Grasses or seaweeds Osmonton Arm and again opened the area up to winter are used as lining in the nests. The eggs, numbering logging. In 1992 there were several cabins at the bot­ two to four, are about 8 em long and white with irreg­ tom of the Arm, with a road connecting Mill Cove to ular brown markings. The incidental beauty of the the highway. J.R. Smallwood (1941), Census (1874- eggs unfortunately caused the species to suffer greatly 1921), List of Electors (1928), Newfoundland Direc­ from the depredations of egg collectors, especially in tory 1936 (1936), Sailing Directions: Newfoundland the British Isles. Incubation is about four weeks. The (1986). BWC chicks are at first fed with partly digested regurgitated OSPRAY. The Ospray was a wooden steamer of 176 tons fish, but soon graduate to strips of raw fish, and at six and among the early ships of the St. John's sealing weeks are able to handle fish themselves. Their first fleet. It was also used on the St. John's to Halifax mail run. Fitted as a sealer by Baine Johnson and Company in 1864, it was taken to the ice by Captain J. Gulliford and returned with only 800 pelts. The following spring it took 5500. S. March and Sons supplied the ship in 1870 when it had its most successful season, taking 12,000 seals. The Ospray's career was cut short when it had to be abandoned in the spring of 1874, sinking at the ice with several hundred pelts aboard. Captain Samuel Blandford qv and his crew were rescued by the Panther qv. Chafe's Sealing Book (1989), Newfound­ lander (Apr. 10, 1874). ACB OSPREY. The fish-hawk or osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a well known bird throughout most of Newfoundland and Labrador. It belongs to the order Falconiformes which includes hawks, falcons and vultures, but differs enough from its nearest rel;;ttives to be placed alone in the family Pandionidae. The osprey breeds in much of temperate North America, Europe, Northern Asia and China. In the southern hemisphere it breeds in coastal Australia, and migrates to other areas of the Pacific. The osprey is recognized first of all by its size. About the size of a small eagle, it is 21 to 24 inches in length, with a wingspread of 41;2 to 6 feet. The color­ ation, white underneath and blackish on top, dis­ tinguishes it from other large hawks. There is a dark Osprey nest OTTENHEIMER, GERALD RYAN 187

O'Toole. Married Margaret Curran. Educated St. Bonaventure's College; Holy Cross School. A railway employee, his career as a runner began during World War I. In 1922 he ran against Jack Bell, the reigning Newfoundland champion, and finished a close second. Later that year there was to be a challenge race be­ tween Bell and a well-known runner from Halifax, Laurie Jackson. When Bell fell ill O'Toole was se­ lected as a replacement. The 18-year-old was given little chance but, in what was regarded as one of the most memorable races in Newfoundland track history, he was beaten only in the last few yards. In 1923 he defeated Bell to win the Newfoundland championship and the Telegram Trophy, winning again in 1924 and 1925. He was a member of the Newfoundland contingent which won team honours Osprey in the Halifax Herald Marathon in 1925, and broke flights begin at seven to eight weeks. Ospreys have all records in the same race in 1928, O'Toole finish­ often been shot in the belief that this would help to ing first. In 1929 he was sponsored by the Guards protect fish populations, while habitat destruction and Athletic Association to run in the Boston Marathon, general pollution, DDT in particular, have taken their where he finished eighth. He came sixth in the Mar­ toll. W.E. Godfrey (1979), Peters and Burleigh (1950). athon the following year. O'Toole was inducted into JOHN HORWOOD the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame on April27, 1974. Frank Graham (1988), Paul O'Neill OSPREY, THE. A journal of the Newfoundland *Natu­ (1977), Edward O'Toole (interview, May 1992), ET ral History Society qv, this newsletter/magazine has (July 6, 1987), Newfoundland Herald (Aug. 18, been produced regularly since 1970, primarily for dis­ 1990), Centre for Newfoundland Studies (Ron tribution to members of the Society. The Osprey con­ O'Toole). JAMES MOORE tains reports of rare bird sightings and annual bird counts from the Island and St. Pierre and Miquelon and OTTENHEIMER, GERALD RYAN (1934- ). Politi­ news of the activities of the Society. Short articles are cian. Born St. John's, son of Marguerite (Ryan) and carried on Newfoundland plants, mammals, birds, in­ Frederick Ottenheimer. Educated St. John's; Fordham sects, fungi, fishes and fossils. The Osprey has ap­ University; Memorial University of Newfoundland. peared either monthly or quarterly, with occasional Married Alma Cullimore. Ottenheimer was first delays but no interruptions, since May 1970, when it elected to the House of Assembly for St. John's East first carried the title and the emblem designed by in 1966 as a Progressive Conservative. The next year Reginald Shepherd. The first issue consisted of eight he became leader of the opposition, serving until1969. photocopied pages, but over the years the publication Indicating that he planned to study law in England as has increasingly assumed the stature of a magazine. A an alternative to a political career Ottenheimer left the special retrospective issue was published in June 1987 Province. But in 1971 he was back in Newfoundland, and distributed free to schools. The Osprey (vols. 1-23 and ran successfully in St. Mary's district. He was passim). CHARLIE HORWOOD appointed Minister without portfolio in 1972, and later that year became Minister of Education. O'TOOLE, BIDDY (MARY BENNETT nee MALLARD) Ottenheimer served as ---- (1884?-1961). Singer. Born Quidi Vidi. Mary Bennett Speaker from 1975 until he began her singing career under the stage name Biddy returned to cabinet under O'Toole in the 1930s when she joined a band with Joe Premier A. Brian Peckford Murphy. The band performed mainly country music in 1979. He held several and performed regularly on the VOCM radio program key portfolios under "Uncle Tim's Barn Dance". O'Toole obtained much Peckford, including that of of her material from Irish song books and also gained government house leader, popularity as a singer of Newfoundland songs. Biddy Minister of Justice and O'Toole and her band were among performers at the Minister of Energy. In 1988 Knights of Columbus Hostel on Harvey Road in St. Ottenheimer was appointed John's when it burned on December 12, 1942. Over to the Senate and was 500 people were attending a broadcast of the "Barn quickly appointed to Senate Dance" when the hall caught fire, 99 people losing their lives. Philip Hiscock (interview, Sept. 1992), committees on foreign af- Senator Gerald Ottenheimer fairs and energy/natural re- Paul O'Neill (1975). LMS sources. Richard Gwyn (1968), Hiller and Neary eds. O'TOOLE,RONALD (1903-1987). Athlete. Born St. (1980), Harold Horwood (1989), Hugh Shea (1976), John's, son of Thomas and Bridgett (Callahan) Canadian Parliamentary Guide (1977), DNLB (1990), 188 OITERBURY

ET(Sept. 23, 1968; Nov. 11, 1969; Jan. 27, 1988; Feb. the early 1900s some had found work as miners on 23, 1988), Sunday Express (Nov. 18, 1987; Jan. 3, 1988; Bell Island and in later years others became miners in July 8, 1990). KAW Nova Scotia. By 1945 the population had dropped to 29 and thereafter a family or two left every year to live OTTERBURY (pop. 1956, 2). There are three near relatives at Carbonear or on the Canadian main­ Otterburys in Conception Bay. This article refers to an land. The community became too small to be viable abandoned fishing community located northeast of and for some years there was only a single inhabited Carbonear. The other two have come to be included home there, that of John Will Parsons. In 1992 within the municipal boundaries of the communities of Otterbury and nearby Blomidon were used as a com­ Clarke's Beach and Harbour Grace qqv. All three share munity pasture by residents of Salmon Cove and Vic­ some geographic features, being located on steep toria. The old road, accessible either at Freshwater or slopes above shores with little shelter. Seary suggests at Salmon Cove Sands Provincial Park and offering a that all three may have been named for Ottery St. commanding view of Conception Bay, was a popular Mary's, Dorset or that the name may be a corruption hiking trail. Lloyd Hobbs (1978), Hazel (Butt) Penney of ''otter-burrow''. (interview, Sept. 1991), Woodrow Penney (interview, Otterbury, Carbonear, was probably settled in the Sept. 1992), E.R. Seary (1971; 1977), Census (1845- late 1700s or early 1800s- the earliest mention of the 1956), Lovell's Newfoundland Directory (1871), Re­ community in parish records concerns one John Par­ port Upon the Inspection of Protestant Schools For sons in 1805. As the population of Carbonear and the the Year 1865 (1866), Archives (GN 4317). RHC Conception Bay north shore boomed in the early 1800s and shore space of any description was at a OTTERS. The river otter (Lontra canadensis) is native premium, presumably the Parsons family built fishing to most of North America, including Newfoundland premises at the base of the cliffs and cleared the slopes and Labrador. Other members of the genus are found on top for their homes and gardens. Residents noted at in all continents except Australia. The Newfoundland Otterbury in the 1839 voter's list include George, Wil­ subspecies (Lontra canadensis degener) occurs liam (of John) and John (of John) Parsons as well as throughout the Island, and is smaller and darker than James Vater. The community first appeared separately most other otters. Another subspecies (Lontra can­ in the Census in 1845 with a population of 76 sup­ adensis chimo) is found in Labrador and northern Que­ ported by eight fishing rooms. Later Census records bec. Otters are members of the weasel family do not indicate any subsequent growth in population, (Mustelidae). Their relatives in the Province include the topography limiting the number of people the ermine, or common weasel, the mink and the pine Otterbury could support. By 1869 (when the census­ marten (see MINKS AND WEASELS; MARTENS taker noted "two coloured females" among a popula­ AND FISHERS). The sea otter (Enhydra lutris) is tion of 66) a few people were involved in the Labrador considered to be quite distinct from the river otters fishery out of Carbonear, but tradition has it that these (although in Newfoundland the latter frequently ven­ were mostly younger men and that the community ture into salt water). It spends almost all its time at sea, remained largely one of inshore fishermen. At that feeding on shellfish, and is found only in the Pacific, time seven of 12 households were headed by members mostly along the shores of California and British Co­ of the Parsons family, while there were three Vaters, a lumbia. Deer and a Wareham. The community was strongly All species of otter are quite similar in appearance. Methodist, and in 1846 a Methodist school/chapel was The body is long, almost serpentine, with short legs, erected between Otterbury and nearby Blomidon qv, large, webbed hind feet, and small, dexterous forefeet. served by clergy based at Freshwater. By the 1930s The tail is long and stout, and tapers rapidly from base there were few young fishing families at Otterbury. In to tip. The small ears are set well back on a rather flat head, and there is a broad muzzle with long, strong whiskers. The fur is composed of sleek guard hairs over a waterproof undercoat of finer hair. The usual colour is dark brown, which may range to almost black to lighter hair on the throat and belly. All species have been much prized for their fur. Most species are equipped with sharp, curved claws and teeth consistent with a completely carnivorous diet. Their food is mostly fish and they have been known to take fish of up to 20 pounds. Otters have been known to eat ducks, muskrats, young beavers and even some of the larger aquatic insects such as drag­ onfly and stonefly nymphs. They are excellent swim­ mers, normally at about six miles per hour, but can swim much faster when the need arises. They can swim under water for a quarter of a mile, and can stay Otterbury, Carbonear in 1991 under for four minutes or more. Unlike close relatives OTTER'S POINT 189

even to obtain water. The first written record of the community comes from the Rev. William Marshall's journal of 1840. Marshall preached to 13 inhabitants at the home of Robert Anderson, and noted the presence of a "boat crew" from Burgeo. By 1842 Samuel Col­ lier and family were also resident. Otter's Point first made an appearance in the Census in 1857, with four families of 25 people engaged in the inshore cod fishery. The population increased to 41 by 1874 and to 64 by 1891, largely Andersons and Col­ liers, joined by the Bennett and Miles families in the 1870s and the Courtneys, Melbournes and Framptons by the 1890s (from nearby Cinq Cerf qv, which was abandoned early in the twentieth century). The community first appeared in the Census as Otter's Point in 1901, with the inhabitants continuing River otter to be largely engaged in the cod fishery, as well as in winter trapping and a spring salmon fishery, dealing in the weasel family, these playful animals have no with local trader Samuel Collier. Some members of reputation for viciousness or bloodthirstiness. The the Anderson family were employed as mariners in the young are born in the spring, usually in twins. Their bank fishery and the coasting trade out of Burgeo - eyes open in about a month. They are then introduced including captains James and William Anderson in to the water, at first riding on the mother's back. Male 1894 - a tradition that persisted in the Anderson otters are driven off by the females when the young family until the community was abandoned. In 1911 are born, but return to the family when the cubs are there were 101 people at Otter's Point, a peak which about six months old. The North American otter may must have strained the capacity of Duck Island, which reach 4¥2 ft. and may weigh 30 pounds. The life span was only about 500 m long. Thereafter the population is usually eight to nine years, but they have been declined steadily, to 71 in 1935 and to 49 ten years known to live for sixteen years. A.W.F. Banfield (1974). later, as families relocated to the mining centres of JOHN HORWOOD Cape Breton Island and the Port aux Basques area. A OTTER'S POINT (pop. 1945, 49). An abandoned fish­ Methodist/United Church settlement, Otter's Point ing community located on the south coast approxi­ was served by clergy from Grand Bruit and Burgeo at mately 30 km west of Burgeo, Otter's Point appears in a local school/chapel. eighteenth century records as Hatter's Point. The Point The departure of a few families shortly after World itself is a headland at the entrance to Little Couteau War II reduced the population to the point where the Bay, but the community was located further down the community was no longer viable. It was completely Bay, on Duck Island. It is probable that the area was abandoned in the early 1950s, with most people mov­ first frequented by winter crews from Grand Bruit ing to Burgeo or joining relatives in the Sydney, Nova cutting wood at Couteau. The first permanent settlers, Scotia area. Thereafter some families continued to in the 1830s, were the Andersons, one of the pioneer­ visit their former home seasonally, especially for the ing families of Burgeo. Tradition has it that the small, salmon fishery. In 1992 one lobster fisherman, Wil­ barren Island was chosen as the site of the settlement liam Collier, and his wife continued to live at Otter's because of the presence of wolves on the nearby main­ Point for most of the summer and a few other former land, even though it was necessary to leave the Island residents or their descendants came out from Burgeo

Cabins at Otter's Point 190 OUANANICHE

in the summer. After the Hope Brook gold mine was Thomas Stone, and his wife. Tradition has it that in opened at Cinq Cerf in 1986 mine employees also 1792, John Clinch qv visited the girl and recorded the periodically visited Otter's Point. Sam Collier (inter­ earliest extant vocabulary of her language, later known view, Apr. 1992; letter, June 1992), E.R. Seary (1977), as the Clinch Vocabulary. The first word in this list is Joseph H. Small (NQ Autumn 1940; NQ Christmas the girl's own name, thus identifying the informant. 1940), Census (1857-1945), JHA (1872), Lovell's However, it has since been suggested that the vocabu­ Newfoundland Directory (1871), McAlpine's New­ lary was gathered by Captain George Pulling qv and foundland Directory (1894), Archives (A-7-1; VS merely copied by Clinch. In 1792 the Stones returned 101), "The Journal of William Marshall" (n.d., to England taking Oubee with them. She died there a United Church Archives, St. John's). RHC few years later. John Hewson (1978), Pulling and Liv­ erpool MSS (n.d.). ACB

OUGHTRED, HENRY (jl. 1582). Merchant; ship­ owner. In 1582, Henry Oughtred of Southampton, Eng­ land commissioned Richard Clarke qv to sail the Susan Fortune to Newfoundland to seize Spanish and Portu­ guese fishing vessels. Accompanied by the Popinjay, owned by John Perrott, Clarke claimed to have a royal _,__ _ commission and took several Portuguese vessels at Renews and Fermeuse. The plunder was delivered to Ouananiche Oughtred, but when it was discovered that Clarke had OUANANICHE. Ouananiche, also called landlocked acted without royal authority, fishermen demanded salmon, is a kind of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), restitution and proceedings were initiated in the Court which, unlike its cousins, does not go to sea. The name of Admiralty. Oughtred admitted his motive had been landlocked salmon is somewhat confusing, for many revenge for losses suffered in the Spanish trade, but ouananiche are not confined by physical barriers. maintained that he had commissions from various for­ Ouananiche are less silvery, and much darker in colour eign princes and certain members of the Privy Council. than anadromous salmon, i.e. those that go to sea, and When pressed, he could only produce one from the do not have the fat, sleek look of sea-run fish. Body Duke of Alencon and it postdated the departure of the parts such as head and tail appear proportionally larger Susan Fortune. The outcome of the case is unknown in ouananiche, possibly because of their slower growth but Oughtred' s actions and the raids of Bernard Drake rate. qv served to discourage Spanish activity in Newfound­ Ouananiche living in lakes migrate to rivers to land. Gillian T. Cell (1969), DCB I (Richard Clarke). spawn, males entering the rivers first. Spawning takes ACB place in October. If suitable rivers are not available spawning will take place in gravelly shoals within the OUGIER, PETER (? -1803). Mariner; merchant. Born lakes. Ouananiche are typical salmonids in that they England? After commanding English trading ships feed mostly on insects when they are small, but begin from 1769 to 1771, Ougier entered the Newfoundland feeding on fish when they reach 160 mm. They are fishery with the purchase of a plantation at Bay Bulls found throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, and in 1775. By 1788 he owned eight ships, had expanded much of eastern Canada, Maine, New Hampshire and into St. John's and employed 600-800 seamen annu­ New York. Anglers value the ouananiche as sport fish, ally. Between 1783 and 1786 he lobbied in vain against and in this Province they are thought of and treated as the restoration of trade with the United States. By 1787 a kind of trout. Known as great fighters, they may be this commerce had become so lucrative that merchants taken on bait, flies, or artificial lures such as spoons in fact demanded an increase in trade. In the 1790s and spinners. Scott and Crossman (1964). JoHN HoR­ over-fishing and the over-extension of trade threatened wooD the Newfoundland fishery and merchants demanded a parliamentary inquiry. Ougier was a witness at these OUBEE (? -1795). Beothuk. Taken into captivity in proceedings in 1792 and 1793. By the time an incon­ 1791, when eight men went to Charles Brook in the clusive report was issued people were preoccupied Bay of Exploits looking for Beothuk they believed with war with France. Though the Newfoundland fish­ responsible for stealing salmon nets and other gear. ery recovered, many West Country traders did not. By They surprised a Beothuk encampment, where two 1800 Ougier had only two ships, and a growing list of women immediately escaped into the forest. When a debts. Financial worries contributed to his suicide in Beothuk man appeared carrying a small boy, the furri­ July of 1803 at Dartmouth, England. H.A. Innis ers opened fire wounding them both. The man was (1940), DCB V. ACB killed as he attempted to flee and the furriers then caught a small girl, Oubee, as she tried to run away. OUR COUNTRY. Intended to replace the Public Ledger After burning the dwellings and a canoe, the men qv, this newspaper began publication in St. John's in decided to take Oubee with them, leaving the boy August 1883. Issued three times a week, it also had a behind as they believed he would not recover from his weekly edition, the Constitution, consisting of re­ wounds. Oubee was taken in by a Trinity merchant, printed articles and distributed in the outports. Editor OUTERBRIDGE, LEONARD CECIL 191

Frederick W. Bowden had formerly been with the Pub­ Outerbridge was senior partner of Harvey's after lic Ledger and was also involved with the Indicator 1902. Although he was never involved in partisan pol­ from 1873 to 1888. Our Country, reputedly subsidized itics be was always active in public affairs. In 1879 he by the Ayre family, had the regular features of a news­ represented the Newfoundland government and the paper of its day, such as reports on legislative proceed­ Chamber of Commerce in tariff negotiations in Ottawa ings, local news and serial fiction. It opposed the which resulted in the removal of duty on fish products Whiteway government, especially in the matter of the entering Canada. He was the first colonel of the railway. Publication was suspended in April 1884 for Church Lads' Brigade, commanding officer from 1901 a year, and when the paper was reissued for a short time to 1903 and financed the first C.L.B. Armoury. Fol­ it was entirely devoted to legislative proceedings. Su­ lowing the fire that destroyed much of St. John's in zanne Ellison (1988), Ian McDonald (1969?). ACB 1892 he was made honorary treasurer of the St. John's Fire Relief Committee. His generosity to the poor and OUTER COVE. See LOGY BAY -MIDDLE COVE­ homeless was all the more remarkable when it is noted OUTER COVE. that the fire destroyed many assets of Harvey and OUTERBRIDGE, HERBERT ARTHUR (1883-1963). Company, of which he was then half owner. In 1898 Businessman. Born St. John's, son of Joseph qv and Outerbridge became treasurer of the Greenland relief Maria Harvey (Tucker) Outerbridge. Educated Bishop committee. Later he served as chairman of the New­ Feild College; Marlborough College, England. Mar­ foundland Festival of Empire Committee, and repre­ ried Alice Margaret Hutton. Outerbridge was president sented the Colony at the Festival of Empire in London. of Harvey and Company for 25 years. He also arranged for the Newfoundland Building and In 1903 Outerbridge joined the Harvey firm, where Exhibition at the Crystal Palace Grounds in London, his father was president, and was appointed a· director 1910-11. in 1913. An officer of the Church -Lads' Brigade, in At the outset of World War I, Outerbridge was ap­ 1914 he helped to organize pointed vice-president of a Newfoundland Battalion the Patriotic Association for service overseas, and qv, and was asked by Gov­ himself became quarter­ ernor Walter E. Davidson to master and equipment offi­ raise a Newfoundland Regi­ cer at Pleasantville. By ment for active service. In 1915 he was serving in recognition of his role in France as a captain with the the Patriotic Association he Newfoundland Regiment. was knighted and received He was wounded at the Bat­ an O.B.E. As chairman of tle of the Somme and was the Patriotic Association's awarded the M.B.E. during Reserve Force Committee the war. When his father he helped to ensure that the died in 193 3 Outerbridge Newfoundland Regiment Herbert Outerbridge Sir Joseph Outerbridge succeeded to the presidency was kept up to strength for of Harvey and Company, and served in that capacity the duration of the war. Outerbridge virtually retired until 1958. He also served as chairman of the Board of from business in 1918, but continued as president of Directors of Harvey and Company. Harvey and Company until his death, in Philadelphia Outerbridge served the community in a variety of on October 11, 1933. G.W.L.Nicholson (1964), capacities. In 1952 he was appointed rector-warden of George R. Williams (BN II, 1937), DNLB (1990), Cen­ the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, overseeing ex­ tre for Newfoundland Studies (Leonard Outerbridge), tensive renovations. He also served on the St. John's Smallwood Files (Joseph Outerbridge; Herbert Arthur Town Planning committee and the Bowring Park com­ Outerbridge). TPH mittee. At the time of his death in 1963 he was serving OUTERBRIDGE, LEONARD CECIL (1888-1986). on most of the standing committees of the Anglican Lieutenant-Governor; businessman. Born Asheville, Synod, including the St. John's Board of Education North Carolina, son of Maria Harvey (Tucker) and and the Board of Managers of the orphanage. See Joseph Outerbridge qv. Educated Bishop Feild Col­ HARVEY GROUP OF COMPANIES. G.W.L. Nichol­ lege; Marlborough College, England; University of son (1964), Newfoundland Who's Who /961 (1961), Toronto. Married Dorothy Strathy. For many years Smallwood files (Herbert Outerbridge). TPH involved in the *Harvey Group of Companies qv, Out­ OUTERBRIDGE, JOSEPH (1843-1933). Business­ erbridge was Newfoundland's second Lieutenant­ man. Born Bermuda, son of Alexander and Laura Out­ Governor, from 1949 to 1957. erbridge. Educated Bermuda; Philadelphia. Married During World War I Outerbridge served in the Cana­ Maria Harvey Tucker. In 1862 he became the first of dian Army with the rank of major, receiving the Dis­ the Outerbridge family to join the firm of Harvey and tinguished Service Order. For the next year he Company at St. John's, which was founded by an practised law in Toronto, then returned to St. John's to uncle, Eugenius Harvey. join the his brother, Herbert qv, in the management of 192 OUTERBRIDGE, PETER NORMAN

Order of the Red Cross. Peter Neary (1988), G.W.L. Nicholson ( 1969), DNLB ( 1990), Newfoundland Who's Who 1961 (1961), Who's Who Newfoundland Silver Anniversary Edition (1975), Centre for New­ foundland Studies (Leonard Outerbridge), Smallwood files (Leonard Outerbridge). TPH OUTERBRIDGE, PETER NORMAN (1928- ). Busi­ nessman. Born St. John's, son of Basil and Florence (Reid) Outerbridge. Educated Ridley College, St. Catharine's, Ontario; McGill University; University of Toronto. Married Marion Holland. Outerbridge joined the *Harvey Group of Companies qv in 1952. As a director after 1955 he oversaw the Group's expansion into heavy construction equipment in Newfoundland, and in 1960 helped to direct the company into the heating oil market. During the 1970s and 1980s, with Outerbridge as president, Harvey and Company's as­ sociated firms became involved in offshore services, computer services and in the more traditional area of freight and shipping. Newfoundland and Labrador Who's Who Centennial Edition 1967-68 (1968), New­ foundland Historical Society (Harvey Group of Com­ panies). ACB OUTERBRIDGE, PHILIP EDMUND ( 18 8 7-197 5). Businessman. Born St. John's, son Maria Harvey Leonard Outerbridge (Tucker) and Joseph Outerbridge qv. Educated Bishop Harvey and Co. He became a director of the company Feild College; England; United States of America. in 1920, and served as vice-president of Harvey and Outerbridge ran his own importing business, known Co. and director of several other Harvey companies for some years as Outerbridge and Daly, and was a after 1933. A respected figure in the St. John's busi­ director of Harvey and Company. A St. John's coun­ ness community, Outerbridge was president of the cillor from 1921 to 1929 and from 1933 to 1935, Newfoundland Board of Trade in 1923-24 and chair­ Outerbridge was honorary secretary of the Newfound­ man of the Newfoundland Committee of the British land War Memorial Committee, which constructed a Empire Exhibition the next year. In 1926 he was memorial on King's Bench in 1924 to honour World awarded the C.B.E. He also served as honorary private War I veterans. Enjoying a long career in business and secretary to successive Newfoundland governors from involvement in charitable and civic organizations, 1930 to 1944. During the last three years of World War Outerbridge was probably best known as a founder of II he served on a full-time voluntary basis, as director the Playground and Recreational Association, estab­ of Civil Defence, with responsibility for organizing lished by the Rotary Club in 1924. He was active in the and directing the Air Raid Precautions (ARP) team in St. John's Playgrounds Commission for close to 40 St. John's. He was knighted in 1946. years, and was chairman from 1958 to 1960. G.W.L. Although not known for his involvement in politics, Nicholson (1964), Smallwood files (Sir Joseph Out­ in 1941 Outerbridge joined lawyer Charles Hunt qv in erbridge; Philip Edmund Outerbridge), DNLB (1990), publicly supporting the controversial *leased bases Who's Who in and from Newfoundland 1930 (1930). agreement qv. On the eve of the second national refer­ TPH endum, in 1948, he led a small group of Water Street merchants in support of Confederation. He succeeded OUTLOOK, THE. See NEWFOUNDLAND OUT­ Albert J. Walsh qv as Lieutenant-Governor in 1949. LOOK. For his distinguished service in both World Wars he OUTPORT NURSING AND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCI­ was appointed honorary colonel of the Royal New­ ATION, NEWFOUNDLAND. See NURSING AND foundland Regiment in 1950 and Knight of Grace, INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION, NEWFOUNDLAND Order of St. John of Jerusalem in 1951. In 1967 he was OUTPORT. made a Companion of the Order of Canada. On com­ pleting his term as Lieutenant-Governor, Sir Leonard OWLS. Owls are birds of the order Strigiforms which is returned to the Harvey firms, was named chairman comprised of two families: the Strigidae, typical owls, early in the 1970s and still held this position at the age and the Tytonidae, barn owls. There are only two au­ of 90. Having served as director of the Canadian Na­ thentic reports of barn owls in Newfoundland, one in tional Institute for the Blind from 1959 to 1975 he the nineteenth century, and one in 1957. received the Institute's Special Service Award in 1983. All the typical ow Is are regarded as uncommon in Two years later he was appointed Companion of the Newfoundland, especially on the Island, where the OXFAM 193

s_ometimes taken as pets (although they may some­ times carry dangerous viruses). The northern saw­ whet owl breeds from Nova Scotia across southern Canada and northern U.S.A., but, preferring mixed or deciduous forests, is irregular and occasional. W.A. Montevecchi (bird records at Memorial University). CHARLIE HORWOOD OXFAM. Oxfam was founded in Oxford, England in 1942 as the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief, to aid famine victims in Greece during World War II. The organization has continued to support community­ based projects working for sustainable development, through seven autonomous organizations throughout the world. Oxfam-Canada was founded in 1963 and the St. John's Oxfam Centre was incorporated in May Great homed owl 1972. The purpose of the Centre is two-fold: to finance small-scale, self-help projects in Third World coun­ species most often seen is the snowy owl (Nyeta tries and to sponsor educational projects on the needs Scandiaca), a large white bird. This species breeds of the Third World. Made up of representatives from north of the tree line, including northern Labrador, but various parts of the Province, the St. John's Oxfam wanders south during the winter, especially when prey Committee meets once a month. It is a registered char­ is scarce in the more northerly regions. It consumes ity, funded mainly by CIDA (Canadian International both small mammals and birds, and is attracted to Development Agency), grants from the federal govern­ dump sites where rats may be available. Unlike most ment and by donations. owls, it hunts by day as well as by night. The great The St. John's Oxfam Centre is a resource centre homed owl (Bubo virginianus heterocnemis) is known providing information on social action issues at throughout the Province although it is quite uncom­ hom~ and abroad. It has a library of over 1000 books (as mon. It is a large, noisy, conspicuous bird, and nests well as visual material and periodicals), covering such sparingly throughout the Island and north to Okak. subjects as food and health, peace and militarism, Other subspecies of the great horned owl nest through human rights and Central America. Outreach pro­ most of the forested regions of Canada (and North and grams are also obtainable by interested groups South America). It is sometimes called "cat owl" be­ throughout the Province. In 1992 one member of the cause it is known to take domestic cats as well as staff concentrated on programs for youth, including domestic fowls, game birds, hares and other small mammals. The great grey owl (Strix nebulosa), another very large bird, is not common anywhere in Canada. It is rare in Labrador. The long-eared owl (Asio otus), a medium-sized bird, has been seen infrequently in Newfoundland. The eastern screech owl ( Otus asio) has not been reported here in the twentieth century, but it was listed by the renowned J.J. Audubon qv, who visited Newfoundland in 1833. The short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) and the hawk owl (Surnia ulula) are two medium-sized owls which breed both in Labrador and on the Island, but are uncommon. The short-eared owl is almost worldwide in distribution, while the hawk owl breeds throughout the spruce/fir belt of the northern hemisphere. Two small owls occur in Newfoundland. The boreal owl (Aegolius funereus) and the northern saw-whet owl (Aegolius acadicus) are not easily distinguished from one another. Nocturnal and unobtrusive birds, they may be of more frequent occurrence than the records suggest. The boreal owl is the larger of the two. Its range is throughout the world's boreal forest belt. It breeds regularly in Labrador, and with less regularity and less success on the Island. When prey is scarce in Labrador, the birds drift southward, and are sometimes found dead in such places as St. John's and St. Pierre. They show no fear of humans, and are St. John's Oxfam Centre 194 OXFORD, HARRY SAMUEL

the camp entitled "Youth for Social Justice", held for OXFORD, THOMAS (fl. 1675-1680). Planter. Oxford a week each year on the west coast of Newfoundland. was one of the earliest settlers in St. John's whose Another staff person specialized in projects of partic­ name is recorded. A long-standing conflict between ular concern to women, while a third was responsible the planters and migratory fishermen had resulted, in for the St. John's Resource Centre and for working on 167 5, in deportation orders for Oxford and other set­ health issues. The Centre stresses the need for closer tlers. Oxford went to England with John Downing Jr. connections between Newfoundlanders and people in qv to fight the orders and to petition the crown for the Third World. A linkage, for example, has been compensation for houses, stages and other goods de­ developed between nurses in Chile and Newfound­ stroyed or taken by the West Country men. A census land, resulting in an interchange of visits between the ordered by Sir John Berry qv in connection with the two groups. Health-related issues, to be discussed dispute revealed that, with his wife and seven children, with students on school visits, are also on the agenda. Oxford possessed four boats, flakes, gardens and a Another issue given particular emphasis is that of the stage in St. John's and employed 15 servants. Oxford distribution of powdered milk in Third World coun­ and other planters advocated a governorship for the tries and the effects of adding unclean water to it. Island and presented a petition urging the fortification Since 1987 the St. John's Committee has acted as host of St. John's and Carbonear as protection against the to fishermen from Nicaragua, and has visited them on migratory fishermen. Through these efforts, the plant­ their home fishing grounds. Another instance of help ers were granted the right to remain in possession of to the Third World was the donation of $10,000 by the their property in Newfoundland. R.G. Lounsbury Newfoundland Association of Public Employees to be (1934), D.W. Prowse (1895), DCB I (John and William used in a development project in Namibia. Bill Hynd Downing). ACB (interview, July 1991; letter, Mar. 1992), Oxfam OYSTERLEAF. A member of the Boraginaceae (Bor­ Resource Centre. RUTH KONRAD age) family, the oysterleaf derives its name from the OXFORD, HARRY SAMUEL ( 1901-1981 ). Labour reputed oyster-like flavour of its fleshy leaves. It is also leader. Born Rencontre West. Married Annie An­ known as blue lungwort, sea lungwort and sea merten­ stey. Oxford served with the Royal Newfoundland sia, the latter term reflecting its Latin name Mertensia Regiment in World War I. After several years teach­ maritima after German Botanist Franz Karl Mertens. ing he worked on the construction of the pulp and This elegant seaside plant's trailing stems form mats paper mill in Corner Brook and later in the mill. along sandy beaches and gravelly shorelines above the Oxford became involved in the trade union move­ high tide mark. Ranging from Massachusetts northward ment, and from 1941 to 1945 was president of the around the coast to Greenland and Alaska, oysterleaf's Newfoundland Federation of Labour (N.F.L.). The presence has been noted in L'Anse aux Meadows and N.F.L. was split on the confederation issue of 1948, on the Labrador coast, as well as in Newfoundland's but Oxford himself favoured union with Canada. He more southerly coastal habitats. A perennial plant able served on the executive of the International Brother­ to tolerate salt spray, the oysterleaf bears rose-coloured hood of Paper Workers for many years and retired flowers which change to blue over the summer. Bloom­ from the mill in 1966. His contributions to the trade ing in succession from mid-June to August, the five­ union movement were recognized in 1975 when he pointed blossoms create a shimmery mix of pinks and was awarded an honorary degree at the opening of blues, the eventual fruit forming four smooth nutlets. Memorial University's Corner Brook campus (later Diane Griffin (1984), Edwin A. H. Watton (1985), Sir Wilfred Grenfell College). Bill Gillespie (1980), Wildflowers of L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic DNLB (1990), WS (Dec. 7, 1981). ACB Park Newfoundland (1991). KAW