Architecture on Fogo Island
Fogo Island Inn - Coastal Modern
Innovative and stylish.
A world class sustainable building
Newfoundland Fishery
History of the Newfoundland Cod Fishery
The Newfoundland cod fishery has a long history that dates back to the discovery of North America. Almost immediately after the discovery, English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese fishermen began traveling annually to the waters of Newfoundland to fish for cod.
Early Stages of the Fishery
The Newfoundland cod fishery has a long history that dates back to the discovery of North America. Almost immediately after the discovery, English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese fishermen began traveling annually to the waters of Newfoundland to fish for cod.
Early Stages of the Fishery
- 16th Century: During the early decades of the 1500s, European fishermen began to learn techniques for catchingand preserving cod. They used hook and line, with bait such as sea birds, herring, caplin, and squid.
- Fishing Locations: The primary fishing grounds were the banks of Newfoundland, where fish were always plentiful.
- The cod were caught and then salted on board the fishing ships. After being salted, the fish would be dried in Europe before being sold.
- English fishermen faced a challenge because they did not have access to the salt that the Spanish and Portugueseused extensively. However, they developed a unique preservation method that involved light salting for a short period, followed by thorough washing and then drying in the open air. This resulted in a lightly salted cod product that Newfoundland became famous for.
- In the early years, the cod fishery was an international enterprise, with England, France, Spain, and Portugal all participating.
- However, by the late 16th century, wars between these countries caused the Spanish and Portuguese fisheries to decline. As a result, the English and French continued to dominate the fishery, sharing the resources on a seasonalbasis during the summer months.
- In the early 18th century, after more conflicts and wars, France relinquished its fishing rights on the South Coastof Newfoundland. In return, it received the right to fish on the West Coast and Northern Peninsula. The Frenchmaintained this right until 1904, when they agreed to give it up to the Newfoundland residents through mutual agreement.
- The Newfoundland residents were a mix of two main groups:
- Seasonal fishermen who initially came from England to fish and returned home at the end of each summer.
- Irish workers who came to work with the fishermen and eventually settled permanently in Newfoundland.
- Over time, fishing ships were replaced by trading ships, which would come to exchange goods for the cod. To facilitate this exchange, warehouses and mercantile establishments were built in various fishing ports to house goods and support the local economy.
Joe Batt's Arm
Tilting Harbour, UNESCO Site
Outbuildings and Fences in Tilting
Outbuildings and Fences in Newfoundland Communities
Outbuildings:
Outbuildings played a significant role in Newfoundland communities, especially in the context of fishing and agriculture. These structures were used to supplement the storage needs of houses and serve various purposes beyond residential use.
Fences also played a role in defining the layout and structure of Newfoundland properties, and there are three main types of traditional fences still visible in communities like Tilting:
Outbuildings:
Outbuildings played a significant role in Newfoundland communities, especially in the context of fishing and agriculture. These structures were used to supplement the storage needs of houses and serve various purposes beyond residential use.
- Placement and Ownership:
- Some outbuildings were clustered around the house, while others were spread out across extended family neighborhoods.
- The ownership of these buildings was often difficult to determine by outsiders due to the communal and practical nature of their use. The location of outbuildings was primarily based on practical considerations such as function, circulation paths, land ownership, garden ownership, and access to water.
- Materials and Adaptation:
- Many outbuildings were constructed using salvaged materials from other buildings. If a house became dilapidated or ceased to be useful as a dwelling, it could be repurposed into an outbuilding, such as a barnor a twine store.
- Movement and Changing Purpose:
- Outbuildings were often sold and moved around the community. Their function could change over time, for example, a fish store could later be used as a barn or other storage facility.
- The majority of outbuildings were detached, single-purpose structures, although a few were attached to main houses.
Fences also played a role in defining the layout and structure of Newfoundland properties, and there are three main types of traditional fences still visible in communities like Tilting:
- Paling Fence: A paling fence consists of vertical wooden slats or pales. These fences were always painted to protect them from the elements.
- Longer Fence: This type of fence was typically used to mark boundaries or separate areas of the property.
- Picket Fence: A picket fence is characterized by regularly spaced vertical boards, often pointed at the top.
- Rinded Fences: Both longer fences and picket fences were often rinded, meaning the bark was stripped from the wood to prevent decay. The bark would trap moisture, which could cause the wood to rot over time.
Fogo Island, Newfoundland’s largest offshore island
The Fogo Island region, part of Newfoundland and Labrador, is known for its unique charm and delightful place names, such as Joe Batt's Arm, Tilting, and Seldom. The island, which is 25 km long and 14 km wide, has 11 communities and a population of about 2,500 residents. Originally settled by Europeans in the 1500s, Fogo Island's economy has traditionally relied on fishing, but in recent decades, it has shifted focus towards tourism, particularly after the creation of the Fogo Island Inn in 2013.
The island's name is believed to come from the Portuguese word for "island of fire," though it is also linked to the stench of seabird droppings. Joe Batt's Arm, one of the island's largest communities, is named after either a crew member who deserted Captain James Cook's expedition or a man punished for stealing shoes in 1754. Tilting, another community on Fogo Island, is known for its Irish heritage, with accents reflecting the influence of 18th-century Irish immigrants. This unique cultural mix, along with its picturesque scenery, makes Fogo Island a special place to visit.
Fogo Island's natural attractions, such as hiking trails, whale watching, and iceberg sightings, complement its cultural offerings, which include music, dance, and festivals like the Partridge Berry Festival. The island has also become a destination for art and history lovers, with galleries and museums highlighting its rich history. Notably, Fogo Island is also a "corner" of the world for Flat Earth Society enthusiasts, who claim that Brimstone Head on the island marks one of the four corners of the planet.
Overall, Fogo Island's blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and quirky culture makes it an alluring destination for tourists and artists alike.
The island's name is believed to come from the Portuguese word for "island of fire," though it is also linked to the stench of seabird droppings. Joe Batt's Arm, one of the island's largest communities, is named after either a crew member who deserted Captain James Cook's expedition or a man punished for stealing shoes in 1754. Tilting, another community on Fogo Island, is known for its Irish heritage, with accents reflecting the influence of 18th-century Irish immigrants. This unique cultural mix, along with its picturesque scenery, makes Fogo Island a special place to visit.
Fogo Island's natural attractions, such as hiking trails, whale watching, and iceberg sightings, complement its cultural offerings, which include music, dance, and festivals like the Partridge Berry Festival. The island has also become a destination for art and history lovers, with galleries and museums highlighting its rich history. Notably, Fogo Island is also a "corner" of the world for Flat Earth Society enthusiasts, who claim that Brimstone Head on the island marks one of the four corners of the planet.
Overall, Fogo Island's blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and quirky culture makes it an alluring destination for tourists and artists alike.