WABANA 493

Wabana WABANA (inc. 1950; pop. 1991, 3608). Wabana is the went on an unsuccessful strike, asking for 12 cents an largest community on Bell Island qv. The history of hour, a raise of2 cents. Four years later, 1600 workers Wabana is closely tied to the development of the struck, demanding a raise to 15 cents an hour. Some mines. As early as 1578, Anthony Parkhurst qv noted 1100 of them belonged to the Wabana Workmen and the presence of iron ore on Bell Island. In 1612, in­ Labourers Union, led by Thomas St. John. The bitter vestor Percival Willoughby qv was informed by Henry strike was ended by what became known as 'the Treaty Crout that, "the like land is not in Newfoundland for ofi<.elligrews': the men were given raises but the union good earth and great hope of Irone stone" (Cell). was dissolved. Willoughby attempted, unsuccessfully, to gain owner­ The total population of Bell Island was 1320 in ship of the island. There appears to have been some 1901, and included 199 miners. Other miners com­ attempt at mining the ore c. 1819; Lewis Anspach qv muted to work from around Conception Bay, many of noted a mine at Back Cove, but gave no details. In them living in company "mess shacks" during the 1891, just before full-scale commercial mining began, week and returning home on weekends. By 1911, 265 709 people were living on Bell Island, fishing and miners and their families, in a total population of 1604 farming. In 1895 the Butler family of Topsail gained people were living in the area around the mines. The the rights to the iron ore deposit, which was subse­ community had Roman Catholic, Church of England quently developed by the New Glasgow Coal, Iron and and Salvation Army churches. There were about 28 Railway Co. The secretary of the company, Thomas factory buildings in the community, and it had five Cantley, decided to name the area around the mine merchants and two doctors. By 1921 there were also ''Waban a''. Derived from the Abnaki words wabunaki Methodist and Presbyterian churches, and a popula­ (eastland) and waban (the dawn), the name was chosen tion of 2672, including 424 people employed in the because the mine was the most easterly in North Amer­ mine. The shore fishery had virtually ceased to exist. ica. The New Glasgow Co. purchased the mine from In 1920 mining operations were taken over by the the Butlers and in tum sold out to the Nova Scotia Steel British Empire Steel Company (BESCO), and later by and Coal Co., popularly known as the Scotia Co. It was the Dominion Steel Company (DOSCO). A new union, soon discovered that the main body of ore, acquired by the Wabana Mine Workers, was formed and was led the Whitney Company (later Dominion Steel), lay in for many years by D.l. (Nish) Jackman qv. The mine beds beneath the surface. As early as 1896, 180 miners experienced its share of disasters. In 1938 a methane 494 WABANA WEEKLY

5 km south of Labrador City qv. The area to the south of Wabush Lake was known to contain minerals from the 1930s. However, mineral rights to this parcel of land were relinquished by the Labrador Mining and Exploration Co. (parent company of the Iron Ore Com­ pany of Canada or I.O.C.) in the early 1950s, as it was felt that the deposits were not of high enough grade to be profitably mined. In 1953 John C. Doyle's Canadian Javelin Co. purchased the mineral rights in the area from a provincial crown corporation. The next year Doyle incorporated Wabush Mines Ltd. to promote de­ velopment of a mine at the site. Meanwhile, I.O.C. had begun to take an interest in deposits at nearby Carol Lake. By the time I.O.C. had established the townsite of Labra­ dor City and had begun full production from their mine and concentrator in 1962 a pilot plant had been in oper­ Mural at Wabana campus ofCabot College ation at the Wabush deposits for two years and the deci­ gas explosion killed two men, and 22 men, mostly sion had been taken to go ahead with production. commuting miners, were killed in 1940 by the colli­ Development of the Scully Mine and concentrating plant sion of the ferry boats W. Garland and Little Golden by Pickands Mather & Co. commenced in January of Dawn. During World War II the ore carrier S.S. 1962 and the project was officially dedicated in 1965, Saganaga was torpedoed by a German U-boat in 1942, when full production had been reached. while the ore carrier S.S. Rose Castle and merchant The Wabush Mines townsite, across Jean Lake from ship PLM were also sunk near Wabana. the mine, was officially named City of Wabush (in From 1949 the mines were controlled by Dominion order to keep pace with its neighbouring town, Labra­ Wabana Ore Ltd., a subsidiary of DOSCO. Wabana dor City) and had a population of3500 by 1971, reach­ entered its most prosperous period, and until 1956 ing a peak of about 4000 people 10 years later. there was extensive modernization of the mine. The Beginning in the 1980s, however, depressed markets number of people employed in mining peaked at 2280 for steel led to shutdowns and layoffs at Wabush in 1958, and the next year shipments of iron ore Mines, and in 1994 many of the company-built homes reached 2.81 million tons. Most of it went to the steel and apartments in the town lay idle. mill at Sydney, Nova Scotia. The town of Wabana had Initially cut off from all but air traffic with the a population of 8026 in 1961 and was almost entirely outside world (and even from Labrador City), by the dependent on the mines. But increasing competition early 1960s the companies had agreed on joint owner­ from cheaper sources of ore led to the closure of the ship and operation of a spur railway line connecting number 6 mine in 1959 and the number 4 mine in with the Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway, 1962. Production ceased in 1966 with the closure of while Wabush Airport also came to serve both commu­ the number 3 mine, and many people left Wabana. So nities. In 1976 a further road link was built to Ferm­ many families ended up in the mining town of Cam­ ont, Quebec, and by 1987 mining company roads in bridge (Galt), Ontario that it earned the nickname of northern Quebec had been upgraded to the point where Little Bell Island. By 1976, only 4824 people re­ there was a rough road to Baie Comeau and beyond. In mained in Wabana. Some people returned to small­ 1992 Wabush and Labrador City were also linked to scale fishing and farming while others commuted to Churchill Falls and Happy Valley-Goose Bay by the St. John's to work. In the late 1980s and early 1990s Trans-Labrador Highway. Cuff and Kelleher (1989), the main employers were the schools, the community college, the Walter Templeman Memorial Hospital and Pinnacle Seafoods fish plant. The Wabana mines were named a national historic site, and the town's history was celebrated in several large murals on public build­ ings. See BELL ISLAND; IRON ORE. Gillian Cell (1969), E.R. Seary (1971), Gail Weir (1989), Census (1891-1991), Rounder (June 1981), Centre for New­ foundland Studies (Bell Island). ACB

WABANA WEEKLY. Officially registered on July 4, 1936, this weekly paper was published in Wabana and edited by D.W. Smith. There are no known extant copies. Suzanne Ellison ( 1988). ILB

WABUSH (inc. 1967; pop. 1991, 2331). An iron ore mining town in western Labrador, Wabush is located The original ''pilot'' townsite WADHAM ISLANDS 495

C.K. Howse (BN III, 1967), J.R. Smallwood (1973), November 1982. Joe Waddon (interview, June 1994), Census (1971-1991), Wabush Mines (1965?). RHC DNLB (1990), Centre for Newfoundland Studies (Jo­ seph Waddon Sr.). LBM WADDEN,HUGH (1933- ). Athlete. Born Port Morien, Nova Scotia; son of Mary (Nicholson) and WADHAM ISLANDS. The Wadhams are a group of Thomas Wadden. Married Helen Head. Wadden began islands at the eastern entrance to *Sir Charles Hamil­ playing with the Buchans Miners senior hockey team ton Sound qv, southeast of Fogo Island. The largest is in 1953, as an "import"' and became one of the bet­ Peckford's Island, which is also the closest to the ter-known players in central Newfoundland (at that mainland at Musgrave Harbour qv, while the most time a hockey "hotbed"). He helped the Miners win northerly and easterly is known as the Offer Wadham. two Herder Memorial Trophy championships, and Also included in the group are Copper, Duck, White, once scored five goals in a game against Grand Falls. Green and James islands as well as numerous rocks and In 1965 he became playing coach of the Miners. He islets. The Wadhams are noted by name in "Wadham's retired as a player in 1967, but continued as coach until Song", which is said to have been written in 1756 by 1969. Wadden has also been a pioneer in competitive a naval officer of that name. It may be that the islands sailing in Newfoundland and has won several races and were named after (or indeed by) the same person. awards in local and provincial sailing competitions. He By the early 1800s the Wadhams were a renowned was inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador fishing ground, being fished for the most part by Sports Hall ofFame in 1983. Hugh Wadden (interview, crews out of Bonavista, who built shacks and stages June 1994), DNLB (1990), Centre for Newfoundland on the islands for drying fish - particularly Offer Studies (Hugh Wadden). LBM Wadham (as this island offered the best access to the prime hook-and-line grounds) and Peckford's Island. WADDEN, MARIE (1955- ). Journalist. Born St. The islands also had almost ideal drying conditions­ John's, daughter of Camilla (Cooney) and Brian Offer Wadham fish in particular was known as some of Wadden. Educated Memorial University of Newfound­ the best salt cod that the country produced. By the land;_University of Western Ontario. Married Christo­ 1850s Bonavista families such as the Cuffs, Hickses pher Brown. Wadden began working as a CBC television and Moulands had moved across the Bay to settle at journalist in 1977. She worked for CBC Montreal from Doting Cove (in 1994 a part of the town of Musgrave 1985 to 1988, and returned to Newfoundland in 1990 to Harbour), which provided closer access to the work as a producer with CBC Radio. Wadden has pub­ Wadhams. For more than 100 years Doting Cove fish­ lished in a number of Canadian newspapers and maga­ ermen, as well as fishermen from other nearby com­ zines, and is former Newfoundland correspondent for the munities, continued the practice of living on the Financial Post. In 1985 she won a National Journalism islands for the summer fishery. In 1899 post offices A ward for a series of television reports on safety in the were established at Peckford's Island and Offer offshore oil industry; and in 1984 and 1991 Atlantic Film Wadham, each of which could have several hundred and Video Awards for documentaries. She co-directed summer inhabitants, and there were also schools, the film ''Hunters and Bombers'', which was named best Methodist churches and mercantile premises. Since documentary at the 1991 Mannheim International Film Confederation the grounds have been largely fished by Festival. In 1992 Wadden won the Edna Staebler Award speedboats or longliners out of Musgrave Harbour and for her book Nitassinan: the Innu Struggle to Reclaim nearby communities, but a few fishermen have kept their Homeland (1990). Wadden was working with CBC­ shacks and premises at Peckford's Island. TV in St. John's in 1994. Marie Wadden (letter, June While the shoals of Offer Wadham were well known 1994). LBM fishing grounds, they are also a hazard to navigation. In 1858 a lighthouse was erected on Offer Wadham WADDON, JOSEPH ( 1922-1965). Athlete. Born St. (the first light to be erected north of Bonavista) and John's, son of Josephine (Power) and Augustus thereafter it had a small year-round population of Waddon. Married Mary Bridham. Waddon is credited lightkeepers and their families. A factor in the deci­ with reviving baseball in St. John's after World War sion to erect a lighthouse was that the keepers would II. An all-star player with the Holy Cross and St. also be able to render assistance to mariners in distress John's teams in the 1940s, from 1947 to 1965 he was -a matter of some public concern after the "Spring secretary-treasurer of the St. John's Baseball League. of the Wadhams" in 1852. In that year some 40 or He also helped to establish the Newfoundland Baseball more sealing vessels were crushed or abandoned in the Association, serving as its secretary-treasurer for sev­ ice near Offer Wadham and several hundred crewmen eral years, and held executive posts with the New­ escaped by climbing over the cliffs to find shelter in foundland Amateur Baseball Association. Prior to his summer fishing shacks, then walking over the ice to involvement in baseball, Waddon was known as a soft­ nearby communities. ball player and was also one of Newfoundland's top A lighthouse and fog alarm for Peckford 's Island 5-pin bowlers. A longtime member of the Holy Cross were built in 1910. In the early 1950s the Offer Athletic Association and the St. John's Regatta Com­ Wadham light was automated, while the Peckford's mittee, Waddon was posthumously inducted into the Island light and fog alarm were "watched" year-round Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame in until the 1960s and have since been manned only from 496 WAGHORNE, ARTHUR C.

May to December. Roland W. Abbott (1987), John Gilbert, performed for Queen Elizabeth on her visit to Feltham (1990), Census (1869-1961), Sailing Direc­ Newfoundland in 1954. Wakeham began publishing tions Newfoundland ( 1986), Newfoundland Historical New-Land Magazine qv in 1962, writing most of the Society (Wadham Islands). RHC articles and stories himself. A member of the Knights of Columbus, he also edited the organ of that association, WAGHORNE, ARTHUR C. (1851-1900). Church of the Terra Nova. In all, Wakeham wrote 11 novels, 250 England missionary; naturalist. Born London. Edu­ short stories, at least 15 plays, an estimated 150 ballads cated St. Augustin's College, Canterbury. Waghorne and numerous newspaper articles. Most of his writings came to Newfoundland in 1875, where he was ordained are historical fiction, set in Newfoundland. Wakeham a deacon and became a missionary for the Society for died while preparing a 50th anniversary edition of New­ the Propagation ofthe *Gospel qv. He then spent time Land Magazine. It was completed and published in 1991 at Ferryland and on the islands of St. Pierre and by his daughter, Jean Wakeham Hall. DNLB (1990), Miquelon. Ordained a Church of England priest at Who s Who in Newfoundland and Labrador Centennial Queen's College in 1878, he was stationed at New Edition 1967-68 (1968). ACB Harbour until 1893. From 1894 to 1899 he was sta­ tioned in the Bay of Islands but also travelled to Har­ WAKEHAM, ROBERT ROBERTS ( 1797?-1848) . bour Breton, Exploits, St. John's and Labrador. It was Lawyer. Married Elizabeth Vallance Whiteway. In Waghorne who persuaded Lydia Campbell qv to write 1820 Wakeham was one of the signatories to a resolu­ a journal about life in Hamilton Inlet, first published tion protesting the harsh treatment given Philip Butler in the Evening Herald in 1894. and James Lundrigan by the justice system. His polit­ Waghorne was an enthusiastic amateur botanist and ical beliefs placed him in association with reformers collected numerous specimens of plant life during his William Carson and John Kent qqv. He was legal ad­ time in Newfoundland. He corresponded widely and visor to Bishop M.A. Fleming qv. Appointed clerk of often sent plants for identification to the leading spe­ the House of Assembly in 183 7, he also performed cialists of the day. In 1888, while in New Harbour, he legal services for the Supreme Court. Carson and Kent compiled material for his A Summary Account of the supported Wakeham's reappointment as clerk in 1843, Wild Berries and Other Edible Fruits of Newfound­ but the motion was defeated in favour of Edward M. land and Labrador. Waghorne also published several Archibald qv. Wakeham was accommodated with a articles in the Transactions of the Nova Scotia Insti­ seat as the government solicitor. He died at the age of tute of Science before retiring to Jamaica because of ill 51. D.W. Prowse (I895),JHA (1837-1845), Newfound­ health in 1899. Many of Waghorne's specimens found lander (Oct. 17, 1876), Centre for Newfoundland Stud­ their way into scientific institutions in Europe and ies (Robert Roberts Wakeham). ACB North America. The remainder of the large collection (an estimated I 0,000 specimens) was warehoused in WAKE'S BROOK. See SNOOKS HARBOUR. Newfoundland for a time after his death, but had been discarded by the time botanist Agnes Marion Ayre qv WALBANK, MATTHEW WILLIAM (1824?-1874). tried to locate it. G.R. Brassard (1980), BN V. ACB Lawyer; politician. Born Moretonhampstead, Devon; son of William Walbank. Married Elizabeth McLea. WAKEHAM, PIUS JOSEPH (1910-1990). Author. Walbank's father would appear to have had some con­ Born Petit Forte, son of Thomas and Mary Ellen nection with the Newfoundland trade, and this may Wakeham. Educated Santa Maria College, New York; explain Walbank's decision to come to St. John's after Our Lady of Mercy College; Canadian Institute of studying law, in 1849. He was quick to make an impact Science and Technology, Toronto; Memorial Univer- on St. John's society and in 1850 married the daughter sity of Newfoundland. Married Catherine Power. of merchant Kenneth McLea qv. Despite his opposition For many years a fire­ to those advocating Responsible Government, in 1855 fighter in St. John's, P.J. he was elected Conservative MHA for Bonavista Bay Wakeham is better known in the first election under the new system. At some as one of Newfoundland's time in the 1850s he formed a legal partnership with most prolific writers and the young William V. Whiteway qv, but the arrange­ story tellers. In 1951 he had ment was dissolved after both partners were returned his first two books pub­ to the House of Assembly, in 1859. Walbank was lished, Sentenced to be re-elected in 1863, with the Conservatives under Hugh Hanged and Other Stories W. Hoyles qv forming the government for the first and Mutiny at Midnight. time. In 1865 Walbank was appointed registrar and His best known historical chief clerk of the Supreme Court and did not run for novel, Princess Sheila, re-election. He died at St. John's on Nov. 12, 1874. based on the life of Sheila H.M. Mosdell (1923), Maritime History Archive P.J. Wakeham Nagueira Pike qv, was pub­ (Keith Matthews name file, W314). RHC lished in 1958 and re-issued in 1987. During the 1950s he hosted a regular radio program, "Story Hour", and WALDEGRAVE, WILLIAM (1753-1825). Governor. • had one of his plays, based on the life of Humphrey Born England, son of Elizabeth (Gower) and John WALDROP, GWENDOLYN MEWS 497

Waldegrave. Married Cornelia van Lennap. Throughout the history of Waldron Cove most of its Waldegrave entered the Royal Navy at the age of 13 inhabitants have been Lyvers, a surname which is un­ and was in command of his own ship by 1775. He had known elsewhere in Newfoundland - apart from risen to the rank of vice-admiral by 1797 when he took nearby Webber's Bight and Fortune Harbour qqv. part in the Battle of St. Vincent off the coast of Portu­ By 1845 there were 46 people at Waldron Cove, and gal. In recognition of his services he was offered a this is about the level at which the population re­ baronetcy but declined, considering the position infe­ mained for the rest of the nineteenth century. In addi­ rior to his rank as the son of an Earl. He did, however, tion to Lyver, family names included Hamilton, accept the governorship of Newfoundland and arrived March, Seabright and Walker (from nearby Exploits, on the Island that same year ( 1797). Burnt Islands qv) and Byrne (from Webber's Bight). Waldegrave became a critic of merchant influence While the Lyvers and Byrnes were Roman Catholics on Newfoundland life, observing that "The power of of Irish descent, the Exploits families were Protestants the Merchants in the Out Harbours is so great, that of English descent. All made their living from the they rule as perfect despots, being the sole possessors inshore fishery for cod and herring or sailed to the of the meat, drink and clothing by which their. Labrador fishery in vessels out of Exploits. In the wretched subjects are supported" (DCB VI). Almost early 1900s the population of Waldron Cove in­ immediately, he established a Committee for the Re­ creased, to 85 by 1911, but thereafter decreased as the lief of the Poor which assisted over 300 people in the Labrador fishery declined and ultimately collapsed. winter of 1797-1798. Waldegrave contributed £20 to By 1935 (pop. 24) nearby fishing communities such as the fund annually and sought donations from well-off Webber's Bight and Northern Harbour qv had been members of society and from soldiers. The governor abandoned and, apart from two older fishermen, Wald­ ensured that the price of bread was regulated and had ron Cove men were working away from the commu­ a cargo of copper coinage delivered to the Island to nity as loggers or miners. The families of John Lyver discourage the shopkeepers' practice of offering cus­ and Peter Byrne left the community soon after 1945. tomers a dram of rum in lieu of change. E.R. Seary ( 1977), Census ( 1836-1945), Lovell's New­ With respect to the judicial system, he recom­ foundland Directory ( 1871 ), Sailing Directions for mended that magistrates be removed from the influ­ Newfoundland 1931 (1931), Archives (A-7-2/K; A-7- ence of merchants by having their salaries paid from 5/G; VS 92). RHC special taxes, but his recommendation was not ac­ cepted. An incident near Harbour Breton, in which a WALDRON, JOHN (1744-1818?). Merchant; magis­ woman was attacked and raped by five men, im­ trate. Born Burton Bradstock, Dorset; son of Joseph pressed upon Waldegrave the need for greater protec­ and Martha Waldron. Married Mary Young. Waldron tion of the settlers. New magistrates were appointed went to St. Pierre in 1760 as a surgeon with Poole and regular courts-martial established. In addition, merchants Samuel Clarke and Robert Young. He con­ Chief Justice James Ogden qv was to remain on the tinued with the business as an agent and ships' captain Island during the winter. Ogden's remaining was also after premises were moved to Harbour Breton. Upon intended to discourage fur­ the death of Robert Young in 1775, a partnership was ther trouble among local formed between Waldron, Samuel Clarke and Samuel troops. (In 1797 the crew of Young, the firm ofWaldron and Young becoming one the Royal Navy ship Latona of the more important trading companies in Fortune had mutinied). Despite his Bay. In addition to the supply trade, the firm was concern with law and order, involved in both the shore and bank fisheries and Waldegrave was less strict brought many of the early settlers to the Bay. In the than many of his predeces­ middle rank of Poole firms, it had a fleet of five ships sors in enforcing a ban on in 1800. building houses or the over­ Waldron wintered occasionally in Newfoundland, and wintering of fishing ser­ in 1782 became justice of the peace and naval officer in vants. The growth of the Fortune Bay, with jurisdiction from Cape Race to Point Gov. William Waldegrave seal fishery, which required May. His reports detailed the state of the French fishery a resident work force, was and are one of the few documentary sources on relations undoubtedly a factor in this latter policy. Waldegrave between the French and Micmac on the south coast. left Newfoundland in 1800. He was created an Irish Waldron was among the Newfoundland merchants who peer as the first Baron Radstock in that year. David testified before a House of Commons committee looking Webber (1964), DCB VI. ACB into the state of trade in 1793. His proposal that the Island be turned into a penal colony found little support. WALDRON COVE (pop. 1945, 19). An abandoned fish­ Waldron retired in 1802. The name of the business was ing community, Waldron Cove was located at the head of changed to Samuel and John Clarke: it went bankrupt a small bight on the south side of a large cove of the same in 1819. DCB V. ACB name -just inside North Head, the western headland of the Bay of Exploits. The first settler was one John Lyver, WALDROP, GWENDOLYN MEWS. See MEWS, GWEN­ who was living at Waldron Cove with his family by 1836. DOLYN. 498 WALKER, DOLLY GOLSTON

WALKER, DOLLY GOLSTON ( 1926-1988). Over­ radio, television (making some appearances as an seer of the Newfoundland and Labrador District of the actor) and recording. He worked with virtually every Apostolic Faith. Born Walnut Hill, Florida. Married major performer in Newfoundland in the 1960s and Terry B. Walker. Walker held the offices of youth 1970s, while his Ralph Walker Group was instrumen­ leader, pastor and evangelist with the Apostolic Faith tal in bringing jazz to local audiences. In 1982 Walker qv, a Pentecostal denomination headquartered in Port­ was voted best jazz pianist in Newfoundland. He land, Oregon. In 1963 and 1974 she visited Newfound­ suffered a heart attack in 1985 and the next year land and conducted evangelistic meetings. In 1975 she moved to Las Vegas to play supper clubs, but after a moved to Roddickton, where she became overseer of year was back in Newfoundland. His cassette Those the Newfoundland and Labrador District of the Apos­ Melodious Words was recorded as a fund-raiser for tolic Faith, succeeding Stanley Hancock. Walker pro­ Alzheimer's research. Walker died in Las Vegas in duced a book of gospel music, Channel of Blessing, March of 1994. ET (Mar. 10, 1994), Newfoundland and two audio cassettes based on that work. She died LifeStyle ( 1992), Centre for Newfoundland Studies in Florida on August 18, 1988. D.G. Walker (1988), (Ralph Walker). JAMES WADE funeral program (Aug. 23, 1988). BURTON K. JANES WALKER, THOMAS HOLLIS (1860-1945). Civil WALKER,MARK (1846-1924). Songwriter. Born servant. Born Spilsby, England. Walker was appointed Tickle Cove, son of Marcus and Jane (Mackey) Recorder of Derby in 1918, a magisterial position in Walker. Married Mary Downey. A Labrador fisherman which he presided over special cases. In 1923 and 1924 and boat builder, Walker was a pioneer settler at Sweet he conducted a commission of enquiry in Newfound­ Bay qv, Bonavista Bay, and in 1888 became the land at the request of Prime Minister William R. War­ community's first postmaster. Regarded locally as one ren qv. The enquiry was called to investigate who could ''turn his hand to anything'', he is probably allegations of impropriety best remembered as the writer of such songs as against Liquor Controller "Fanny's Harbour Bawn", "The Antis of Plate John Meaney, the minister Cove'' and ''Tickle Cove Pond''. Several other New­ of Mines and Agriculture, foundland folk songs are also believed to have been Dr. Alexander Campbell, composed by Walker, including' 'Down by Jim Long's and former Prime Minister Stage''. Many of his compositions were based on local Sir Richard Squires qqv. happenings and employ the first person, the balladeer Public hearings were held representing himself as the chief protagonist, eg. the from January to March, vanquished suitor in "Fanny's Harbour Bawn". He is 1924, and the report was said to have composed some lengthy ballads in a single submitted on March 20. sitting immediately after the events described, as was Considered a damning in­ the case with "Kitty-0" -which describes a wedding dictment of both the politi­ in Indian Arm (Summerville qv). In about 1904 cal system and its leaders, it T. Hollis Walker Walker and his family moved to Boston. Although resulted in the arrest of Squires, Campbell and a num­ he did some writing subsequently, his career as a ber of others. Most of the charges were later dropped, poet and songwriter ended with his departure from however, in the period of political confusion which Newfoundland. JAMES LONG followed the report's release and the fall ofthe Warren government. Walker returned to his position at Derby WALKER, RALPH (1933-1994). Musician. Born after the enquiry was concluded. Awarded a CMG in Kane, Pennsylvania. Educated Warren Conservatory 1935, he retired in 1938. S.J.R. Noel (1971), Who was of Music, Pennsylvania; Memorial University ofNew­ Who IV. ACB foundland. Married Millicent Vivian. Walker began playing Hawaiian guitar and then violin at a very WALL, NICHOLAS J. (1906-1983). Jockey. Born young age. At 14 he began piano lessons. He studied Kelligrews. Wall emigrated with his family to Mon­ harmony, theory and counterpoint with Dr. Leroy B. treal in about 1912. He became involved in horse Campbell, a nationally known piano theorist. racing in Montreal and later became a champion jockey In the late 1940s, while still in school, Walker began in New York. He captured the Santa Anita Handicap playing in a bebop jazz band that played the club - then the world's richest racing purse - in circuit in New York and Pennsylvania; and later 1934 and 193 8. In the latter year he also won the played in a big band called Wallie Myers and his Hawthorne Gold Cup, and was the top money­ Starlight Rhythm. At 19 Walker enlisted in the air winner on U.S. tracks. Wall was still racing and force, and, beginning in 1952, was stationed at Fort winning stakes as late as 1950. He was inducted Pepperrell for three years, playing with numerous into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 1979 musicians here. After his discharge in 1955 he re­ and into the Newfoundland Sports Hall of Fame turned to the U.S., but was back in Newfoundland a later the same year. He died in New York on year later. He did some radio work, and became March 17, 1983. F.W. Graham (1988), J.R. merchandise manager at Sears. Meanwhile, he con­ Smallwood (BN V, 1975), New York Times (Mar. 18, tinued with his music, which included club sessions, 1983). JOHN PARSONS WALRUS 499

WALLACE, DILLON (1863-1939). Author; explorer. John's, where he also founded a company to manufac­ Wallace, a New York lawyer, accompanied Leonidas ture patent medicines. From 1908 Wallis spent 12 Hubbard qv on an expedition into the interior of Labra­ springs as a ship's doctor at the seal hunt. In 1914 he dor in 1903. In July Hubbard, Wallace and their guide, was doctor on the S.S. Stephano qv, when it responded George Elson, set out from North West River to go up to an emergency call from the S.S. Bellaventure, which the Naskaupi River to Lake Michikamau and on to the had picked up the survivors from the crew of the S.S. George River and Ungava Bay. Instead, they mistook Newfoundland qv. Wallis was able to save some of the the Susan River for the Naskaupi. Facing starvation, frostbitten sealers from amputation by wrapping sheets they turned back in September. Wallace and Elson soaked in machine oil around their frozen extremities. survived, but Hubbard, a ''walking Skeleton'', had to In 1928 Dr. Wallis and his wife, a nurse, opened a be left behind and died. private hospital for convalescent patients on Wallace later wrote The Lure of the Labrador Wild, Duckworth Street. In 1934 the facility was transferred an account of the expedition. Two years later he and to Water Street west, becoming known as the Sudbury Hubbard's widow, Mina qv, completed the journey in Hospital. Robert F. Wallis (letters, July 1994). RHC separate expeditions. Wallace went beyond Lake Nipishish, and features named by him mark the route WALRUS. The walrus (odobenus rosmarus) is a large of his party: Lake Bibikwasin, Desolation Lake and marine mammal found in the eastern Canadian arctic. Lake Kasheshibaw. Six streams flowing into Grand It ranges in colour from brown to grey and is covered Lake were also mapped, as were Lake Nipishish and with a thick layer of blubber and sparse, wiry hair. The many smaller lakes. After writing a second book on walrus' distinctive upper canines project downward as his Labrador experiences, The Long Labrador Trail, tusks and may be 36 em long. Males average 3 m in Wallace turned his attention to travelling in the Amer­ length and weigh about 900 kg while females are ican West and Mexico. In 1913 he made his last trip to slightly smaller. They feed primarily on bivalves and Labrador. From 1905 to 1936 Wallace wrote over 20 mollus(fs, and large males have been known to attack books, most of them inspired by his Labrador experi­ seals. The killer whale is the only serious predator of ence. DNLB (1990), Centre for Newfoundland Studies walrus. (Dillon Wallace). ILB In the eighteenth century walrus were common on the Magdalen Islands and as far south as Sable Island. WALLACE, JAMES ( 1731-1803). Governor. Born Between 1650 and 1850 they were hunted nearly to England. Educated Royal Academy, Portsmouth. extinction and their range retreated northward. In the Wallace entered the Royal Navy in 1746 and spent twentieth century, walrus are generally found north of several years as an officer in the West Indies and the 60", from Hudson Bay to Davis Strait and west to the Mediterranean. While serving on the North American central arctic islands. Once common winter residents station in 1763 he made at least one visit to Newfound­ of northern Labrador, they may still be seen in early land. He was stationed in North America at least three spring close to the floe edge around Okak, Hebron, more times in the period between 1774 and 1777. In Saglek, Ramah and Nac~vak bays. Males often appear April of I 794 he was appointed governor and com­ in February, followed by pregnant females which give mander-in-chief of Newfoundland, and almost im­ birth from April to June. Occasionally, walrus drift to mediately was occupied in protecting the coast from the Island on pack ice. Two were reported in 1967, one private.ers and in improving defences around St. in Champneys and one which landed on a wharf in Bay John's. During his time on the Island a militia, popu­ Bulls. Considered an endangered species, walrus have larly known as Skinner's Fencibles, was raised. rarely been hunted since the 1970s. McLaren and Wallace made a special effort to improve the living Davis (1982), M.C. Mercer (1967), Our Footprints conditions of the troops. In September I 796 a French are Everywhere (1977). ACB naval squadron appeared off St. John's. Wallace mus­ tered troops on the hills surrounding the harbour, mak­ ing defences appear stronger than they actually were. The French left without firing a shot, although they went on to attack other settlements. Wallace left New­ foundland in October 1796. David Webber ( 1964 ), DNLB ( 1990). ACB

WALLIS, ALDRIDGE WALLISH (1870-1945). Phy­ sician. Born St. Buryan, Cornwall; son of Mathias and Alice (Pearce) Wallis. Educated Royal Navy Hospital, Portsmouth. Married Mary Cahill. Wallis joined the Royal Navy in 1886, transferring to the medical branch after losing a big toe in a training accident. He served in naval hospitals at New Brampton, Hong Kong and Yokahama, as well as on numerous ships. After retir­ ing from the Navy in 1904 he began practising in St. Walrus 500 WALRUS, S.S.

WALRUS, S.S. The Walrus, a sealing steamer of 269 appointed Lieutenant-Governor, but resigned shortly tons gross, arrived in Newfoundland on February 18, thereafter to become the Province's Chief Justice. 1870, and that year made its first trip to the ice. Its Apart from his duties as Chief Justice, Walsh sat on record catch of 24,831 seals occurred in 1880, when various panels including a United Nations group three trips were made. The partly disabled Walrus, which examined international disputes. In the year commanded by Joseph Barbour, had been forced to before his death he was the Province's representative return to port soon after the start of the hunt. While on a Royal Commission appointed to study Term 29, repairs were proceeding, a succession of easterly gales which assessed the financial consequences of Confed­ brought the ice floes and the seals close to St. John's eration. Walsh was knighted in 1949. Harold Horwood harbour. Hurriedly repaired, the ship was sent out and (1989), Peter Neary (1988), DNLB (1990), ET (Dec . . "log-loaded" twice within sight of the city's cliffs, 12, 1958), Who :S Who in and from Newfoundland 1930 and even did well on a third trip. From 1870 to 1907, {1930). ACB with the exception of 1892, the Walrus made yearly trips to the ice under a dozen skippers. In March 1908, WALSH, BRENDAN T. (1921-1989). Journalist. Born while under the command of Jacob Winsor and supplied St. John's, son of Annie (Kemp) and William J. Walsh by G. Browning and Son of St. John's, the ship was qv. Educated St. John's. Walsh was working as a reporter damaged in ice 200 miles off the northeast coast and was in the late 1940s, when he reported on the National abandoned. The crew were taken on board the Neptune Convention qv and subsequent referenda for several and later some of them were taken on board the Erik, newspapers. Thereafter he covered the proceedings of Bloodhound or Newfoundland. William Howe Greene the House of Assembly and other political matters, work­ (1933), H.M. Mosdell (1923), Shannon Ryan (1987), ing after 1958 for CBC television. He retired in 1981 and Shannon Ryan ed. (1989), Naboth Winsor (1985), New­ began writing an account of the ''Confederation battle''. foundland Historical Society (Walrus). ILB Published in 1985 as More Than a Poor Majority, Walsh argued that the British and Canadian governments ac­ WALSH, ALBERT JOSEPH (1900-1958). Commis­ tively plotted to bring Newfoundland into Confederation. sioner; lieutenant-governor; chief justice. Born DNLB (1990), Centre for Newfoundland Studies (Bren Holyrood, son of Sophia (Butler) and William P. Walsh). JAMES WADE Walsh. Educated St. Bonaventure's College; Dalhousie University. From 1917 to 1924 Walsh was WALSH, DESMOND (1954- ). Poet. Born St. John's, principal of the Roman Catholic Academy in Harbour son of Monica (Greene) and Charles Walsh. Educated Grace. He then studied law, and after being admitted Memorial University of Newfoundland. Married Elea­ to the bars of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland in 1928 nor Dawson. Walsh was first published as a poet in became a partner in the St. John's firm of Parsons and Harold Horwood's qv Voices Underground: Poems Walsh. In that year he entered politics, as a supporter from Newfoundland in 1972. By 1994 he had published of Sir Richard Squires, and was elected MHA for four collections of poetry and had earned a national Harbour Main. He was Speaker of the House until reputation. In 1991 he collaborated with artist Gerald 1932, when he lost his seat. From 1935 to 1940 he was Squires qv to produce the limited edition art book Who a district magistrate, first in Grand Falls and then in Would Kiss the Mottled Birch?. Walsh has worked as Corner Brook. In 1940 an editor, as a freelance writer and researcher, and has Walsh entered the civil ser­ taught creative writing. In 1981 he produced the re­ vice as the assistant Secre­ cording "Newfoundland Poets, vol. 1 ",and with pho­ tary of Justice and was tographer Justin Hall produced Newfoundland's first named chairman of the poetry video. Along with poetry, Walsh has written Woods Labour Board, a plays for radio and stage. His scripts include body formed to prevent "Fishwharfand Steamboat Men", "An Evening with wartime strikes. Two years Thomas Moore", "The Star o' Robbie Burns" and later he was appointed Lab­ "Tomorrow Will Be Sunday". A script for the televi­ our Relations Officer, and sion series T~e Boys of St. Vincent's, which Walsh during his term national co-authored, also won several awards. Lisa de Leon registration and personal (1985), Centre for Newfoundland Studies (Des identity cards were intro­ Walsh). ILBILBM Sir Albert Walsh duced. In 1944 Walsh be- came Commissioner of Home Affairs and Education. He WALSH, GEORGE EDWARD ( 1915- ). Educator; was given the portfolio of Justice and Defence in 1947, judge. Born Western Bay, son of Albert and Cora and was named vice-chairman of the Commission. (Jacobs) Walsh. Educated Western Bay; Memorial During the political debate which followed the end University College; LaSalle Law School; Memorial of the Commission of Government, Walsh, though University ofNewfoundland. Married Marie Batstone. personally. in favour of confederation with Canada, Walsh's eight years as a teacher were ·spent in Notre chose not to make a public statement. When confeder­ Dame Bay, culminating in a position as principal at ation became imminent, he chaired the delegation fi­ Twillingate. He then became a welfare officer in cen­ nalizing the terms of union. On Confederation he was tral Newfoundland, and was later the National Film WALSH, KYRAN 50 l

Board representative for central Newfoundland. Ap­ Bonavista and St. John's. At this last circuit, with pointed magistrate in 1957, Walsh served in Grand headquarters at Gower Street chapel, he ministered to Falls, Twillingate, Springdale and Bonavista. He be­ a dozen or more small Methodist enclaves scattered over came the Provincial Court judge at Harbour Grace in the northern half of the A valon Peninsula. After nine years the summer of 1969 and served there until his retire­ of arduous duties in Newfoundland, duties that sometimes ment in 1976. In 1991 he published his autobiography, imperiled his life- in 1822, sailing from St. John's to From the Cuddy to the Bench. JOHN PARSONS Bonavista his ship was wrecked, only he and the captain surviving - he decided to return to England. His last WALSH, JAMES P. (1949- ). Politician. Born Corner enterprise on behalf of Newfoundland Methodism was Brook. Married Barbara Best. Before entering politics raising funds for a new Gower Street church in 1856. He Walsh was managing director of the Young Group of died December 19, 1857. Companies. At one time president of Hospitality New­ Apart from Walsh's work as missionary, his vigor­ foundland, he was also known as the host of the CBC ous advocacy of education- "common learning", as television program .. Quiz Kids". He ran unsuccessfully he called it- and his efforts on its behalf are equally in the provincial district of Bay of Islands in 1979 and in if not more noteworthy. Deploring the prevailing municipal elections in Mount Pearl a few years later, but illiteracy of his parishioners, not only did he preach was elected as the Liberal member for Mount Scio-Bell the values of education but at Blackhead held classes Island in 1989. He became chairman of the Liberal cau­ three days a week in the church, where, with his wife's cus and of the House Standing Committee-on Rules, and assistance, he taught some 60 children to read and entered cabinet in 1992 with the creation of a new De­ write. Largely through his efforts a schoolhouse, the partment of Tourism and Culture. Reelected in 1993, first in that area, was built in 1821 and a teacher Walsh resigned his cabinet post in February 1994. Cana­ appointed in 1824. He also proposed a missionary dian Parliamentary Guide (Spring, 1993), Centre for enterprise in Labrador, and offered himself to under­ Newfoundland Studies (Jim Walsh). ACB _ take it. His offer was not accepted, but Rev.. Thomas Hickson qv was sent there in 1824. D.W. Johnson WALSH,JEROMEFRANCIS (1947- ). Shipyard ([1925]), David G. Pitt (1990), F.W. Rowe (1952), worker; municipal politician. Born Marystown, son of T.W. Smith (1890), William Wilson (1866), Naboth Douglas and Maud (Hartson) Walsh. Educated Marys­ Winsor (1982). DAVID G. PITT town; Burin District Vocational School; Dalhousie Uni­ versity. Married Joan Manning. Walsh worked as a WALSH, KEVIN THOMAS ( 1927- ). Pharmacist. machinist and in construction at Argentia, Labrador City Born St. John's, son of Michael and Elizabeth (Nev­ and Toronto before returning to Marystown as a machinist ille) Walsh. Educated St. John's. Mayor of Stephen­ at the Marystown Shipyard. After serving as vice-presi­ ville from 1965 to 1969 and from 1977 to 1989, Walsh dent and president of the union local at the shipyard, he led the town through some of its toughest economic was elected mayor of the town ofMarystown in 1979, and times. Walsh had moved to Stephenville in 1953, and from 1980 to 1982 was president of the Joint Town and was first elected to council in 1959. He was re-elected Community Councils of the in 1973 and appointed dep­ Burin Peninsula. President uty mayor. A director of the of the Newfoundland and Harmon Corporation qv, es­ Labrador Federation of Mu­ tablished to find new indus­ nicipalities from 1987 to tries and employment for 1989, Walsh also served on Stephenville, he led the the South Coast Fisheries town's lobbying efforts Crisis Committee, the pro­ both to attract new industry vincial Economic Recovery and to counter efforts to r Advisory Board, the board downgrade the Stephenville " of directors of Marystown airport. In addition to his r Shipyard Limited, and as long service in municipal chairman of the Alliance of government, Walsh has Jerome Walsh Kevin Walsh Deep Sea Fish Communi­ been actively associated ties in Newfoundland. Jerome Walsh (letter, Apr. with many charitable and community service organiza­ 1994), ET(Apr. 11, 1994). JOHN PARSONS tions in the Stephenville area. Ron Pumphrey (1987), Kevin Walsh (interview, Feb. 1994). BARRY MOORES WALSH, JOHN (1794-1857). Clergyman. Born in Or­ mskirk, Lancashire. Raised and educated a Roman WALSH, KYRAN ( 1808-1868). Roman Catholic Catholic, in his latter teens Walsh rebelled against that priest. Born County Kilkenny, Ireland. Educated Wa­ Church and left home to settle in Liverpool. There, he terford. As a theological student Walsh was strongly was converted to Methodism in 1811. In 1814 the British influenced by the work of Father Theobald Mathew, Conference admitted him as a minister .. on trial" and widely known for his advocacy of temperance. Shortly ordained him in 1816. Posted to Newfoundland, he after ordination Walsh was invited by Bishop Michael served Methodist circuits at Carbonear, Blackhead, Fleming qv to promote the cause in Newfoundland. He 502 WALSH, MARY CYNTHIA

arrived in St. John's in about 1839. Over the next few years he enrolled enthusiastic temperance adherents by founding a Temperance Society (a forerunner of the *Total Abstinence and Benefit Society qv of St. John's), holding meetings on the grounds of the Cathe­ dral of St. John the Baptist, then under construction, and also organizing temperance processions in various outports. In one three-week period, 2000 people signed the pledge and joined the Society in St. John's. In 1843 Walsh was assigned to St. Mary's parish, and about four years later was appointed to St. Peter and Paul parish at Harbour Main and made vicar-general of the diocese of St. John's. During the stormy election cam­ paign of 1861, he actively canvassed for a local candi­ date, George Hogsett qv. On polling day he led a march of some 300 Harbour Main voters to the voting centre at Cat's Cove (Conception Harbour), where they were met by a belligerent faction opposed to Hogsett. Violence erupted, resulting in the death of one person and the wounding of 10 others, in what came to be known as the Cat's Cove Riot. G.E. Gunn (1966), DCB IX, Morning Chronicle (Sept. 8, 1868), Newfoundlander (Sept. 8, 1868), Total Abstinence and Benefit Society Jubilee Volume {1908). RUTH KONRAD

WALSH, MARY CYNTHIA (1952- ). Actor; director. Born St. John's, daughter of Leo and Mary (Dalton) Mary Walsh Walsh. Educated St. John's; Ryerson Polytechnical "WNOBS" in 1979, sharing the bill with local folk­ Institute. After graduation from high school, Walsh rock band Figgy Duff qv. She also toured Wales and worked for CBC as a local radio host in 1970. In the England in The Farm Show, staged by Toronto's The­ following two years, she did research for the television atre Passe Muraille. In 1979-80 she acted in the televi­ show "Here and Now", and in 1971-72 toured the sion drama series "Up at Ours", a local production by Province with the Newfoundland Travelling Theatre CBC that was broadcast nationally in 1980-81. Company. In 1972 she was a member of the Mummers From 1979 to 1986 Walsh served on the board of Troupe. While studying drama at Ryerson in 1973 directors at the *L.S.P.U. Hall qv. She directed her Walsh was involved in the collective writing of Cod on first play, the musical comedy Terras de Bacalhau, in a Stick, the first CODCO play, with Tommy Sexton, 1980, and the next year the show completed a national Cathy Jones qqv, Dyan Olsen and Paul Sametz. The tour. In 1983 she joined the *Wonderful Grand Band show's initial run was in the fall and winter of 1973-74 qv for its final television season, which was broadcast in Toronto, while in the spring the play toured New­ nationally on CBC. From 1984 to 1986 Walsh served foundland. Cod on a Stick's satirization of mainland as program anii:nateur at the L.S.P.U. Hall, directing stereotypes ofNewfoundland was a landmark show in shows such as the musical comedy High Steel (1985). the development of theatre in the Province in that for In 1986 CODCO was revived and started to produce a the first time Newfoundlanders saw a comic version of television series for Salter Street Films. Beginning in themselves on the stage. 1988 the program ran for six seasons on CBC' s na­ In 1974 CODCO performed its second play, Sick­ tional network. In 1992 Walsh directed her fourth play ness, Death and Beyond the Grave, in St. John's and by Ray Guy qv (who has been an important influence Toronto. The troupe became a full-time professional on her satirical style). Walsh's individual awards in­ theatre company and was joined by Greg Malone, clude the Neala Griffin Award for the Performing Arts Andy Jones and Bob Joy qqv. During the next two (1985) from the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts years the group performed six more plays in New­ Council; and as best supporting actor at the Atlantic foundland, mainland Canada, the U.S.A. and U.K. A Film Festival (1993), for her role in Secret Nation. As television show, Festering Forefathers and Running a member of CODCO she shared in four Gemini Sons, was broadcast nationally on CBC. The group's Awards from 1990-93 in the categories best comedy last play, Who Said Anything About Tea?, was per­ series, best variety series and best writing in a comedy formed in 1977. Following CODCO' s demise, Walsh or variety series. Helen Peters ed. (1992), Mary Walsh co-wrote and acted in The Root Cellar, a music and (interview, Mar. 1993). MARK PADDOCK comedy series that appeared locally on CBC in 1978. In 1978-79 she acted in The Adventures of Faustus WALSH, MARY DE SALES (1866-1968). Mother Bidgood, a local film that was not released until 1986. Superior of the Presentation Order. Born Tralee, Ire­ Walsh toured Canada with the cabaret group land; daughter of Martin and Hanna Walsh. Margaret WALWYN, HUMPHREY THOMAS 503

WALSH, WILLIAM JOSEPH ( 1880-1948). Politi­ cian. Born Argentia, son of Patrick and Sarah Walsh. Educated Little Bay. Married Annie Kemp. Walsh moved to Little Bay mines at an early age and eventu­ ally joined his father in the mines. After the mine closed in 1900 he was a commercial traveller, eventu­ ally settling at Placentia. In 1913 he was elected MHA for Placentia and St. Mary's as a supporter of the People's Party of Edward P. Morris, and continued to represent the district until 1928. He was Minister of Agriculture and Mines in the short-lived administra­ tion formed by Michael Cashin in 1919 and in W .R. Warren's "four-day" ad­ ministration in 1924. He again served in this portfo­ lio from 1924 to 1928 (al­ though not invited to join the cabinet) during the ad­ ministration of Walter S. Monroe. He was appointed to cabinet in 1928 during W.J. Walsh the first government formed by F.C. Alderdice. Walsh was subsequently defeated in the district of Harbour Main, but was returned as Mother de Sales MHA for Placentia West in 1932 and was appointed to Walsh came to St. John's at the age of 16 and entered the Alderdice cabinet, once again as Minister of Agri­ the Presentation Convent, where one of her sisters was culture and Mines. In 1934 he became Newfoundland already a member of the Order. Taking the name Mary manager of Crown Life Insurance Co., retiring in 1941 de Sales, she began a long career as a teacher of music. to take a position with a disputes board established to From 1895 to 1912 she was with St. Patrick's Convent, prevent labour disruptions during the War. Peter Neary St. John's, and later with St. Michael's Convent in (1988), S.J.R. Noel (1971), DNLB (1990), Who 's Who Torbay. She returned to St. Patrick's in 1917, and later in andfrom Newfoundland 1927 (1927)., RHC to the convent at Cathedral Square. In 193 I she was elected Superior General of the Order, and was re­ WALWYN, EILEEN MARY (? -1973). Volunteer. elected for another six years in 193 7. Mother de Sales Born Leyborn, Yorkshire, daughter of Major-General continued to teach well into her old age, and celebrated and Mrs. T. van Straubenzee. Educated privately. Mar­ her 1OOth birthday in 1966. Presentation Convent Ar­ ried Humphrey Thomas Walwyn qv. Walwyn arrived chives (M. de Sales Walsh). ACB in Newfoundland in 1936 with her husband, the newly­ appointed governor. As one of her first public activi­ WALSH, PETER JOHN ( 1931- ). Politician. Born ties she assumed the presidency of the Jubilee Guild, Lamaline; son of Basil and Judith Walsh. Educated which was then in its infancy, and held the position for Halifax; Lamaline. Married Germain Cuza. Walsh nine years. Patroness of Child Welfare, the Dorcas served with the Canadian Armed Forces from 1952 to Society and the Girl Guides, she also served as presi­ 1959, and was later a supervisor with the Iron Ore Co. dent of the Newfoundland Outport *Nursing and In­ of Canada. In 1967 he founded his own construction dustrial Association qv (NONIA). Walwyn was created and transportation company. Walsh was a founder of Dame Commander, Order of the British Empire in the Progressive Conservative Association in Menihek 1947. She died in London. Agnes M. Richard (1989), district and in 1971 ran unsuccessfully in the provin­ Remarkable Women of Newfoundland and Labrador cial election. He later became president of the provin­ ( 1976), Who 's Who in and from Newfoundland cial P.C. Association. Elected MHA for Menihek in (1937?), Who's Who (1952), Who Was Who 1971- 1979, he became parliamentary secretary to the minis­ 1980, Centre for Newfoundland Studies (Lady Eileen ter of Rural, Agricultural and Northern Development Mary Walwyn). ILB after being re-elected in 1982. In 1984 Walsh resigned his seat to contest a federal election, but lost to William WALWYN, HUMPHREY THOMAS (1879-1957). Rompkey qv. He was subsequently appointed to the Governor. Born England, son of Colonel J. Walwyn. Canadian Pension Commission. Canadian Parliamen­ Educated H.M.S. Britannia, Dartmouth. Married Eileen tary Guide ( 1984), Centre for Newfoundland Studies Mary van Straubenzee. Walwyn entered the Royal Navy (Peter Walsh). ACB in 1895 and reached the rank of captain midway through World War I. He was senior officer commanding a 504 W ANDSWORTH

Sir Humphrey Walwyn prepares to read a proclamation from Wandsworth in 1993, viewed from Burin the steps ofthe Colonial Building fleet of destroyers in the Mediterranean by 1923, and WANDSWORTH (pop. 1966, 58). A resettled fishing from 1928 to 1934 was flag officer in the Indian Ocean. community, Wandsworth was situated at the western Walwyn became a vice-admiral in 1932 and retired entrance to Burin Inlet, directly across from Ship Cove from active naval service in 1934. Two years later he (a part of the town of Burin qv). Earlier known as Mud was named governor of Newfoundland, replacing Cove, in 1918 the settlement was renamed, possibly in David Anderson qv. honour of Wandsworth Hospital in England, where Walwyn was popular with the public, but relations many Newfoundland soldiers recuperated during with some members of the Commission of Govern­ World War I. Mud Cove was first noted in the Census ment were often strained. In asserting authority as of 1884 with a population of95, having been previously governor Walwyn came into conflict with Commis­ enumerated as a part of Burin. Some family names of sioners Thomas Lodge and John Gorvin, while John Wandsworth are noted in early nineteenth century re­ Hope Simpson qqv described him as "an Admiral with cords of Burin (including the Beazley family, recorded a fine quarter-deck manner and an astonishingly free at Burin in 1805) and by the 1860s such family names use of the broadside" (cited in Noel). Walwyn as Roberts, Pitcher and Mitchell are recorded. All of the summed up his disagreement with Lodge: he "ex­ 17 families recorded in 1884 belonged to the Methodist pected me to be a passive sort of puppet who would Church, which remained the dominant religion in take no part in debates nor express any opinion at the Wandsworth for the remainder of its history. Commission meetings ... I very soon explained to him Most people relied on the shore fishery (rather than who was captain of the ship out here" (cited in Noel). the locally significant bank fishery), supplied by mer­ Walwyn's influence helped ensure that Lodge was not chants in Burin. In 1921 the population reached 100, reappointed in 193 7, while his opposition to Commis­ family names including Brasby (probably Beazley), sioner Gorvin 's rural development plan, introduced in Paul, Moulton, Mitchell, Roberts, Pitcher and Pike. 1940, was in part responsible for the latter's removal Other family names recorded in later years include from Newfoundland. Pardy, Bolt, Free borne, Smith and Manning- most of During World War II Walwyn encouraged recruit­ them being common family names in the Burin area. ment to the armed forces and supported the continua­ Wandsworth had a United Church school in the early tion of a separate Newfoundland unit, rather than its 1950s, but people attended church in nearby Epworth absorption into Canadian or British forces. With his qv. Several families had gardens further in Burin Inlet, wife, he sponsored the activities of the Women's *Pa­ at Salmonier qv (locally, Big Salmonier). In 1967 six triotic Association qv. Both Sir Humphrey (he was families were resettled to Epworth. The following knighted in 1939) and Lady Walwyn earned a reputa­ year four families moved to Burin Bay and three to tion for their charity work during their stay. At the end Lewin's Cove. The last four families held on for an­ of his term, the governor found himself involved in other few years, but moved to Burin in 1972. In 1994 the debate over Newfoundland's political future. (In Wandsworth was deserted, apart from one house still 1945 he forwarded to London a resolution passed at a used as a summer home. E.R. Seary ( 1977), The Burin public meeting in Cape Broyle favouring the restora­ Peninsula (n.d.), Census (1884-1966), Statistics Fed­ tion of self-government). Walwyn left Newfoundland eral-Provincial Resettlement Program (1975?), New­ via Stephenville in 1946 aboard an American military foundland Historical Society (Wandsworth). ACB plane. He died near Dorchester, Dorset in December 1957. Peter Neary (1988), G.W.L. Nicholson (1969), WAR MEASURES. During both world wars many S.J.R. Noel (1971), Who's Who in and from Newfound­ measures were taken in Newfoundland to support the land ( 193 7?). ACB war effort and to increase security on the home front. Whereas in World War I most activity was directed at WAR MEASURES 505 supporting the war effort overseas, Newfoundland's establish military bases in Newfoundland. The influx strategic position in 1939 created a heightened concern of American troops was to have a major social and eco­ about possible activity on the home front. As the nomic impact on Newfoundland. Of immediate concern, easternmost point in North America, Newfoundland particularly at Argentia, was the relocation of people liv­ afforded vital links in supply and communications ing in proposed base areas. A second continuing issue was lines to Europe as· well. the informal policy of the Commission that wages paid to On September 1, 193 9 the Commission of Govern­ local employees at the bases be maintained at the local ment instituted the Defence Act along with a set of rate. This policy was at times controversial, Newfound­ regulations which controlled navigation, aviation, es­ landers receiving lower pay than their American co-work­ pionage, firearms, enemy propaganda and the entry, ers. But the Commission felt that this was a necessary movement and disembarkation of aliens. These emer­ measure to prevent the boom in base construction from gency powers could be far-ranging and would include destabilizing the local economy. establishing defence alarms (in areas such as St. Newfoundland's strategic importance resulted in war John's, Exploits Valley, Bell Island and Deer Lake), measures that were particularly stringent by North rationing and price controls. There were several im­ American standards. The necessity of these measures mediate concerns with the outbreak of war. Security had been brought home in the latter part of 1942: Ger­ had to be provided for areas which might be likely man *U-boats qv attacked Bell Island on September 5 targets for sabotage or enemy attack, particularly the and November 9, while aU-boat sank the ferry Caribou iron ore mine at Bell Island, the seaplane base at qv on October 14. One war measure adopted to inform Botwood and the Newfoundland Airport at Gander. lighthouse keepers in the event of aU-boat attack was a The Newfoundland Constabulary was to play a very system for broadcasting coded messages on the public prominent role in the early war measures and the re­ airwaves. The message "A for apple ... N for Nuts" was sponse to the new wartime conditions. The Chief of broadcast daily during VONF newscasts (presumably Police, P.J. O'Neill qv, was initially responsible for meaning "All Normal"). On the night of December 12 recruiting and was the chief registration officer for the Knights of Columbus Hostel was destroyed by fire aliens. Members of the Newfoundland Constabulary with the loss of 99 lives, including civilians and service were sent to Bell Island to reinforce the normal com­ personnel. A subsequent enquiry headed by Sir Brian plement. Constabulary members were also sent to Bot­ Dunfield determined that the fire was the result of arson wood where on September 3, 1939, they seized the but discovered no evidence of sabotage, despite local Christoph V Doornum, a German freighter in port at rumours (see FIRES). the outbreak, as a prize of war. The Great War Nowhere were war measures more obvious than in Veterans' Association was also called upon to help St. John's. The Newfoundland Constabulary reacted to raise men to cope with these emergency duties. wartime conditions in the capital city by forming a The Newfoundland *Militia qv was eventually cre­ special Security Division headed by Inspector M. ated for home defense. The Militia was to expand over Mahoney. The Security Division would investigate the course of the war, forming auxiliary militia com­ suspicious occurrences and ensure that the convoys panies at Corner Brook and Grand Falls, and eventu­ leaving St. John's would have their full crew comple­ ally detachments at other centres. In March, 1943 the ments. They also censored photography. Strict regula­ Militia was upgraded to regimental status, becoming tions had been brought in by the government to the Newfoundland Regiment, and subsequently the prevent photographs being taken of strategic locations Auxiliary became the Newfoundland Militia. The such as defence installations, transportation and com­ Newfoundland *Ranger Force qv was also involved in munication facilities. Any such photographs that were defence issues and war measures. In the spring of discovered, regardless of how innocent the intent, 1940 the Department of Defence was created and L.E. were seized. An Air Raid Precautions (ARP) organiza­ Emerson qv became the Commissioner for Justice and tion was formed in the city to help counter the threat Defence. Further emergency regulations were intro­ of a bombing attack. This volunteer group, headed by duced, including the imposition of blackout condi­ Colonel Leonard Outerbridge qv, patrolled St. John's tions in St. John's and the extension of to ensure that blackout regulations were enforced. daylight-saving time. The extension helped to com­ Members were also trained to deal with emergency pensate for the problems of blackout conditions. Fur­ situations, including first aid and firefighting. ther experiments included the imposition of another A number of security installations were established hour, or "double" daylight-saving time, in 1942. throughout the city, covering such areas as water sup­ Because Newfoundland was so important for the ply and communication facilities. A submarine net defence of North America it was inevitable that its was stretched across the Narrows. Guns and search­ defence would become a hemispheric concern. By lights were established at various locations to provide 1940 Canada was responsible for the security of the protection from air or sea attack. (In at least one case, Island's air bases. Gander in particular was growing in on the road to Cape Spear, the lack of artillery pieces significance with the beginning of trans-Atlantic air led to the construction of a "dummy gun" made ferry missions to Great Britain. On September 2, 1940 largely of barrels. This simulation, it was hoped, the *Leased Bases Agreement qv between Britain and would be sufficient to deceive possible German spot­ the United States gave the United States permission to ters offshore.) Outside St. John's the police were often 506 WAR MEMORIALS

called upon to investigate the appea_rance of strangers, the sighting of possible mines and other unusual oc­ currences. James Lynch (interview, May 1994), Peter Neary (1988), G.W.L. Nicholson (1964;1969), S.J.R. Noel ( 1971 ), Murphy and Kenney (1989), Regulations - Defence Act, 1939 and Emergency Powers (De­ fence) Act, 1940, Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Historical Society. PAUL F. KENNEY

WAR MEMORIALS. Many of the Province's war me­ morials have been erected in honour of the war dead of a particular community, area, or institution. Additional memorials include the national war memorial in St. John's and five battlefield parks in Europe. These memorials often date back to the end of World War I, but many also honour those who lost their lives in World War II and in Korea. Many monuments were opened in the early 1920s, including those in Carbonear, Bell Island and Arnold's Cove in 1921, and Bay Bulls, Topsail and Grand Falls The Newfoundland War Memorial being unveiled at Beaumont in 1922. Later others were erected throughout the Hamel · Province. Soon after the War several memorials were established by churches, schools and other institutions Naval Reserve, the Forestry Corps and the Mercantile in St. John's but no major permanent monument was Marine). In 1925 Memorial University College was constructed. The first memorial ceremonies after the opened and named in memory of the colony's service­ War were conducted at a temporary site in Bannerman men who had lost their lives. Park. The first permanent war memorial in St. John's Newfoundlanders are also honoured in four battlefield was the Sergeants' Memorial, located on Queen's parks in France and one in Belgium. The arrangements Road at the foot of Garrison Hill. Erected by the ser­ and negotiations for establishing these parks was pri­ geants and warrant officers of the Second Battalion of marily the work of Lieutenant-Colonel Father Thomas the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, it was unveiled on Nangle qv, the Royal Newfoundland Regiment's padre. July 1, 1921, the anniversary of the Regiment's tragic The five parks are located at Monchy-Le-Proux, losses at Beaumont-Hamel. The question of the form Masnieres (for the Battle of Cambrai), Gueudecourt, and location of a national war memorial was to be the Courtrai (Belgium), and Beaumont-Hamel. Each com­ cause of some debate for several years. It involved memorates a World War I battle where Newfoundlanders several committees (including the Patriotic Associa­ played a significant role. The parks were designed by tion and the Great War Veterans' Association) and landscape architect R.H. Cochius qv (who also designed numerous proposals before the final approval of plans Bowring Park in St. John's) and all feature a statue of a in 1923. Funds were raised by public subscription. caribou, the Regiment's emblem. Six of the statues were The memorial was officially opened on July 1, 1924 cast, one for each battlefield park and one at Bowring by Field-Marshall Earl Douglas Haig qv. It features Park. All were the work of Basil Gotto qv, who also statues representing Newfoundland and the various sculpted the statue of the "Fighting Newfoundlander", branches of the services in which the colony partici­ a tribute to the men of the Regiment which was also pated (the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, the Royal erected in Bowring Park.

Unveiling the S.S. Caribou Memorial at Port aux Basques War Memorial at Beaumont, Notre Dame Bay WARD, WILLIAM 507

In 1994 there were memorials, plaques and various In 1789 Ward's servant Thomas Rowsell was shot commemorative exhibits throughout the Province. and beheaded by Beothuk at New Bay River, and an­ These memorials are the sites of two public ceremo­ other fishing servant met the same fate shortly there­ nies during the year. On November 11, Remembrance after. It has been suggested that these two killings may Day, services are conducted marking the anniversary be evidence of particular animosity between Ward and of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War the Beothuk, whose country Ward was instrumental in 1. This date is also generally recognized and marked opening up to English exploitation. One contemporary throughout Canada. The other services take place on noted that "Mat Ward is a notorious enemy of these July 1 -which is also celebrated as Canada Day- to unenlightened mortals and if he has not been the death commemorate the anniversary of Beaumont-Hamel. of many ofthem he is much belied" (cited in Howley). H.M. Mosdell (1923), Murphy and Kenney (1991), In 1792 Ward sold his share of the salmon-fishing G.W.L. Nicholson (1964), City of St. John's Archives. partnership to George Rowsell for £90 and returned to PAUL KENNEY England. Family traditions of Leading Tickles have it that many people in that community are his descen­ WAR OF 1812. At the height of the Napoleonic Wars dants. The family name was still common in the com­ qv the United States declared war on Britain, attacking munity in 1993. J.P. Howley (1915), Amy Louise possessions in North America. Upper Canada and the Peyton (1987), Maritime History Archive (Keith Mat­ Great Lakes were the main theatre of war but the thews name file, W065A). RHC conflict also had an impact on Newfoundland. Several hundred men of the Royal Newfoundland *Regiment WARD, SARAH (? -1866). Founder of the Dorcas So­ qv served in the War, many of them in marine service ciety qv. Born England. Married Daniel Spencer Ward. on the Great Lakes. Ward came to St. John's with her husband, who be­ American privateers were a common sight around came minister at the Congregational Meeting House in Newfoundland and in southern Labrador during the June 1824. In October of that year she founded and War, with prizes being taken by both sides. British became the first president of a charitable organization forces blockaded the ports of Boston and New York, to provide clothing to the deserving poor. It is said that cutting off traders who sold provisions in Newfound­ from the time of the Wards' arrival until December land. Some New England traders found alternate 1825 most newcomers to the Congregational church in routes via Nova Scotia, but most provisions had to be St. John's were female, and it is speculated that she imported from Europe and prices rose. The prices paid was responsible for these recruitments. Ward left New­ for fish also rose, going as high as 45s per quintal. As foundland after her husband's death in August 1843. the migratory fishery was disrupted by the conflict, She died in Dublin in November 1866. Mildred How­ the resident fishery in Newfoundland grew. When the ard ( 1980), The Dissenting Church of Christ at St. American fishery declined Newfoundland merchants John's, 1775-1975 (1975), Archives (MG 614). LBM were able to move into new European and Caribbean markets, virtually free from competition. The *Treaty WARD, WILLIAM (1789-1812). Missionary. Born in of Ghent qv ended the War in 1814. Competition from England, Ward was briefly a Methodist local preacher American fishermen returned, while the cost of labour before being officially accepted as a ministerial candi­ and provisions on the Island remained high. The post­ date in 1810. Almost immediately the Missionary war depression which resulted had a severe effect on Committee dispatched him to Bonavista, the first Newfoundland, especially during the so-called *Win­ Methodist missionary to be actually stationed in the ter of the Rals qv of 1817. J.G. Flynn (NQ Summer and community. Bonavista had earlier been visited by itin­ Fall, 1981 ), G. W.L. Nicholson ( 1964). ACB erants, but by 1810 it had been neglected for more than a decade. WAR VETERAN'S ASSOCIATION, GREAT. See LE­ Ward's hasty dispatch was the result of the interven­ GION, ROYAL CANADIAN. tion of Rev. Dr. Thomas Coke, long a supporter of overseas missionary enterprise. Informed of the plight WARD, MATTHEW (/7.1782-1792). Trader. Ward was of Bonavista in a letter from John Bland qv, a mer­ a pioneer in the settling of western Notre Dame Bay. He chant and justice of the peace, Coke interceded with is supposed to have come to Newfoundland in the employ the Missionary Committee. Ward, who was known of one "Squire Childe", who held the right to fish for personally to Coke, was ordered to sail for Newfound­ salmon in the rivers of New Bay and Halls Bay. In 1784 land immediately. Coke took no chances that his he and John Slade qv formed a partnership to exploit the young recruit should go unprepared for the rigours of virtually unexplored western parts of the Bay for furs. By the Newfoundland climate. "I request", he wrote, "that this time Ward would seem to have acquired title to the the Committee will provide brother Ward with a large salmon fishery as well, and by 1786 he was in partnership quantity of flannel and fleece hosiery. If we do not, we with George Rowsell of Fogo. He and Rowsell conducted may be, unintentionally, the cause of his death; for he is a large trade in salmon and furs from New Bay and Halls going to that part of Newfoundland which is most exqui­ Bay, and also established cod-fishing stations at the sitely cold .... "(Smith). Ironically Coke and the Com­ entrances to the bays- at Leading Tickles and Ward's mittee were indirectly the cause of the young missionary's Harbour (now Beaumont North). tragic death: he was drowned on a voyage between 508 WARD'S HARBOUR

Bonavista and St. John's in October 1812, the first camp at Indian Bay. The population of Wareham grew Methodist missionary to die in Newfoundland. But (to 149 by 1945 and 312 by 1956), through natural though his ministry was brief, it proved to be success­ increase and as people moved in from the islands to ful, ensuring the survival of Methodism in Bonavista work in the woods. Although a few families from Fair and environs, where, despite the efforts of devoted lay Islands also continued their traditional involvement in leaders, it had been near extinction. Ward also com­ the Labrador fishery out of Wareham, cutting pulp­ menced the building of the first Methodist church to wood was by far the largest employer. be completed in Bonavista. See SAINT, CHARLES. In 1959 a road connecting the north side of D.W. Johnson ([1925]), Charles Lench (1919), T.W. Bonavista Bay to the Trans-Canada Highway at Smith (1877), William Wilson (1866), Naboth Winsor Gambo was completed and some people from Fair (19S2). DAVID G. PITT Islands (from which the remaining inhabitants were being encouraged to resettle) began to build along the WARD'S HARBOUR. See LUSHES BIGHT-BEAUMONT; highway, to the west of Wareham. In order to forestall LONG ISLAND. unplanned development, the government built second­ ary roads and a school for a new community, named WAREHAM (inc. 1969; pop. 1991, 438). The commu­ Centreville qv, just one mile away from Wareham. nity of Wareham is located on the Southwest Arm of Meanwhile, some of the people of Silver Fox Island qv Indian Bay, which is an indraft of the northwest side moved to Black Duck Cove, at the bottom of South­ of Bonavista Bay. The community was named after west Arm, between Centreville and Wareham (family Wareham, Dorset, the English home of the Firmage names Button and Matthews). Black Duck Cove later family, who were the community's first settlers. Al­ came to be considered a part of Wareham. though Wareham was not settled by the Firmages until But the rapid growth of Wareham came to an end in 1918, the Northwest Arm of Indian Bay had been 1961, when a major forest fire destroyed virtually all settled since the early 1800s, while Southwest Arm the commercial timber in the area. Bowater's re­ was frequented by fishermen from the islands of mained at Indian Bay for another five years, harvest­ Bonavista Bay for winter woods work and boat build­ ing scorched timber, but phased out its operation and ing. When William Firmage and his brothers moved in closed down in 1966. Since that time most of the work from Fair Islands in 1918 it was with the intention of force of Wareham has been either employed away expanding these traditional winter pursuits and, with from the community or locally in service industries, the construction of a sawmill, establishing a year­ although by the 1980s a few crews were fishing out of round community. Wareham in longliners and small sawmills provided When the International Power and Paper Company some employment. Sam Button (letter, Smallwood began cutting pulpwood in the area in 1920 other fami­ flies), John Feltham (1986), C.G. Head (1965), Cen­ lies of Fair Islands (family names Cutler, Hunt, Rogers sus (1901-1991). RHC and Wicks) also settled. The name Wareham was chosen in 1931, when the first post office was built, and by 1935 WAREHAM, ALBERTO (1875-1938). Merchant. Born there were 94 people. In 193 7 Bowater 's expanded pulp­ Spencer's Cove, son of George and Martha (Coffin) wood cutting in the area and established a major lumber Wareham. Married Hester Burton. Wareham established

Wareham WAREHAM, WILFRED W. 509

a small mercantile business, Alberto Wareham Ltd., at coming involved with the Atlantic Canada Shipping Spencer's Cove in about 1903. In 1923 he bought out Project, a venture of the Maritime History Group qv. the firm of Walter Chambers at Harbour Buffett qv and Under the direction of David G. Alexander qv she established Alberto Wareham and Sons, which was assisted in the analysis of nineteenth century crew lists soon the major supplier of the inshore fishery in and shipping registers of Atlantic Canada, and in 1981 eastern Placentia ·Bay, outfitting boats for fishing at became the archivist for the Group. Five years later the Cape St. Mary's, Golden Bay and as far out to sea as Maritime History Archive was established as a sepa­ the Flemish Cap. rate unit within Memorial's faculty of arts, with At a time when most fishing was being done by Wareham as archivist. In 1993 she was responsible for family units, Wareham owned vessels with hired skip­ the maintenance and conservation of an extensive col­ pers and also hired crews of wage labourers to dry lection of documents on shipping, commerce and the catches- a practice that harkened back to the days of fisheries in the North Atlantic. Heather Wareham (in­ West Country merchants. Apart from salt fish, terview, 1993), Centre for Newfoundland Studies Wareham dealt in herring and lobster, with processing (Heather Wareham). ACB factories at Spencer's Cove and Indian Harbour, Pla­ centia Bay. He had over a dozen vessels trading with WAREHAM, WILFRED (1942- ). Folklorist. Born Spain, Portugal and the West Indies. From about July Harbour Buffett, son of Leeland and Elsie (Rodway) to December of each year, he also traded fish in Prince Wareham. Educated Memorial University of New­ Edward Island and Nova Scotia for provisions and foundland; University of Pennsylvania. Married Mary drygoods. About 150 men were employed by Wareham Jane Sullivan. Wareham became interested in tradi­ in the 1930s, including coopers, a blacksmith and a tional Newfoundland culture during the resettlement sailmaker. Wareham's main competitor in the area was of his home community of Harbour Buffett. He began his brother Wilfred qv. Alberto's sons, Freeman, taping and collecting traditional songs, music and sto­ Ralph and Frank, gradually took over management of ries and made a name for himself as a musician, play­ the business after 1920. A branch office was opened in ing with the group the Wareham Brothers. Wareham St. John's in 193 6. The business was scaled down with worked for a while as a researcher for the television the decline of the salt cod fishery in the 1940s, and program "Ryan's Fancy" and later joined the depart­ during resettlement Freeman Wareham moved the ment of folklore at Memorial University. While in this only surviving branch of the business to Arnold's position he edited Little Nord Easter by Harbour Cove. There, under the original name Alberto Buffett native Victor Butler qv ( 1980). In 1993 Wareham Ltd., the business continued to supply hard­ Wareham was living in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. Wil­ ware, building supplies and groceries. Brown and fred Wareham (letter, May 1993), Centre for New­ Hollett ( 1992), Victor Butler (1980), Heather foundland Studies (Wilfred Wareham). ACB Wareham (interview, 1993), DNLB (1990). ACB WAREHAM, WILFRED W. (1878-1961). Merchant. WAREHAM, BAXTER (1944- ). Musician. Born Har­ Born Haystack, Placentia Bay, son of George and Mar­ bour Buffett, son of Leeland and Elsie (Rodway) tha (Coffin) Wareham. Married Lydia Pafford. A suc­ Wareham. Educated Memorial University. A versatile cessful fisherman, Wareham started a small fish musician, Wareham plays several instruments includ­ exporting business at Haystack in about 1910. In 1922 ing accordion, banjo, flute and whistle. Since 1970 he he took over the business of Isaac Wakely at Harbour has taught in Arnold's Cove. He performed. in the Buffett and brought his sons into partnership. Three 1970s in the group the Wareham Brothers with broth­ years later Wareham purchased the vacant premises of ers Percy, Alfred and Wilfred qv. He has also per­ Thomas Keats at Merasheen and built a cod liver oil formed with musicians Jim Payne, Rufus Guinchard plant. With as many as nine and Kelly Russell qqv at folk festivals across the bankers in his fishing fleet, United States and Canada. With Pat and Joe Byrne, in Wareham was to become 1984 Wareham recorded the album Toward the Sunset one of the larger fish ex­ which included the popular "Rubber Boot Song". porters lin the Province. Wareham's first solo collection, Buffett Double, was Like his brother, Alberto released in 1990. It contained a mixture of traditional qv, Wareham was involved music, recitations and two original pieces, "Tragedy in the coastal trade in Pla­ of Resettlement" and "Buffett Double". Centre for centia Bay, exchanging dry Newfoundland Studies (Baxter Wareham), Newfound­ goods for salt fish and her­ land Historical Society (Harbour Buffett). ACB ring. The ,head office of W. W. Ware ham and Sons WAREHAM, HEATHER (1954- ). Archivist. Born Ltd. was moved to St. John's W. W. Wareham Spencer's Cove, daughter of Mae (Gilbert) and Free­ in 1939 and managed by man Wareham. Educated Memorial University of Wareham's son Harry. A branch of the Wareham firm Newfoundland. Married Rex Clark. Wareham worked was established in North Harbour at about the same as a research assistant with the provincial time. Headquarters in Harbour Buffett were managed government's Offshore Oil Legal Project before be- by two other sons, Leeland and Fred. Wilfred 510 WARR, NORMA JUNE

Wareham spent his last years in St. John's where he internal auditor with So­ was a member of the Newfoundland Board of Trade water's, and was later office and the Society of United Fishermen. Victor Butler manager with Steers Ltd. in (1980), Newfoundland Who's Who 1952 (1952), Centre Corner Brook. Appointed for Newfoundland Studies (Wilfred Wareham). ACB assistant deputy minister of Public Works in 1959, in WARR, NORMA JUNE ( 1942- ). Educator. Born 1963 he became deputy Beaumont, daughter of Joseph and Charlotte (Rideout) minister, a position he held Paddock. Educated Beaumont; Springdale; Toronto; for eight years. He was ap­ Memorial University of Newfoundland. Married Gar­ pointed to cabinet as Minis­ net Warr. After 1960 June Warr taught in St. John's ter of Public Works in 1971, and Springdale, before accepting a position at the but three months later was newly-opened regional high school in Springdale in defeated at the polls. George Warren 1965. She became a full-time English teacher in 1972 Active in civic affairs and several fraternal organi­ and from 1975 to 1989 directed the school's drama zations, Warren was a member of the West Gate Ma­ club. She also organized and adjudicated many provin­ sonic Lodge in Corner Brook, the Newfoundland cial and regional drama festivals. Warr has co-edited Safety Council, the Board of Men of the Newfound­ four textbooks in the Newfoundland Literature series land Conference of the United Church of Canada, the for grades seven to ten, and when the high school C.A. Pippy Park Commission, the Northwest Rotary program was reorganized in the early 1980s was one Club of St. John's, and the A.O.T.S. Men's Service of five teachers chosen to structure and pilot a new Club of St. James United Church. At various times he theatre arts course. From 1990 to 1993 she served on served as grand master of the Grand Lodge of British the board of governors of the Central Newfoundland North America of the Loyal Orange Association. He Regional College. N.J. Warr (interview, Apr. 1993). was also vice-president of the Newfoundland division MARK PADDOCK of the Canadian Cancer Society and a director of both the Harmon and Newfoundland Farm Products corpo­ WARREN, GARFIELD ERIC ( 1941- ). Politician. rations. Who s Who Centennial Edition ( 1968), Eve­ Born Chance Cove, son of Jane (White) and Arthur ning Telegram files (George Warren), St. James Warren. Married Marie Upshall. Warren taught in Port United Church. JAMES MOORE Anne, Manuels and Arnold's Cove, before becoming a civil servant on the Labrador coast, where he managed WARREN, JOHN HENRY (1812?-1885). Merchant; government stores, attempted to develop the crafts politician. Born Devon, son of William Warren. After industry and acted as a fisheries representative. He was having been involved in a partnership with one William elected to the House of Assembly in 1979 as the Lib­ Wheatley, Warren established his own fishery supply busi­ eral representative for the newly-created district of ness in St. John's in 1840. Burnt out in the fire of 1846, he Torngat Mountains and continued to represent Torngat rebuilt, continuing the business until 1851 when he de­ until 1993. clared bankruptcy and leased out the premises. Warren Frustrated by his role as an opposition member, entered politics the next year as a Conservative supporter Warren crossed the floor of the House of Assembly of Hugh Hoyles qv and was elected MHA for Bonavista early in 1985 and joined the Progressive Conserva­ Bay, a district in which he had had commercial dealings. tives. He was named to the cabinet in 1988, becoming A member of the Executive Council after Hoyles formed minister responsible for Northern Development and a government in 1861, he was named Surveyor General serving as parliamentary assistant to Premier A. Brian and chairman of the Board of Works. At this time he Peckford. During the brief administration of Thomas became involved in early (unsuccessful) mining efforts in Rideout in 1989, Warren was given the portfolios of Notre Dame Bay in association with other members of the Forestry, Wildlife and Parks as well as Native Affairs. House. Warren lost his seat in 1869, running for the Con­ With the return of the Liberal party to power, Warren federate party, but was returned once more as the repre­ once again found himself on the opposition side of the sentative for Trinity in 1873, with strong support from the House. Early in 1993 he decided to step down, an­ local Loyal Orange Association. The next year Warren was nouncing that he wished to force a by-election to focus once again elected for Bonavista and resumed his post as attention on the problems of his district. Instead, a Surveyor General in the government of F.B.T. Carter. He provincial general election intervened. Later that year, was appointed to the Legislative Council in 1879. Wendy Warren was elected to the Mount Pearl city council. Martin (1983), DCB XI, DNLB (1990), Public Ledger Canadian Parliamentary Guide (Spring 1992), Centre (May 20, 1856), Times and General Commercial Ga­ for Newfoundland Studies (Garfield Warren). ACB zette (Dec. 12, 1838). ACB WARREN, GEORGE (1921-1988). Civil servant; pol­ WARREN, PHILIP JOHN (1933- ). Educator; politi­ itician. Born Gooseberry Island, son of Samuel and cian. Born New Perlican, son of Willis and Eunice Lillian Warren. Educated Corner Brook; Memorial Warren. Married Marie Brown. Educated New Per­ University of Newfoundland. Married Mary Martin. lican; Memorial University ofNewfoundland; Univer­ Warren began his working life as a cost accountant and sity of Alberta. Warren was a teacher and school WARREN, WILLIAM ROBERTSON 511

principal, and taught at the University of Calgary be­ stood for election to the National Convention, but was fore joining the educational administration department defeated in St. John's East, and was later chosen to act at Memorial University in 1962. In 1964 he was ap­ as secretary to the Convention. After the Convention, pointed chairman of a Royal Commission on Education Warren returned to his law practice. He was elected a and Youth. From 1968 to St. John's municipal councillor in 1953 and in 1957 1973 he served as head of was appointed high sheriff of the Province. He later the University's department retired to Huntsville, Ontario. Michael Harrington (let­ of educational administra­ ter, Mar. 1989), Peter Neary (1988), G.W.L. Nicholson tion. He was elected presi­ (1969), St. John's City Directory (1962). ACB dent of the provincial Liberal party in 1980 and, WARREN, WILLIAM ROBERTSON (1879-1927). after two unsuccessful at­ Prime Minister. Born St. John's, son ofWilliam Henry tempts at elective office, and Jessie (Harvey) Warren. Educated Bishop Feild was elected for St. John's College; Fromlingham College, Suffolk. Married (1) North in 1989, and was ap­ Edith Gordon; (2) Emily Mare. Warren articled in law pointed Minister of Educa­ in the firm ofWhiteway and Johnson and was admitted tion . He resigned his to the bar in 1902. Later he was a legal partner of P.J. Warren cabinet position in 1993 and Edward P. Morris qv. did not run for re-election. Warren was elected a fellow Warren began his political career in 1903, when he ofthe Canadian College of Teachers (1974), a honor­ won an upset by-election victory as a Conservative ary life member of the Newfoundland Teachers' Asso­ candidate in Trinity. He was defeated a year later in a ciation ( 1984) and a life member of the Canadian general election. A supporter of Morris' Peoples' Party Education Association (1993). Active in community in 1908, he was returned to the House of Assembly affairs, he has served as a member of .the board of representing Port de Grave. When Morris formed a directors of St. Luke's Home, on the advisory commit­ government in 1909 Warren became Speaker of the tee of the Salvation Army and on the executive of the House, but in 1913 lost his seat to Unionist George Canadian Bible Society. P.J. Warren (letter, Mar. Grimes qv. In the confused political situation follow­ 1994), DNLB (1990), Who's Who Silver Anniversary ing the defeat of William F. Lloyd's *National Gov­ Edition (1974). JOHN PARSONS ernment qv in 1919 Warren attempted to form a new political party with Union support, but was forestalled WARREN, W. GORDON (1910- ). Secretary of the by Sir Richard A. Squires qv, later joining Squires' National Convention. Born St. John's, son of Edith Liberal Reform party. He was elected MHA for For­ (Gordon) and William R. Warren qv. Educated Bishop tune and was appointed Minister of Justice and Attor­ Feild College; Cheltenham College. Married Janet ney General. Hutchings. Warren articled in law under Harry Winter As Attorney General Warren played a role in Squires' qv and in the 1930s was in practice as a barrister and subsequent downfall, following allegations of govern­ solicitor in St. John's. He enlisted for military service ment corruption and the misuse of public funds. In in 1940, serving in Italy with the Royal Artillery, and 1923 Warren and three other cabinet members called was discharged with the rank of captain. In 1946 he for the resignation of the Minister of Agriculture and

From left to right: Alexander Baird, H.D. Reid, Mrs. Reid, Prime Minister W.R. Warren, Mrs. Warren and W.F. Coaker 512 WARRENS HARBOUR

Mines, Dr. Alexander Campbell qv. When Squires re­ propaganda organs of the opposition to the government fused to dismiss Campbell, Warren and the others re­ ofRichard Squires. See WATCHDOG. Suzanne Ellison signed on July 23. Faced with a divided cabinet, (1988), J.R. Smallwood (1973). ILB Squires himself resigned. The following day Warren was called upon to form a government, initially enjoy­ WATER LILIES. Water lilies (Nymphaeaceae) are ing the support of Coaker and other Union MHAs. aquatic perennial plants, usually having floating leaves Retaining the Justice portfolio for himself, Warren and large floating flowers. The white fragrant water appointed Thomas Hollis Walker qv to conduct a com­ lily (Nymphaea odorata), found throughout the Prov­ mission of enquiry to investigate the allegations of ince, is known for its exotic, lemony-vanilla scent corruption. But the Prime Minister's decision to pro­ around ponds from mid- to late summer. Its lotus-like ceed with criminal charges against Squires and Camp­ bloom, composed of ivory petals, is clustered around bell precipitated the fall of his own administration, a yolk-coloured heart. The flowers usually open early four government MHAs defecting to support Squires. in the day and close in the afternoon. The large, float­ A non-confidence motion was passed in the House, the ing, notched leaves turn from green to dull ruby in late deciding vote being cast by Squires himself, who was summer. Rhizomes of this plant contain a floury sub­ out on bail. stance which, when washed, is edible. They have also Warren managed to form a new government with a been used medicinally for their cooling properties, coalition of opposition members, but failed to elicit both internally and as a poultice. Ducks eat the seeds support from Coaker and the Unionists. The admin­ of this plant, and moose feed on its leaves, stems and istration collapsed within four days. In the ensuing rhizomes. election, Liberal-Union forces coalesced around Al­ The cup-like yellow pond lily (Nuphar variegatum), bert Hickman qv, while Warren was elected as an also called bullhead lily, blooms from early to mid­ independent in Fortune. He resigned from the House summer in the Province's ponds and bogs. The waxy in 1926 to accept an appointment to the Supreme yellow flowers and flat, notched leaves float in pond Court. Warren died suddenly on December 31, 1927. margins and slow streams. Like other Nuphar species, Hiller and Neary (1980), S.J.R. Noel (1971), DNLB this plant has starchy rootstocks which, roasted or ( 1990), Who's Who in and from Newfoundland 192 7 boiled, make a palatable vegetable. The seeds when (1927). ACB ground are reported to be usable in breads and soups, with a nutty flavour when boiled or popped like corn. WARRENS HARBOUR. See SILVER FOX ISLAND. N. microphyllum, a smaller yellow pond lily, also oc­ curs in Newfoundland. Fernald and Kinsey (1943), WATCHDOG. Officially registered on February 14, 1931, Foster and Duke (1990), Ernest Rouleau ( 1978), Cath­ this paper was published ''weekly or monthly or arine Parr Traill ( 1906). KATHLEEN WINTER occasionally'' by the Labour Press Ltd. and edited by Joseph R. Smallwood. According to Smallwood's auto­ WATER LILY. Officially registered on January 14, biography, the paper was begun as a deliberate attempt 1892, this short-lived paper was probably published by to replace an opposition party's propaganda weekly the Christian Woman's Temperance Union, with Jessie newspaper, Watchman qv. With $3000 provided by O'Mara as editor. There are no known extant copies of Prime Minister R.A. Squires, Smallwood bought the this publication. Suzanne Ellison (1988), Marian Fran­ Watchman; by Saturday of the same week he produced a ces White (interview, May 1993). ILB Liberal paper, Watchdog, and had mailed a copy to every WATER LILY. Taking its name from an earlier, short­ voter's name on the mailing list of subscribers (most of lived woman's bulletin, Water Lily was begun in 1989 whom were prominent opposition supporters). As Small­ as a project of East Coast Women and Words. Appear­ wood recalled, the paper was printed in the same printing ing four times a year and distributed throughout New­ plant that had produced the Watchman, and the same foundland, it was "feminist in its essence". Only work linotype used, giving the newspapers a very similar ap­ by women was published. Water Lily contained feature pearance. However, in place of a picture of opposition articles on the environment, controversial social is­ leader F.C. Alderdice, the new paper's editorial column sues, sexuality and spirituality; and music reports, carried a portrait of the Prime Minister. It is not known book reviews, health and organic gardening tips, po­ how long the Watchdog continued. In 1993 there were no etry and women's stories. Later issues focussed on copies of either publication in any public collection in specific themes: law, women and politics, women in the Province. Suzanne Ellison ( 1988), J. R. Smallwood art, women and poverty. In the spring of 1991 Water (1973). ILB Lily became independent of East Coast Women and Words. It ceased publication later in the year. Marian WATCHMAN. Officially registered on April 26, 1929, Frances White (interview, May 1993), Water Lily this weekly newspaper was published by the United (1989-1991 passim). ILB Press Ltd., with Charles Jamieson qv as editor and manager, presumably until February of 1931, when it WATER STREET. Nameless- possibly non-existent was replaced by the Watchdog, edited by J.R. Small­ -in the seventeenth century, the principal thorough­ wood. According to Smallwood, prior to his purchase fare of St. John' s was known as the Lower Path for of the paper the Watchman had been one of the chief much of the eighteenth century, graduating to Lower WATER STREET 513

Street by 1805 and finally attaining the status of Water spite regular washing by the hillside streams, the Street in 1813. The form and character that these street was constantly a pool of filth because of the names imply came over four centuries of steadily in­ drainage from the houses and the offal from the fish­ tensifying and changing use. Originally the foreshore ing premises. Its architecture was little better. Having of a fishing station, Water Street became the harbour graduated from being a collection of very crude, im­ front of a fishing port, then the main street of a com­ permanent dwellings at the end of the seventeenth mercial town and, in 1994, a street struggling vigor­ century, by 1811 Water Street still had nothing of ously for survival. It has moved from being a raw shore architectural distinction. Indeed, the sense of perma­ edge punctuated by cliffs to becoming a cliff of build­ nence that architecture can imply was so limited that ings set a distance back from a harbour apron. The there was only one stone house in the town. move from edge to apron, from wild to domestic sug­ The change from a migratory to a resident fishery in gests Water Street has been tamed; but that is mislead­ the last quarter of the eighteenth century and the con­ ing. While no longer so frequently the scene of savage sequent rapid growth of the town and colony had a street brawls, Water Street is still an arena of commer­ distinct effect on the morphology of Water Street. In cial competition. 1811 local pressures had persuaded the British gov­ The earliest map of the harbour (1675) shows seven ernment to pass an act permitting ownership of private plantations at various points along the water's edge on property. This meant that the fishing rooms along the the north side, probably beside the streams that ran off waterfront could now be leased. With security of ten­ the hill and which have since been covered by roads. ure came development and a greater appreciation of It is likely that the waterfront was the standard fishing the surroundings. A visitor in 1813 remarked that Water port collection of wharves and stages with some prem­ Street had been "much improved of late years, by the ises and houses belonging to the planters or larger addition of stone houses, and some superior shops." And mercantile interests. Much of the ground on the upper it is particularly significant that he refers not to the side of the path would have been occupied by the vast Lower Path but to Water Street - a degree of dignity is and ubiquitous fish flakes beneath which would have being asserted. But there was no development of a com­ run the various paths into the woods. Lilly's map of mon quayside as could be found in the English and Irish 1696 shows a development of structures on both sides harbours of the period. Every merchant, great and small, of the street between (what is now) McBride's Hill had his or her own wharf and it took until 1956, when and Hill O'Chips. By 1728 Water Street appears to Public Works cleared out the finger piers, to produce a have shrunk t'o a single, broken line of buildings. Re­ quay on what became Harbour Drive. liability of maps aside, these discrepancies may be The next agent of change was the one to be most explained by the fact that during this period the town consequential throughout the nineteenth century - was destroyed a number of times. So that if, by 1728, fire. In 1816 and twice in 1817 virtually all of Water Water Street does not appear to be developing it Street was burnt out. What was extraordinary was that should not be surprising. it had not happened earlier. The remarkable expansion By 1751 the street was very clearly established with of trade during the Napoleonic Wars had increased the two rows of buildings between Beck's Cove and Pres­ density of land use and with that the hazard of fire. It cott Street. This section later became the heart of the was in the government's response to these fires that retail and commercial district for two centuries. In the street began to alter and improve. fact Water Street had, by the time of the 1795 census, developed a fairly clear set of social/occupational dis­ tricts. At the extremities, at Riverhead and the Battery, there was a concentration of fishermen. Between Springdale Street and Beck's Cove at one end, and between King's Beach and Maggoty Cove on the other was an area occupied by a mixed population of Irish and English who answered to a variety of callings as planters, artisans, retailers and merchants. And in some ways it bad begun to develop a civic sense for in 1797 the merchants bad approached the Governor about the establishment of a town house and market to be situated on the site of the current Court House. But it was no salubrious thoroughfare. The street line itself was erratic in both width and alignment; an insurance agent reported in 1809 that it varied between six and eighteen feet in width. Having grown slowly along the foreshore and over and through various properties and premises, Water Street bad a wandersome nature which made it quite unlike the main streets of most North American cities. It was never going to be as Water Street before the 1892 fire, showing the old rourlhouse and market straight or as formal as any equivalent elsewhere. De- 514 WATER STREET

An early photograph of Water Street After another major fire in 1818, an act was passed ion so that the most up-to-date shops were all to be to regulate the reconstruction of the town, in particular found there. The major department stores, Ayre's in to widen the street whose narrowness inhibited fire­ particular, built large and impressive structures on fighting. This widening also served to straighten the their sites. However this movement to the impressive street line, to effect visually the change from path to also meant a social movement: the upper floors ceased street. In addition the act (and, probably, the insurance to be residences and became offices- an intensifica­ premiums) encouraged the use of fireproof construc­ tion of the commercial use. Many of these buildings tion but improvements in that regard were slower in (Ayre's among them) were built by William Howe coming. Only a few firms built in stone and even then Greene qv, a cousin of the Bowrings and the architect one may presume that it was economics and not aes­ who had the greatest impact on the streetscape after thetics that governed the design. One side-effect of the Fire. Having just qualified in his profession, he these fires was that the opportunity was taken to ex­ was the first architect who arrived to take advantage tend the waterfront by filling with rubble from the of the occasion and his mercantile connections. burnt buildings and from blasting. With the change in the west end there was also a It is clear from Gosse's 1841 drawings that Water change in the east. In the period between the fire and Street had begun to take on the character and architec­ the 1894 Bank Crash the greatest concentration of tural form that would define it after the Great Fire of building was in the area between Baird's and Beck's 1846. Indeed, it is essentially indistinguishable from coves. To the east of Baird's Cove the gaps were only English and Irish towns of the period - towns from slowly filled; to the east of Prescott Street more which most of the builders and the building materials slowly again. This last area which, before 1892 had came. Both sides of the street were lined with two and been densely occupied by merchants, suffered from a half storey gable-roofed buildings except where, at the westward drift of the retail market. The waterfront junctions with cross-streets, the roof was hipped. The east of King's Beach was essentially left to the ship­ ground-floor facade was taken up with multi-paned ping companies. There was also a distinction to be windows for the display of goods. The upper storeys made between premises on the north side of the street were the residences of the merchants or their agents. and those on the south - the more impressive and The 1846 fire produced a remarkable building boom important being those on the southside which had ac­ and strengthened the changes already underway by cess to the harbour. The one exception to this was the widening the street to 60 feet and requiring that all street's finest building, the Bank of Montreal (also buildings be of stone or brick. A classical custom designed by Greene), set on the northeast comer of house was built at King's Beach and, at Baird's Cove, McBride's Hill and establishing that junction as the a combined courthouse and market; the latter a real­ banker's quarter after the 1894 Bank Crash. ization of proposals that the local merchants had been By the end of the nineteenth century Water Street's making since the time of Governor Waldegrave. major merchants were still very fully involved in the The Great Fire of 1892 produced two Water Streets fishery; in fact until 1914 virtually all had fish flakes distinguishable by their architecture and their use. The - albeit small ones - at the rear of their elegant area west of Beck's Cove survived but underwent a Water Street premises. But they were also engaged in steady decline. Everything east of Beck's Cove was the retail trade, in sealing and in financial services of one burnt and rebuilt in a much more contemporary fash- kind or another. Their fisheries side was the harbour; WATER STREET 515 their retail side was Water Street and there was an brought some change but not always for the good. The almost unbroken row of shopfronts from Prescott to architecturally eclectic General Post Office was torn Springdale Street. This made the street not only the down in 1956 to be replaced with a style-less block commercial hub of the town but also of the country. which, two years later, cloned the Sir Humphrey Gil­ The continuous run of shops made the area convenient bert Building further east. and attractive to the consumer. The offices or, in the The passing of the salt fish trade in the 1950s meant case of the north side and west of Beck's Cove, the that Water Street came to rely almost entirely on its residences above gave the street a full life and made retail trade. But even this became less viable in the all the buildings viable. late 1960s because of a shrinking consumer group and Light industry devolved on the eastern and western a change in building use and type. The street had ends of the street. The major figure in the develop­ always had a captive market in the adjacent residential ment of the west end was Charles Fox Bennett qv. In areas but lost this in two stages: first, with the post­ 1827, he created a small industrial complex adjacent war development of the suburbs which encouraged a to what is now Victoria Park comprising a brewery, migration of the middle-class; second, with the slum sawmill, foundry and flour mill. In the east end a clearances of the 1960s which removed a large low­ similar range of enterprises was pursued including income group. The other changes were introduced the manufacture of soap and paint. But the industry with the construction of the Royal Trust Building, a that had the greatest effect on the street was the rail­ highrise office tower (1968). This made for a break in way which moved its terminus and opened a new the continuous retail operation along the street and station at the foot of Job Street in 1903. The railway such a break became a problem as other finance com­ with its lines and sheds gradually took over the whole panies set up storefront offices. With the development of what had been the outflow of the Waterford River. of the suburban mall (which attracted the migrating Until 184 7 this had been a beach on which the fisher­ middle classes) the city permitted the growth of an­ men hauled up their boats. In that year a Marine other, more serious threat to the retail operations on Promenade was created from Hutchings to Alexander Water Street. The dangers in these changes came into Street- an amenity which must have made that area focus in 1971 when Ayre's left their main store on the most attractive on Water Street. It disappeared to Water Street. That building was demolished to make form first a border with the railway lands and, in way for Atlantic Place, a development that was an 1993, a road median. architectural and economic disaster. But the contro­ Services on the street grew with a sense of civic versy over Atlantic Place did serve the purpose of control. In 1845 a gasworks was built at the foot of making the local merchants and the heritage commu­ Alexander Street and provided both shop and, later, nity aware of a common purpose- the survival of the street lighting. Electricity was introduced to the street street in physical and financial terms. The restoration in 1885. Paving with granite cobbles came in with the of the Murray Premises and the promotion of the ar­ streetcars in 1900 to be replaced with tarmacadam chitectural heritage of the downtown gave the street a after Confederation. new and viable image. But even this was put in jeop­ The period up to and following the Depression saw ardy after the announcement of Hibernia ( 1979) and little building on Water Street because, before, there the subsequent land speculation which threatened wide­ was no need; after, there was no money. Confederation scale demolition and highrise replacement. Certainly

In the early I 900s, in the vicinity ofAyre 's, showing cobblestones and streetcar tracks 516 WATERCRESS

and white or pink flowers. Fernald and Kinsey (1958), William A. Niering ( 1979), Peterson and McKenny (1968), Ernest Rouleau (1978), Frank D. Venning (1984). KATHLEEN WINTER

WATERFORD. No North American colony main­ tained closer ties with Old World ports over so pro­ longed a period as did Newfoundland. For virtually three centuries (1500-1800) the economy and society of the Island were dominated by a migratory cod fish­ ery based overwhelmingly in Europe. Large fishing harbours were less connected to one another along the Newfoundland shore than they were to particular places of supply across the Atlantic. Year after year shipowners and merchants in ports such as Poole, Dart­ mouth and Bristol qqv in southern England, or Saint­ Malo qv and Granville across the Channel in northwest France, despatched scores of vessels with the food, labour and technology vital to the prosecution of this distant harvest. They were joined late in the eighteenth century by Liverpool and Greenock as the British mi­ Water Street in the 1960s gratory enterprise faded in favour of a residents' fish­ the development of TD Place and Scotia Tower in­ ery based in Newfoundland. Only then did St. John's volved the demolition of significant buildings, damaged emerge as a primary centre, supplying commercial, the streetscape and, in conjunction with Cabot Place, did a cultural and administrative services long the monopoly great deal to make existing buildings less viable. of European ports. As we pass the centenary of the 1892 Fire and the Ireland was a relative latecomer to the transatlantic 1894 Bank Crash at a time when the fishery has had fishery. Virtually from its inception the Irish trade was the worst failure in its history, Water Street can only centred at Waterford; for close to a century the ancient be judged to have an uncertain future. While there is city port ranked with the leading centres of France and still active retailing east of Beck's Cove, it would England in this trade. Waterford was well placed to appear that the most lively area is that to the west­ engage in such commerce. Its proximity to southwest the area of the 1847 buildings - and the liveliness England and its forward position in the Atlantic in there is a product of the restorations which now con­ relation to British colonial shipping resulted in tribute to the distinctiveness of the street. On the neg­ vigourous maritime traffic. Waterford was Ireland's ative side, there is a very high vacancy rate. A number third busiest port, after Dublin and Cork, in the eigh­ of buildings are empty, many are only partially occu­ teenth century. Her overseas trading territory pied. With the finger piers gone and no fish to catch, stretched from Norway and the Baltic to southern Water Street (like many of its mainstreet counterparts Spain, and from Newfoundland to the West Indies throughout North America) has lost its original eco­ across the Atlantic. Within this vast space, involving nomic rationale and is still struggling - with some over 400 ports, Newfoundland loomed large. Arthur imagination and some vitality- to find a new one. Young reported after his visit to Waterford in 1777: Paul O'Neill (1975; 1976), Peter Pope (1991), St. I was informed that the trade of the place had John~ Through Artist's Eyes (1989). SHANE O'DEA increased considerably in ten years ... and that WATERCRESS. True watercress (Nasturtium officina/e) the staple trade of the place is the Newfoundland is a herb valued for its sharp taste and high content of trade; this is very much increased, there is more vitamins A and C. It has been naturalized from Europe of it here than anywhere. The number of people and inhabits streams in Newfoundland and throughout who go passengers in the Newfoundland ships is eastern North America. The plant's stems and leaves amazing; from sixty to eighty ships and from float in water, and it bears small white flowers. A three thousand to five thousand [passengers] an­ member of the pungent mustard family (Brassi­ nually... Experienced men will get £18 to £25. caceae), its generic name Nasturtium comes from the for the season, from March to November; a man Latin naus tortus, which means a convulsed nose. Na­ who never went will have five to seven pounds, tive watercress (Cardamine pensylvanica) resembles and his passage, and others rise to £20 the pas­ true watercress but is more upright, the leaves forming sage out they get, but pay home two pounds. An basal rosettes. It ranges from southern Labrador industrious man in a year will bring home twelve through temperate North America, and is said to make to sixteen pounds with him, and some more. A a fragrant salad ingredient. The cuckoo-flower (c. great point for them is to be able to carry out all pratensis) also inhabits streams from Labrador their slops, for everything there is exceedingly through the northern U.S., having small paired leaflets dear, one or two hundred per cent dearer than WATERFORD 517

they can get at home ... The ships go loaded with Dartmouth, 6 to other ports in south Devon, 6 to Bris­ pork, beef, butter, and some salt; and bring h_om_e tol, 4 to the Channel Islands, and one ship each to passengers ... The Waterford pork comes pnnci­ Milford, Liverpool, Greenock, and London. March pally from the barony of Iverk in Kilkenny, and April were by far the busiest months i_n where they fatten great numbers of large hogs; Waterford's shipping calendar. "Waterford harbour IS for many weeks together they kill here three to full ofNewfoundland ships", a newspaper noted April four thousand a week; the price 50s to £4 each; 5, 17 66. Traffic there more than doubled each spring, goes chiefly to Newfoundland. a measure of the seasonal significance of the New­ foundland fleet. Although his Waterford informants exaggerated th_e Most vessels arrived in ballast, or with salt and magnitude of Newfoundland in the city's total m~n­ manufactures for the fishing season. Free of unload­ time trade, Young's comments on the numbers of ships ing, and anxious to get an early start across the ~dan­ and men employed were approximately correct. A tic, vessels moved through Waterford relatively local newspaper listed 50 vessels clearing Waterford quickly. Some confined their call to the outport of for Newfoundland in the spring of 1765, "and several Passage, taking on servants only, with their sea chests more expected this season ... ". The editor goes on to and effects. Weather permitting, they could clear the note that the "superior number of ships victualled [~t harbour in a week. Most ships proceeded some eight Waterford] this year, and for a series of years past, IS miles up river, along one of Ireland's great waterways, attributable to the excellency of our pork, to the supe­ the Suir, to drop anchor at Waterford's famous quay. riority of its weight, and to the goodness of every Young described it as "the finest object in this other particular necessary to fit out ships for ~hat fish­ city... unrivalled by any I have seen; it is an English ery. It is also notorious, that many thousand fishermen mile long." The quay wall, built of "good large and servants who are employed there, live in the County stones", was five feet at the foundation and three feet of Waterford, and parts adjacent." From other sources on top, five feet below water at low tide, and an im­ we know that the number of vessels departing Waterford posing eighteen feet above. It impressed vis_itors long for Newfoundland increased steadily, from at least 64 in before Young's time. "The key at Waterford IS exceed­ 1767 to 85 in 1771. In this latter year eight vessels ing noble", wrote John Loveday in 1733,_ "~eing in _a cleared from Cork, three from Youghal and two from the straight line of great length; the stone bUildmgs on It small port of New Ross, near Waterford. are very handsome." Van der Hagen's painting of At the time ofYoung's visit, Waterford's Newfound­ 1736 shows structures three to four stories high in a land trade was more than a century old. From its in­ continuous row broken only by streets and lanes run­ ception this distinctive commerce was manag_ed ning back to the residential heart of the city. This mainly by merchants and shipowners in the Engh_sh architectural style persisted through the century. West Country, and especially Poole. It was an In­ Detailed plans prepared by Smith (1746) and Rich­ tensely seasonal trade. The vessels began arriving in ards and Scale ( 17 64) portray the cultural landscape of Waterford harbour from southwest England in later the city much as it appeared at the height of the New­ February and continued through March. Of 64 vessels foundland trade. In the east end were the Sugar House clearing Waterford and neighbouring Munster ports and wharf, and Congreve's dry dock, the first struc­ for the fishery in 1765, 18 belonged to Poole, 10 to tures as ships entered the port. The dock, equipped with flood gates, could accommodate three vessels of moderate size. Beyond stretched the quay, with its moles, pierheads and docks. One of the most striking features of the plans was the number of three-masted, ocean-going vessels depicted at anchor along the quay and out in the river. Smith claimed that Waterford had space for 60 sails and that ships o~ 500 tons cou_ld dock there without difficulty. A gravmg bank was sit­ uated beyond the timber yards of the west end. Here vessels returning from Newfoundland in the fall, bat­ tered by Atlantic storms, were sometimes careened for caulking and refitting before proceeding to their home ports in southwest England. · The line of buildings fronting the quay was set back some I 00 feet from the wall, providing ample space for the storage of goods in transit. A few public build­ ings intimately linked with Waterford's maritime com­ merce stood out: the customs house, the exchange, a watch house, a weigh house, and a fish house where Newfoundland cod was sold. Many of the buildings were the residences of the merchants, traders, retailers The quay at Waterford, I 840 (who lived above their shops and taverns) and artisans 518 WATERFORD prominent in the city's seaborne trades. Open passages canvas, hats and stockings were sent instead. As or archways wide enough for carts and wagons to Waterford's export trade diversified in the 1780s, a enter led back to yards and cellars at the rear. Here the range of semi-industrial goods was despatched, nota­ staples ofWaterford's great export trades were assem­ bly glass, ironware, hardware, paper, cordage, haber­ bled: salt pork, bacon, lard, salt beef, butter, tallow, dashery and upholstery. soap, candles, hides, leather, footwear, bread, flour, The distinctive character of Waterford's Newfound­ oatmeal, unmilled grain, bay yarn and cloth. land commerce reflected conditions in the fishery. Ag­ ·Trade with Newfoundland was distinctive. It was riculture was poorly developed, almost entirely restricted largely to commodities already processed, subsistent in character, and the processing of agricul­ packaged, and ready to use. This contrasted with tural produce virtually unknown. Even if environmen­ Waterford's extensive exports of unprocessed or semi­ tal conditions had been less harsh, the demands of the processed goods, particularly to England, the major summer cod fishery left little time for serious farming. market after c.l760. Pork, beef and butter, salted and A cod monoculture dominated by young unmarried packed in barrels, capable of withstanding the hazards men, many of them transient, meant that most material of a long oceanic voyage and of surviving through a needs were imported ready-made. It meant consider­ Newfoundland season, relatively easy to assort and able employment for residents in Waterford and its distribute on arrival, were the stalwarts of the trade. hinterland: hog, dairy, cattle and grain farmers, drov­ There was no traffic in livestock (cattle, pigs), or in ers and carriers, butchers, salters, packers, coopers, the largely unprocessed by-products of slaughter: lard, tallow chandlers, tanners, cordwainers, millers, brew­ tallow, hides, even leather. Newfoundland was a lead­ ers, bakers, quay-side labourers and merchants. "This ing market, however, for finished Waterford goods trade", wrote Patrick Morris qv, who was born in such as soap and candles, boots and shoes. Baked Waterford in 1789 and a notable merchant and politi­ bread or biscuit was four times the value of flour and cian in St. John's, "was most advantageous to the oatmeal, but unmilled grain (wheat, oats), prominent Merchants engaged in it and gave employment. .. to in the English trade, was not sent to Newfoundland at the Tradesmen of almost every denomination in the all. Nor was there any traffic in wool or bay yarn. City, and to the labouring classes in this and the Linen, drapery, apparel, frizes, blankets, mattresses, neighbouring counties. No man, but those well

The port of Waterford WATERFORD 519 acquainted with the Newfoundland Trade, can form an dowry of £15,000, dazzling by the standards of the idea of the advantages derived from it by the people of time. A fourth son, Dominick Jr., was a wine merchant Waterford and the surrounding country." in Bordeaux, and a fifth member of the clan was estab­ The arrival of the Newfoundland ships each spring lished in Cadiz where, like the Aylwards, he was en­ was preceded by a flurry of correspondence between gaged in the Newfoundland cod trade. Between the merchants of Waterford and the West Country. 1750-1850 close to 100 Irish immigrants were estab­ Orders for goods and servants were sent in advance lished as merchants, shipowners or substantial traders and were usually assembled and ready when the ves­ in Newfoundland. The vast majority came from Water­ sels arrived. Waterford was host to more than l 00 ford City and its near hinterland. merchant families, great and small. In the 1770s more The most enduring legacy of Waterford's links with than half were Catholic, 30% Protestant and 18% Newfoundland were the immigrants from the city and Quaker. All three groups participated in the New­ hinterland who, with their descendants, accounted for foundland trade. The Quakers qv enjoyed something half the Island's population by 1836. Most contempo­ of an advantage in that they had close social ties with rary Newfoundlanders claiming Irish ancestry are de­ their religious counterparts in the English ports, par­ scended from emigrants who arrived after 1790. Over ticularly in Poole. This may in part explain the re­ the next four decades some 35,000 Irish entered the markable contribution of the Penrose family, who colony, the vast majority through the port of St. were the leading merchants in the trade. At its peak in John's. Waterford was the primary port of embarka­ the 1770s Penroses accounted for fully 11.3 of all Water­ tion. Of some 1540 immigrants arriving in St. John's ford trade to Newfoundland. They specialized in salt in 1807 and 1810, for example, 82% came from Water­ pork, supplying at one stage close to 1;3 of the total ford, 13% from New Ross and 5% from Cork. Water­ consumed on the Island. Arthur Young commented on ford city itself was the leading - but by no means their cellars in the west end of the city and the huge preeminent - source. A reconstruction of places of size of the hogs slaughtered there. From the profits of origins by town or parish in Ireland for some 5700 of the Newfoundland trade Penroses founded the famous the emigrants reveals that the city of Waterford con­ Waterford glass factory in 1783; St. John's was one of its tributed 10% ofthe total. The vast majority came from major overseas markets up to 1850. A second Quaker within a day's journey of the city, along the main firm, Jacob, Watson and Strangman, supplied more than routes of transportation and communication, both 12% of all Waterford produce to Newfoundland in the river and road, converging on the port and harbour. 1770s. Jacobs emphasized bread or ships' biscuit and in The migration basin extended up to 30 miles along the nineteenth century relocated in Dublin to establish these arteries and embraced portions of five counties: another famous commercial enterprise that still endures. southwest Wexford, the southern tip of Carlow, south Three Quaker houses were responsible for almost half of Kilkenny, southeast Tipperary and east county Water­ all Waterford's Newfoundland trade. Yet none of them ford. Youghal, to the west, and New Ross in Wexford ever established in Newfoundland, or appointed agents were secondary centres of embarkation. there. Much of the trade was conducted on the account This early nineteenth century emigration was.rooted of English merchants, with the Waterford community in migrations between the two islands in the eigh­ acting as agents on commission. teenth century. The recruitment of male labour for the Virtually from the outset, however, the Irish-New­ fishery at Waterford went hand in hand with the pro­ foundland trade attracted a small group of Waterford curing of salt provisions there. Passengers were con­ merchants operating more independently. The sidered another commodity, like salt meat and butter, Aylwards were notable pioneers. Richard Aylward their fares adding to the profits of a transatlantic voy­ came from a distinguished Waterford mercantile fam­ age. The migrations extended back to the late seven­ ily. Two of his sons, John and Paul, were agents in St. teenth century but, compared to the English, the John's in the late seventeenth century and subse­ numbers were small until the conclusion of the Seven quently moved to Cadiz. Two others were established Years' War in 1763. Thereafter, the flow of Irish in­ in Nantes and Marseilles and a nephew, John Aylward, creased dramatically. was a major merchant in Malaga, dealing in "Newland Compared to the Irish diaspora of the nineteenth cod" and wine. This continental family network was century, the Newfoundland migration was organized typical of the Waterford Catholic merchant commu­ and orderly. Requests from Newfoundland planters nity from the 16th century. Newfoundland was added and English merchants for specific labour were usu­ to the Waterford pool. Close to a century later the ally transmitted by shipmasters to Waterford provis­ Farrells exemplified the trading tradition. Dominick ions merchants. They recruited the servants through Farrell, his three sons and a nephew, Bartholomew an elaborate network of social and commercial con­ Rivers, accounted for 1!4 of all Waterford produce des­ tacts in the city and hinterland. In contrast to most patched to Newfoundland. They operated a ship fish­ Irish overseas migration, servants bound for Newfound­ ery in Trinity, bringing out annually their own land were hired on contract, with terms and conditions provisions and labour. One son, Paul, married in 1767 agreed and often witnessed by merchants and sea cap­ Bridget Welsh of Placentia whose father Richard, a tains at the quay. Although well over 100,000 of these native of New Ross, Wexford, and the leading Irish shipping papers were signed in the eighteenth century merchant residing in Newfoundland, provided a few survive. A vivid description of the recruitment 520 WATERFORD HOSPITAL process does survive in a mid-eighteenth century Gae­ WATERFORD HOSPITAL. See HOSPITALS. lic poem, "The Adventures of a Luckless Fellow," by an alleged migrant, Red Donough MacNamara. Most WATERFORD RIVER. The Waterford River has its servants were hired for a summer only, or two sum­ headwaters in Bremigan' s and Brazil's ponds west of mers and one winter, and then returned home. "Last St. John's. Its basin covers an area of 61 km, which week most of our Newfoundland ships arrived [at Wa­ includes its headwaters, main channel and major trib­ terford]", a local newspaper reported on November utaries. Falling 250 metres, it flows east through 26, 1767, "3,000 to 4,000 passengers ... and eight Mount Pearl and St. John's for over 13 km before more ships expected." On December 15 the same emptying into St. John's harbour. At Bowring Park it source noted that "the last of our Newfoundland ships is joined by South Brook. The Waterford River also expected this year has arrived with 250 passen­ has a number of other significant tributaries (including gers . ... It is computed that between 4,000 and 5,000 Kitty Gaul's Brook, Castor's Brook and Donovan's men have returned this season." Brook) and many smaller streams and outfalls. When one considers how concentrated geographi­ As the geology in the Waterford River basin is very cally these migrants were in the southeast, the local old and impermeable most of the precipitation runs off impact, economically and culturally, must have been quickly; there is very little underground storage of profound. Every parish, town and village had its re­ water. The major features influencing the direction of turnees, arriving in their autumn numbers year after groundwater movement in the basin are plunging folds year for more than a century. Newfoundland entered and fracture zones in low porosity rocks. Flooding can the Waterford consciousness to a degree without par­ be expected during periods of peak flows, which usu­ allel in any other region of southeast Irish trade and ally occur during the fall. The minimal flow period settlement abroad. In a sense the Island was a sixth usually occurs during July or August. Soils within the southeastern county, just beyond the Atlantic horizon. River's basin are generally thin (less than 60 em) and " The men in general are dressed like sailors", wrote are underlain by shallow parent material, which is William Mason, "and frequently migrate to New­ very gravelly. The dominant soil type is well-drained. foundland, whither both young men and women repair Twenty-percent slopes are found throughout the basin in crowds on a venture every spring, in like numbers (steep enough to erode severely if disturbed), espe­ returning every autumn; and from habit they think as cially in the Southside Hills and in sections of the little of the voyage as they do of passing over the River from Bowring Park to St. John's Harbour. When [river] Barrow." the River is undisturbed a variety of trees, shrubs and News of Newfoundland circulated widely through wildflowers line the banks, providing habitat and food Waterford and its hinterland, especially orally as the for fish and other wildlife. The vegetation also serves migrants dispersed to their home parishes each fall. to slow the flow of water and to filter out impurities. Surviving newspapers sometimes contained as much Brown trout is the dominant species of fish in the tidings of the faraway fishery as they did of Tipperary: River, but it is also home to brook trout, sticklebacks, the fate of ships and men, the weather, the catch, the eels, ducks, kingfishers, ospreys, muskrats and hosts price of fish, fires, gales, death. "Several vessels ar­ of songbirds. The Waterford River is greatly influ­ rived from Newfoundland tell of two dreadful storms enced by the urbanization of the surrounding areas. last September", Finn's Leinster Journal reported No­ Some of the major impacts include the increase of vember 15, 1775, "1,500 persons [believed] lost, surface water run-off due to the construction of im­ many belonging to Waterford City, perhaps the chief pervious surfaces nearby, and the deterioration of and only support of their respective families. The water quality due to the introduction of untreated sew­ voice of lamentation is heard in every street." "Sev­ age and toxic wastes. eralletters received in Waterford yesterday," the same papers noted on July 16, 1791, "gave the most encour­ aging account of the fishery at Newfoundland. Every man who sailed from this port got instant employment on his arrival there." Waterford also entered the Newfoundland con­ sciousness, particularly in places of substantial Irish settlement on the Avalon. Although the passenger and provisions trades are long gone, the legacy lingers, given voice in song and story, in place names, dialect, and family history, in secular and religious architec­ ture and in other elements of material culture. And despite a century and a half of mea~re contact, a dis­ tinctive folklore of Talamh an Eisc, the Fishing Grounds, still endures in the Irish homeland. Cyril Byrne (1992), Des Cowman (1992), Louis M. Cullen (1958), John Mannion (1982; 1988), Peter Solar Waterford River (1992). JOHN MANNION WATERWITCH 521

In 1989 a concerned citizens group was formed to As with other communities in Smith Sound, settle­ help save the Waterford River from further damage­ ment at Waterville was likely preceded by years of Friends and Lobbyists of the Waterford River winter cutting by residents of communities across the (FLOW). In 1990 it initiated an annual clean-up festi­ Bay; and may even have been a winterhouse for resi­ val, in which it removed tons of garbage from the dents of the other Daniel's Cove, as the practice of River. FLOW was funded from a variety of sources, applying the same name to summer and winter com­ including the cities of St. John's and Mount Pearl. munities has been noted elsewhere in Newfoundland. Other FLOW activities included urban river conferen­ It is likely that in the early 1870s a few families ces, the publication of a newsletter, a river ranger decided to settle permanently at their winter quarters, program, field trips and school visits. Despite some perhaps after a sawmill had been started by the Reid opposition FLOW was successful in lobbying govern­ family, formerly of Rant's Harbour. Waterville first ment and business to take environmental concerns appears separately in the Census in 1884 with a popu­ more seriously when planning development. Believ­ lation of 34: the families of Samuel Luther, William ing the Waterford River to be one of the most produc­ Reid and William Bercey (Bursey). tive trout streams of its size in the world, FLOW The Luther and Reid families made up the majority aimed at reintroducing salmon into the river to coin­ of people recorded at Waterville subsequently. Two cide with the 1997 Cabot celebrations. Another long­ sawmills provided some employment, as did the fish­ term goal was the construction of a walking trail along ery and a shipyard at Monroe. However, the confining the system. Beni Malone (interview, Apr. 1994), Envi­ hills around the small cove and beach left little room ronmental Planning Study of the Waterford River for expansion. Other names recorded at Waterville Basin (1990), Centre for Newfoundland Studies include Kelly and Ryan, families that likely came to (FLOW; Waterford River). JAMES WADE the community as mill labourers. Of several tiny saw­ mill communities in the area (including nearby WATERMAN, WILLIAM (f1.1867-1890). Merchant. Sprague's Cove and Tythes Cove qv), Waterville was An agent and partner in the Twillingate firm of Wil­ the only one to survive past the 1940s. Largely a liam Cox & Co. (a successor firm to that of John Slade Methodist/United Church community throughout its qv), in the 1860s Waterman purchased the firm, which history, the people attended church in Monroe, while a was renamed William Waterman and Co. by 1867. The Methodist school serving both communities was lo­ headquarters of the firm appear to have been at Fogo cated in Waterville. In 1993 children attended school in the 1870s, but may have been moved to Twillingate in Shoal Harbour. E.R. Seary (1977), Harry Stone (in­ around 1887. Waterman and Co. also had premises at terview, June 1993), Census (1884-1991), McAlpine's Change Islands, Nippers Harbour and Little Fogo Is­ Newfoundland Directory (1894), Archives (A-7-3121; lands qv. During the 1870s Waterman's paid the most MG 276/5). RHC duties of any merchant operating in the Fogo­ Twillingate area. In 1880 it equipped 46 schooners for WATERWITCH. A 62-ton, 69-foot schooner owned by the Labrador fishery, and 41 in 1890. The Waterman Charles Bowring of St. John's, the Waterwitch was firm may not have survived the 1894 bank crash, for built in Trinity Bay in 1869. Laden with winter provis­ by 1900 much of its property at Fogo and Twillingate ions and under the command of Samuel Spracklin, the was in the hands of J.W. Hodge, who had previously schooner left St. John's for Cupids at around 3:00PM on been Waterman's agent at Tilting. Cyril R. Chaulk November 29, 1875. By 8:00PM it was aground on the ( 1969), Allan Hawkins ( 1972), Lovell's Newfoundland rocks at Horrid Gulch (a mile northeast of Pouch Cove). Directory ( 18 71 ). LBM The crew and passengers managed to reach shore. Around midnight, cold, wet and exhausted after WATERMANS HARBOUR. See LITTLE FOGO IS­ crawling and climbing up the steep cliff hundreds of LANDS. feet above the wreck and walking through snow, Spracklin and two of his crew (one man in some ac­ WATERVILLE (pop. 1991, 35). A tiny, unincorporated counts) made their way to Eli Langmead's home at the community, Waterville is located on the north shore of north end of Pouch Cove. They brought the grim mes­ Smith Sound, Trinity Bay, about 15 km east ofClaren­ sage that several of the crew and passengers were ville. Formerly a lumbering and fishing settlement, in already dead, while others were clinging to rocky 1993 Waterville was largely a dormitory community ledges above a boiling sea. When it became apparent ofClarenville. Although its permanent population was that the only possible way to rescue the marooned men in keeping with historic levels, in 1993 Waterville was below was to lower a man over the cliff Alfred Moores probably larger than at any time in its history, with as qv volunteered, and, with a rope tied around his waist, many cabins as year-round residences. The community was lowered into the darkness of the blinding snow­ was known as Daniel's Cove until about 1910, when storm. After three unsuccessful attempts, "half-swing­ its name was changed to avoid confusion with another ing, half-sliding along a steep crevasse in the rock, he community in Trinity Bay (north of Old Perlican) with succeeded in reaching a ledge immediately over a spot the same name. The community has also at times been where the cries issued," and helped the men to safety. considered to be a neighbourhood of the contiguous Although there were conflicting reports of the number community of Monroe qv. of survivors, it is generally agreed that eleven of the 522 WATSON, CHARLES

20 on board were saved by Moores and the Pouch Rant's Harbour. The brothers were to act as agents and Cove fishermen. None of the women on board sur­ dealers for the Job Brothers firm for many years. James vived. Alfred Moores received a silver medal from the Watson was elected MHA for Trinity in 1874 as a Royal Humane Society in England and a silver watch supporter of F.B.T. Carter. Four years later he again from the citizens of St. John's. Eli Langmead and won the seat, then backing William V. Whiteway. other Pouch Cove citizens were awarded bronze med­ Watson was defeated as an als. A plaque, recalling the Waterwitch wreck and com­ independent candidate in memorating the courage of the rescuers, was erected on 1882. (In 1885 the seat was August 11, 1978 on the public highway at Pouch Cove, taken by his brother). Wat­ marking the beginning of a trail to Horrid Gulch. Jack son was returned as the Fitzgerald (1984), Galgay and McCarthy (1987), H.M. MHA for Trinity in 1893, Mosdell (1923), Centre for Newfoundland Studies but, along with 15 other (Waterwitch), Newfoundland Historical Society government members, was (Waterwitch), Senior Citizen (Nov. 1980). ILB unseated after the election as a result of opposition pe­ WATSON, CHARLES (1714-1757). Governor. Born titions. Charged under the London, son of John Watson. Married Rebecca Buller. Corrupt Practises Act, Wat­ Watson joined the Royal Navy in 1728, moving son was found guilty of quickly through the ranks to become post captain in promising government work James Watson command of a 20-gun ship in order to obtain votes. Though he lost the seat, Wat­ by 1738. Ten years later he son was the only one of those charged not to be dis­ was posted to North Amer­ qualified from running again. But he chose not to ica as governor of New­ re-enter politics, and instead accepted an appointment foundland and commander­ as a customs inspector in St. John's. He later held in-chief of Cape Breton. A appointments as surveyor and harbour master. Watson large part of his time was helped to organize support for the Deep Sea Mission spent in Cape Breton super­ to Labrador in 1893. He returned to England in 1904. vising the reduction of the D.W. Prowse (1895), DNLB (1990), Royal Gazette and British naval force at Newfoundland Advertiser (Nov. 11, 1879). ACB Louisbourg. Watson is credited with trying to make WATSON, ROBERT (1868?-1930). Politician; civil changes to the Newfound­ servant. Born Rant's Harbour, son of Anne Furneaux Gov. Charles Watson land justice system. He also (Wills) and Ellis C. Watson qv. Educated St. John's; complained about the growing population of Irish Rugby, England. Married Dora Pye. After completing Roman Catholics. After a year as governor, Watson his education, Watson spent some time as an accoun­ resigned and later became naval commander-in-chief tant with the firm of *Clift, Wood and Co. qv. in the East Indies. DCB III. ACB In 1897 he was elected to the House of Assembly. Elected as the representative for Trinity (a district WATSON, ELLIS CORNISH ( 1840?-1906). Politi­ formerly held by his father and by his uncle, James cian; civil servant. Born Torquay, Devon; son of Wil­ Watson qv), he was ap­ liam Watson. Educated Torquay. Married Ann pointed Minister of Posts Furneaux Wills. Watson came to Newfoundland in and Telegraphs in the Con­ 185 8, as the Labrador agent for the firm of Stabb, Row servative administration of and Holmwood. Later he acted as agent for the firm of James S. Winter. Watson Job Brothers in Rant's Harbour, established a general was defeated in 1900, but business in Whiteway and purchased a fishing station was again returned for Trin­ at L'Anse au Loup. He sat as the MHA for Trinity from ity in a 1902 by-election. 1885 to 1889 as a supporter of Robert Thorburn and He was narrowly defeated the Reform Party. After being defeated in 1889, Wat­ in 1904. In 1908 he was one son became the St. John's agent for P. & L. Tessier and of several former Conser­ was appointed vice-chairman of the new Fisheries vatives to join the People's Commission. The Commission became a department Party, formed by Edward P. of government in 1893, and five years later Watson Morris. The next year he Robert Watson was named superintendent of fisheries. He held the was appointed Colonial Secretary in the Morris gov­ position until his death in 1906. DNLB ( 1990), New- ernment. Watson was acting Prime Minister for a time Joundlander (Dec. 1, 1865). ACB in 1910, and in 1911 served as delegate to the Imperial Conference. WATSON, JAMES H. (1845-1908). Merchant; politi­ Watson left active politics in 1913 on being ap­ cian. Born Torquay, Devon; son of William Watson. pointed manager of the Newfoundland Savings Bank. In 1869 Watson came to Newfoundland and went into After four years in that position he was named private business with his older brother, Ellis C. Watson qv, at secretary to the governor, and four successive governors WAXWINGS 523

continued the appointment. Watson was involved in WATTS, ENOS DAWE ( 1939- ). Poet. Born Long numerous community works. In 1897 he served as a Pond, Conception Bay; son of Marion (Dawe) and director of Bishop Feild College. He was active in St. Wallace Watts. Educated Memorial University of Thomas's church and was a warden at the time of his Newfoundland. Married Golda Rideout. In 1965 Watts death. He was a director of the Grenfell Association, began teaching at W.E. Cormack Academy in Stephen­ served on the board of governors of the YMCA, was a ville, and eventually became vice-principal of the correspondent for the Royal Colonial Institute and school. He began writing poetry seriously around honorary treasurer of the Permanent Marine Disaster 1973, and his first collection, After the Locusts, was Fund. DNLB (1990), ET (May 5, 1930), Who s Who in published in 1974. His second collection, Autumn Ven­ and from Newfoundland 1927 (1927). ACB geance, appeared in 1986. Watts has had his work included in several Canadian and Newfoundland an­ WATTON, ALFRED W. (1918- ). National Conven­ thologies, including East of Canada, Passages, Baffles tion delegate. Born Change Islands, son of Walter and of Wind and Tide and 31 Newfoundland Poets. He is Jane Watton. Educated Change Islands; Memorial Uni­ also widely published in magazines. Watts's poetry versity College. Watton was a teacher before World has been broadcast on CBC Radio, and he was included War II, when he served in the forestry unit and in the on Des Walsh's qv recording "10 Newfoundland Royal Navy. After the war he started a small general Poets, vol. 1 ". Lisa de Leon (1985), Enos Watts business at Fogo and in 1946 was elected (by acclama­ ( 1986), Centre for Newfoundland Studies (Enos tion) to the National Convention, representing Fogo. Watts). ILB/LBM At the Convention he advocated a return to responsible government. After Confederation he joined the federal WATTS, JOHN CAVENDISH (1902-1975). Born civil service, and worked as a fisheries inspector for Brigus, son of John and Mary Watts. Married Annie many years. He retired in St. John's in the early 1980s. Baikie. Jack Watts came to Smokey, Labrador working DNLB ( 1990), Newfoundland Journal of Commerce with the Brigus firm of J.W. Hiscock and was subse­ (Mar. 1963). ACB quently hired as wireless operator for Smokey and Dun's Island by the Canadian Marconi Company. In WATTS, BEATRICE TABEA (1932- ). Educator. 1927, after meeting Dr. Harry Paddon qv and express­ Born Black Island, Labrador; daughter of Rosina ing his interest in working for the International (Pamak-Ford) and Julius Ford. Educated Memorial *Grenfell Association qv, Watts was given a job as University of Newfoundland. Married Ronald Watts. radio operator and station clerk at North West River. Watts began her teaching career at Nain in the 1950s, When Dr. Paddon died in 1939, Watts became Mina where she used both English and Inuktituk in the class- Paddon's qv assistant and foreman of outdoor work. He room. After leaving the profession for several years, continued in this job, with the title of maintenance she returned to teaching and manager, under Dr. W. Anthony Paddon qv and distin­ was appointed principal of guished himself as an invaluable and dedicated em­ the Yale School at North ployee of the mission. In 1948 he initiated the donation West River. After the report of $10,000, needed to pay for a new school, from the of the Royal Commission Canadian branch of the Grenfell Association, while his on Labrador (on which good relations with military personnel at the Goose Watts served), in 1974 the Bay base also brought many benefits to the mission, Labrador East Integrated including donation of all the fixtures and labour School Board put Watts in needed to put plumbing into the new North West River charge of efforts to increase hospital in 1954. Watts died in 1975 after almost 50 the use of native languages years service at North West River. W.A. Paddon and Labrador-based materi­ (1989), Ronald Watts (interview, Mar. 1994). LBM als in the classroom, and to Beatrice Watts encourage the training of WAXWINGS. Waxwings are birds of the family native teachers. She also assisted in the establishment Bombycillidae. There are eight species worldwide, two of Memorial University's Native and Northern Studies of which are found in Canada. The cedar waxwing program and the Labrador Institute for Northern Stud­ (Bombycilla cedrorum) is known to nest throughout ies. Elected mayor of North West River in 1983, she most of insular Newfoundland and across Canada ex­ has also been active in the Provincial Association of cept in the north. Its range extends through the eastern Multiculturalism, the Human Rights Commission and and central U.S.A. It winters in the south and occasion­ the Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of ally in Newfoundland. Considered to be uncommon in Women; and has served as president of the Labrador Newfoundland, it is not at all rare in summer and fall Native Women's Association. Watts was awarded an in places where there is open woodland or gardens honorary doctorate by Memorial University in 1992. where grubs and fruit are available. Beatrice Watts (interview, May 1994), Women Speak The cedar waxwing is a beautiful bird, not much (Spring 1984), Centre for Newfoundland Studies (Be­ larger that a house sparrow (to 18 em). Its feathers are atrice Watts). ILB/LBM soft and silky, with muted colours edged in white and yellow. There is just a touch of bright red, and the 524 WEAVER, BRIGSTOCK

prominent crest is an easily recognized feature. The nest is usually in a low tree or tall shrub, and contains three to five eggs, which are pale with dark dots. These birds usually roam in small flocks of six or seven, and have the habit of sitting together, with upright posture, in a tree. Although they eat fruit, such as cherries, they are also one of the most effective natural controls on local outbreaks of insect larvae. The Bohemian waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) is a little larger than the cedar waxwing. It is usually rec­ ognized by distinct white and yellow spots on the wings. It breeds in western Canada, Alaska, northern Europe and Asia. It is the only waxwing in Europe. It does not breed in Newfoundland, and is considered rare, although flocks of up to 50 have been seen in winter, feeding on berries such as partridgeberries and small cranberries. These flocks wander far and unpre­ House sparrow dictably in winter. Mactavish, Maunder and usurps the nests of native birds such as swallows. Montevecchi ( 1988). CHARLIE HORWOOD Peters and Burleigh (1951). CHARLIE HORWOOD

WEAVER, BRIGSTOCK (? -1723). Pirate. Born WEB. This publication continued the St. John's Status Hereford, England. Weaver served as mate of the pi­ of Women Council newsletter. The name was chosen rate ship Good Fortune under Capt. Thomas Anstis. in September 1985 because ofthe symbolism of"con­ When Anstis captured the larger and faster Morning necting, weaving, enveloping" -integral parts of the Star, a Bristol ship in the Newfoundland trade, Weaver women's movement and the St. John's Status of took command of the Good Fortune. He was successful Women Council. Edited by Annette Clarke, Sharon as a pirate, taking between 50 and 60 ships in a short Pope and an editorial group, it contained conference time in the West Indies and on the banks of Newfound­ news and reports, letters, notice of upcoming events, land. In Tobago he eluded capture by the authorities by poetry, articles reprinted from other magazines, and escaping barefoot and empty-handed into the woods. cartoons. Issues focused on women and sexuality, free­ A year later Weaver turned up in Bristol, dressed in dom from fear, women and food, reproductive rights, rags and begging at the door of merchant Thomas and women and spirituality. It ceased publication in Smith. Identified by one of his former victims, Weaver 1989. WEB (1985-1989,passim). ILB was apprehended. Tried and convicted of piracy, he was hanged at the Execution Dock, London. Philip WEBB, JAMES (? -1761). Governor. Born England? Gosse (1924), Horwood and Butts (1984). ACB A volunteer in the Royal Navy in 1728, Webb was in command of a frigate in 1746. In 1760 he was ap­ WEAVERS. Both weaver finches (family Estrildidae) pointed governor of Newfoundland and commander of and weavers (family Passeridae) are Old World fami­ the fishing convoy, arriving in June aboard the Ante­ lies of birds. The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) lope. That August, Webb sailed to Noddy Bay on the was formerly classed with the weaver finches, but has French Shore where he captured a French privateer, the subsequently been placed in the family Passeridae. Tavignon - an action that demonstrated his under­ Sometimes called English sparrow, the house sparrow standing of the importance of the northern fishery. At is very abundant. The legs are shorter and stouter than Chateau Bay, which he renamed York Harbour, he those of the native sparrows qv, to which it is not established a brief trade in whalebone with some Inuit. closely related. The bill is finch-like. The male is Upon returning to St. John's, Webb continued to hold considerably darker than the female, with a black bib courts and appointed a number of magistrates and sur­ and grey crown. The female is a rather plain brown rogates to administer trade. In November, the governor bird. The diet is chiefly of grains and other seeds, but escorted cargoes of fish to European markets and then some insects are eaten. returned to Plymouth, where he died while preparing This species was deliberately introduced from Eu­ to sail again. DCB Ill. ACB rope to the U.S.A. in the mid-nineteenth century, and soon spread to virtually all of North America. It be­ WEBBER, DAVID ANTHONY (1929- ). Historian. came extremely abundant during the time of horse­ Born Dovercourt Bay, Essex; son of Madge (Mallett) drawn traffic, and although its numbers have since and Martyn W. Webber. Educated Essex College of declined, it remains a very common bird in most pop­ Art. Married (1) Jennifer Cook; (2) Donna Evans; (3) ulated areas. It frequents towns and farms rather than Linda Pauk. Webber came to Newfoundland in 1955 to the wild, and nests in or near buildings. It does not go work as a commercial artist with Bowring Brothers. He south for the winter, but moves around in flocks in late designed the ship motif that became the company's summer and fall. The house sparrow has a bad reputa­ trademark. Known for his models of fortifications, tion among American bird-watchers because it often Webber was hired in 1961 to set up the Newfoundland WEDGEWOOD PARK 525

Naval and Militar?' Museum. As an employee of His­ Martin and Murphy families had joined the community toric Resources, his Ol her projects included restoration by 1955, at which time many of the men were em­ ofQuidi Vidi Battery and the publication of occasional ployed as fluorspar miners in St. Lawrence. In the early papers such as Ski~n:er 's Fencibles: the Royal New­ 1960s the community was resettled, with the nine re­ found/an~ Regiment, 1795-1802. In 1969 Webber left maining families moving to St. Lawrence, Lawn and the Provmce for New Brunswick where he led the Marystown. The Burin Peninsula (n. d.), Census restoration of a nati~nal histork 'site and served as (1961),ListofElectors(l948; 1955). ACB director of the King'~ Landing settlement. In 1977 he returned to New:oundland, where for five years he was WEBBER'S BIGHT (pop. 1921, 28). An abandoned head of restoratiOn With the St. John's Heritage Foun­ fishing community, Webber's Bight was located just dation. He moved to Prince Edward Island in 1982, and east of the entrance to Fortune Harbour, Notre Dame worked at the Confed~ration Centre of the Arts and the Bay qv. It was settled at an early date, having a popu­ P.E.I. Museum and ll~ritage Foundation. In 1994 Web­ lation of 34 people by 1836. It offered close access to ber was a private tn\.lseum consultant and landscape inshore fishing grounds off Fortune Harbour, but never artist in Charlottetowll. Atlantic A.dvocate (Feb. 1988), grew much beyond the five families recorded there in Who's Who in Ame)'"ic a (1993), David Webber (inter­ the first Census. By contrast, Fortune Harbour had view, Mar. 1994). lBl\1 admirable shelter for larger vessels and grew to be a centre for the Labrador fishery, with a population ap­ WEBBER, GEORGE {/l.1851-18S7). Poet; journalist. proaching 500 by 1911 (when there were still only 31 Born Harbour Grace? Webber, apparently a well edu­ people at Webber's Bight). Like Fortune Harbour, cated man, travelled widely throughout Newfound­ Webber's Bight was settled by Irish fishing servants in land and perhaps spellt some time in Canada. In 1851 the early 1800s, presumably after having been brought he was associated \\rith the St. John's newspaper, over to Newfoundland by English merchants trading at Morning Post and Shipping Gazette. The paper pub­ larger centres to the east. The two family names of lished his poem "S~aler's song" in March of that Webber's Bight, Carroll and Byrne, have long been year to mark the begi nning of the seal hunt. His best associated with King's Cove, Bonavista Bay- while known P?em, "~he last of the aborigines: a poem Fortune Harbour is said to have been settled by Irish­ founded m !a~ts , Was also printed by that paper in men brought over by Fogo firms. ~ 851. Consistt~g of f our cantos of rhyming couplets It appears that the Byrnes were the first to settle, mterspersed ~Ith occasional songs, it was an imagin­ while the Carrolls lived just to the north, at Indian ary and sentimental account of the last days of the Cove. Indian Cove was last noted as being occupied in Beothuk. Webber }>()rtrayed the Beothuk as "noble 1869 (pop. 18), by which time at least some Carrolls savages'', loosely bqsing the poem on the story of were also living at Webber's Bight. By 1921 both Demasduit and on interviews conducted with elderly Carroll and Byrne were common family names of For­ settlers. tune Harbour as well. Another family name recorded In September, 18S6 Webber began a weekly paper in at Webber's Bight in the twentieth century is Lyver, Harbour Grace, the. Conception .Bay Man. Liberal in of nearby Waldron's Cove qv. The people left outlo~k, the paper tssued a prospectus calling for re­ Webber's Bight at some time between 1921 and spons.Ib!e govem~ent and political rights regardless 1935. This coincides with the collapse of the Labra­ of rehgwn. As edit()r) Webber W()uld describe himself dor fishery, as well as with a general failure in the as a "native of the Country, an advocate of liberal inshore fishery in the area. Some of the men of principles and an experienced observer of the course Webber's Bight moved elsewhere to cut pulpwood­ of public e':'ents for the last twenty years". Nothing is in the 1921 Census virtually all of the younger men kno~n of him after 1 ~57, but the Conception Bay Man had listed their occupation as "logger". A few went to contmued to be printed until 1859. Suzanne Ellison Buchans after the mine opened in 1929, while the {1988), DCB VIII. ACB remainder moved to Fortune Harbour. E.R. Seary (1977), Census {1836-1921), Lovell's Newfoundland WEBBER~S (pop. 1961, 46). An abandoned fishing Directory ( 1871 ), McAlpine's Newfoundland Direc­ commumty on the l3l.\rin Peninsula Webber's was lo­ tory (1894), Archives (A-7-2/K). RHC cated at the westerrt entrance to

were added to Wedgewood Park, along with some legislative proceedings, poetry, fiction, letters to the homes on Connemara Place and Highland Drive. editor and advertisements. According to Ellison the Wedgewood Park was incorporated as a local im­ Weekly Herald highlighted the Colony's poverty and provement district in 1967 to provide municipal ser­ low wages, although it was opposed to strikes. In 1854 vices to an area which was then outside the city limits. St. John left Newfoundland to start a semiweekly jour­ The population had risen to 1236 in 1976, and two nal in the United States and closed down the paper. years later the community was given town status. The Suzanne Ellison ( 1988), Weekly Herald and Concep­ first town council was elected, headed by mayor tion Bay Advertiser (1845-1847 passim). ILB Wayne Thistle qv. Although the city of St. John's ex­ panded its boundaries in 1981, Wedgewood Park con­ WEEKLY LEDGER. From November 5, 1867 to about tinued to provide most of its own municipal services January 18, 1870, this weekly paper was printed and (with the exception of fire and police protection) and published (probably in St. John's) by Elizabeth Brown remained one of few municipalities in the Province to Winton. Other editions of the paper included: Public be financially sound. The community consisted of Ledger and Newfoundland General Advertiser (May 6, about 450 homes in 1989. It had, in addition, a recrea­ 1862 to Dec. 20, 1867), and Public Ledger and New- tional centre, a softball field and a small commercial foundland Daily Advertiser (Jan. 2 to Dec. 29, 1868). district facing Torbay Road. In early 1991 the Provin­ Ellison notes that the only information about the Weekly cial government announced that Wedgewood Park Ledger is in the masthead advertisements appearing in would be amalgamated with the city of St. John's. the Public Ledger. There are no known extant copies of Although most residents were opposed to the plan, on this paper. Suzanne Ellison (1988). ILB January 1, 1992 Wedgewood Park was incorporated within St. John's. Former mayor Paul Reynolds was WEEKLY NEWS. This weekly paper, published in St. elected a city councillor for ward five, which origi­ John's from March 29, 1894 to June 1, 1906, with J. nally consisted only of Wedgewood Park. With the Alex Robinson qv as editor and proprietor, was appar­ next municipal election, ward boundaries were re­ ently a weekly supplement to the Daily News qv. De­ drawn so that Wedgewood Park no longer had its own signed for circulation in the more isolated councillor. ET (Jan. 15, 1981), Wedgewood Park Mu­ communities in Newfoundland and Labrador without nicipal Plan ( 1982), Centre for Newfoundland Studies access to a daily paper, it consisted of a compendium of articles and news which had appeared in the daily (St. John's: Wedgewood Park). ACB edition, as well as some outport news. See DAILY WEEKENDER. A weekly magazine published in St. NEWS. Suzanne Ellison ( 1988). ILB John's and primarily distributed throughout New­ WEEKLY RECORD. A Trinity-based newspaper, the foundland as a supplement in Robinson-Blackmore's Weekly Record was first published by editor and pro­ regional newspapers, the Weekender was first issued prietor David C. Webber in September 1886. Also in 1983 under the name R-B Weekender. In November known as the Trinity Record, the Weekly Record car­ 1990 it was renamed Weekender. Editors of the Week­ ried foreign, domestic and local news; agricultural, ender have included Paul Sparkes ( 1983-1986) and fishing and shipping information; public notices and Gordon C. French (1986-1994). Primarily an entertain­ advertisements. Politically, the Weekly Record re­ ment magazine, the Weekender contains television list­ flected the views of Webber (a supporter of William ings, advice columns, cartoons, word puzzles and Whiteway) who was elected Liberal MHA for Trinity horoscopes. It also features columns on local sports, in 1889. After Webber's death in August 1894, publi­ cooking, and home improvement. Suzanne Ellison cation of the Weekly Record was suspended until John (1988), R-B Weekender (1983-1990 passim), Week­ A. Barrett took over as managing editor in 1895. Bar­ ender (1990-1994 passim). LBM rett remained with the paper, with only a brief inter­ WEEKLY CLARION. Officially registered July 23, ruption, until 1904, when he joined the staff of the 1935, this weekly paper was published by W. Ernest Western Star qv. It is not known when the Weekly Lilly and William C. Collins. There are no known Record ceased publication. The last located issue is extant copies. Suzanne Ellison (1988). ILB dated August 19, 1893. Suzanne Ellison (1988), WS (April 4, 1950). LBM WEEKLY HERALD AND CONCEPTION BAY GEN­ ERAL ADVERTISER. Published from November 2, WEEKS, EDITH. See HOOPER, EDITH. 1842 to June 28, 1854, this weekly paper was printed, WELLINGTON. See DOVER. published and owned by William C. St. John qv. St. John, a Wesleyan, promised to promote the interests of WELLMAN, JAMES WADE (1946- ). Broadcaster. the community irrespective of religious views or polit­ Born Twillingate, son of Wilbert and Sadie (Smith) ical differences, and for its time the paper was notable Wellman. Educated Springdale. Wellman worked at in being politically independent and non-sectarian in various odd jobs until he was 19, when he obtained its views. It contained local, domestic and foreign a job with VOCM, working for the network in Marys­ news, shipping and fisheries news, extracts from other town and Grand Falls. He began his career with CBC newspapers and journals, public notices, reports of Radio in 1968, working in Grand Falls for four years, WELLS, CLYDE KIRBY 527

then moving to St. John's. Over his years with the CBC Newfoundland and Labrador Nurses Union. He first he filled a variety of positions, hosting the' 'Morning became involved in politics through the New Demo­ Show" and "Radio Noon", and working with the cratic Party and in 1977 was elected to St. John's city sports, news, and arts departments. In 1982 he council. After a ward system was introduced in 1981 began hosting the "Fishermen's Broadcast", his Wells was councillor for ward 1, and soon became voice becoming one of the best-known in the Prov­ known as both an outspoken advocate of his constitu­ ince. Wellman expanded the focus of the program ents and an opponent of the to include more of the industry than the harvesters, city's bureaucracy. In 1985 and embraced advances in communications which he was appointed consumer enabled him to include fisheries workers from the representative on the Public remotest of communities. Jim Wellman (interview, Utilities Board, serving Dec. 1993). JEAN GRAHAM until the position was abol­ ished in 1990. After council WELLMANS COVE (pop. 1961, 21). A resettled fish­ proceedings began to be tel­ ing community, Wellmans Cove was located on the evised in the late 1980s northwest side of Sunday Cove Island, near the Wells' style began to draw mouth of Halls Bay, Notre Dame Bay. The commu­ even more attention, partic­ nity takes its name from John Wellman, who is said ularly his exchanges with to have come to Halls Bay from Twillingate in the mayor John Murphy qv. In 1840s to fish, build boats and trap for the winters. 1990 he topped the at-large Andy Wells The family settled on Little Bay Island, at Wellmans ballot for councillor and was chosen deputy mayor of Bight, before moving to Sunday Cove Island in the the city. He continued to battle mayor Suzanne 1850s. There John Wellman established himself as a (Shannie) Duff qv and in 1993 supported Murphy's trader. The Wellmans were joined by the family of successful campaign to replace her as mayor, then was Giles Normore, who had earlier lived on Long Is­ again chosen deputy major. DNLB (1990), Newfound­ land, and it is likely that both families had fre­ land Historical Society (Andy Wells). RHC quented Sunday Cove Island for winter woods work before deciding to settle. The Normores settled some WELLS, CLYDE KIRBY (1937- ). Premier; lawyer. distance away, over a ridge, and the two families Born Buchans, son of Ralph and Maude (Kirby) Wells. generally lived apart from each other with later ar­ Educated Buchans; Stephenville Crossing; Memorial rivals falling into one group or another, depending University of Newfoundland; Dalhousie University. on family connections. While the bulk of recorded in­ Married Eleanor Bishop. After graduating from high habitants were either Wellmans or Normores, other school in Stephenville Crossing, where his family had family names include Coles, Fudge, Locke and Short. moved in 1944, Wells worked at the Stephenville air The area around Wellmans Cove was never partic­ base before entering Memorial University in 1955. ularly noted for its fishing grounds; after the open­ There he joined the Canadian Officer Training Corps ing of the Grand Falls paper mill in 1909, many of and was founder of the University Liberal Association. the men of Wellmans Cove earned much of their On graduating in 1959 with a double major in English living away from the community as loggers. The and political science he entered the Dalhousie Univer­ community first appears in the Census in 1911 (all sity Law School. After obtaining his law degree he settlements of Sunday Cove Island having been pre­ joined the office of the Judge Advocate General, the viously enumerated together), with a population of legal branch of the Army, serving, with the rank of 46, which remained at about that level until the captain, from 1962 to 1964. At the end of that period 1950s. By this time many of the younger people Wells moved to Corner Brook to practise law. While were moving to the Springdale area: in 1960 Robert in Corner Brook he served as Chancellor of the Angli­ Wells noted that most had already gone to Spring­ can diocese ofWestern Newfoundland. dale, with the remainder intending to resettle He was appointed Minister of Labour in the Small­ shortly. In 1993 there were a large number of cabins wood administration in 1966, and later that year was at Wellmans Cove, accessible overland from the elected Liberal member in Humber East. In 1968, as Miles Cove qv municipal park. Daisy Rowsell (in­ minister without portfolio, he and John Crosbie re­ terview, Jan. 1993), E.R. Seary (1977), Robert Wells signed from cabinet and sat as independent Liberals in (1960), Census (1874-1961), Lovell's Newfoundland protest over Smallwood's advancing a 5 million dollar Directory (1871). RHC loan to John Shaheen qv to finance an oil refinery and chemical complex at Come By Chance. Late in 1970 WELLS, ANDREW (1944- ). St. John's municipal he left politics and resumed the practice of law in councillor. Born Corner Brook. Educated Memorial Corner Brook in the firm Barry, Wells, Monaghan, University of Newfoundland. While a producer of Seaborn and Marshall. Wells was appointed to the educational television programs at Memorial Uni­ Canadian Bar Association's committee on the consti­ versity, Wells became involved in the Canadian tution in 1977. He dissented from the report, "To­ Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and was later wards A New Canada", issued the following year, his employed as a business agent with CUPE and the views reflecting a strong federalism. In the meantime 528 WELLS, GEORGE ANDERSON he was increasingly involved in prominent legal cases. In 1982 he argued the federal government's case in a dispute with the Province over ownership of offshore resources, and later represented Ottawa in its proposal to unilaterally patriate the constitution. He had in the meantime moved his law practice to St. John's. Returning to politics as a candidate for the leader­ ship of the Liberal party, Wells was chosen for the position in June 1987; and was soon elected to the House in a by-election in Windsor-Buchans. In a snap election called in April 1989 by Premier Thomas Rideout, who had just succeeded A. Brian Peckford, the Liberals won by a large majority. Although Wells himself lost his seat in Humber East, he was later elected in a by-election called in the Bay of Islands. He took office in May 1989 as Premier and Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs and Native Policy. Shortly after becoming premier, Wells became embroiled in the controversy over Meech Lake qv. Although the administration of Brian Peckford and the Legislature had approved the accord, Wells remained strongly opposed to it and had threatened to rescind the Province's agreement on his becoming premier. A strong federalist, he based his stand on the issue of a central role for the federal government and on the constitutional equality of the provinces. His objec­ Premier Clyde K. Wells tions to Meech Lake were, among other considera­ tions, that it accorded special powers to Quebec, that and hospital workers campaigned vigorously against it made reform of the Senate virtually impossible and the Liberal party, but it was returned to power with an that it limited the spending powers of the federal gov­ increased majority. Late in 1994 the government con­ ernment. The Legislature approved his proposal to tinued to face problems in the fishery as well as criti­ rescind the agreement. He argued his position at a cism of its plan to sell Newfoundland Hydro to private First Ministers Conference in November 1989, but interests and to reform the denominational education was unsuccessful in getting amendments to the ac­ system. Andrew Cohen ( 1990), Deborah Coyne cord. Wells nevertheless undertook to take the accord ( 1992), Claire Hoy ( 1992), DNLB ( 1990), Centre for before the House for a free vote. But after a week's Newfoundland Studies (Clyde Wells). ACB debate there was a postponement, mainly because the Manitoba legislature had not approved the accord. WELLS, GEORGE ANDERSON (1877-1964). Cler­ When the federal government did not seek a postpone­ gyman. Born Salmon Cove, Clarke's Beach; son of ment of the final decision the Meech Lake accord William and Cicely (Spooner) Wells. Educated at died. Later the Charlottetown Conference allayed Mount Royal Business College, Montreal; St. John's Wells's concerns, and he supported its proposals both College, Winnipeg; University of Manitoba; Univer­ at home and on the mainland. But, although accepted sity of Chicago. Wells was a trooper during the Boer in this Province, they were rejected by the national War, from 1900 to 1902. Ordained a priest of the plebiscite in October 1992. As a result of his stand Church of England in 1910, he served as senior chap­ against the Meech Lake accord, which he articulated lain to the Canadian troops in World War I and in 1918 across Canada, Wells gained national prominence. was awarded the C.M.G. Wells was warden of St. Meanwhile, the Province was experiencing serious John's College, Winnipeg, from 1921 to 1934. He was economic problems, especially the collapse of the cod consecrated bishop of Caribou diocese in Kamloops, fishery. Wells argued, unsuccessfully, for joint fed­ British Columbia in September 1934. In World War II eral-provincial management of the fisheries. The fish­ he was Chaplain ofthe Fleet in the Canadian Navy. At eries crisis deepened when in 1992 the federal the end of the War he was the most decorated chaplain government announced a moratorium on the northern in the Commonwealth. From 1946 until 19 51 he was cod fishery. One of the Wells government's more con­ assistant bishop to the bishop of Toronto. Just before troversial and unpopular moves was made in March his death, he gave the story of his life to his daughter, 1991, when, in an effort to reduce the deficit, it re­ and it was published as The Fighting Bishop in 1971. voked wage settlements previously negotiated with G.A. Wells (1971), Canadian Churchman (Apr. 1964), public service unions. Unions, especially the New­ ET (Apr. 13, 1964), TCE (1988), Who's Who in Can­ foundland Association of *Public Employees (NAPE) ada 1951-52, Anglican Church House (G.A. Wells qv, strongly objected to this move. In the election of file). JOHN PARSONS May 1993, NAPE and unions representing teachers WELLS, WILLIAM EDWIN 529

WELLS, HERBERT (1922- ). Author; civil servant. University of Newfoundland; Oxford University. The Born St. John's, son of Alfred and Annie (Hiscock) 1953 Rhodes Scholar for Newfoundland, Wells was Wells. Educated St. John's; Memorial University Col­ admitted to the Bar in England in 1958. Returning to lege. Married Emma Reyno"Ids. Wells served with the Newfoundland he joined the civil service as an econo­ Royal Navy during World War II. He was discharged mist, and later worked for the Justice Department. He on becoming disabled. An observer at the National began legal practice in St. John's in 1962. Convention, and later a reporter for the Sunday Herald, Wells served as president of the Progressive Conser­ he became associated with the Confederate Associa­ vative Association of New­ tion and worked on the referenda campaigns of 1948. foundland in 1964. In 1971 After Confederation he worked in the Premier's office he was defeated in his first for many years, and was subsequently a military histo­ attempt at elective office, rian with the Department of Tourism. but the next year was Wells founded the Newfoundland Naval Association elected MHA for St. John's and was publisher and editor of the Royal Canadian South. Elected in Kilbride Legion magazine Veteran for five years. He also wrote in 1975, he served briefly a weekly veterans' column for the Evening Telegram as Minister of Health, and for almost 30 years, and has written three books on the was later named Minister experiences of Newfoundland servicemen during without portfolio and gov­ World War II: Under the White Ensign (1981), Com­ ernment house leader. rades in Arms, Volume I (1987) and Comrades in Wells resumed the practice Arms, Volume II (1988). For his work on behalf of of law in 1979. From 1977 Justice Robert Wells veterans Wells was awarded the Centennial Medal in to 1981 he was president of the Law Society of New­ 1967, the Royal Canadian Legion's golden anniver­ foundland, and in 1985 became the first Newfound­ sary medal in 1976 and a Jubilee medal in 1977. J.R. lander to be named president of the Canadian Bar Thoms ed. (1969), Herb Wells (1988; interview/letter, Association. Along with other community services, he Feb. 1994), Newfoundland Who s Who Silver Anniver­ has served as chairman of the Janeway Children's sary Edition (1974). JOHN PARSONS Hospital Board (1977-1987) and as chancellor of the Anglican Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland. Made WELLS, KARL (1953- ). Broadcaster. Born Buchans, Queen's Counsel in 1972, he was appointed to the son of Elizabeth (Stockley) and Leonard Wells. Edu­ Supreme Court in 1986. Robert Wells (interview/let­ cated Memorial University of Newfoundland. Wells ter, Mar. 1994), DNLB (1990). JAMES MoORE began working with the Canadian Broadcasting Corpo- ration in 197 5 as a radio actor, and the next year joined WELLS, ROLAND ( 1922-1992). Clergyman. Born the announcing staff full­ Wesleyville, son of Walter and Elizabeth (Wicks) time. He continued to per­ Wells. Educated Wesleyville; Mount Allison Univer­ form in productions such as sity; Dalhousie University. Married Margaret Davis. "CBC Stage" and "Terra After a brief teaching career, Wells was accepted as a Nova Theatre''. Through­ candidate for the United Church ministry in 194 7. He out the 1970s and 1980s served his probationship at Englee and was a student Wells hosted a variety of supply minister during two summers in Alberta and daily current affairs pro­ one in Nova Scotia. Completing his university studies grams on CBC Radio and in 1953, he was ordained and began a five-year pastor­ Television, including 12 ate at Old Perlican. In 1958 he moved to the Brigus­ years as anchor of the late­ Cupids circuit where he served during the remaining night news program 22 years of his active ministry. During this time, and "Newsfinal". In 1979 he after his retirement in 1980, he was active in municipal Karl Wells began working as the politics, being mayor ofBrigus (1973-77) and a long­ weather reporter on ''Here and Now'', and has become time member of the Cupids town council. He served on well known for his entertaining style. In addition to his the Avalon North Integrated School Board for eight work on "Here and Now", in 1993 Wells hosted CBC years, and was an honorary deputy grand chaplain of variety programming such as ''Music from the Loyal Orange Association of Canada. He also held Memorial''. He is also known for the satirical charac­ offices in the Carbonear and Avalon presbyteries, and ters "Pottle of the Constabulary", "The Honourable was president of Conference in 1979-80. He died at Member", "His Worship" and "P. Michael Hynes", Carbonear on March 8, 1992. Roland Wells (letter, Feb. portrayed on CBC broadcasts. Karl Wells (letter, Oct. 1990), Margaret Wells (interview, June 1993), Naboth 30, 1993), Centre for Newfoundland Studies (Karl Winsor (1976), ET (Mar. 9, 1992), Minutes of the New­ Wells). LBM foundland Conference (1979-80). DAVID G. PITT

WELLS, ROBERT (1933- ). Lawyer; politician; supreme WELLS, WILLIAM EDWIN ( 1941- ). Businessman. court justice. Born Badger's Quay, son of Rev. War­ Born Badger's Quay, son of Rev. Warwick and Dorcas wick and Dorcas (Parsons) Wells. Educated Memorial (Parsons) Wells. Educated Corner Brook; Dalhousie 530 WELSH, H. JOHN

University. After obtaining his law degree in 1968 credit for initiating this venture and raising the neces­ Wells began practice with the St. John's firm of Stir­ sary funds is due to the pastor, Rev. George Boyd qv ling, Ryan. Appointed president of the *Fisheries As­ and to Arthur W. Martin, an indefatigable layman who sociation ofNewfoundland and Labrador Ltd. (FANL) served the circuit in several major capacities for nearly qv in 1979, he became President of the Canadian half a century. The small building was first opened as *Saltfish Corporation qv in a sanctuary on October 26, 1884, and by 1887 had been 1983. In 1985 he joined supplanted by a new, substantial building at the top of Fishery Products Interna­ Alexander Street. tional as· executive vice­ Alexander Street Church, though it had its own min­ president. In 1992 Wells ister and functioned as a more-or-less autonomous was named director of the unit, remained part of George Street Circuit until Ocean Production Enhance­ 1905, when it became the centre of an independent ment Network. A member circuit. Instrumental in bringing about the separation of the Fisheries Council of were Rev. W.T. Dunn qv and Rev. Charles Lench qv, Canada from 1987, he was ministers at George Street and Alexander Street its chairman in 1994, and churches respectively, and laymen James Angel, was also a director of the Charles Ayre, Reuben Horwood and Charles Steer qqv. Canadian Centre for Fisher- The new circuit flourished and its congregation grew, Bill Wells ies Innovation. His commu­ so that within a few years the Alexander Street build­ nity service has included several years on the board of ing was inadequate for its purpose. Temporary relief trustees ofthe Waterford Hospital, chairmanship ofthe was provided by the construction of a gallery across St. John's Hospital Council for 13 years and of the the east end of the church, but a more permanent board of trustees of the General Hospital. From 1990 solution was clearly needed. Accordingly, in Septem­ to 1993 he was a member of the Provincial Roundtable ber 1906, the new minister, Rev. Robert Freeman qv, on the Environment and the Economy. W.E. Wells appointed a "Site, Ways, and Means" committee to (interview, Mar. 1994). JAMES MOORE undertake the necessary preliminaries for the building of a new church. The committee quickly secured a site WELSH,H.JOHN (1935- ). Evangelist. Born at the junction of Hamilton Avenue and Patrick Street. Bishop's Falls. Educated Bishop's Falls; Eastern Pen­ Plans for construction were immediately launched. tecostal Bible College, Peterborough, Ontario. Mar­ But an obstacle soon presented itself: George Street ried Fronie Wade. Raised a member of the Salvation Church strenuously opposed the building of a new, Army, Welsh became a Pen­ large church on a site in close proximity to it and on tecostal after claiming to be territory it regarded as part of its own domain. The healed of tuberculosis. dispute that ensued was an acrimonious one and was Leaving college in Ontario, settled only after an arbitration board decided in fa­ he entered the pastoral min­ vour of the Alexander Street circuit. istry of the Pentecostal As­ Work began in the spring of 1907 on a building of semblies of Newfoundland wooden construction, but of imaginative design both in 1958 and was ordained in within and without. Its appointments included a hand­ 1962. Resigning his pastor­ some ornamental window, inscribed to the memory of ate in 1973, he became a Rev. George Boyd. The new church was officially full-time evangelist with opened and dedicated on June 26, 1908 by Rev. Dr. the denomination. He has Albert Carman, General Superintendent of the Meth­ since conducted evangelical odist Church of Canada. At the suggestion of Rev. Rev. John Welsh crusades in Russia, India, Robert Freeman, who had been largely responsible for Africa, Korea, Thailand and the Philippines, among its construction but who died soon after its opening, it other countries. Welsh is the author of God's Call and was named, for the founder of Methodism, Wesley Biblically Speaking. Fronie Welsh (interview, Jan. Church. It still stands as a familiar and attractive ar­ 1994). BURTON K. JANES chitectural ornament of the city's west end. Apart from the usual activities and functions of WESLEY UNITED (FORMERLY METHODIST) most such churches, which at Wesley have always CHURCH. Wesley Church in St. John's originated as been carried on with great vigour and much success­ the successor of Alexander Street Church, itself an its young people's work in particular deserves special offshoot of George Street Church qv. Soon after the mention - its role as a pioneer of radio broadcasting latter became independent of its own forebear, Gower in Newfoundland is singularly noteworthy. Radio sta­ Street Church qv in 1883, its board recognized that tion VOWR (Voice of Wesley Radio) was the brain­ additional accommodation would soon be needed for a child of Rev. Joseph G . Joyce qv, minister at Wesley rapidly expanding congregation. Accordingly, in the Church from 1922 to 1930. Joyce had been a radio following year, the Board purchased a small unused enthusiast from its advent, and early in his ministry schoolhouse on Foote's Lane near the bottom of Alex­ saw its unique possibilities as a vehicle of communi­ ander Street, just west of George Street. Much of the cation in the service of religion. Soon after his arrival WESLEYVILLE 531

at Wesley he began a campaign both to convince his The Reach, subsequently renamed in honour of congregation of the benefits to be derived from a Methodism's founder, John Wesley. The two most church-affiliated broadcasting station and to raise the prosperous Labrador skippers and traders of Swain's funds necessary to acquire one. He succeeded in both Island, Ned Bishop and William Winsor qv, made the objects, and on July 20, 1924 was able to launch Wes­ move in about 1879. By 1885, when the Rev. James ley Radio (originally known as Station 8-WMC). As Lumsden qv was posted there, the community already one of the few churches owning and operating a radio had the reputation of being "a prosperous place, and station in Canada, Wesley thus holds a very special strong Methodistically". Other common family names place in the history of communications in Canada as of The Reach include Carter, Mullett, Sainsbury, well as in the pages of church history. See BROAD­ Stockley and Howse. The Howses moved there from CASTING; GEORGE STREET UNITED (FOR­ the Gooseberry Islands qv, but the other family names MERLY METHODIST) CHURCH. D.W. Johnson have earlier associations with Swain's Islands. To the ([1925]), J.W. Nichols (1915), David G. and Marion north of The Reach the shoreline is low and rocky, Pitt (1984), "Golden Jubilee, Wesley United Church" indented by numerous small coves which would be (DN Oct. 31, 1958). DAVID G. PITT open to the northeast wind were it not for the fact that numerous islands and rocks break the seas well off­ WESLEYANISM. See METHODISM. shore. Appearing in the earliest records as Cold Har­ bour, this area has since been more usually known as WESLEYVILLE (inc. 1945; pop. 1991, 1126). The Coal Harbour or Wesleyville North. Coal Harbour was town of Wesleyville is the major service centre on the settled by a few families as early as the 1850s, but also north side of Bonavista Bay. In January of 1992 the received a major influx of people from Swain's Is­ three municipalities in the area - Newtown qv, lands in the 1870s and 1880s (family names Hill, Stan­ Wesleyville and Badger's Quay-Valleyfield-Pool's Is­ ford and Stockley). Other family names of Coal land qv - were amalgamated to form an expanded Harbour were earlier recorded at two of the most ex­ town of Wesleyville (pop. 1991, 3230). The various posed island settlements just southeast of Cape Freels: parts of the town were settled in the late 1800s by Cape Island (Andrews and White) and Cobblers Island fishermen who moved in to the mainland from the (Roberts and Wilkins). In the 1884 Census The Reach islands of northern Bonavista Bay. This movement was and Coal Harbour were recorded as having a combined related to the expansion of the *Labrador fishery qv, population of 293. Further to the north is Pound Cove for as Captain Abram Kean qv wrote of his move from (listed in 1884 as Punch Cove, with a population of Flowers Island qv: 106). A part of The Town after 1945, Pound Cove was settled for the most part by families from Flowers I could not get fish in a small boat as my father Island (family names Kean, Perry and Sturge) and had done, but had to get a large schooner and go Pinchard's Island qv (Davis, Gill, Hounsell and Nor­ to Labrador as others were doing those days. I ris). To the north of Pound Cove across a stretch of soon found that Flowers Island could not afford bog and barren are Templeman qv (formerly Fox a harbour for a schooner of that size, and moved Cove) and Newtown (Inner Islands)- amalgamated to a place called Norton's Cove, which I after­ with Wesleyville in 1992. Templeman was settled by ward named Brookfield. I moved to Brookfield families from Bennett's Island and Cobblers Island, in 1879, and in a few years every other family while Newtown was settled for the most part by peo­ followed. ple from Pinchard 's Island. As the Bonavista North-Labrador fishery expanded South and west of The Reach lie several larger from about 1840, one of the most prosperous and over­ coves and harbours, beginning with Bennett's Cove crowded island communities was Swain's Islands qv, (appearing on most maps as Wesleyville Harbour and which is considered the "parent" community of also known as the West End or Wesleyville South). Wesleyville. The inner Swain's Islands are only a cou­ While many prominent families of Bennett's Cove ple of hundred yards off the mainland." The mainland came there from Swain's Islands (Bests, Fifields, Mul­ side of Swain's Tickle is the centre of the town of letts, Tillers, Wickses and Winsors), there were also Wesleyville and the area to which the name Wesley families from the two old "fishing capitals" to the Town was first applied. (In an effort to make some south: Pool's Island (Kean and Kelloway) and distinction between the various possible interpreta­ Greenspond qv (Hancock and Oakley). South and west tions of "Wesleyville", this article will refer to again is Brookfield, settled by families from Flowers Wesleyville Centre by its local name, The Reach, to Island (Keans and Sturges) and also by the Black­ the 1945 municipality as The Town and to the 1992 woods from Swain's Island. From this family of noted municipality as The Area.) mariners is descended artist David Blackwood qv, The first settlers at The Reach are said to have much of whose work portrays the. spare and striking moved there from Swain's Islands in the late 1860s, landscape in The Area. Until the 1992 amalgamation and were joined in about 1870 by three Hann brothers the outskirts of Brookfield were the southern bound­ from Cape Freels. A Methodist school/chapel was ary of The Town. begun and soon most of the adherents of that faith on Outside the original boundaries of The Town are Swain's Island had left for the growing community at Hermit Cove (also known as Cross's Cove, now 532 WESLEYVILLE abandoned) and Badger's Quay, with Pool's Islands In 1921 the population of The Town was 1783, and lying offshore. Then there is the long and sheltered there were nearly 4000 people living in The Area. indraft of Valleyfield Harbour. Most of the present However, the Labrador fishery had already begun to inhabitants of Badger's Quay and Valleyfield are de­ decline and by 1935 was just a shadow of its former scended from early settlers of Pool's Island and self. The local inshore fishery was not able to absorb Greenspond, or were resettled from communities the Labradormen, although a salt fish plant was built which once lay on the mainland between these two at Badger's Quay to process inshore catches. The seal islands, such as Safe Harbour and Port Nelson qqv. hunt also declined, and was suspended during World By 1891 the population of The Area was already War II. Meanwhile, much of the wage work that was approaching 2000 people, despite the fact that (with available was in the lumber woods at Indian Bay or the exception of Pool's Island) most of the coast had even further afield. been settled only for about 20 years. Some of the most By 1945 the population of the Town was less than prosperous Labrador skippers had established general 1000 people, but Wesleyville was beginning to re­ fishery supply businesses, such as the Barbours at emerge as a service centre. From the mid-1930s the Newtown, the Winsors and Bishops at The Reach and Commission of Government had increased regional the Keans at Brookfield. By the turn of the century the services at Wesleyville, and in 1944 a cottage hospital experience of Bonavista North sealers under such had been built at Brookfield. Although there was only masters as Alphaeus Barbour, Ned Bishop, William one vessel fishing on the Labrador by the 1950s (from Kean qv and William Winsor gave The Area an unsur­ 70-100 early in the twentieth century), in the 1960s passed reputation "at the ice". When larger steamers longliners came into use and supplied a frozen fish came into use masters from The Area, including cap­ plant at Valleyfield which bought catches from all tains George Barbour, W.C. (Billy) Winsor, Albert over Bonavista North. Wesleyville was connected with Blackwood, Abram Kean and Job Knee qqv, continued the Trans-Canada Highway at Gamba in the late 1950s to dominate the seal hunt. Several of these masters and, as roads were improved, services and business in­ also served in the coastal steamer service, and by the creasingly concentrated at Wesleyville - including a 1920s employment as mariners was second only to the central high school from 1959. After 1972 the Lester Labrador fishery among the residents of Wesleyville. Pearson Regional High School at Wesleyville served the

Aerial view ofSwain's Islands and the Reach, with Coal Harbour to the left WEST BAY, LABRADOR 533

Wesleyville whole Area. In the 1980s a growing interest in The tive officer of the Borough of Poole, speaking to the Area's history of "stalwart men and sturdy ships" (in Newfoundland Society. Several members of the Dor­ the words of local historian Naboth Winsor qv) became set Society were among the 27 West Country people the centrepiece in efforts to attract tourism. Clifford who visited Newfoundland in the summer of 1993 on Andrews (1984), Claude Bishop (MHG 102-B-5-1), a tour organized by their chairman. HARRY A. CuFF John Feltham ( 1986; 1992), Abram Kean (1935), Eric Winsor (MHG 103-C-1-3), Naboth Winsor (1976; 1984; WEST BAY, LABRADOR (pop. 1961, 23). A resettled 1985), Census (1874-1991). RHC fishing community, West Bay was located just south ofFish Cove Point, at the southern entrance to Groswa­ WESSEX SOCIETY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. On the ter Bay. The body of water which is identified on maps inspiration of Otto G. Tucker qv, the Wessex Society of as West Bay is, however, just to the north of the Point Newfoundland was founded on October 25, 1984, at a - and on the north side of the Bay there were also meeting held in Raymond Gushue Hall, Memorial Uni­ several homestead or seasonal fishing stations: from versity. With a lifelong interest in Newfoundland origins west to east, Plant's Bight, Fish Cove and Pottle's in the West Country of England, Tucker felt that the time Cove. It seems likely that some Census and other had come "to form an association to promote under­ records use "West Bay" to refer to all the settlers in standing of Newfoundland's origins in southwest Eng­ the vicinity, while West Bay "proper" was for some land and to encourage close relations between people years merely a summer fishing station for residents of there and people in this province.'' The large assembly North River, Sandwich Bay qv. responded enthusiastically to the proposal, and officers West Bay first appears in the Census in 1901, with a were elected: Hon. A. Brian Peckford, patron; the Rev­ population of 18, rising to 27 ten years later (at which erend Canon George Earle, honorary president; Otto G. time there were also six people recorded at Fish Tucker, president; Cyril F. Poole, vice-president and W. Cove). Most of these people would appear to have Gordon Handcock, secretary-treasurer. The first life been members of the Williams family, who had moved membership was conferred upon Dr. Leslie Harris. The into the area from Tinker Harbour qv in the late 1800s. address, "William Barnes of Old Darzet", was given by As early as 1860 the Pottle family had been known to Cyril F. Poole, Principal of Sir Wilfred Grenfell College. frequent Plant's Bight during the fishing season, with In the decade following its founding the Society has their winter place at Pottle's Bay qv on the north side presented four or five speakers a year to ever-increas­ of Groswater Bay. The other family name associated ing audiences, with Tucker continuing as president. In with West Bay is Mugford, a family which began to 1985 a sister society, the Newfoundland Wessex Soci­ frequent West Bay for the summer fishery and eventu­ ety, was formed in Poole, Dorset, with former mayor ally moved there from John's Point, on Lake Melville. Peter Coles as its first chairman. Tucker attended the By 1951 (pop. 33) West Bay had become a small founding meeting, which was chaired by Mayor Jack year-round community although some people either Brecknell of Poole. Through their newsletter, The wintered at North River or went to other sites in Sand­ Link, members keep in touch with their counterparts in wich Bay or Lake Melville for the salmon fishery. In Newfoundland. Since 1985 several Dorset people 1963 the community was resettled to North River. But have visited the Province, two of them, Alan Perry some people continued to use fishing premises at West (vice-chairman) and Ian Andrews, former chief execu- Bay during the summer months even after North River 534 WESTBAY, PORT AU PORT

notably the West Bay Lumber Co., established in 1920. After 1941 West Bay Lumber employed many of the local men to cut pulpwood nearby for the Comer Brook paper mill. During World War II many residents found work at Harmon Field air base in Stephenville and roads were constructed to link the communit; with Port au Port West and Stephenville - with the result that West Bay and West Bay Centre "ran together" along the main road. Since the closure of Harmon Field in 1966 unemployment has been high and many families have left, some 75 people being resettled from West Bay Centre to Stephenville in the late 1960s. Janet Flynn (MHG 102-B-5-12), Gilbert Higgihs (interviews, May-June 1994), J.R. Smallwood ( 1941 ), Donald Tompkins (interviews, May-June 1994), Carpe Diem: Tempus Fugit (1976), Census Rev. Lester Burry (left) with the Williams family at West Bay (1857-1991). BARRY MOORES was in turn resettled to Cartwright. In the 1990s West Bay has been sporadically used as a summer station of WEST POINT (pop. 1966, 128). A resettled fishing Cartwright, while there were also a few Potties from community, West Point was located at the western Rigolet and "floaters" from insular Newfoundland entrance to La Poile Bay. Settlement was concen­ who fished in the vicinity. A.P Dyke ( 1969), Armin ius trated around a harbour just to the west of the Point, Young (1916), Census (1901-1961), Our Footprints with a few families also living in coves to the west Are Everywhere (1977), Them Days (vol. 6#3, 1981), (Stones Cove, Little La Poile and Cod's Head Cove) Archives (A-7-4/36). RHC and at Indian Harbour to the east. It is likely that these places were first settled in the late 1830s or WEST BAY, PORT AU PORT (pop. 1991, 354). A early 1840s, as Jersey trading firms established La fishing community on the Port au Port Peninsula qv, Poile as an important centre for supplying the south­ West Bay is located along the western shore of a broad west coast fishery. West Point is first noted in church bight of Port au Port Bay, with the population having records and first appears in the Census in 1845, with a been historically concentrated at the mouths of three population of 48 (including the families of William brooks. The northernmost neighbourhood (now aban­ Strickland, John Strickland, Robert Anderson, Thomas doned) was known as Tea Cove qv, with the area Anderson, John Farrell and John Kendall). The popu­ known as West Bay "proper" north of Victor's Brook lation had risen to 102 by 1857 and to 156 by 1869. In and West Bay Centre between Harry's and Victor's 1872 there were 14 families at West Point proper, three brooks. at ·Indian Harbour (Batemans and Hinkses), five at It seems that there were some fishing families living Little La Poile (Stones and Chisletts) and three at at West Bay from the mid-1800s (the 1857 Census Cod's Head Cove (Andersons). Another family name notes 39 inhabitants in Port au Port Bay), but in 1872 associated with West Point is Macdermott, descen­ an observer reported that the area was occupied only dants of Peter J. Macdermott, who emigrated with his by three or four deserted huts. Early settlers would young family to Petites from Jersey in 1888 and was appear to have been the Duffenais family (from nearby later postmaster and game warden at West Point. The Winterhouses qv) and the family of John LePrieur, largest population recorded was in 1884, when there from St. Pierre. In the late 1800s they were joined by were 170 people in total. However, this number was families of French descent from the Bay of Islands, drastically reduced within a few years, as an important who may have moved to West Bay during a decline in merchant house at La Poile went under. Although in the herring fishery, such as the Benoits, Jessos and 1871 there were two local merchants, Philip Brock and Gaudets. Other common family names of West Bay George Strickland, by 1890 the community had to rely include Hynes, Targett, White and Young. on traders at Rose Blanche and Petites. By 1901 there West Bay first appears in the Census in 1891, with a were only 81 people at West Point and a further nine population of 57, and by 1911 there were more than at Indian Harbour. 100 people. The first school was established in 1927 Originally the community was exclusively Church (the community having previously relied on Lourdes of England, but by 1869, with the establishment of a qv for religious and educational services). The popula­ mission at Petites, all but a handful had become con­ tion had increased to 237 by 1935 (102 at West Bay verts to Methodism. Early in the twentieth century a and 135 at West Bay Centre). Most men were engaged number of families were converted to a fundamentalist in the inshore fishery, for cod, lobster and herring. sect, the Christian Organization or Gospel Preachers From the 1940s the community was one of the first (locally known as the Saints or "Go-preachers"), areas in Newfoundland to become involved in the which had 42 adherents among a population of 116 in commercial scallop fishery. There were also several 1921 and remained a factor in the community until it small sawmills on the brooks running into West Bay, was resettled. WEST ST. MODESTE 535

The community largely relied on the cod fishery, this time by four fishermen from St. John's, who sub­ although the lobster fishery also assumed some im­ sequently left the coast. In the first Labrador census portance in the twentieth century; and a number of ( 1856) the community was recorded as having 18 res­ West Point residents supplemented their incomes by idents, in four families. In 1864 a visitor noted only trapping furs, cutting timber and boat building in La two occupied houses, but by 1869 the population was Poile Bay (see NORTH BAY). In the 1950s the 63. It appears, then, that most of the pioneering fami­ change-over from salting to selling catches fresh lies settled in the 1860s. Early family names include proved a major inconvenience for local fishermen, Beals, Bolger, Pike, MacDonald, Fowler (one William who now had to sell their fish at Isle aux Morts. Fowler of Somerset, England settled after his marriage However, pressures to resettle were resisted until to a woman from Carbonear) and O'Dell (the pioneer­ 1969, by which time the lack of school facilities had ing family of nearby Pinware). In 1872 an inventory of become a major concern. Over the next couple of the Straits fisheries noted ten fishing rooms in use on years the inhabitants were resettled to a number of barren St. Modeste Island. Several of these were likely communities on the southwest coast, including Rose owned by fishermen from Carbonear, who returned Blanche, Port aux Basques, Margaree and Burnt Is­ home each winter, while the resident families wintered lands. In 1993 there were several cabins at West Point, either on the adjacent mainland or up the Pinware most maintained by former residents or their descen­ River. The residents, who numbered 97 by 1884, were dants for the lobster and lump fisheries. Stanley able to supplement the summer codfishery with seal­ Macdermott (interview, June 1993), E.R. Seary ing and some salmon fishing in the spring. A majority (1977), Robert Wells (1960), Census (1845-1966), of the early settlers of West St. Modeste were Roman JHA ( 1872), Lovell s Newfoundland Directory ( 1871 ), Catholic, and eventually, through conversion or inter­ McAlpine s Newfoundland Directory (1894 ), Statis­ marriage, most of the remainder also subscribed to tics: Federal-Provincial Resettlement Agreement that religion. There was a Roman Catholic chapel at (1975?), Archives (A-7-1/J; VS 98; VS 101). RHC Pinware from the early 1800s, but there were no resi­ dent Catholic clergy on the coast until the early 1950s, WEST ST. MODESTE (inc. 1975; pop. 1991, 202). A when Father Tessier came to West St. Modeste. The fishing community on the Labrador side of the Strait community became the centre of Catholic religious of Belle Isle, on the southwest side of Pinware Bay. and social life on the Labrador side of the Straits, West St. Modeste has retained the word "west" in its particularly after 195 8 when the Oblate mission of official name, even though East St. Modeste qv on the Our Lady of Labrador was established. In the 1960s opposite side of Pinware Bay (also known as Little St. the building of a new Roman Catholic school and of Modeste) has been abandoned since the mid-1950s. roads connecting communities in the area encouraged Because the two are quite close together and have growth. Between 1956 and 1966 the community virtu­ similar features (both being harbours formed by a ally doubled its population, to 191. Shortly thereafter small island lying just offshore), it is difficult to deter­ there was a further increase, as the people of L'Anse mine which is being referred to in some early docu­ au Diable qv (family names Cabot, Glynn and Mar­ ments pertaining to the Straits fishery. shall) resettled in 1967 after a hard winter during In the 1560s San Mandet or Semedet was a minor which they had not been·able to send their children to Basque whaling station, which would appear to have West St. Modeste for school. With a population that been located to the west of the Pinware River. Grand reached 294 by 1971, the community was able to ob­ (West) St. Modeste appears to have been known to the tain a new community stage and bait depot (and even­ French as a fishing station in the early 1700s, and in tually a small fish plant), with a marine service centre 1716 it was part of a grant given to Pierre Constantin being built at the former site of L'Anse au Diable. qv, who maintained a cod fishery and sealing station However, a general decline in the area's fishery has on St. Modeste (MacDonald's) Island. The station was frequented by the French up until 17 63, when they were excluded from the Labrador fishery. By 1 77 4 West St. Modeste was owned by the Bristol firm of Noble and Pinson, which had their major Labrador premises at Chateau Bay and, after 1800, at L'Anse au Loup qv. Noble and Pinson would appear to have been chiefly interested in West St. Modeste as a sealing post. Unlike neighbouring communities, such as Forteau and L'Anse au Loup, West St. Modeste was never dominated by a merchant-based fishery. In the early 1800s the area was being frequented by increasing numbers of fisher­ men from Newfoundland, particularly from Bell Island and New Chelsea, Trinity Bay. By the mid-1800s Newfoundlanders and English fishing servants had settled several locations in the area. West St. Modeste is said to have been settled at West St. Modeste 536 WESTCOTE, THOMAS

obliged many of the younger people to leave, with a resulting decline in the community's population. P.W. Browne (1909), A.P. Dyke (1969), John Parsons (1970), P.A. Thornton ( 1977), W.H. Whiteley (NQ Dec. 1977), Alluring Labrador (1980), Census ( 1869- 1991), JHA (1873), Obituary on the Labrador Coast Fishery (1992), Statistics: Federal Provincial Reset­ tlement Program (1975?), Them Days (Dec. 1977), Archives (A-7-4/36). RHC

WESTCOTE, THOMAS (/1. 1819-1821). Lawyer. Born England. In response to a request from Governor Charles Hamilton qv, Westcote was sent to Newfound­ land to act as attorney general and held this position at least for the year 1821. Though the 1820s were a period of judicial reform, Westcote played a very minor role in this process. To quote historian D.W. Prowse: "Sir Charles found his advisor very glib at recommending measures in the council, but utterly incapable of de­ fending their legality in the courts; the imported advi­ sor made the last state of affairs worse than the first. .. ''. W estcote was soon sent back to England, but for the rest of his life received a pension from the Newfoundland treasury "for the valuable services he rendered the colony". Rupert Bartlett (1967), D.W. Prowse ( 1895). ACB Aerial view of Western Arm WESTERN ADVENTURERS. In England in the by 1921, and it seems likely that at least some of these 1600s an "adventurer" was a person who undertook people continued to use tilts at Old House Cove for or shared in a commercial enterprise as an investor or winter logging. speculator. The term western adventurer is sometim<;:s In about 1929 the firm of William Dawe & Sons used to refer to shareholders in concerns formed to established a sawmill at Old House Cove, managed by establish colonies in Newfoundland. More commonly, Eliaken Bannister and employing loggers from Bear it refers to investors in the English migratory fishery. Cove and nearby communities, who lived in company In the early 1600s, therefore, both proponents and houses. The community first appears in the Census opponents of colonies in Newfoundland might be in 1935 with a population of 83, predominantly called western adventurers. As early attempts at colo­ members of the Rice family, but including other nization were abandoned, the term western adventurer family names common at Bear Cove, such as Bal­ became synonymous with those operating the West dwin and Gillingham. Dawe's sold Western Arm to Country migratory fishery in Newfoundland waters. Bowater's in the late 1930s, and by 1941 the pulp See also WESTERN CHARTER. Grant Head (1976), and paper company was exporting pitprops and R.G. Lounsbury (1969), DNE (adventurer). ACB pulpwood from Old House Cove, employing as many as 150 loggers in season. After World War II, Western WESTERN ARM, WHITE BAY (pop. 1956, 72). Are­ Arm continued to be the focus of Bowater's pulpwood settled logging community, Western Arm was located at operations in the area, until a forest fire in 1959 de­ Old House Cove, near the bottom of the 6-krn indraft stroyed much commercial timber. Over the next few known as Western (or Hauling) Arm, on the east side of years some families moved to Bear Cove, Westport or White Bay, northeast of Westport qv. Coves at the mouth Hampden (wl}ich Bowater's had developed as the of the Arm were inhabited by fishing families from the major pulpwood depot for White Bay). In 1993 the 1840s, at Bear Cove qv (also known as Hauling Point) on highway to Westport passed quite near Old House the north side, and by 1875 at Wild Cove on the south Cove, where the site of the former lumber camp was side. (Wild Cove, Western Arm, was also known as Wild on occasion used by highways workers or campers. Cove #2 - to distinguish it from Wild Cove, White Bay There was a summer home just to the east of the Cove. qv.) In 1881 it was noted that there were six families at S.B. Cooper (1974 ), Census ( 1874-1956), List of Elec­ Bear Cove and two at Wild Cove, with "no others in any tors (1955), Newfoundland Directory 1936 ( 1936), !'-r­ part" of the Arm (Newfoundland Historical Society). chives (A-7-3/13; VS 94), Newfoundland Histoncal But it appears that the Miles and Jacobs families of Wild Society (Western Arm). RHC Cove had winter houses at Old House Cove and a salmon fishery on Western Ann Brook. Wild Cove appears in the WESTERN BAY (pop. 1991, 444). A fishing conunu­ Census from 1874 (pop. 14) to 1911 (pop. 3). Meanwhile, nity on the North Shore of Conception Bay, Wes ter~ the population ofBear Cove had increased to 150 people Bay is approximately 20 km north-northeast o WESTERN BOATS 537

JHA (1841), Lovell's Newfoundland Directory (1871), Census (1836-1991). ACB

WESTERN BOATS. The western boat fishery was a spring, summer and fall cod fishery concentrated on the grounds around Cape St. Mary's, Cape Pine and outer Placentia Bay. It was prosecuted principally by small, wooden fishing schooners based in inner Pla­ centia Bay. The fishery attracted vessels from both sides of Placentia Bay as well as the Southern Shore, St. Mary's Bay and as far as Fortune Bay, but came to be called the "western" fishery because the grounds were west of St. John's. The distinctive western boat was a schooner-rigged fishing vessel, averaging 22 to 28 tons, carrying three or four dories and fitted with an outside rudder to avoid freezing up during the winter. Old House Cove, Western Arm, in 1993 The term western boat was sometimes used inter­ Carbonear. Though exposed to northeasterlies, the har­ changeably with Cape boat, which was any fishing bour is among the best on the North Shore. Local vessel making voyages to Cape St. Mary's. Cape St. tradition has it that the first settlers were the Kellands Mary's was known to the early European fishermen and Faheys, prior to 1700. Early documents show that as a prime fishing area. In the 1600s the grounds Noah Perry was living in Western Bay in 1760 as was were frequented by both French and English crews. John Cummins in 1770. Other residents prior to 1800 In documents of an enquiry of 1793, mention is made included Michael Dwyer, James McDonald, Maurice of a Newfoundland shallop being enlarged for the Fitzgerald, John Evans and William Loveys; and the western fishery. Head has speculated that this was Rose, Dalton, Crummey and Penney families. the origin of the western boat. In 1805 the early Western Bay was one of the first communities in western boat fishery was described in Colonial Office Newfoundland to embrace the Methodist religion, documents: "The people about St. John's and Concep­ with a church being built at nearby Blackhead in 1769. tion Bay fit out small chaloupes [shallops], carrying In 1811 Rev. Samuel McDowell helped to organize the five or six hands, which they sent to the Banks that lie Western Bay and Ochre Pit Cove congregations and between Cape Race and Cape St. Mary's.... " (C.O. oversaw construction ofa new church in Western Bay. 194/45, cited in Head). A separate Methodist circuit was set up at Western As settlement spread in the mid-1800s, Placentia Bay in 1817, and Rev. John Haigh was stationed there. Bay became the centre of the western boat fishery. At the time of the first Census in 1836 there were 707 This rich fishery in fact encouraged settlement within people in the settlement. Methodists numbered 464, Placentia Bay. Fishermen from inner Placentia Bay while there were 195 Roman Catholics and 48 Episco­ went to Cape St. Mary's in small decked schooners palians (Church of England). By 1865 there were two and in somewhat larger boats which could also go to Protestant schools in the community, one on the north the Grand Banks. By the 1840s fishermen and mer­ side and one on the south. The economy of Western chants from as far as Fortune and Lamaline were buy­ Bay was based on the codfishery, but land was culti­ ing or building schooners from 20 to 30 tons for the vated to a considerable extent. As early as 1869 four Cape St. Mary's fishery. At the turn of the century vessels left Western Bay for the seal fishery. The pop­ there were approximately 60 schooners in inner Pla­ ulation had reached 895 in 1871 and there were two centia Bay, most if not all of which spent part of the merchants, John Crummy and Robert Evans, as well as year in the western fishery. By 1911 there were 86 trader William Penney. The population reached a peak schooners in inner Placentia Bay. The peak of the figure of 1117 in 1884. In that year upwards of 400 western boat fishery came in the 1930s, coinciding people went to the Labrador fishery, which had be­ with a decline in stocks in the inner Bay. The schooner came the mainstay of the local economy. At the turn of fishery was also important on the north-central islands the century, a number of men found work in the Bell of Placentia Bay and was usually prosperous com­ ~stand mines. The population began to fall, especially pared with the inshore fishery. In the 1920s and 1930s, when the large-scale Labrador The banks near Cape St. Mary's and Cape Race fi.shery came to an end. By the early 1960s the commu­ were preferred for fishing before and after the summer ntty had stabilized at fewer than 500 people, even trap season. Vessels anchored on the grounds and set though the population of nearby Bradley's Cove qv trawls. The fish was cleaned and salted on board. ~ad resettled there by 1967. A high school was built Around the middle of June the western boats again left ~r. the area in 1962. Most people belonged to the home ports, this time for the trap season. The average Dlted Church, but since about 1950 some have at­ western boat and crew stayed in the Cape area three to t~~ded the Gospel Hall in the settlement. Roman Cath­ four weeks, taking about 400 qtls of fish. If bait (usu­ ~ lc residents attend services in Northern Bay. Charles ally herring from inner Placentia Bay) was still plenti­ ench (1912), E.R. Seary (1977), C.E. Slade (197-), ful a further trip might be made to the Cape in early 538 WESTERN CHARTER

fall. After the summer fishing season had ended, some The Western Charter, containing clauses coverin& of the larger western boats made the trip to the fall the major points of concern, was issued by order of the fishery in Labrador. Fish taken by the western boats Star Chamber in 1633-34. In cases of murder or other was sold to merchants in Nova Scotia or St. John's, or serious offenses the perpetrators were to be tried itt to outport firms such as Newman and Co. at Burgeo England and, if found guilty, sentenced to death; colo. and Gaultois. The Jersey firm ofFalle and Co. at Burin nizers and migratory fishermen were prohibited froll\ purchased cod from the western side of the bay, while throwing ballast into the harbours, damaging property other merchants in the trade included the Warehams at stealing, rinding trees (except for roofing material} Harbour Buffett and Spencer's Cove and the Cholletts and establishing taverns. The captain of the first ship of Port Elizabeth. to enter a harbour was to become the admiral qv of that The western boat fishery flourished in the 1930s, harbour for the season. But because, with the excep. especially when the Commission of Government ac­ tion of the capital offenses, no penalty clauses were tively encouraged ship building. At the end of World included in the Charter it was almost impossible to War II, however, the distinctive wooden western boat implement. Further, it was not clear whether the admi. virtually disappeared. In 1945, when the Census re­ ral had the authority to enforce these rules or who turns listed western boats separately from other schoo­ would enforce them if the admiral himself was the ners, there were only nine in inner Placentia Bay. The perpetrator. The absence of penalty clauses has never greatest decline in the number of western boats had been explained to the satisfaction of historians; espe­ occurred at Fox Harbour, Long Harbour and Ship Har­ cially since John Guy's laws of 1611, from which bour qqv. In these communities, as in others, numbers many clauses in the Charter were drawn, included the of men left the fishery for regular wage work at the fines for those found guilty of breaking any laws. It is naval base in Argentia. The expansion of the banks possible that the Adventurers wanted a flexible charter fishery from ports in inner Placentia Bay was also a that could be used to affirm their rights, but which factor in the decline of the western fishery. The could not be used against them. Yet, despite its weak­ grounds around Cape St. Mary's continued to be a ness as a legal document the Charter was highly re­ prime fishing area, but factory freezer trawlers and garded by the Adventurers, and future developments other modern vessels replaced the western boat. West­ in law, settlement and the fishery were measured ern boats are celebrated in the well-known song: against it. It codified traditional practices and customs "Take me back to my western boat/ Let me fish off in the migratory fishery. Cape St. Mary's". See CAPE ST. MARY'S; PLA­ The Charter did not change the fortunes of the Ad­ CENTIA BAY. H.C. Brown (1974; 1985), Victor But­ venturers over the following decades, as David ler ( 1980), Grant Head ( 197 6), Harold Innis ( 1940), Kirke's qv activities and civil and foreign wars all DNE (Cape boat; western boat; western fishery), JHA combined to prevent the recovery of the migratory (1842), Census (1901-1945). ACB fishery. In the meantime the Adventurers concluded that the Charter would have to be revised to reflect the WESTERN CHARTER. The Western Adventurers qv changing circumstances in Newfoundland. The one believed firmly in a free fishery -freedom to choose new development which they saw as inconsistent with their harbours, fishing rooms and fishing grounds the traditional fishery was the bye-boat fishery qv, and the freedom to use the forest resources. By the which was competing with them. The Adventurers pre­ latter 1620s they felt their freedoms were being vailed upon the government to prohibit shipowners threatened. Individuals and companies had been from carrying bye-boat keepers to Newfoundland, and granted charters to establish colonies in Newfound­ in 1660-61 Charles II reissued the Western Charter of land. These colonization efforts varied in terms of 1633-34 with the additional clause: "All owners of their success; although, whether they would ever ships trading to Newfoundland [are] forbidden to have been able to displace the migratory adventurers carry any persons not of ships [sic] company or such is questionable. However, in New England coloniza­ as are to plant or do intend to settle there ... " (Prowse). tion had displaced the migratory fishery - as fish­ Thus the transportation of bye-boat keepers was pro· ermen settled and the migratory fishery quickly died hibited, while ships were permitted to carry passen· out. The Western Adventurers to Newfoundland gers intending to settle. feared the same thing would occur to their fishery. The Adventurers continued to experience probleJllS Furthermore, the very fact that colonizers, with few throughout the 1660s, and concluded that settlement or no connections to Newfoundland, could obtain itself was their cause. By this time planters qv could charters to establish colonies there must have upset be found in all the principal harbours, and many Ad· the Adventurers, who by the 1620s were experienc­ venturers thought this interfered with their free fish· ing severe market disruptions. Finally, it was gener­ ery and that further settlement should be prohibited. A ally recognized that the right to continue using the new Charter was issued in 1670-71, whereby planters traditional chaotic system of service on a first-come were prohibited from living within six miles of the basis was destroying the forests, making it increas­ shore, and ships forbidden to carry only passengers· ingly difficult and expensive to build new fishing Furthermore, planters in Newfoundland were prohib" premises every year. Therefore, the Adventurers de­ ited from taking up fishing rooms before the arrival of manded their own charter. the ships from England. Other clauses covered matters WESTERN HEAD 539

uch as the size of crews, tonnage of vessels and date ~f departure. A strong indication that government was oncerned with the effects of the decline in the migra­ ~ory fishery, especially on the number of experienced sailors available for the navy, was reflected in a clause requiring that 20% of each crew be made up of "green" men, i.e. th?s~ with no s~a exp~rience. In addition to restnchons on residency m Newfound­ land, the naval commodore qv in 1671 was instructed to encourage the planters to leave the Island. However, the third Dutch war ( 1672-74) prevented immediate action, and it was not until 1675 that the commodore was in­ structed to implement the anti-settlement policy. When the fleet arrived in Newfoundland in 1675 it was discov­ ered that instead of reducing activities in compliance with the Charter the planters had expanded their opera­ tions. Conflict developed. Fortunately for the planters Western Cove the naval commodore, Sir John Berry qv, felt that the were 30 residents, and the community had three lob­ planters, instead of a liability, were an asset to the migra­ ster factories. There was a school in Glendon's Cove tory fishing fleet; for they protected equipment during and there had been a Roman Catholic chapel on the the winter, prepared lumber, oars and boats, and sold Island since at least 1874. In 1921, seven vessels were their fish to English ships. In his report that fall Berry engaged in the shore fishery, and there were six small blamed the Adventurers for causing the problems in the lobster factories. Western Cove had a population of 29 fish trade, destroying the forests and breaking the vari­ in 1945, largely dependent on the cod, herring and ous rules of the Charter. Berry's report created quite a lobster fisheries. Family names in the mid-1950s were stir in the West Country and the Adventurers began to Bennett, Brown, Gambin and Morris. During the lose government support. The following year, 1676, . 1960s the people of Bar Haven Island began to resettle Commodore Edward Russell took a view similar to that to such centres as Dunville, Marystown and Placentia, of Berry's - as did his successor, William Poole, in and in 1965 only six families were left. Western Cove 1677. The government had become convinced that plant­ was eventually abandoned, except for use as a summer ers were not the problem, and anti-settlement fishing station. Sailing Directions (1931 ), List ofElec­ instructions were cancelled. tors (1955), Census (1876-1966). ACB The Western Charter was used by the Adventurers until the Judicatory Act of 1791, but it became only WESTERN HEAD (pop. 1961, 53). Western Head is one of several sources of law and order. In 1699 the the headland at the northwestern extremity of New Newfoundland Parliamentary Act (sometimes called World Island, Notre Dame Bay. Just to the southwest *King William's Act qv) incorporated certain ele­ lies Western Head Harbour, somewhat sheltered by ments of the Charter, and confirmed the right of fish­ Big Gull Island. This is one of four formerly inhabited ermen to settle. This Act also confirmed the fishing coves that most often collectively went by the name admiral as the legal authority in each harbour. The Wester' Head. appointment of a governor qv in 1729, with authority Offering the closest access to headland cod fishing to select justices and constables from among the plant­ grounds, salmon and herring stocks in the Bay of Ex­ ers and to designate his officers as surrogate justices, ploits and a prime location for netting seals off Big created a parallel system of justice. By the I 780s these Gull Island, Western Head Harbour was probably one parallel systems had created chaos and in 1791 the of the earliest outposts of Twill in gate. (Back Harbour, government was forced to pass the Judicature Act, Twillingate is only about 11 km to the northeast). By replacing all other authority. Keith Matthews (1968), 1787 John Slade qv and Co. of Twillingate were sup­ D.W. Prowse (1895). SHANNON RYAN plying six fishermen at Western Head, probably in­ cluding James Jones. By tradition the first settler, WESTERN COVE, BAR HAVEN ISLAND (pop. 1966, Jones is said to have taken on a young fishing servant ~ 1). A resettled fishing community, Western Cove was in 1808, John Jennings, who eventually married Jones' ocated on the southeast part of Bar Haven Island daughter. Meanwhile, just east of the headland, PI · ' acentta Bay. The cove is entered between James Pearce's Harbour was settled by another Englishman, Point and Western Point. A shingle beach separates James Snow, brought to Newfoundland by Slade. Western Cove from Bar Haven qv harbour, while on By 1836 there were 20 people at Western Head Har­ th~ western shore is Glendon's Cove. bour (the families of Jones, Jennings and John . hough Bar Haven Island was settled by Europeans French), 20 at Pearce's Harbour (the families of Snow, In the early 1800s, Western Cove does not appear two of his sons and Lancelot Mills) and five at Sam's separately in Census returns until 1884, when there Cove (the family of John Snow). Just to the south of ~ere 46 Roman Catholic residents. The next time Western Head Harbour, Sam's Cove was the only one estern Cove appears in the Census, in 1911, there of the coves with either any degree of shelter from a 540 WESTERN STAR

northeast wind or any level land. It was originally pers Co. Ltd. Its many editors have included: Walter used as a winter house and for vegetable gardens by S. March, John A. Barrett, George Webber, William residents of the other two harbours. The gardens at M. Dooley qv, Andrew L. Barrett, Albert Bergeron, Sam's Cove eventually extended some distance in J.G. Blake, J.C. Fitzgerald, Charlotte Burry, F.B. Gill from the shoreline, and a schoolhouse was built there, qv, Elizabeth Smith, Kenneth Pritchard, Calvin M. at a natural meeting-place equidistant from the three Holloway, Marvin Youden and Richard Williams. coves. The people travelled to Twillingate, and later The Western Star has offered the usual features of a Moreton's Harbour, for other services. small city newspaper: world, national and local news; By 1845 the Snow family had left Pearce's Harbour entertainment and television guides and sports news. for nearby Black Island, Exploits Bay qv, and Sam's Historically it has spoken for the interests and devel­ Cove was settled by a family of Rideouts. Although opment of the west coast, particularly in the fishery Western Head had an early reputation as a prime loca­ and forest industries. Usually maintaining a non-parti­ tion for the inshore fishery, a lack of shore space and san stance, the Western Star nonetheless strongly op­ harbours suitable for schooners meant that it did not posed the Bond government's herring fishery policy in grow to have a sizable population or a class of pros­ 1907 and supported the idea of Confederation in 1948. perous planters. Rather, several families left the com­ In 1959 the paper became embroiled in the contro­ munity once they settled upon the building of a versy over the International Woodworkers of America schooner for the Labrador fishery or for coastal trad­ strike against the A.N.D. Company in Grand Falls. ing. Thus, the Snows moved to Black Island Tickle in Managing editor Ed Finn qv supported the upion in the the 1840s and John French moved on to Moreton's pages of the Star against the publisher's policy of Harbour in the 1850s. The Jennings, Mills and Rideout neutrality, and resigned his position. Suzanne Ellison families of Western Head contributed substantially to (1988), Western Star (1993 passim). ILB the settlement of western Notre Dame Bay from the 1860s- particularly at Burlington, Green Bay. WESTON, PETER (? -1773). Planter. Born Poole? There were only 67 people at Western Head by Weston was a descendant (possibly the son) ofWilliam 1884, but by 1901 the population had grown to 130: Weston, one of the magistrates of St. John's in 1732. there were 64 at Western Head Harbour (mostly He was established as a planter in Ferryland by 1751 Joneses); 29 at Pearce's Harbour (Dearings, Gilling­ when he acquired from Mary Acton her interest in hams and Harveys); 27 at Sam's Cove (all Rideouts) what was known as the Roberts plantation, as pay­ and 10 at Trumpet Cove, between Sam's Cove and ment on a debt. Samuel Roberts disputed Weston's Whales Gulch (the families of James Stride and Gid­ claim to the fishing premises and the case was even­ eon Travers). Thereafter the population began to de­ tually taken to the governor, who decided in favour cline, as the increased use of marine engines meant of Weston in 1760. Weston also owned waterfront that Western Head's advantage of access to fishing property in St. John's and was a justice of the peace grounds was no longer paramount. Trumpet Cove and in Ferryland from at least 1754. Weston appears to Pearce's Harbour were abandoned in the 1920s, while have been moderately successful in the fish trade and by the 1950s the population at both Sam's Cove and owned several ocean-going schooners. At his death, Western Head Harbour was elderly. In the early 1960s his widow, Catherine, and two daughters inherited the remaining members of the Jones, Jennings and several houses, fields, gardens, stores, wharves and Rideout families resettled, either to Bridgeport, stages. D.W. Prowse (1895), Maritime History Ar­ Moreton's Harbour or Whales Gulch (Valley Pond qv), chive (Peter Weston). ACB depending upon family connections. In 1994 the dete­ riorating trail to Western Head could be found oppo­ WESTPORT (inc. 1967; pop. 1991, 469). A fishing site the Salvation Army graveyard, on the road and lumbering community, Westport is located on the between Moreton's Harbour and Valley Pond. Ann western side of the Baie Verte Peninsula, approxi­ George (MHG 36-A-1-49), Alonzo Rideout (inter­ mately 40 km southwest of the town ofBaie Verte. The view, Oct. 1992), E.R. Seary (1977), Gerald T. Skanes name Westport was adopted in the early 1900s and (MHG 41-B-1-24), DA (Aug. 1980), List of Electors applies to thr~~1 adjacent coves- from north to south, ( 1 8 8 9; 1 9 61), Lovell s Newfoundland Directory Pound Cove, Wiseman's Cove and Western Cove. (1871), MeA/pines Newfoundland Directory (1894), It would appear that Westport was first settled in the Archives (A-7-2/L; MG 323/1/2; VS 88). RHC 1840s by a fisherman named Thomas Jacobs (1817- 1889), likely after some involvement in a migratory WESTERN STAR. In 1994 the Corner Brook Western fishery to nearby Granby (Big) Island and Hauling Star was one of two daily newspapers in the Province. Point (Bear Cove qv). The next fisherman to settle was Founded on April 4, 1900 as a weekly paper, since one Stephen Hurley, like Jacobs a native of Herring 1954 it has been a daily (with the exception of Sunday). Neck. It is these two family names which have re­ It was first published at Birchy Cove (Curling), but has mained particularly associated with Westport. Other been published in Corner Brook since 1941. Its pub­ family names are familiar throughout White Bay: lishers have included: Walter S. March; A.L. Barrett; Decker, Gale, Gavin, Hewitt, Gillingham and Western Printing and Publishing Co.; Canadian News­ Ricketts. The community first appears in the Census in papers Co., Ltd., and, since 1979, Thomson Newspa- 1857, when there were 32 people recorded at Western WHALEN, HUGH 541

Cove and six at Wiseman's Cove (in later years these were usually enumerated as living at Western Cove). Although Pound Cove was settled by Isaac Jacobs and Mary Ann Hurley shortly after their marriage in 1866, it does not appear in the Census until 1884 (pop. 13), by which time Western Cove had a population of 39. In 1864 Westport was selected as headquarters for the Church of England mission of White Bay, and the first church in the Bay was completed there in 1882. After 1890 the community also served as the post town for White Bay. In winter the mail was brought there over­ land from Coachman's Cove via Baie Verte and Western Arm and thence north to Bear Cove and Seal Cove or across the Bay ice to Jackson's Arm. But the community was the administrative centre for an area which was largely being ignored by government, as White Bay was a part of the French Shore until 1904. By 1911 there Bald Nap Point were still only 86 inhabitants at the three coves. For the 1993). Other families to arrive at about the same time most part they were engaged in the cod fishery, supple­ include the Adeys and Gullifords, like the Reids com­ mented by some lobster and salmon as well as by winter ing to Weybridge from Rant's Harbour, originally for logging, often in nearby Western Arm qv or across the winter woods work. The Gulliford family settled to the Bay at Sops Arm. In 1929 a sawmill was established at east of Foster's Point, at Bald Nap Point. When com­ Western Arm, providing alternate employment to the munities in Random Sound were first recorded sepa­ fishery, and by 1935 there were 156 people. The number rately in the Census, in 1884, there were 54 people at of Westport residents working in the lumberwoods in­ Foster's Point and 12 at Bald Nap. Bald Nap was first creased from the late 1930s, when Bowater's took over included as a part of Foster's Point in 1911, by which the Western Arm operation to supply pulpwood for ex­ time the community had a population of 127. Others to port. Bowater's remained a major employer for the com­ move to the community were largely either from munity even after 1960, when Western Arm was closed Rant's Harbour or from the Southport area. down, although most people worked away from the com­ Historically a Methodist community, Weybridge munity for much of the year. had the Methodist/United Church for the area for more In the early 1960s a road connecting Westport to the than 100 years, from about 1885 until 1989, when a Baie Verte Peninsula highway was completed, with the Central United Church was opened between result that the community began to rely on Baie Verte as Weybridge and Elliot's Cove. In recent years the com­ its regional service centre, while some people found munity has been largely a dormitory community of work in the Baie Verte mines. The 1960s also brought an Clarenville, and there has been an increasing number influx of new settlers, from the resettled communities of of summer homes there as well. W.B. W. Martin ( 1990; Western Arm and Bear Cove (family names Rice, Twyne 1991), E.R. Seary (1977), Census (1884-1991). RHC and Warren). Edward Feild (1860), E.R. Seary (1977), Baie Verte Peninsula Regional Study 1960 (1961 ?), Cen­ WHALEN, HUGH (1925- ). Political scientist. Born sus (1857-1991), Lovell's Newfoundland Directory Bathurst, New Brunswick. Educated University of (1871), Sailing Directions for Newfoundland 1931 New Brunswick; University of Alberta; London (1931), Archives {A-7-2/P; VS 94). RHC School of Economics. Whalen was with the department of political science at Memorial University from its WEYBRIDGE (pop. 1991, 178). A sawmilling and res­ inception in 1967 until his idential community on southwestern Random Island retirement in 1986. He was qv, Weybridge was previously known as Foster's head of the department from Point, Random Sound. The name was changed to 1967 to 1971. Named spe­ Weybridge in 1952 in order to remove confusion with cial assistant to the premier Foster's Point, Smith Sound (near Harcourt). The new in 1972, Whalen was chair­ name is said to have been suggested by a native of a man of the Royal Commis­ place of that name in England, who was a frequent sion on Municipal Govern­ summer visitor to the community. ment (1972-1974). He was Weybridge has very little shelter for fishing vessels chairman of the advisory and is some distance from the better fishing grounds in committee for the Maritime Trinity Bay. It was used for winter woods work for History Project at Memorial many years prior to being settled in the 1860s, and University from 1976 to Hugh Whalen thereafter most residents relied upon the lumberwoods 1980, and from 1981 to as their primary means of gaining a livelihood. By 1982 was chairman of the Offshore Petroleum Finan­ tradition the first settlers were the Reid family (still cial Impact Advisory Council. Centre for Newfound­ the most common family name in the community in land Studies (Hugh Whelan). LBM 542 WHALEN, NORMAN JOSEPH

WHALEN, NORMAN JOSEPH ( 1945- ). Lawyer. During the summer there is a small population that is Born St. John's, son of Maisie (Kelland) and Joseph sighted around the Mingan Islands in the Gulf of St. Whalen. Educated Memorial University of Newfound­ Lawrence. In late winter, blues appear along the ice land; Dalhousie University. Married Linda Sheppard. edge on Newfoundland's west and south coasts, where Whalen was admitted to the Newfoundland bar in they feed on breeding swarms of krill (a small crusta­ 1971. Appointed Queen's Counsel in 1988, in 1994 he cean about 1 em long). They consume 2-4 tons of krill was senior partner in the law firm of Martin, Whalen, a day, which is a daily diet of 3,000,000 calories. Hennebury and Stamp. He is a former president of the Blues sometimes become trapped in coastal ice while Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Associa­ feeding. tion and former vice-president of the Canadian Civil Born after a gestation period of about a year, a baby Liberties Association. Whalen was a founding member blue is 7-8 m long and weighs about 3 tons. It grows of the Epilepsy Association of Newfoundland and La­ at a rate of 200 lbs. per day. The young are weaned brador and has served on the board of directors of St. when about 7 months old, at which time they are 15 m David's Group Home. He was president of the New­ long and weigh 20 tons. Blues are mature when about foundland and Labrador Liberal Association from 23 m long. They are the largest creatures that have 1986 to 1990. In 1991, he was appointed to the board lived on earth. Female blues usually grow larger than of directors of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. males, and can reach lengths of 32.5 m and weigh 150 Norman Whalen (letter, June 1994), Centre for New­ tons. The social structure of these whales is not well­ foundland Studies (Norman Whalen). LBM known. Blue whales may be individually identified by the pattern of mottled pigmentation on their sides, WHALES. There are approximately 80 species of which is generally varying shades of slate-blue. Be­ cetacea, including whales, dolphins, and porpoises. cause of intense whaling pressure, blues are consid­ About 20 species can be found in Newfoundland and ered rare in most locations, and are now protected. Labrador waters. Indeed, these waters are among the Present numbers in Newfoundland and Labrador wa­ best places in the world to see many species. Some of ters are believed to be in the low hundreds. those commonly seen here, such as humpbacks, are FIN WHALES (Balaenoptera physalus). Known in infrequently sighted in other areas. Newfoundland as "finback" and "finner", the fin Whales are air-breathing, warm-blooded animals, whale is common throughout the northwest Atlantic. which bear live young and nurse them on milk. Unlike In Newfoundland and Labrador they can be seen near other mammals, whales have adapted to an exclusive shore and offshore from early spring until late fall. aquatic lifestyle. They tend to be large, with a thick fat They sometimes become entrapped in ice around New­ layer under the skin. Their large size is vital for reduc­ foundland waters. In winter they generally migrate ing heat loss in cold water and also gives them added south as far as Florida. They mate while in warm swimming power. The blubber acts as a food reserve waters. After a gestation period of about a year, the 6 and helps with insulation and buoyancy. By reducing m calf, weighing 2 tons, is born. It nurses for 7 the extent and number of limbs, and by rounding out months, at which time it will be about 11 m long. Fin their contours, whales, like seals, also minimize heat whales are mature at around 10 years of age, and may loss and become more streamlined in the water. grow up to 10-23 m long and weigh 40-50 tons. They Whales can be divided into two categories: baleen calve about once every three years, and may live to be and toothed whales. Baleen whales feed by filtering 100 years old. small bait through modified plates which have hair­ These whales are extremely fast swimmers, with like fringes. When feeding, they swim through water speeds in excess of 20 km per hour. A fin whale tagged containing bait. Grooves in the throat expand so that it in Iceland covered 3,000 km in 10 days. They are can engulf a large amount of water which is then unique among whales in that they are asymmetrically pushed back through the thick mat of baleen. There are coloured: the left side of the head and baleen is dark, five common species of baleen whales in Newfound­ while the right side is white. Fin whales have been land and Labrador waters, including the blue, fin, observed swimming toward their prey (krill and small right, humpback and minke whales. Toothed whales fish), roll onto their right side, pivot in a tight turn and have teeth like terrestrial mammals' and tend to catch then open their mouths. This manoeuvre may allow individual prey. In our waters there are 10 commonly the whale to use the white side of its head to scare and sighted species, but another five have also been concentrate its prey before engulfing it. Little is sighted. The common species include sperm, killer, known about the social organization of these whales. northern bottlenose, long-finned pilot (potheads), be­ They sometimes travel in groups, and are known to luga and narwhal. Dolphin and porpoise species in­ make extremely loud, low-frequency sounds, which clude white-beaked, white-sided, common dolphin may be used for communication. and the harbour porpoise. RIGHT WHALES (Eubalaena glacialis). Whaling ac­ BLUE WHALES (Balaenoptera musculus). Known in tivities have reduced right whales to such critically Newfoundland as "sulphur-bottom" or "the biggest low numbers that their original range is not well­ kind", blue whales are found worldwide, but are most known. In the northwest Atlantic, it is believed to have common in the biologically productive polar waters. been abundant from the Davis Straits to Florida. There WHALES 543

Right Whale Humpback whale ' 'breaching'' are small populations offlceland, in the Bay of Fundy, humpback usually calves about every two years. and off Cape Cod. These areas may have been tradi­ These whales may live for 30 years. Humpbacks feed tional mating and calving grounds, but now contain in northern waters in summer, and migrate south to only remnant populations. Right whales probably mi­ mate and calve in the winter months, during which grate between high-latitude summer feeding grounds time they generally do not feed. When on the breeding and lower-latitude wintering grounds. There have grounds in winter, male humpbacks make long, beau­ been only a couple of sightings of right whales in tiful, complicated vocalizations. These songs proba­ Newfoundland during the past decade. bly have a role in mating rituals. Humpbacks also Right whales are sexually mature at a length of 15 produce a variety of other social vocalizations, which m, but they can reach lengths of 18 m. After a gesta­ are low in frequency and somewhat resemble the tion period of 9-10 months a single calf about 5.5 m sounds of a domestic pig. long is born, usually during winter in a protected, For reasons which are poorly understood, hump­ shallow bay. Weaning occurs when the calf is about a backs engage in a variety of behaviours. They may year old, although it may remain in contact with its breach (leap into the air), or lobtail (strike their flukes mother for 1 or 2 years thereafter. There are descrip­ on the surface of the water); and lie on their sides and tions of play between mothers and calves lasting hours roll, waving their huge white flippers in the air and at a time. Right whales feed by skimming plankton slapping the water. The undersides of the flukes have from the water. During feeding, they swim near the unique patterns of black and white, which make it surface with their mouths open. Water and plankton possible to recognize individual animals. At present, enter the mouth, and as water passes out through the about 1800 humpbacks in the northwest Atlantic have baleen plates, plankton becomes trapped on their in­ been identified in photographs of flukes. Whaling side surface. This species was the "right" whale to quickly depleted the humpbacks, and commercial kill on whaling expeditions: they were slow, could whaling for this species stopped worldwide in 1955. predictably be found in coastal waters, did not sink The present northwest Atlantic population is about when killed, and yielded much oil and baleen. Hunting 3000-4000 animals, but they are still considered an decimated their numbers by the 1700s. They were endangered species. given protection by the International Whaling Com­ MINKE WHALES (Balaenoptera acutorostrata). mission in 193 7. Also known in Newfoundland as "mink whale", HUMPBACK WHALES (Megaptera novaeangliae). "herring hog" and "grampus", minke whales (pro­ Known locally as "hump", "trouble" and nounced MIN-key) are the most common baleen " keporkak", humpbacks occur in all oceans of both whales, and have a worldwide distribution. The world hemispheres. In the northwest Atlantic, they are population is estimated to be about 200,000 animals. found off the West Indies in winter and near Ber­ Minke whales summer northward from Cape Cod, and muda in spring. Most start returning to Newfound­ are first seen inshore around Newfoundland and La­ land in April. In summer, sightings are common near brador in April. They remain here until late October, the shores of the Avalon Peninsula and along the when most animals begin to move south as far as northeast coast, especially from June to August. In Florida. Minkes reach sexual maturity when about 7 the fall, usually by late October, most humpbacks years old and 7 m in length. Mature animals can weigh have moved offshore and headed south. Born in the 6-8 tons. After a gestation period of 10-11 months, a Caribbean, a humpback calf is about 5 m long and calf weighing 1000 lbs. is born, and suckles for 6 weighs 2 tons. When weaned about 11 months later months. These whales may reproduce as frequently as it is 8-9 m long. It is sexually mature at a length of every 18 months, faster than all other baleen whales. 11 m and a weight of 30-40 tons. A mature female They may live as long as 50 years. 544 WHALES

generally larger than females, and can be up to 10 m long and weigh 8 tons, while females do not exceed 8.5 m in length. Males have a tall, straight dorsal fin, while the female's is smaller and hooked. The basic social unit appears to be an extended family consisting mainly of related females, with about 20 percent males. Such groups remain together for life. Vocaliza­ tions consist of a wide variety of whistles, and there is evidence that different groups are recognizable by their unique "dialects". Killer whales feed on fish, squid, seabirds, and other marine mammals. They are known to hunt cooperatively, in a manner reminiscent of wolves on land. Each day they eat about 4% of their body weight. Killer whales are featured in many leg­ ends, and are prime attractions in some marine parks. Although great ferocity is often attributed to them, Minke whale there is little evidence that they pose a special threat Minke whales are currently the species most subject to to humans. whaling worldwide, but there has been no whaling in PILOT WHALES (Globicephala melaena). Com­ Canada since 1972. Minkes are not known to be endan­ monly known as "potheads" or "blackfish", pilot gered. Studies of the social organization of minkes is whales are one of the most common inshore species in just beginning. Some individual animals can be identi­ Newfoundland, especially when squid, their primary fied by photographs. In some areas, minkes maintain food, are plentiful. They can be seen as early as May exclusive ranges for a substantial part of the summer and stay inshore as late as October. In winter, they are season, and this behaviour is believed to be unique thought to range from the Grand Banks to North Car­ among baleen whales. Vocalizations have been recorded, olina. There may have once been as many as 50,000 and are generally low-frequency grunts or higher-fre­ pilot whales in Newfoundland waters. Whaling for quency pulsed sounds. Minkes have a reputation as this species in Newfoundland was done by driving being "curious" about boats and fishing gear. But they groups of animals ashore. In one year in the mid- may also be using man as a fishing aid. In the summer of 1950s about 10,000 were killed. Whaling was discon­ 1978, Norm Keilly of St. Mary's watched as a minke tinued in 1972 because of decimated local stocks and whale repeatedly made trips to a herring net he had just poor markets for the meat, which was typically sold to cleaned. After a dozen or so trips in a half hour, the net fur farms. sank. Fearing that the whale had damaged it, Keilly Female pilot whales mature at 6 years of age and a hauled it in. To his astonishment, he picked 4800 lbs. of length of about 3.5 m, while males mature when 12 herring from the net. The whale had probably been driv­ years old and 5 m in length. Mature adult males can ing fish towards the net and used it as a trap to help it weigh as much as 3 tons. At birth, calves weigh catch the fish. Minkes have a rather varied diet including slightly over 200 lbs. They are born after a pregnancy planktonic crustaceans as well as herring, capelin, mack­ of 16 months, and are weaned at around 20 months of erel and probably squid. age. Pilot whales have strong social cohesiveness; it is KILLER WHALES (Orcinus orca). Also known as rare to see just an individual. Even when being driven orca and "blackfish", killer whales are found in all ashore by whalers, they stay together. Groups typi­ oceans, but are never abundant. Sightings in the north­ cally contain animals of both sexes and many different west Atlantic have been reported from the ice edge to the Caribbean. Killer whales seem to prefer coastal areas and can sometimes be seen in bays. Movements in the northwest Atlantic are poorly understood, but probably correspond with those of their prey. Sight­ ings in Newfoundland and Labrador waters are most frequent in summer, but they are known to be present year-round. By photographing the greyish "saddle patch" behind the dorsal fin, individual whales can be recognized. On the west coast of Canada, a catalogue of such photos has allowed scientists to study groups of killer whales for years, but little work has been done in Newfoundland waters. Killer whales may live for up to 35 years. At the end of a year-long pregnancy, a 3 m calf weighing 400 lbs. is born, and is nursed for one year. Males reach matu­ rity at a length of 6 m, and females at 5. Males are Pilot (pothead) whale WHALES 545 ages. The males may compete for breeding privileges, Greenland. Northern migration occurs in spring into forming a hierarchy that excludes smaller males. Baffin Bay. Because they are a migratory, deep-water Large assemblages may also be composed of smaller, species, narwhals are hard to count, but it is estimated close-knit groups which are stable over time. that there may be as many as 20,000 to 30,000. There is Pilot whales are one of the noisiest in Newfound­ a narwhal hunt in Canadian waters by the Inuit, centred land waters. Their group structure requires social primarily on north Baffin Island. Including the annual communication, and they orient to prey objects by catch in West Greenland, 500 to 600 animals per year echolocation. Vocalizations include a wide variety of may be killed. The animals are used for muktuk, and the whistles and clicks. Occasionally, groups of pilot tusks sell for $75-$100 per kilogram. whales slowly swim ashore and beach themselves. Female narwhals are sexually mature at about 5 Such mass strandings are a natural phenomenon and years, males at 8 to 9 years. Breeding occurs in April have been observed throughout history. The reasons and gestation lasts almost 15 months. Calves weighing for strandings are not understood. One possibility is about 180 lbs. are born in July, and lactation lasts for that some or all of the animals in the group are sick, or 18 to 20 months. An average adult male is about 4.7 m have parasites that affect their navigational system. In long and weighs 1.8 tons, while females are generally many cases, strandings occur at gently sloping, sandy smaller. The tusk, which is a front tooth growing beaches, which may distort the whales' sonar, making through the lip in a spiral, is usually found only on it difficult for them to determine direction or depth. male narwhals. It is probably used in inter-male com­ Some scientists have suggested that mass strandings petition, and serves to attract females. Other uses have occur at sites where there are unusual magnetic fields. also been suggested, including capture of prey, open­ The presence of bait very close to shore may also be a ing holes in the ice, digging in bottom mud for food, factor. It is likely that several factors contribute to the as a cooling mechanism, and as a defensive weapon. strandings. None of these other theories, however, can explain why usually only the males have tusks. Narwhals use BELUGAS (Delphinapter /eucas). Also known as a variety of vocalizations to maintain social organiza­ "white whales" or "sea canaries", belugas are found tion and to orient to objects. Echolocation clicks, whis­ in shallow arctic and subarctic waters and frequently tles, and several lower-frequency sounds have been in rivers and estuaries. At least five separate popula­ recorded. Narwhals are probably polygamous, one male tions are thought to inhabit the Canadian Arctic, and breeding with several females during a season. Food maximum estimates of numbers are 24,000-28,000. consists of squid, crabs, shrimp and fish, but it most Belugas live throughout the year in the St. Lawrence commonly seems to eat Arctic cod and flatfish. River. Sightings are more common in Labrador than around the island of Newfoundland. Belugas are pres­ WHITE-BEAKED DOLPHINS (Lagenorhynchus al­ ently hunted in Canada's Arctic, approximately 400- birostris). The Newfoundland names "squidhound" 600 being killed annually. Muktuk (the skin and thin and "jumper" are sometimes applied both to white­ layer of blubber) is the most prized part of the animal beaked dolphins and white-sided dolphins. Generally, although the meat is also eaten. white-beaked dolphins have a more northerly distribu­ Sexual maturity is attained between 6 to 10 years of tion than the white-sided, although their ranges over­ age. Males average 4.5 m and weigh up to 1400 lbs., lap. White-beaked dolphins are especially common in while females are smaller. Conception occurs in early Labrador waters during summer. Because of ice en­ May, and after a gestation period of almost 15 months trapments, it is known that some winter in the Gulf of a 100 lb. calf is born. Nursing may continue for over a St. Lawrence and on the northeast coast. There are few year. Females become pregnant about every 3 years. reliable estimates of numbers, but a count in 1982 off Belugas may live for 20-30 years. They feed along the Labrador estimated about 3000 animals in that area. A bottom of shallow waters, diving up to 40 m to find few white-beaks are accidentally caught in fishing food, which includes about 50 lbs. of crabs, shrimp, nets, and there is a small inshore hunt for them in parts clams, squid and other fish per day. Vocalizations by of Labrador and northern Newfoundland. belugas are frequent and complex in keeping with Little is known about the biology of this dolphin, their active social lives, their frequent whistles earn­ and what is known has come largely from ice entrap­ ing them the name "sea canary". They also produce ments. On several occasions, groups of animals have click sounds used in echolocation, bell-like sounds been forced inshore and stranded by pack ice. In 1983, and loud jaw-claps. Social organization consists of heavy ice on the northeast coast entrapped a total of small groups which may be either harem or all-male 400 animals in separate areas, and about 20% of these groups. During the breeding season and migrations the died. White-beaks apparently spend winters offshore smaller groups merge. near ice, and have evolved senses and abilities to cope NARWHALS (Monodon monoceros). The "unicorn with it. The large schools sometimes reported are whale" or narwhal is common in the eastern Canadian probably composed of several more compact social Arctic and off Greenland. Sightings in Labrador are groups of 5-25 animals. These smaller groups are uncommon, and around the Island are even more rare. more commonly seen inshore from June to November. In winter, narwhals migrate to the south edge of pack Groups may be composed of animals of differing ages; ice in Davis Strait as well as to Disco Bay off West and some contain only young animals, while others 546 WHALES GULCH are composed of adults and their offspring. Calves become pregnant again the following year. Although weighing about 80 lbs. are born after a gestation pe­ commonly seen, little is known about the habits of riod of 10 months. White-beaks eat mainly squid, her­ harbour porpoises. They are known to feed on school­ ring, capelin and cod. ing and bottom fish, including mackerel, herring and cod. They eat approximately 9 to 11 lbs. of food per day. Katous eta/ (1993), Jon Lien (1985). JoN LIEN

WHALES GULCH. See VALLEY POND.

WHALING. Commercial whaling began in North America during the second quarter of the sixteenth century, when the Basques qv established seasonal stations on the Labrador coast from which to hunt Bowhead and Black Right whales from open boats with hand thrown harpoons. Although the origins of these whaling operations are uncertain, an industry which was to last for almost 100 years had been firmly estab­ lished on the south coast of Labrador by the early 1540s. Early English and French sources provide some indication of the nature and scale of this first foreign­ dominated Labrador whale fishery. In 1578 Anthonie Harbour porpoise Parkhurst qv wrote: "I am informed that there are above 100. saile of Spaniards that come to take cod... ATLANTIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHINS (Lageno­ besides 20. or 30. more than come from Biskaie to kill rhynchus acutus). These animals can be seen through­ Whale for Traine [oil]". Similarly, Richard Whitbourne out Newfoundland waters, although they are primarily qv wrote (in about 1589 after 40 years experience in the found between the Gulf Stream and the Labrador Cur­ Newfoundland fisheries) that on his first voyage "wee rent. They are occasionally caught in fishing gear. were bound to the Grand Bay (which lieth on the North­ Mature animals of both sexes average about 2.4 m side of that Land) purposing there to trade then with the long, and reach a maximum of 3 m. Weight ranges Savage people .. . and to kill Whales, and to make Traine from 420 to 550 lbs. Calves weighing 75 lbs. are Oyle, as the Biscaines doe There yeerely in great usually born in April or May, after a gestation period abundance" (cited in Purchas). of 10 months. They may suckle for up to 18 months, The industry expanded significantly during the 1560s and reach maturity at about 4 to 6 years for males and and 1570s, when more than 20 ships operated annually 5 to 8 years for females. Both sexes are about 2 m long from at least half a dozen harbours along the north shore at maturity. of the Strait of Belle Isle, and in strategic proximity to White-sided dolphins eat mainly fish, including her­ the migration routes of the target species. The subse­ ring and squid. The common Newfoundland name quent decline of the industry was influenced by the re­ "jumper" refers to its tendency to leap from the water. duction of stocks by possible overhunting and migration The names "squidhound" and "jumper" seem to be changes, the development of a more lucrative whale interchangeable with white-beaked dolphins in differ­ fishery at Spitsbergen, growing competition from Dutch ent parts of the Province. The social organization of and English whalers, and domestic strife in Spain. By this species is not well-known. Groups are composed the early 1580s, the overseas Basque whale fishery had of both males and females. Some assemblages may virtually ended, although records exist of individual contain only young animals while others are com­ Basque voyages being fitted out simultaneously to pros­ posed of mature dolphins and females with young. ecute the Labrador whale and cod fisheries as late as the HARBOUR PORPOISES (Phocoena phocoena). Har­ summer of 1632. bour porpoises (also known as "puffing pigs" or The western North Atlantic stock of Black Right "puffins") are common in the cooler waters of the whales, although reduced in size by the Basques, contin­ north Atlantic and Pacific. They are most commonly ued to support small-scale native fisheries along the seen near shore in the summer months, but ice entrap­ eastern seaboard ofthe United States, in the Gulf of St. ments in winter have also occurred. There may be a Lawrence and perhaps even along the Labrador coast southerly and offshore movement in winter. These north to Hudson Bay and Davis Strait. French entre­ porpoises are frequently caught in inshore fishing gear preneurs subsequently combined whaling, cod fishing, in Newfoundland and Labrador waters. Although and trading in the areas vacated by the Basques. They, small, harbour porpoises are heavy (90-200 lbs.). Fe­ in turn, were replaced by New Englanders during the males are mature and able to breed as early as 14 eighteenth century, and as one American historian months, though more typically at 2-3 years. Males commented: "In 1761 the fishery of the Gulf of St. reach maturity in their third year, when about 1.2 m Lawrence and the Straits of Belleisle was opened to long. After gestation of 10-11 months, an 11 lb. calf is our whalemen, and they speedily availed themselves born, and will suckle for 8 months. Females usually of its wealth. This was the legitimate result of the WHALING 547

Inuit whale hunters at Hebron conquest of Canada and the cession of territory made There is additional evidence that some of the larger by France to England at the conclusion of the war, a nineteenth century merchant houses were also active result which the colonists had labored hard and spent in small-scale commercial whaling. Encouraged by lives and treasures unstintedly to attain" (Starbuck). the enactment of whaling legislation in 1840 which Whales were not pursued in the coastal waters off offered a £200 bounty to each of the first three vessels insular Newfoundland on any large scale, however, landing not less than ten tons of whale oil (or 15 tons until New England vessels arrived in the late 1730s. of blubber) before the tenth day ofNovember, two St. Twelve American vessels, each with a 15-man crew, John's companies, C.F. Bennett and Job Brothers, op­ whaled in Hermitage Bay, Bay d'Espoir and Fortune erated small whaling vessels along the south coast of Bay between 1796 and 1799 as part of an industry the Island between 1841 and 1844. This local attempt which continued until 1807. Thereafter, American to initiate commercial whaling produced only limited whalers visited Newfoundland on an occasional basis, results, and did little to encourage further growth of often while en route to the more northerly hunting the industry. A whaling company, however, was subse­ grounds in Davis Strait and Baffin Bay. quently established by Peter LeMessurier at Gaultois, Although the growing eighteenth and early nine­ and later operated by Newman and Company. At the teenth century resident population of Newfound­ height of this operation in the late 1870s, 40 to 50 land depended primarily upon the cod and seal whales were captured annually. Again, this small in­ fisheries, whale carcasses washed ashore or dustry could not be sustained, and by the end of the chanced upon at sea were rich prizes for individual century Newman's was no longer engaged in whaling. settlers for their oil, baleen and meat. For example, Facilities and equipment at Gaultois were put up for James and John Rourke of Mall Bay sold a carcass sale, including "two whale boats and appurtenances, to M. Tobin of St. Mary's in 1897, who then had it all in good order and ready for immediate use," as rendered into oil. The whale had been found "dead well as "Trying-out Houses" on Whale Island (Eve­ between Crapaud Point and [Cape] St. Mary's ning Herald Jan. 5, 1899). Bank" (Evening Herald: July 9, 1897). Local fisher­ It is therefore clear that some Newfoundlanders men also sometimes became involved in small­ were engaged in small-scale seasonal inshore whaling scale, opportunistic whaling. The schooner United during the late nineteenth century. Their limited whal­ Brothers, for instance, arrived in St. John's on May ing activity, in turn, was fostered by two Scottish 18, 1895 with 450 cwt. of blubber and three casks sealing and whaling companies, Alexander Stephen of oil produced from five whales taken that spring and Sons and the Dundee Seal and Whale Fishing by the residents of Little Codroy River. On April Company, involved in the Newfoundland seal fishery 14, 1897, another vessel, the Conquest, arrived at between 1874 and 1900. They sometimes used New­ St. John's with four casks of oil from a whale cap­ foundlanders on whaling voyages to the Davis Strait tured in Placentia Bay. Messrs. Doyle, Lee and Con­ . and Baffin Bay hunting grounds, and their St. John's nors of Harbour Grace, fishing at Long Island factories often processed those occasional carcasses Tickle, Labrador, also "secured a splendid whale, obtained by indigenous "whalers". and from all that could be learned from residents of These relatively small-scale traditional whaling the locality the bone and oil would net them a hand­ operations were superseded and dramatically en­ some sum'' (Evening Herald Sept. 9, 1892). hanced following the results of experiments in 548 WHALING

Norway. Svend Foyn introduced fast steam-pow­ ued success resulted in further investor interest and ered catchers fitted with grenade-firing harpoon industrial expansion, such that between July 1902 and guns, a new hunting technology which allowed December 1903 the Newfoundland government re­ for the exploitation of heretofore ignored fast­ ceived 45 applications to construct new stations or swimming species such as Blue and Fin whales. renew existing licenses under the provisions of the Subsequent overhunting off Finmark caused 1902 Whaling Act. The total annual catch increased Norwegian whaling entrepreneurs to look else­ rapidly as some $550,000 of private capital was in­ where for unexploited stocks. As a result they vested in the new enterprise. Modern shore-station constructed whaling stations in Iceland in 1883, whaling reached its peak in Newfoundland and Labra­ and in the Faeroes in 1894, prior to arriving in dor in 1904, when 10 vessels operating from 14 facto­ Newfoundland. ries captured 1275 whales - producing 1,492,456 The modern era of commercial shore-station whal­ gallons of oil, 2903 tons of whale bone and 3511 tons ing began in Newfoundland and Labrador following of guano. All the companies were funded entirely by the arrival in July 1887 of a Norwegian fisheries in­ local capital, except for the Cabot Steam Whaling Co. spector, Adolph Nielsen qv, on a visit to examine the Ltd. and the Atlantic Whaling and Manufacturing Co., local cod and lobster fisheries for his government. owned by the Ellefsen family of Stokke, Norway, and Nielsen returned to Newfoundland the following year operated at Aquaforte between 1902 and 1908. to become the first superintendent of the recently es­ Local stocks could not sustain this level of exploita­ tablished Newfoundland Fisheries Commission (reor­ tion, and the 1902 Whaling Act did not contain any ganized in 1893 as the Department of Fisheries). He provisions to limit catches or prohibit the killing of subsequently became a close friend of the Harveys, an females. Therefore, despite the construction of four important St. John's merchant family. His knowledge new stations (Hawke's Bay and Lark Harbour on the of Foyn's technology and Finmark whaling, and his French Shore; Hawke Harbour, Labrador qv and Har­ close contact with Norwegian whaling investors, con­ bour Grace) and the addition of five catchers in 1905, vinced the Harveys that they also could make substan­ the total catch declined by more than 30%, to 892 tial profits from exploitation of local whale stocks whales. The reduced catch was "a very large defi­ through a Newfoundland-Norwegian joint venture ciency, and demonstrates the great scarcity during the company. The Cabot Steam Whaling Co. Ltd. was past year" (Department of Fisheries, 1905). An indi­ incorporated on Dec. 29, 1896 and killed its first cation of just how few whales remained was provided whale in June of 1898. The company initially earned in an Evening Herald editorial of June 18, 1906 which, large profits and continued hunting until 1916 to sup­ in commenting on the small numbers which had been ply stations at Snook's Arm qv and Balaena. The for­ sighted in early June, noted that it "is regarded as the mer was the first modern shore whaling station built in best week of the year for whaling, and its utter failure North America. shows better than anything else the collapse of the The initial success of the Cabot Steam Whaling Co. industry." Further catch declines led to a gradual clos­ induced other Newfoundlanders to invest in the New­ ing down of stations and sale of catchers, which con­ foundland Steam Whaling Co. Ltd., which from 1900 tinued until the industry ceased temporarily at the end operated at Reuben's Cove and Rose-au-Rue. Contin- ofthe 1916 season.

Shore-station at Balaena WHALING 549

This decline of modern shore-station whaling in ton. By 1925, Anonsen was harvesting whales off the Newfoundland and Labrador had a significant impact north and south coasts from two of the older stations, on the development and operation of a comparable Hawke Harbour on the southern coast of Labrador and industry in British Columbia. Of primary importance Rose-au-Rue in Placentia Bay. Whale oil exports in was the presence of Dr. Ludwig Rissmuller in New­ 1927-28 were the most lucrative since the peak years foundland, and his subsequent decision to relocate to of whaling in 1903-05. Catches again declined after Victoria in 1905 to become an active partner in the 1928, and profits were also significantly affected by newly established Pacific Whaling Co. Ltd. This Ger­ lowered whale oil prices and reduced demand due to man-American entrepreneur had developed and pat­ global oversupply and the increased availability of ented equipment and procedures in Newfoundland vegetable oils. which permitted both whole carcass utilization, and Following the lead of the Newfoundland Whaling the production of bonemeal (or "guano"), exported Co. Ltd., Svend Foynd Bruun and Anton von der Lippe and sold locally for fertilizer. The adoption of a mod­ of Tensberg, Norway, went into partnership with ified version of the 1902 Whaling Act by the Govern­ Job Brothers of St. John' s in late 1926 to incorpo­ ment of Canada in 1904 also required the transfer of rate the British Norwegian Whaling Co. Ltd. Instead this technology to British Columbia. Rissmuller was of reopening one of the older factories, a new plant able to use connections established in Newfoundland equipped with machinery purchased in 1927-28 during ownership of the St. Lawrence Whaling Co. from a Bruun station at Algeciras, Spain, was con­ Ltd. and siting of guano factories adjacent to other structed at Watering Cove, Big Grady Island, Labra­ whaling stations to recruit managers and skilled work­ dor, in order to take advantage of the more ers for the new industry. These men and their families successful northern whaling grounds. The Grady fac­ moved to British Columbia, and had a lasting and tory was located in a "poor harbour, the wharf having important impact on the development and continua­ to be constructed distant from the plant and connected tion of the Canadian west coast whaling industry. by a railway" and thus had only limited success (Ser­ Rissmuller's two Newfoundland catchers, the St. Law­ geant). Both companies ceased operations during rence and Sebastian, were also taken to British Co­ 1931-32 as a result of global oil oversupply, reduced lumbia for long and distinguished careers. demand and low prices. Despite two unsuccessful attempts at revitalizing Despite concerns that North Atlantic whale stocks the local industry in 1918 and 1919, Newfoundland had been reduced to levels where "in twenty years it and Labrador shore station whaling languished until may well be that commercial whaling on any large 1923 when a Norwegian whaling master, Captain scale will be at an end" (ET Apr. 21, 1934), the New­ Amund Anonsen, formed the Newfoundland Whaling foundland Whaling Co. Ltd. was restructured in 1933, Co. Ltd. with Newfoundland and Norwegian share and resumed hunting the following year from Hawke capital. Seventy-one whales were captured by two Harbour and Rose-au-Rue. Beset by limited resources catchers operating from a reopened station at Beaver- and marginal success, the company formed an alliance

~· .,a· with the major global whaling enterprise, Christian • NEWFOUNDLAND and LABRADOR Salvesen and Co. Ltd. of Leith, Scotland. Salvesen A-._, WHALING STATIONS -~ 1898 ·• 1972 recognized the potential of using the Newfoundland . and Labrador stations, and agreed to provide capital, a transport vessel and catchers. In return, they acquired majority shareholder control. A new Salvesen subsidiary, the Polar Whaling Co. ATLANTIC Ltd., was set up to carry out the company's Newfound­ LABRADOR OCEAN land operations, and began whaling in 1937. Before the season came to a close 483 whales were taken, "one ofthe best [records] in the history of whaling in this country" (ET Oct. 26, 193 7). Another oil market collapse, and internal disagreements between Salvesen and Anonsen as to the management of the Newfoundland and Labrador operation, brought the industry to another halt in 1938. The Polar Whaling Co. Ltd. subsequently obtained direct management control of the local industry, and implemented it through their Newfoundland representatives, A.H. Murray and Co. Ltd. of St. John's. Hunting resumed on a reduced scale in 1939, how­ ever, and Salvesen activities in Newfoundland and Labrador were further diminished in 1940 when the Ministry of Shipping in London requisitioned for war duty those Polar Whaling Co. Ltd. catchers considered suitable for use in the coastal defence of Britain. 550 WHALING

Despite the loss of their most efficient vessels, the company conducted limited whaling from Hawke Har­ NEWFOUNDLAND WHAUNG CATCH bour in 1940, but then ceased operations until 1943. ,'""..., 1898 • 1972 The Rose-au-Rue station, meanwhile, was purchased IJW by a new company, Marine Oils Ltd., and processed a 1200 small number of whales captured in Placentia Bay IUD during 1941-42. I(XXJ "" Improved whaling prospects off Labrador, and a "" specific request from the Ministry of Food for 700 000 Salvesen to resume hunting in that region, motivated "" the Polar Whaling Co. Ltd. to transfer catchers then ..., JW operating in South Georgia to Hawke Harbour. More 200 than a decade of reduced whaling had probably en­ '"' abled local stocks to recover, and whales now ap­ peared abundant. In the latter half of the 1940s, Newfoundland and Labrador shore-station whaling thus enjoyed a marked revival. Increased postwar de­ mand for whale products, a series of poor oleaginous company entered into a supply agreement with the seed harvests, and a consequent rise in oil prices, Newfoundland Fur Farmers Cooperative, a consor­ attracted further attention from local investors. New tium of local mink ranchers. Subsequent increased stations were therefore opened at Williamsport qv in hunting pressure on those Pothead stocks which sea­ 1945 and at Dildo qv two years later. sonally frequented Trinity and Bonavista bays, and Local whale stocks, however, had in fact not recov­ which previously had supported traditional whale ered sufficiently to sustain this level of activity, and "drives", made it necessary for the Newfoundland by the early 1950s the industry was once again in government to offer incentives encouraging "small decline. Salvesen severed all ties with Newfoundland whaling operations in deep waters ... as a means of and Labrador shore-station whaling in 1956, and at­ locating a permanent food supply for the mink tempts by others to continue the trade were further ranchers" (ET Apr. 20, 1955). Minke whale catches, discouraged by another significantly reduced global however, were not able to offset the growing scarcity demand for whale oil, primarily due to declining mar­ of Potheads, and by the mid-1960s fur ranchers had to garine consumption. Other contributing factors included import whale meat for resale at 12 cents per pound increased production of cheaper vegetable oils, and the (compared to 4-6 cents/lb. for the local catch). New­ international protection of the high oil-yielding Blue foundland mink farming, so dependent on the whaling whale in 1952. There was also increased criticism of industry, therefore also declined. The final resurgence the negative impact the whaling industry was having of Newfoundland and Labrador commercial whaling on regional cod fisheries. Local shore-station whaling began in 1966 when Arctic Fishery Products Co. Ltd. thus entered a prolonged period of inactivity. began using the Dildo factory to process meat for Limited attempts to resume large-scale whaling dur­ human consumption in Japan. The company used the ing the 1950s and early 1960s were linked closely with catchers Ky o Maru 17, recently transferred from Brit­ fur farming and the catching of small whale species. ish Columbia, and Westwhale 8, purchased from Brit­ The Arctic Fishery Products Co. Ltd. plant at Dildo ish Columbia Packers in 1968. The Japanese became was built primarily to process Pothead and Minke directly involved in the local whaling industry when whale meat and oil, and in part to help ease meat Taiyo Gyogyo K.K. entered into a partnership with shortages on local mink and fox farms. In 1952 the Arctic Fishery Products to form the Atlantic Whaling

~ Co. Ltd. Operating from the refurbished Williamsport station, the new company processed 1248 Fin, Hump­ back and Sei whales between 1967 and 1972 for 33,063 barrels of oil. Worldwide concern about the status of whale stocks led Canada to place a moratorium on commercial whaling on Dec. 21, 1972, "not merely on economic grounds but primarily in order to make its contribution to saving world whale stocks" (Tennessen and Johnsen). The Dildo and Williamsport stations there­ fore closed, signalling the final ending of more than 400 years of traditional and modern commercial whal­ ing in Newfoundland and Labrador coastal waters. In this modern era (1898-1972), 21 factories strategi­ cally located close to stocks migrating around the Is­ land and southern Labrador had processed almost 20,000 A whaling ship whales. Seasonal employment had been provided for WHEELER, JOHN JOSEPH 551

Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar in 1929, and became a lecturer and then a fellow of University College. In 1944 he was appointed Gladstone professor of govern­ ment and public administration, publishing several in­ fluential studies on the constitutions of the Commonwealth countries, dominion status and the na­ ture of federal government. From 1946 to 194 7 he was constitutional advisor to the Newfoundland *National Convention qv. He was a trustee (and eventually chair­ man) of the Rhodes Trust from 1948. Wheare was rector of Exeter College, Oxford from 1956 to 1972, when he became Chancellor of Liverpool University. In Hoy's biography of Clyde Wells, Wheare's theories of federal government, as transmitted through New­ foundland Rhodes scholar M.O. Morgan qv, are cred­ ited with being a definitive influence on the future Ruins ofthe whaling station at Williamsport Premier. M.F. Harrington (letter, Mar. 1989), Claire local residents, assistance had been given to the devel­ Hoy (1992), DNB 1971-80 (1986), Who's Who 1977 opment of the British Columbia industry, and from the (1977). RHC mid-1960s the opportunity had been made available for the first scientific assessment of whale stocks in WHEELER, JOHN BROWN (1842-1916). Educator. coastal waters. As a consequence of this cessation of Born Yeovil, Somerset. Married 1) Elvina Whiteway; commercial whaling, little significant new informa­ 2) Adelaide (Flynn) Guy; 3) Sarah Lucas. At age 15 or tion is now available on the status of local stocks. The 16 Wheeler became apprenticed to the Slade firm of commercially important large species are all presently Poole, and in about 1860 was sent out to their New­ considered "rare" by the Committee on the Status of foundland headquarters at Fogo. Within a year he was Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Baker et a/ (1992), promoted to junior clerk, then became a clerk on one Selma Barkham (1978; 1981), Dickinson and Sanger of the company's trading vessels. In 1867 Wheeler (1990; 1993a; 1993b), Richard Hakluyt (1965), 0. went to Muddy Hole Macy (1835), D.W. Prowse (1895), Samuel Purchas (Musgrave Harbour qv), (1906), C.W. Sanger (1985; 199la; 199lb), Sanger where he reopened a school and Dickinson (1989; 199la; 199lb), D.E. Sergeant which had been closed for (1953), Alexander Starbuck (1878), Philip Tocque three years and taught until (1895), Tennessen and Johnsen ( 1982), W. Vamplew 1888. Along with being (1975), Department of Fisheries (1905), Evening Her­ "the Master" he served the ald (passim), ET (passim), International Whaling Sta­ community in a variety of tistics (1930-1984). CHESLEY W. SANGER AND capacities: as chairman of ANTHONY B. DICKINSON the road board, relieving of­ ficer, postmaster, justice of WHAT'S HAPPENING. First published in May 1976 the peace and even on occa­ as a monthly publication of WHIN Publications, this sion as doctor and dentist. John B. Wheeler magazine has been called variously What's Happening He was a regular correspon­ in St. John's, What's Happening in Newfoundland and dent to the St. John's daily papers, contributing many What's Happening. Directed chiefly at tourists, it first items of local history. concentrated on the St. John's area, then added Corner Wheeler was a strong Methodist, and is credited Brook and in the summer months covered the Province. with initiating construction of the Musgrave Harbour It aimed to provide up-to-date information on enter­ Methodist church in 1874. He served for many years tainment, dining and shopping; each issue carried de­ as a lay preacher. In later years, when he visited St. tails of special events, as well as historical and feature John's he was often invited to preach in city churches. articles, and a regular book review, recipes and adver­ A monument to his memory stands in front of the tising. Distributed free of charge, it reached tourists Musgrave Harbour United Church and the local li­ via tourist chalets, hotel rooms and airports, and was a brary is named in his honour. Charles Lench ( 1919), popular item for the kits of convention delegates. Don DNLB (1990), Newfoundland Historical Society (John Morgan (interview, May 1993), What's Happening B. Wheeler). ILB (1976-1993, passim). ILB WHELAN, JOHN JOSEPH (1887-1972). Mariner. WHEARE, KENNETH CLINTON ( 1907 -1979). Con­ Born Jerseyside, son of Thomas and Mary (Dunphy) stitutional expert. Born Warragul, Australia; son of Whelan. Educated Placentia; St. John's. Married Mar­ Eustace and Kathleen (Kinahan) Wheare. Educated cella Burke. Whelan was involved in the Labrador University of Melbourne; Oxford University. Married fishery from an early age, and at 18 commanded his (1) Helen Allan; (2) Joan Randell. Wheare went to first vessel to the Labrador coast. In 1908 he began 552 WHELAN, MARY JOAN

working for the Reid Newfoundland Co. coastal ser­ ebrations for 1997. Joan Whelan (letter, Mar. 1994), vice. He enlisted in the Newfoundland Regiment (reg­ Branch Journal (Canadian Red Cross Society, Sept. imental #169) in 1914, 1993), ET (June 22, 1993). JOHN PARSONS seeing action at Gallipoli and in France. Seriously WHELAN, STEPHEN J. (1877-1923). Roman Catho­ wounded on April23, 1917, lic priest. Born Carbonear. Educated All Hallows he was discharged in Octo­ Dublin; Laval University. Ordained in Carbonear b; ber 1918 with the rank of Bishop Ronald McDonald qv, Whelan was first as­ sergeant. On returning to signed to the mission of Whitboume and the Railway Newfoundland Whelan Line. His next parish was Gambo, where he was instru­ studied navigation, and be­ mental in having a church and school constructed, came a foreign-going mas­ followed by North River, Conception Bay. Under his ter with John Penny and direction, a new church, presbytery and hall were built Sons of Ramea. In 1923 he in that parish. Whelan helped establish the *Knights of Columbus qv, a Catholic fraternal organization, in joined the customs service. Capt. J.J. Whelan Whelan played a role in res­ Newfoundland in 1909 and was a founding member of cuing victims of the Burin Peninsula ''tidal wave'' K. of C. councils in both St. John's and Harbour Grace. (see EARTHQUAKES), putting to sea in the customs Along with his friend Father Edward O'Brien qv he cutter Daisy. ministered to the Innu in Labrador for many years, and During World War II he enlisted in the Royal Cana­ died at Northwest River in 1923. H.M. Mosdell (1974), dian Navy Volunteer Reserve with the rank of lieuten­ Centenary of the Diocese of Harbour Grace ( 1956?), ant commander, and served as marine superintendent ET (Oct. 30, 1906). ACB of customs for St. John's. On one occasion during the War he and a volunteer crew towed a burning muni­ WHITBOURNE (inc. 1968; pop. 1991, 1036). A ser­ tions ship out to sea. In February of 1944 he was made vice community on the Avalon Peninsula, Whitbourne a member of the Order of the British Empire (M.B.E.). has been called Newfoundland's first inland town. Beginning in 1953, he spent 15 years as Lloyd's ma­ (Although the sawmilling community of Mint Brook rine surveyor. Whelan died in St. John's on February qv, near Gambo, was founded in 1876 it was aban­ 17, 1972. Richard Cramm (1922), G.W.L. Nicholson doned after 1907). Settlement began when the con­ (1969), Marie Whelan (interview, Mar. 1994), Ron struction of the railway line from St. John's reached Whelan (interview, Mar. 1994), ET (Feb. 19, 1972; the area in 1883. By the time the line had reached Aug. 22, 1988; Sept. 19, 1992). JOHN PARSONS Whitboume the syndicate constructing the railway across Newfoundland was in financial difficulty. WHELAN, MARY JOAN (1942- ). Educator. Born Consequently, it was decided to build a planned Branch, daughter of Clifford and Rose (Nash) Nash. branch line to Harbour Grace from Whitbourne and Educated Branch; General Hospital School ofNursing; operate that part of the line on behalf of the Memorial University of Newfoundland; University of syndicate's bondholders. Part of the construction Toronto. Whelan taught at Point Lance and Branch contract was awarded to the firm of Daniel Daven­ before training as a nurse. After graduation she worked port, who established an office and depot (and later in cottage hospitals at Come a station hotel). Although the area was officially by Chance, Markland, Harbour Grace Junction, it was therefore sometimes Bonavista and Placentia; called Davenport Junction. and then at the Argentia Labourers employed by the railway built temporary naval base and as an occu­ shelters for themselves every few miles as work pro­ pational health nurse at gressed. One of these labourers was Mansfield ERCO Industries of Long Petipas, from Summerside in the Bay of Islands, who Harbour. In 1974 she re­ built a more permanent home and who is considered to sumed teaching, at the com­ have been Whitboume's first settler. In the 1884 Cen­ munity college campus in sus 74 people were recorded as living along the rail­ Placentia, later becoming a way line. More railway labourers and their families consultant in health and ed­ established permanent dwellings at Harbour Grace ucation services and part­ Junction (usually along the rail line) when a branch Joan Whelan time teacher of adult line was built to Placentia between 1886 and 1888. education at Memorial University. Active in commu­ Within a few years, the junction had three hotels­ nity and civic affairs, Whelan has served as president the Whitbourne, the Cabot and the Globe. The settle­ of the Placentia and Newfoundland branches of the ment was renamed in honour of Richard Whitbourne Red Cross and has volunteered her time to other hu­ qv in 1889 at the suggestion of Colonial Secretary manitarian causes. In 1993 she was awarded a Cana­ (and later Prime Minister) Robert Bond qv, who dian Volunteer Award and was invested in the Order purchased a large tract of land on Junction Pond, of the Red Cross. In 1994 she was serving on the where he erected a country estate and model farm, the corporation planning the Cabot SOOth. anniversary eel- Grange qv. WHITBOURNE, RICHARD 553

In 1890, when Robert G. Reid qv was contracted to as well as the Newfoundland Northern and Western continue the railway through Placentia Junction to Railway (see RAILWAYS). As part of the contract Halls Bay, a machine shop and roundhouse were built Reid agreed to move his headquarters and machine at Whitbourne. The population grew rapidly - to shops to St. John's. When many railway employees around 700 people by 1898- as people found jobs in also moved the population dropped to 400 by 1911. the machine shops or on the Halls Bay line itself. In the 1930s several government services were es­ Family names of these early settlers included Hutch­ tablished at Whitbourne, in part because of the Com­ ings, Reid, Jones, Gosse, Mercer, Barrett, Kehoe, mission of Government's interest in the experimental White and Clarke. Houses were built adjacent to the agricultural settlement at Markland. A cottage hospital line in the vicinity of Grassy Gully and Jones Pond, as was built between Markland and Whitbourne in 1935. well as south of the line at Wells Hill and on the Rocky A fire patrol was established, with its headquarters at River. The first three chapels - Church of England, Whitbourne, and a part of the Grange farm (which had Roman Catholic and Methodist - were all built in been left to the Country by Bond in 1927) was the first 1889. The first resident clergymen were the Rev. Wil­ headquarters of the Newfoundland *Ranger Force qv. liam Rafter (Church of England) and Father Patrick W. In 1944, after the headquarters of the Ranger Force Browne qv (Roman Catholic). For several years the had been transferred to Kilbride, the barracks were Church of England building was used as a school by used as a boys' home, later known as the Whitbourne all denominations. A separate one-room schoolhouse Correctional Centre. A new centre for young offenders was built in the 1890s, and by 1898 there were three was officially opened in Whitbourne in 1993. Bond's denominational schools. Sawmilling was second only home was demolished in 1950 and his land has since to the railway as an industry in the early days of been made a municipal park. Whitbourne. A steam-powered sawmill was built on Agriculture and woods work gradually replaced em­ the Rocky River by Malcolm Bethune in the mid­ ployment on the railway. By the 1960s the ERCO l880s. Ploughed and tongued board, planks and shin­ phosphorous plant at Long Harbour and the refinery at gles were produced at the mill, and delivered to Come by Chance offered employment, and several stations along the railway line. David Thistle had an­ families resettled to Whitbourne from communities other steam mill in 1895, which produced butter tubs. around Placentia Bay. A regional high school was also It was later operated as a cooperage by Lemuel Sim­ built. The population of Whitbourne stood at about mons. Whitbourne had six sawmills in 1911 and 13 in 1000 throughout most of the next two decades, with 1921, but the sawmilling industry was plagued by a many people working elsewhere: in St. John's, in the series of forest fires, many of them caused by the lumberwoods or on construction sites. In 1984 the town trains. Farming occupied a few families, an activity observed its centennial and a small community museum which was encouraged by the government in the mid- was opened. Local historian John S.R. Gosse published 1930s with the establishment of the Markland qv land a book on the town, Whitbourne-Newfoundland s First settlement along the Rocky River and on the road Inland Town. Despite the phasing out of the railway and towards Colinet. The fishery was never a large part of its final closure in the 1980s, Whitbourne has continued Whitbourne's economy, though trout and salmon were to be a service centre for communities in southern Trin­ taken in the area and sports fishermen accounted for a ity Bay and northern St. Mary's Bay. John Gosse ( 1985), large percentage of the clients ofWhitbourne's hotels. Andrea Spurrell (1973), Census (1884-1991). ACB (For a brief period in the early 1950s Whitbourne had a mussel canning factory, supplied from Bellevue). WHITBOURNE, RICHARD (jl.l5 79-1628). Colo­ Under the Railway Contract of 1898 the *Reid New­ nizer; author. Born Exmouth, Devonshire. Engaged in foundland Co. qv was established, and took over the the merchant marine in western Europe from the age of lines from Whitbourne to Harbour Grace and St. John's 15, in 1579 Whitbourne sailed to Newfoundland aboard a 300-ton vessel out of Southampton, intending to hunt whales and trade with the Indians. The crew fished from Trinity harbour that season and "killed great store of fish''. Whitbourne made frequent visits to the Island in the following years. In command of a 220-ton ship, also of Southampton, in 1583 he witnessed Humphrey Gilbert's qv annexation of Newfoundland in St. John's harbour. Two years later he recorded Bernard Drake's qv raid on Portuguese fishermen. Whitbourne commanded four Royal Navy ships against the Spanish Armada in 1588, earning praise from his superiors. From 1612 to 1616 Whitbourne had vessels trans­ porting Newfoundland fish to markets in the Mediter­ ranean. Pirates were a constant hazard and Whitbourne was taken prisoner by Peter Easton qv in 1612. Such abuses prompted the High Court of Admi­ An early photograph of Whitbourne ralty to appoint Whitbourne to establish some form of 554 WHITE, ALFRED PATRICK

law on the Island in 1615. In "a bark victualled and manned at [his] owne expense" Whitbourne set out to inquire into the abuses committed by fishermen. These were found to include destruction of stages and huts, burning of woodland and throwing ballast stones into harbours (the latter practice threatened to ruin Renews harbour). The fishermen were uncooperative with the vice-admiralty court, resenting the interruption in the short fishing season. Following his investigation, Whitbourne recommended settlement, which he believed would check abuses and also provide a half-way station on the route to New England and the West Indies. Upon his return to England he was invited by Wil­ liam Vaughan qv to govern the latter's Newfoundland colony at Renews. Whitbourne sailed in 1618 to find that the colonists had not even constructed a suitable shelter for themselves. Despite some losses to pirates, he managed to reorganize the settlement. Most of the settlers were sent back to England as unsuitable, only six staying for the winter of 1618-1619. The colony was apparently abandoned by 1620. Whitbourne pub­ lished several works intended to encourage settle­ ment, among them A Discourse and Discovery of the New-found-land ( 1620) and A Discourse Containing a Loving Invitation . .. to all Adventurers. . . for the Ad­ vancement of his Majesties most Hopeful/ Plantation in the New-found-land ( 1622). In 1622 and 1626 he visited the Renews colony of Henry Cary qv, Lord WHITE BAY. A deep and steep-sided bay of the north­ Falkland, and was knighted in 1625. By late 1626, east coast of Newfoundland, White Bay lies between Whitbourne had fallen out of favour with Falkland but the Great Northern Peninsula on the west and the Baie continued to try to interest West Country gentlemen in Verte Peninsula on the east. The Sailing Directions the enterprise. He petitioned the Duke of Buckingham regard the eastern headland of the Bay as being Par­ for employment in 1626, requesting command of a tridge Point (the northernmost tip of the Baie Verte ship or a post as inspector of merchant ships. Peninsula) with the western headland being Little Har­ Whitbourne's written works provided a wealth of in­ bour Deep Head. However, common usage recognizes formation on Newfoundland for his contemporaries the whole coast between Cape John and Cape Bauld as and are a valuable source for historians of the early "greater" White Bay - including the old French fishery. In 1628 Robert Hayman published a poem in Shore from Harbour Deep to Quirpon (also known as praise of his books. Gillian Cell ( 1969), Harold Innis White Bay North) and the north coast of the Baie Verte (1940), D.W. Prowse (1895), DCB I. ACB Peninsula. For the most part this article will concern itself only with White Bay "proper", as defined by the WHITE, ALFRED PATRICK ( 1894-1967). Mer- Sailing Directions. The name White Bay (or Baie chant seaman. Born Shallop Cove, Bay St. George; son Blanc) has been in use since the 1600s and is quite apt, of Elizabeth (Delaney) and William White. White was as the Bay's shape leads to its being jammed with ice one of four brothers who en­ most years from January through April or May - listed in the Royal Navy while it is also subject to one of the heaviest snowfalls during World War I. He of any part of the Island. spent most of the War as a White Bay proper extends some 70 km to the gunner on merchant ships, south. On either side its shores rise dramatically, and was awarded a Distin­ to 800 feet or more. The looming shoreline has the guished Service Medal by effect of making the Bay appear from the sea to be the British Government. much narrower than it is - 24 km at its mouth and White is purported to have 12 km outside Sops Arm Uust over half way in), sunk a submarine single­ then narrowing dramatically towards Hampden qv. handedly and to have been Sops Arm, sheltered by Sops Island qv, is the called ''the toughest man major arm of the Bay. The other inlets on the west afloat''. After spending side include Jackson's Arm, Coney Arm and Cat Alfred White most of his life in Halifax, Arm; while on the east side are Southern Arm, White returned to Newfoundland in the mid-1960s. He Middle Arm and Western Arm. In 1991 the largest died at Stephenville in February 1967. Gregory White community in the Bay was Hampden (pop. 1991, (letter, September 1992; interview, June 1994). LBM 835 - including Georges Cove and Beaches). On WHITE BAY 555 the west side of the Bay are the commumtles of From about 1838 exclusive French fishing rights pollard's Point {pop. 1991, 481 ), Sop's Arm on the Treaty Shore were beginning to erode, and a (327) and Jackson's Arm (533) qqv. On the east migratory fishery out of Newfoundland ports began. side of the Bay are found Purbeck's Cove {pop. Just outside White Bay, the Horse Islands qv began 68), Westport (495), Seal Cove (656) and Wild to be frequented by crews out of Twillingate, some Cove ( 119) qqv - for a total of approximately of whom wintered in White Bay to cut ships' tim­ 3500 people. bers. Within the Bay, Big Island, Hauling Point Archaeologists have documented prehistoric occu­ (Bear Cove qv) and Western Cove (Westport) be­ pation of the Bay in the Sop's Island-Jackson's Arm came bases for fishermen out of Greenspond, Her­ area by peoples of Maritime Archaic and Paleo-Es­ ring Neck and Fogo Island. The 1840s and 1850s kimo traditions, but have not as of 1994 unearthed saw some of these marry into the Gale and Pittman evidence of Beothuk sites. White Bay presumably was families and settle in the Bay. There is little docu­ first explored by the French, who conducted a migra­ mentary evidence concerning the pioneer settlers of tory fishery from the early 1500s to White Bay North White Bay, for the area was not enumerated by cen­ (concentrating their efforts on Cape Rouge, Conche sus-takers until 1857. When Church of England and St. Anthony qqv) and on the northern Baie Verte bishop Edward Feild visited in 1859 he found just a Peninsula (especially at Fleur de Lys and La Scie qqv). few scattered families, living from hand to mouth In 1713 White Bay came within the limits of the beyond the influence of church or government. French Shore, but White Bay proper was distant from Bishop Feild established the Church of England par­ the best cod fishing grounds and would seem to have ish of White Bay in 1864. The early parish records been essentially ignored. indicate that most prominent White Bay family The first documented English presence in the Bay names were already established by that time. Feild dates from about 1763, when John Slade of Poole noted that he had met with Basil Osmond and his II and Twillingate began a fishery at Sops Island, later children at Gold Cove (near Hampden) and with acquired by Poole traders Richard and Netlam Tory. Osmond's brother Joseph at Seal Cove (over time The Torys made substantial catches of cod and the Seal Cove branch came to spell the family name salmon and occasionally left crews over the winter Osborne). Joseph Ricketts of Greenspond settled at for the seal fishery. They would appear to have been Big Island in the early 1850s, as did Thomas Gilham undisturbed by the French until 1783, when the (Gillingham) of Greenspond and William Stuckless Treaty Shore was redrawn and the French became of Twillingate - at nearby Bear Cove and Pumb1ey more assertive of their exclusive right to the fishery Cove qv, respectively. John Wicks of Greenspond in greater White Bay. In 1786 Netlam Tory was was, by tradition, the first settler of Jackson's Arm, forced to remove his establishment to the Labrador while a family of Pinksens from Harbour Grace set­ coast. Yet, the French do not appear to have fished tled at Big Cove. Other common family names of White Bay proper, and at some time in the early White Bay have, for the most part, some connection 1800s granted one William Pittman the right to fish to either Herring Neck (Hurley, Jacobs, Langford for salmon on the Main River qv. By local tradition and Rice) or Barr'd Islands-Joe Batts Arm on Fogo the first settler in White Bay, Pittman would appear Island (Brett, Burton, Decker, Ford, Head, Hewitt, to have been living at Sops Island by 1810. Another Small and Taylor). pioneer, John Gill (or Gale) settled in the 1820s, The 1857 Census noted only 231 people living in seemingly with cod fishing premises at Granby White Bay, the largest community being Jackson's Arm (Big) Island and a winter place and salmon fishery (pop. 36). There were still only 253 in 1869, but the at Chouse Brook. In 1994 Gale was still the most 1870s saw the population double, as second-generation common family nar:J?.e in the Bay. families began. The French migratory fishery to White

Sops Island Little Coney Ann 556 WHITE BAY

Arm and Sops Arm were linked to Hampden and the Trans-Canada Highway, while communities on the east side of the Bay were linked to the Baie Verte Highway. The 1960s also saw several small fishing communities resettled to the major centres. Such places as Coney Arm, Sops Island, Granby Island, Brown's Cove, Pumbley Cove, Bear Cove and Lobster Harbour had already lost much of their population to Hampden, Sops Arm, Seal Cove or Baie Verte. From 1963 until the early 1980s many of the people of communities on the east side of the Bay were em­ ployed in mining in the Baie Verte area, and these places to an extent lost contact with the west side (for instance, Seal Cove is more than 200 km away from Jackson's Arm by road- although the journey is less than 30 km by sea and vehicles are occasion­ ally driven across the ice in the winter). Since the 1970s the two sides of the Bay have been in differ­ ent provincial electoral districts, have been served by different school boards and are in different telephone directories. Wild Cove, White Bay As prime pulpwood stands were becoming depleted, Bay North declined and the French ceased to obstruct the 1970s saw an attempt to encourage the fishing settlement. Meanwhile, the government in St. John's industry anew. A sizable fish plant and a crab plant at last began to express some interest in White Bay's were built at The Bottom in Jackson's Arm, while potential, after the opening of Tilt Cove copper mine smaller operations were established on the east side of in 1864 and the subsequent settling of western Notre the Bay, as feeder plants for La Scie. The early 1980s Dame Bay - the last frontier area on the "English saw the construction of a hydro-electric facility on the Shore". The first new industry in White Bay was a modest Cat Arm River, which had a major impact on commu­ lobster fishery, beginning in the 1880s on the east side of nities on the western side of the Bay and also em­ the Bay. However, the establishment of a cannery at Haul­ ployed some people from the east side who had been ing Point in 1888 led to one of few French attempts to thrown out of work by a downturn in the mining assert their exclusive right to the fishery of White Bay industry. After the Cat Arm project was completed in (and led to the modus vivendi qv of 1890). 1985 the White Bay area as a whole experienced high In about 1896 Tilt Cove merchant J.M. Jackman began the first steam-operated sawmill in the Bay, at Country Cove (on the south side of Sops Arm; see POLLARD'S POINT). Jackman's mill was apparently no small operation: turn-of-the-century Sailing Direc­ tions depict a lumber mill, box mill and cooperage at Country Cove, whole villages throughout the Bay being virtually deserted as families flocked into Sops Arm to cut the densely-wooded valleys of Main, Cor­ ner and Doucers brooks. But the mill was destroyed by a fire in 1900. Jackman was later involved in an at­ tempt to mine gold at nearby Goldenville, but the mine was also abandoned by 1905 (see MINING). Around 1910 Gale Brothers began a sawmill at Hampden, and in the 1920s mills were begun on the north side of Sops Arm and at Western Arm and Southern Arm qqv. In the 193 Os these operations were acquired by Bowater's to supply pulpwood for export. After World War II disrupted pulpwood exports, Hampden became Bowater's major depot for White Bay. From there logs were trucked to the Upper Humber River to be floated to the pulp and paper mill at Corner Brook. Through the 1960s pulpwood cutting was the major industry throughout White Bay. In the early 1960s road connections to most of the major centres in White Bay were completed, largely by connecting the network of woods roads. Jackson's Bear Cove, Western Ann WHITE BEAR RlVER 557

unemployment - as fishing, mining and logging all White Bear Bay remained the major wintering place slumped. See also BAlE VERTE PENINSULA; of Ramea until the early 1900s and of Deer Island until FRENCH SHORE; GREAT NORTHERN PENIN­ 1930. Thereafter, it was rarely visited for a number of SULA. Eli Bishop (interview, Aug. 1991 ), Cranley years, particularly after nearby fishing communities Budden (interview, Jan. 1994), Edward Feild (1860), were resettled in the early 1950s. In 1966 the White e.G. Head (1976), Ab Pittman (interview, Aug. 1993), Bear River was diverted eastward towards Bay E.R. Seary (1958; 1977), W.H. Whiteley (NQ Dec. d 'Espoir to facilitate hydro-electric development. 1977), Baie Verte Peninsula Regional Study 1960 Since then the Bay has come into increased use by (1961?), Census (1857-1991), Lovell's Newfoundland residents of Ramea for summer cabins, as it extends Directory ( 1871 ), Sailing Directions for Newfound­ far enough inland to be beyond the reach of coastal land 1931 (1931 ), Sailing Directions Newfoundland fogs. Doug Jackson (1993), Kendall and Kendall ( 1986), Socio-Economic Impact Study of the Proposed (1991 ), ,Gerald Penney (interview, June 1993), Census Cat Arm Hydroelectric Project (1980), Archives (A-7- (1869-1901), JHA (1872), Lovell's Newfoundland Di­ 2/P; VS 94). RHC rectory (1871), McAlpine's Newfoundland Directory (1894), Archives (A-7-2/J; VS 101). RHC WHITE BEAR BAY (pop. 1901, 27). A 20-km long fjord north of Ramea, White Bear Bay was for many WHITE BEAR ISLANDS. The White Bears are a years a major encampment of the Micmac, as well a group of islands extending well out into the Labrador ''winter place'' for hunting and woods work by settlers Sea, off the northern headland of Groswater Bay. Be­ of nearby coastal communities. The extent of cause of this position, polar bears have regularly be­ Micmac usage of White Bear Bay is not known, but come stranded on the islands after being brought up the the evidence suggests that it was once a major sea­ coast on ice. The English name is a translation of a sonal settlement: in 1827 a missionary suggested long-established Inuit name, Nanuaktok. Although the that "Captain Mitchell" at White Bear Bay was White Bears are low-lying and barren, they offer close chief of the largest Micmac band in Newfoundland, access to the fishing grounds of Hamilton Inlet Bank, estimated at 100 people. Edward Wix makes mention and for this reason have been historically an important of an Indian settlement there in 183 5, by which time station for Newfoundlanders. In the later 1800s, as the it is likely that the Bay was also a winter place for Labrador fleet began to push further north, the White fishing settlements such as Coppett and Fox Island Bear Islands became the province of fishermen out of qqv. It appears that as the settler population in the the Conception Bay north shore and the east side of area grew the Micmac ceased to make White Bear Trinity Bay, supplied by Timothy and Richard Hayden Bay a major encampment. By the 1840s there were of Upper Small Point (Kingston) as agents for John settlers at locations in the mouth of the Bay, Deer Muon and Co. of Harbour Grace. Island and Swoir Cove qqv, while the White Bear Although advantageously situated for the fishery, River was considered by the Micmac to be the trap­ the White Bear Islands had the disadvantage of offer­ ping territory of the Benoit family. ing little shelter, apart from Hants Harbour, formed by In 1851 Peter Benoit assisted F. W. Gisborne's sur­ the Middle and South islands. During storms, vessels vey of the south coast for a telegraph line. In 1856 fishing in the area had to make for Indian Harbour qv, the line was completed, a repeater station built at the 25 km to the west. During the gale which caused what head of the Bay and Benoit hired to patrol and repair has become known as the Labrador Disaster qv, in a section of the line. The Bay first appears in the October of 1885, some 39 fishermen were drowned off Census in 1869 with a population of 11, likely the the White Bears when the Hope and Release qv went families of Benoit and telegrapher George Gad en. In down. Among those whose who lost their lives was 18 71 Lovell's Newfoundland Directory noted the Richard Hayden, master of the Release. Timothy Hay­ Bay as being "well wooded with large timber" and den continued to reign as "the king of the Bears" for a "capital place for fishing and shooting... bear, some years thereafter, but by the early 1900s use of wolves and deer". It would appear that shortly the station by shore-based crews had lessened. In the thereafter a sawmill was established near the Bay's twentieth century fishermen from the Island continued head - in 18 7 4 its population was recorded as 79, to harvest the grounds ( 16 electors cast their ballots at with 14 families resident and six houses "now the White Bear Island polling station in the Confeder­ building". Residents recorded ·at this time include ation referendum of July 1948), but by the 1970s ma­ Eli Anderson, Thomas Crant, Thomas Hennebury, rine engines had enabled Island longliner crews to rely Ephraim Small and Henry Norcott. The mill would on more sheltered shore bases, such as Indian Harbour appear to have been short-lived; most people moved and Smokey qv. P.W. Browne (1909), A.P. Dyke to Ramea thereafter, continuing to winter in the Bay. (1969), Nicholas Smith (1936). RHC The only names to recur after 1879 are those of Small (a telegraph employee) and Norcott (a fisher­ WHITE BEAR RIVER. (pop. 1935, 9). The White man). By 1884 the population had declined to 34. Bear River is the most northerly of the three major Apart from telegraph employees, the only recorded rivers which flow into the west side of Sandwich Bay, inhabitants thereafter were Nor[th]cotts, who even­ Labrador. (The others are the Eagle and Paradise qqv). tually also moved to Ramea. The White Bear was named by George Cartwright in 558 WHITE BIRCH

August of 1775, after the white sandbanks at its mouth. In the early 1800s the River was the site of a substantial salmon fishery, conducted by fishermen brought out by English firms. Eventually one Jim Pardy decided to stay in Labrador and made his home on the River, and by 1863 had a family of 10. Subsequently two other families settled: the Browns and the Learnings. In 1901 , the first year in which the Census recorded each of the settled sites in Sandwich Bay separately, there was a population of 29, in five families. However, ten years later the population was recorded at only five. Some people had apparently moved to Separation Point qv, at the mouth of the Eagle, while others had gone to Dove Brook Uust to the north ofthe mouth of the White Bear), where a Nova Scotian had started a sawmill. While it appears that some families continued to winter at their former homes on White Bear River for some years thereafter, ~nly one family (that of Alphonso Learning) was usually recorded as resident, up to the 1940s. Census (1901-1935), Them Days (Dec. 1984; Jan. 1991 ). RHC

WHITE BIRCH. See BIRCH TREES. Edward White served as minister without portfolio in the administra­ WHITE, CHARLES WILLIAM ( 194 7- ) . Lawyer. tion ofWilliam V. Whiteway from 1882 untill885, during Born St. John's, son of George and Delilah (Langor) which time he introduced the first sealing legislation in White. Educated Memorial University ofNewfound­ Newfoundland. Shannon Ryan (1987), DNLB (1990), land; Dalhousie University. Married Susanne Newfoundland Record (May-June 1962). LBM Decker. Admitted to the bar in 1972, White became a partner in the law firm of Marshall and White. He WHITE FLEET. See PORTUGAL. lectured for a time with Memorial University's ex­ tension service and the faculty of business adminis­ WHITE HAKE. The white hake (urophycis tenuis) is a tration. Appointed to Memorial University's Board groundfish, related to the cod. An average of 60 to 70 of Regents in 1979, he served as its chairman from em in length, the hake ranges in colour from grey to 1982 to 1991. His business activities have included reddish brown with a lighter underside. Hake are found directorships with the Newfoundland Liquor Corpora­ from southern Labrador to the Grand Banks and along tion, NewTel Enterprises and Conpak Seafoods Inc. He the southwest coast. A minor commercial fishery has was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1984, and in 1989 existed since the early 1970s as the hake has become received an honorary doctorate from Memorial. In more popular as a food fish. Most white hake taken in 1994 he continued to practise law, as a senior partner Newfoundland is sold in frozen block form in the with the firm of White, Ottenheimer and Green. United States. Scott and Scott ( 1988), Underwater Charles White (letter, Apr. 1994), Centre for New­ World: White Hake (1984). ACB foundland Studies (Charles W. White). ACB WHITE, JOHN ALEXANDER (1921- ). Magistrate; WHITE, EDWARD ( 1811-1886). Mariner; politician. writer. Born St. John's, son of Stanley and Charlotte Born Tickle Cove, son of William and Mary White. (Knight) White. Educated St. John' s. Married Joan Married Anne Weir. White began his career as captain Shears. Jack White' s earliest employment was as a of a small schooner, and eventually acquired vessels reporter for the Daily News. He was also a stringer for of his own, prosecuted the cod fishery, and carried on dozens of magazines and newspapers, including Time a foreign trade. He moved to St. John's in the 1830s. and the London Daily Mirror. Following extensive White commanded a sealing vessel for the first time in travel he became news director with CJON-TV. In 1836, and for the next 45 years made the annual trip to 1957 White was appointed magistrate and posted to the ice. Pioneering the use of large wooden steamers in Woody Point. He later served in Gander, Stephenville the seal fishery, from 1866 to 1882 - working almost and in the provincial Traffic Court at St. John's. After exclusively for Job Brothers - he brought iii over his retirement in 1986 White began writing a weekly 300,000 pelts. In the Hector in 1871 he set a record for history column for the Evening Telegram, ''The the largest number of pelts brought in by one vessel. Streets of St. John's". Three collections of his col­ White supported the idea of confederation with Can­ umns. have been published in book form. White was ada and the building of the railways. He was a strong awarded the Queen' s Silver Jubilee Medal and the believer in Newfoundland's mineral and agricultural po­ Canada 125 Medal, as well as the French Croix de tential. In 1861 he was named to the Legislative Council, Lorraine. Jack White (interview, May 1993), ET (Dec. and in 1882 was appointed to the Executive Council. He 30, 1986), Express (Nov. 30, 1986). JEAN GRAHAM WHITE, MARY AGNES 559

nephew, Samuel White. W. Gordon Handcock (1981), DCB V (Thomas Street). ACB

WHITE, MARIAN A. FRANCES ( 1954- ). Writer; feminist. Born Carbonear, daughter of Terrence and Florence (Hall) White. Educated St. John's; Memorial University of Newfoundland; Carleton University. After studying journalism White travelled extensively, and returned to Newfoundland in 197 4, becoming ed­ itorial assistant at the Daily News. She was a founding member of East Coast Women and Words, a feminist writers group, in 1983. In 1986 the first of her A Woman's Almanac series (a datebook including biog­ raphies ofNewfoundland women) was published. The popular series was published by Breakwater until 1992, when the 1993 edition was brought out by Cre­ ative Publishers. At this time the scope of the book was extended to include women of the Atlantic Provinces. In 1992 White edited The Finest Kind: Voices ofNew­ foundland and Labrador Women, a collection of biog­ raphies from past Almanacs. White has continued to John White work for feminist causes, particularly in the history of WHITE, JOHN JOSEPH FRANCIS (1930- ). Enter­ women. She has written Not a Still Life, a book on the tainer. Born St. John's, son of Daniel J. and Irene life and work of artist Rae Perlin qv. In 1994 Grolier (Hanniford) White. Educated Holy Cross School, St. published her Newfoundland and Labrador, a part of John's. White worked with the Bennett Brewing Co. that company's "Discovery" series. Rosemary House for 19 years before taking a full-time position with the (Women Speak, Winter 1986), Marian F. White (inter­ CBC. Having appeared regularly on the VOCM radio view, May 1993), ET(Dec. 1, 1991; Nov. 15, 1992). program "Barn Dance" from 195 8 and recorded his JEAN GRAHAM first album, in 1959 White joined the CBC radio pro­ gram "Saturday Night Jamboree". In 1967 he began WHITE, MARY AGNES ( 1916- ). Musician. Born St. appearing on the popular television program ''All Alban's, daughter of Samuel and Amelia Hoskins. Around the Circle", which ran for 12 years, and re­ Married Richard White. Playing the accordion by the corded some albums. A promoter of "Newfoundland time she was eight years old, she soon became adept Irish" music, White has done much to keep alive the on other instruments, including the mandolin. She set­ music and memory of John Burke qv and other "St. tled at Tompkins after her marriage in 1937. For many John's Irish" poets. He published a collection of folk years she played piano and organ, but returned to her songs by the "Bard of Prescott Street" in 1960, while first love, the accordion, in the 1960s. his versions of such Burke songs as "The Kelligrews In 1973 Minnie White turned professional and re­ Soiree" and "The Trinity Cake" have become espe­ corded her first album, Newfoundland s First Lady of cially popular. John White (interview, Feb. 19, 1994), the Accordion, a title which has become her trade­ DNLB (1990). JAMES MOORE mark. After this debut her popularity increased dra­ matically. She toured Newfoundland and Nova Scotia WHITE,JOSEPH (1685-1771). Merchant. Born to warm receptions and made television appearances Poole, Dorset; son of Mary (Tavernor) and Samuel on such shows as "The Root Cellar" and "Canadian White. Married 1) Elizabeth Nickleson; 2) Susannah Express". In 1978 she recorded her second album, Nichols. White was a member of a prominent Quaker with more original tunes, including "Midnight family in the Poole-Newfoundland trade. At first con­ Watch". Besides having a long-standing Sunday after­ cerned only with the cod fishery, he had expanded by noon engagement at the Starlite Lounge in Tompkins the early 1730s into the salmon and seal fisheries, ship she continued to tour in the late 1970s and 1980s, building, passenger traffic from Ireland and trade to playing with the Country Ducats, Rocky Island Boys New England and the West Indies. White appears to and Cape Breton Fiddlers. Other recordings include a have traded independently of his brother Samuel, 45-rpm single, featuring the original tune "Mountain though they used each other's vessels to transport View Valley" and another album, I Played it My Way, cargo. In 1750 he was the most substantial of the which included four more original tunes. She contin­ Poole-Newfoundland adventurers, with premises in ued to tour and make recordings in the 1990s. White Heart's Content, Old Perlican, Bonavista, Greenspond was appointed Member of the Order of Canada in and in the southwest arm of Trinity Harbour (his main 1993. DNLB (1990), Newfoundland Herald (Mar. 8, establishment). After 1751 at least, White's New­ 1978; Apr. 20, 1991), Centre for Newfoundland Stud­ foundland affairs were managed by agents. On his ies (Minnie White). JAMES WADE death the estate was divided among agents and a 560 WHITE, PATRICIA

WHITE, PATRICIA ( 1953- ). Broadcaster. Born St. John's, daughter of Frances (Lyne) and Thomas White. Educated Memorial University of Newfoundland· Uni­ versity of Toronto. Since 1972 White has worked with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation at both the regional and national lev­ els. From 1976 until 1979 she worked with CBC tele­ vision in St. John's as an­ chor, host and reporter on shows such as "Here and Now" and "Reach for the Top". She was also guest host of some national pro­ gramming originating in the Province. In 1979 White moved to Toronto to attend Looking across Smith Soundfrom White Rock university. She began work­ coupled with Labrador fishing, as well as by family­ Patricia White ing with the national CBC owned sawmills and boatbuilding on a small scale. in 1982, but temporarily retired from journalism in the White Rock was the site of a Church of England mid-1980s to work in the private sector. Throughout school/chapel (and later separate church and school her career White has donated her time and skills to buildings) from the late 1800s, and from 1916 to 1928 community work and has hosted the Newfoundland had the area's only resident priest. broadcast of the Children's Miracle Network Telethon. It would appear that in the early years most resi­ In 1993 she was employed with CBC Newsworld and dents. traded their catches and lumber to Trinity or CBC National Radio News. Patricia White (interview, Catahna, although by the early 1900s Britannia was Oct. 1993). LBM emerging as a minor commercial centre for the Smith Sound area. From the 1920s local mill-owner WHITE PINE. See PINE TREES; SAWMILLING. Lewis Dalton ran a general business in the commu­ ~ity, which also supplied nearby settlements. By this WHITE POINT, TRINITY BAY. See NEW BONA­ ttme the Labrador fishery out of Trinity Bay had all VENTURE. but disappeared and White Rock was largely depen­ dent on the six small sawmills in the area, while WHITE ROCK (pop. 1966, 8). A resettled fishing and many of the younger men found work outside the lumbering community, White Rock was located on the community, drawing on the area's tradition of north side of Smith Sound, about 12 km east of Clar­ woods work to find employment cutting pulpwood enville. The name White Rock in early records of the "up over the line" in central Newfoundland. By Smith Sound area applies to an 8-km stretch of shore­ 1935 the population of the community had increased line, from Monroe to Harcourt qqv and in later years to 72 (the highest figure recorded for White Rock the designation frequently included the adjoining com­ proper), but by 1945 it had dropped to 20. During munity of Gin Cove qv. The community took its name World War II most younger people left the commu­ from patches of whitish stone on the steep-to shoreline nity to work elsewhere, while Lewis Dalton closed of Smith Sound. One brilliant white, washtub-sized his establishment and moved to St. John's. The com­ rock on the narrow beach became a landmark for win­ munity remained a tiny enclave of mostly older res­ ter crews out of Old Bonaventure cutting wood in idents ~ntil the mid-1960s when the remaining Smith Sound. As the banks east and west of the rock population was resettled, to Clarenville, Shoal Har­ were cleared by winter people, several families from bour and Harcourt. In 1993, by which time some Little Catalina, related by marriage, made the area nearby settlements had revived as dormitory com­ their year-round home -a base for schooner-building munities of Clarenville or as sites for summer cab­ and prosecuting the Labrador fishery. ins, White Rock remained virtually abandoned. The These early settlers would appear to have built White Rock Anglican cemetery, however, marks the homes in the area in the late 1860s. They included the centre of the former community - the site of the D~ltons, Stones _and Framptons (the latter family church - and was still being maintained. Catherine bemg most espectally associated with Gin Cove). By Frampton (MHG 103-B-2-7), Census (1884-1966), 18~ 1 Lovell's Newfoundland Directory noted a popu­ Lovell's Newfoundland Directory (1871), Newfound­ latton of 48 (including Monroe and Gin Cove). land Directory 1936 (1936), Statistics: Federal Pro­ "Greater" White Rock first appears in the Census in vincial Resettlement Program (1975?), Archives (MG 1884, with a population of 110. White Rock "proper" 276/5; VS 63; VS 68). RHC does not appear separately in the Census until 1901 with a population of 49. These people supported them~ WHITE SPRUCE. See SPRUCE TREES. selves by a limited shore fishery for cod and herring, WHITE, WILLIAM CHARLES 561

WHITE, THOMAS MICHAEL (1863-1938). Labour WHITE, WILLIAM (1878-1941). Businessman. Born leader; actor. Born St. John's, son ofGeorge and Nellie St. John's, son of William and Annie (Nightingale) White. Married Johannah Sullivan. A carriage-maker White. Educated Wesleyan Academy. Married Rosa and undertaker by trade, White was active in amateur George. White went to work with the Newfoundland theatre in St. John' s from an early age, organizing and Clothing Co. in St. John's at an early age and soon rose directing theatrical productions for the *Total Absti­ to a management position. In 1924 he convinced sev­ nence and Benefit Society qv (of which he was vice­ eral city businessmen to back him in purchasing ma­ president from 1887 to 1892) and the Benevolent Irish chinery from Newfoundland Clothing, and established Society. In 1895 he was the White Clothing Co. with elected president of the Me­ himself as managing direc­ chanics Society qv and soon tor. In a factory on led that organization in an Duckworth Street the firm "Affiliations Movement", manufactured clothes such which encouraged local craft as underwear and men's and unions to join the Society, boys' work clothes. An ac­ and also organized new tive supporter of and partic­ unions - forming what ipant in the *Methodist might be considered New­ College Literary Institute foundland's first "federa­ qv, White died suddenly in tion'' of labour. In 1897 he November of 1941. The led the Society's first Lab­ White Clothing Co. was liq­ T.M. White our Day parade, demon- uidated in 1954 and much of William White strating the success of the Movement. its equipment purchased by Terra Nova Textiles (see In October of 1897 White became a candidate for TEXTILE MANUFACTURE). Hilda White (inter­ James S. Winter's Conservative party, being narrowly view, May 1993), Who's Who in and from Newfound­ defeated in the district of St. John's West. The next land 1937 (1937?), "The White Clothing Company" year he was appointed by the Winter government to (BN II, 1937). RHC the St. John's municipal commission. He was ap­ pointed sub-sheriff of the Supreme Court in 1899. WHITE, WILLIAM CHARLES (1865-1943). Church White resigned the next year to contest St. John's East of England Bishop. Born Trinity, son of Robert and as a Conservative under the leadership of A.B. Morine Caroline White. Educated Trinity; Church of England qv, but was defeated. In 1902 he ran a close second to Academy, St. John's; St. Augustine's College, Canter­ George Shea qv in the city's first mayoral election, bury. Married Frederica Bayly. After finishing his and in 1904 he was again defeated as a Conservative theological training at St. Augustine's, White was or­ candidate. In 1905 White brought a suit against W.D. dained a deacon. Returning to Newfoundland, he was Reid qv, claiming that in 1900 Reid had promised him appointed curate in Bonavista. In 1890 he was or­ a job, if he was defeated, to compensate him for leav­ dained a priest, and became a missionary in the district ing his carriage-making business. From 1902 he of Fogo for the Society for the Propagation of the worked under Morine at the Daily News, until the Gospel. At the turn of the century, White was rector at arrangement was terminated by Reid in 1904. The case Heart's Content. He was subsequently rector in St. of White vs Reid caused quite a stir in St. John's, as John's and sub-dean of the Morine appeared as the chief witness for White and Church of England Cathe­ details of the Reid family's relationship with the Con­ dral. He succeeded Bishop servative party were aired. The case was decided in Llewellyn Jones qv in 1918. Reid's favour. Morine's testimony in the White case White's consecration as contributed to a worsening relationship with Reid, and Bishop of Newfoundland in 1906 White testified against his former party leader was significant on two ac­ in a dispute with Reid over ownership of the Daily counts: he was the first na­ News. Shortly thereafter he was hired by the Reid tive-born bishop of Newfoundland Company as an assistant accountant. Newfoundland; and his con­ In 1914 White became appraiser for the St. John's secration was the first to municipal council. He was elected president of the take place on the Island. He Newfoundland *Industrial Worker's Association qv in took a special interest in ed­ 1919. Meanwhile, he continued his activity in amateur ucation, and during his term Bishop White theatrics, becoming the "Dean of St. John's drama" encouraged the building of new schools. White op­ by the 1930s (O'Neill). He also continued to be active posed suggestions from some members of the Commis­ in the Total Abstinence Society, serving as president sion of Government to abolish the denominational from 1929 to 193 7. William Connors (interview, May school system. Ill health obliged him to retire in 1942. 1994), Robert Cuff (NQ, Winter 1987), T.H. O'Neill Ralph Andrews (1985), F.M. Buffett [1939], ET(June (BN II, 1937), George H. Tucker (BN II, 1937), DNLB 14, 1943), Who's Who in and from Newfoundland 1937 (1990). RHC (1937). ACB 562 WHITELEY, GEORGE CARPENTER

WHITELEY, GEORGE CARPENTER (1874-1961). WHITELEY, WILLIAM HENRY (1834-1903). Mer­ Merchant; mariner; politician. Born Bonne Esperance, chant; inventor; politician. Born Boston, son of Wil­ Quebec; son of Louisa (Thompson) and W.H. Whiteley liam H. and Ann Maria (Kelson) Whiteley. Married qv. Educated Methodist College; St. Bonaventure's Louisa Thompson. When his family moved to the La­ College. Married May Canning. From an early age brador coast in 1844 he began fishing with his stepfa­ Whiteley was involved in ther, James Buckle, and by 1855 had a small fishing the fishery at Bonne Esper­ establishment at Bonne Esperance qv, on the Quebec ance. After his father's Lower North Shore. After receiving an inheritance in death in 1903, he formed a 1858 he established a business on his own account, his business partnership with premises at Bonne Esper­ two of his brothers. ance becoming one of La­ Whiteley took part in the brador's most substantial seal fishery as well, com­ summer stations for the cod, manding the Poppy, Blood­ salmon, mackerel and seal hound and Stella Maris. He fisheries. Whiteley also entered politics in 1932, sit­ acted as fisheries inspector, ting as the MHA for St. harbour master, magistrate Barbe in the last House be- and postmaster. He is per­ Capt George Whiteley fore Commission of Gov- haps best known as inventor ernment. The fishery business suffered heavy losses of the cod trap, the idea for and Whiteley sold out in 1948 following the death of which came to him one day his brothers. Whiteley was long involved with the in 1865 when looking for a WH. Whiteley International Grenfell Association, the YMCA and the way to hold fish caught in Boy Scouts. He was awarded the O.B.E. in 1949. The an overloaded seine. He improved the design over Canadian Who's Who VIII, DNLB ( 1990), Who's Who several years and sent a model to the Colonial Cordage in andfrom Newfoundland 1927 (1927). ACB Company in St. John's, the firm which was to manu­ facture the first traps. The first cod trap licenses were WHITELEY, GEORGE CARPENTER, JR. (1908-1990). issued in 1876. Scientist; author. Born St. John's, son of Mary (Can­ From the early 1880s Whiteley was an agent for ning) and George C. Whiteley qv. Educated Memorial the firm of Job Brothers. After the Bank Crash of University College; Dalhousie University; University 1894, the Bonne Esperance business was again inde­ of Toronto. Married Charlotte Newberry. After studies pendent and shipments of fish were being sent di­ in marine biology Whiteley worked at the Bay Bulls rectly to Spain in Whiteley's own vessels. Up to the fisheries research station, from 1931 to 1935. Follow­ 1860s the Whiteley family had wintered at Bonne ing a year as laboratory instructor at the University of Esperance, but then began spending the winters in Toronto he joined the staff of "The Hill", a private Quebec and, after 1881, in St. John's. Whiteley en­ boys' school just outside Philadelphia, becoming head tered politics in 1889 as a Liberal supporting Wil­ of its science department in 1954. In the meantime he liam V. Whiteway and sat for a single term as MHA worked as a scientist with the Woods Hole Oceano­ for Harbour Grace. He died in St. John's on August graphic Institution, Massachusetts. A keen sailor, he 18, 1903, leaving the fishery at Bonne Esperance in circumnavigated Newfoundland six times in his own the hands of his sons. George Whiteley ( 1982), DCB vessel, and described the experiences in Northern XIII, DNLB (1990), Centre for Newfoundland Stud­ Seas, Hardy Sailors (1982). ies (William Whiteley). ACB He published scientific pa­ pers and articles in the Newfoundland Quarterly, National Geographic and the Cruising Guide to New­ foundland (1971). A U.S. citizen from the 1940s, Whiteley made sure of a permanent link with his homeland when he en­ dowed a prize presented an­ , J nually to an outstanding G. C. Whiteley student in English at Me- morial University. Wright Britton (1990), Malcolm MacLeod (NQ, Summer 1991), G.C. Whiteley Jr. (let­ ters/interviews, 1983-84), Mary C. Whiteley (interview, 1990), William Whiteley (interviews, 1983-91 ), Hill School Bulletin (Winter 1990). MALCOLM MACLEOD Hauling a cod trap on the Labrador WHITEWA Y, JESSE 563

WHITELEY, WILLIAM HENRY ( 1929- ). Historian. Born Vancouver; son of William and Gwen Whiteley. Educated University of British Columbia; Queen's University; Cornell University; McGill University. Whiteley was a lecturer in history at U .B.C. before being appointed archivist-historian at Memorial Uni­ versity in 1958. There he helped to organize the University's collection of historical documents, which was handed over to the pro­ vincial government in 1960 to form the basis of the Pro­ vincial Archive collection. In 1959 Whiteley went on an archival expedition to the Moravian mission sta­ tions in Labrador, collect­ ing arc hi val materials Whiteway, TB. relating to the mission. He In the latter half of the twentieth century the popu­ then completed studies in lation of Whiteway has continued to show modest library science at McGill, growth, as fish plants in the Dildo-New Harbour area working through the 1960s have provided some employment. Whiteway was W.H. Whiteley as a librarian at Queen's served in 1994 by St. George the Martyr Anglican and University, the University of Alberta and Simon St. Andrews United church, and by a regional high Fraser University. In 1969 Whiteley joined the school in Green's Harbour. Common family names of history department at Memorial University. There Whiteway in 1994 include Brown, Burgess, George, his research interests included the Moravians, Cap­ Harnum, Jackson, Legge and Pottle. E.R. Seary tain James Cook and Governor Hugh Palliser. ( 1977), List of Electors ( 1889), Lovell's Newfound­ Whiteley retired to British Columbia in 1993. W.H. land Directory (1871), Sailing Directions Newfound­ Whiteley (interview, Aug. 1993), American Archi­ land (1986), Census (1869-1991). ACB vist (Oct. 1961). JOHN PARSONS WHITEWAY, HELEN LOUISE (1901-1982). Educa­ WHITEWAY (inc. 1975; pop. 1991, 333). A fishing tor; writer. Born St. John's, daughter of Sarah (Avery) community in southern Trinity Bay, Whiteway is lo­ and Solomon P. Whiteway qv. Educated Methodist cated in a large open cove, known as Witless Bay. At College; Mount Allison University; Columbia Univer­ the centre of the Bay is Witless Rock, a distinctive and sity. The Jubilee Scholar for 1919, Louise Whiteway jagged protrusion shown on English maps as early as taught briefly at Memorial University College. The 1775. The community was also known as Witless or author of a number of academic publications, she Witler's Bay until the early 1900s, when it was re­ wrote several articles on Newfoundland history for the named to avoid confusion with Witless Bay on the Newfoundland Quarterly, between 1956 and 1978. As Southern Shore and in honour of former Prime Minis­ a member of the Newfoundland Historical Society for ter William Whiteway. many years, Whiteway also contributed articles and Far removed from the best fishing grounds in Trin­ items of historical interest to the files of the Society. ity Bay, Whiteway was not settled until the mid- She left a bequest to Memorial University, which used 1800s. A family tradition maintains that a man named it to establish a prize in history in her honour. ET (Jan. Burgess, who deserted the ship Royal Gazette at 4, 1982), MUN Gazette (Mar. 11 1982), Who's Who Crocker's Cove in about 184 7, was the first permanent Silver Anniversary Edition (1975), Newfoundland His­ settler. Two families were living there in 1869, likely torical Society (Dr. Louise Whiteway). ILB those of Charles Burgess and John Pollett. By 1874 there was a population of 31. Other settlers arrived WHITEWAY, JESSE (1863-1940). Businessman; poli­ from communities to the north, such as Old Perlican tician. Born Musgrave Harbour, son of Robert and Ann and Winterton, family names in 1889 including Bur­ Whiteway. Educated Wesleyan Academy, St. John's. gess, Barrett, Drover, Harnum, Jackson, Legge, Pottle Married Mary E. Stranger. Whiteway began work as a and Soper. While the Labrador fishery supported most teenager in the St. John's dry goods firm of Richard families in the nineteenth century, there was also a Harvey. In 1886 he went into partnership with a modest shore fishery for cod. From the early 1900s brother, R.H. Whiteway, and in 1918, assisted by his salmon and lobster were also important local catches. sons, organized his own business in St. John's, J. Logging was an important seasonal supplement, and Whiteway Co. Ltd. Whiteway was also for many years by 1911, twenty-one men of a total population of 124 secretary and director of the Newfoundland Clothing derived most of their income from the lumberwoods. Co. He entered political life as MHA for Bay de Verde A Methodist chapel had also been built by 1911, while and a supporter of Edward P. Morris and the People's a small school had been in operation since about 1880. Party, first winning the seat in the tie election of 1908. 564 WHITEWAY, SOLOMON PARDY

He was re-elected in 1909, WHITEWAY, WILLIAM VALLANCE (1828-1908). but defeated in 1913. Politician. Born Buckyett (near Totnes), Devon; son of Whiteway was appointed to Thomas and Elizabeth (Vallance) Whiteway. Educated the Legislative Council in Totnes; Newton Abbott. Married 1) Mary Lightbourne· 19 I 9 by Michael P. Cashin, 2) Catherine Anne Davies. Whiteway had a long polit: but resigned to contest Bay ical career, and was Newfoundland's longest-serving de Verde (once again unsuc­ Prime Minister prior to Confederation. He is chiefly cessfully) in an election remembered for his efforts to diversify the Island's later that year. For many economy through a "policy of progress", especially years he was identified with through his advocacy of the construction of a the promotion of Method­ trans-insular railway. ism in St. John's, particu­ Born into a family long connected to the Newfound­ larly with Wesley Church Jesse Whiteway land trade, in 1843 Whiteway was apprenticed to the qv. There is a tradition that the Church name was St. John's firm of Stabb, Row and Holmwood. Opting adopted at his suggestion. For some time Whiteway instead for a career in law, he articled under Robert R. was one ofthe governors of the General Hospital. H.M. Wakeham qv and was called to the Newfoundland bar Mosdell ( 1923), DN (May 20, 1940), Who's Who in in 1852. Among his clients was businessman Charles and from Newfoundland 1930 (1930). ILB Fox Bennett qv, who encouraged him to enter politics. He was first elected to the House of Assembly in 1859 WHITEWAY, SOLOMON PARDY ( 1 8 6 8- 1 9 50) . for the district of Twillingate and Fogo (where Educator. Born Musgrave Harbour, son of William and Bennett's Tilt Cove mine was a major employer) as a Charlotte (Pardy) Whiteway. Educated Musgrave Har­ supporter of Hugh Hayles and the Conservative party. bour; Methodist College; Columbia University. Mar­ He was named Queen's Counsel in 1862. In 1865, ried Sarah Trapnell Avery. Whiteway had his early when Hayles' successor, F.B.T. Carter, formed a gov­ schooling under John B. Wheeler qv, and at an early ernment, Whiteway was elected Speaker of the House. age entered the teaching profession. He established the He supported Carter in advocating confederation with first school at Carmanville Canada as a means of improving communications with in 1886 and taught there the northern districts and in developing the region's until 1888. After serving as mining and agriculture. principal of schools in Whiteway's support for union with Canada out­ Bonavista (from 1890 to raged Bennett, an avowed anti-confederate, and in 1895) and Grand Bank the election of 1869 he found himself campaigning {1895), Whiteway taught at against Bennett's partner in the Tilt Cove mine, the Methodist College in St. Smith McKay qv, and Twillingate merchant Charles John's from 1896 to 1920, Duder. Soundly defeated, Whiteway dropped the where he was primarily re­ issue of confederation. In the next general election sponsible for teacher train­ he was returned as MHA for Trinity Bay and in ing. He was appointed as 1874, when Carter formed a new government, was Solomon P. Whiteway first principal of the New­ appointed Solicitor General. As such, Whiteway foundland Normal School prepared the case - to be presented to a fisheries in 1920, and remained in that capacity until his retire­ commission in Halifax in 1877 - that Newfound­ ment. After 1925 the Normal School was associated land was entitled to receive payment for fisheries with Memorial University College, becoming concessions granted the United States by the 1871 Memorial's teacher training department on Treaty of Washington. The award of $1,000,000 was Whiteway's retirement in 1933 (see MEMORIAL seen as a victory. The next year Whiteway suc­ UNIVERSITY OF NEWFOUNDLAND). ceeded Carter as Prime Minister and Attorney Gen­ One of the most influential advocates of profes­ eral. He was knighted in 1880. sional development for teachers, Whiteway was active Though his success at the Halifax commission en­ in the Newfoundland *Teachers' Association qv from hanced Whiteway's political career, he remained 1911, when he was elected secretary of the organiza­ convinced that Britain was willing to sacrifice New­ tion. He held a variety of executive positions within foundland interests to imperial policy. This was a the NTA and in 1913 organized the "Hands Across the paramount concern in light of his conviction that Sea" movement, aimed at establishing exchange visits both the Island's material progress and his own po­ for teachers. He represented the Newfoundland group litical future were tied to a favourable settlement of of teachers at Buckingham Palace, July 1913. the French Shore qv issue. In particular, Whiteway's Whiteway was also Newfoundland's representative at plan for a railway across the Island required imper­ an international conference in Ottawa in September, ial co-operation. But the British government did not 1920 on the scientific investigation of the fisheries on accept Whiteway's argument that a Newfoundland the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America. railway was of imperial significance. Some head­ Who's Who in and from Newfoundland 192 7 ( 192 7), way was made, however, on the French Shore ques­ NTA Journal (Feb. 1966), DNLB (1990). ILB tion. In 1882 Newfoundland was given sole WHITEW AY, WILLIAM VALLANCE 565

railway, negotiating a deal giving the French greater access to bait in return for agreeing to a west coast terminus. The New Party was able to raise patriotic fervour against "bait for the French", while opposi­ tion to the government was further fuelled by sectar­ ian tensions following the Harbour Grace Affray (see ELECTIONS; HARBOUR GRACE). Attempting to walk a political tightrope, Whiteway led the prosecu­ tion of several Roman Catholics charged in the riot. Though the defendants were eventually acquitted, the affair destroyed his Protestant Conservative-Catholic Liberal coalition. Prominent Liberals joined the oppo­ sition, prompting Whiteway to jettison his Catholic support in an attempt to secure the leadership of the emerging "Protestant party". However, the Water Street interests that had been behind the formation of the New Party were still wary of the railway and were not convinced that Whiteway would give due attention to the fishery. A compromise was eventually ham­ mered out whereby Robert Thorburn qv was chosen as leader of the new Reform Party. Whiteway resigned, accepting an appointment to the Legislative Council and vague assurances that in due time he would be appointed chief justice of the supreme court. Meanwhile, Robert Bond and Alfred B. Morine Sir William V. Whiteway qqv had been sitting in opposition to the Reform Party as independents, supporting the return of Whiteway. authority to appoint magistrates on the Treaty Shore, Pressured by them and no doubt disappointed in not while west coast settlers were given representation in being appointed chief justice, Whiteway announced the House of Assembly for the first time. Whiteway his return. Appropriating the Liberal party name, was not, however, able to secure a western terminus Whiteway continued to emphasize his "policy of for the railway and instead had to settle for Halls progress", although a statement denouncing confeder­ Bay. Conservative merchants were among critics of ation cost him the support of Morine. Though the the railway, fearing that it would draw men from the unpopularity and disorganization of the Reform party fishery, lead to a rise in labour costs and to increased allowed him an easy victory, Whiteway's new admin­ taxes. There were also suggestions of a "Confederate istration was beset by factionalism, with Bond and plot": that the railway would bankrupt Newfound­ Edward P. Morris qv increasingly developing their land and leave no alternative but confederation with own power bases. Canada. But Whiteway found support for the railway Whiteway again sought a settlement of the French among some opposition Liberals, although his sup­ Shore issue. The 1890 modus vivendi qv (or temporary port of a construction tender by Albert Blackman and agreement between the Imperial government and the an American syndicate made Liberal Ambrose Shea French) was strongly opposed by the Newfoundland qv another vocal critic. Whiteway was also charged government and relations were further soured when with conflict of interest, as members of the syndicate Britain refused to allow a draft reciprocity treaty Bond were involved in mining leases in which he had an had negotiated with the United States. The Imperial interest. The "Blackman syndicate" began work in government was preparing to pass legislation to en­ 1881 as the Newfoundland Railway Co., signing force the French treaties when Whiteway arrived in agreements to complete a standard gauge line across London as part of a Newfoundland delegation charged the Island and a dry dock in St. John's. with halting the "Coercion Bill". Whiteway agreed to The election of 1882 found Whiteway allied with a accept temporary legislation in 1891 while terms of a substantial element of the Liberal party, against the permanent act were settled. His cabinet, however, re­ New Party (a Protestant-merchant party led by fused to accept it as a government or party measure James J. Rogerson qv). Defining the issues as and Whiteway was forced to introduce it as a private "Progress versus Stagnation and Starvation", the member's bill. Bond played a prominent role in its Whiteway party easily won re-election. Shortly subsequent defeat. Relations with Canada were also thereafter problems arose, as the Blackman syndi­ strained, as Canadian opposition had largely been re­ cate was inefficient and lacked sufficient capital to sponsible for Britain's rejection of the reciprocity complete the job. Work on the main line was halted, deal. In retaliation, the government refused bait li­ while receivers for the company managed to com­ censes to Canadian vessels. plete a branch line to Harbour Grace in 1884. De­ Meanwhile, Whiteway had made good on his prom­ spite this setback, Whiteway continued to push for a ise to resume railway construction. In 1890 a contract 566 WHOSTORIAN, THE

was signed with R.G. Reid qv to complete a rail line 197 4 he was elected to the first executive of the Cana­ across the Island to Port aux Basques. Despite con­ dian Oral History Association. Widdowson was co-ed­ troversy over concessions granted to Reid, itor of the Dictionary of Newfoundland English, with Whiteway's Liberals won a majority in the 1893 George Story and William Kirwin qqv, and edited elections. But Morine had the opposition file peti­ Studies in Newfoundland Folklore: Community and tions alleging corrupt election practices on the part Process with Gerald Thomas qv. of Whiteway and 16 other Liberals. On April 11, Widdowson was founding director of the Centre for 1894 the government resigned and was replaced by English Cultural Tradition and Language at the Uni­ a minority Conservative administration led by A.F. versity of Sheffield, and in 1994 was honorary re­ Goodridge qv. This administration managed to stay search associate in folklore and language at Memorial in power until the Bank Crash of that year, after University. He is also founding editor of the journal which D.J. Greene qv formed a "caretaker" Liberal Lore and Language, and co-director of the Institute government. The Greene administration passed leg­ for Folklore Studies in Britain and Canada. His publi­ islation allowing the unseated Liberals to return to cations include If You Don 't be Good. .. : Verbal So­ the House. In 1895 Whiteway was elected MHA for cial Control in Newfoundland ( 1977), Studies in Harbour Grace and formed what would be his last Linguistic Geography: the Dialects of England in government. He inherited an economy on the verge Britain and Ireland (1985) and Word Maps: A Dialect of bankruptcy. A delegation headed by Bond was Atlas of England ( 1987). William Kirwin (interview, dispatched to discuss the possibility of confedera­ June 1994), Centre for Newfoundland Studies (J.D.A. tion with Canada. These negotiations were unsuc­ Widdowson). LBM cessful, but Bond was able to secure a loan sufficient to keep the Island from financial ruin. WIGH, SYLVIA ( 1918- ). Educator; journalist; direc­ However, the government remained demoralized tor and promoter of amateur theatre. Born Shropshire, and Whiteway unable to provide strong leadership. England, daughter of Louis A. and Helen Wigh. Edu­ In the general election of 1897 the Whiteway Liber­ cated England; Bishop Spencer College; Memorial als were soundly defeated by a revitalized Conserva­ University College. After teaching in St. John's and tive party under James S. Winter qv, with Whiteway Grand Falls, from 1942 to 1949 Wigh worked over­ himself losing his seat. He was succeeded as Liberal seas. On returning to Newfoundland she became a leader by Bond, but continued to snipe at his succes­ social worker. For 11 years from 1954 she was a col­ sor from the sidelines after Bond formed a govern­ umnist with the Evening Telegram. She then became a ment in 1900, launching a lawsuit claiming back pay television producer, writing ., from the party and eventually letting it be known and presenting news fea­ that he was planning a return to politics in the oppo­ tures and on-camera inter­ sition. In 1904 he was one of four "leaders" of the views. From her early so-called United Opposition Party, suffering per­ teaching days, Wigh was a sonal defeat as Bond and the Liberals were returned zealous promoter of ama­ with a landslide victory. Whiteway died at St. John's teur theatre. Involved with on June 24, 1908. M.F. Harrington (1991), J.K. Hiller children's theatre for al­ (NQ, Winter 1972), DCB XIII, DNLB (1990). ACB most 30 years, she wrote, produced, and conducted WHOSTORIAN, THE. This quarterly "fanzine" was classes; and for seven sum­ created and published (originally in handwritten and mers took her troupe to mimeographed form) in the spring of 1990 by Phil Eastport. She also directed McCausland of St. John's, in celebration of the long­ the St. John's Freelance Sylvia Wigh running BBC science fiction series Doctor Who . It Players company for 30 years, and often appeared on contained Doctor Who news, fan fiction, artwork, dis­ stage herself. A pioneer in radio drama, she established cussion about the series and merchandise reports. The a Sunday night Theatre Guild on VOCM radio. Wigh editorial staff consisted of McCausland, Steve Nolan has been adjudicator for many theatrical productions and Keith Morris. In 1993 the magazine was still being in Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island and Nova Sco­ published and distributed free to downtown bookstores tia. Nina Patey (Express Mar. 11, 1992), Maudie and other locations in St. John's. Phil McCausland Whelan (ET Aug. 28, 1982), Who 's Who Silver Anni­ (interview, May 1993), Express (Dec. 4, 1991 ), versary Edition (197 5). ILB Whostorian (1990-1993,passim). ILB WILANSKY, ESTHER (nee SIDEL) ( 1 8 9 4- 1 9 7 3). WIDDOWSON, JOHN DAVID ALLISON (1935- ). Businesswoman. Born Vilna, Poland. Married Isidor Folklorist; linguist. Born Sheffield, England. Educated Wilansky. Little is known ofWilansky's early life, but Oxford University; University of Leeds; Memorial she is said to have come to Newfoundland alone in the University ofNewfoundland. Widdowson came to Me­ winter of 1912. In 1919 she and her husband opened a morial University in the 1960s to teach English lan­ dry goods store, and Esther became a "driving force" guage to complete his doctoral studies. He later joined behind its success. After spending a brief period in the folklore department, serving as head in 197 4-7 5. In New York in 1924-25 opening a purchasing office for WILD BIGHT, NEW WORLD ISLAND 567

their store and for other St. John's merchants, the dents came in to Beachside for winter woods work, Wilanskys returned to St. John's. In November 1929 either with local trader Robert Young or at nearby Esther Wilansky opened her own store at 173 Water Southern Arm qv. Some of the men also found em­ Street, naming it The Model Shop. In the early 1920s ployment as miners at Little Bay qv after 1878, al­ Wilansky was instrumental in the formation of a though the major impact of the mine on Beachside Hadassah-WIZO qv chapter in St. John's, and served would appear to be the number of former miners who as its president for many years. After her death, the returned to the fishery out of the community after the chapter was named in her honour. Despite partial mine closed in 1900. In 1921 the most common family blindness she served as a volunteer in · many local name at Beachside was still Young. Other family organizations, including the Red Cross and the Insti­ names included Johnson, Noseworthy, Wells and tute for the Blind. DNLB ( 1990), Remarkable Women Wheeler. of Newfoundland and Labrador ( 197 6), Centre for In the mid-1920s most of the younger men left to Newfoundland Studies (Esther Wilansky). ILB work on construction of the pulp and paper mill at Corner Brook, and later to work as loggers. In 1935 WILD BIGHT-BEACHSIDE (inc. 1962; pop. 1991, only 36 people were left. However, the community 280). Wild Bight, on the north side of Little Bay (in began to grow once more in the 1940s and 1950s, as western Notre Dame Bay), as with many other places people moved there from Southern Arm (family names of that name in Newfoundland, takes its name from lnder and Verge), Springdale and Little Bay (Bennett, prevailing sea conditions. As noted in the Sailing Di­ Coombs and Pelley) or Little Bay Islands (Locke, Ox­ rections, "with a light northeasterly wind a swell sets ford and Weir). By 1956 there were 172 people, with in, and when the wind is strong the whole of the bight much of the increase since that time coming from a appears to be breakers". The community, which in further influx from Little Bay Islands in the 1980s. 1993 was commonly known as Beachside, is ranged on Bill Baker (interview, Nov. 1993), Rob Mills (1993), the west side of the cove at the Bight's bottom, where E.R. Seary ( 1977), Census ( 1857-1991), Lovell's New­ there is a broad, rocky beach. foundland Directory (1871), Sailing Directions New­ Beachside was probably used as a summer station foundland 1931 (1931), Archives (A-7-1/K). RHC by fishermen from Twillingate prior to being settled, in the 1850s, by the families of Robert Colbourne, WILD BIGHT, NEW WORLD ISLAND (pop. 1935, Abram Roberts and Richard Young (all previously of 1 0). Located between Moreton's Harbour and Twillingate). There were 16 people recorded as living Tizzard's Harbour qqv, Wild Bight was settled in two there in 1857, but this number had increased to 55 by locations. On the east side of the Bight was a family of 187 4 and remained at a similar level until the mid­ Stucklesses, at Wild Cove, while on the west side lived twentieth century. The fishermen of Beachside traded the Jenkins family (and others) at a site known as Little their catches to nearby Little Bay Islands qv, where Harbour. their families also attended the Methodist church, Tradition has it that the first settlers of Wild Bight until the building of a local school/chapel (which re­ were a family named Keith (although they may have mained part of the Little Bay Islands circuit). Beach­ been summer people from Twillingate). Meanwhile, side residents also went to the Labrador fishery out of Bartholomew Stuckless was fishing in the vicinity of Little Bay Islands, while some Little Bay Islands resi- Wild Cove, out of Tizzard 's Harbour. Stuckless married

Beachside 568 WILD BIGHT, STRAIT OF BELLE ISLE

one of the Keiths and had settled at Wild Cove by 1855 Larkums and Quinlans, all of whom were either en­ (the birth of his son, Jehu, being the first recorded at gaged in the trap fishery for cod locally or fished Wild Bight). In the 1860s the family of Elias Earle across the Strait, on the Labrador coast. The popula­ settled at Little Harbour, while just across a neck of tion had increased to 48 by 1921, and in 1935 was land from Little Harbour was Beachy Cove, Moreton's recorded as 91 (this later figure probably includes the Harbour- home to the Small family. Earle either died Campbell family, who had been keepers of the Cape or moved in about 1890 and the room at Little Harbour Norman lighthouse since 1888). Other family names was taken over by Nat Jenkins, from Western Head. In recorded at Wild Bight, although not found there in the twentieth century the only family names to have 1993, include Decker (a family name of Cook's Har­ been recorded at Little Harbour were Jenkins and bour) and Eddie. The population has declined steadily Small. from the 1935 figure, reaching a low of 30 before a Wild Bight first appears in the Census in 1884, with road was built, in the early 1970s, connecting Cook's a population of 24 - about the number recorded in Harbour and Wild Bight to the Viking Trail. Histori­ each subsequent Census - one extended family on ca11y, residents of Wild Bight have obtained most ser­ either side. These people fished local waters for cod vices at Cook's Harbour, only about 1 km away over a and lobster, and had extensive gardens in the valleys neck of land. Harvey Brown (interview, Oct. 1993), behind each place. By the 1920s, however, most of the E.R. Seary (1960; 1977), Census (1874-1991), JLC younger men were working away from the community (1873). RHC as loggers, and as they married moved away. In 1925 Jehu Stuckless died and fairly shortly afterward his WILD COVE, BONAVISTA BAY (pop. 1921, 6). A son moved to Moreton's Harbour, leaving Wild Cove tiny abandoned fishing community, Wild Cove was abandoned. There were 10 people recorded at Little located on the southeast side of Eastport (Salvage) Harbour in 1935, but they soon moved to Moreton's Bay, between Eastport and Salvage qqv. The site was Harbour as well. In later years, when a road was con­ settled in the late 1880s by Thomas Rogers of Salvage structed between Tizzard 's Harbour and Moreton's and two of his sons, as the growing Labrador fishery Harbour it passed close to the previously uninhabited out of central Bonavista Bay increased pressure on any "bottom" of Wild Bight, where there are now some sort of usable shore space in the area. Wild Cove first cabins. E.R. Seary (1977), Dale Stuckless (MHG 41- appears in the Census of 1891, with a population of 15. B-1-25), Census (1884-1935), Archives (A-7-2/L; VS In subsequent years the recorded population continued 86; VS 89). RHC to be fewer than 20 people, decreasing to seven by 1911. In about 1927 Wilfred and Gilbert Heffern of WILD BIGHT, STRAIT OF BELLE ISLE (pop. 1991, Salvage moved to Wild Cove to acquire shore space 43). A fishing community, Wild Bight is located near for the inshore cod fishery, with Gilbert reportedly the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula, between Cape remaining there untill941. In 1993 Wild Cove was the Norman and Cook's Harbour qqv. The community is site of a little-used picnic park maintained by the mu­ said to have been first settled by the Brown family, in nicipality of Salvage. John Feltham (1992), Census the 1880s. One Joseph Brown was recorded as living (1891-1921), Salvage Museum. RHC in Pistolet Bay as early as 1867, living at Woody Point (about 6 km south of Cook's Harbour) and having a WILD COVE, BONNE BAY. See NORRIS POINT. summer fishing place further out the Bay-which may have been at Wild Bight. WILD COVE, CANADA BAY (pop. 1935, 38). An Wild Bight (or Bight, Cape Norman) is first re­ abandoned fishing community, Wild Cove was located corded in the Census in 1891, with a population of 12. in Canada Bay, approximately 7 km southwest ofEng­ By 1901 there were 22 people, including Browns, lee qv. Particularly on the west side, the land rises quite steeply, and the cove is subject to strong currents. This is the origin not only of the English name of the cove, but also of its original French name, Gouffre (a pit or whirlpool). In 1872 a naval officer investigating the French Shore fishery did not note any inhabitants at Wild Cove. At that time the English fishermen in the area were based at Englee, while there were three French rooms at Canada Harbour qv. However, as the holding ground at Canada Harbour was poor, the French were accustomed to anchoring their large vessels south of Gouffre Island. Wild Cove first appears in the Census (as Gouffre Harbour) in 1884 with a population of 23, but there were only 10 by 1891 and in 1904 the cove was inhabited by the family of John Stuckless. The earliest settlers were all Roman Catholics, but those Wild Bight recorded in the twentieth century were all Protestant. WILD COVE, WHITE BAY 569

Presumably, some of the first settlers moved to Can­ In later years a one-room school was opened in Wild ada Harbour after the French abandoned that station in Cove. Throughout the twentieth century the popula­ about 1880. In 1921 (by which time the population had tion of Wild Cove was in decline. By the late 1950s increased to 39) family names of Wild Cove included there were only four families left and most of the Burton, Cassell, Clements, Jenkins, Johnson and Pitt­ inhabitants were elderly. The last few people resettled man - all of whom had settled between 1904 and to Seldom in 1960. In 1994 the family names formerly 1912. Most of these people moved on to Roddickton qv associated with Wild Cove could be found in Seldom. as the sawmilling industry developed there in the 1930s The road to Wild Cove had degenerated due to snow­ and 1940s, although seasonal fishing premises contin­ mobile and all-terrain vehicle use, but was still pass­ ued to be maintained at Wild Cove. Census (1874-1935), able and could be found beside the church. E.R. Seary JHA (1873; 1874), Sailing Directions for Newfoundland (1977), Robert Wells (1960), Census (1836-1956), 1931 (1931), Archives (A-7-2/P). RHC Lovell s Newfoundland Directory ( 1871 ), McAlpine s Newfoundland Directory ( 1894 ), Archives (MG WILD COVE, FOGO ISLAND (pop. 1956, 45). Are­ 323/1/2; VS 83). RHC settled fishing community, Wild Cove was located on the southern shore of Fogo Island, 2 km east of Seldom WILD COVE, WHITE BAY (pop. 1991, 119). A fish­ qv. It was apparently first settled in the early 1830s, by ing community, Wild Cove is located on the western fishermen who became familiar with the broad cove side of the Baie Verte Peninsula, about 12 km north­ while engaged in a migratory cod fishery out of Con­ west of the town of Baie Verte. The community was ception Bay ports to the Straight Shore and the settled in about 1870 by the Small family. Like the Wadham Islands. The first two settlers were William Smalls, the Decker and Wells families came to Wild Harnett and William Morgan, who are said to have Cove from Fogo Island. Other family names associated come from the Harbour Grace area. These were the two with Wild Cove include Pardy (from Southern Arm qv) families recorded there in 1836, when the first Census and Pinksen (from Big Cove and Lobster Harbour qv). noted a population of 10. Most were engaged in the inshore fishery for cod and In the 1850s others settled: John Cumberland (Com­ herring, but lobster and salmon also became important bden), John Eveleigh and John Budgell- after marry­ species in the twentieth century. ing into the Morgan or Harnett families. The Wild Cove first appears in the Census in 1874, population bad increased to 40 by 1869, and thereafter with a population of 15 in two families. By 1891 grew slowly by natural increase, to a high of 88 by there were 56 people at "Wild Cove #1"- so des­ 1911. Although there was some involvement in the ignated to distinguish the community from another Labrador fishery, for the most part the fishermen re­ to the south (see WESTERN ARM). However, in lied on fishing the Wadhams or Cape Fogo in bulleys about 1900 Wild Cove was abandoned, as the people or small schooners. Catches of cod were traded to moved across White Bay to work in a sawmill at nearby Seldom, where Fogo merchants had agents. Pollard's Point qv, Sops Arm. This mill was de­ Church was also attended in Seldom after 1891, when stroyed in a fire and 36 people had returned to Wild a church was built in the east end of Seldom, nearest Cove by 1911 (although the Decker family did not Wild Cove. Students also had to walk to Seldom to come back). By 1921 there were 71 people and the attend school for much of the community's existence. population increased slowly until 1966 (pop. 176).

Wild Cove, White Bay 570 WILD FLOWERS

Thereafter, many left to work at the mining town of Baie Verte - although some continued to live at Wild Cove while working at the mines after a road connection was put through in the early 1970s. Oth­ ers returned to the fishery at Wild Cove after layoffs at the mines began in the early 1980s. National Sea Products established a feeder plant for its La Scie operation at Wild Cove, and in the 1980s there were five longliners fishing out of the commu­ nity. Randolf Small managed the plant for a number of years and also operated a general store, while his brothers Mark and Harold took a leading role in organ­ izing the Canadian Sealers Association in 1984. Ken­ neth Dawe (MHG 36-A-1-56), E.R. Seary (1977), DA (Sept.-Oct. 1990), McAlpine s Newfoundland Direc­ tory (1894), Archives (A-7-2/P; VS 94). RHC Twinjlower,from the emblem ofthe Oxen Pond Botanical Garden WILD FLOWERS. The wild flowers of Newfound­ ISLAND WOODLAND FLOWERS. Wild flowers of land and Labrador, compared with pictures of those the dominant boreal forest follow the pattern of most accompanying them in North American guidebooks, woodland plant communities, wherein species appear may seem to be characterized by paucity and humil­ according to the moisture and nutrient level of the ity, existing in many cases near the limit of their soil. As water travels down slopes, it leaves heights of range. In fact, however, the Province's wild flowers land bearing flowers that thrive on dry soil with few are profuse to the point of extravagance: from the nutrients, and heads gradually through increasing de­ Amelanchier flowers that scent the woods with al­ grees of lushness which it makes possible. mond in late May, to cranberries that jewel snow and Wild flowers that commonly inhabit the higher rock near the ocean. Anyone driving our highways ground of the boreal woods are normally small and on a summer day passes a fragrant haze of wild delicate, and often multiply by way of spreading root flowers in seasonal procession: from coltsfoot, stocks. They are characterized by delicacy of colour through the mauve clovers and vetches, to spires of and fragrance, and often come in star- and bell-like lupin and goldenrod. To add to the interest, there are shapes. In late May the broad, tapered leaves of wild species which would not be found here but for the *lily of the valley qv push through the soil, followed presence of some unusual environmental factors. in June by starry white flower clusters which mature While wild flowers of Labrador are those one in the fall to blood-red berries. Twinflower qv is a would expect to see in their latitude, those on the trailing evergreen bearing the double blushing, scal­ Island are diverse in the extreme because of a loped bells that enticed pioneer botanist Carolus unique geological, climatic and environmental his­ Linnaeus to pose with a specimen for his portrait. The tory. While there is a dominant boreal forest habitat yellow or bluebead lily shoots recurving bells from with its attendant wild flower families, interesting wreaths of basal leaves. Perhaps the best-known sub-habitats appear across the Island, engendering flower of this forest region is the white-bract bunch­ special plant communities that exist here in unique berry, a dogwood qv family member which forms crisp combination. Against a backdrop of wild flowers of carpets over the shadiest woodland floors from May the dominant spruce/balsam fir w.oodland, grow spe­ through June, followed by the flame-red drupes chil­ cies from the following special habitats: the calcar­ dren call crackerberries. eous soils; limestone and serpentine barrens of Woodland flowers inhabiting mid-slopes include the western Newfoundland and the Great Northern Pen­ pink *lady's slipper qv, one of Newfoundland's im­ insula; the acidic soils of the central part of the pressive displays of orchids qv. With its inflated, Island; the arctic conditions of coastal cliffs and veined lip petal and lance-like leaves, this orchid often mountainous areas; and eastern Newfoundland's inhabits disturbed forest areas and trails. Shaded for­ coastal barrens characterized by extremely acidic ests rich with leaf mould also support the *one-flow­ bedrock and glacial till. Because of our variations in ered shinleaf qv, an ivory and amethyst wintergreen qv altitude, the divide between calcareous soils of the family member known for its hyacinth scent, and for west and the acidic east, and prominent divisions of its spectral appearance akin to that of its relative the land into woodland, wetlands and coastal dwarf *Indian pipe qv which inhabits similar areas. shrub barrens, the wild flowers of Newfoundland As nourishment increases farther down woodland are far from uniform in identity and distribution. slopes, so do plant diversity and size. Here flowering Some temperate boreal wild flowers do not grow shrubs include red-osier dogwood whose wood blazes here at all, and other species common to areas such ruby red against snow in winter. In summer it bears as the Arctic, western North America, and coastal clusters of creamy bloom, as do chuckley-pears qv, high­ Europe, make appearances in unlikely geographic bush cranberry and red *elderberry qv. Other flowering niches. plants of the lower woodlands include goldenrods, WILD FLOWERS 571 asters and meadowsweet qv. At the bases of woodland ize in exhaling their fragrance. The medicinal scent of slopes plants can get more light and moisture, and *Labrador tea qv, the pitcher plant's faint sandalwood wild flowers here can range from woodland to wetland fragrance, and the frail scents of numerous flowering varieties. shrubs, are caught in the warm mosses, extracted by the heat of boulders on fallen petals, and borne on the ISLAND WETLAND FLOWERS. The wild flowers of winds. The Island's most prevalent type of heathland Newfoundland wetlands belong to four types of wet­ is the Kalmia barren characterized by knee-high erica­ land habitat: the dominant peatlands, composed of ceous shrubs such as sheep laurel (locally, gold-withy fens and bogs, and the less common swamps and qv or gow_iddy), Labrador tea, lowbush *blueberry qv marshes. Fens are peatlands' meadow-like areas often and the wild rhododendron or rhodora qv. Kalmia bar­ found where lower woodland slopes break out into re~s hav~ wet and dry areas, with accompanying vari­ more open land. Flowers of the fens reflect a richer atiOns 10 shrubs and herbaceous vegetation. nutrient level than that found in Cinquefoils, sweet gale or bog myrtle and bayberry qv more stagnant bogland. Flowering can all be found on the Kalmia barrens under the shrubs of the fens include *sweet lonely winnowing of the snipe. gale, shrubby *cinquefoil, and Coastal barrens of Newfoundland wear a cover of northern *honeysuckle qqv. While ankle-deep, purple-flowering crowberry qv bushes. the groundwater level of fens is B.lack crowberry is the most prevalent species, with lower than that of bogs, fens do pm~ crow_berry and the trailing purple crowberry pre­ contain pools that support a variety fernng htgh, exposed summits and dry headlands. of flowering plants such as bogbean Pink crowberry dominates the fogbound moss barrens (a boreal herb bearing racemes of of southeast Newfoundland, and combines with the white or blushing starry flowers); purple variety to form the dominant cover of the and pipewort (also known as white Island's alpine barrens. The limestone barrens of the buttons or hatpins), its basal leaves Meadowsweet Great Northern Peninsula have upper and lower ter­ remaining under water beneath an races that support calcium-loving plant life uncom­ emerging knobbed stalk. Other flowers of the fens mon enough to warrant protected status. The upper include insectivorous sundews qv; three-leaved terraces are wind-blown and vegetated by mats of low, Solomon's seal; and the white fringed orchid, whose snowy-flowering *mountain avens qv nestled between pure white flowers project dramatic fringes and spurs. calcareous rock. The overall appearance of these ter­ Bogs maintain a ground water level close to the races has led to their being named "dryas rock surface of the peat cover, and peat moss is the domi­ gardens". Here too grow the yellow dwarf orchid, and nant vegetation. While bogs are nutrient-poor, they the matted, pink-flowering *wil­ support a number of flowering plants that cannot toler­ low-herb qv known as river beauty, ate richer conditions. Shrubs of the bogs are predomi­ whose large wild flowers, eaten by nantly dwarf ericaceous species. These include where the plant occurs in the leatherleaf qv with its drooping clusters of white bells ~Inuit North, look spectacular massed be­ the pink-flowering evergreen bog laurel, and *bo~ side nearby diminutive blooms. The rosemary qv with its bluish, rolled-under leaves and lower limestone terraces are nearly blushing turban-shaped blooms. Bogs are also the covered by a mat of springy dwarf pr~ferred habitat of bakeapples qv, whose single shrubbery, changing at the base to wh1te flowers bloom in July and August. As early as snow-nourished herbaceous commu­ March, wreaths of the dark red new leaves of the pitcher nities of moisture-loving flowers plant qv may be seen poking through sphagnum moss near such as the soft pink star-bells of fen:nented bog cranberries of the preceding fall. Pro­ . .r. . water avens, and angelicas and cow- c~almed Newfoundland's floral emblem in 1954, the cmqu~01 1 Sh ru bby parsmps. of the *parsley family qv. p1tcher plant bears sturdy wine-coloured and gold flowers Barrens of the serpentine mountains of western that appear in June and persist as brittle cases rattling over Newfoundland support the Province's most unusual bog 1ce in winter. Mineral-rich marshes and wooded wild flower communities, which grow sparsely in the swamps are much less common in Newfoundland than soil of the oxidized serpentine rocks that have been peatlands. They possess fluctuating water tables. described as a moonscape (see TABLELANDS). Marshes bear herbaceous vegetation dominated by These unique soils, which carry nearly toxic levels of ree~s, rushes qv and sedges qv. Newfoundland swamps, magnesium, iron, nickel and chromium, support unh~e tree-bearing mainland swamps, are mainly shrub­ serpenticolous species unique to this habitat. Several beanng, producing alders qv and willows qv. *pink family qv members, including sandworts and ISLAND BARRENS. We have unfortunately used lan­ alpine campion, fall into this category. As with most guage to reduce one of our grandest landscapes - habitats, there are niches that support species nor­ ~nown elsewhere as heath- and loveliest communi­ mally found in other environments, and these ties. of flowering plants to the status of "barren". serpenticolous plants share their area with sea thrift Whlie wild flowers are usually appreciated for their bluebells and other plants common to various alpin~ beauty, the Newfoundland barrens in summer special- regions and heathlands. 572 WILD, IRA

LABRADOR. Wild flowers of Labrador share a num­ ting limited distribution or of early date. While major ber of characteristics that contribute to the exotic relevant writings, such as those of botanists Joseph quality of their display. Because they occur sparsely in Banks, Ernest Rouleau and Merritt Lyndon Fernald a vast land, in order to attract pollinators they must qqv, are available through libraries, there is no com­ bloom with more brilliance than prehensive, popular work detailing our wild flowers. flowers farther south. Root systems That is not to say that important studies have not are shallow and widely spread, es­ been going on in this area. Many writers, such as Mary pecially in northern Labrador, Southcott qv, have written popular works on New­ where permafrost prohibits deep foundland wild flowers. roots while keeping the shallow soil Memorial University's layer moist enough to support a Oxen Pond Botanic Gar­ great diversity of plant life. Leaves dens, under the direction of of Labrador flowers are often tough curator Bernard S. Jackson and thick, curling in on themselves qv, has issued a number of as protection from cold. Then, helpful handbooks on New­ when temperatures reach the right foundland flora. The Agnes height to allow photosynthesis Marion Ayre Herbarium, Sheep laurel ( +43 "f) the leaves present them­ part of Memorial Uni­ selves unfurled to the benevolence of a warm day. versity's biology depart­ Many Labrador wild flowers freeze solid, but continue ment, houses dried specimens growing when they thaw. Lichens qv of Labrador representing species of come in brilliant colours. They include fiery red Newfoundland and Labrador Marsh rose, by A.M. Ayre Parmelialichen, with its delicate craning rays; creamy trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, and has a sepa­ brown-speckled crustose lichen; salmon-pink link li­ rate section for mosses and seaweeds qqv. The Ayre chen; and British soldier lichen with its scarlet Herbarium houses several major art collections, in­ "helmets". cluding more than 1800 A.M. Ayre qv watercolours of The berry shrubs of Labrador include the staple native plants. Some of these watercolours are those "redberry" (known on the Island as partridgeberry qv) reproduced in her 1935 volume Wild Flowers of New­ and blueberry. Bakeapple and crowberry varieties dif­ foundland Volume III (the first two volumes were fer from their southerly counter- never published), whose preface states that for the parts in that flowers and fruit are purpose of producing the book the paint was washed often displayed together, because of off the watercolours, and the illustrations outlined in the shortness of Labrador's grow­ ink. Modern writers such as Peter Scott qv and dye ing season. Many Labrador wild artist Judy Waldner McGrath, along with members of flowers, with their vivid colours the Canadian Wildflower Society's Newfoundland and unusual shapes adapted to the chapter, have begun to explore ethnobotanical applica­ great land, have the exotic look of tions and possibilities of our wild flower communi­ desert flowers. The Iceland *poppy ties. Agnes Marion Ayre ( 193 5), Britton and Brown qv lifts its lemony, translucent cups (1970), John Crellin (An address given to the New­ on graceful stems from shining foundland Chapter of the Canadian Wildflower Soci­ basal wreaths. Roseroot qv shouts ety, Winter 1993), Mrs. William Starr Dana ( 1899), fireworks of scarlet from an ex- Fernald and Kinsey (1958), Foster and Duke (1990), ploding centre. Purple *saxifrage Rhodora Asa Gray (1950), Diane Griffin (1984), Bernard S. qv appears to break its own clefts in imposing rock Jackson (1979; 1982), Judy Waldner McGrath (1977)", faces, and flowering Alpine arnica decks the land with William A. Niering ( 1979), Peterson/McKenny its big yellow suns. (1968), Erne~tRou1eau (1956), A. Glen Ryan (1978), Peter J. Scott (1979; interview, June 1994), Robert FLOWERS AND PEOPLE. The ethnobotanical value Stewart (1977), Frank D. Venning (1984), American of native wild flowers, or their relationship with the Journal of Botany (passim), Garden Magazine people who share their habitat, has been relatively (Nov./Dec. 1986), Osprey (vol. 24, #2) , Rhodora unnoticed in Newfoundland and Labrador compared (passim), TLCfor Plants (Winter 1990/91), Sarrace­ with other societies that have a strong rural base. nia (passim), Centre for Newfoundland Studies (Bot­ Many identical and related plants in other such areas, any files). KATHLEEN WINTER especially where informal economies exist, have had their home uses extensively recorded. There is no WILD, IRA (1895-1974). Commissioner. Born Eng­ doubt that a vast number of Newfoundland plants have land. Son of Mary (Hopkinson) and Leonard Holt nutritional, folkloric and medicinal applications, but Wild. Educated London School of Economics. Married the record of actual uses is scanty (apart from the more Edith Mary Barbour. A career civil servant after World obvious berries, and wild greens such as dandelions War I, Wild served in the British Exchequer and Audit qv). Information on Newfoundland wild flowers is Department until 1934. He was then posted to New­ scattered, many important findings and articles get- foundland as comptroller and auditor general in the WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 573

Commission of Government and remained in that po­ plex, but there can be no doubt that hunting and trap­ sition until 1938. Upon his return to Britain, Wild was ping without sufficient controls, together with poach­ awarded the O.B.E. For the next several years he was ing, were important contributing causes. It is said that an employee of the Colonial Office and His Majesty's the total caribou population for the whole Island had Treasury. dropped to about 2000 animals, while beaver had dis­ Wild returned to Newfoundland in 1941 as Commis­ appeared completely from many areas. Thus caribou sioner of Finance, succeeding J.H. Penson qv. Just hunting was closed from 1925 to 1935, while beaver before returning to England trapping was not resumed until 194 7. There were other in 1946, he was asked to ap­ helpful programs, such as the restocking of beaver pear before a public session rivers. The Avalon Wilderness Area was established in of the National Convention, 1964. Travel in the area was restricted, and private which was demanding pow­ cabins were removed. The wilderness program proved ers to examine papers and to be a great success, especially in fostering an Avalon to question personnel of the herd of caribou. In 1987 the wilderness area became Commission of Govern­ the Avalon Wilderness Reserve. Other measures also ment. Wild refused, anger­ were successful, and by 1993 caribou herds in insular ing many members of the Newfoundland were estimated at 65,000 to 70,000 Convention. He did, how­ animals, including 6000 on the Avalon. Labrador was ever, consent to appear be­ estimated to have 500,000 to 700,000 animals. Indige­ fore a private session of the nous peoples in Labrador have been allowed to con­ Ira Wild Convention on September tinue to use the caribou as an important source of their 19 where he revealed that a substantial surplus had livelihood. An interesting finding of the Wilderness been accumulated in the public accounts during the Area was that snowshoe hares affect caribou popula­ Commission. Wild became director of finance in the tion, for they affect lynx populations, which prey upon British Ministry of Transport until his retirement in caribou calves. 1957. He was awarded the CBE in 1952. S.J.R. Noel In 1990 a Wilderness Reserve was established in 2 (1971), DNLB (1990), Who Was Who VII. ACB Bay du Nord area (2895 krn ) and another at adjacent Middle Ridge. Bay du Nord is an important breeding WILD ROSES. See ROSES, WILD. area for Canada geese, and a wintering ground for caribou. Middle Ridge is a calving ground for caribou WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT. This article addresses and includes part of the Bay du Nord Reserve north of the issue of conservation and the wise use for sustain­ Mount Sylvester. The southeast part of the Reserve, able yield of fur-bearing animals and game species of around The Tolt, is also a calving ground. Naturalists mammals and birds in the Province; while there will both locally and internationally have commended the also be some reference to trout and salmon qqv in Newfoundland government on its foresight. inland waters, management of commercial fisheries is The management of moose in Newfoundland has not considered here. The concept of conservation of been quite different from that of caribou. Moose have game species dates back to private estates in Britain in found, throughout insular Newfoundland, an ideal the fifteenth century, while in Germany and France habitat, with relatively little natural predation and few there were early laws to protect beaver populations. lethal parasites. Following their introduction at Howley The first closed season of any kind in North America in 1904 they rapidly extended their range, and by the was for deer in Massachusetts in 1718. When the real­ 1970s and 1980s were already regarded as overpopu­ ization gradually spread that increasing human popu­ lated in some areas. Overpopulation has been somewhat lations with more efficient hunting tools would controlled by hunting, but it may have persisted in effectively destroy the more coveted wild species, it was recognized that the only way to prevent this would be to regulate hunting and trapping. The earliest game laws in Newfoundland date from 1835. In 1845 a law for "wild fowl" protection was introduced, and included a ban on the taking of eggs. This measure may have predated any such action in Canada. In April 1869 there was an "Act to Amend and Consolidate the Game Laws". A *Game and In­ land Fisheries Board qv was established in 1910, in part because it was recognized that sport fishing and hunting were the major attractions for visitors. By the early 1920s in insular Newfoundland, despite the dis­ appearance of the wolf qv in 1911, both caribou and beaver populations were in serious decline, and both these species appeared to be threatened with extinc­ tion. The causes of those declines may have been com- Part ofthe Avalon caribou herd 574 WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT areas of difficult access. The moose population of bird Sanctuaries at several of the most spectacular insular Newfoundland in 1993 was estimated at seabird colonies. 150,000 animals. Licences for hunting moose and car­ In 1994 the provincial Wildlife Division of the De­ ibou are issued by the Wildlife Division of the Depart­ partment of Environment and Lands regulated the ment of Environment and Lands. The licenses are trapping of fur-bearing animals, and the sale of their issued by area, after careful monitoring of popula­ pelts. Licences for trapping in specified areas are is­ tions. Hunters are issued tags, and are required to sued in accordance with estimated populations. Trap­ report the animals they have taken. Poaching incurs pers are required to report the number of animals severe penalties. taken. Beaver, otter, lynx, muskrat, fox, mink and Wildlife management in Newfoundland involves weasel are all covered under this legislation. Squirrels both federal and provincial authorities. The Cana­ are also included, as are fishers, which may occur dian Wildlife Service is concerned with migratory sparingly only in western Labrador. Even the wolver­ birds, and the enforcement of the Migratory Birds ine is mentioned, although there is some doubt Convention, which is an international agreement. whether it continues to exist even in northern Labra­ Administration of this agreement in Newfoundland dor. The pine marten is considered endangered, and has had to take into account the fact that the Terms hunting and trapping are prohibited (see MARTEN of Union specifically permit the hunting of turrs AND FISHER). (murres; see AUKS, MURRES AND PUFFINS) for A priority of wildlife management is the preserva­ personal use. Unfortunately this privilege has some­ tion of species of wild populations. This entails the times been abused. Turrs mature slowly and raise preservation of habitat, since, as a general rule, most only one chick per year. It was foreseen, therefore, wild animals thrive only in the type of natural habitat that stocks would be seriously depleted. Thus in to which they are adapted. The pine marten is a rather 1993, with public support, regulations were intro­ extreme example of this. It does well only in very duced specifying hunting seasons, and setting a mature forest; although prey may be abundant, it can­ daily bag limit of 20 per hunter and a possession not become established in secondary growth. Unsuc­ limit of 40 turrs. Polar bears are also a concern of cessful attempts have been made to increase the the Canadian Wildlife Service. The species has been population, and to extend the range of the pine marten in recognized as endangered, and has been granted pro­ insular Newfoundland. The greatest risk to the pine mar­ tection by international agreement. Since protection ten appears to be in the loss of habitat. The wolverine is has been provided, there has been an increase in of the same family as the marten, but is a larger animal. population. In view of this increase hunting has It was well-known throughout Labrador in the nine­ been permitted on a limited scale for native people teenth century, but has become increasingly rare in this in the Canadian north. In Labrador the licensing is as in other parts of Canada. In 1993 wildlife officials handled through provincial authorities, who issue a could confirm only that tracks had been reported in the very small number of licences to the Inuit each year. Torngats. Both government and the general public have The management of migratory birds implies more become increasingly aware of the importance of an ho­ than regulation of hunting, carrying with it a concern listic approach, which sees conservation as protection of for other factors which endanger or reduce bird popu­ a total environment, rather than disjointed consideration lations, especially oil spills and oil dumping near the of species out of context. coasts. Much effort has been directed toward reducing Preservation of the habitats of salmon and trout is oil contamination of coastal waters. And the security also of major concern. Restrictions are in place to min­ of cliff-nesting and island-nesting species has been imize the silting of streams from construction, and greatly helped by the establishment of Provincial Sea- dumping of oil and toxins into waterways is forbidden.

Cape St. Mary's bird sanctuary Salmon census, Romaine's River WILLIAM CARSON, M.V. 575

It is also very important that salmon should be able to under captain John Tizzard, from Emily's Harbour, find their way upstream to clean spawning gravels. Labrador to Genoa with 5000 quintals of fish, its main­ The problem of obstruction caused by hydro dams is at mast broke, but it managed to reach its destination. least partially addressed by the construction of fish Re-rigged as a barquentine, it sailed the Atlantic for ladders. Licences must be obtained to fish in salmon the next 12 years. After the Bank Crash of 1894 bank­ rivers, and individual rivers are closed at times when rupted the Munn firm it was purchased by Bowring the water is low. No licence is needed to fish else­ Brothers. Later it was sold to an English firm. It was where for trout; but there are regulations, including a lost in the English Channel in 1906. The wreck of bag limit and closed seasons. Regulations introduced another William lay for a long time under Walkham's in 1994 set a daily bag limit of 12 trout, and closed the Bridge in Bonavista but its origin was uncertain. In season from March 20 to April 23 in addition to the 1950, while dredging the harbour, workmen brought regular fall closure. See also under individual species; the wreck to the surface. According to local tradition FURS AND FURRING; PARKS, PROVINCIAL; it was one of the vessels lost in Captain Michael Gill's TOURISM. Pierre Ryan (interview, Jan. 1994), The defence of Bonavista harbour. All that remains are Wildlife Act (as amended 1989). CHARLIE HORWOOD charred fragments in the Bonavista museum. D.W. Prowse ( 1895), NQ (vol. 66 #2, Winter 1968), Centre WILKINS, R. DOMINO (1946- ). Educator. Born for Newfoundland Studies (William). ILB Hare Bay, Bonavista Bay. Educated Hare Bay; Memo­ rial University ofNewfoundland. Since 1969 Wilkins WILLIAM CARSON, M.V. Built in 1954 by Canadian has worked with the Pentecostal Assemblies Board of Vickers Ltd. of Montreal, this passenger and cargo Education (PABE) as teacher, mathematics department ferry was 335.6 feet long and 68.1 feet wide with a head, supervising principal and assistant superinten­ passenger capacity of 503. Strengthened for navigation dent (1980-1990). In September of 1990 he was ap­ in ice, it was considered one of the best icebreakers pointed superintendent with the PABE in Grand among the ferries then operating in Canadian waters. Falls-Windsor, following the retirement of S. Roy Beginning in 1955 the Carson served on the Port aux Belbin. F.D. Rideout (1992), Good Tidings (August Basques-North Sydney run for almost 20 years. 1990), PABE office personnel (interview, January 24, The Carson began full service on the Labrador run 1994). BURTON K. JANES in June, 1976. On May 31,1977, commanded by Nor­ man Rinks, it left St. John's for Cartwright, carrying WILKINSON, JOHN ALBERT (1885-1949). Clergy­ freight and 37 passengers. Steaming at a reduced man. Born Chester-le-Street, Durham, England; son of speed through an ice field after leaving St. Anthony it William and Margaret (Coates) Wilkinson. Educated sprang a serious leak, its passengers and crew of 91 Durham; Mount Allison University. Married Florence taking to the lifeboats before it sank. Its distress signal Pelley. Wilkinson entered the Methodist ministry in was picked up by the Coast Guard in St. Anthony. The Newfoundland in 1909. He icebreaker Sir Humphrey Gilbert, about 17 miles north served his probationship on of St. Anthony, went to the rescue. Some survivors northern circuits, in Labra­ were taken by its helicopter, others directly from the dor and St. Anthony, where lifeboats, and the remainder by helicopters from Gan­ he was for a time involved der. There was no loss of life. in the work of the Grenfell After a month of searching, the wreck was located Mission. Entering Mount Al­ in 504 feet of water, 31 nautical miles from Cape St. lison University in 1911, he Lewis, Labrador. A judicial inquiry into the sinking graduated in 1915 and was began on August 1, 1977.1t concluded that "The sink­ ordained soon after. During ing of the M.V. William Carson was caused by the the next 34 years, he served Methodist and United Church circuits at La Scie, Rev. J.A . Wilkinson . Change Islands, Twillingate, Lewisporte, Curling, Burin, Blackhead and Clarke's Beach. Besides serving several terms as Presbytery chairman, he was also president of the Newfoundland Conference of the United Church in 1935-36. Wilkin­ son died at Clarke's Beach in May of 1949. Mollie Wilkinson Hudson (letter, Mar. 1990; interview, June 1993), Laura Norman (interview, Feb. 1990), D.W. Johnson ([1925]), Minutes of the Newfoundland Con­ ference (1935-36; 1949). DAVID G. PITT

WILLIAM. This 207-ton brigantine, built for John Munn qv by Cox ofBridport in 1872, was first commanded by Henry Bailey. On September 30, 1889 while sailing, The William Carson departing from St. John's 576 WILLIAM IV

rapid flooding of the forward motor compartment and transferred to Quebec. Before leaving the Island, he the bow thruster compartment as a result of ice pene­ donated 50 guineas and a silver communion plate for trating the hull about one foot below the waterline the establishment of a Church of England chapel in .. .. " The blame was laid on CN, and on Hinks's Placentia. His coronation took place in 1830. William inexperience in Labrador ice and his failure "to appre­ IV died without children and the throne passed to his ciate the formidable hazard which [the ice] presented niece, Victoria. DNB XXI, DNLB ( 1990). ACB to the safety of his ship." From the beginning, how­ ever, Hinks remained firm in the view that the Carson WILLIAMS, DANIEL E. ( 1949- ). Lawyer; business­ had not struck ice and in a letter to the Canadian Mer­ man. Born St. John's, son of Teresita (Galway) and chant Service Guild, Hinks's lawyer stated that" . ..the Thomas E. Williams qv. Educated St. John's; Memo­ findings of the commission were inconclusive, inconsis­ rial University of Newfoundland; Oxford University; tent, contradictory and not supported by the evidence ... Dalhousie University. Married Maureen Power. The the findings did not say how or why ice penetrated the Newfoundland Rhodes Scholar for 1969, Williams hull .. . there was in fact no findings of negligence on studied jurisprudence at Oxford and obtained an LL.B. the part of the Master, Captain Hinks." Harry Bruce from Dalhousie University in 1972. He began legal ( 1977), Gal gay and McCarthy ( 1990), Report ofthe For­ practice in his father's firm (subsequently Williams, mal Investigation into the Sinking of the M. V. William Williams & Buffett) and in 1981 founded his own law Carson (1978), Centre for Newfoundland Studies Ship firm - known in 1994 as Williams, Roebothan, File (William Carson), Newfoundland Historical Society McKay & Marshall. He was appointed Queen's Coun­ (William Carson). ILB sel in 1984. In 1975 Williams was a founder of Avalon WILLIAM IV (1765-1837). Prince William Henry, Cablevision, eventually acquiring a controlling in­ son of George III and Queen Charlotte, entered the terest in Cable Atlantic. He has also held director­ Royal Navy in 1779. On July 20, 1786 he arrived in ships in Shaw Cable, De Havilland Aircraft of Placentia as captain of the frigate Pegasus and was Canada Ltd . and the appointed naval surrogate. Lower Churchill Develop­ The Prince soon made his virulent anti-Catholic ment Corporation; and had prejudice known, forbidding Protestants to be married served on the executive of or baptised by Catholic priests, prohibiting Catholics the Canadian Cable Televi­ from being buried in the cemetery or holding services sion Association. In 1990 in the courthouse and calling into question the author­ he was selected Canadian ity of Father Edmund Burke to build a chapel. He Cablecaster of the Year by threatened to burn the Catholic chapel in St. John's Cablecaster magazine. and, in an apparently unprovoked attack, wounded Williams has also served Father J.L. O'Donel qv by throwing an iron file at him. as president of the St. On another occasion he is said to have given a man John's Junior Hockey 100 lashes before it was discovered that the man had League and as vice-chair­ Danny Williams been unjustly accused. By 1787 the Prince had been man of the St. John's Maple Leafs hockey team. His other community involvements include directorships with the Janeway Children's Hospital Foundation and the Canadian Association for the Mentally Handi­ capped, and fundraising for the St. John's Boys' and Girls' Club, the Terry Fox Foundation, the Kids Help Phone and Iris Kirby House. D.E. Wil­ liams (interview/letter, Apr. 1994). JoHN PARSONS

WILLIAMS, FREDERICK VERNON (1922-1991). Veteran; president of the Royal Canadian Legion. Born St. John's, son of Harold and Susanna (Forsey) Wil­ liams. Married Elizabeth Dicks. A veteran of World War II, Williams served in the navy from 1940 to 1946. He joined the Great War Veterans' Association upon his return to Newfoundland and the Royal Canadian Legion in 1949. From 1961 he helped to organize a number of naval reunions as a member of branch 56 of the Legion at Pleasantville. A branch president, Wil­ liams became Dominion vice-president of the Legion in 1984 and first vice-president in 1988. Two years William IV later he became national president. Apart from his many activities with the Legion, Williams had business WILLIAMS HARBOUR 577

foundland were published in pamphlet form in 1765. One of the few non-official descriptions from the eigh­ teenth century, "An account of the island of New­ foundland" called for the appointment of a resident English governor and a reduction in the cost of equip­ ment and provisions for fishermen. DCB IV. ACB

WILLIAMS HARBOUR (pop. 1991, 77). The fishing community of Williams Harbour is located on the south side of Granby Island, at the mouth of Alexis Bay, about 35 km east of Port Hope Simpson qv. Until the late 1970s the Harbour was a summer fishing sta­ tion for people wintering either at Rexon's Cove qv or Port Hope Simpson. Williams Harbour is thought to have been fre­ quented by migratory fishermen from England from the late 1700s. In the early 1800s fishing and trading in the area increased, after the English firm of Hunt and Co. established a post at nearby St. Francis Har­ bour qv. In 1827 the judge of the Labrador court noted six schooners there. The Harbour would seem to have Fred Williams been settled by the 1840s, by the family of an Inuk interests in equipment sales and in service stations and named Samuel Kibenook (in 1993 a common family served as a member of the Memorial University Board name of Port Hope Simps on, usually spelled of Regents. G.W.L. Nicholson (1969), Elizabeth Wil­ Kippenhuck). They were soon joined by Kippenhuck's liams (interview, 1994), Centre for Newfoundland son-in-law, William Russell, "an Englishman who has Studies (Fred Williams). ACB married an Esquimaux wife, and as a consequence has the cleanest house and the tidiest children on the WILLIAMS, GRIFFITH (? -1 790). Pamphleteer; coast" (Kelly). Since that time the major"ity of resi­ military officer. Educated Royal Military Academy. dents of Williams Harbour have borne the family Married Ann Fothersall. Williams may have been sta­ name Russell. The community appears in the first cen­ tioned in Newfoundland as early as 1744, and is known sus taken of the Labrador coast, in 1856, with a popu­ to have been in Carbonear in 1749 when he was a lation of 14. Through the late 1800s the Harbour's lieutenant fireworker in the Royal Artillery. When population remained at about this level. While Wil­ transferred to St. John's he cleared a farm at Quidi Vidi liams Harbour was frequented by some Newfound­ before returning to duties in Europe. He was still in landers in the summer fishing season, this "stationer" Europe in 1762 when he claimed to have lost over fishery was centred on the north side of Granby Island, £2000 worth of livestock, buildings and crops in the at St. Francis Harbour Bight and Georges Cove qqv. French raid on Newfoundland. Williams returned to A decline in the stationer fishery after 1894 led Newfoundland as an artillery commander in 1765 and some of the inhabitants of other harbours on the island remained for eight years. His observations on New- (which had previously supported a small resident

Williams Harbour 578 WILLIAMS, HAROLD

population) to return to Newfoundland, leaving Wil­ their scope and their derived interpretations. He is the liams Harbour/Rexon's Cove as the sole "livyer" coordinator of a volume on eastern Canada as part of community in the area. The Russells were joined by the sixth edition of The Geology of Canada. Williams' other families - Burdens, Larkhams and Penneys - honours include a Governor General's Medal, the Wil­ from St. Francis Harbour Bight, with the population of let G. Miller Medal from the Royal Society of Canada Williams Harbour increasing to 29 by 190 1 and re­ a Killam senior research scholarship (the firs; maining at about that level through the early years of awarded to a geologist), the R.J.W. Douglas Medal the twentieth century. The founding of a pitprop and from the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists pulpwood operation at Port Hope Simpson in the mid- (of which he was the first recipient), the Logan Medal 1930s provided an important source of seasonal em­ of the Geological Association of Canada and the first ployment in the area, while the use of Williams appointment ( 1990) to the Alexander Murray Chair in Harbour Run as the sea route to and from Port Hope Earth Sciences at Memorial University. Hank Wil­ Simpson made the community the usual port of call on liams (interview, June 1994). Centre for Newfound­ Granby Island. By 1945 the population had increased land Studies (Hank Williams). DEREK WILTON to 49. Subsequently, slumps in lumbering led to an increased summer population: by the mid-1960s the WILLIAMS, LEONARD EDWARD (1940- ). Educa­ summer population of Williams Harbour was about tor. Born Grand Bank, son of John and Elizabeth 70, half of whom wintered at Rex on's Cove and the (Buffett) Williams. Married Laura Higdon. Educated remainder at Port Hope Simpson. Memorial University of Newfoundland; University of In the late 1970s the operator of a small fish plant at Toronto; Boston University. Williams began his career Williams Harbour convinced the people that they as a teacher and principal in Newfoundland schools. would have a stronger argument for obtaining electric­ He was president of the Newfoundland Teachers' As­ ity, a new school and other services if they remained sociation (NT A), from 1972 to 197 4, and for two years at Williams Harbour year-round, and since that time was president of the Canadian Teachers' Federation. the winter place at Rex on's Cove has been abandoned. In 1979 Williams joined the student teaching divi­ A salt fish plant at Williams Harbour (in 1990 oper­ sion of the faculty of education, Memorial University, ated by South River Enterprises) employed about 25 and in 1984 was appointed co-ordinator of the people seasonally, supplied by crews fishing out of the University's Harlow campus. In 1990 he was chosen community and the nearby summer stations of Sandy to chair a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Deliv­ Hook qv, St. Francis Harbour Bight and Georges Cove. ery of Programs and Services in Primary, Elementary J .B.K. Kelly [ 1870], Bill Larkham (interview, Sept. and Secondary Education. The Commission's report, 1992), Arminius Young (1916), Census (1857-1991), Our children, our future, was released in 1992. Some Obituary on the Labrador Coast Fishery (1992), Them of its recommendations were controversial, particularly Days (Jan. 1991), Archives (A-7-4/36; VS 113). RHC those relating to denominational education. In June of 1993 Williams was appointed deputy minister of educa­ WILLIAMS, HAROLD ( 1934- ). Geologist. Born St. tion. He is a recipient of The Canadian Teachers' Feder­ John's, son of Alexander and Katherine (Lucas) Wil­ ation Award. L.E. Williams (1992; interview, Oct. 1993), liams. Educated St. John's; Memorial University of ET(Dec. 14, 1984; Aug. 8, 1990; June 10, 1993), MUN Newfoundland; University of Toronto. Married Jean Gazette (Dec. 1, 1988). JEAN GRAHAM King. The first student to receive a B.Sc. (1956) and M.Sc. (1958) in geology from Memorial University, WILLIAMS, MARGARET THERESA ( 1931-1982). Williams was a research scientist with the Geological Librarian. Born St. John's, daughter of Julia (Fitzger­ Survey of Canada from 1961 until 1968, when he was ald) and Richard Williams. Educated Memorial Uni­ appointed to the University. versity of Newfoundland; University of Toronto. In the early 1960s he documented geological subdi­ Williams began working at Memorial University Library visions of Newfoundland: an oceanic central volcanic in 1953. She was head oftechnical services from 1968 to belt, bounded to the east and west by continental mar­ 1972, and was nained University Librarian in October gin blocks (with European and North American affin­ 1980. Williams was president of the Newfoundland Li­ ities respectively). His studies anticipated, and in fact brary Association ( 1969-1971) and of the Canadian As­ became one of the proofs of, the theory of plate tecton­ sociation of College and University Libraries ics which emerged in the late 1960s as a unifying (1973-1974). She was a member of the board of the concept of modem geological thought. In addition, National Library of Canada ( 1972-197 6) and chaired the Williams' zonal subdivisions of the Appalachian Canada Committee on Bibliographic Services from 1975 Mountain system in Newfoundland have been adopted to 1978. After her death in 1982 Williams' collection of as the standard subdivision for the Appalachian region Newfoundland books was donated to the Centre for New­ of Canada and the United States. His detailed field foundland Studies at Memorial University. In 1983 a work added greatly to the understanding of ancient trust fund designed to promote and develop librarianship ocean continental margins and the evolution of moun­ in Newfoundland was established in her name. Anne Hart tain belts in general. In the 1980s he compiled the­ (interview, June 1994), Rosemary Williams (interview, matic geologic and geophysical maps for the entire June 1994), Centre for Newfoundland Studies (Marga­ Appalachian region that were revolutionary both in ret Williams). LBM WILLIAMS, WENDY CHRISTINE 579

WILLIAMS, RALPH CHAMPNEYS ( 1 8 4 8 - 1 9 2 7). change his mind when he thought he was right . ... " Governor. Born Anglesey, Wales, son of the Rev. (Huestis). Many stories and anecdotes revolved Thomas and Phoebe (Howard) Williams. Educated around his name, most of them illustrating his "firm­ Rossall College. Married Jessie Dean. After extensive ness, inflexibility, and intimidating demeanour" - travel Williams joined the colonial civil service in qualities which, indeed, sometimes stood him in good 1884 and was posted first to Bechuanaland (Botswana) stead. Smith, for example, describes a confrontation and later to Pretoria, South Africa. He served in Gibral­ he had in St. John's with "a prominent member of the tar in 1890 and Barbados in 1897 before returning to government", who repeatedly evaded making a deci­ Bechuanaland during the Boer War. Just prior to his sion concerning a land-grant (probably for a proposed appointment to Newfoundland in 1909 he was gover­ extension of Gower Street chapel). Calling on the of­ nor of the Windward Islands. fending member, "the stalwart preacher drew himself Williams travelled extensively during his tenure as up to his full height" and venting his overwrought governor of Newfoundland, visiting Grand Falls, the feelings "in his most decisive tones" soon produced Codroy Valley, Bonne Bay, Fortune Bay, Hermitage the desired result. Bay and the coast of Labrador as far north as Cart­ Despite "natural brusqueness", Williams' five-year wright. In his autobiogra­ tenure as Newfoundland District Chairman was an phy, How I Became a Gov­ eminently successful one, and his incumbency at ernor (1913), Williams re­ Gower Street chapel generally harmonious. In 1846, corded his impressions of when the city was ravaged by fire, which, while spar­ the Island. He expressed ing the chapel, left many parishioners homeless and the view that the post of destitute, not only did he provide moral support to his governor in a country with stricken flock, but provided generous assistance in responsible government many practical ways. In 1849 he returned to the Mari­ was not arduous, but be­ times, where he retired in 1852. Williams died at lieved that the governor Bridgetown, Nova Scotia in 1856. G.O. Huestis could exercise some degree (1872), David G. Pitt (1990), T.W. Smith (1890), of political influence and Naboth Winsor (1982). DAVID G. PITT maintained a close relation- Sir Ralph C. Williams ship with Prime Minister WILLIAMS, THOMAS EDWARD ( 1 9 2 1- 1 9 9 1). Edward P. Morris. Williams viewed the function of an Lawyer. Born St. John's, son of Daniel and Anna MHA in Newfoundland with some amusement, noting (Keough) Williams. Educated St. Bonaventure's Col­ that "there is nothing too ridiculous for electors to lege; Memorial University College. Married Teresita expect of their members". He retired from the Colo­ Galway. Williams articled in law under Douglas D. nial Service in 1913 and returned to Britain. During Tucker and Samuel J. Hawkins, and was called to the his tenure in Newfoundland both Salmon Cove, Bar in 1949. In 1983 he left his law practice to accept Trinity Bay (Champneys qv) and Greenspond, White an appointment as commissio9er of the Public Utilities Bay (Williamsport qv) were renamed in his honour. Board, where he worked until his retirement in 1990. S.J.R. Noel (1971), Ralph Williams (1913), NQ He was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1972, and in (Oct. 1909). ACB 1982 was inducted into the Newfoundland Sports Hall of Fame, having won 16 provincial tennis champion­ WILLIAMS, RICHARD ( 1789-1856). Clergyman. ships (singles, men's doubles and mixed doubles) begin­ Born England. Williams was converted to Methodism ning in 1946. Williams died in St. John's on February 28, in 1805. In 1809 he became a local preacher and in 1991. Thomas E. Williams Jr. (letter, Feb. 1994), DNLB 1813 was admitted into the regular ministry. In 1815 (1990), ET (Feb. 28-Mar. 7, 1991), Newfoundland Her­ he was sent to Lower Canada (Quebec), where he ald (Nov. 10, 1982). JOHN PARSONS served for 10 years before moving to the Maritimes. In 1844 the Missions Committee in London appointed WILLIAMS, WENDY CHRISTINE (1949- ). Nurse. him chairman of the Newfoundland District and sta­ Born St. John's, daughter of Elizabeth (Dicks) and tioned him in St. John's at Gower Street chapel. Frederick Williams. Educated Memorial University of Williams was one of the most interesting, if contro­ Newfoundland. Married Gordon A. Higgins. Williams versial, Methodist clerics to serve in Newfoundland. worked in Badger's Quay as a public health nurse and Though ordained a Methodist, he never wholly ab­ in St. John's with the Victorian Order of Nurses before jured his original Anglican persuasion. While he re­ becoming clinic co-ordinator with Planned Parent­ mained a Wesleyan, Williams retained episcopal hood. She later served as president of Planned Parent­ leanings, performing his duties as District Chairman hood, and was a board member of the Planned with all the authority of a bishop. Consequently he Parenthood Federation of Canada. She subsequently was regarded as high-handed, legalistic, even obsti­ began her own business as a public health consultant nate by many of his colleagues, one of whom wrote of and nurse practitioner. him: "Unmoved by threatening or reward, decision sat Williams has chaired the Newfoundland Status of on his brow. Neither the face of clay, nor the presence Women Council and the Women's Health Education of the devil could divert him from his purpose or Project, and in 1993 was president of the provincial 580 WILLIAMSON, EILEEN MARY

advisory council on the Status of Women. She has been involved with the Women's Enterprise Bureau, and has served on the boards of both Iris Kirby House and the Children's Centre Co-operative Preschool. She served as vice-president of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women, and was a mem­ ber of the national advisory panel on women and the pharmaceutical industry. Williams was a founding member of the Newfoundland and Labrador AIDS Committee, Inc. and the Newfoundland and Labrador AIDS Support Group. She has also been a member of the Community Services Council and the Provincial Human Rights Commission. From 1990 until 1993 she represented Ward One on St. John's City Council. Marilyn Pumphrey (1990), Centre for Newfoundland Studies (Wendy Williams). LBM

WILLIAMSON, EILEEN MARY ( 1909- ). Editor; author. Born Regina, Saskatchewan, daughter of Ger­ trude May (Guerin) and W.E.H. Stokes. Educated Re­ gina. Married John D. Williamson. After she moved to Newfoundland in 1962 she established the Springdale News, a community newspaper, and remained editor until 1969. She published a book, Outport: A New­ foundland Journal in 1982, after she had left New­ foundland. Suzanne Ellison ( 1988), Eileen Williamson Williamsport ( 1980), Newfoundland and Labrador Who's Who Cen­ tennial Edition (1968). ILB whaling centres in Placentia Bay. When the whale factory was closed in 1951 some inhabitants resettled, WILLIAMSPORT (pop. 1971, 15). A resettled fishing most to Englee. Over the next few years the remaining and whaling community, Williamsport was located on families resettled as well, although the whale factory the northern arm ofFourch Harbour, on the east coast was revived in 1967 by the Atlantic Whaling Co. The of the Great Northern Peninsula, approximately 25 km last few families resettled after the fishing season of southwest of Englee. Fourch (forked) Harbour is a 1972, when the whale factory was closed once more .. deep fiord, 5 km long, and was a minor French fishing Twenty years later, some homes and fishing premises station until about 1870. Thereafter the harbour came at Williamsport were still used in the summer months, to be used by migratory fishing crews from by residents of Englee. See also WHALING. Rob Greenspond, Bonavista Bay and became known locally Mills (1993), E.R. Seary (1958), Aubrey Tizzard as Greenspond. When a post office was opened in 1911 (1982), Census (1901-1971), Archives (A-7-2/P), the community was renamed Williamsport, to avoid con­ Newfoundland Historical Society (White Bay). RHC fusion and to honour Governor Ralph C. Williams qv. Williamsport was not settled year-round until the WILLOUGHBY, PERCIVAL (? -1643). Subscriber to 1890s, when Bonavista merchant Philip Templeman the Newfoundland Company. Born Wollaton, Notting­ qv established shore premises to collect and process ham, England. Married Bridget Willoughby. Sir Perci­ catches of cod made by crews out of Bonavista Bay off val Willoughby was a prominent landowner in the Grey Islands. Fishing families which settled there Nottingham and Kent. Through his marriage to the include Cannings and Parsonses from Englee; Cassells daughter of a kinsman he inherited a large, but im­ and Randells from Great Harbour Deep and a family poverished, estate. He subsequently became involved named Brenson from Change Islands. Williamsport in numerous industries, including mining and iron first appears in the Census in 1901, with a population smelting. He appears to have been drawn into the of 83. In the 1920s the Templeman premises were Newfoundland venture by John Slany qv, to whom he acquired by Englee merchant E. John Reeves qv. The was heavily in debt. Willoughby was appointed to the Methodist and Church of England congregations were council which managed the Company's affairs upon its served by clergy visiting from Englee. founding in 1610. In 1612 he sent his third son, In 1945 a whaling factory was established on the Thomas, to the Cuper's Cove (Cupids) colony, along Southwest Arm of Fourch Harbour, approximately 2 with six apprentices. They were supposed to leave the km across the Harbour from the community, by the main colony eventually and develop Willoughby's Olsen Whaling and Sealing Co. Thereafter many of own lot, which lay between Conception and Trinity the residents of Williamsport found seasonal work at bays north of a line drawn between Carbonear and the factory and the population of the community in­ Heart's Content. A surveyor named Olney was sent, creased, to 188 by 1951, including some families from along with Bartholomew Pearson qv who was to assess WILLOW-HERBS 581

the land's agricultural potential. When Thomas Wil­ species, and because hybridization is common, wil­ loughby and several others returned to England in 1613 lows are difficult to identify. However they share many amidst flagging interest in the colony and the open generic characteristics. Most are shrubs, though some hostility of the migratory fishermen Percival chastised grow as high as trees. Usually found near water, they them for not having carried out more extensive explo­ possess pliant twigs and often form multiple basal ration, especially of Bell Island. Believing that iron ore trunks. Willow bark often appears intensely coloured could be mined on that island he attempted without in a winter landscape when surrounding growth looks success to have it included in his lot. Willoughby dull. The bark is an important winter food for moose decided in 1615 to make over half his land in New­ and snowshoe hare. The bast, or inner bark, contains foundland to his sons Thomas and Edward, but appears salicylic acid, and has been used as an aspirin substi­ to have changed his mind by the time his grant was tute. Though bitter, it can be ground into flour and used formally confirmed two years later. Though no longer as an emergency food. a member of the Company's council, Willoughby con­ The alternate leaves are usually tinted dark green on tinued to encourage settlement on the Island. In 1618 top and lighter underneath. Most leaves are long, slen­ Willoughby took Thomas Rowley qv and William der and finely toothed, though there are varieties hav­ Hannam into partnership, promising them half his land ing broad and heart-shaped leaves. Ptarmigan, ruffed in return for a peppercorn (nominal) rent. The arrange­ grouse and grosbeaks feed on willow leaves and buds. ment did not work, Rowley later complaining that he Species most common in New­ had received neither land nor any commission to prove foundland are S. discolour and S. his authority. Slany had difficulty persuading the Com­ bebbiana, both pussy willows. Be­ pany to allow Willoughby to keep his lot as by 1626 fore leaves appear in spring, pussy he had still not found anyone willing to settle there. willows bear familiar fluffy silver Within a few years, however, he entered into partner­ catkins, male and female on separate ship with Nicholas Guy qv, reported to be farming plants, the male catkins producing profitably at Carbonear in 1631. How long Guy per­ showy yellow stamens. The three sisted at Carbonear is unknown. Although species appearing only in Labrador Willoughby's lot included the rich fishing grounds are the silverleaf willow (S. around Baccalieu Island, he was primarily interested argyrocarpa), Richardson's willow in the prospects of farming, trading and mineral explo­ (S. richardsoni) and Quebec willow ration. This choice was made despite his son's advice (S. laurentiana). Other native species in 1616 that, "if efver you looke for monney agayne include the charming Newfoundland in this country, you must send fisher men" (cited in willow (S. amoena), Ungava willow (S. cordifo/ia), Cell). Having lost by 1626 an estimated £500 attempt­ heartleaf willow (S. cordata) and autumn willow (S. ing to develop a colony, Willoughby was nonetheless serissima). Fernald and Kinsey (1958), BernardS. Jack­ one of the most persistent promoters of early settle­ son (1982), Jason et al (1972), William A. Niering ment. Gillian Cell (1969), DCB I (Nicholas Guy; (1979), A. Glen Ryan (1978). KATHLEEN WINTER Thomas Rowley; Thomas Willoughby). ACB WILLOW-HERBS. Willow-herbs (Epilobium) are WILLOUGHBY, THOMAS (1593- ?). Colonist. Born members of the evening primrose family of plants Wollaton, Nottingham; son of Bridget and Percival (Onagraceae). Many species inhabit Newfoundland and Willoughby qv. Described as the black sheep of the Labrador, including the pervasive fireweed (Epilobium family, in 1612 Willoughby was sent to the Cuper's angustifolium), which displays a showier version of the Cove (Cupids) colony to mend his ways. With his willow-herb's characteristic pink, four-petalled flowers guardian Henry Crout qv, he landed at Renews before and long, upraised seed pods filled with white silk. While proceeding to the main colony. He took part in the fireweed are stiff plants forming erect masses in clear­ fishery and in exploration of the land, pledging to, ings and grown-over burnt areas, other willow-herbs " .. .leaue aside idel vices which is not for my good" often sprawl or creep, and bear delicate sprays of blos­ (Cell). He was allowed to return to England in 1613, som less visible than fireweed's dense purplish colonies. but was back in Newfoundland in 1616. He may have Species found in Newfoundland and Labrador include left Newfoundland along with Crout in 1619. Wil­ river beauty (E. latifolium ), the boreal species E. palustre loughby appears to have been disowned, as there is no and the matted, pink-tipped white variety E. aplinum. further mention of him in the family papers. Gillian Young fireweed tips and leaves are eaten in many parts Cell ( 1969), DCB I. ACB of the world as a salad green or pot herb. In the U.S.S.R. leaves are infused to make a tea called kaporie containing WILLOWS. Willows (Salix) belong to the family 10% tannin. Folk medicinal use of extracts from Salicaceae, which also includes poplars, aspens and fireweed' s roots and leaves has been corroborated by cottonwoods. Over 30 native willow species have been research showing the plant to be anti-inflammatory. found in Newfoundland. Two thirds of these occur in Fernald and Kinsey (1958), Foster and Duke (1990), Newfoundland and Labrador, with 10 species occur­ Catharine Parr Traill (1906), Ernest Rouleau (1978), ring only on the Island and three only in Labrador. Frank D. Venning (1984). KATHLEEN WINTER Because individual willows can vary within a single 582 WILLSON, HENRY BECKLES

WILLSON, HENRY BECKLES (1869-1942). Au­ WILSON, WILLIAM (1799-1869). Clergyman. Born thor. Educated Queen's University, Kingston. In Lincolnshire, England. Wilson spent most of his early 1892 Willson went to work for the Boston Globe, and years in London, where at the age of 16 he was con­ later wrote several books. In the mid-1890s he spent verted to Methodism. After several years of lay-mis­ some time in St. John's and published a book on sionary work in London, mainly with prisoners, he was Newfoundland, The Tenth Island ( 1897). A corre­ admitted to the Methodist ministry. Ordained at Chel­ spondent during the Spanish-American War he even­ sea in 1820, he was dispatched immediately to New­ tually joined the staff of London's Daily Mail. He foundland. He arrived at Harbour Grace in May 1820 joined the Canadian Army in 1915, fighting in and was posted to the Gower Street Chapel, St. John's, France and Belgium. In that year he published a where, in 1824, he married Elizabeth Finch, "whose biography of Donald A. Smith qv, the Life of Lord piety, interest and general fitness for the missionary Strathacona and Mount Royal, which includes mate­ work'', he wrote in his journal, ''were consistent with rial on Smith's time with the Hudson's Bay Com­ the views of all the Brethren in the District" (cited in pany in Labrador. H.B. Willson (1897; 1915), J.R. Winsor). During the 14 years he spent in Newfound­ Smallwood (1975). JOHN PARSONS land, Wilson also served at Lower Island Cove, Rant's Harbour, Grand Bank, Burin, Bay Roberts-Port-de­ WILSON, GEORGE MAXWELL (1913- ). Business­ Grave, Blackhead and Bonavista. In 1828 he "offered man; politician. Born South River, son of William and his services permanently to reside among the Indians Emily (Stevens) Wilson. Educated South River. Mar­ [at Hamilton Inlet, Labrador] as a Wesleyan ried Muriel Badcock. Wilson was involved in the lum­ missionary''. His offer was accepted, but on the advice ber industry from an early age, founding a hardware, of Rev. George Ellidge qv, who had spent a winter lumber and construction business at Clarke's Beach. there, the Labrador mission was abandoned. In 1834 He first became involved in politics as a community Wilson was transferred to the Maritimes and served the councillor and mayor of Clarke's Beach. In 1972 he remainder of his 50-year ministry there. was elected M.H.A. for Port de Grave as a Progressive A widely-read and scholarly man, Wilson was par­ Conservative, serving a single term before being de­ ticularly celebrated for his pithy and learned sermons, feated by Liberal Reform candidate Eric Dawe qv in "full of instructive matter, and ... largely illustrated 1975. Ron Pumphrey (1981), G.M. Wilson (interview, by historical and scientific references. : . " (Huestis). Mar. 1994). JOHN PARSONS Occasionally he supplemented his sermons with "courses of lectures ... on the leading doctrines of the WILSON, JAMES ( 1849-1928). Clergyman. Born Gospel" or exercised "his fertile pen... to edify the Poole, Dorset. Wilson received his early education Church and defend the truth", writing and publishing in Poole and for several years served as a Methodist several works. Only one of these survives: Newfound­ local preacher in the Poole-Bournemouth area. In land and Its Missionaries ( 1866), still a useful if not 18 78 he was received into the Methodist ministry in always reliable source of historical data on the early Newfoundland and posted as a probationer to Flat history of Methodism in Newfoundland and of the Islands, Placentia Bay. There he initiated and over­ Colony generally. Wilson died suddenly in his horse­ saw the building of the community's first Methodist drawn carriage, returning home from a Sunday service Church. He came, indeed, to be known as "the at Point de Bute, New Brunswick on September 26, church builder'', being responsible for the construc­ 1869. G.O. Huestis (1872), D.W. Johnson ([1925]), tion of some half-dozen churches on the various cir­ David G. Pitt (1990), T.W. Smith (1890), William Wil­ cuits he served. The remainder of his probationship son (1866), Naboth Winsor (1982). DAVID G. PITT was spent at Gower Street Church (St. John's) as an assistant minister. Ordained in 1883, he served there­ WILTONDALE (pop. 1991, 35). Wiltondale is located after at Musgrave Harbour, Red Bay (Labrador), For­ at the junction of the Viking Trail and route 431, which tune, Rant's Harbour, Brigus, Fogo, Green's Harbour, connects the south side of Bonne Bay to the highway, Heart's Content, Trinity and Flat Islands, returning to about 30 km northwest of Deer Lake qv. The commu­ end his regular ministry in Newfoundland where it had nity takes its name from the first settler, Norman Wil­ begun nearly 40 years earlier. ton, who moved to the shores of Bonne Bay Little Pond Also known for his evangelistic fervour, Wilson from Woody Point in 1927. was long remembered on many of the circuits he Bonne Bay Little Pond and the valley of the served for religious revivals urged to fruition by his Lomond River had been logged by residents of Woody powerful pulpit oratory. During his ministry he held Point and Norris Point for fuel and ships' timbers many of the regular offices of the Methodist Church since the early days of settlement in Bonne Bay. By in Newfoundland, including the presidency of Con­ the late 1800s commercial logging had begun on the ference (1913-14). Retiring in 1916 he was for sev­ Southeast Arm of Bonne Bay, and in 1916 the St. eral years employed as visiting minister to the Lawrence Timber, Pulp and Shipping Co. built a large hospitals in St. John's. He died there on May 6, sawmill at Lomond. qv. Meanwhile, surveying had 1928. D.W. Johnson ([1925]), J.W. Nichols (1915), begun for a branch railway to Bonne Bay from Deer Minutes ofthe Newfoundland Conference (1913-14; Lake. The line was surveyed and partially graded be­ 1928). DAVID G. PITT fore World War I brought about the suspension of the WINDSOR, HUNTER NEIL 583

project. Subsequently this roadbed formed part of a town of Windsor (the name having been changed in rough woods road between Bonne Bay and Deer Lake. honour of the British Royal Family - the other sug­ Traffic increased once construction began on a hydro­ gestion considered at the time was "Bondville", in electric project at Deer Lake in 1922 (intended to memory of Sir Robert Bond). supply the Corner Brook pulp and paper mill). Men Windsor was the second municipality in Newfound­ travelling to and from Deer Lake, for work in con­ land to become incorporated, after St. John's. After struction and later to work as loggers, came to rely on incorporation Windsor continued to grow rapidly, the Wilton family as providing a way station for trav­ reaching a pre-amalgamation population peak of 6636 ellers. Employment at Wiltondale was for many years in 1966. Construction of a water and sewage system limited to logging, both to supply local sawmills and began in 1956. in pulpwood cutting elsewhere. There were never than As early as 1937 there were Salvation Army, Roman a handful of resident families, including the Wiltons Catholic, United Church and Church of England and the Critches. schools in the community. The first church was St. The decision to establish Gros Morne National Park Joseph's Roman Catholic, built in 1940. The King in the early 1970s held out the prospect of increased Edward Theatre was built in the 1930s, and parks were traffic through Wiltondale (which is just to the south constructed at Bond, Mulrooney and Witmore Streets. of the Park boundary), while a related decision to A volunteer fire brigade was organized in 1947. Main build a road along the north shore of Southeast Arm Street, where the first stores were built facing the made the new highway junction the centre of the com­ railway tracks to attract the attention of travellers, has munity. Subsequently the Bonne Bay Development remained as Windsor's central business district. In the Association established its office at Wiltondale, as 1980s Windsor remained economically dependent on well as a museum and "pioneer village". (The mu­ Grand Falls and, without a business tax base to sup­ seum house was moved to Wiltondale from Lomond, port municipal services, services began to deteriorate. while other structures were built on site.) Some em­ Because of their close economic and geographic rela­ ployment has also come from tourist cabins and a tionship, the idea of amalgamating Windsor and Grand convenience store and gas station, catering to through Falls had been discussed for many years, and in 1991 traffic as well as to cabin owners, who have become the town of Grand Falls-Windsor was formed. In the legion at Bonne Bay Big Pond. W.C. Wonders (1953), 1990s the new town has been working on creating Census (1945-1991), DA (Jul.-Aug. 1988). RHC economic diversity, mainly through tourism, and pro­ grams such as the annual Exploits Valley Salmon Fes­ WINDSOR (inc. 1938; pop. 1986, 5545-). Windsor, tival have been established. Oldford and Power across the railway tracks from Grand Falls, was known (1968), Grand Falls-Windsor Joint Municipal Plan as Grand Falls Station (or simply the Station) prior to (1 975), Grand Falls-Windsor Joint Planning Area Mu­ 1938. When it was founded in the early 1900s Grand nicipal Plan ( 1968), Town of Windsor Neighbourhood Falls was a closed company. town, where only mill Improvement Programme '78 ([1978]), DA (Mar./Apr . employees could live. Because of this, many of the 1988), Centre for Newfoundland Studies (Grand people who came to Grand Falls looking for work Falls-Windsor). LBM camped close to the railway station, on crown land to the north of the railway line. This area became known WINDSOR, HUNTER NEIL ( 1945- ). Politician. as Grand Falls Station. The first permanent buildings Born St. John's, son of Hunter and Rose (Baggs) Wind­ at the Station were stores built by C.G. Stewart and sor. Educated St. John's; Memorial University ofNew­ E.F. Burry in 1905, and in 1909 a hotel was built by foundland; Technical University ofNova Scotia. After Millertown merchant Richard Maidment. The first graduating with a bachelor of engineering in 1970, house was built by Martin Anderson in 1911. By 1914 Windsor worked with there were seven families living at Grand Falls Station, MacNamara Construction and this grew to 25 by 1927. Eventually the availability and Canadian British Con­ of land, and the fact that the community was somewhat sultants Ltd. Beginning in removed from the influence of the A.N.D. Company, 1972 he worked for the meant that many people working in Grand Falls chose town of Mount Pearl. In to live at the Station. By 1935, when Grand Falls 1975 he was elected MHA Station first appears in the Census, there was a popu­ for Mount Pearl as a Pro­ lation of almost 1500. gressive Conservative, and By this time concerns were being raised about the 1979 was appointed to the "unorganized" nature of the community and particu­ cabinet of Premier A. Brian larly the health risks of having such a large population Peckford as Minister ofMu­ in a small area without water and sewage services. In nicipal Affairs and Hous­ 1935 government officials were sent there to investi­ Neil Windsor ing. He was appointed to the gate, after a typhoid scare at the Station. On the initia­ portfolio oflndustrial Development a year later. Wind­ tive of several residents who believed incorporation sor became President of Treasury Board in 1985, and ~as the best step towards improving living conditions, in 1988 was appointed Minister of Finance. When tn 1938 Grand Falls Station was incorporated as the Premier Peckford resigned in 1989 Windsor became a 584 WINDSOR LAKE

candidate for the leadership of the Progressive Conser­ vative party. Finishing third in the leadership conven­ tion, he served as Minister of Mines, Energy and Resources in the short-lived administration of Thomas G. Rideout. After the Liberal victory in the 1989 pro­ vincial election Windsor became opposition finance critic and, in 1992, chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. H. Neil Windsor (interview, Mar. 1994), DNLB (1990). JAMES MOORE WINDSOR LAKE. Windsor Lake, located northwest of St. John's, has been the major water supply for the city since 1862. Originally called Twenty Mile Pond because of the approximate length of its circumfer­ ence, it was renamed in 1812. Located along the major overland route between St. John's and Con­ ception Bay (later Portugal Cove Road), a military Gander River boats at Wings Point battery was built by British forces at the eastern edge of the Lake in 1780. The temporary earthenwork WINGS POINT (pop. 1991, 263). The community of battery consisted of two 18-pounder cannonades Wings Point is located on the west side of Gander Bay supported by a line of trenches and was maintained (locally, Gander Bay North). It appears in the Census for until 1795. Diarist Aaron Thomas qv visited it in the first time in 1935, with a population of 58. It was 1794 after hiring a guide to take him through several previously enumerated together with Clarkes Head qv, miles of bogland and forest. Despite its distance the oldest community on that side of the Bay. from the town, Thomas reported that it was a favour­ For many years prior to settlement the Point was used ite spot for winter' 'tilting''. Prior to the 1820s there for winter logging by people from Change Islands and was no road around Windsor Lake; to reach the path Fogo Island. The first settler is said to have been Philip leading to Conception Bay, travellers from St. Coates, who built a winter house near the tip of the Point John's had to cross the lake by boat or by walking in the mid-1800s. Coates continued to fish "on the across the ice in winter. outside" at Fogo for some years, cutting cooperage at The St. John's Water Co. was formed in 1859, and Wings Point in the winters and making barrels for sale to Windsor Lake was chosen as a new source, its water the Fogo merchants. In about 1860 Coates married Eliza being described by D.W. Prowse as "beautifully soft, Gillingham of Clarkes Head and settled at Wings Point clear, cool and absolutely pure". A series of pipes to practise his trade as a cooper. The second settler, were laid down and the supply was turned on in 1862. William Head, arrived in the 1870s. Head was from Joe The pipes were replaced by a concrete conduit in Batt's Arm-while the other families to settle at Wings 1905 to provide more water. The Lake remained a Point (Fanceys, LeDrews and Snows) would appear to popular recreational area and between 1906 and 1912 have come from Change Islands. The community even­ the St. Andrew's Society sponsored a number of tually grew towards Dorman's Cove to the south. walking races around its shores. With a drainage area Most men originally fished on the outside or on the of 17.3 km, Windsor Lake was able to provide 43- Labrador, as the only local fishery was for salmon. After 45,000 cubic metres of water per day. As the city J.W. Phillips qv began a large sawmill at Gander Bay grew the water began to be treated with chlorination South qv in 1890, men from all over the Bay were and its pH balance adjusted. Development was re­ employed in the lumber industry. While the Phillips mill stricted in the watershed area and in the mid-1980s was closed in the early 1900s, other sawmills were soon a number of cabins and mobile homes were re­ opened at Clarkes Head, and the Horwood Lumber Co. moved. In 1991 the Windsor Lake watershed be­ began a mill at Dog Bay (Horwood qv). The Horwood came part of the municipality of St. John's. Frank Lumber Co. cut a great many of its sawlogs on Gander Graham (1988), Paul O'Neill (1975; 1976), D.W. Bay Ridge, and then drove the timber to Tibbeys Cove Prowse ( 1895), ET (Sept. 30, 1986). ACB (just north of Wings Point) where it was boomed to be hauled to the Dog Bay mill. A forest fire in 1912 de­ WINERACK. Published quarterly by the Newfoundland stroyed much of the timber in the Gander Bay North Liquor Corporation, this periodical was introduced area, but experienced loggers found work on the "main in 1974 as a communications vehicle to keep NLC river drive", supplying pulpwood to the newly-opened employees informed about the corporation's activi­ paper mill at Grand Falls. Thereafter, the main source of ties and operations. It included advice on wines, employment for Wings Point was in cutting pulpwood, news of the opening of new stores, appointments, followed by logging for local sawmills. Some people retirements and transfers, staff profiles, organiza­ found work in construction when the Gander air base tional charts, new products, social events and activ­ was being built in the late 1930s. Since the construction ities, as well as occasional poetry and recipes. of a causeway across Gander Bay (opened in 1968) Winerack (1974-1979, passim). ILB Wings Point and other Gander Bay North communities WINSOR, HARRY C. 585

have had easier access to services at Gander and to was elected as a Liberal MHA in 1956. From 1971 to 1979 work in construction projects or logging elsewhere in he sat in the House as MHA for Fogo. After serving as Newfoundland. Maxwell Head (MHG 36-A-1-57; Minister without portfolio, he was appointed Minister of MHG 102-B-5-5), Gary L. Saunders (1986), Census Labrador Affairs in 1968, and served as Minister of Fish­ ( 1836-1991 ), Archives (A-7-4/20). RHC eries from 1970 to 1971. Winsor died on April10, 1989. Canadian Parliamentary Guide ( 1977), DNLB ( 1990), WINSER, PETER (1781?-1864). Politician; magistrate. NQ (Summer 1962). ACB Born Devon, England. Winser came to Newfoundland in about 1815 and occupied a fishing room at Aquaforte qv. WINSOR, GEORGE WILLIAM (1872-1945). Mari­ He encouraged other families to settle and Aqua forte soon ner. Born Carbonear. Married Louisa Horwood. Win­ became one of the major fishing settlements on the south­ sor sailed for the Carbonear firm of William Duff qv em shore of the Avalon Peninsula. Winser established a & Sons and was for many years the firm's agent at business on his own account in 1821 and would later be Merchantman Harbour qv, Labrador. In 1908 he described by Governor Henry Prescott qv as a prosperous brought the tern schooner Dorothy M. Porter from but vulgar planter. A supporter of the Liberal or reform Nova Scotia to Carbonear for his employers. Renamed faction, Winser was elected as the MHA for Ferryland in the Dorothy Duff, the vessel was captained by Winsor 1836. He was defeated by Thomas Glen qv in a bid for in the fish trade to southern Europe and South America re-election in 1842, but was returned to the House in 1848. and also in the coasting For a brief period in 1855 he also served as MHA for St. trade. In February of 1926 John's East. For the next eight years he was district mag­ Winsor was forced to aban­ istrate for Ferryland. In 1863, Edmund Hanrahan qv was don the tern schooner Nov­ appointed magistrate as a political favour, necessitating elty after she ran into a Winser' s retirement. (Hanrahan had given up his Carbonear series of storms en route to seat, allowing a Conservative to be elected). The Liberal Brazil, losing her main newspaper Record of Dec. 15 reported that, ''Hanrahan boom, lifeboats and rudder. sold Carbonear... at the expense of an honest man... Peter The ship was adrift for Winser.'' Winser died the following year. Gertrude Gunn nearly two weeks before the (1966), DNLB (1990), DCB X(Edmund Hanrahan). ACB crew were taken off near the Azores. His next foreign- WINSOR, ARTHURS. (1905- ). Clergyman. Born Tri­ going command was the George Winsor ton. Married Phoebe Bishop. At 18 years of age, Winsor George A. Wood, which was moved to Corner Brook. Raised in the Salvation Army, feared lost in the winter of 1927-28 en route to St. in 1926 he experienced religious conversion at "The John's with a load of salt from Cadiz, Spain. But the Ark," the Pentecostal meeting-house founded by Her­ storm-battered ship later limped into port in Barbados, bert Eddy and Charles L. March qv at Hurnbermouth, and after a voyage of 89 days. It was later lost when soon afterwards became a pastor in the Pentecostal As­ grounded on Sable Island by a southeast gale. Shortly semblies ofNewfoundland (PAON). Largely through the thereafter Winsor retired from the sea and became a efforts of Winsor, William Gillett qv and Thomas P. welfare officer in Carbonear. After the death of his Mitchell, churches were established in several western wife he retired to Fogo to live with his daughter, Lina and central Newfoundland communities. From 1963 to Gill, and died there on September 7, 1945. Doreen Cuff 1982 Winsor was the first chaplain for Institutions for the (interview, July 1994), H.D. Roberts (1982), Frank PAON. In 1994 he was living in St. John's. Good Tidings Saunders ( 1980). RHC (May-June 1982). BURTON K. JANES WINSOR,HARRYC. (1917- ). Civil servant. Born WINSOR, EARL WILFRED ( 1918-1989). Mariner; Musgrave Harbour, son ofEiizabeth (Hollett) and Rev. politician. Born Wesleyville, son of Joshua and John W. Winsor qv. Educated Memorial University Blanche Winsor. Educated Wesleyville; Memorial Uni­ College; Boston University. Winsor went to work with versity of Newfoundland. the Newfoundland *Fisheries Board qv in 1939, and in Married Sarah Elizabeth 1942 was appointed priorities officer in the Depart­ Penney. Winsor worked as a ment of Supply. In 1944 he was appointed secretary to wireless operator on the La­ the fishery products committee of the Combined Food brador coast before joining Board (established by the Allied powers to allocate the merchant navy in World food supplies during World War II). After the War he War II. After the War he remained in Washington D.C., with the International was master of several coast­ Emergency Food Council and the fisheries division of ing and fishing vessels on the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the the Labrador and was direc­ United Nations. He moved to Rome when the perma­ tor of Winsor Trading Co. nent F AO headquarters was established there in 1951. Ltd. With the establishment In 1953 Winsor returned to Newfoundland as a of the political district of Earl Winsor member of the newly-established Newfoundland Fish­ Labrador North, Winsor eries Development Authority. In 1956-57 he also 586 WINSOR, JESSE T.

served as a member of the South Coast Commission, Clifford Andrews (1984), Charles Lench (1919), chaired by John R. Cheeseman qv. In 1964 he rejoined DNLB (1990). RHC FAO to organize and manage a regional fisheries de­ velopment project in the Caribbean. He returned to WINSOR, JOHN WILFRED (1883-1960). Clergy­ Rome in 1968 as FAO director of fisheries operations. man. Born Wesleyville, son of James and Sarah (Gib­ In 1974 Winsor was made senior director of FAO's bons) Winsor. Educated Wesleyville; Mount Allison inter-regional Indian Ocean Fishery Survey and De­ University. Married Elizabeth Hollett. While still in velopment Program. He retired from FAO in 1979, but his teens Winsor joined the crew of his father's fishing continued to work in international fisheries manage­ schooner, but in 1904 became a Methodist local ment and development as a consultant. H.C. Winsor preacher at Wesleyville under the superintendence of (letter, Feb. 1994). RHC Rev. George Paine qv. In 1906 he was accepted as a candidate for the ministry and was posted to the WINSOR, JESSE T. (1874-1933). Mariner. Born Pacquet mission, serving his probationship there and Swain's Islands, son of Emma (Whiteway) and Wil­ at Sound Island before entering university in 1909. In liam Winsor qv. Educated Wesleyville. Married Mar­ the summer of 1911, between terms at Mount Allison, tha Jane Lacey. Winsor made his first voyage to the he supplied as chaplain/pastor to fishermen and their Labrador as master at the families on the Labrador age of 1 7, in command of a coast. Completing his uni­ vessel owned by his father. versity studies in 1912, he · By 1906 he was managing was ordained and during the partner of the family busi­ next 3 7 years served cir­ ness at Wesleyville and had cuits at Shoal Harbour, made his first voyage to the Musgrave Harbour, West­ spring seal hunt as master of em Bay, Twillingate, Pouch a steamer. Known after his Cove, Clarke's Beach, father's death the following Bonavista and Burin. From year as J. & W. Winsor, the 1950 to 1959 he was United business engaged in the La­ Church chaplain to public Jesse Winsor brador fishery, supplied institutions in St. John's, Rev. John w. Winsor other Labrador schooners in and for several years a sup- the Wesleyville area and operated a sawmill at ply minister at Portugal Cove. He was secretary of the nearby Pound Cove. In 1919 or 1920, however, the Newfoundland Conference of the United Church in firm began to experience difficulties and was soon 1930-32 and president in 1932-33. He also served bankrupt. several terms as chairman of Presbytery and was a Winsor continued in the Labrador fishery as mas­ commissioner to General Council in 1932. He retired ter of his own schooner. In the fall of 1922 he and in 1959 and died on January 3, 1960. D.W. Johnson other Labrador skippers returned from the summer's ([1925]), Carl Winsor (letter, Mar. 1990), Dr. R.V. voyage to find that the price for Labrador-cured fish Winsor (interview, June 1993), Naboth Winsor (1976), was only $4/quintal. The fleet anchored at Wesley­ Minutes of the Newfoundland Conference ( 1930-33; ville and declared a "strike", appointing Winsor as 1960). DAVID G. PITT chairman of a delegation to meet with fish exporters and adopting the name United *Fishermen's Move­ WINSOR, NABOTH ( 1916- ). Clergyman; author. ment qv. The Movement appears to have been encour­ Born Swain's Island, son of Stewart and Jane (Butt) aged by opposition political figures (including Winsor. Educated Wesleyville; Memorial College and William C. Winsor qv, Jesse Winsor's brother and University; Pine Hill Divinity Hall. Married Mildred former partner) as an alternative to the *Fishermen's Gough. Winsor entered the United Church ministry as Protective Union (FPU) qv. FPU president, William F. a candidate in 1938 and served his probationship at Coaker, was at that time Minister of Marine and Fish­ Epworth and Burgeo. After completing several univer­ eries. Winsor was later convicted of "riot" in connec­ sity degrees, he was ordained in 1948 and stationed at tion with the strike and was briefly jailed. Bay Roberts. Thereafter he served at Lewisporte, Car­ After the election of 1924 William Winsor was Min­ dinal (Ontario), George Street (St. John's), Carbonear ister of Marine and Fisheries and by 1927 Jesse had and Newtown-Lumsden. He was chairman of the secured a government appointment as master in the Twillingate Presbytery from 1954 to 195 8, and of the Labrador coastal service. In July of 1933 he was en­ Avalon Presbytery from 1967 to 1969. He was presi­ gaged as "ice pilot" of the Alice, which had been dent of the Newfoundland Conference of the United chartered by the Italian government to take fuel to Church in 1977-78 and a commissioner to the Church's Cartwright for the "air armada" under General ltalo General Council in 1951 and 1977. Winsor retired in Balbo qv, en route to the Chicago Century of Progress 1980, but continued for several years in ministerial exhibition. While the Alice was unloading, Winsor fell work, serving as assistant minister and hospital through an open hatch. He did not recover from his chaplain at Gander and supply minister at Blackhead­ injuries and died at St. John's on August 7, 1933. Western Bay. WINSOR, WILLIAM CHARLES 587

Winsor has published seal fisheries out of Swain's many books in the fields of Islands and extended the church and community his­ fishery and supply business tory. These include By begun by his father in the Their Works: A History of 1840s. He also built upon the Wesleyville Congrega­ his father's reputation as a tion (1976), Through Peril, sealing master, originally in Toil, and Pain: The Story of family-owned vessels, but . .. the Church of England after 1881 as master of such in the Northern Settlements renowned sealing steamers of . .. Bonavista Bay as the Vanguard, Greenland (1981), A History of Meth­ and Walrus qqv. He was a Rev. Naboth Winsor odism in Newfoundland, pioneer settler of Wesley­ Capt. William Winsor 1765-1925 (vol. 1, 1982; vol. 2, 1987), The Sea, Our ville qv (on the mainland adjacent to Swain's Islands), Life-blood: A History of Wesleyville (1984), Stalwart where he died on September 6, 1907. The business was Men and Sturdy Ships: A History of .. . the Seal Fish­ carried on by his sons Jesse and William qqv, as J. & ery . . .[in] Bonavista Bay North (1985). He has also W. Winsor, until about 1920. Clifford Andrews edited a number of works by nineteenth century cler­ (1984), M.E. Condon (1925). RHC gymen. Naboth Winsor (1982; letter, Feb. 1990; inter­ view, June 1993 ) , Minutes of the Newfoundland WINSOR, WILLIAM CHARLES (1876-1963). Mar­ Conference (1977-78). DAVID G. PITT iner; politician. Born Swain's Islands, son of Emma (Whiteway) and William Winsor qv. Educated Wesley­ WINSOR, ROBERT GEORGE (1876-1929). Fisher­ ville; Methodist College. Married Josephine man; politician. Born Wesleyville, son of George and Blandford. Winsor made his first voyage to the Labra­ Eliza Winsor. Educated dor fishery when he was only nine, in a vessel com­ Wesleyville. Married Alice manded by his father. The following spring he was Whiteway. Winsor left judged old enough to "go to the ice" under his father. school to go fishing at the In 1902 he married a daughter of noted Greenspond age of twelve, eventually sealing master Samuel Blandford qv, and built a home becoming skipper of a in Wesleyville which is still a local landmark in 1994. schooner in the Labrador By the age of 27 Winsor was an experienced schooner fishery. In 1910 he became skipper in the Labrador and seal fisheries and was the first master to join the given his first command of a steamer at the ice, Reid *Fishermen's Protective Newfoundland Co.'s Virginia Lake qv. That first year Union (FPU) qv, eventually his crew brought in a load of 22,677 pelts and the next becoming chairman of both year he harvested more than 26,000 - surpassing its Wesleyville local coun­ many veteran "jowlers", including his father and fa­ R.G. Winsor cil and its Bonavista district ther-in-law. After 1908 he commanded sealing steam­ council. In 1912 he was appointed manager of the ers for Baine, Johnston & Co., and after 1912 usually newly-established Union Trading Co. store at New­ town, holding th;it position until 1919, when he estab­ lished a sawmill and general business near Wesleyville. Winsor was elected to the House of Assembly in 1913, on a Union party ticket for Bonavista Bay headed by FPU president William Coaker. He held his seat until 1924 when, like Coaker, he announced his retirement from politics. However, later that year, he and Coaker unsuccessfully challenged Prime Minister W.S . Monroe and W.C. (Billy) Winsor in a by-elec­ tion. Robert Winsor was again returned to the House of Assembly in 1928, as a Liberal candidate, defeating Captain Billy Winsor for the fifth time. He did not live to complete his term, dying at St. John's on June I, 1929. W.F. Coaker ed. (1930), DNLB (1990), Who's Who in and from Newfoundland 1927 (1927). RHC

WINSOR, WILLIAM ( 184 7 -1907). Mariner; busi­ nessman. Born Swain's Islands, son of Samuel and Mary (Tiller) Winsor. Married Emma Whiteway. Win­ sor was involved from an early age in the Labrador and Capt. Billy Winsor 588 WINTER BROOK

went to the ice for Job Brothers in such steamers as the Winter Brook first appears in the Census in 1911 Thetis and Ungava qqv. with a population of 33, rising slowly to a peak of I7i In the fall of 1904 Winsor was elected MHA for Bay in 1962. Traditionally, the chief source of income in de Verde as a Conservative. In the "tie" election of Winter Brook has been lumbering - with fishing, 1908 he was returned for his home district of farming and construction labour elsewhere serving as Bonavista, as a candidate for the People's Party of secondary sources. In 1911, 5000 logs were cut in the Edward P. Morris. (The political deadlock of 1908-09 community and by 1935 there were five sawmills in caused him to miss the seal hunt for the first time in 20 operation. In that same year, three schooners sailed years). He sat as MHA for Bonavista untill913, being out of Winter Brook (the Butt and Ralph families defeated in the next three elections, as he opposed the being engaged in the Labrador fishery); and 120 gal­ Union tickets put forward (and often led) by William lons of cherries and some strawberries were harvested. F. Coaker. Returned as MHA once again in 1924, he A Church of England school was built by 1921, and a was appointed Minister of Marine and Fisheries in the United Church school by 1945. Both were closed in government of Walter S. Monroe. Again defeated in the early 1960s after a road was put through to nearby 1928, he was returned in 1932 and served as Minister Jamestown qv. Common family names of Winter of Posts and Telegraphs in the Alderdice government. Brook include Bowen, Butt, Elliott, Muggridge, Reid Winsor continued as a mariner and noted sealer, bring­ and Russell. H.A. Wood (1952), DA (July/Aug. 1989), ing in his biggest load in the Ungava in 1938 (47,534 Newfoundland Directory ( 1936), Newfoundland Re­ pelts). The seal hunt was suspended during World War settlement Program (1971), Sailing Directions: New­ II, but when it resumed Winsor, at the age of 70, once foundland (1986), Newfoundland Historical Society again sailed to the front. He continued as a sealing mas­ (Winter Brook). ILB/LBM ter until 1949 and worked as a mariner until the age of 77. Clifford Andrews (1984), Shannon Ryan (1987), WINTER CRESS. Winter cress (Barbarea vulgaris) is Shannon Ryan ed. (1989), DNLB (1990), Who's Who in an introduced member of the mustard family andfrom Newfoundland 1927 (1927). RHC (Brassicaceae) found in wet fields in Newfoundland and Labrador, its range extending through eastern Can­ WINTER BROOK (pop 1991, 119). A logging commu­ ada, south to Virginia and west to Kansas. Its showy nity at the head of the Northwest Arm of Sweet Bay, yellow flower clusters arise from rosettes of leaves. in southern Bonavista Bay, Winter Brook is spread The young greens and buds have been enjoyed as salad along the road beside a well-protected but shallow greens or steamed and buttered. Some sources caution, harbour. Tradition has it that Winter Brook was first however, that eating this plant may cause kidney mal­ used as a winter residence in the late 1800s, with the function. Foster and Duke (1990), William A. Niering first year-round residents settling in the early 1900s. (1979), Ernest Rouleau (1978), Peter J. Scott (1975). Among the first permanent settlers were John Reid KATHLEEN WINTER from Clarenville, John Fitzgerald from Open Hall (who later became first postmaster) and William WINTER, G. KEITH (1943- ). Educator; civil ser­ Muggridge from Tickle Cove. Other early settlers were vant. Born St. John's, son of Gerald and Phyllis (Baird) the Butt and Ralph families, from Flat Island. Winter. Educated St. John's; Memorial University of

Winter Brook, B.B. WINTER, HARRY ANDERSON 589

Newfoundland; University advisory board. He served on the Canadian Broadcast­ of London. Married June ing Corporation, and was governor from 1952 to 1958. Martin. In 1971 Winter was His community service has included the chairmanship appointed to the chemistry of the Board of Regents of Memorial University of department at Memorial Newfoundland (1968 to 1974) and membership on the University, and in 1975 be­ executive committee of the Diocesan Synod of New­ came director of general foundland. In 1974 Winter was appointed the sixth studies. Involved in the im­ lieutenant-governor of Newfoundland, and served for plementation of an ex­ seven years. Following the sinking of the Ocean panded high school pro­ Ranger qv in February, 1982, with the loss of 84 crew gram in the Province, in members, Winter and Chief Justice T. Alex Hickman 1985 Winter was appointed were appointed co-chairmen of a federal-provincial Keith Winter deputy minister in the Royal Commission of inquiry. In 1989, at the request newly-created department of Career Development and of Archbishop Alphonsus Penney qv, Winter served as Advanced Studies. Following reorganization of the de­ chairman of a commission of inquiry into accusations partment, in 1989 he became deputy minister of educa­ of sexual abuse by some Christian Brothers and priests tion. In 1991 Winter was appointed vice-president (fi­ of the Roman Catholic church. He was the recipient of nance and services) of the University of Calgary. Keith an honorary LL.D. degree from Memorial University Winter (letter, Mar. 1994). JOHN PARSONS in 1970, and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1974. DNLB ( 1990), ET (July 4, 1981; Feb. WINTER, GORDON ARNAUD (1912- ). Business­ 23, 1982; Dec. 17, 1984), Newfoundland Churchman man; Lieutenant-Governor. Born St. John's, son of (Oct. 1974), Who s Who Silver Anniversary Edition Ethel (Arnaud) and Robert Gordon Winter qv. Edu­ (1974). RUTH KONRAD cated Bishop Feild College; Loretto School, Mussel­ burgh, Scotland. Married Millicent Anderson. At the WINTER, HARRY ANDERSON (1889-1969). Politi­ age of 18 Winter joined the family firm ofT. and M. cian; Supreme Court justice. Born St. John's, son of Winter Ltd., and for the next 40 years was closely Emily (Coen) and James S. Winter qv. Educated connected with the Company, first as clerk, then, in Bishop Feild College; Oxford University. Married succession, as director, president ( 1959-1972) and Frances Goodridge. Newfoundland's Rhodes Scholar chairman of the Board (1972-1986). In 1948 Winter for 1909, he studied classics and law at Oxford and was was among those who strongly supported Confedera­ admitted to London's Middle Temple Bar in 1911. tion, and was appointed a delegate to negotiate and Later that year he returned to Newfoundland. sign the *Terms of Union qv between Newfoundland For the next four years Winter practised in partner­ and Canada. In 1949 he served as interim Minister of ship with his brother, J. Alex Winter qv. He continued Finance in the first provincial cabinet but did not run in law for a period on his own, but was appointed for election. editor of the Evening Telegram in 1916. The next year Winter's other business interests have included the he joined Richard A. Squires' law firm and was given presidency of the Standard Manufacturing Company responsibility for its litigation and court work. When and membership on Newfoundland Savings Bank's Squires became Prime Minister in 1919 Winter be­ came junior partner of Wil­ liam R. Warren qv, then At­ torney-General in the Squires administration. In 1923 Squires persuaded Winter to enter politics. Elected in Port de Grave, he was made Speaker of the House. He found the posi­ tion very trying, for charges of misuse of public funds were soon laid against the Minister of Agriculture and Justice H.A . Winter Mines, Dr. Alexander Campbell qv, and eventually against Squires himself. Winter retired from politics in 1924. In 1928, how­ ever, he was an unsuccessful candidate for the party of F.C. Alderdice in opposition to Squires. He was re­ turned as MHA for Harbour Grace in 1932, joining the Alderdice cabinet as minister without portfolio. In 1941 Winter was appointed a member of the six­ Lieutenant-Governor Gordon Winter man Commission of Government, serving during 590 WINTER, HERBERT

World War II as Commissioner for Home Affairs and his father and, after his Education and, after 1944 , as Commis-sioner of Jus­ father's death in 1911, tice and Defence. In 1947 he was appointed to the founded the legal firm of Supreme Court of Newfoundland, where he served Winter and Winter in part­ until his retirement in 1964. He died at St. John's on nership with his brother, May 30, 1969. DNLB (1990), Who's Who in andfrom Harry qv. Over the next few Newfoundland 1927 (1927). RUTH KONRAD years he practised with Richard A. Squires qv and, WINTER, HERBERT. (1889-1930). Born St. John's, later, with the firm of son of Alice (Lilly) and Marmaduke Winter qv. Edu­ Blackwood, Emerson and cated Bishop Feild College; Rossall School, Lanca­ Winter. After these associa­ shire, England. Married Edythe Hayward. At the tions he practised law on his Rossall School Winter excelled as an athlete and own. In 1928 he was elected J. Alex Winter sharp-shooter. During World War I he was a musketry MHA for Burin East, as a supporter ofF.C. Alderdice's instructor, and for his war services he was awarded the United Newfoundland Party. He was elected for M.B.E. After the War he joined the family firm, T. and Burgeo and LaPoile in 1932 and, like his father and M. Winter. On a trip to Europe in1930 Winter devel­ brother before him, was appointed Speaker of the oped typhoid fever and died in Birmingham, England, House of Assembly. on May 7. Gwyneth Breckon (interview, Jan. 1994), In 1936 Winter was appointed to the Commission of NQ (July 1930). RUTH KONRAD Government. When in 1941 he retired as Commis­ sioner of Home Affairs and Education (where he was WINTER HOUSE COVE, SEAL BAY (pop. 1966, succeeded by his brother), he was named Registrar of 52). A resettled fishing community, Winter House the Supreme Court of Newfoundland. At a ceremony Cove was located on the east side of Seal Bay qv, in in Government House in 1942 he was made a Compan­ western Notre Dame Bay, about 7 km southwest of ion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael Leading Tickles qv. It is likely that the site was used and St. George. He had been appointed King's Coun­ for winter logging and trapping by residents of Lead­ sel in 1933. Winter died in St. John's on June 29, ing Tickles for some years prior to being settled. 1971. RUTH KONRAD By tradition the first year-round settler was George Marsh, an English "youngster" who had previously WINTER, JAMES SPEARMAN ( 1845-1911). Su­ lived at Herring Neck, in about 1860. In 1869 the preme Court Justice; Prime Minister. Born Lamaline, Marsh family were likely included in the Census for son of James and Harriet (Pitman) Winter. Educated nearby Lock's Harbour (Lockesporte qv), which had a St. John's. Married Emily Coen. Winter has been re­ population of 34. In subsequent enumerations, both ferred to as Newfoundland's first "outport" prime Winter House Cove and Lockesporte would appear to minister. have been included under the general heading of Seal At the age of 14 Winter left the Church of England Bay (pop. 1891, 58). The first enumeration in which Academy in St. John's to work with a firm of lumber Winter House Cove was counted separately was in and provisions merchants, William and Henry 1921, when there were 54 people. Most of these would Thomas. Two years later he articled as a law student appear to have settled fairly recently, after some years with Hugh Hayles qv (then MHA for Burin and soon of winter logging in Seal Bay. In addition to Marsh, to become Prime Minister), and was called to the family names of Winter House Cove included Peddle Newfoundland bar as solicitor in 1866 and as barrister and Rowsell (from Leading Tickles), Burton (from in 1867. Winter's political career began in 1873, when Beaumont North) and Haggett (the most common fam­ he was elected MHA for Burin as a supporter of ily name of Lockesporte). These people made their Hayles' successor as Conservative leader, F.B. T. Car­ living from the inshore fishery for cod and lobster or ter. He was appointed Speaker of the House in 1877, by logging for mills in the area and cutting pulpwood two years later was appointed to the cabinet of Wil­ for the Grand Falls paper mill. The population of Win­ liam V. Whiteway qv, and in 1882 became solicitor­ ter House Cove was about 50 people until resettle­ general. Winter was Grand Master of the *Loyal ment, after reaching a high of 7 4 in 1945. In the late Orange Association qv, and one of the most influential 1960s both Lockesporte and Winter House Cove were members of cabinet. resettled to Glovers Harbour qv. Cecil Marsh (inter­ Whiteway's star temporarily faded after the Har­ view, Dec. 1993), Census (1869-1966), McAlpine's bour Grace Affray, a riot which broke out on Decem­ Newfoundland Directory ( 1894), Sailing Directions ber 26, 1883 during a parade of the Orange Order. for Newfoundland 1931 (1931). RHC Four people, including three Orangemen, were killed during the Affray. Nineteen Roman Catholics were WINTER, JAMES ALEXANDER ( 1886-1971 ). Law­ arrested, but later acquitted (see ELECTIONS; Har­ yer; politician. Born St. John's, son of Emily (Coen) bour GRACE). Controversy over Whiteway's han­ and James S. Winter qv. Educated Bishop Feild Col­ dling of the affair led to a coalition of Protestant lege; Rossall School, Lancashire, England. Married members on both the government and opposition Mary Evangeline Arnaud. Winter articled in law under sides, with factions supporting Winter and A.F. WINTER, JOHN 591

However, the Winter government was dominated and ultimately consumed by controversy surrounding the Railway Contract of 1898 (see RAILWAYS). Op­ position leader Robert Bond claimed that the provis­ ions of the contract negotiated by Winter and his Minister of Finance A.B. Morine qv with railway con­ tractor Robert G. Reid qv "sold out" Newfoundland to the Reid monopoly. Winter's contention that the con­ tract had provided needed cash and had given the entrepreneur a real stake in developing Newfound­ land's resources did not stand up once it had been learned that Morine had been on retainer as Reid's counsel while the contract was being negotiated. Gov­ ernor Herbert Murray qv considered refusing to give the contract bill Royal assent, but was eventually di­ rected by the Colonial Office to sign the legislation. He later forced Morine to resign from cabinet. Morine terminated his employment with Reid and was re-appointed to cabinet in the spring of 1899. However, the controversy would seem to have led Winter to reconsider an earlier arrangement whereby Morine would succeed him as Prime Minister before the next election and appoint Winter Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. In November Morine resigned once again, and in the spring of 1900 the Winter ad­ Sir James S. Winter ministration was defeated in a confidence vote, with three Conservatives voting against the government Goodridge qv vying for its leadership. Eventually, and Morine's supporters abstaining. A heated ex­ Robert Thorburn qv was chosen leader of the new change of letters between Morine and Winter followed Reform party, as a compromise candidate. Winter in the pages of the daily papers. Winter did not run for joined the Thorburn government as attorney-general re-election in 1900 and the Conservatives under Mor­ and headed the successful Reform ticket in the district ine were defeated by Bond. In 1904 he unsuccessfully of Harbour Grace. He was knighted in 1888. attempted a comeback as one of five "leaders" of a In 1889 Whiteway came out of retirement to lead a United Opposition Party attempting to defeat Bond. revitalized Liberal party, and the entire Thorburn cab­ Meanwhile Winter's legal talents continued to be held inet, including Winter, went down to defeat. It was in high regard and in 1909 he was asked to act as during this period in the political wilderness that senior counsel in presenting Newfoundland's case in Winter's reputation as one of the ablest legal minds of an arbitration concerning fishing rights on the south the day was firmly established. He succeeded in plead­ and west coasts before the International Court of Jus­ ing the case of James Baird qv against a British naval tice at The Hague. Winter died on October 8, 1911, officer who had ordered Baird to remove a lobster while visiting a daughter in Toronto. His body was factory erected on the French Shore. When the New­ returned to Newfoundland for a state funeral. M.F. foundland Supreme Court's decision in Baird's favour Harrington (1962), H.Y. Mott (1894), Winter et a/ was upheld on appeal to the judicial committee of the (1890), DNLB (1990), Diocesan Magazine (Nov. Privy Council in London both Baird and Winter were 1911 ). RUTH KONRAD/RHC hailed as having struck a telling blow at French fish­ ing rights in Newfoundland. WINTER, JOHN (1806-1891). Physician; politician. In 1892 Winter re-entered politics, and was elected Born England; son of George Winter. Winter as a boy in a by-election in Burin. He soon came to be regarded came to St. John's, where his father was in charge of as the leader of those opposing the Whiteway govern­ the commissariat, barracks and ordinance departments ment. But shortly thereafter, on May 23, 1893, of the garrison for more than 50 years. He was trained Whiteway had him appointed a justice of the Supreme as a physician, and in the 1830s began medical practice Court. By 1897 those opposing Whiteway were once at Greenspon d. He later moved his practice to Trinity, again casting about for a leader, and Winter was per­ and in 1855 was elected to the House of Assembly from suaded to resign from the bench in order to lead the Trinity district as a Conservative, supporting Hugh W. Conservatives. The party won a resounding victory, Hoyles. After serving as MHA for 10 years he was Winter becoming prime minister and attorney-general. appointed to the Legislative Council in 1865. Winter The Winter government reorganized the civil ·service, was a director of the Commercial Bank of St. John's eliminating some patronage positions and renaming from 1857 and a board member of the Colonial and most of the departments of government. Fisheries was Continental Church Society, which supplied clergy­ for the first time elevated to full departmental status. men and teachers to remote communities in British 592 WINTER, MARMADUKE GEORGE

colonies. He died in St. John's on May 10, 1891. H.M. In 1909 Winter became president of the Board of Mosdell ( 1923), DNLB (1990), Royal Gazette (Apr. 18, Trade and the next year he was appointed to the Legisla­ 1865; Feb. 6, 1866). RUTH KONRAD tive Council. During World War I he played a leading role in the Newfoundland *Patriotic Association qv, and WINTER, MARMADUKE GEORGE ( 1857-1936). provided one of his buildings as a military hospital. For Businessman; politician. Born Lamaline, son of Har­ his contributions to the war effort he was created a riet (Pitman) and James Winter. Educated St. John's; Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in Upper Canada College. Married ( 1) Alice Lilly; (2) 1919, and was knighted in 1923. In that year he also Florence Hayward. At the age of 18 Winter went to served as government house leader in the Legislative work in the Montreal office ofP. & L. Tessier, and then Council, during the administration of William R. War. worked for a time in New York with the firm of Lee ren. DNLB (1990), EC (1975), Newfoundland Historical and Company, leather merchants. Returning to New­ Society (Winter family). RUTH KONRAD foundland, in 1878 he and an elder brother, Thomas qv, formed a wholesale provision agency. The T. and M. WINTER OF THE RALS. In St. John's the winter of Winter Co. would continue to be at the centre of 1817-1818, marked by fire, severe weather and food Winter's business dealings for almost 60 years. shortages, has become known as the winter of the rals When a devastating fire swept St. John's in 1892, (or winter of the rowdies). The Island was in the midst the T. and M. Winter headquarters were destroyed. of an economic depression which followed the end of Two years later the Bank Crash was followed by a the *Napoleonic Wars qv. In February, 1816 a fire in serious economic depression, but T. and M. Winter St. John's destroyed over 100 houses and left up to was one of the few larger St. John's merchants to 1000 people without shelter. To ensure that necessary weather the storm. When Thomas Winter retired from supplies were distributed over the next year David the Company in 1898 Marmaduke became the manag­ Buchan qv stayed in Newfoundland as acting governor ing partner. Two of his sons later became partners in until the spring of 1817. Adding to the general trou­ the firm which, among other concerns, supplied ves­ bles, the seal fishery that spring was a failure. Gover­ sels to the seal fishery, exported codfish, operated a nor Francis Pickmore qv arrived in St. John's in fire insurance agency and imported provisions. September, 1817 with orders to remain the winter to Marmaduke Winter was also a principal in a number of preserve law and order. To make matters worse, the manufacturing concerns, such as the Standard Manu­ weather proved to be unusually severe, as the entire facturing Co. (established in 1903) and the Newfound­ east and northeast coasts were blocked by ice from land Consolidated Iron Foundry (see FOUNDRIES; November until the following spring. PAINT MANUFACTURE). In 1905 he supervised the On November 7 another fire, which began in a va­ building of "Winterholme", one of the architectural cant house in St. John's, destroyed as many as 400 treasures of the city's domestic architecture. houses. Two weeks later a third fire, started in the Water Street premises of Huie, Reed and Co., left an estimated one quarter of the population of 8000 home­ less. Residents, many of them recent immigrants, were left destitute. To alleviate the situation Governor Pick­ more placed a temporary embargo on vessels carrying supplies and sent out urgent appeals for assistance. Contributions of food and clothing were sent from the British government and the people of Halifax and Bos­ ton. Despite these measures, there was hunger, espe­ cially in some of the outports. Bands of 'rals' looted stores, and other forms of social disturbance were wide­ spread. Vigilante committees were formed in many set­ tlements to guard against gangs of desperate men. Vessels which had become iced in at Renews and Bay Bulls harbours were targeted by looters, the stranded crews forced to join the ranks of hungry settlers. An estimated 1100 people were transported by authorities to Nova Scotia or returned to Ireland. Meanwhile, Gover­ nor Pickmore died in February. It is said to have taken a fortnight to cut a passage through the harbour ice to allow a ship to transport the body to England. Lingering effects of the Winter of the Rals came in the form of increased tension between rich and poor. Many of the worst off, those who had joined the gangs of looters, were recent Irish immigrants. This fact served to increase tensions between Irish and English, Sir Marmaduke G. Winter Roman Catholic and Protestant. Relief from the long, WINTERHOUSES (MAISONS D'HIVER) 593

hungry winter came in the spring of 1818 with a suc­ federal public works pro­ cessful seal fishery. As the weather improved, regular jects. A versatile athlete in supply shipments were resumed and those who had his youth, Winter served as been left homeless were able to rebuild. D.W. Prowse first president of the (1895), DCB V (Francis Pickmore), Royal Gazette Riverdale Tennis Club in (Nov. 18, 1817). ACB 1932 and in 1934 organized the St. John's Figure Skat­ WINTER, ROBERT GORDON ( 1885-1959). Busi­ ing club. He was subse­ nessman. Born St. John's, son of Alice (Lilly) and quently named honorary Marmaduke Winter qv. Educated Bishop Feild Col­ life president of both orga­ lege; Upper Canada College, Toronto; Rossall School, nizations. Winter was in­ Lancashire, England. Married Ethel Arnaud. Winter ducted into the Newfound- joined the family firm ofT. land Sports Hall of Fame on Thomas H. Winter and M. Winter in 1905, be­ October 13, 1973. DNLB (1990), ET (Dec. 17, 1985), coming a partner in 1911 Newfoundland Who's Who Silver Anniversary Edition and director of the firm (1974). JOHN PARSONS after his father's death in 1936. Among his other WINTERBERRY HOLLY. See HOLLIES. business activities he was president of the *Standard WINTERGREEN. Also called teaberry, checkerberry Manufacturing Co. qv from and ivyberry, wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) is 1936 to 1959, and director a member of the heath family (Ericaceae). With white, of the Marine Insurance Co. nodding, bell-shaped flowers, it is a creeping, ever­ Ltd. and of Newfoundland green shrub whose oval, slightly toothed leaves pos­ sess an aromatic flavour when they are young and Robert G. Winter Terra Nova Steamships. He served as president of the tender. Children have traditionally enjoyed chewing Board of Trade in 1918, the youngest person to hold the leaves, and adults have used them to make a pleas­ that office. DN(Dec 31, 1957; Oct. 23, 1959; Dec. 8, ant tea. It was· named after eighteenth century French 1959), NQ (Apr. 1918), Who's Who in andfrom New- Canadian court physician Hugues Gaulthier, a great foundland 19 3 7 ( 193 7?), Newfoundland Historical So­ promoter of its use as an infusion. The leaves' essential ciety (Winter family). RUTH KONRAD oil (methyl salicylate) has been derived synthetically and by distilling twigs of black birch, and is used to WINTER, THOMAS (1848-1930). Businessman. Born flavour teas, confectioneries and medicines. Lamaline, son of James and Harriet (Pitman) Winter. Berries of this plant mature late in summer and last Educated St. John's. Married Florence Belcher. After through to spring, by which leaving school Winter joined the St. John's firm of Wal­ time they become large and ter Grieve and Co. as a cashier. In 1872 he took a position juicy. They are edible, with James Hutton and Company, at that time the largest bright red and pulpy, with a hardware agency in Canada. After spending five years in spicy flavour. Wintergreen Montreal he returned to Newfoundland, and in 1878 he grows throughout Canada and a younger brother, Marmaduke qv, formed T. and M. and the northern U.S.A., its Winter Co., commercial agents and importers. Thomas presence in Newfoundland Winter was office manager for the firm, which steadily limited mainly to dry, expanded, until his retirement in 1898. A quiet and un­ sandy areas in the Island's assuming man, Winter was for many years thereafter central region. Fernald and financial warden of St. Thomas's church in St. John's. Kinsey (1958), Foster and Gwyneth (Winter) Breckon (interview, Dec. 1993), H.Y. Duke (1990), Peterson and Mott (1894), Newfoundland Historical Society (Winter McKenny (1968), Ernest Wintergreen family). RUTH KONRAD Rouleau (1978), A. Glen Ryan (1978), Frank D. Venn­ ing (1984). KATHLEEN WINTER WINTER, THOMAS HENSON ( 1895-1985). Engi­ neer; sportsman. Born St. John's, son of Florence WINTERHOUSE BROOK, BONNE BAY. See WOODY (Belcher) and Thomas Winter qv. Educated Bishop Feild POINT. College; University of King's College, Windsor, Nova Scotia; Nova Scotia Technical College. Married Pearl WINTERHOUSES (MAISONS D'HIVER). (pop. 1991, Hiscock. Winter worked as an engineer at Deer Lake in 66). Winterhouses is a fishing community on the north­ the mid-1920s and later worked with the New Jersey west coast of the Port au Port Peninsula qv. This stretch highways department. Returning to Newfoundland as a of coast to the northeast of Lourdes qv was used as a highway engineer, from 1937 to 1949 he was chief sur­ wintering site by French fishermen from Long Point qv veyor with the Department of Natural Resources. After (La Barre) and other fishing stations, as thick stands of Confederation he was involved in several provincial and spruce- inland from the current site of the community 594 WINTER-HOUSES AND WINTER MIGRATIONS

- provided shelter from winter storms. Because of Perhaps the most striking form of transhumance in­ this seasonal usage, Winterhouses does not appear in volved migration in winter from the outports to other the Census until 1921 (pop. 133), although local tradi­ zones in search of shelter and firewood and to exploit tion has it that the area was first settled - by the various terrestrial resources. This is the subject Duffenais family from Margaree, Cape Breton Island treated here; however, at least three other kinds of in the 1840s. Other early settlers were also Acadian­ transhumance by family groups were practised in the including the Felixes, Laineys and Youngs-and were past. Two of these involved summer movement and joined in the 1890s and early 1900s by several families the third winter m~vement, but all three were oriented ofFrench "deserters" who married local women (fam­ to the exploitation of marine resources. Many people ily names Leprieur, Rioux and Seccardin). practised both summer and winter transhumance and The decision to settle for most of the year was prob­ hence resided in their home outports for only a few ably related to the practice which developed of keep­ months annually. ing gardens and livestock along the coast near the The two types of summer migration need no lengthy winterhouses. It is said that the early residents grew accounts. In one kind families, largely from outports not only root crops but also wheat, oats and barley, on the east and northeast coasts of the Island, left their grinding flour for local use. From the mid-1920s cut­ homes to fish for several months in Labrador as float­ ting pulpwood for the Comer Brook pulp and paper ers or stationers qqv. In the second, found throughout mill was also an important supplement to the fishery. the Island and in Labrador, families moved to nearby The Harmon Field air base at Stephenville was a major coves or islands near productive fishing grounds. The employer from the 1940s, many people abandoning third variant is less well known. Groups of outport the traditional seasonal round in order to work at the settlers, including families, migrated to the northern base. Since the closure of Harmon Field in 1966 some parts of the Island including the French Shore to spend people have continued to work in the Stephenville the winters catching seals from the mainland or off­ area. Others work at Lourdes, but most local employ­ shore islands. This had begun by the late seventeenth ment continues to be in the fishery. Historically, the century and survived until at least the late nineteenth. community relied on the lobster, herring and cod fish­ No doubt the migrants exploited some terrestrial re­ eries. In 1994 most of the community's fishery was sources including game, furs and wood, but seals were still conducted from Long Point. Peter Felix (inter­ always the main objective. view, May 1994), Lucien LaCoure (interview, May Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have used sev­ 1994), Carpe Diem: Tempus Fugit (1976), Census eral expressions for the fourth type of seasonal migra­ (1921-1991). BARRY MOORES tion: "going into winter quarters", "going up in tilts", "shifting", and sometimes "winter-housing". WINTER-HOUSES AND WINTER MIGRATIONS. People left their outport homes in family groups in A high degree of geographical mobility has long char­ autumn after the close of the fishing season and acterized the European as well as the aboriginal popu­ moved into the forests or other sheltered areas to live lations of Newfoundland and Labrador. Probably no in winter-houses. They remained until the following other overseas people of European descent have been spring, when after absences of from three to seven so lightly attached to sedentary life. Many nineteenth months they returned to their outports for the summer century observers noted this behaviour, but it goes fishery. In the winter camps they pursued a number of back much further, to the seventeenth century. It was activities, depending on local resources and their par­ typical of families and even communities, as well as of ticular needs. One activity, however, was universal individuals. This mobility was generated and regulated and probably paramount: cutting wood for fuel to by features of the physical environment, by the nature make the winter-houses habitable. This residential du­ of the economy, and by certain political and social alism was practised by all local ethnic groups, Eng­ factors. Much of it is what anthropologists and geog­ lish, Irish and French. Apart from occasional instances raphers term seasonal transhumance, where groups of in Cape Breton, Prince Edward Island and eastern foragers (hunters-gatherers-fishermen) and pastoral­ Quebec, this type seems unknown among European ists shift their residences in response to season~! vari­ settlers in the rest of North America or in other over­ ations in weather, fauna and flora. Seasonal movement seas regions colonized by Europeans. permits more effective exploitation of diverse ecolog­ ical zones, prey species and other natural resources. WINTER CAMPS. The winter camps were always sit­ Few scholars outside the Province seem aware that uated in or near the woods, usually some distance non-pastoral transhumance of several kinds was until inland but sometimes in sheltered spots on the coast. recently a widespread and central pattern of life here. Many were located in the inner reaches of bays and Non-pastoral transhumance is rarely found among re­ inlets. The shores of streams, ponds, and lakes were cent Europeans and is normally as.sociated with aborig­ popular, as were valleys and localities in the shelter of inal foraging groups; hence the anomalous hills. Place names, e.g., "Winter House Pond", Newfoundland-Labrador cases are of considerable "Winterhouse Cove" sometimes betray their former general interest in illustrating the unusually innovative presence. The number of consecutive winters a camp and flexible adaptation of these European settlers in might be occupied is not clear, nor whether groups had their new world. exclusive rights to specific locales. The winter- WINTER-HOUSES AND WINTER MIGRATIONS 595

males and females sometimes had separate sleeping areas. Beds are mentioned, boughs and wild hay were also used for bedding, and in some cases bunks were built along the walls. Visitors often chose to sit up around the fire all night rather than endure the cold or discomfort of the beds. Small domestic animals might be kept in the tilts or attached shelters; Wix mentions dogs, sheep, pigs; ducks, and fowls in one at Long Harbour, Placentia Bay in 1835. An Anglican missionary, William Elder, described a reasonably typical winter-house he visited in the 1850s at Stag Harbour on Fogo Island: They are a kind of 'extemporare habitation' just pui. together for shelter for the winter & often - .~.. . only used for that one winter. A number of small A winter-house, from Moreton trees from 5 to 6 inches in diameter are felled & cut into lengths a little less than the height of the houses, often called winter tilts or bay tilts, merit man: These are ranged perpendicularly to form some detailed description. They were a humble but the walls, the lower end being fixed in the earth, distinctive form of vernacular architecture. Just how the upper end supporting the roof, which consists they differed in detail from summer tilts or ordinary of a slight frame put up in the same rough way: outport tilts is uncertain. Some were small, dark this is covered with the rinds of trees, & these hovels, others large and comfortable. They were again overlaid with clots of earth. All the inter­ built quickly and their lifespans were short, proba­ stices between the rough logs are then closely bly one or two years in most instances. We have a stuffed with moss. The only window is a large fair number of published and unpublished descrip­ aperture left in the end of the roof, to admit the tions from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, light & evict the smoke. Under this aperture a most very succinct and generalized but occasionally few flat rocks are laid to form the hearth, & a rather precise (e.g., Wilson, Moreton, Tucker, number of small fir-trees with the upper side Packard). There are few illustrations, unfortunately. flatted forms the floor. The bed-chambers consist Moreton's drawing of a winter-house, probably in of a number of cabins or rather berths, precisely Bonavista Bay in the mid-nineteenth century may be after the fashion of sailors "bunks" on board the best available. ship. In one of these, with a curtain drawn across The tilts were typically built by the vertical-log I reposed peacefully & snugly this night for the method. Slender unrinded fir or spruce trees five or six first time. Through some wayward crevice in the feet long were placed upright and the gaps "stogged" roof, which nearly touched my pillow, I could or "chintzed" with moss, grass, or clay, or occasion­ see the stars shining brightly. Being pitched in ally covered with interwoven twigs and saplings. In the woods, these "Tilts" are snugly sheltered some cases split logs or boards were employed, how­ from the rough wind & weather, and with plenty ever. It is not clear whether wall trenches were dug. of fire-wood around them, the people keep good Growing trees were sometimes incorporated in the fires & are as warm and comfortable as they frames. Probably few nails were used. The roofs were would be in the best of houses. It is entirely for usually gable ended (pitched), and the pole rafters the sake of shelter & the abundance of wood that covered with strips of bark or sods; bark might cover they remove to these winter quarters. the sides as well. Floors were of boards, roughly flat­ tened longers, or even bare earth. Windows were Judging from the few measurements recorded, tilts rarely present. A large hole in the roof provided day­ might be as small as 8 or 10 feet square, or as large as light and released the smoke. In the early days a rough 21 by 15 feet. The number of occupants varied consid­ stone hearth served for heating and cooking, with erably, from a few persons to as many as 17. At times sometimes a mud-daubed wooden chimney over it. several nuclear families, or a large extended family, Fire was a constant danger, and smoke (the "cruel occupied one tilt. The population of a camp might run steam" as settlers called it) a torture to many visitors. from a single family to as many as 200 persons. Such By the late nineteenth century some tilts had metal large camps were unusual, however, with most falling stoves and probably conditions improved. One source between 3 and 50 persons. Unfortunately little is known mentions caribou hides lining the inner walls for insu­ of the physical layout of the multifamily camps. lation. In Labrador paper was often used. In this cen­ The distances between outports and camps varied tury lumber and boards often replaced the vertical-log also. There are recorded migrations of as much as 150 form. Generally a house consisted of a single room, miles each way, when travel was by water. Such long but at times was subdivided by flimsy partitions of moves were exceptional, however, and most involved Wood, branches or sailcloth into living and sleeping distances of between one and ten miles. Some merely areas. Privacy was minimal, though unmarried adult moved to a more sheltered part of their harbour. Some 596 WINTER-HOUSES AND WINTER MIGRATIONS

MAIN RO/ID (HI~WAY)

C£METAR.Y

BlG­ MlSH

WINTER. HOUS£ POND

settlers went on foot hauling slides, or by dogsled, ACTIVITIES. A major occupation in the winter camps others in punts, skiffs and small schooners. They was wood cutting, especially for fuel consumed on the transported provisions, furniture, cooking utensils, spot. There were other important activities, however; and equipment such as wood-cutting tools, traps, fire­ building boats and small schooners, manufacturing arms, and in later years stoves. The time spent in the equipment such as oars, masts, barrels, hoops and camps ranged from a maximum of about seven brooms, and cutting timber for outport houses, stages months, especially in northern Newfoundland and La­ and flakes. Saw-pits are occasionally mentioned. brador, to short spells of about three months. October Hunting, especially of caribou, for meat and hides was and November were the preferred months of depar­ essential in some parts of the Island and in Labrador; ture, and April and May the times of return. camps might be located near caribou migration routes. The proportion of residents migrating from an out­ Ducks, geese, turrs, and other migratory birds were port also varied greatly, although we do not always often killed, and trout caught in ponds and streams. understand why. For reasons unknown migration has Fur trapping was also a significant feature. One sup­ apparently never been reported in the southern half of poses that there was a rough division of labour by the Avalon Peninsula. Residents of most off-shore is­ gender in the camps with males engaged in cutting lands removed to the "mainland", but there were ex­ wood, building boats, hunting and trapping, while fe­ ceptions. Settlements with winter employment males (unlike the situation in summer when they were opportunities such as winter fishing were more seden­ heavily involved in the processing end of the fishery) tary. The practice was also sensitive to fluctuations in were mainly occupied in household work. Gardens general economic conditions, since when times were were kept in some winter sites, the vegetables being bad through poor catches or low prices more people planted before the families left in late spring and har­ tended to move. Some people may have migrated not vested in autumn when they returned. out of economic need but to be near their relatives and Merchants seem to have favoured their clients' mobil­ friends in winter. ity because it ensured a supply of forest materials essen­ The social composition of the winter camps often tial to the fishery technology, promoted some differed considerably from that of the home out­ productivity in the dead season of outport life, and re­ ports. Some outports migrated to a single camp, duced the threat of theft or begging when food became while others split up and went to a number of camps; scarce. Missionaries often deplored the custom since the some camps were homogeneous while others were migrants were deprived of regular religious services and composite with residents coming from different out­ allegedly fell into bad company and evil ways. Most ports. Possibly the decisions were at times made clergy tried to visit their flocks in the camps, but only a along kinship lines, or by religious or even personal few in Newfoundland lived in them; best known is the considerations. Whatever the mechanisms responsi­ Methodist William Wilson qv in the winter of 1826-27 ble, this behaviour reflects an unusual degree of near Burin. Some teachers wintered in the camps in malleability in social organization, including family nineteenth century Newfoundland and twentieth century groupings, and perhaps a somewhat different kin­ Labrador, however, and there were even tilt schools. ship structure than that documented by anthropolo­ There are occasional records of baptisms and marriages gists and sociologists in twentieth century outports in the camps. The dead, it seems, were eventually re­ when life was more sedentary. turned to the home outports for burial. WINTER-HOUSES AND WINTER MIGRATIONS 597

centuries. The decline was not a smooth regression, however, but an uneven path marked by modifications (as when in the twentieth century some families on the Bonavista peninsula moved by railway cars to their winter camps along the tracks), and resumptions (when families returned to the practice for various reasons). It survived after Confederation in the north­ ern part of the Island, while in Labrador it persisted until at least the 1960s and 1970s in some harbours. This practice came into being and functioned so long for a number of reasons. It developed in response to the immediate conditions the settlers faced, including environmental, economic, political and social forces. Two universal factors were the needs for firewood and shelter. Many outports were located on headlands or exposed coasts or islands conveniently near the fishing Ruins ofa winter-house, near Daniel's Harbour grounds but very vulnerable to gales and low tempera­ ORIGINS. Just when this form of winter migration tures in winter. Much effort was required to supply fire­ began is still uncertain. There seems no evidence that wood for the poorly insulated houses with their any of the inhabitants of the early proprietary colonies inefficient open fireplaces, particularly as the slow­ from 1610 to the mid-century practised it. In the last growing coastal forests receded through human exploi­ decades of the century economic, social, and environ­ tation and destructive fires. Since few draught animals mental conditions had perhaps changed enough to except dogs were available, it was often more energy­ make the pattern of seasonal dispersal and aggregation efficient to migrate to the woods or sheltered places. advantageous in some outports. By the 1680s teams of There were other incentives, however. Many settlers male servants were spending the winters furring, hunt­ manufactured wooden gear necessary in the summer ing, and wood cutting for their masters; it would be an fishery, subsistence hunting was important, and fur trap­ easy step from this to family migration by independent ping an additional source of income. Newfoundland is a fishermen. There are a few ambiguous references to region with markedly seasonal access to natural re­ winter movements in the official English and French sources, so summer and winter pursuits were largely reports about that time. Probably the earliest clear complementary, winter production making life in the account is given by the English historian John outports more viable. The minor role of farming meant Oldmixon in 1708 in his description ofNewfoundland that large domestic animals such as cattle and horses, based on information from earlier residents: and quantities of stored crops, did not impede move­ ment. The near absence at this time of the usual civil The Climate is very hot in Summer and Cold in institutions such as churches, schools, markets, medi­ Winter; the Snow lies on the Ground 4 or 5 cal and social services made it all the easier for the Months; and the English in the Northern Parts settlers to migrate. A final motive can be suggested for are fore' d to remove from the Harbours into the at least the late seventeenth and earlier eighteenth Woods, during that Season, for the convenience centuries: the disorder and even anarchy prevalent in of Firing. There they build themselves Cabbins, winter in some communities due to the absence of and burn up all that Part of the Woods where they effective law enforcement, especially before 1729 sit down. The next Winter they do the same by when a civil government was provided. another, and so clear 'em as they go (I:9-10). This suggests that the custom existed c. 1700 if not DECLINE AND DEMISE. The reasons for the de­ before. Throughout the eighteenth century there are cline and eventual disappearance of the practice are scattered references to the practice in the writings of equally complex. Some are technological, others missionaries and officials. Some mention specific economic, still others social and cultural. Many fall communities: Placentia and Bonavista in the 1720s, into the general category called "modernization", a Trinity in the 1730s and later, Oderin and St. Law­ condition usually uncongenial to residential mobil­ rence in the 1760s, Harbour Grace in the 1790s. In the ity. In the nineteenth century better insulated out­ nineteenth century accounts become more abundant port houses of sawn boards and shingles, iron and detailed. By mid-century the custom had diffused stoves, and an increasing use of coal, reduced the into virtually all parts of the Island settled by British need for firewood. The availability of horses and fishermen. It had appeared in southern Labrador by at oxen as farming developed (though not in Labrador) least the 1820s, and by the 1850s existed on the Lower meant that larger loads of wood could be hauled North Shore of Quebec where Newfoundlanders were more easily from the forests. Later the use of motor­ beginning to settle. Probably by mid-century the pat­ boats had the same effect when bringing fuel by tern was in decline in many places in insular New­ water, and in addition allowed outports situated on foundland, and it was given up entirely in most headlands and exposed coasts to relocate to more communities in the later nineteenth and the twentieth sheltered harbours and inlets nearer the woods. The 598 WINTER-HOUSES AND WINTER MIGRATIONS increase in civil and public institutions and voluntary EFFECTS. All the varieties of transhumance men­ associations, especially schools, churches, and medi­ tioned here affected the ways Newfoundlanders and cal services, made the outports stronger magnets for Labradorians lived, worked and thought, and indeed winter residence. Even in the nineteenth century some helped define their society and culture. The effects parents had abandoned winter migration so that their both positive and negative, of the pattern of winte; children could attend school. In the 1930s and later, migration during almost three centuries must have particularly after Confederation, stricter regulations been considerable; it is all the more remarkable that on school attendance induced many more families to the subject has been so little examined. Here we can give it up. mention only a few of these consequences. Growing economic diversification played a major A very important, though unintended, result was in role also. In many outports there was now winter aiding the sparse and unsponsored early settlers to work in boat construction, small manufacturing, and hold on and even increase in numbers in the context of service jobs. The emphasis on agriculture in the a severe physical environment, a highly specialized nineteenth century tended to anchor farming fami­ and unstable economy based on production of a few lies to their homes in winter. The increase in saw­ staples, and an inhospitable political and social cli­ mills in the second half of that century, and later the mate. Migration was a strategy that allowed many demand for pitprops and pulpwood, encouraged fur­ settlers to explore economic alternatives in the ther sedentism. Destructive forest fires and over­ "dead" season, was a back-up mechanism for hard cutting that reduced the accessible woods, and the times, expanded the human carrying capacity of the drastic collapse of the caribou population and some territory, and thus promoted long-term survival and fur-bearing animals, may have further discouraged growth. Without it the population would have grown migration. The commercial seal hunt perhaps les­ even more slowly than it did, at least in the eighteenth sened the need to migrate on the east and north century. coasts, while on the southwest coast the growing Linked to this effect was its function as a mecha­ importance of winter fishing during the nineteenth nism for colonizing an uncertain, frontier-like envi­ century may have had a similar effect. A cognitive ronment. With population growth and competition for factor harder to measure is the social stigma at­ fishing grounds, winter migration was one of the tached to winter migration as it increasingly became means by which new settlements were established and identified with the poorer or improvident members the frontier extended. Winter camps on the coast were of society. Moreton cited a derogatory saying about often the nuclei for permanent fishing communities, families who would "sit at one end of the tilt and just as, later, lumbering and farming communities de­ burn the other". Countering these inhibiting forces, veloped from some inland camps. New outports might however, some families described by visitors en­ in turn breed new winter camps as the need arose. joyed the months spent in their winter-houses with There were other positive aspects to winter migration. the relative leisure, more intimate social life, sup­ By bringing people from different outports in closer plementary income, and, sometimes, comfort and contact in that season, the mating network was en­ better diet. Winter migration died out slowly, even larged and the genetic risks of community inbreeding reluctantly, though largely unnoticed. In the 1930s a reduced. Nutrition and health may have improved British member of the Commission of Government, since a more varied diet, especially of fresh meat, was dismayed to find families living in "shacks" in the often available. Scurvy and starvation are rarely men­ woods in winter to obtain fuel, was apparently un­ tioned in winter camps. In addition there was gener­ aware he was witnessing the final phase of a long ally less exposure to contagious diseases and and unique tradition. epidemics than in the more crowded outports. Re-sort­ ing the population periodically may even have re­ duced religious conflicts in some mixed outports. · But this nonchalant attitude toward sedentary life had negative consequences as well. Children were often deprived of schooling. Agricultural development was hampered; large animals such as cattle and horses, and sizeable harvests, were not easily accommodated to winter movements. There were effects on the growth of formal community structure and institu­ tions, including local government. Finally, hunting, furring, and settlement expansion placed the settlers in direct competition with the Beothuk for resources and space, and help explain the hostile relations that developed between them.

FUTURE RESEARCH. Much remains to be done in this field. Several lines of investigation can be sug­ Winter-house at Plant 's Bight, Labrador gested: further research in documentary sources, ar- WINTERTON 599

chaeological excavations in the campsites that sur­ WINTERTON (inc. 1964; pop. 1991, 667). Winterton vive, studies of.the few existing winter-houses and, was one of the first sites on the northeast coast of most urgent of all, interviews with those individuals Newfoundland to have been settled by English fisher­ who once participated in the system or were familiar men. It appears in early records as Silly Cove, although with it. The behaviour that was so vital a part of the in the nineteenth century it was usual to spell the name past of Newfoundland and Labrador, and so interest­ "Scilly". In 1912 the community was renamed in honour ing a feature of European adaptation overseas, de­ of a former Prime Minister, Sir James S. Winter qv. serves more serious attention if it is to be properly Migratory fishermen were probably frequenting evaluated. Carol Brice-Bennett ed. ( 1977), Robert Winterton from the mid-1600s, as an outpost of Old Cuff (NQ, Summer 1983), William A. Elder (1857), Perlican qv. In 1675 John Petten, James Weeksell and R.B. Ewbank (1939), Julian Moreton (1863), John Richard Hopkins employed a total of 40 servants Oldmixon ( 1708), A.S. Packard ( 1891 ), Philip E.L. there. Hopkins would appear to have been the most Smith (Current Anthropology 1987; Newfoundland important of the early planters, and was again re­ Studies Spring 1987), D.C. Tibbetts (1968), E.W. corded there in 1681 - along with Samuel Waxill, Tucker (1839), William Wilson (1866), Edward Wix John Pollinson, Anthony Burt and 50 servants. When (1836). PHILIP E.L. SMITH French forces raided in 1696 they found four dwell­ ings in the settlement and seized a large quantity of WINTERLAND (inc. 1970; pop. 1991, 272). An agri­ fish and livestock. The number of permanent settlers cultural and residential settlement, located between increased into the 1700s. Missionary James Balfour qv Garnish and Marystown on the "ankle" of the Burin was unimpressed with their conduct when he visited in Peninsula, Winterland is the only inland community on 1772, describing the inhabitants of this "most Barba­ the Peninsula. It was established in 1939 by the Com­ rous Lawless Place" as making it their "usual custom mission of Government as part ofthe *land settlement to divert themselves during Sundays, with the music qv program. Fourteen hundred acres of land on a low, of a Piper carried in parade thro' the place... ". "It wooded ridge, judged suitable for growing root crops would", he continued, "make any well disposed per­ and raising livestock, were chosen to receive several son shiver to hear their horrid conversation of profane families of settlers, from the fishing communities of cursing and swearing ... "(cited in Head). In order to Port Elizabeth, Garnish, Burin and Baine Harbour qqv. discourage such behaviour the Society for the Propa­ Few had any experience in farming. Indeed seven of gation of the *Gospel qv had established a school by the original families eventually returned to fishing at 1777. Garnish and Burin. Winterland had a population of 79 From about 1700 Winterton was tied economically in 1945, when it first appeared in the Census. A United and socially to the larger fishing and mercantile centre Church school opened in 1940, and there was a Church of Trinity qv, whose trade in turn was dominated by of England school by the early 1950s. The community the Dorset port of Poole qv. The Poole-Trinity firm of did not have a resident clergyman, but a United Church Jeffrey and Street had a branch operation at Winterton minister made regular visits from Garnish. Initially from the 1770s and would appear to have brought Winterland had a co-operative store. When it closed many of the pioneer settlers of the community there William Moulton of Garnish ran a small general store from the Dorset hinterland of Poole. At the time of the in the settlement. A sawmill opened in the 1950s as 1836 Census there were 223 residents, most belonging lumbering employed some people. to the Church of England, and this number had in­ During the resettlement qv programs of the 1950s and creased to 560 by 1869. By this time most of the 1960s there was a new influx of settlers into Winterland. common family names of Winterton had become well Ten non-farming families, seven of them from Port Eliz­ established: Andrews, Banton, Downey, Evans, abeth and Red Harbour qv, moved to the settlement French, George, Green, Gregory, Hindy, Hiscock, Kel­ between 1961 and 1970. Family names in 1966 included land, Parrott, Piercey, Pinhorn, Pitcher, Tucker and Clarke, Grandy, Jarvis, Kenway, Marshall, Masters, Walker. A Church of England church and school had Moulton and Senior. The population had nearly tripled, been built by 1845, and in the 1850s the Methodist to 184. Winterland 's school closed in 1967 and thereaf­ congregation also built a chapel. The Salvation Army ter students attended classes in Salt Pond, Burin and was present in 1891, and soon attracting a sizeable Grand Bank. Farm produce from the settlement was sold following. A branch of the Heart's Content in Marystown, Grand Bank, Fortune and Burin. For­ Fishermen's Club (later the Society of United *Fisher­ estry continued to be a secondary activity and a Forest man qv) was opened in 1862. Ranger Station was based in the community. A small After the decline of the Poole-Trinity firms in the airstrip was built near the settlement in 1981. In 1993 early 1800s fishermen from Winterton dealt with Winterland was primarily a dormitory town, with peo­ Slade & Kelson at Heart's Content or Job Brothers at ple commuting to work in Marystown and Burin. There Rant's Harbour. The first local dealer was J. Hindy, were four full-time farm families (descendants of the from about 1890. The shore fishery, largely conducted original settlers) and several part-time farmers. W. to the north and east of the community or at Baccalieu Gordon Handcock (1970; 1994), The Burin Peninsula Island, was supplemented by some involvement in the (n.d.), Census (1945-1991). DA (Sept.-Oct., 1989), Labrador fishery and by fall and winter woods work, List ofElectors (1966). ACB either "up the Bay" or across the Bay at St. Jones 600 WINTON, FRANCIS

Winterton Without qv and in Smith Sound. While the harbour His views were also expressed in the associated papers was neither deep nor large enough to accommodate a the Semi Weekly Chronicle and the Evening Chronicle. large schooner fishery, Winterton acquired a reputa­ Another publication, the Commercial Journal, Prices tion as a boat building centre. and Current Shipping List of Newfoundland, was By 1921 there were more than 1000 people in short-lived. Winton was elected as the anti-confeder­ Winterton. In 1934 a fish processing plant was opened ate member representing the district of Bonavista in by E.J. Green & Co., who had begun as general mer­ 1869 and sat in the House for one term. Sometime chants, gradually expanding into the export trade in before 1894 Winton moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylva­ cod oil and, in later years, operating a fresh-frozen nia where he became the proprietor of a paper which fish plant. Emigration to the United States and Canada was also named the Morning Chronicle. He and his in the following decades led to a decline in population, wife died within a few days of each other in 1908 and which eventually stabilized at about 700 people. In the were buried in Pittsburgh. Suzanne Ellison (1988), ET late 1970s there was a revitalization of the fishery and (Jan. 27, 1908), McAlpine's Newfoundland Directory employment was found at fish plants in Winterton, 1894-97 (1894), Royal Gazette (Dec. 1, 1863), Centre Hant's Harbour and Bay de Verde. Boat building con­ for Newfoundland Studies (Francis Winton). ACB tinued to be an important industry, with builders being supplied by the Reid Brothers mill. In the early 1990s WINTON,HENRYDAVID (1793-1855). Printer; E.J. Green and Sons Ltd. processed groundfish, her­ journalist. Born Withecombe Raleigh, Exmouth, ring, mackerel, capelin and squid at their Winterton Devon; son of the Rev. Robert and Theresa Maria plant. John Berry (1675), C. Grant Head (1976), D.W. Winton. Married Elizabeth Nicholson. Winton was a Prowse (1895), E.R. Seary (1977), David Taylor controversial and outspoken newspaper editor during ( 1982), DA (Apr. 1977), Lovell s Newfoundland Direc­ a period of political and sectarian tension on the Island. tory (1871), Census (1836-1991), Centre for New­ As a young man, Winton was apprenticed to a Mr. foundland Studies (Winterton). ACB Salter, a printer and bookbinder in Dartmouth, and later worked in the same trades in London. He came to WINTON, FRANCIS (1829?-1908). Printer and pub­ St. John's in August, 1818. Within a month he had lisher; politician. Born St. John's, son of Elizabeth opened a wholesale and retail stationery warehouse, (Nicholson) and Henry D. Winton qv. Married Susan where he also bound and sold books. In 1820--with Peckham? Some sources state that in the 1850s Winton Alexander Haire-he founded the town's fourth news­ spent several years in the United States. He was in St. paper, the Public Ledger and Newfoundland General John's by 1860, when he published a newspaper, the Advertiser qv. The paper carried little domestic news St. John's Daily News, in partnership with his brother at first, but from 1827 to 1832 it agitated for the Robert. In 1862 Winton established the Day Book, later creation of a local legislature, cautioning that religion renamed the Morning Chronicle. The Chronicle be­ should not be a consideration in selecting members. came the principal anti-confederate paper and dis­ Reformers such as Dr. William Carson and Patrick agreed with the rival Daily News on most issues of the Morris qqv used the paper to publicize their efforts. day. Winton opposed the involvement of religion in Though Winton wanted reform, he essentially sup­ politics that was common on the Island in the 1860s, ported the established order rather than radical change. and objected to the political use of the Orange order. (He supported parliamentary reforms in Britain as WISEMAN, CLARENCE DEXTER 601

well, and though he would later be perceived as anti­ fully sued for similar words in 1842. Winton's charac­ Catholic was in favour of Roman Catholic emancipa­ ter was frequently attacked. D.W. Prowse qv observed tion. When the Catholic Relief Bill was passed in that he was, " ... of rather a saturnine habit, excep~ England in 1829, he was publicly congratulated by when under the influence of good liquor, which Catholic citizens of St. John's). brought out all his talents". Even his obituary, proba­ Winton's friendly relations with Bishop Michael A. bly written by his son Francis qv, noted that "his ideas Fleming qv before 1832 changed during the first gen­ of the duty of a parent partook of rather a severe cast". eral election under the new form of government. Op­ The last years of Winton's life were spent in a losing posed to clerical intervention in politics, Winton came battle with the supporters of responsible government. into conflict with the Bishop in a feud which would He ran unsuccessfully for election in the district of colour Newfoundland politics for many years. In 1832 Burin in 1842 and again in 1848. As a result of his he expressed his opposition to the Liberal party and criticism of the Harvey administration, government cautioned voters against "inflated schoolboys and su­ advertising was withdrawn from the Ledger. In one of perannuated old men". The remark was interpreted to his last editorials, Winton wrote that Protestant sup­ refer to reformers John Kent qv and Dr. Carson. In the port for Catholic Liberals was a dangerous and dis­ Newfoundlander qv Kent charged Winton with anti­ honourable defection. Winton's son Henry took over the Irish and anti-Catholic prejud.ice. When Fleming Ledger in July, 1855. See JOURNALISM; PRINTING openly endorsed candidates Kent, Carson and William AND PUBLISHING. Suzanne Ellison (1988), Gertrude Thomas qv, Winton wrote that the Bishop had for­ Gunn (1966), DCB VIII, Public Ledger (passim). ACB feited the esteem of both Protestants and respectable Catholics. This remark led to public meetings in St. WISEMAN, CLARENCE DEXTER (1907-1985). Sal­ John's and Conception Bay at which Catholics de­ vation Army General. Born Whales Gulch (Valley Pond nounced Winton and the "Orange" press. The subse­ qv), son of James and Jessie (LeDrew) Wiseman. Edu­ quent election of reformers such as Kent convinced cated in Ontario and Quebec; Salvation Army Officers' Winton that the extensive franchise granted in 1832 Training College, Toronto. Married Janet Kelly. was an error. He believed that only truly independent Prior to being commissioned as an officer in 1927, men (that is, property owners) should be given the Wiseman did editorial work on such Salvation Army vote, and that the majority of Catholics, mentally en­ publications as the War Cry. His first corps appoint­ slaved by the clergy, should be excluded. These con­ ment was London, Ontario. In 1936 he was appointed servative tendencies increased as Winton grew older. to the Montreal Citadel corps, and until 1940 com­ Following an election victory for Carson in St. manded other corps in Ontario and Quebec. During John's in December, 1833, a hostile crowd gathered World War II he served first as a Canadian chaplain outside Winton's house. Winton had supported and then as chief supervisor of the Army's Red Shield Carson's rival, Timothy Hogan qv, a Catholic who had services overseas. In 1945 he was appointed divisional been pressured by the clergy to withdraw from the commander of the Salva- contest. A riot was prevented only when the militia tion Army in Newfound­ was called to Winton's house. Fleming forbade his land, and served until 1954. congregation to read the Ledger, and ordered a boycott From 1957 to 1960 he was of Catholic merchants who subscribed to it. Fleming's chief secretary of the Army censure apparently had little effect on Winton's edito­ for Canada and Bermuda, ' rials. On May 19, 1835 he was attacked while de­ and was then territorial scending Saddle Hill, on his way to Harbour Grace commander for East Africa. from Carbonear, by about five disguised people, and In 1962 he was appointed knocked off his horse. His ears were stuffed with mud principal of the Interna­ and gravel and then mutilated by a knife. Despite an tional Training College in official enquiry and an offer of a £1500 reward, the London, England. Begin­ identity of the assailants was never discovered. Cath­ ning in 1967 Wiseman was olic agitators were widely believed to be responsible. for seven years territorial General C.D. Wiseman The incident served to drive Winton closer to the mer­ commander for Canada and Bermuda. In 197 4 he be- chants and their concerns and further from the reformers. came the first Canadian to be elected General of the In 183 3, Carson, James Douglas and others estab­ international Salvation Army, and served until 1977. lished a reform newspaper, the Newfoundland Patriot, Wiseman is the author of an anecdotal autobiography, and Robert John Parsons qv, whose employment at the A Burning in My Bones (1979), and of The Desert Road Ledger had ended in a fist fight with Winton, became to Calvary (1982). He was awarded an honorary doctor­ an employee. Sole owner and editor of the Patriot by ate by Memorial University in 1971, and in 1976 was 1840, Parsons became Winton's main adversary. Nu­ appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada. In 1986, merous libel suits, all unsuccessful, were brought shortly after his death at Toronto, the Wiseman Centre against Winton over the years. In 1841 he sued the was established in St. John's, and is operated by the Newfoundland Vindicator for £200 in damages for Salvation Army as a centre for the homeless. Clarence printing that he was, "a hideously featured adul­ Wiseman (1979), Atlantic Advocate (July 1974), DNLB terer-a veteran drunkard". The Patriot was success- (1990), ET (May 20, 1974), TCE (1985). ILB 602 WI SEMANS COVE, WHITE BAY

WISEMANS COVE, WHITE BAY. See WESTPORT. nership with proprietor John Ryan fJJ', who by the 1830s had little to do with the day-to-day running of WITHEROD. See NORTHERN WILD RAISIN. the paper, and became essentially its sole editor. The Royal Gazette became known for its dispassionate WITHERS, EDWARD CHARLES (1922- ). Athlete; stance on local issues. In 1832 Withers was named broadcaster. Born St. John's, son of Mary (DeBourke) Queen's Printer, a position he held until his death. An and E.J. (Jack) Withers qv. Ted Withers has long been obituary in the Royal Gazette paid tribute to his im­ prominent as an athlete, official and organizer in amateur partiality: "Too well he knew each party's deed, and sport. As an athlete, he played on city championship lack/To be a blinded clique-obeying hack". His son, teams in hockey and base­ John W. qv, assumed management of the paper as well ball. A founding member of as the job of King's Printer. Suzanne Ellison (1988), the provincial golf associa­ Paul O'Neill (1975), DCB VII (John Ryan), Royal tion, he chaired the provin­ Gazette and Newfoundland Advertiser (Dec. 9, 1890), cial figure skating Times and General Commercial Gazette (Mar. 16, association, served on the 1836). ACB executive of the Newfound­ land and Labrador Amateur WITHERS, JOHN W. (1843-1921). Printer; publisher. Sports Federation and as a Born St. John's, son of Suzannah (Guswell) and John director of the Sports Feder­ C. Withers qv. Married Emma Hoyles Rennie. As a ation of Canada. For many young man Withers became first clerk in the Colonial years Withers was a sports Secretary's office, and held the position, equivalent to Ted Withers broadcaster with CBC radio the position of deputy minister, for many years. On the and television, retiring in the death of his father in 1890, he became King's Printer mid-1980s. In 1986 his great contribution to amateur and editor of the Royal Gazette and Newfoundland sport was recognized when he was inducted into the Advertiser. As the King's Printer he was responsible Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame. for producing government notices and other official Frank Graham (1988), DNLB (1990), ET (Oct. 25, texts. The Royal Gazette was itself a semi-official 1986). ACB publication and was expected by both the government and the general public to maintain an impartial edito­ WITHERS, EDWARD JOHN ( 1899-1964). Broad­ rial policy. During World War I, the paper encouraged caster. Born Canso, Nova Scotia; son of Edward and enlistment while generally continuing to avoid contro­ Minnie (Midgley) Withers. Educated Canso; St. versial matters. Withers died in 1921 and the paper was John's. Married Mary Josephine DeBourke; father of then published by his wife, Emma Hoy1es Withers, for Edward C. (Ted) Withers qv. Jack Withers moved to a time. The paper and the title of King's Printer later St. John's with his family in 1914, when his father was transferred there by the Commercial Cable Co. Withers joined Commercial Cable as an electrician in 1920. A self-taught musi­ cian, Withers also wrote short stories and poems and in 1934 began writing radio scripts for a weekly radio serial, ''The Irene B. Jack Withers Mellon". The serial ran for more than eight years, fea- turing the crew of a fictional Newfoundland schooner and their adventures as they travelled around the world. In addition to writing the scripts and perform­ ing, Withers also directed and produced the popular serial. Judy Mugford (letter, July 1994). RHC

WITHERS, JOHN COLLIER ( 180 1-1890). Printer; publisher. Born Norton St. Philip's, England. Married Suzannah Guswell. Withers spent most of his life in Newfoundland, having emigrated as a youth. He en­ tered the printing trade, and by 1830 played a large role in the business of the newspaper Royal Gazette and Newfoundland Advertiser. Withers entered into a part- J. W Withers WITLESS BAY 603

Dryingfish at Witless Bay, c. 1890 passed into the hands of David R. Thistle qv and be­ WITLESS BAY (inc. 1986; pop. 1991, 1064). A fishing came the Newfoundland Gazette qv. Suzanne Ellison community on the *Southern Shore qv, Witless Bay is (1988), DNLB (1990), Lovell's Newfoundland Direc­ located about 30 km south of St. John's. The origin of tory (1871 ), Royal Gazette and Newfoundland Adver­ the unusual place name has been the subject of some tiser (July 2, 1872). ACB speculation. M.F. Howley thought that it might derive from a shrub, the *northern wild raisin qv (also known WITHERS, VINCENT G. (1939- ). Business execu­ as witherod or wittle), while E.R. Seary suggested that tive. Born Carbonear, son of Peter and Madelaine it could have been either a reference to the crazy, (Maher) Withers. Educated St. Patrick's Hall School. rolling motion of the sea or to a Dorsetshire family Married Dolores Cantwell. An employee of New­ name (Whittle). foundland Telephone since 1958, Withers eventually Although most residents of Witless Bay are now of became president of the firm. In 1990 he was named Irish descent, the earliest inhabitants were West Coun­ president and chief executive officer of Newfound­ try migratory fishermen. There were 34 people re­ land Telephone's parent company, NewTel Enter­ corded at "Whittless Bay" in 1675, including the prises Ltd. Withers has been a member of the St. families of Arthur Mahone, Humphrey Smith, Gilbert John's Board of Trade, president of the Newfound­ Martin and 26 servants. The following year, Mahone, land Employers Labour Relations Council and chair­ Martin and Smith were joined by planters William man of the board of directors of St. John's Regional Kile, Peter White and George Spark. The estimated College of Applied Arts, Technology and Continu­ summer population of Witless Bay in 1677 was 300 ing Education. migratory fishermen. In the mid-1700s some Irish Withers has been involved in amateur sport since fishing servants began to settle, and by the 1760s there 1957 when he helped found the Newfoundland Ama­ were 11 Roman Catholic families. Early family names teur Softball Association (later Softball Newfound­ include Dinn, Power, Carew, Norris, Burk, Madigan, land). He has been instrumental in organizing several Tobin and Mullowney. At the time of the first Census national softball championships in St. John's and in in 1836, the population of Witless Bay was 542, all but 1991 was inducted into Softball Canada's Hall of two of whom were Roman Catholic. There was a Fame. Vince Withers (interview, 1993), Centre for school and, by 1845, a chapel. The Presentation Sis­ Newfoundland Studies (Vince Withers). ACB ters opened a convent and school for girls in 1860. 604 WITLESS BAY, TRINITY BAY

Residents of Witless Bay relied on the inshore cod Trinity Bay and the St. John's area. In 1835 he fishery, supplemented by the keeping of livestock ( es­ embarked on a six-month journey around Placentia pecially sheep) and some gardens. By 1871 there was Bay and along the south and west coasts. His pub­ a population of928, including merchants Samuel Can­ lished account of this trip, Six Months of a Newfound­ ning, Thomas Carew and Peter, Stephen and William land Missionary's Journal ( 1836), was widely read. Mullowney. There were two resident priests. From the Offering a glimpse into the lives of settlers in isolated 1880s Witless Bay also had some involvement in the outports in the early 1800s, the journal did much to bank fishery: one vessel in 1884 and 30 men fishing convince Church of England authorities and subscrib­ on the banks in 18 91. Thereafter the population of ers to his missionary work that a bishop was needed on Witless Bay began to decline, as people began moving the Island. Wix has been accused of exaggeration in to the United States and Canada. In 1921, 503 people describing the settlers' poor living conditions. "He were living in Witless Bay North and 272 in Witless sniffed intoxication and licentiousness in almost every Bay South. The total population had fallen to 531 in community he visited," observed Patrick O'Flaherty 1951. But, with the establishment of a fresh fish pro­ (1979). "In fact his recounting ofvarious instances of cessing plant five years later, the number grew again. depravity... resembled nothing so much as loose gos­ During resettlement in the 1960s, 20 people moved to sip." Wix also commented on the lamentable state of Witless Bay proper from Gallows Cove, at the south­ communications he encountered throughout the Island. ern headland of Witless Bay. The main employer in the In 183 8 Wix departed suddenly and secretly from 1980s was Shawmut Fisheries, which employed up to St. John's, partly because of the heavy debt he in­ 500 people processing groundfish and capelin. As curred on the construction of St. Thomas' Church and roads have improved the community has also become also because of a scandal which arose when he was something of a dormitory town for workers commut­ seen in the company of a local prostitute. In ill health, ing to St. John's. John Berry (1675), Frank Galgay he took a five year break from preaching before taking (1983), C. Grant Head (1976), M.F. Howley (NQ up parish duties in Middlesex, England. He retired to Christmas, 1908), E.R. Seary {1971; 1977), Lovell's live with his son, also a clergyman, at Swanmore on Newfoundland Directory (1871), Sailing Directions the Isle of Wight. Wix's work in Newfoundland helped Newfoundland (1986), Census ( 1836-1991). ACB to pave the way for the appointment of the first bishop, Aubrey George Spencer qv. W.G. Gosling WITLESS BAY, TRINITY BAY. See WHITEWAY. (1910), Patrick O'Flaherty (1979), Edward Wix (1836), DCB IX. ACB WIX, EDWARD (1802-1866). Church ofEnglandmis­ sionary. Born Faulkbourne, Essex, England, son of the WO FEN GAME. See EXECUTIONS. Rev. Samuel and E. (Walford) Wix. Educated Mer­ chant Taylor's School, London; Trinity College, Ox­ WOLF, S.S. A barque-rigged sealing steamer owned ford. Married Fanny Browne. Ordained and licensed in by Walter R. Grieve qv, the Wolfwas built by Alexan­ 1825, Wix served as curate to his father, a prominent der Stephen & Sons, Dundee. It came to Newfoundland member of the high church in 1863, becoming one of the first two steamships to party and rector at Inworth, prosecute the Newfoundland seal fishery. From 1863 Essex. As a missionary in to 18 71 it made 12 trips to the ice. Homeward bound 1826 he worked in Halifax under the command of Levi Diamond with a load of with Bishop John Inglis qv, seals, it was lost off Cape John Gull Island in 1871, its a friend of his father. Con­ hull crushed by a large berg. The crew managed to get tracting typhus in 1827 Wix the boats off, as well as food, coal, clothing and spare returned to England, where canvas for shelter and were brought home by the he married before resuming S.S. Lion qv. his work in Nova Scotia. In A second wooden steamer of the same name, built at 1830 he served briefly in Dundee in 1871, was brought to Newfoundland in 1872 Bonavista before succeed­ by the Newfoundland Steam Sealing and Whaling Co. ing George Coster qv as Ltd. Commanded by Abram Kean qv, it was crushed in Archdeacon Wi.x · archdeacon in St. John's. the ice on Marth 12, 1896 eight miles north-northwest of During his tenure, Wix was active in numerous educa­ Fogo Head, and went down with a full load of seals. The tional and charitable activities, and encouraged the estab­ crew of 275 men walked over the. ice to land at Fogo. lishment of churches and schools in the outports. He Galgay and McCarthy (1987), H.M. Mosdell (1923), helped to raise funds to build St. Thomas' Church qv in Centre for Newfoundland Studies (Wolf), Newfound­ St. John's, and was one of the founders of the Temper­ land Historical Society (Wolf). ILB ance Society, a member of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, a member of the Board of Educa­ WOLFFISH, ATLANTIC. The Atlantic wolffish (an­ tion and a commissioner of roads and bridges. arhichas lupus) occurs in southern Labrador waters Wix travelled extensively, visiting the Venison Is­ and around Newfoundland at depths of between 100 lands, Labrador in 183 1 and the west coast of the and 350 m. It is a solitary species, not found in large Island in 1832 as well as making shorter excursions to schools. The body is elongated, up to 124 em, with a WOLVES 605

WOLVERINES. The wolverine (Gulo luscus) is a member of the weasel family (Mustelidae) and the largest member of the subfamily Mustelinae, the true weasels. Weighing from eight to nearly 20 kg and measuring between 81 and 114 em, this stocky animal looks more like a small bear than a mustelid. It has a broad head, an arched back and a bushy tail. Its thick fur ranges in colour from yellowish-brown to black. Atlantic wolffish The wolverine is also distinguished by two stripes, varying from brown to white, that run from its shoulder heavy, blunt head. The upper jaw is marked by several to its tail. large, conical teeth, and there are four to six tusk-like Wolverines do not occur on the Island. In Labrador, teeth in the lower jaw. The wolffish is variable in no specimens have been trapped since the 1940s, but colour, from slate blue to olive with dark transverse the animal is not believed to be extinct there. The bars. There is no direct commercial fishery for wolf­ Quebec Department of Natural Resources planned to fish in Atlantic Canada, though the flesh is edible. undertake initial population surveys of this animal in When taken as a by-catch it is usually recorded in the winter of 1993-94. The reasons behind the landings as catfish. An experimental hatchery run by wolverine's decline are unknown. In Labrador, the the Cape Freels Development Association has ex­ subspecies G./. lusus was highly valued for its glossy plored markets for wolffish in the United States and fur, used to make rugs, blankets, overcoats and trim Europe. In 1994 the hatchery was working toward for parka hoods. establishing markets for wolffish as a food fish, while The life cycle of the wolverine has not been exten­ a small amount of blood was being sold to laboratories sively studied, but it is thought that these solitary in the United States. The blood ofwolffish, like that of animals breed from February to April. The gestation ocean pout and winter flounder, contains a "natural period is eight weeks, a litter containing from one to antifreeze" which has been used experimentally in five young. The offspring nurse for eight to ten weeks, transporting human organs for transplant. Scott and become independent at six months, and reach maturity Scott (1988), Barry Wicks (interview, 1994). ACB in a year. Wolverines eat a wide variety of food, in­ cluding carrion, eggs, rodents and porcupines; and WOLFREY'S POINT (pop. 1945, 12). An abandoned occasionally larger prey such as deer. They are re­ Labrador fishing community, Wolfrey's Point was lo­ nowned for their destructiveness and their cunning; cated approximately 3 km southwest of Rigolet qv, they regularly break into camps, taking food and other near the headland identified on modern maps as possessions indiscriminately. Yet they are rarely un­ Strathcona Point. Strathcona/Wolfrey's Point would wary enough to step into traps. Cathy Knox (inter­ appear to have been known even earlier as Whittle's view, July 1993), Herbert Kondo ed. (1972), Randolf Point, after John Whittle, an early English inhabitant L. Peterson (1966). MARK PADDOCK of the area. Lydia Campbell writes of visiting the aging Whittle and his wife in about 1832, although it is WOLVES. The timber or grey wolf (Canis lupus) is unclear exactly where they were living at that time. extinct on the Island of Newfoundland, but is still A Moravian map of 1872 shows one J. Wolfrey fairly common throughout Labrador. This large canine living 15 km southeast of the Point, across the Nar­ measures from 1.4 to 1.8 m, including its tail. Its rows at the mouth of Back Bay (The Backway). It is weight usually ranges from 34.2 to 55.5 kg, but indi­ likely that members of this family frequented the viduals weighing 63.5 kg have been reported. Wolves Point for the salmon fishery and that it eventually have narrow, yellow eyes and short ears, and have a became their usual residence (with winter quarters superficial resemblance to German Shepherd dogs. Al­ at Back Bay or Double Mer). Wolfrey's Point first though their coats are normally a greyish-brown, they appears in the Census in 1911, with a population of can range in colour from white to almost black. 16. The few inhabitants recorded were mostly mem­ Recent studies suggest that there may be five sub­ bers of the Wolfrey (or Woolfrey) family, although species on the continent, but it is not known whether there were individuals named Pottle or Blake re­ the Newfoundland and Labrador varieties were or are corded on occasion. After 1945 the inhabitants of distinct races. In Labrador, the wolf feeds mainly on Wolfrey's Point were probably considered caribou, but also eats moose, birds' eggs, mice, lem­ "residents" of Rigolet, although there was a family mings and other small animals. Forming packs of up of Wolfreys living there as late as 1955. Since that to 25 animals in late fall and winter, the timber wolf time Wolfrey's Point (as it is still known locally) follows the caribou herds on mostly regular hunting has been used for the summer salmon fishery and for routes extending across a 160 km range. Wolves can cabins owned by residents of Rigolet, where Wolfrey live for as much as 16 years. They start breeding when was a common family name. Lydia Campbell [1894], they are two or three years old. The mating season Census (1911-1945), List of Electors (1948; 1955), occurs in January and February, and two months later Our Footprints Are Everywhere (1977), Archives (A- a litter of four to thirteen pups are born. It is thought 7-5/13; VS 95). RHC that wolves mate for life. The young leave their dens 606 WOMAN

when they are two or three months old. In Labrador, markets and by 1923 the Fleet factory was closed wolves are hunted for their fur, which is used as trim down. The inhabitants ofWoman Cove (family names on parkas. Crane, Joyce, Martin, Williams and Whynott) appar­ The timber wolf has been extinct on the Island since ently left. Thereafter Woman Cove had only a few about 1930. Although it has long been assumed that shacks, used by fishermen during the herring or lobster humans were responsible for its demise, this was prob­ seasons. In 1990 there were summer cabins there as ably not the case. Nineteenth century Newfound­ well. Howard Brown (NQ Summer 1975), Rob Mills landers did not kill many animals. While there was a (1993), Census (1921). RHC bounty on wolves, only 3.4 individuals were, on aver­ age, taken per year from 1839, when the bounty began, WOMEN'S FORUM. This newsletter, at first titled the to 1896, when it ended. (The bounty was introduced Corner Brook Status of Women Council Newsletter, partly because of the wolf's savage reputation and its apparently began publication in 1980. With the second penchant for raiding livestock pens). More than any­ issue (March 1981) it was named Women 's Forum. thing else, a food shortage appears to have been the Since then this name has alternated with Woman's main reason for the wolf's extinction. From 1915 to Forum. Edited variously by Katherine Penney, Barbara 1925, the caribou population on the Island suffered a Watton, Bernadette Dicks, Lynn Barter or an editorial dramatic drop, perhaps plummeting by as much as group, it contained conference reports, a calendar of 115,000 animals and leaving as few as five or six events, a book section, occasional poems, health tips, thousand. Beavers, which could have supplemented short articles and articles or extracts reprinted from this loss of prey, were also very rare at the time. other magazines. Since December 1986 publication There is no conclusive evidence that the Newfound­ has been sporadic. It was probably not published in land wolf was an albino race, as many people have 1991 and 1992, but in 1993 Women 's Forum was to be claimed. Authorities possess only two skins, one of published on a biyearly basis. Diane Mintz (interview, which is white. It is likely that the local population had May 1993), Women 's Forum (passim). ILB the normal range of colour. Ken Curnew (interview, July 1993), Percy Knauth ed. (1972), John E. Maunder (1991; WOMEN'S INSTITUTES AND JUBILEE GUILDS. interview, July 1993), Randolf L. Peterson ( 1966), The Women's Institutes are community organizations Douglas Wilkinson (1970). MARK PADDOCK which focus on personal development, and family and community interests. Each branch is autonomous, WOMAN. Founded July 1961, with Ron Pumphrey qv as working within the Newfoundland and Labrador editor and publisher, this mimeographed magazine was Women's Institutes and the Federated Women's Insti­ "home-made" for the homemaker. It contained adver­ tutes of Canada. In 1994, there were approximately 60 tisements, recipes, shopping guides, a lonely hearts branches in the Province, with 1200 members. The club, profiles of well-known people of St. John's and Federated Women's Institutes of Canada is the humour. Many of the articles were written by Pumphrey. country's only national rural women's organization, Cassie Brown qv purchased the magazine and became with a membership of 60,000 in 1988. The Women's editor and publisher beginning with the August 1962 Institutes were started in 18 97 by Adelaide Hoodless edition. The magazine's format changed in 1963, with of Ontario, who, after her infant died from drinking more emphasis on historical articles and serial fiction tainted milk, saw the need for education among pieces, many of them written by Brown herself. The women in her community. The movement quickly magazine was also variously known as St. John's Woman spread to England, and from there to other English and Newfoundland Woman. It probably ceased publica­ speaking countries. tion in 1964. Woman (1961-1964,passim). ILB The Women's Institutes of Newfoundland and La­ brador have an independent origin: in the Jubilee WOMAN COVE (pop. 1921, 32). An abandoned fish­ Guilds and the Service League. The Service League ing community, Woman Cove was probably occupied was formed in 1929 to aid victims of the tidal wave on for only about 10 years, during a boom period in the the south coast. This disaster pointed up the need for a Bay of Islands herring fishery. The cove takes its name permanent organization, and in 1935 the Jubilee from nearby Woman Head and is located on Middle Guilds was officially formed. The aim of this organi­ Arm, Bay of Islands, north of Cox's Cove. The first zation was to improve the quality of rural life through settler was Charles Williams of Bay de Nord, Fortune education, crafts and service. The Jubilee Guilds sent Bay, a cooper and herring fisherman who would appear trained field workers to teach crafts in rural areas, and to have moved to the Bay of Islands in about 1905. By under this program cottage craft industries flourished. 1912 the Williams family was living at Woman Cove, The field workers taught weaving, cooking and sew­ where in 1915 Scottish packers Fleet and Co. estab­ ing, and encouraged social activities. In 1945 the Jubi­ lished a herring factory to take advantage of the de­ lee Guilds joined the Associated Countrywomen of the mand for herring in the eastern United States (cut off World, and by 194 7 there were 116 branches with an from European suppliers by the War). For the next four overall membership of 3000. In 1951 the Guilds or five years Woman Cove boomed, but a period of joined the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada, intense overfishing soon took its toll. Further, the end and also opened a retail crafts shop in the King George of the War brought increased competition in herring V Seamen's Institute building. WOMEN'S MOVEMENT 607

The aims of the Guilds changed over the years. By tion. On March 18, 1891, some 50 women marched the end of the 1950s, the work of the Guilds became from what is now the site of the Longshoremen's Pro­ less concentrated on teaching home economics skills tective Union (LSPU) Hall to the Colonial Building to and more on community organization, commercial present 27 petitions, of which six came from St. John's production and training. In 1964, the provincial gov­ and vicinity and 21 from the outports. They petitioned ernment included the training component of the for the right of women to vote in local option elec­ Guilds in the Division of Vocational Education. With tions. this move, however, the Guilds lost their field workers Over the course of the next three years the female and direct contact with isolated communities which activists of the WCTU, who included Emma Peters, did not have a district vocational school. In August Jessie Ohman and Jeanette Thorburn, continued to 1968 the Jubilee Guilds changed its name to the New­ lobby legislative members in favour of enfranchising foundland and Labrador Women's Institutes. The In­ women on this modest scale. (Thorburn's husband, stitutes organize meetings on topics such as former prime minister Robert Thorburn, had enacted environment, education, citizenship, home economics, universal male suffrage in 1889.) They appealed for health and international affairs; and provides aid and the vote not as a matter of individual right, but on the education internationally. One example of interna­ basis of being mothers, wives and daughters. The tional aid is the "Plant a Tree" project, which pro­ Water Lily qv, founded and edited by Jessie Ohman as vides monetary aid and education on forestry projects the official organ of the WCTU, was launched in Jan­ for women in African communities. Linda Kealey ed. uary 1892 as Newfoundland's first woman'sjournal.It (1993), Sylvia Manning (interview, Feb. 1994), Agnes presented an eclectic mix of household hints, temper­ Richard (1989), "History, Opportunities and Aims" ance poems, romances and support for women's suf­ (WI pamphlet, n.d.). ELIZABETH GRAHAM frage. But when the question of the restricted vote was put to the House of Assembly in 1892 and again in WOMEN'S MOVEMENT. Since the end of the nine­ 1893, it lost narrowly both times. Proponents of the teenth century Newfoundland women have been ac­ bill had focused on women as potential victims of tively involved in campaigns which sought to redefine drunken husbands, whereas opponents maintained that their place in society through legal and political means, in venturing into the world of electoral politics women and to achieve for their gender equality and justice. were voluntarily "unsexing" themselves and neglect­ Initial forays into the public domain were dominated ing their families. Although the demands of the by a relatively small group of upper- and upper-middle WCTU were modest, a group of prominent women in class St. John's women, who had the leisure to pursue St. John's had nevertheless opened up a whole range such objectives. Working and middle-class women in of issues that not only raised basic questions about St. John's were preoccupied with stretching family women's traditional domestic-only status but chal­ income and ensuring that domestic needs were met. In lenged the whole notion of separate male and female the outports, where female labour was as critical to the spheres. But after their demands were twice rejected economic survival of the average fishing household as by the Legislature, the issue of votes for women male labour and where self-sufficiency was the norm, lapsed. In the period before World War I, female activ­ women typically had even less time. Upper- and upper­ ists redirected their energies along charitable and so­ middle class women in St. John's aimed first to achieve cial welfare lines. The founding in 1903 of the Cowan the vote. Mission, a women's organization dedicated to caring Years before affluent St. John's women organized in for sick, poor and particularly elderly women, was the interests of the temperance movement, they were typical of their initiatives in these years. contributing to the well-being of society beyond the The emergence of the Ladies Reading Room and domestic sphere. They were active in poor relief work associated Current Events Club m 1909 (see OLD through organizations such as the Dorcas Society and the ladies' branch of the St. Vincent de Paul Society qqv, and were involved in a variety of church and other civic projects. Indeed, in a time of few govern­ ment services the efforts of women, especially their fund-raising efforts, were critical to the running of churches, church-run orphanages and most public charities. By the last decade of the nineteenth century women, particularly urban women, were becoming in­ creasingly aware of appalling social problems and their impact on the family. Alcohol was judged to be among those problems. To protect women and chil­ dren from the poverty and domestic violence thought to be inherent in the abuse of alcohol, a group of 50 to 60 St. John's women formed in September 1890 a local branch of the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) to agitate for its restriction or elimina- Women "maldng"jish at Silver Fox Island 608 WOMEN'S MOVEMENT

COLONY CLUB) was critical to the development of tiona! domestic role to alter society for the better. By the woman's suffrage movement in the post-war era. the onset of World War I, the women's suffrage move­ The objectives of the Club were at once social, educa­ ment in Newfoundland had progressed only to this tional and political. Within the safety of its walls, stage. influential St. John's women were politicized to see The *Women's Patriotic Association (WPA) qv was the vote as a logical and even necessary extension of established at the outset of the War as the means their domestic role. Armine Gosling qv, secretary-trea­ through which Newfoundland women could partici­ surer and ultimately president of the Current Events pate in the Great War effort. Formed under the leader­ Club, was, like others of her class and inclination, repre­ ship of Lady Margaret Davidson, the governor's wife, sentative of Newfoundland's first feminist wave. its membership in St. John's included the wives and Gosling's efforts on behalf of her gender and community daughters of virtually all the leading business and were unceasing. She was at one time or another secretary professional men in the city. The production of of the Church of England Orphanage, founding member "comforts" for shipment overseas - socks, shirts, and secretary of the Girl Guide movement, founding bandages and surgical dressings - was the centre­ president of the Child Welfare Association and an active piece of WPA activity. But its members were also member of the Cowan Mission. She was also an active involved in projects such as entertaining embarking member of Church of England Women's Association and and returning troops, visiting the families of overseas the YWCA, treasurer of the Cathedral Ladies Bazaar, servicemen and caring for veterans. Members sat on vice-president of the Ladies Avalon Curling Club, the board of control of the Military and Naval Conva­ women's captain of the Bally Haly Golf Club and the lescent Hospital, participated in civil re-establishment first woman to serve on the Council for Higher Educa­ programs and raised vast amounts of money for the tion. Her feminism was born of a conscious pride in war effort in its various aspects. Over 200 WPA women's work and a conviction that their efforts on branches, with as many as 15,000 women, were behalf of the community went unrecognized. To back her formed under the direction of leading women in the demand for women's votes she drew on two traditions: the outports, some based on existing church groups, oth­ liberal equal-rights tradition of John Stuart Mill and the ers interdenominational. Over 40 Newfoundland "maternal rights" tradition, which held that through their nurses, graduates and VADs (nurses with shortened political involvement women would extend their tradi- periods of training), served overseas. Others staffed

The Women's Patriotic Association during World War I WOMEN'S MOVEMENT 609

military hospitals in St. John's. The Distaff qv, the women in 1920. Generally, after the War the vote was second journal to be established by Newfoundland widely seen as women's due. women, was officially the organ of the Red Cross The Newfoundland suffrage campaign of the 1920s Branch of the WPA. Edited by Mabel LeMessurier, lacked the colour of its British, French and American editions were published in both 1916 and 1917. Aside counterparts, but it was by no means passive. Spear­ from focusing on women's war work, they carried headed by the Women's Franchise League launched by poetry, stories, first-person accounts and photography Armine Gosling and Anna Mitchell qv in 1920, it in­ by women; and rang with pride in female achieve­ volved many former leaders of the WPA. The League ments. Nearly 40 representatives of the WPA were consisted of an inner circle of prominent St. John's awarded civilian imperial honours at the end of the women, broadly characterized by Margot Duley as War, distributed equally between leaders in St. John's middle-aged, married, childless or with grown chil­ and the outports. dren, and with the time and money for organizing. Essentially, the WPA represented a continuum of About a quarter of the leadership was not native born, women's voluntary and philanthropic service in tradi­ and the native born had typically been educated away tional "distaff" areas - domestic production, or had travelled abroad. About a quarter of the mem­ fundraising, social service and nursing. In Britain and bers were single. Younger members were often the Canada, however, the war work cited by feminists in daughters of suffragist mothers (Janet Miller Murray support of the vote was most often non-traditional, and Agnes Miller Ayre qqv, for example) or profes­ women taking the place of men in factories and the sional women themselves, chiefly nurses and school like. In Newfoundland the effect was the same, for principals (Mary Southcott, Emma Reid and Violet M. never before had Newfoundland women felt that they Cherrington qqv). Most were active in church, charita­ were so directly participating in so great a public ble and civic groups, and some had forged links with cause, and never before had they organized on so large organizations such as the British Dominions Woman a scale. Moreover, having discovered that their re­ Suffrage Union, the International Women's Suffrage sponsibilities for themselves and their families had Alliance and its successor, the International Alliance important implications for the community as a whole, of Women. Thus Newfoundland women were brought they were determined to participate in the period of into direct contact with leading feminists of the day. post-war reconstruction. Thus their demand for the The League was interdenominational and had a vote, born of a new self-confidence and self-aware­ maternalist bent, its members convinced that much of ness and proven competence, would be hard to resist. what women offered within the home should be trans­ The women of New Zealand had won the vote in 1893, lated to the public stage, with benefits not only to the of Australia in 1902. The franchise was extended to family but to society at large. The executive of the British and Canadian women in 1918 and American Women's Franchise League included Armine Gosling, Fannie McNeil and May Goodridge qqv. In May 1920 the League began with a publicity blitz in St. John's when petitions were circulated and women were canvassed, door-to-door and shop-to­ shop. Prominent women in the outports were asked to assist. The suffrage petition, which as the organizing tour de force would garner 20,000 women's signatures over the next five years, struck a nice balance between tradition and change. While reaffirming women's responsibilities as homemaker, it also made clear that marriage was a partnership and implied an equality of roles. Women were not abandoning their home but were extending their sphere, with benefits to areas such as education, health and welfare. The petition recognized that many women worked outside the home, in factories, offices and shops, and espe­ cially in the fisheries. For women in the waged labour force, the vote was necessary to achieve equal pay. It was also necessary for women's social and economic protection. Finally, after nearly five years of agitating and gar­ nering signatures (and amidst claims that the suffrag­ ists were "grand dames" out of touch with the true feelings of "homespun" Newfoundland women), in March 1925 the question of women's suffrage was put to a legislative vote. It passed unanimously, and thus A group of Newfoundland women working in Ontario, during women won the right to vote and run for electiont World War II though at the age of 25 rather than at the age of 21 as 610 WOMEN'S MOVEMENT in the case of· men. Later that year the Franchise professional women organized under the auspices of League transformed itself into the League of Women the YWCA in 1928, had social intercourse, mutual Voters, pledged to work for progressive legislation. In helpfulness and mental improvement as its stated ob­ the 1928 general election there were no women con­ jects. Membership was limited to 50 and ceased upon testants, but about 28,000 women were eligible to marriage or a w9man's leaving her employment. The vote. An astonishing 90% of them did, suggesting that CFUW was founded by a group of St. John's women the suffragists were not out of touch after all. in 1945. It aimed to stimulate the interest of female The vote is a powerful symbol, but few Newfound­ university graduates in public affairs and to promote land women have actually been elected to public of­ the higher education of women generally. The forma­ fice. Property-qualified women were legally permitted tion in 1966 of the St. John's Local Council of Women to vote for the first time in the St. John's municipal (LCW), an affiliate of the National Council ofWomen election of 1921. Running for election in 1925 were can roughly be taken as the start of modern women'~ two representatives of the Franchise League, May movement in Newfoundland. The LCW was soon Kennedy and Fannie McNeil, as well as the president overtaken by groups with a more radical perspective, of the Ladies Branch of the Newfoundland *Industrial but during its 10 years of existence it conducted re­ Workers Association, Julia Salter Earle qqv. All three search into issues such as housing. In 1976 it pub­ were defeated, Salter Earle by a narrow margin. Since lished a book, Remarkable Women of Newfoundland then, however, women have generally fared better at and Labrador. the municipal level than at the federal or provincial. Whereas the first wave of the women's movement The first woman to sit in the Newfoundland House of was dominated by upper and upper-middle class Assembly, Helena Squires qv, was elected in a by­ women espousing causes such as temperance, suf­ election in 1930. Four years later Newfoundlanders frage, health and maternity, child welfare and munici­ were disenfranchised under the Commission of Gov­ pal reform, often for the benefit of their working and ernment. In 1946, when the time came to elect aNa­ middle-class sisters, the second wave was broadly­ tional Convention to determine the constitutional based, organized at the grassroots level and influenced shape of the future, women were enfranchised on an more by the issue of individual rights. Feminists of the equal footing with men. Since Confederation six second wave are directly concerned with social and women only have been elected to the House of Assem­ political action that promises to restructure society bly, Hazel Mcissac qv in 1975 being the first. In 1993 and eliminate the barriers preventing women from the first two women, Jean Payne and Bonnie Hickey, achieving equal legal, social and economic status. The were elected members of parliament. Royal Commission on the Status of Women estab­ In the years between Newfoundland's first feminist lished by the federal government in 1967 made 167 wave, which culminated in votes for women, and its recommendations in 1970, all with the object of second wave, which saw the rise of the modern achieving equality. It was the Royal Commission's women's movement, women activists redirected their work that jolted women into the realization that if they energies along conventional paths. The Child Welfare were to make any substantial headway in altering the Association (CWA), the Newfoundland Outport power relationships within society they must orga­ *Nursing and Industrial Association (NONIA) qv, the nize. After the Commission, Newfoundland women Girl Guide qv movement and the YWCA are indicative formed local *Status of Women qv councils to monitor of the type of organization established by leading St. official response to the Commission's report. These John's women during the 1920s. For the most part councils and various other women's groups have since they were concerned with issues that had typically worked to end the systemic discrimination and social concerned women, the CWA with maternal, infant and injustice that some women face. child health and sanitation, NONIA with district nurs­ ing, midwifery, enabling craftwork and self-help. In the case of the CWA and NONIA in particular women through their voluntary efforts were once again re­ sponding to pressing social and economic needs. The Jubilee Guilds (see WOMEN'S INSTITUTES), launched by Lady Muriel Anderson, wife of the gover­ nor, in 1935, was a self-help organization which aimed at the "betterment" of families, homes and communi­ ties in rural Newfoundland. By encouraging outport women to make the most of limited material re­ sources, the Guilds reinforced their domestic respon­ sibilities and prevailing gender relations, notwithstanding other gains. Two other organizations developing around this time were the McDonald Fellowship Club and the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW). The former, an association of St. John's business and "Take back the night" march in St. John's WOMEN'S PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION 61 I

At the outset, women in St. John's started by educat­ all included. As well as providing services, women's ing themselves on women's issues through visiting groups seek to put issues significant to women on the speakers, workshops and consciousness-raising public and political agenda. They raise public aware­ groups, with initial momentum coming from the So­ ness, research issues, lobby governments, political cial Action Committee of the YWCA. In 1972 the parties, agencies, institutions and employers and dis­ Newfoundland Status of Women Council (NSWC, seminate information. Significant benefits have later the St. John's Status of Women Council) was flowed from alterations to human rights legislation, organized with the help of initiatives by Iris Kirby qv family law and the Criminal Code. Because women of the local office of the Secretary of State, Shirley have become an active part of the labour movement, Goundrey of the Social Action Committee and mem­ many issues relate to women in the work place- pay bers of the St. John's Business and Professional equity, pension benefits, affirmative action, sexual ha­ Women's Club. Over 200 women attended the prelim­ rassment and day care. The Provincial Advisory Coun­ inary meeting. The NSWC set up "ginger" groups to cil on the Status of Women was created by the deal with special areas of concern raised by the Royal provincial government in 1980. A quasi-autonomous Commission, and targeted areas for study and action. body, its mandate is to advise government on matters It published a newsletter. In 1972 the Women's Pro­ relating to the status of women and to educate and gram established within the Secretary of State's de­ inform the public about issues of concern to women. partment began making money available to women's The Women's Policy Office was established in 1985 to groups. With its help, in 1973 the NSWC and initiate and co-ordinate efforts to address women's Women's Place collective opened a Women's Centre issues within government and to work in the interests in downtown St. John's. In 1977 it found a permanent of women with other government departments. Groups home on Military Road. Elsewhere in the Province the like the 52% Solution have been formed to encourage pattern was roughly similar: local Status of Women women to run for public office. Other groups deal with councils were formed, which then aimed to develop women's health issues, women's legal status, women women's centres. Women's centres served many pur­ and the constitution, women and employment, family poses, but mainly they provided a place for women to violence and single parents. Some groups are ongoing seek help for a variety of personal problems or simply while others are ad hoc. Memorial University has es­ to get together. Usually opened by volunteers, they tablished both a Women's Resource Centre and a gradually obtained funding to hire staff. Women in Women's Studies qv program. Corner Brook, Labrador City and Grand Falls had In 1994 no single organization spoke for all women begun to organize by the end of 1974. The Corner in the Province. Indeed, the modem women's move­ Brook Status of Women Council, launched in 1973, ment is not monolithic, which is a source of its established a women's centre in 197 5. A small group strength. One of the major social movements of the of Labrador City women started to met informally in second half of the twentieth century, it has profoundly 1974, formed the Labrador West Status of Women altered the way in which we view the world. It remains Council in 1977 and opened a women's centre in 1980. dedicated to ending discrimination against women, Status of Women councils followed in Grand Falls radically restructuring society and realizing social jus­ (1975), Happy Valley-Goose Bay (1979), Gander tice for all. See also CHILD WELFARE; TEMPER­ ( 1983), Port aux Basques (1982) and Bay St. George ANCE. Terry Bishop (1981), Margaret Burke (BN II, (1985). Centres were established. Native women's 1937), Linda Cullum (1992), Margot I. Duley (1993), groups have also been created, which, at the adminis­ Jack Harris (1992), Linda Kealey ed. (1993), Edna trative level, are separately dealt with under the Secre­ Potts (BN II, 1937), Agnes M. Richard (1989), Louise tary of State's Native Citizens' Program. M. Saunders (BN II, 1937), Blanche C. Turner (BN II, In some cases rural women activists coalesced around 1937), "Currents Events Club--Woman Sufferage­ existing women's groups, such as Women's Institutes Newfoundland Society of Art" (BN II, 1937), Distaff (formerly the Jubilee Guilds) or church groups. Whereas (1916; 1917). PATRICIA O'BRIEN Women's Institutes had in the past tended to focus on families, homes and communities, they now adopted a WOMEN'S PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION. The Wo­ more gender-specific and individualistic approach. In men's Patriotic Association (WPA) was organized in 1976 the provincial organization sponsored a program 1914 by Lady Davidson, wife ofthe GovernorofNew­ called "Animation of Rural Women", which focused on foundland, to provide assistance to overseas men and many of the issues of concern to Status of Women's dependents at home. The Association, with headquar­ councils. Subsequently it co-sponsored with the provin­ ters at Government House, directed the work of cial branch of the CFUW a conference on the theme women's groups throughout the Island in knitting and "Women- Creative Leadership". sewing garments, preparing bandages and raising Status of Women councils, women's centres and funds for materials. By 1915 there were 150 branches. other women's groups currently offer a wide range of In April of that year, one city branch alone produced services and programs. Transition houses, crisis lines, 21,260 dressings, 23 5 bandages, 1500 shell swabs, 270 support groups, assertiveness training, women's con­ pairs of socks, 60 shirts, 37 pairs of pyjamas and 8 ferences, job counselling, job training, job creation, cases of surgical dressings. Many of the branches also second-hand clothing stores and day care centres are made clothing for destitute people. The Association 612 WOMEN'S STUDIES

also established a Naval and Military Convalescent Linda Kealey was the first coordinator of the pro­ Hospital in 1917 at the Waterford Hall, a building lent gram. Important milestones were reached when the to the Association by Sir Edgar Bowring qv. All equip­ first faculty member, Ellen Balka, hired specifically ment and furnishings were provided by the WPA, and for women's studies, arrived in 1991; and when the over 350 men were treated at the hospital during its faculty of education joined the list of participating year and a half of operation. units. The University program now comprised four After the War ended, the Association directed its generic women's studies courses, including "Women energies to child welfare qv. The Child Welfare Com­ and science" and "Women and technological mittee set up milk stations which provided free milk to change"; several special topics presented occasion­ all babies, and Waterford Hall was again put to use, ally; and an expanded list of 19 regular offerings from this time as a children's hospital. Through the efforts the various departments. Plans were well advanced to of these women, the child death rate dropped signifi­ accept the first students into a new women's studies cantly. The Association was dissolved in 1921, but graduate program during the winter of 1993-94. (By was re-formed in 1939 at the beginning of the World 1993, while no full-blown women's studies course had War II, under Lady Eileen Walwyn, wife of the gover­ percolated down to the school system, the question of nor. The Hearn Building was lent to the Association women's rights was an important component of a new for its headquarters. Again, its aims were to provide course on global issues at the grades 11-12 level). In comforts for men overseas, and to help needy people the first nine years, 75 students, all women, graduated in the outports. The Association also helped to provide from Memorial University with the women's studies meals and recreation services for servicemen and specialization. Ellen Balka ( 1991; interview, 1993), women in the Royal Navy Club, the Recruits Club and Bowles eta/ eds. (1983), Deborah Canning (interview, the Caribou Hut. It was estimated that over five mil­ 1993), Margaret Conrad ( 1980), Margrit Eichler ( 1990), lion men were helped by the contributions of the WPA Linda Kealey (interview, 1993), Cathy Penney (inter­ during this period. After the War the Association con­ view, 1993), Kathy Porter (Status of Women News, Feb. tinued to provide clothing and hospital supplies. At 1983), Dell Texmo (interview, 1993), Rosanna Tite this time there were 409 branches of the Association. (1990), David Thompson (interview, 1993), Chris In 1948 the Association again disbanded, and unex­ Wright (interview, 1993), Memorial University Fact pended funds were donated to the Red Cross Society. Book (1992), TCE (1985). MALCOLM MACLEOD Barbara Doran (n.d.), Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Women s Patriotic Association (1916). WONDERFUL GRAND BAND. The Wonderful Grand ELIZABETH GRAHAM Band (or WGB) was formed in 1977 from session musicians for a CBC TV program called ''The Root WOMEN'S STUDIES. Academic programs known as Cellar". Original members included Ron Hynes qv, women's studies were pioneered in Canada by Concor­ Kelly Russell qv, Bryan Hennessey, Rocky Wiseman dia and Waterloo universities, and in the Atlantic re­ and Sandy Morris. By 1980 there were line-up gion by Mount St. Vincent University. Women's studies have been part of the curriculum at Memorial University since January, 1983. There had been an attempt to incorporate feminist values into work at Memorial in the early 1970s, when Dell Texmo qv developed a course of literary criticism and commen­ tary entitled "Images of Women". There was a strong opinion in the department of English that the proposed study was less a study of literature than a kind of sociology. The course was moved from the department's regular offerings and became a non­ credit extension course. In 1981 a committee was es­ tablished to create not just a course but a full women's studies program. Prominent on the committee that de­ signed Memorial's inter-disciplinary program were Catherine Penney (Psychology), Roberta Buchanan (English), David Thompson (Philosophy) and Linda Kealey (History). Courses were approved in a number of departments, along with the overall program. The original 1983 program permitted Bachelor of Arts stu­ dents to qualify for a minor specialization in women's studies, choosing from a total of 15 courses offered in nine disciplines. There was also an introductory course orienting students to characteristic "Women's Studies'' concepts, such as the idea that all knowledge is ideologically shaped. WOOD WARBLERS 613

changes; comedians Tommy Sexton and Greg Malone WOOD, RALPH ROBINSON (1874-1954). Educator. qqv had joined the group, as well as musicians Glenn Born St. John's? Educated Bishop Feild College; Cam­ Simmons and Ian Perry. A hybrid of cabaret comedy bridge University. Married Olive McNeily. Wood and rock and roll, the group quickly became the most taught in English schools for several years before re­ popular in Newfoundland. A self-titled first album, which turning to Newfoundland, as assistant headmaster to sold 20,000 copies, featured some traditional music as W.W. Blackall qv at Bishop Feild. In 1908 he suc­ well as the first version of Hynes's "Sonny's Dream". ceeded Blackall as headmaster, the first former student In the fall of 1980 the first session of a WGB televi­ of the College to hold that position. Wood emphasized sion program was aired, and also became popular. A athletics at the school and was a strong supporter of second album, Living in a Fog, came out in 1981. Even­ the Church Lads' Brigade. A new school building was tually Wiseman, Simmons and Perry moved on, and erected under his supervision in 1928. An active sup­ were replaced by drummer Boomer Stamp, bassist porter of the Newfoundland *Teachers' Association Howie Waden and guitarist Steve Annan. The comedy qv, Wood served for many years on the executive of aspect of the group was strengthened by the addition of the Association, including several terms as president Mary Walsh and Cathy Jones qqv in 1983. In the summer (1911-12; 1919; 1923-29). He retired after 28 years as of 1983 the WGB series was aired nationally and at­ headmaster and lived for a time in Canada before tracted much interest. Capital Records came to New­ moving to Warwick, England. H.A. Cuff (1985), R.R. foundland to sign the band to a contract, but negotiations Wood (1937), DN(July 16, 1954). ACB fell through. A gruelling five-month tour in 1983, marred by a blizzard in Sudbury, lost equipment and a WOOD,THOMASMARTIN (1807-1881). Priest. large debt, spelled the demise of the Band. It re-formed Born Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire; son of briefly in 1993 for a benefit concert. Centre for New­ the Rev. Henry Wood. Married Mary Finch. Wood foundland Studies (Ron Hynes; Greg Malone; Tommy came to Newfoundland as an employee of Holdsworth Sexton; Wonderful Grand Band). JAMES WADE and Co. at Ferryland. After several years he moved to Brigus where he was employed with Charles Cozens WOOD, FREDERICK BARNES (? -1927). Business­ qv. When he expressed a de­ man; poet. Married M.M. Shambler. Wood came to St. sire to enter the ministry, John's from Nova Scotia in the 1890s and opened a Archdeacon Edward Wix qv fruit, confectionary and flower shop. He began manu­ gave him the position of cat­ facturing candy in a factory on Henry Street, and by echist and school teacher at the early 1900s was specializing in the wholesale and Pouch Cove in 1832. Dur­ retail sale of candy, syrups, jellies and marmalades. ing a visit of Bishop Inglis Wood had stores in the City Club building on Water to Newfoundland in 1833, Street and on Duckworth Street. He also ran a bakery and Wood became the first a restaurant. When Grand Falls was started Wood was Church of England minister given permission to open a store in the company town. to be ordained on the Island. In 1917 he closed his City Club store to concentrate on He served at Topsail and ...... running his restaurant on Duckworth Street. He retired in along the southern shore of ~ ~ -.. ---Rev. Thomas Wood 1923, sold his company to W.R. Goobie (who formed Conception Bay until 1836, Purity Factories Ltd. qv), and moved to Botwood to live when he was transferred to Greenspond. Wood was with his sister. Wood's poetry appeared regularly in the ordained to the priesthood in 1840. He was appointed Newfoundland Quarterly between 1903 and 1918. In to Bonavista in 1841 and to Trinity in 1848. Appointed 1908 he published Songs of Manhood, which includes to St. Thomas' Church qv in St. John's in 1853, Wood several of his poetic tributes to Newfoundland. He died was later given the added responsibilities of Rural in April, 1927. John Joy (1977), BN V(1975), DN(July Dean of Avalon. In 1877 he became rector of St. 6, 1916, Apr. 11, 1927), Fred Wood (1908), Newfound­ Thomas' Church and held that position until his death. land Directory (1894-97, 1904). ILBILBM A son, the Rev. Arthur C.F. Wood, succeeded him as rector of St. Thomas'. H. W. LeMessurier ( 1928), New­ WOOD, JAMES BRYAN (1802?-1875). Merchant; foundlander (Jan. 31, 1833). ACB politician. Married Jessie Clift. Wood established a business as a commission merchant in partnership with WOOD WARBLERS. Confined to the Americas, his brother-in-law, James Shannon Clift. The firm wood warblers are a group of about 57 species of small maintained premises in St. John's on Water Street and perching birds. For many years they were regarded as Clift's Cove, which in 1864 was run by Wood, Clift a distinct family, the Parulidae, but since 1983 they and two other members of the family, Thomas and have been classified within a much larger family, the Charles N. Clift. Wood ran in the election of 1869 as Emberizidae, which includes grosbeaks, buntings, spar­ an anti-confederate and was elected as the MHA for rows, blackbirds and orioles. Sixteen species of wood the district of Port de Grave, but lost the seat in 1873. warblers are known to breed in Newfoundland. Twelve He died two years later. See CLIFT, WOOD AND of these are regarded as common. (Some additional 19 COMPANY. DNLB (1990), Royal Gazette and New­ species have been visually reported, but these are rare foundland General Advertiser (Aug. 24, 1875). ACB or vagrant). The challenge presented to bird-watchers 614 WOODCOCKS

WOODCOCKS. The American woodcock (Scolopax minor) bears many points of resemblance to the snipe qv, although there are some significant differ­ ences in size, appearance and behaviour. The wood­ cock is a little larger and chunkier, a little more secretive, and its aerial display can be easily distin­ guished from the common snipe by those familiar with that bird. The woodcock is known to nest in western Newfoundland, and has been seen in many by warblers is greatly increased by seasonal changes parts of the Island. It is considered rare even on the in plumage, and by pronounced differences between west coast, although it may not be as rare as records males and females and juveniles in various stages of would indicate, as the woodcock is well camou­ development. flaged and not easily flushed. The Eurasian wood­ The yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia), known lo­ cock has also been seen, but Newfoundland is cally as yellowharnmer, is one of the best known of this outside its normal range. Peters and Burleigh (1951 ). group. It is the species which most often nests, in decidu­ CHARLIE HORWOOD ous shrubbery, in gardens and parks. In June and July its cheerful song is often heard from taller trees nearby. It WOOD DALE (pop. 1991, 53). A farming community leaves early to winter in Central America. The yellow-rom­ located about 20 km northeast of Grand Falls-Windsor ped warbler (Dendroica coronata), known for many years on the New Bay Road, Wooddale sits on the north and as myrtle warbler, is also abundant and quite handsome in south banks of Peter's River, and is part of the Exploits its breeding plumage. But it is more often seen in duller fall River flood plain. The community was named for Ru­ plumage, as it leisurely migrates southward in small flocks. pert Wood, the provincial government' s agricultural The northern waterthrush (Seiurus noveboracensis) and field man who selected the site in the mid-1960s. At the American redstart (Stophaga ruticilla) are both com­ that time the land was still forested, and was within the mon in sheltered river valleys. The blackpoll warbler boundaries of the Abitibi-Price timber lease. In 1967, (Dendroica straiata), while quiet and unobtrusive is none­ when the department of agriculture had obtained own­ theless abundant throughout the spruce-fir forests. Other ership of the site, leases were given out and clearing species which are regarded as common and are known to operations began. The first settler at Wooddale was breed in insular Newfoundland include the Tennessee war­ Arthur Gill, who established a dairy farm in 1969. In bler, magnolia warbler, black-throated green warbler, 1994 there were around 1200 acres of cultivated land black-and-white warbler, ovenbird, mourning warbler and at Wooddale, and six farming families: two each of Wilson's warbler. Warblers must be credited collectively dairy, poultry and vegetable/forage. There were also 5 with destroying vast numbers of insects. part-time vegetable farmers. Wooddale is the site of a All wood warblers migrate seasonally. Some species 500-acre provincial tree nursery that provides saplings breeding as far north as the tree limit in Canada mi­ to the paper companies and to government reforesta­ grate as far south as the rain forests of South America. tion projects. Arthur Gill (interview, May 1994), DA Individuals occasionally seen in winter in Newfound­ (Apr. 1974). LBM land are regarded as strays. While most migrations are leisurely, blackpoll warblers, congregating in Massa­ WOODFORD, CYRIL ERIC (1947- ). Politician. Born chusetts and leaving there about October 1, fly in a St. John's, son of Cyril and Bernetta (Dalton) Woodford. direct line over the ocean to South America, losing Educated Buchans; Grand almost all their excess body weight in the flight. Falls District Vocational Two tiny birds that are common in Newfoundland are School. In 1970 Rick called "Old World warblers". These are the golden­ Woodford established a crowned and the ruby-crowned kinglets (Regulus dairy farm and sawmill at satrapa and Regulus calendula, respectively). They are Cormack. He first became not of the same family as the wood warblers; they are involved in politics at the grouped with thrushes qv. The golden-crowned kinglet municipal level, serving as is regularly seen in winter in insular Newfoundland. mayor of Cormack for 10 Mactavish, Maunder and Montevecchi (1989), Peters years. He was elected MHA and Burleigh (1951). CHARLIE HORWOOD for Humber Valley as a Pro­ gressive Conservative in 1985, and in 1989 served briefly as Minister of Rural, Rick Woodford Agricultural and Northern Development. He was re­ elected in 1989 and 1993. Rick Woodford (letter, Apr. 1994). JAMES MOORE

WOODFORD, WILLIAM J. (1858-1944). Politician. Yellow-rumped warbler Born St. John's. Son of Sarah (Cole) and William WOODLAND, G. BRUCE 615

Woodford. Educated St. Bonaventure's College. Mar­ WOODFORD'S COVE (pop. 1945, 24). An aban­ ried Minnie Whidden. The son of a well known sealing doned community, Woodford's Cove is located on the captain, Woodford became a carpenter and plasterer by southeast side of Little Bay, Notre Dame Bay, about trade and, among other business interests, developed 20 km northeast of Springdale. Woodford's Cove and managed real estate holdings built up by his father. would appear to have been settled in the 1880s by the In 1889 he was elected MHA for Harbour Main as a Budden, Milley and Snow families from Conception Liberal supporter of William V. Whiteway qv. He was Bay. The Little Bay area was experiencing an influx of appointed Financial Secretary in 1894 in the settlers on account of the Notre Dame Bay mining Goodridge administration. boom, and some of the earliest settlers probably Three years later he became a supporter of Conser­ worked as miners across the Bay. The other attractions vative James Winter qv and was named Minister of ofWoodford's Cove included land suitable for agricul­ Public Works. However, in 1900 he was one of three ture (the Milleys were mostly farmers, selling their Conservatives, and the only produce to Little Bay) and access to good timber for cabinet minister, to support winter logging in the area around Salt Water Pond. a vote of non-confidence There were also some good fishing grounds nearby, which brought down the around Halls Bay Head to the north and east (although Winter government. Fol­ the closest access to the grounds was from tiny Beaver lowing a lapse of eight Cove, to which the Locke and Marshall families moved years, Woodford was again from Tizzard's Harbour in the 1860s). elected as the MHA for In 1884 Halls Bay Point was recorded as having a Harbour Main, then as a population of 28, which probably included Beaver People's Party candidate al­ Cove and the first few settlers at Woodford's Cove. By lied with Edward P. Morris 1891 there were 50 people at Woodford's Cove alone. qv. He was reappointed to The Locke family moved to Woodford's Cove at about the minis try of Public this time, as did the Osmonds (also from Tizzard's W. J. Woodford Works by Morris and by Harbour). In 1915 the firm of Arch. Locke and Sons Morris' successor, William Lloyd qv. He also served was established, operating a small sawmill and gen­ in the short-lived administration of Michael Cashin eral store. In 1921 Woodford's Cove recorded its peak qv, and in 1924 accepted from Walter Monroe qv his population, 64 people, while Beaver Cove appeared in last portfolio, that of Posts and Telegraphs. Retiring the Census for the last time (pop. 10). However, the from politics in 1928, Woodford serv<;:d as Superinten­ Locke firm relocated to Springdale in 1931, and by dent of Lighthouses for a year. DNLB ( 1990), ET (Jan. 193 5 there were only 2 7 people left. The remaining 24, 1944 ), Who s Who in and from Newfoundland 193 7 few families (Osmonds and Snows) followed in the (1937). ACB early 1950s. In 1993 Woodford's Cove was accessible from Springdale, the rough road having been main­ WOODFORD'S. Located west of Holyrood Bay, near tained for logging and by cabin owners. Golda Peters Chapel Cove, Woodford's was originally a railway ( 1968), E.R. Seary ( 1977), Census ( 1884-1945), List station-stop for the western part of Holyrood qv and of Electors (1948), McAlpine s Newfoundland Direc­ was considered part of that community. The family tory (1894), Archives (A-7-1/K). RHC name of Woodford was recorded as early as 1750 in Harbour Main and at Holyrood in the early 1800s. WOODLAND, G. BRUCE (1924- ). Civil servant; uni­ Settlement at Woodford's began in 18-82 with the versity administrator. Born Wesleyville, son of Major construction of a railway line from St. John's to Charles and Sarah (Shute) Woodland qv. Educated Harbour Grace. Woodford's Station was located just several Newfoundland schools; Memorial University southwest of the head of the western cove of College. Married Edith Skinner. Following World War Holyrood Bay. There were only eight people work­ II, in which he served overseas with the R.C.A.F. ing on the railway line in 1898, but it was a major ( 1943-45), Woodland taught school for three years in employer in later years. The settlement of Newfoundland and Ontario. From 1949 to 1952 he was Woodford's Station does not appear in the Census a CBC broadcaster in Grand Falls, and was later editor until 1951 when there were 57 residents. There were of the Grand Falls Advertiser. Beginning in 1954 he 47 people in 1961 and 32 in 1966. As the railway was for two years public relations officer with the employed fewer people, families began moving provincial department of tourism. From 1956 to 1965 away; only five residents remained in 1976. Since Woodland was chief of information branches, federal 1981 Woodford's has not been listed separately in department of fisheries, in Newfoundland and British Census returns. But a few families began building Columbia. In 1965 he was appointed director of public houses in the area, and in 1994 family names in­ relations with the Fisheries Board of Canada. He was cluded Doran, Fewer, Gorman, Dwyer, Healey and appointed director of alumni affairs at Memorial Uni­ LaCour. Services were available in Holyrood proper. versity in 1967, and later held the positions of execu­ Mary Veitch (1989), Sailing Directions Newfoundland tive assistant to the president and director of (1931), Census (1951-1981). ACB University relations and development. Woodland 616 WOODLAND, SARAHT.

retired from the University in 1983 and established land, whom she married in 1923, she later served in Nova Services Ltd. to cater to offshore oil rigs. several of the largest corps in Newfoundland, includ­ Long involved in community affairs, at various ing St. John's (Number One), St. John's (Number times Woodland has been: president of the information Two), Grand Falls, Grand Bank and Bonavista. Her officers' group of the Professional Institute, the Public gifts as a preacher, combined with the organizational Service of Canada; chairman of the Information Bureau ability of her husband, greatly enhanced Army and of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Can­ community work throughout the Island. Following re­ ada; chairman of the Canadian Cancer Society (New­ tirement, after service at Deer Lake, Major Woodland foundland); chairman of the National Parks Association; and her husband were recalled by the Army to reorgan­ chairman of the Grace General Hospital Foundation; and ize its court and welfare services in Newfoundland. a member of the Rotary Club, the Boy Scouts Associa­ Her lifelong work was characterized by compassion tion and the Royal Canadian Legion. In recent years he for the poor and outcast. Major Woodland was awarded has been a member of the Avalon Integrated School an honorary LL.D. degree by Memorial University of Board, the Hoyles-Escasoni Complex, the Newfound­ Newfoundland in 1981. She died at St. John's on July land Quarterly Foundation and the J.R. Smallwood 11, 1994. G.B. Woodland (interview, 1994), MUN Ga­ Heritage Foundation. He served as honorary private zette (1981). OTTO G. TUCKER secretary to Lieutenant- Governor Gordon Winter and Lieutenant-Governor William Anthony Paddon; and WOODPECKERS. Woodpeckers are birds of the fam­ from 1985 to 1986 was l{onorary Consular Agent for ily Picidae, readily recognized by their strong, sharp the United States. To all of these positions Woodland bills, short legs, strong claws, and the upright posture brought a keen sense of humour and a reputation as a which is often assumed on tree trunks. Most species raconteur. G.B. Woodland (interview, June 1994); are colourful, but there is MUN Gazette. OTTo G. TUCKER much variation, with most showing at least some red WOODLAND, SARAH T. ( 1898-1994). Salvation on the head. They have stiff Army officer. Born Grand Bank, daughter of John and tail feathers which they use Dinah (Matthews) Shute. Educated Grand Bank; Sal­ as a prop to help maintain vation Army Officers' Training College, St. John's. As their vertical stance. Their a young officer she served in a number of outport heads and necks are adapted corps, including Alexander Bay, Winterton and Point to withstand the repetitive Leamington. Rapidly gaining a reputation for eloquent shocks from chiselling into preaching, she was appointed a travelling evangelist, wood, and their tongues are conducting revival campaigns throughout Newfound­ extensible and modified for land. Along with her husband, Ensign Charles Wood- taking insects. Most species Downey woodpecker spend the winter on or near their breeding range. Their sizes range from that of smallish songbirds to that of a medium-sized gull. The largest in Canada is crow-sized. There are about 180 species worldwide, 13 in Canada. Three of these are common in Newfoundland, and breed in the Prov­ ince. Three other species which are uncommon are nevertheless known to breed here. Depending on mature and over-mature forests, many species are in decline. The northern flicker (Colaptes auratus) is an abun­ dant species in insular Newfoundland and in central and southern Labrador. The variety found in Eastern Canada was formerly recognized as a species, the yel­ low-shafted flicker, because of yellow which appears on the underside of the wings and tail. It is a pigeon­ sized woodpecker with a white rump, black crescent "bib" and, in the male, red crescent on the nape. In the female and in the young the colours are less clearly delineated. Not all the habits of the northern flicker are those typical of woodpeckers. It frequents open country rather than heavy timber, often feeding on the ground, by opening anthills. In winter it often comes to houses and barns to find spider nests. Flicker nests are, like those of other woodpeckers, made in holes cut into trees. Much of the population leaves the Major Sarah Woodland and family Province in winter. WOOD'S ISLAND 617

The hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus) and the appointed to William V. Whiteway's cabinet as Sur­ downey woodpecker (Picoides pubescnes) are typi­ veyor General. In this capacity he was given charge of cal woodpeckers, and similar to one another except the rebuilding of St. John's after the Great Fire of in size and bill length. The hairy is about robin­ 1892. Woods was the first member unseated and dis­ sized, while the downey is closer to the size of a qualified by the election petitions of 1894. A brother, sparrow. The bill of the downey is much shorter. Sidney, was elected in his stead, but resigned in 1895 Both are essentially black and white with white to facilitate Henry's return in a by-election. Woods backs. The adult male has a red patch at the back of was defeated in the election the head. Both nest in insular Newfoundland, and are of 1897, but was again re­ considered common. They often come into parks and turned in 1900 and ap­ gardens where mature trees are found, and are usually pointed to the cabinet of seen in an erect posture, inspecting or pecking the Robert Bond. In 1902 he re­ trees. The northern limit of both is near the southern tired from politics and was boundary of Labrador. In winter they tend to stay in or appointed Postmaster Gen­ near their breeding range. eral, a post he held until his The black-backed woodpecker (Picoides arcticus) death. Woods was named and the three-toed woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus) honorary secretary to the are both uncommon though known to breed in insular Board of Governors of the Newfoundland and much of Labrador. In size they are Methodist College in 1879, close to the hairy, but they are darker, with a yellowish HenryJ. B. Woods and served as superinten­ patch on the crown. dent of the Cochrane Street The yellow-bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) Methodist Sunday School from its organization in is a medium-sized variegated woodpecker, with yel­ 1882. He was also actively involved in the St. John's lowish underparts. Its name derives from its habit of and Newfoundland Auxiliary Bible Society, as lay sec­ taking the sap from birch trees. It is very uncommon, retary for several years and later as president. H. Y. but known to breed in southwestern Newfoundland. Mott (1894), DNLB (1990), NQ (Oct. 1901; Dec. The Lewis' woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis) has been 1902; Oct. 1916). ILB seen, but is accidental in this Province. W.A. Montevecchi (unpublished files). CHARLIE HoRWOOD WOOD'S ISLAND (inc. 1953; pop. 1991, 3). The larg­ est island in the Bay of Islands qv, Wood's Island is WOODROW, LUKE JEROME (1921- ). Priest; poli­ located at the mouth of Humber Arm, the most south­ tician. Born Northern Bay, son of Mary (Rice) and erly of the three arms of the Bay. Prior to being reset­ Richard Woodrow. Educated University of Laval; Loy­ tled in the early 1960s the island was home to about ola College, Montreal; St. Peter's Seminary, London, 500 people. The main settlement was clustered about Ontario. Woodrow was ordained into the Roman Cath­ Wood's Island Harbour, at the western end, but there olic priesthood in 194 7. He served parishes at Comer was also a substantial population at the East End Brook and Harbour Breton before transferring to (sometimes known as Innismara) and a few families Benoit's Cove in 1956. In 1969 Woodrow left the living on the north side at Seal Cove and at Thibault priesthood and went into business as a realtor. He (or Tibbo's) Cove on the south side. In the 1760s the married Bernice Boland. Woodrow served on Corner island was mapped by Captain James Cook, as Harbour Brook city council from 1972 until1975, and as MHA Island, with the harbour being noted as Woods Har­ for Bay of Islands from 1975 until 1985. During his bour. The name Harbour Island was employed until political career Woodrow was executive assistant to about 1900, when a post office was established. premiers Frank Moores and A. Brian Peckford. In 1986 The date .when Wood's Island was first settled can­ he was named to the board of directors for the Fishing not be easily established, for from 1783 to 1904 the Industry Advisory Board. Woodrow has been active in Bay was included within the French Shore. Humber Knights of Columbus, and has served on the provincial Arm is said to have been settled in the 1780s, but there executives of both the CNIB and the Canadian Red were only 143 people living in the Bay of Islands as Cross. Ron Pumphrey ( 1987), Canadian Parliamen­ late as 1857. Many of these people spent at least some tary Guide (1985), WS (May 30, 1979). LBM of the year at Wood's Island Harbour, which was admi­ rably suited to prosecute the principal fishery in the WOODS, HENRY JOHN BACON ( 1 8 4 2 - 1 9 1 4) . area- a herring fishery in the fall and early winter­ Merchant; politician. Born St. John's, son of John and was well wooded. When Bishop Edward Feild Woods qv. Educated General Protestant Academy. visited the Bay in 1849 he did not mention any settle­ Married Hannie L. Bemister. After receiving mer­ ment at Wood's Island, although he noted that his cantile training with W. H. Thomas & Co., Woods pilot, Thomas Beverley, wintered at the harbour. Ten entered his father's shipping and importing business. years later Feild mentioned that the Bay was experi­ He became partner of the firm in 1880 and sole encing an influx of settlers from St. George's Bay and proprietor in 1892. Nova Scotia. Also among the pioneer families at In 1889 Woods was elected in the district of Bay de Wood's Island were O'Connels and Perrys, who were Verde as a supporter of the Liberal party, and was involved in the Labrador fishery out of Carbonear 618 WOOD'S ISLAND

Wood's Island when they became familiar with Wood's Island Har­ the MacLean business. Thomas Carter of Summerside bour. The first settlers of Innismara are said to have established a lobster cannery in 1888 and also had a been Companions. The family of Prosper Compan­ general store, a hotel and a large farm, while James ion was living at nearby Frenchman's Cove during Gennoux had a general store and cannery. By 1911 Feild's visit in 1849 (in several nineteenth century there were more than 500 people: 186 at Wood's Is­ sources "Prosper" appears as the family name of land Harbour, 24 7 at the East End, 45 at Seal Cove and his descendants). 23 at Tibbo's Cove. The East End had a resident doctor By l8 7 4 the population of the Bay had increased to (Dr. William Whelan, from 1908 to 1913 ), several 1316, with much of the increase being accounted for full-time farmers and a Roman Catholic church (built by experienced herring fishermen and their families in 1903 and served by a resident priest after 1913). moving there from St. George's Bay. Many settled on There was also a Church of England school/chapel at the east end of Wood's Island, where flat and fertile Wood's Island Harbour, where about half the popula­ land enabled them to supplement their incomes with tion was Protestant. Wood's Island Harbour was also small farming. Like the Companions, many of these home to most lobster and cod fishermen, who had people were of French descent, with the most common summer fishing stations on islands at the mouth of the family names being Bennett (Benoit), Bernard, Bour­ Bay or on the Labrador coast. The World War I years geois, Doucette, Jesso, Madore and Gallant. A Nova brought further expansion of the herring fishery, as Scotian, Laughlin MacLean, established a general methods of processing for human consumption were business at Wood's Island Harbour in the late 1870s. introduced. However, for this fishery the island's loca­ Wood's Island first appears separately in the Census in tion in the middle of the Bay was not the advantage it 1891, with a population of 109. had been for the bait fishery. Curling, with its rail The late 1890s, however, saw a substantial influx of connection, grew rapidly, and eventually Gorton Pew people from inner Fortune Bay (and particularly Ter­ moved its headquarters to Lark Harbour. renceville qv), where the herring fishery was nearing Construction of the Comer Brook paper mill in the collapse. The Fortune Bay people - family names mid-1920s also drew people from the Island, and later Barnes, Boland, Hackett, Hickey, Lavhey, McCarthy many were employed cutting pulpwood. From fewer and Stewart- mostly settled at Wood's Island Har­ than 400 people in the 1930s, the population was 502 bour. Twelve families are said to have arrived in 1899 in 1951. However, the collapse of the Bay of Islands alone, including the Ghaney family from Colliers, herring fishery in the mid-1950s caused hardship and Conception Bay, who settled at Seal Cove. Two other later in the decade parish priest Luke Woodrow qv was Conception Bay families to arrive at Wood's Island at advocating resettlement. The people began to leave, the turn of the century were the Costellos and Wades most for nearby Benoit's Cove (see HALFWAY from Conception Harbour (the families of the customs POINT) or Lark Harbour qv, with the island being officer and telegraph operator). resettled by the fall of 1962. However, there continued All this time the Bay of Islands herring fishery con­ to be a handful of people living on the island (which tinued to boom, largely based on supplying bait to the has technically retained its incorporation), with a Gloucester, Massachusetts and Lunenburg, Nova Sco­ dairy and sheep farm being operated by a former resi­ tia banking fleets. In one year customs officer Cos­ dent and her husband, who moved there from the tello is said to have cleared 120 vessels, while 80 to 90 United States. Howard Brown (NQ Winter 1975; NQ vessels each season were common. In 1911 Gorton Summer 1975), C.S. Costello (1972), Crocker et a/ Pew Fisheries of Gloucester, Massachusetts purchased ( 1971), Edwina M. Martin ( 19 81), William Parsons WOODSTOCK 619

(MHG 102-B-5-8), E.R. Seary (1977), Wheeler and thelumbercampswereimprovedsomewhatandwages Sheppard ( 1991 ), Luke Woodrow (interview, Mar. increased slightly. It continued to operate after the 1994), Census (1891-1991), Archives (A-7-2/Q). RHC War, under the chairmanship ofRaymond Gushue qv from 194 7 until 1958. See UNIONS. William WOODS, JOHN ( 1808-1896). Merchant. Born St. Browne (1984), Smallwood Files (Woods Labour John's. Married Ann Lang. Woods established himself Board). ACB in the coal and lumber trade in about 1844. He had the first commercial dry dock in the city, where vessels of WOODS, WILFRED WENTWORTH (1876-1947). over 100 tons could be accommodated. Ships were Commissioner. Born England, son of William Woods. raised by means of a capstan and horses or teams of Educated St. John's school, Leatherhead; Oxford. men. He purchased machinery in the United States for Married Ethel Palmer. Woods joined the colonial civil a marine railway which was in operation at the dock service in 1901 and served in Ceylon, where he became by 1864. The business became John Woods and Son in Financial Secretary and a member of the state council. 1880 when H.J.B. Woods qv became a partner. Two of He was knighted in 1930 and named KCMG in 1935. Woods' other sons, Sidney and Chesley, were mer­ Two years later he was appointed to Newfoundland as chants in the St. John's hardware and commission Commissioner of Public Utilities, replacing Thomas businesses respectively. Woods was a prominent Lodge qv. While in this post Woods went to London, Methodist and influenced two sons, Frederick and Al­ with J.H. Penson and L.E. Emerson qqv, to negotiate a fred, to enter the ministry in Massachusetts. P .K. Dev­ proposed pulp mill for the Gander River. (Bowater's, ine ( 1936), ET (May 4, 1896), Hutchinson's Directory the company involved, later decided to ship the wood for 1864-65 (1864), NQ (Oct. 1916). ACB to Corner Brook). During World War II Woods was responsible for administering the relocation of WOODS, JOSEPH (1813-1871). Publisher. Born St. Argentia and went to Washington in 1943 to negotiate John's, son of Joseph and Mary Woods. Married Mar­ compensation payments for the land. He was also in tha Chancey. In partnership with William J. Ward, charge of a controversial wartime wages policy which Woods became printer and proprietor of the Morning limited the salaries of people employed on Canadian Post and Shipping Gazette qv in 1843. After this part­ and American military bases. The policy, designed to nership was dissolved in 1846, Woods became printer keep wages in other areas of the economy from rising, and publisher of the Morning Courier qv. In September was resented by many employees. In 1944 Woods left 1850 he purchased this paper from Ebenezer Winton, Newfoundland and was replaced as commissioner by and after he became editor in 1852 the Courier became George London qv. He later served on a financial much more political in tone. From the 1850s until his inquiry in Malta and a fiscal survey of East Africa. death, Woods was also compiler and publisher of the Peter Neary (1988), Who's Who in andfromNewfound­ Newfoundland Almanac. land 1937 (1937?), Who Was Who V. ACB A prominent Wesleyan, Woods was a member of the Methodist School Society and the St.John's Day WOODSTOCK (inc. 1970; pop. 1991, 311). A logging School Committee. He was also active politically, and and fishing community, Woodstock is located on the ran unsuccessfully as Liberal candidate for the district Baie Verte Peninsula, approximately half way between ofBurin in 1855. As a Liberal, Woods was exceptional Baie Verte and La Scie. Until the 1920s the community among the generally Conservative Wesleyans, and he was known as Southwest Pacquet, the new name re­ admitted that hopes of securing government patronage flecting its origins as a site for winter logging and for Wesleyans was one of his motivations for support­ sawmilling by residents of nearby Pacquet qv. ing Responsible Government. After the Liberal vic­ Both Pacquet and Woodstock likely were used for tory in 1855 Woods continued to support the party, and winter logging by residents of the Horse Islands qv received a share of government print jobs in return. from the mid-1800s. After Pacquet was settled, in When Woods died publication of the Courier and the about 1890, winter logging along Pacquet Brook and Newfoundland Almanac passed to his brother John. the Southeast Arm of Pacquet Harbour increased. By Gertrude Crosbie (1986), Suzanne Ellison ( 1988), 1904 the first sawmill had been built and families such DCB X. LBM as the Sacreys and Mitchells moved to Woodstock year-round, while cutting pitprops for British mines WOODS LABOUR BOARD. Formed in 1940, the also became an important industry after 1912. Some Board was composed of representatives of the two pulp continued in the fishery, often in locally-built vessels, and paper companies (Bowaters Ltd. and the Anglo­ on the French Shore. In addition to Mitchell and Newfoundland Development Co.) and of four unions Sacrey-families of the Horse Islands and Pacquet­ (the Newfoundland *Lumbermen's Association qv, the common family names of Woodstock include Decker Newfoundland Labourer's Union, the Worker's Cen­ and Regular (from Wild Cove, White Bay) as well as tral Protective Union and the *Fishermen's Protective Packwood and Saunders (from Notre Dame Bay). Union qv). Established to prevent labour disruptions Some families, such as the Deckers, came to Wood­ during the War, it was mandated to handle all disputes stock from Sop's Arm, after working at a sawmill and grievances and to negotiate labour contracts which subsequently burned down (see POLLARD'S once a year. Under the Board, living conditions in POINT). 620 WOODVILLE

Woodstock Woodstock first appears in the Census separately attended a Pentecostal school at Pacquet, while others from Pacquet in 1911, when there was already a popu­ went to Baie Verte. Keith Regular (interview, May lation of 158. By the 1930s woods work had become 1993), Zach Sacrey (MHG 102-B-5-9), E.R. Seary more important than the fishery, particularly after (1977), Census (1911-1991), Archives (A-7-2/P). RHC Bowater's made the community its local depot for pulpwood. The woods roads in the interior of the Pen­ WOODVILLE (pop. 1991, 101). A farming and fishing insula eventually formed the basis of the highway community, Woodville is located along the road be­ linking Baie Verte and La Scie, and since the 1970s tween the Codroy Valley and the village ofCodroy qv. residents of Woodstock have been employed in both The community takes its name from Woody Head, a centres. In 1994 the major local employer was Gid prominent forested headland to the southwest. Al­ Sacrey Ltd., a general business with interests in the though present-day Woodville is located inland, the fishery, construction, sawmilling and pulpwood con­ area was originally settled in the 1880s, by fishermen tracting as well as a retail store. from Codroy, at Woody Head Cove. Early settlers, While Woodstock was originally a largely Method­ bearing the family names Anthony, Collier, Hall and ist community, most people became converts to the Martin, cleared land for homes and gardens on the bank Salvation Army in the 1920s and 1930s or, after 1968, to above the open cove. By the early 1900s several resi­ the United Pentecostal Church. In 1994 some children dents were engaged in farming, as land was cleared on

Woody Head Cove WOODY ISLAND 621

the road towards Millville qv (where a wool-carding there. James Slade and a family named Andrews were mill had been established). A second wave from living on the island in 1835 when missionary Edward Codroy, the Fiander, Galpin and Kendall families, set­ Wix visited, holding Church of England services for tled at about this time. the 13 families "in the neighbourhood". Woody Head Cove first appears in the Census in At the time of the first government census, in 1836, 1921 , and by 1935 there were separate entries for 93 people were living on Woody Island. They supple­ Woody Head Cove (pop. 34) and Woodville (pop. 24). mented the shore fishery with gardening and keeping Thereafter, the Census recorded only Woodville, and it livestock. A Church of England church was built by appears that the Cove was gradually abandoned, ex­ 1845 and a growing Methodist congregation had con­ cept for one or two families who maintained seasonal structed a church by 1869. At that time the two chief premises there for the inshore cod and lobster fisher­ residents were James and Robert Barrett, while other ies. Woodville retained ties to Codroy, where most family names included Bollard, Emberley, Piercey and residents attended the Church of England (communi­ Williams. Apart from the cod fishery, the main indus­ ties in the Codroy Valley were predominantly Roman try was a herring fishery conducted in the Reach. In Catholic). In 1994 a few Woodville residents were the late 1800s the lobster fishery spurred further pop­ involved in mixed farming, but most were employed ulation growth, from 128 people in 1891 to 237 in in service industries outside the community. Common 1901 (in which year 24 lobster canneries were noted). family names in 1994 included Hall, Fiander, Kendall The population peaked at 341 in 1966, but a decline in and Samms. E.R. Seary (1977), Census (1901-1991), the lobster, cod and herring fisheries had prompted Archives (A-7 -2/Q). RHC many residents to look for work elsewhere. Sound Island had been resettled in the 1950s and WOODWARD, MELVIN (1933- ). Businessman. Born soon the option of resettlement was being widely dis­ North Boat Harbour, son of Jennie (Brewer-Scanlon) cussed on Woody Island as well. In 1965 the govern­ and Joseph Woodward. Educated North Boat Harbour; ment assistance program was changed, substantially Cook's Harbour. Married Sybil Coles. After working increasing the sums available to move households and in a variety of jobs in St. Anthony, Corner Brook and dropping a requirement that for removal assistance all St. John's he moved to Goose Bay in 1957 to work as residents would have to agree to move. Further, the chief clerk with the commissary office of the U.S. Air announcement that an oil refinery would be con­ Force Base. Woodward later established his own fuel structed at Come by Chance seemed to offer a promise oil delivery business, and became involved in a variety of employment on the mainland. Soon most residents of trucking, stevedoring, construction and shipping had applied to resettle to nearby communities such as enterprises in the Goose Bay area. In 1971 he was Arnold's Cove, Garden Cove, North Harbour and elected MHA for Labrador North, briefly serving as Swift Current. However, about 10 families decided to Minister of Labrador Affairs in the Smallwood Cabi­ stay on the island, including that of merchant Alec net. He was re-elected in 1972, but was defeated in Lockyer. Naskaupi district by Progressive Conservative D. Joe In the early 1970s Maclean s magazine published an Goudie qv in 1975 and 1979. Woodward has been a article by Harold Horwood qv, extolling the virtues of director of the Bank of Canada, chairman of the Local Woody Island and lauding the pluck of the holdouts. Improvement District of Goose Bay and ofthe provin­ Soon, a few outsiders arrived at the isolated island, cial Enterprise Development Board. In 1993 his busi­ including the Canadian folksinger Valdy (who at­ ness interests included Woodward Oil Ltd., Arctic tempted to start a commune) and Randy Lieb. While Services Ltd., Headland Construction Ltd., Coastal most soon left, Lieb stayed on the island, began farm­ Shipping Ltd., Labrador Motors Ltd. and Labrador ing and keeping small livestock, built a house of local Leasing Ltd. Ron Pumphrey (1983), DNLB (1990). LBM

WOODWORKERS, INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIA­ TION OF (IWA). See UNIONS.

WOODY HEAD COVE. See WOODVILLE.

WOODY ISLAND (inc. 1963; pop. 1991, 1). Woody Island is a roughly rectangular island in northwestern Placentia Bay, about 3 km long from north to south and about 1.5 km wide. It was settled at Old Cove (on the north side, facing nearby Sound Island qv) and on its west side, at Jean Cove, which faces the mainland across a 1 km-wide Reach and is further sheltered by several islets. European settlement probably began in the early 1800s, for by the 1820s the Rev. Charles Blackman had noted a small Protestant congregation Woody Island 622 WOODY POINT

stone at Back Cove, acquired a lobster license and From then until 1873 (and the opening of a post office) became the community's postmaster. Over the next few the growing community was usually referred to as the years most residents left the community, as heads of Jersey Room. DeGrucy, Renouf expanded their mer­ households aged or left the fishery. By the early 1980s cantile premises, dealing in cod and herring. Mean­ there were only 10 residents, and 10 years later only while, Bonne Bay began to be increasingly frequented Lieb remained. However, some lobster fishermen con­ by fishermen from the Southwest Coast, engaged in tinued to fish out of shacks on the island. In the late the Jersey firm's migratory fishery to the Labrador 1980s some of these shacks were improved to become coast and St. John's Island qv. Another pioneer settler quite substantial cabins. By 1993 there were about 50 of Woody Point was Solomon Wilton, who moved cabins on the island, as well as a "hotel" operated by from Rose Blanche in the late 1850s. Island Rendezvous Ltd., which offered overnight ac­ It was during the 1860s and early 1870s that large commodations for tourists. H.C. Brown ( 1985), Randy numbers of new settlers began pouring into Bonne Lieb (interview, Dec. 1993), E.R. Seary (1977), Edward Bay. Many of these families had been engaged in the Wix (1836), Census (1836-1991 ), Lovell's Newfound­ Labrador fishery out of Conception Bay or the Rose land Directory (1871), List of Electors (1966), Statis­ Blanche area for many years and were attracted to tics: Federal-Provincial Resettlement Program (1975?), Woody Point as a site close to their summer stations Census (1836-1991), Newfoundland Historical Society - with the added advantage of a thriving winter her­ (Woody Island). ACB/RHC ring fishery. The boom in the her:ring fishery also attracted a number of traders to Woody Point from WOODY POINT (inc. 1956, pop. 1991, 562). Located Nova Scotia, (including Haliburton's, Seeley's, on the southwest side of Bonne Bay in an enclave Muir's and Payzant & Fraser) and Conception Bay within Gros Morne National Park, the town of Woody (Butt, Houlihan, Brown and Whalen). Point is a service centre for communities in the area, The first settler at Curzon Village (originally known including Glenburnie-Birchy Head-Shoal Brook and as Crawley's Cove) was a Nova Scotian, Michael Trout River qqv. The centre of the community is a Eisan, who settled in 1864 after his marriage to a low-lying point of land jutting out into the Bay, which Mudge from Summerhouse (which family later moved provides a fine deep water anchorage. The municipal­ to Curzon Village). Other family names of Curzon ity includes neighbourhoods along the generally steep Village include Halfyard, Parsons and Tuff (from shoreline to the north (Curzon Village) and south Ochre Pit Cove), as well as Taylor, Mercer, Pike, Mar­ (Winterhouse Brook) of the Point. tin and Cullihall (from Conception Bay via Labrador). Up until the 1940s Woody Point was the mercantile At Woody Point proper common family names came to and administrative centre for Bonne Bay and the upper include Gillam, Read, Garcin, Noel and Galliot (from St. Barbe coast, beginning in about 1800 when the the Southwest Coast) as well as Allen, Brennan, firm of *Bird and Company qv established a trading Dwyer and Moores (from Conception Bay). From post there. Based in Sturminster Newton, Dorset, the Notre Dame Bay came such families as the Balls and Bird firm also had an extensive cod and seal fishery at Wheelers, while Trinity Bay families included Forteau, Labrador- while the branch at Woody Point Coombses, Jenkinses and Maidments. At Muddy dealt chiefly in salmon and furs. By 1818 there were Brook the dominant family names were Holly (from about 30 people living in the Bonne Bay area, most of Western Bay, Conception Bay) and Prosper (from the them at Rocky Harbour qv or just north of Woody Bay of Islands). Another significant arrival in the Point at Summerhouse- nearer the mouth of the Bay 1870s was the family of Mark Roberts from Portugal and better situated for the fishery. At that time the Cove. A brother of John Roberts, he brought with him presence of Bird and Co. at Woody Point was a matter a son, John Rowland Roberts qv, who became a of dispute, as Bonne Bay fell within the French Shore, teacher, then the community's first postmaster and a but by 1821 the firm was permitted to resume trade. prominent businessman. In addition to a post office, Apart from Bird's agent there were no year-round in­ the 1870s also saw the erection of Church of England habitants. However, it would appear that at least some and Methodist churches, while a Roman Catholic of the families fishing at Rocky Harbour and Summer­ church was built at Bailey's Point in 1875 (and moved house (including the Deckers, Paynes and Druggetts) to Woody Point in 1888). In 1882 the electoral district were among the 30 or so inhabitants of Woody Point of St. Barbe was created and a district customs office noted by visitors, such as Ephraim W. Tucker in 183 8 and courthouse were soon established at Woody Point (see BONNE BAY). (one early customs official was James F. Bancroft qv Local tradition identifies John Roberts as being the - see SMUGGLING). Tradition has it that the Lom­ "first settler" of Woody Point, having moved there bardy poplars which are such a distinguishing feature from Rocky Harbour in about 1849. Meanwhile, the of Woody Point were introduced to the community by family of Joseph Mudge had settled at Summerhouse one of these early officials. By 1884 there were 254 (now known as Mudge's Point), while some of the people living at Woody Point and Curzon Village, Payne family of Rocky Harbour were wintering at increasing to over 450 people by 1901 (including Winterhouse Brook. It was also in about 1849 that the Muddy Brook and Winterhouse Brook). Jersey firm of DeGrucy, Renouf, Clement & Co. pur­ A slump in the herring fishery in the 1880s was chased the Woody Point "room" from Bird and Co. somewhat offset by a growing lobster fishery. Initially, WOOLFREY, H. ROY SCOTT 623

Woody Point the most important firm in this industry was the Nova between 1921 and 1935 the population declined from Scotia-based firm of Payzant & Fraser, which opened almost 600 people to just over 400. canneries at Woody Point and at St. Paul's. The firm of In 1939 a cottage pospital for Bonne Bay was J.R. Roberts also became heavily involved in what erected across the Bay at Norris Point and thereafter became the major fishery out of Woody Point, after a regional services were increasingly to be found either at decline in the Labrador fishery during the 1890s. Dur­ Norris Point or in Comer Brook. The building of a high­ ing the twentieth century Woody Point came increas­ way around the East Arm of Bonne Bay in 1969 drew ingly to rely on its status as a local centre for trade and traffic away from Woody Point, while in 1973 the Na­ administration, supplemented by the inshore fishery tional Park headquarters was established at Rocky Har­ for cod and lobster (often conducted from summer bour. Initial development of tourist services was also stations on the coast to the north from Sally's Cove to concentrated across the Bay. However, in later years St. Paul's qqv). From the late 1890s there was also tourism has become increasingly important to Woody seasonal work available in the lumberwoods, at Point as well, concentrating on attractions such as the Stanleyville, Lomond and Wiltondale qqv. Tablelands qv and Green Gardens hiking trails, and the In 1922 the "business section" of Woody Point was undeniable charm of Woody Point itself. R.F. Halfyard wiped out by a fire, which destroyed numerous (MHG 36-A-1-76), John Mannion (1977), Ella Manuel wharves and some 58 buildings, including the shops of (1972?), Irene Martin (MHG 36-A-1-65), Roy M. Os­ David Coen and George Prebble, Stephen Taylor's mond (1987), Census (1857-1991), JHA (1872), Woody coal shed, the government warehouse, customs house, Point-Glenburnie Community Development Plan post office, courthouse, Bank ofNova Scotia and such (1976), Archives (A-7-2/P). RHC general businesses as Cox's, Garcin's, Butt Brothers, Houlihan's, Rose's and Haliburton's (where the fire is WOOLFREY, H. ROY SCOTT (1924-1980). Busi­ said to have started). Several of these firms were re­ nessman. Born Lewisporte, son of Abner T. and built, but others were not. From 1923 there was a Manetta Woolfrey. Married Julia Greenland. Scott demand for wage labour in the construction of the Woolfrey began working with the family firm of A.T. Corner Brook paper mill and the Deer Lake power­ Woolfrey and Bros. Ltd. at Lewisporte in 1948, and house. Coupled with a decline in both the fishery and later became managing director of the firm. He spent in trade, this led many people to leave Woody Point: 27 years on the Lewisporte town council (1952-1980), 624 WOOLFREY, WILFRED JAMES

including two terms as deputy mayor. Active in com­ Woolridge joined the Cor­ munity affairs, he served on the executive and was a ner Brook firm of Martin, founding member of a number of organizations and Eason in 1963. He served as service clubs in Lewisporte, including the Lions Club, federal crown prosecutor the Masonic Order and the Chamber of Commerce. for the west coast and La­ Woolfrey also played a leading role in establishing the brador and as chairman of North Haven Manor Interfaith Senior Citizens Home, the Labour Relations Board and was founder and first chairman of the Calypso in l 9 7 5 -7 6. He was a p­ Foundation, an organization set up to help people with pointed a district court mental disabilities. He died in March, 1980. judge in 1985, and the next Lewisporte Pilot (March 5, 1980), Census (1935), year, when the district court Smallwood Files (Scott Woolfrey). LBM was absorbed by the Trials Division of the Supreme JusticeF.R. Woolridge WOOLFREY, WILFRED JAMES (1893-1970). Cler­ Court of Newfoundland, he became a justice of the gyman. Born Lewisporte, son of Selina (Linfield) Supreme Court. F.R. Woolridge (letter, Jan. 1994). and William George Woolfrey. Educated RHC Lewisporte; Methodist College; Wesleyan Theolog­ ical College (McGill University). Married Ethel May WORD. The newsletter of the *Writers Alliance of Davis. After a brief stint as a teacher, Woolfrey was Newfoundland (W ANL) qv, WORD was being pub­ accepted as a candidate for the Methodist ministry in lished ten times a year in 1992. Regular features in­ 1914, serving his probationship on the St. Anthony, cluded: "A writing day in the life of... " , Britannia and King's Point circuits. In 1917 he biographical articles on earlier writers of Newfound­ joined the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, serving land and Labrador, publishers news, markets, compe­ in France and Belgium with the rank of sergeant. titions, letters and reports from the president and Demobilized in 1919, he executive director. In January 1993 the newsletter be­ was awarded the Military came the responsibility of an editorial board, with a Medal. In the same year he mandate to inform W ANL members of events of inter­ entered McGill University est and to assist in the promotion and development of as a candidate in Arts and writers. The focus on markets, competitions, conferen­ Theology. While there he ces, workshops, job opportunities and other informa­ also held a pastorate at tion which served to enhance the profession continued. nearby Point Fortune, On­ WORD (1989-1993, passim). ILB tario. Graduating in 1925, he returned to Newfound­ WORD AND WORK. This magazine began publication land, where he was or­ in May 1952 as a quarterly sponsored by the Eastern dained by the New­ District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Newfound­ foundland Methodist land. Edited by E. Raymond Pelley, pastor of the Rev. W. J. Woo/frey Conference (meeting for Clarke's Beach Pentecostal Tabernacle, the four-page the last time before Church Union). Thereafter he was magazine contained sermons, church news and edito­ stationed at Change Islands, Greenspond, Botwood, rials; and reprints from other Pentecostal periodicals. Grand Bank and Bell Island. Transferred to Ontario in The subscription price was five cents per copy. Only 1942, he held four pastorates in the London and Ham­ three issues are known to exist- May and December ilton Conferences beforereturningto Newfoundland in 1952 and September 1953. Pentecostal Assemblies of 1958 to become associate minister at Gower Street Newfoundland Archives. BURTON K. JANES Church. He was secretary of the Newfoundland Con­ ference ofthe United Church in 1937-38, president in WORKMAN. Apparently a semimonthly paper pub­ 193 8-39, and served several terms as chairman ofPres­ lished by Nichols and Co., the single extant issue of bytery. In 1938 he was a commissioner to General the Workman (September 8, 1917) was described by Council. He retired in 1961 and, after several appoint­ Ian McDonald as a pro-union, non-sectarian publica­ ments as a retired supply minister, settled in Burling­ tion carrying local news and news of the War (Ellison). ton, Ontario. He died in Hamilton on April 7, 1970. McDonald commented that the paper, while opposing D.W. Johnson ([1925]), G.J. Woolfrey (interview, the unfairness and imbalance of conscription practices, Aug. 1992), Marion Woolfrey Pitt (interview, June urged an active and energetic prosecution of the war 1993 ), Minutes· of the Newfoundland Conference for the Motherland and Empire. Suzanne Ellison (1937-39). DAVID G. PITT (1988). ILB

WOOLRIDGE, FREDERICK RONALD ( 19 3 5- ) . WORLD WAR I. When the Great War broke out in Au­ Judge. Born St. John's, son of Frank and Dorothy gust 1914, Newfoundland had no military resources upon (Ebsary) Woolridge. Educated Bishop Feild College; which to draw other than a local branch of the Royal Mount Allison University; Dalhousie University. Mar­ Naval Reserve, the St. John's Rifle Club, four church­ ried Aileen Clare. After practising law in St. John's, sponsored boys' cadet corps (known as brigades) and WORLD WAR I 625 several branches of the Legion of Frontiersmen. The decision was nevertheless made to contribute to the British war effort by raising forces for both land and sea, the former in the shape of the Newfoundland Regiment and the latter by way of 1000 naval reserv­ ists (for Newfoundland's military role in the war see NAVAL RESERVE, ROYAL; REGIMENT, ROYAL Newfoundland). With administration of the war effort vested in the Newfoundland *Patriotic Association qv, the youth (particularly in St. John's) rushing to don uniforms and support seemingly coming from all sides, it looked as though political, social and religious har­ mony would prevail. Moreover, the initial negative impact of the war was quickly superseded by improved economic prospects, as the worldwide demand for food and raw materials sharply increased. The first signs that initial unanimity and good will The Regiment's camp at Pleasantville, on the outskirts ofSt. John's did not radiate evenly throughout the Island came in Worldwide, conscription was probably the single February 1915, when a recruiting tour along the south­ most divisive issue of the Great War period. In Janu­ west coast encountered cool and sometimes hostile ary 1917 the subject of registration, a prelude to con­ crowds. The recruiters' mission was likened to that of scription, was broached in St. John's. But it met with the press gangs of old. This abortive effort effectively little enthusiasm from the administration of Prime put an end to nearly all direct involvement of outport Minister Edward P. Morris qv, which was facing an MHAs in rural recruiting campaigns. However, en­ election in the fall. Other issues divided the popula­ sconced in the House of Assembly amidst a zealous St. tion not only on geographic but on class and religious John's audience, outport MHAs continued to give the grounds. The selection of officers did so on all three war effort their unqualified support. But as the grounds. The NPA's Reserve Force Committee (later resource-based economy gradually heated up over the the Standing Committee) closely reflected the values, next four years - most parts of the Country were opinions and makeup of the St. John's elite. In the described by Governor Sir Walter Davidson as "ex­ issuing of commissions to newly enlisted recruits and ceptionally prosperous" by the spring of 1915 (CO men at the depot it was repeatedly accused of favorit­ 194/289) - initial rates of enlistment predictably ta­ ism: St. John's men at the expense of outport men, pered off. By February 1916 over 2000 men had nev­ Protestants at the expense of Roman Catholics, the ertheless enlisted in the Regiment, which tended to be scions of well-off families at the expense of those favoured by the citizens of St. John's, and 1300 in the from a working class background. Worst of all, the Naval Reserve (favoured by the outports). Roughly an Committee was accused of favouring inexperienced equal number had been rejected on physical grounds. new recruits who possessed the right social character­ Enlistment rates were said to vary from 1 out of every istics over experienced soldiers in the field who did 36 persons in the St. John's electoral districts and 1 not possess them. This led to "bitter, widespread and out of 59 in Trinity district, to 1 out of every 329 in constantly growing discontent" and ultimately to "a Bay de Verde district. The outports, it was beginning scandal of the first dimension" (PLC). P.T. McGrath to be said in the city, were not pulling their weight. qv, himself an active supporter of the war effort, a Given the small number of casualties to date, New­ highly visible member of the NPA and a Catholic, laid foundlanders were hardly prepared for the events of all these matters before the public in July 1917. July 1, 1916, when the destructive capabilities ofmod­ In the meantime, caught up in a whirl of patriotic ern warfare became abundantly clear. Of the roughly fund-raising and other charitable activity on behalf of 800 officers and men of the Regiment who that day its combatants, Newfoundlanders, rural as well as went into battle in the vicinity of Beaumont Hamel qv, urban, Catholic and Protestant, rich and poor, did not over 700 were either killed, wounded or listed as miss­ stint. The Patriotic Fund alone, a charity designed ing. Further large losses the following October, cou­ primarily to supplement the resources of dependents, pled with the knowledge that casualties were not being had raised over $100,000 by the end of 1915. Its pop­ offset by new recruits, gave rise to fears that the Reg­ ularity was soon superseded by a bewildering array of iment would cease to exist as independent fighting appeals - the Belgian relief fund, the khaki prisoners force. An even more determined mood prevailed in the fund, St. Dunstan's fund for blind soldiers and sailors, capital, where it was held that the honour of the Coun­ the Mayo Lind Tobacco Fund (see LIND, FRANCIS), try was at stake. In the outports, particularly the the fish and brewis fund, the aeroplane fund, the cot smaller, more isolated ones, however, the absence of a fund, the Jensen Red Cross fund (see JENSEN, wholehearted, effective recruitment strategy and the PHILIP) and a host of others both local and interna­ lucrative nature of the fisheries, dependent on able­ tional. The total amount of money raised by public bodied young men, combined to dampen enthusiasm subscription to the end of the war was probably in the for service overseas. vicinity of $1 million, representing a truly gargantuan 626 WORLD WAR I

I t l t

Troops embarking from St. John's aboard the Stephano effort on the part of the public. The *Women's Patri­ with respect to trade had, along with conscription, otic Association qv (WPA), based in St. John's but become a major political issue by the spring of 1917. with branches across the Country, was involved in The jugular vein of the Newfoundland economy was projects ranging from the production of "comforts" its shipping. Yet in 1915 Water Street merchants and such as socks, shirts, bandages and surgical dressings the *ReidNewfoundlandCompanyqv had begun sell­ for shipment overseas to entertaining troops, visiting ing off local steel vessels to the Russians at a sub­ the families of servicemen and caring for veterans. stantial profit, thereby threatening both incoming Through their fund-raising efforts alone, it seems and outgoing commerce. The first to go were the likely that the women of the WPA were responsible for Reid vessels Lintrose and Bruce, to be followed by at least half the money collected, not to mention goods the Adventure, Bellaventure and Bonaventure, and services provided. Patriotic poetry and prose owned by a consortium of Water Street interests, filled the columns of the press. Prohibition, a wartime and then by the Nascopie and Beothic owned princi­ measure voted into existence through a national pleb­ pally by Job Brothers, until by the end of 1915 only iscite, came into force on January 1, 1917. two vessels remained of the steel fleet. Shortages of As the wounded and disabled grew from a trickle to coal and salt were one immediate result, leaving the a flood, attention turned to other pressing matters - government to arrange for shipments of both (which the absence of a pension scheme for either disability were then sold by merchants at inflated market val­ or mortality, the lack of medical care facilities and ues). Water Street merchants likewise conspired to civil re-establishment programs, employment, educa­ use their control over the importing, wholesale and tion, retraining, long-term care for the sick and infirm. retail trades to exact the highest possible margin of Initially, all the issues surrounding returned soldiers profit with respect to most other consumer goods. were dealt with by community representatives through Insurance and freight charges increased. There were the NPA and WPA, but perhaps none too fairly: it was calls for the government to bring both prices and said that privates and non-commissioned officers were merchants in line. Not for the first time, profiteering treated poorly when compared to commissioned offi­ merchants and public service contractors were con­ cers in St. John's. trasted with the "poor volunteer". By the spring of The failure of the St. John's commercial establish­ 1917 it was clear that goverrunent regulation was re­ ment to live up to its moral and practical obligations quired. WORLD WAR I 627

In April 191 7 the Morris administration established the powers of the Legislative Council with respect to a commission on the high cost of living. Over the next money and other bills. This tax raised nearly $1 mil­ few months its highly inflammatory findings dispelled lion in the 1918-19 financial year. (An income tax act any lingering notion that patriotism and profiteering introduced in 1918 yielded a mere $64,000 by compar­ were mutually exclusive and revealed that the St. ison, whereas a new export duty on fish and oil pro­ John's elite had in fact "cashed in". Because so many duced $500,000.) The second was the formation of a of those who were reaping unconscionable war profits government tonnage committee, which eventually be­ on the one hand were administering the war effort came the wartime Ministry of Shipping. It was respon­ through the NPA on the other, demands for the con­ sible for controlling all aspects of incoming and scription of manpower gave way to calls for the con­ outgoing traffic but with a focus on getting salt fish to scription of wealth. market. Thirdly, a Food Control Board was created, Generally, however, during World War I Newfound­ responsible for ensuring an adequate supply of essen­ landers did not greatly suffer from shortages of food tial products while fashioning economies in line with and other consumer commodities. Given the combined those existing elsewhere. Although the Board grad­ forces of merchants and the state, they were on the ually tightened controls and enacted compulsory pric­ whole well supplied. Although prices were often up to ing and rationing, visiting Canadian food board over double their pre-war levels, this was for the most officials continued to believe that they were neither part offset by the enhanced value of fish and fish vigorously applied nor enforced. Each of these 1917 products, full employment and better wages. Conspic­ measures signalled the active intervention ofthe state uous consumption and luxury spending actually in­ in the traditional sphere of Water Street. They were creased: even automobiles, the Evening Telegram politically feasible because of the coalition ministry. maintained, were no longer restricted to the rich. The Finally a Department of Militia was established to Newfoundland *Industrial Workers Association qv replace the NPA. was formed in May 1917. Although its founding may The major unresolved issue in the fall of 1917 was well have reflected both the failure of wages to keep the future of the Newfoundland Regiment. Compul­ pace with prices and the strengthened role of labour in sory service had been rendered politically feasible the marketplace, most observers were by 1917-18 by the creation of a national government, but there agreed that relative affluence was nonetheless wide­ was little stomach for it in the outports, among most spread, touching all classes. Local food production elements of organized labour or in government cir­ also increased, and local ship-building as well. cles. After Morris resigned as prime minister in fa­ Nevertheless, by the time the National Govern­ vour of W.F. Lloyd qv, several former members of ment qv was formed in July 1917 by a coalition of his party and cabinet broke ranks to form the nu­ all three parties in the House of Assembly (with cleus of opposition to the national government, Morris continuing as prime minister), it was clear seeking primarily to discredit Unionist William F. that during the legislative session several things Coaker qv. The renegades, led by Richard A. Squires would come about. First was the enactment of a and M.P. Gibbs qqv, thereafter manipulated the con­ business profits tax. It provided for a universal tax scription issue for political ends. The imminent de­ of 20% on all business earnings above $3000, but mise of the Regiment as a fighting force in the was achieved only after a separate act had limited spring of 1918, the potentially disastrous reverses suffered by the allies and a vigorous pro-conscrip­ tion lobby organized by the Returned Soldiers and Rejected Volunteers Association (forerunner of the Great War Veterans Association, or GWVA) led to the passage of the Military Service Act on May 11. The Act simply required all unmarried men between the ages of 19 and 25 to either register or apply for exemption before May 24, 1918 "or within such fur­ ther time, if any, as may be permitted by the [ exemp­ tion] tribunal." Until such time as they were either placed on active service (ie. required to report for duty at headquarters) or granted exemption, they would be deemed enlisted men on leave of absence without pay. For a variety of reasons, the May 24th deadline was extended on several occasions until eventually it was deferred indefinitely, meaning that none of the regis­ tered men were ever required to report for duty. The threat of conscription had in the meantime been suffi­ cient to persuade 600 young men to enlist voluntarily before May 11 - sufficient recruits to meet the de­ mands of the Army Council until the fall. A further In the trenches at Gallipoli 4183 young men registered after May 24, roughly 628 WORLD WAR II

Reading a proclamation ofNewfoundland's determination to continue the War, from the courthouse steps in St. John's 1000 of them reporting for duty on their own. None of and countless other Newfoundlanders serving in Cana­ these men actually served overseas before the war dian and British forces lost their lives. Newfound­ ended on November 11, 1918. All of these events took land's participation in the Great War, and the role of place in an atmosphere of hostility and confusion, and the Regiment in particular, has been a source of pride with censorship imposed, so that while no Newfound­ for generations since. landers were ever legally conscripted the legacy of the The War also left the Colony with a staggering finan­ conscription issue was an unhappy one, and one from cial burden. Indicative of the War's immediate eco­ which Coaker and the *Fishermen's Protective Union nomic impact, government revenues rose from $3 .6 qv never recovered. million in 1913-14 to $9.5 million in 1918-19. But the World War I had an immense economic, social and public debt rose from $30.5 million to $42 million political impact on Newfoundland, with its most perva­ during that period. In 1919 it was projected that the war sive and welcome aspect being an increase in trade and effort, including pensions and the interest on war prosperity. Imports more than doubled in value and ex­ loans, would be capitalized at a total cost of nearly $35 ports soared, and each year the government recorded a million, which was close to the mark. Thus the War surplus of revenue over expenditure. Record catches contributed substantially to a national debt that had were achieved, with the average price of codfish climb­ reached $97 million by 1931-32 and led, ultimately, to ing by 84%. The National Government successfully han­ the Commission of Government. Ian D.H. MacDonald dled the tonnage crisis and, against the odds, managed to (1987), G.W.L. Nicholson (1964), Patricia O'Brien get salt fish to markets. Geographical, religious and (1981), Christopher A. Sharpe (Newfoundland Studies, class antipathies may have been heightened by the man­ Spring 1988), ET (1914-1918), PLC (1917), Archives agement of the war effort, but they were more than offset (P8/B/9), CO 194/287-301. PATRICIA O'BRIEN by the shared, relative abundance. Excess profits and income tax legislation assuaged the ill will created by WORLD WAR II. When the United Kingdom declared revelations that Water Street merchants had profited un­ war on Germany on September 3, 193 9, Newfoundland fairly. The Regiment was maintained out of a sense of automatically became a participant. An Act for the pride and growing national purpose, for it brought glory Defence of Newfoundland had become law two days as well as grief. Altogether 1300 men of the Regiment, earlier giving the Governor in Commission sweeping 192 of the Naval Reserve, 117 of the merchant marine powers to defend the Country and regulate social and WORLD WAR II 629 economic life. Those powers were furthe:r broadened FOREIGN DEFENCE ESTABLISHMENTS IN NEWFOUNDLAND-LABRADOR, SECOND WORLD WAR 12 by the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act of September

CdnA Canadtan Army • MAJOR BAS£ 1940, after which the Commission of Government, in Nfld A Newfoundland Regiment emergency landing field RCAF Royal Canadian An Force + .#. anillery/antl-altcraft battery consultation with the Dominions Office, ruled RCN Royal Canadian Navy ~.; navtgatton !l oran) statton USF United States Forces * Vf,f lm w arning radar statton USN Unued States Navy virtually by decree. .. seaplane base .l radiO detachment squadron The Commission's first concern was New­ A shtp repatr facthty ,. - anti-submanne flotilla foundland's lack of defence preparations. In October {summers 1943 & 19441 CdnA ~- 1939 the Newfoundland Militia was created as a home ~· ·"-.::-' defence force, to be renamed the Newfoundland Regi­ ( GOOSE -.. 1 Spotted Island$ ment in March 1943. A full-time active service unit .. y. RCAF which operated in combination with Canadian forces, RCAF one of its prime responsibilities was the defence of Bell Island and other sensitive points along the coast. By the end of the war 1668 Newfoundlanders had enlisted in the Regiment, of whom 787 had gone on to join an overseas unit. At its peak, the Regiment com­ prised 570 officers and men. An auxiliary militia, or I I I home guard, existed as well (see MILITIA, New­ J •./ , .r TJ;~te ~~ Fogo RCAF/USF foundland and HOME GUARD.) Bowood .. . ~wcTnA ~ 1 Wesleyvolle RCAF At the outset of the War the decision was made not ACAF RCAF c GANDER aw:r Ga.- ag~on.. ~RCAf ·~fkJoay,m USN to repeat the mistake of World War I, when Newfound­ STIPMOIVM...I.! RCAF - * 1 Elltston RCAF ~ USF 8ett Island land had raised its own overseas regiment at a heavy CdnA/NfldR

cost in terms of both men and money. Newfound­ St R,;:;.ws l

landers were instead recruited into two regiments of Pon aua Basq~s USN the Royal Artillery, the 166th (Newfoundland) Field ·- 1 . ~!lao"s St .~KSes 1 Regiment and the 59th (Newfoundland) Field Regi­ Wand USF/ACAF ment. Having begun life as the 57th Heavy Regiment, USF/ RC AF the 166th served in North Africa and Italy. The 59th In March 1940 a request came for Newfoundland did coastal defence duty in the United Kingdom and seamen to man British merchant ships, and many thou­ on July 5, 1944 landed in Normandy. A total of 2343 sands volunteered for this highly dangerous but essen­ Newfoundlanders thus saw service. tial service. Just over 200 were recruited to work The single largest group ofNewfoundlanders to enlist overseas in the Rescue Tug Service, large numbers entered the Royal Navy, where, like their counterparts served on British, Canadian and Allied merchantmen during World War I, they were known for their skill as plying the Atlantic and other oceans, while still others small boat handlers. During the War the British Navy served in the local coastal service in what were had a total3419 Newfoundlanders in its ranks, posted in deemed to be dangerous waters. But after the War, hundreds of vessels of all types. Newfoundlanders when it came to devising civil re-establishment pro­ served in the Royal Air Force as both air crew and grams and defining pension benefits, Newfoundland ground personnel in numbers sufficient to warrant the merchant seamen (and foresters as well) were ex­ designation of one unit as the 125th (Newfoundland) cluded - with the exception of those who had been Squadron. Altogether 713 enlisted in the RAF (sources recruited in Newfoundland by or on behalf of the Brit­ yield slight variations in all these numbers). A further ish Ministry of War Transport and who had "signed force, the Newfoundland Overseas Forestry Unit, saw agreements to undertake service in war zones for the nearly 3600 Newfoundlanders engaged in timber opera­ duration of the war" (Neary, 1993). Not considered to tions in Scotland. A number of these subsequently en­ be veterans, they enjoyed none of veterans' benefits. tered the British armed forces in either the Royal Navy, Yet many of them had incurred greater risks than ac­ the Royal Artillery or the RAF, while others joined local tive servicemen. Some manned guns on merchant ves­ units of the United Kingdom Home Guard. sels, many of which were as heavily armed as a small In addition to joining these services, thousands of cruiser. Estimates of the total number of Newfound­ Newfoundland men and women were scattered landers serving in the merchant marine range any­ throughout other Allied forces. A total of 524 women where from 5000 to 10,000, with recent evidence enlisted in either the Canadian Women's Army Corps suggesting a larger number of fatalities than hitherto ( 190), the Women's Division of the RCAF (260) or the supposed. Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service (74). An esti­ More important than the Country's contribution to mated 1160 men served in either the Canadian Army, Allied fighting forces was its contribution, by virtue Navy or Air Force. In each case Newfoundland volun­ of geography, to the defence of continental North teers were trained, equipped and paid by the country in America and the United Kingdom. The War suddenly whose forces they served. Conscription was avoided. thrust Newfoundland into geopolitical prominence, Nearly 900 Newfoundlanders were killed in the War, transforming it into a bastion of North American for­ including 257 merchant seamen. ward defence. The process did not begin immediately. 630 WORLD WAR II

tary aircraft from North American production centres across the ocean. In a historic moment on November 11, 1940 the first seven Hudson bombers lifted off from Gander to inaugurate the Atlantic Ferry Service; by the end of the War nearly 12,000 planes had made the crossing via either Gander or Goose Bay. Goose Bay air base, a remarkable engineering feat, was the most ambitious and costly project of them all. Opera­ tional by the end of 1941, it strengthened the direct defence of Canada and Newfoundland, provided a northern ferry route for medium and short-range planes (including fighters via Greenland and Iceland) and enhanced convoy protection. Once the United States entered the War it too moved large numbers of its forces, as well as planes, passengers and freight, via Newfoundland, normally through its base at Ste­ phenville but with Gander and Goose Bay available as alternatives. The purpose of the Torbay air base was originally to service and protect the city of St. John's. As the Battle of the Atlantic took shape, however, like Gander and to a lesser extent Goose Bay it played an increasingly important role in convoy defence. In 1941-42 as the fear that Newfoundland would be used as stepping stone for the invasion of North Amer­ ica began to fade, its role evolved from a defensive to A "staged" photograph of Canadian tanks, likely taken at an offensive one. In the spring of 1941 the range and Blackhead, near Cape Spear pace of German U-boat activity intensified and At the beginning of the War, recognizing that New­ brought the Battle of the Atlantic, hitherto confined foundland lacked the financial and other resources to mainly to the eastern Atlantic, to Newfoundland defend itself, the Commission of Government con­ shores. To counteract the U-boat menace that threat­ tented itself with Canadian assurances that the defence ened the great transatlantic convoys forming the prin­ of Newfoundland and Labrador was part and parcel of cipal conduit through which the enormous resources the defence of Canada. In the spring of 1940 this and industrial strength of North America were fun­ assumption abruptly changed as the swift collapse of nelled into Europe, the British Admiralty in June 1941 Denmark, Norway, Holland, Belgium and France announced its decision to establish an advanced naval raised the very real possibility that the U.K. would be base in St. John's. It was agreed that Canada would invaded. Fearing that Newfoundland could be used by build the base and run the show. Construction began at the Axis as a base for operations against the mainland, once and continued well into 1942, with further ex­ Canada in June sought and received permission from pansion occurring in 1943 and beyond. The result was St. John's to despatch air and ground troops to defend a wholesale rearrangement of the city's features and two critical installations, the Newfoundland Airport at an unprecedented level of congestion. Wharves, dock­ Gander and the seaplane base at Botwood. yards, ship repair facilities, barracks, administration Subsequently, a defence understanding was reached buildings, fuel depots, military hospitals (two RCN, between Canada and Newfoundland. It provided for one merchant navy plus one American), signal and the stationing of Canadian forces in Newfoundland, wireless stations brought the projected cost of the St. for the Newfoundland Militia to come under Canadian John's base up to $16 million, to be loaned by the command and for the formation of a joint coastal de­ Canadians and repaid by the British. The official his­ fence battery. It was also agreed that Newfound­ torian of the RCN, G.N. Tucker, has stated that "the landers could be recruited into the Canadian armed importance of St. John's as a wartime naval base can services. In addition to controlling the expanding fa­ hardly be exaggerated" (cited' in Bridle ed.). As home cilities at Gander and Botwood, Canada would go on of the Newfoundland Escort Force, it was the princi­ to build and control air bases at Torbay and Goose Bay pal western base and turn-around port for escort ships, and to construct, maintain and operate an advanced mostly RCN but also British, Polish, Norwegian and naval base in St. John's. Canadian infantry and artil­ Free French, whose responsibility it was to escort con­ lery units would be stationed at each of these places voys out of Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia, to the and at others. Mid-Ocean Meeting Point. From there an escort force The Gander air base had been built by the British based in Iceland or the UK would take over and the before the War and was intended to play a major role Newfoundland force would transfer to a westbound in civil aviation. Enlarged by the Canadians during the convoy for the return voyage home. In St. John's the War, it figured prominently in the perilous but critical vessels would re-supply, refuel and rest their crews. work of ferrying bombers and other long-range mili- Indicating the level of activity, as many as 23 destroyers, WORLD WAR II 631

I ;'

Funeral for victims ofthe Knights ofCo/umbusjire 36 frigates and 52 corvettes were based in St. John's. zie King met at Ogdensburg, New York, to establish a "Newfyjohn lives on in the memory of thousands of Permanent Joint Board on Defence (PJBD) for the corvette sailors," James Lamb of the Royal Canadian purpose of defending the western hemisphere. Mark­ Navy has written, "as a warm and outgoing place, the ing a profound change in the policy of both countries, home of hospitable and friendly people and of the defence having hitherto been considered a matter of finest, most efficient escort base in all the North At­ unilateral rather than mutual concern, within a week lantic." Navy and merchant ships were repaired in the the Board had explicitly acknowledged Newfound­ harbour and at nearby Bay Bulls, where a supplemen­ land's strategic significance, both for the defence of tary repair facility was constructed by the Canadians. Canada and the U.S. and for the protection of transat­ Once the fear of an Axis invasion began to abate, lantic sea and air routes. At the same time it recog­ convoy protection became the primary duty of the nized that Newfoundland was inadequately defended, Eastern Air Command as well. Although anti-U boat thereby endangering the security of both countries. patrols undertaken by the RCAF out of Gander, Bot­ The following month a further agreement marked a wood, Torbay and Goose Bay, and also by the Ameri­ milestone in the advance of America from neutrality to cans, considerably enhanced the effectiveness of the belligerency. Described as one of the most celebrated escort force, the submarine menace struck perilously achievements of Anglo-American wartime diplomacy, close to home. In 1942 there were two submarine attacks under the Leased Bases Agreement qv worked out on on Bell Island, when two ships were struck at anchor and September 2, 1940 the U.S. acquired the right to lease two in convoy with a loss of 69 lives. In the same year base sites in Newfoundland (and elsewhere) for 99 the Caribou qv, the ferry plying between North Sydney years, "freely and without consideration," the U.K. and Port aux Basques, was attacked and sunk with a loss acquiring in return 50 aging destroyers and other vital of 13 7 passengers and crew. In 1943 the Battle of the military equipment. This agreement provided the U.S. Atlantic came to a climax, and by the end of the year had with leaseholds for an army base adjacent to St. John's been largely won. (Fort Pepperrell qv), a naval and army base at Argentia Long before they entered the War in December and an air base at Stephenville (see ARGENTIA BASE 1941, the Americans had recognized the strategic im­ and HARMON FIELD). The Americans leased as well portance of Newfoundland. In August 1940 President a considerable chunk of St. John's harbour and devel­ F.D. Roosevelt and Canadian Prime Minister Macken- oped a landing strip nearby. At Torbay, Gander and 632 WORLD WAR II

Goose Bay the Canadians, acting on behalf of the dian government not only took a new interest in its PJBD, made the necessary facilities available to the neighbour but became increasingly aware of the need Americans. At Goose Bay the Americans had a par­ to place relations on a friendlier basis than had pre­ ticularly large presence. Over two dozen weather, vailed in the past. The appointment in July 1941 of a radio, radar, loran navigation, seaplane, artillery Canadian High Commissioner to Newfoundland - and other specialized sites, Canadian and American, against the wishes of the Dominions Office, the title were scattered around the Island and in Labrador. being reserved for relations between self-governing Generally to compare the influx of American forces dominions - was an important step in this direction. to the Canadian, the American build-up began later, Henceforth, negotiations between the two countries progressed faster and declined first, with the Cana­ were conducted as though between equals. The Ameri­ dians enjoying numerical equality, if not superior­ cans, on the other hand, had taken full advantage of ity, towards the end of the War. Underscoring their pre-eminent position when pressing their claims Newfoundland's strategic value, in August 1941 under the Leased Bases Agreement: holding the Brit­ Churchill and Roosevelt met in Placentia Bay to set ish over a barrel, they had carved out extensive extra­ out the principles on which they would conduct the territorial rights in Newfoundland (such as the right of War (see ATLANTIC CONFERENCE). the U.S. to try Newfoundland citizens under New­ The Canadian and American military presence in foundland laws) -rights that went far beyond any­ Newfoundland had profound political, economic and thing conceded to Canada, and for 99 years. Thus social consequences. At the political level Newfound­ while both Canada and the U.S. had invested heavily land stood at the middle of a complicated triangle in local defence infrastructure, Canada did so without bounded by Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. Throughout any corresponding guarantee of a post-war presence the War the Newfoundland government struggled to -a matter of some concern. Civil aviation as well as maintain a measure of independence and vestige of defence interests were involved. control, and to protect Newfoundland's interests vis­ Economically, the net result of Newfoundland's sud­ a-vis these three key players. Of the three, the Cana­ den strategic prominence was profound. Almost over­ dian government was the most sensitive to local night millions of dollars poured into the economy feeling. Having recognized that the defence of New­ through defence projects and free-spending servicemen, foundland was essential to that of Canada, the Cana- creating a boom whose effect was to end unemployment

Canadian WRENs departing from St. John's after the War WORLD WAR II 633 and turn both public and private finances completely formation of local councils by agreeing to match mu­ around. At its height in 1942, base construction alone nicipal funds up to a level of $3000, and the town of employed nearly 20,000 Newfoundlanders, about a Corner Brook was incorporated as a result. The New­ fifth of the male work force. Added to this was the foundland *Industrial Development Board qv was cre­ heavy demand for longshore and other dockyard lab­ ated with a mandate to promote development, our, together with enlistments in the armed services innovation and expansion. The government com­ and merchant marine. Many Newfoundlanders were menced shipbuilding at Clarenville. In a modest effort enjoying the fruits of steady cash employment for the to take Newfoundland out of the dark ages as far as first time. Canadian expenditures for the construction labour relations were concerned, it established a Lab­ and development of airfields and other defence facili­ our Relations Office to regulate wages, hours and ties totalled $65 million by the end of March 1945, working conditions and to help ensure a rational dis­ while estimates of American military spending have tribution of the existing work force. As the War con­ ranged as high as $300 million. Taken together, the tinued and regulation became accepted as a way of result was a massive influx of foreign capital and a life, regulations were introduced to control rents along wholesale, if somewhat transitory, restructuring of the with the price of some consumer products. For as local labour market. As construction work slowed in purchasing power rose, prices followed. Supplies 1943-44 the number of base workers dropped to about were ensured by Canada and the U.S. at generous 5000, but surplus labour was readily absorbed as a levels. Rationing was introduced, but without causing consequence of heavy wartime demand for traditional any undue hardship. Measures to curtail the unbridled export products and improved shipping conditions. A play of competition and speculation having been de­ fresh/frozen fish industry now supplemented salt fish vised by the British-American Combined Food Board production; fishermen, miners and loggers were in formed in June 1942, regulation carried over to the short supply. An estimated 3600 Newfoundlanders fishing industry. Working within this international were recruited into the domestic labour market of both framework, the Newfoundland *Fisheries Board qv Canada and the U.S. Though it is difficult to measure was able to set the price ofNewfoundland fish to both the effect of the wartime boom on the average house­ purchaser and producer at relatively high and stable hold, it at least doubled the national income. Startling levels. An Act prohibiting the payment of wages in improvements in the normal indices of public health other than cash was passed in 1944, marking a major - infant mortality, tuberculosis mortality and crude departure from the past. The St. John's Housing Cor­ mortality- may be taken as prima facie evidence of poration was created as a direct result of the Dunfield improved living standards over the course of the War. Commission of Enquiry on Housing and Town Plan­ What the War failed to do was to alter the fundamental ning. In 1945 it was estimated that during the War structure of the local economy and thus, unlike Can­ annual expenditures on social services had increased ada, Newfoundland emerged from the War with an by several million dollars. There were also massive economy not essentially different from that of the pre­ gains in the transportation infrastructure, including war years. roads, and other capital assets - housing, hospitals, In terms of public finances the impact of the War recreational centres, administrative buildings. Many was no less dramatic. Government revenues reached of the facilities the Americans and Canadians left be­ record levels, growing from $12.5 million in the 1939- hind are still in civilian use. 40 fiscal year to $33.3 million in 1944-45. Against a The socio-cultural effects of the War were equally cumulative budget deficit of $18 million in the six important, though perhaps less tangible. Given that years to June 30, 1940, there was a cumulative surplus Newfoundlanders were an insular people whose way for the War years of $32.5 million. Newfoundland had of life differed considerably from that of their neigh­ moreover moved from the position of debtor to that of bours, the impact of anywhere from 20,000 to 30,000 creditor, having a total of $12.3 million on interest­ outsiders was bound to be immense. Relations be­ free loan to Britain. Direct taxation increased: tween the local population and foreign servicemen whereas customs tariffs had accounted for 70% of were, however, generally good. It was the Americans government revenues in 1939-40, they accounted for in particular who were acclaimed for their generosity, only 54% by 1944-45, with income taxes figuring sig­ good works and wealth. Since Newfoundlanders from nificantly in the difference. Trade patterns were al­ every area worked on the bases, American cultural tered. In 1939-40, 37% of Newfoundland's import influences were widely felt. In St. John's and later in trade had been with Canada, 32% with the U.S. and Corner Brook the U.S.O. opened recreational centres 24% with the U.K. By 1944-45 the Canadian share of which offered American entertainment on an impress­ the Newfoundland market stood at 61%, while the ive scale, while radio station VOUS Fort Pepperrell British had dropped to 4%. broadcast a steady stream of American culture. As prosperity spread and revenues soared the Com­ Cooperation between civilians and military oc­ mission of Government was able to make good on a curred on nearly every level from the judicial to the number of social reforms and pre-war promises. Major medical. Garrison and town squared off in public de­ improvements occurred within the health care system. bates and in a variety of sporting contests. Dances and School attendance was made compulsory for children other entertainments brought young people together; in the 7-14 age group. The government encouraged the many unions were formed and babies born. During the 634 WORMWOOD

War tens of thousands of soldiers, sailors and airmen mugworts and wormwoods, this plant has been used as were entertained, cared for and fed by scores of New­ a pungent condiment, and its bitter leaves have been foundland women and men who set up and ran estab­ chewed or infused to treat fever and other ailments. lishments such as the Caribou Hut qv, the Red The plant contains the toxin thujone, which can cause Triangle Club and the Knights of Columbus hostel. As convulsions and other disorders. About 100 species of Nicholson has pointed out, the absence of any major wormwood exist in North America. Rouleau lists half trouble in St. John's from members of the armed a dozen in his list of Newfoundland plants, including forces during the War, including V-E Day, was in no the native A. borealis and A. canadensis which inhabit small measure due to the warm-hearted hospitality and both Labrador and the Island. Fernald and Kinsey good will extended in such a practical way by these (1958), Foster and Duke (1990), Peterson and clubs and in hundreds of homes. As well as helping to McKenny (1968), Ernest Rouleau (1978), Frank D. maintain troop morale, they kept the crime rate within Venning (1984). KATHLE EN WINTER reasonable limits. Given a taste of North American habits, values, and, WORNELL, ABEL CHARLES ( 1914- ). Businessman; above all, affluent living standards, Newfoundlanders politician; writer. Born Greenspond, son of Jessie emerged from the War with their society and culture (Lush) and Edmund Womell intact but somehow altered. New political, economic, qv. Educated Greenspond; social and cultural links had been forged with the Twillingate; Memorial Uni­ North American mainland; existing links had been versity College. Married greatly strengthened; individual Newfoundlanders in Mildred Rideout. Wornell large numbers had come into contact with North began his business career American ways; and public expectations had risen. On with the firm of James the transportation front alone, a new civilian air ser­ Baird and became manager vice operated by Trans-Canada Air Lines out of Tor­ of its Bell Island branch. bay from May 1942 placed Newfoundlanders within a For several years he was few hours' of the mainland. As Newfoundlanders were managing director of J. integrated into the North American defence, transpor­ Petite & Sons at English Harbour West, Fortune Bay, tation, communication and trade system, British influ­ A.C. Warnell ences receded. and later a manufacturers' Perhaps the most significant wartime development agent. In 1966 he was elected MHA for Hermitage as in the long run was the Newfoundland government's a Liberal, serving a single term. improved financial situation, coupled with a new Ca­ Publisher of two books of poetry, Monarch of the nadian awareness of Newfoundland's assets. Once Grump (1951) and Rhymes of a Newfoundlander (1958), Newfoundland had become self-supporting the Com­ Womell has received awards in the Newfoundland Gov­ mission of Government lost its legitimacy, although in ernment Arts and Letters Competition and six honour­ Newfoundland it was widely agreed that constitu­ able mentions in the O'Leary Poetry Awards tional change should await the peace. By 1944 the UK competitions. He was a long-time member of the Meth­ understood that it would be divesting itself of its im­ odist College *Literary Institute qv, and served as its perial mantle in the post-war era, and Canada was president. Womell has been active in many other com­ increasingly looking like a likely candidate to take on munity organizations. Newfoundland and Labrador permanent responsibilities in Newfoundland. Canada Who s Who Centennial Edition ( 1968), Centre for New­ for its part had the future of bases at Torbay, Gander, foundland Studies (Abel Wornell). ILB Goose Bay and St. John's to consider, an interest in Labrador's iron ore and hydro potential and an over­ WORNELL, EDMUND JOHN (1874-1947). Magis­ riding concern to prevent the country from falling trate. Born Greenspond, son of Thomas W ornell. Mar­ permanently within the U.S. sphere. Hence its grow­ ried Jessie Lush. Starting in 1886, Wornell worked in ing but unspoken interest in Newfoundland's political the inshore, lobster and Labrador fisheries at New­ future, which ended in Confederation. David Alexan­ town, Cat Harbour and Greenspond. In 1917 he was der (NQ vol. 71 #3), Paul Bridle ed. (1974), John N. commissioned as a justice of the peace, and served as Cardoulis ( 1990), Tom Curran ( 1987), Wilfred Eggle­ magistrate for Labrador from 1919 until 1922. He lived ston (1974), Hiller and Neary eds. (1993), James B. in New York for two years before again being ap­ Lamb (1977), David MacKenzie ( 1986), Malcolm pointed magistrate for Labrador in 1925. W ornell was MacLeod (1986), Peter Neary (1988), G.W.L. Nichol­ magistrate at Twillingate from 1927 until 1929, when son (1969), Ian M. Stewart (1974), Frederick W. Rowe he moved to St. John's to work as a general agent. He (1980), G.S. Watts (1946). PATRICIA O'BRIEN died in March 1947 . In 1972 two of his Labrador journals (1919 and 1926) were deposited in the Provin­ WORMWOOD. Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is cial Archives. Abel Wornell (interview, April 1994), a member of the composite family of plants, trans­ NQ (Sept. 1989). LBM planted to Newfoundland from the northern United States. It is a silvery-green aromatic perennial bearing WORNELL, JOB BRENTON (1877-1950). Union minute, drooping flowerheads. Like tansy qv and other activist; magistrate. Born Greenspond, son of John and WRECK ISLAND 635

Catherine Wornell. Married Lydia Parsons. Wornell joined the *Fishermen's Protective Union (FPU) qv at Greenspond in 1911. He was involved with the union for many years, as chairman of the Greenspond local council and treasurer of the Bonavista Bay district council, while managing the *Fishermen's Union Trading Co. qv store at Greenspond from 1913 to 1932. He also served as area wreck commissioner (1921-35) and chairman of the United Church board of education (1930-35). Ap­ pointed to the magistracy in 1932, he was local magis­ trate at Clarenville until 1947. DNLB (1990), Who's Who in and from Newfoundland 1937 (1937?). ACB

WRECK COVE, FORTUNE BAY (pop. 1991, 117). A fishing community on the north side of Fortune Bay, Wreck Cove has been a part of the incorporated com­ Wreck House munity of St. Jacques-Coomb's Cove since 1972. But of Cape Ray, Wreck House was named for the propen­ it continues to appear separately in Census records, as sity of high winds funnelled down from the Table Tibbo's Hill. This "post office name" was chosen in Mountains for blowing trains from the tracks. On an the early 1950s to avoid confusion with other Wreck exposed and barren coastal plain at the mouth of the Coves. The name change never caught on locally and valley of the Little Codroy River, Wreck House was has rarely been used since the closing of the post settled by farmer John McDougall from Little River office. Wreck Cove was originally settled by fishing (St. Andrew's qv) in 1893, shortly after the railway servants named Bird, Cox and Sheppard, brought out was opened. The community first appears in the Cen­ to Newfoundland by the Harbour Breton firm of New­ sus in 190 I, with a population of 15 -a figure which man and Co. There was a population of 47 people was likely inflated by the inclusion of railway section­ recorded in 1836, but it would appear that the men from a nearby siding known as McDougall's Sheppards left shortly afterward for Bay de l'Eau qv, Gulch qv. From the early 1930s Wreck House was the for during the remainder of the nineteenth century the home of the family of John McDougall's son, Lauchie population was recorded at between 20 and 30 people, qv, who was contracted to' 'sniff'' the wind and inform most of whom were Coxes. In the 1890s families of railway officials by telephone if the winds were too Sheppards and Greenes moved to Wreck Cove (from high to allow trains a safe passage through Wreck Bay de l'Eau Island and Brunette Island, respectively). House. After McDougall's death his wife continued In 1994 another common family name was the practice for some years, until advancing age forced Strawbridge, from the resettled community of Red her to move to Pprt aux Basques in 1972. Eventually, Cove qv. Census (1836-1991), Oh How I Long for the McDougall home blew down. Canadian National Those Bright Days . .. (1992?). RHC has since placed a plaque at the former site of Wreck House to commemorate McDougall's service, while a WRECK COVE, POINT CREWE. The abandoned sign has also been erected to warn motorists of the community of Wreck Cove was located between Pie wind, which has on occasion held up tractor-trailer Duck Cove and Point Crewe qqv, at the tip of the Burin traffic for several days. In June of 1994 it was an­ Peninsula. Encumbered by shoals but situated near nounced that Environment Canada proposed to spend good fishing grounds, by 1891 there were 15 settlers $80,000 studying wind conditions at Wreck House, in at Wreck Cove (Caines and Thornhills). The commu­ order to determine how best to serve traffic. It was not nity does not appear separately in most Census returns; disclosed whether resurrecting the position of it was enumerated with Point Crewe. Wreck Cove had "human wind gauge" was considered an option. Cen­ a population of roughly 20 people in the early 1950s, sus ( 190 1-1966), Newfoundland Historical Society but no church, school or store. A Church of England (Wreck House). RHC school/chapel in Point Crewe served the community. A few cattle and sheep were kept on the flat, boggy WRECK ISLAND (pop. 1884, 19). The site of an land. Salt fish was sold in bulk to the merchants of abandoned fishing community, Wreck Island is on the Grand Bank and Fortune. The population declined in southwest coast, just west of Burgeo. The island itself the following years, and by 1955 only the family of is quite small and low-lying and it may be that the Andrew and Lucy Stacey remained. In 1962 the former community was in fact located in a small cove on the site of Wreck Cove was incorporated within the com­ nearby mainland (it appears in some records as munity of Point May qv. The Burin Peninsula (n.d.), "Wreck Island Harbour"). Wreck Island was home to ListofElectors(1955), Census(l891, 1921). ACB only two families throughout its history, virtually all known residents having the family name Billard. In WRECK HOUSE (pop. 1945, 9). Located at the south­ about 1850 the Billard family left Red Island qv with western corner of Newfoundland, about 11 km north two brothers, Thomas and William, moving to Wreck 636 WRECKING

Island along with their father, Gabriel. By 1857 the In fact, wrecks may have been so common in some population of Wreck Island was recorded as 16. The areas that individuals, households or even whole set­ two Billard families had left Wreck Island by 1893, tlements may have supplemented their basic liveli­ Thomas for Louisbourg, Nova Scotia and William for hoods by salvaging cargoes and collecting flotsam and Upper Burgeo. S. Gordon Myles (letter, Oct. 1993), jetsam. In a visit with a family at Burnt Islands in E.R. Seary (1977), Census (1857-1884), JHA (1872), 1835, Archdeacon Edward Wix describes his host as a Archives (VS 101). RHC humane man who had buried hundreds of corpses from wrecks. Wix continued, " ... wrecks must form his WRECKING. Wrecking has historically meant salvag­ chief inducement to settle in a place so barren and ing material from a shipwreck. In a book on nineteenth bleak, and to live through the winter out upon the century Newfoundland, R. Gordon Moyles defines shore as he does, contrary to the usual habit of the wrecking as " ... the custom of searching out wrecks people which is to retire into the woods until late in and salvaging everything of useful value ... ". Wreck­ the spring" (cited in Neary and O'Flaherty). ing originated in the Old World where it was "a very Some Newfoundlanders apparently believed that ancient occupation" in some localities (Fowles). Thus, there was some wreck-inducing. Certainly there were in an anonymous nineteenth century tract on the Brit­ stories about the practice. In one story a steamer was ish coast 'wreckers' were defined as people: close to the Cape Race area, the weather was foggy, and it was night. When the fog started to clear the ... often smugglers and their connexions, who in­ officer on watch saw a light which he thought was on habit those parts of the coast where vessels are another vessel moving toward him. He immediately most frequently wrecked. These hard-hearted altered course and ended up hard aground. After the persons, not only men, but women also, consider crew reached shore safely, an old lady put her arms the stranded vessel as their property as soon as around the captain's neck and said, "Thank God for the waves have thrown it on their coast. Under this happy blessing in bringing your ship on the land, this unhallowed impression they plunder all they now we have a stock of grub for the winter; the light can, although the owner should survive and pro­ on the cow's horns paid off." The allegation that test against their proceedings (quoted in Rule). "horn beacons" were used as false lights was once In his book Shipwreck (1974) John Fowles dis­ widespread in the British Isles. It is quite possible, tinguishes between "wreck-inducing" and "wreck­ therefore, that this story is just a variant of a tall tale plundering". Whether the former occurred as often as brought to Newfoundland. Besides false lights, some legend and lore suggest is very debatable. In an au­ explanations of shipwrecks cited supernatural causes. thoritative work on wrecks along Britain's Cornish Apparently, ships, like people, were destined for de­ coast, Lam and Carter maintain that there is little struction when their time had come. Disasters, there­ actual evidence of wreck-inducing. Similarly, Rule fore, could be interpreted as Acts of God. Such beliefs concludes: "It is difficult to dismiss entirely the sug­ were widespread, according to Judge Prowse. gestion that ships were sometimes deliberately Seafaring people looked upon wrecks as their wrecked, but there is a marked lack of specific, con­ lawful prizes, gifts sent to them direct by Provi­ clusive evidence on this practice." dence, and their views about these fatalities were In Newfoundland ample documentary evidence ex­ characteristic. Mostly the vessels contained valu­ ists for both legal and illegal salvage operations. able cargoes, but occasionally it was otherwise. I Judge Prowse uses the term wrecking in 1910 to refer heard an old Irish woman declare about one to robbery and theft from a vessel that had not been 'wrack', 'I don't know what God almighty is abandoned (Cuff and Poole). Apparently, such inci­ thinking about, sending us a terrible bad fishery, dents were not uncommon. J.P. Andrieux, for example, and then an old Norwegian brig full of nothing refers to an editorial in the New York Times that went but rocks!' (quoted in Moyles). so far as to equate some outport "wreckers" with "pirates": " ... the remote residents had a reputation The belief that Destiny, Fate, Providence or God for being pirates when ships came ashore and that played an active role in marine disasters was consis­ Canadian officials were indifferent to complaints by tent with the widespread belief among coastal resi­ ship owners of the outrageous state of affairs on the dents in various supernatural phenomena, such as Newfoundland coastline." But in Newfoundland there ghosts and ghost ships. As recently as the 1960s, some is no clear evidence of wreck-inducing - the deliber­ elderly Southern Shore fishermen reported seeing the ate destruction of ships. In fact, according to Freder­ lights of the long lost Southern Cross as an omen of ick W. Rowe, " .. .in Newfoundland's long maritime approaching storms. history that charge has only been seriously levelled on By the mid-nineteenth century wreck-plundering one occasion.... Moreover, there is reason to believe declined as steamship wrecks were increasingly at­ that this allegation was politically motivated. In any tended by government officials, such as district com­ case, it was never proven." missioners of wrecked property, customs officers, According to Keith Matthews and Joe Prim 10,000 underwriters and the constabulary. As the major gov­ to 15,000 shipwrecks have occurred along the coasts ernment representative, the wreck commissioner was ofNewfoundland and Labrador (see SHIPWRECKS). empowered to enter into an agreement with fishermen WRENS. 637

v·

I .;;:i

Shipwrecks in the Cape Race-Cape Pine area,from a 1903 map by inspector oflighthouses R. White. to salvage a ship's cargo. Since wrecks were usually 1910 Judge Prowse was able to proclaim that "no accompanied by severe weather it was not unusual for wrecking takes place now; we enjoy all the blessings fishermen to risk their lives to salvage a ship's cargo, of civilisation... " (Cuff and Poole). Jean-Pierre An­ equipment or rigging. As a rule, the more hazardous drieux (1992), Cuff and Poole (1976), Melvin Firestone the conditions the greater the share fishermen were (1967), John Fowles (1974), Galgay and McCarthy (1987; allowed to keep. According to some Southern Shore 1990), Andrew Horwood ( 1971 ), Lam and Carter ( 1969), fishermen in the 1960s, a wreck commissioner on Malcolm MacLeod (1982), Robert F. Marx (1983), R. more than one occasion prior to Confederation super­ Gordon Moyles (1975), John P. Myrick (interview, Jan. vised a three-way split of salvage: one-third to the 1968), Neary and O'Flaherty (1974), T.F. Nemec (1980), fishermen, another for the owners and underwriters Frederick W. Rowe (1973), John G. Rule (1975). and the remainder for the commissioner himself. In THOMAS F. NEMEC such instances, commissioners became shopkeepers or even merchants and sold salvage from the shelves of WRENS. The winter wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) is their own premises. One retired dory fisherman re­ the only wren regularly reported in Newfoundland. It ported in the 1960s that his sister, who was working as is tiny, brown, active and secretive, but is readily a servant girl for a wreck commissioner on the South­ distinguished from most small birds by its erect, ern Shore decades ago, sold cargo from a schooner stubby tail. With its extraordinary song, it is celebrated that had been officially declared a total loss (Myrick). in European folklore as "king of the birds". Of the Because of the potential gains to be made, some mer­ same species as the European wren, in North America chants competed for the patronage appointment of it is called the winter wren to distinguish it from the wreck commissioner for their electoral district. house wren, which frequents bird houses and is a fa­ For centuries Newfoundland outports were rela­ vourite summer bird in much of the U.S.A and southern tively autonomous: control by the fishing admirals or Canada. The house wren (Troglodytes aedon) is a little by early governments in St. John's was minimal in larger than the winter wren, and it has a less distinctive comparison with the force of local tradition. Local song. It has been seen in Newfoundland, but the Prov­ customary procedures regarding wrecks, therefore, ince is outside its normal range. The winter wren has tended to be observed until government agents increas­ a more northerly summer range, and is seen in the ingly intervened after the coming of steamships. By eastern U.S.A., mostly in winter. In Newfoundland it 638 WRIGHT, DONALD

is rarely reported in winter, and is not common even in of marine life. A major theme all through his career was summer. It nests on the Island in tangled and difficult a longing for the integration of the self with the natural locations on or near the ground. Mactavish, Maunder world. His early Newfoundland work was more con­ and Montevecchi ( 1989). CHARLIE HORWOOD cerned with externals - wet-on-wet watercolours or photolithographs, concerned with boats, whales, drift­ WRIGHT, DONALD (1931-1988). Artist. Born Tim­ wood and the like. Later work was noticeably internal mins, Ontario; son of Archibald and Lorene (Bender) and a more specifically individual character appears. In Wright. Educated Timmins; Ontario College of Art. A 1984 his Clears Cove show, combining elements of land hemophiliac, Wright was not able to participate in the and seascape with the artist's consciousness of his own usual boys' games and consequently spent much of his presence, made a powerful statement about living in youth drawing, painting, constructing model airplanes Newfoundland. With the Clears Cove and Falling (1987) and exploring the countryside. After high school he exhibitions, representations of Wright- his shadow, his took some art courses from visiting artists. In 1954 he hands and feet, his falling figure - were placed in moved to Toronto, where he attended teachers' col­ sandtrenches or abandoned root cellars. Wright is prob­ lege, then was an elementary school art teacher for 11 ably best known {rather unfortunately) for his 1985 years. In 1959 he began attending night classes at the sculpture "Red Trench", which was commissioned for Ontario College of Art, first in painting and later in the new west block of the Confederation Building. It was printmaking under Frederick Hagen. He continued on a sculpted record of a trench that Wright dug in the sand and off till 1966. near his Port Kirwin home, but soon became controver­ Wright moved with his family to St. John's in Janu­ sial, as some claimed that the large work resembled ary 1967 to take a full-time position as specialist in art female genitalia, and it disappeared from public view. In at MUN's Extension Services. That summer he bought 1993 efforts were underway to return the sculpture to a house in Port Kirwin, which became his studio. He public display. worked with MUN Extension, eventually on a part­ Wright made a tremendous contribution to the artis­ time basis, from 1967 to 1983, developing and teach­ tic consciousness of Newfoundlanders. Besides his ing art courses for adults and children. In 1973 Wright work as an artist, he also filled several other roles, and Heidi Oberheide qv founded St. Michaels especially that of mentor and teacher to younger New­ Printshop. First in St. John's and later moving to the foundland artists. A retrospective of his work was held Southern Shore, the printshop proved to be quite a at MUN Gallery in the fall of 1990. Peter Gard (1990), drawing card, bringing Wright and others into contact DNLB (1990). JAMES WADE with visiting artists from across Canada and else­ where. From 1974 to 1981 Wright taught workshops at WRITERS' ALLIANCE OF NEWFOUNDLAND St. Michaels Printshop and began to establish a na­ AND LABRADOR. At a provincial arts conference tional reputation as a printmaker. He exhibited widely, in March, 1986 the Newfoundland *Writers' Guild qv won awards, and served as a visiting artists in a num­ expressed the need for a province-wide organization to ber of institutions. In 1983 Wright resigned his posi­ provide services and support to Newfoundland writers. tion with MUN Extension, and for the next five years In the following year the Writers' Alliance of New­ lived at Port Kirwin, immersed in his work. foundland and Labrador (WANL) was formed. Peter Sometime during the mid-1980s Wright contracted Gard was selected as interim chairman, and a board of the AIDS virus through a blood transfusion. He died directors from various parts of the Province was ap­ on May 16, 1988 in St. John's, leaving behind a large pointed. Made up of volunteers, the Alliance's execu­ body of work: woodcuts, lithographs, thousands of tive is elected annually. In 1989 the Alliance drawings, watercolours, mixed media pieces and established an office and resource room in St. John's, sculpture; including several posters and illustrations where members have access to periodicals, works of local writers, computers and photocopying services. In 1994 the Alliance had approximately 200 members. The goals of WANL include encouraging new writ­ ers and enhancing the writing of established writers. To these ends the Alliance sponsors workshops and open readings, arranges meetings and retreats, and offers manuscript reading services. The Alliance has also attempted to establish liaison with schools and other educational institutions to promote creative writ­ ing programs. Other services offered by WANL include a directory (Newfoundland and Labrador Writers on Tour), lobbying various levels of government and other organizations in order to get recognition and funding, keeping members informed of the policies and decisions of provincial and national award­ granting bodies, and providing information on issues such as taxes, copyright legislation and publishing WYATT, DOROTHY 639

procedures. Since its foundation the Alliance has pub­ lished a newsletter, renamed Word qv in December 1989, which contains information and articles of inter­ est to writers as well as examples of new work from members. Nancy Farrell (interview, Mar. 1994), Word (Dec. 1989-Jan. 1994), Centre for Newfoundland Studies (Writers' Alliance). LBM

WRITERS' GUILD OF NEWFOUNDLAND. This org­ anization was formed in 1968 as a forum for members to present and develop their writing and receive con­ structive criticism. The first president was Paul O'Neill, with other founding members including Mi­ chael Cook, Harold Horwood and Helen Porter qqv. Members, numbering 30 to 35 and usually from the St. John's area, met monthly to read their work, while other members offered criticism. The Guild also at­ tempted to promote local writers and help them in finding places to publish their work. The Guild con­ ducted writing competitions for young people in the late 1960s and early 1970s and occasionally brought national and international writers to Newfoundland to Lee Wui.IJ give readings of their works and to conduct workshops. wife (also a champion fly-caster) set up an angling In 1974, the anthology Newfo!J,ndland Writers 1974 school near his home in upstate New York. He was was published, and to mark the Guild's twentieth anni­ killed in a crash at the age of 86, while piloting his versary in 1988 a larger anthology, A Way With Words, own plane. Among Wulff's books are Sports Photogra­ featured the work of 25 Guild members. In 1993 a phy (1942), The Atlantic Salmon (1958) and Fishing twenty-fifth anniversary volume (Life Sentences) also with Lee Wulff (1972). Lee Wulff (1972), Centre for featured members' reminiscences of the early days of Newfoundland Studies (Lee Wulff). JAMES WADE the Guild. ET (May 24, 1988), Newfoundland Herald (Feb. 12, 1983), Centre for Newfoundland Studies WYATT, DOROTHY (1926- ). Nurse; mayor of St. (Writers Guild). ILB John's. Born St. John's, daughter of Anne (O'Brien) and W.R. Fanning. Educated St. Bride's College, WULFF, LEE ( 1905-1991 ). Sports fisherman; author; Littledale; General Hospital School of Nursing; Me­ film producer. Born Valdez, Alaska; son of Charles morial University of Newfoundland. Married Donald and Lillie (Arneberg) Wulff. Educated Stanford Uni­ Wyatt. She began her nursing career at the St. John's versity, California. Married Joan Salvato. In 1915 Sanatorium in 1952, and later was a provincial nursing Wulff's family moved to Brooklyn, New York, his officer and first aid instructor with the St. John Ambu­ father having failed to strike it rich in the gold fields. lance Association. In the early 1960s Wyatt was direc­ After studying engineering Wulff decided to become tor of nursing for the Nova Scotia division of the an artist and spent a year in Paris. Later he worked as Canadian Red Cross. art director for an advertising agency. Meanwhile he Back in St. John's in 1969 she was one of the first continued with his first love, and fished the trout recipients of a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Me­ streams of New Jersey and the Catskills. By the 1930s morial University. In No­ he was launched on a career as a freelance writer and vember of that year she be­ filmmaker on fishing subjects. came the first woman In 1938 the Commission of Government invited elected to St. John's city Wulff to Newfoundland to boost tourism. He had al­ council. In 1973, under the ready pioneered sport fishing for bluefin tuna qv in slogan "Vote for Wyatt, Newfoundland waters (twice breaking world records). She Won't be Quiet", she He also became the first known sports hunter to kill was elected mayor. As both a stag caribou and a bull moose with a bow and mayor, Wyatt became well­ arrow. He ran fishing camps on the Great Northern known for her unorthodox Peninsula and made some 20 films about fishing and behaviour. Anxious to make hunting in Newfoundland. Revered by sports fisher­ city hall more accessible to men both locally and around the world, among the the people, she installed a Dorothy Wyatt fishing accessories Wulff designed are hair-wing dry telephone "Dotline" di­ flies for salmon and the short wading vest worn by rectly to her office. Wyatt brought in the practice of most fly fishermen. A conservationist, he believed that releasing the agendas of weekly council meetings to the Atlantic salmon should be declared a game fish, free the media. She was re-elected to a second term in from commercial exploitation. Late in life Wulff and his November 1977. 640 WYET, SYLVESTER

In 1979 Wyatt ran for the leadership of the Progres­ ing to Placentia Bay, Wyet found 60 Basque vessels sive Conservative party, but did not receive a single and landed his own ship at either Horse Chops or vote. Unsuccessful in a subsequent attempt at nomina­ Oderin. Finally, he travelled to Ferry land where he tion as PC candidate for St. John's Centre, she ran took on a load of fish for Bristol. The journal of the unsuccessfully in the June 1979 provincial election voyage was published by Richard Hakluyt in 1600. as an independent. In 1981 , she was defeated in her DCB I. ACB attempt to win a third term as mayor. She returned to municipal politics in 1985, and was elected council­ WYNNE, EDWARD (fl. 1621-1626). Governor of lor at large. She was re-elected in 1990 and 1993. Ferryland colony. Born Wales. Wynne may have been During Wyatt's mayoralty, changes in the St. John's introduced to George Calvert qv, Lord Baltimore, by municipal taxation system were made, a partial ward William Vaughan qv. Vaughan, like Wynne, was a system was adopted and the construction of com­ Welshman and a strong proponent of settlement in mercial highrises in the downtown district was ap­ Newfoundland. Wynne was chosen by Calvert to estab­ proved. With a special interest in the recreational lish a small colony at Ferryland and arrived there in life of the city, Wyatt was instrumental in bringing August 1621 with a party of 12 men. The weather was the Canada Summer Games to St. John's in 1977. In unusually mild that winter and, despite the small num­ 1982 the women's softball pitch on King's Bridge ber of colonists, a great deal was accomplished. A Road was named in her honour. Atlantic Advocate large dwelling had been completed by November, and (Feb. 1974), Who s Who Silver Anniversary Edition by Christmas a stone kitchen with a room above it had ( 1975), Census (1935), Centre for Newfoundland been added. A store room was finished by the follow­ Studies (Dorothy Wyatt). LBM ing summer, crops had been sown and salt works were in production. Wynne sent glowing reports back to WYET, SYLVESTER (fl. l594). Explorer. As master of Calvert. In 1622 a new group of colonists, including the Grace, a Bristol vessel owned by Rice Jones, Wyet, seven women, arrived under the direction of Daniel in 1594, made the first known English voyage to west­ Powell qv, making a total of32 people at Ferryland that em Newfoundland and Anticosti Island. He almost year. Encouraged by continued favourable reports certainly employed a Basque pilot, probably Stevan de from the colony, Calvert had his grant confirmed and Bocall. After sighting Cape Spear, Wyet sailed to Pla­ in 1623 the province of A val on was created. Wynne centia Bay where he encountered a number of Basque remained governor of Ferryland until 1624 or 1625, fishermen. Proceeding to St. George's Bay, where he when he was replaced (by Arthur Aston), probably noted a deserted native settlement, he salvaged whale because of his inexperience in running an overseas bone and gear from two wrecked Basque ships before colony. Nothing is known of him after 1626. Gillian visiting Anticosti to look for stranded whales. Return- Cell ( 1969), DCB I. ACB