HISTORY
TODAY IN THE HISTORY OF BELL ISLAND
by Gail Hussey-Weir
Created March 4, 2020 / Updated September 1, 2024
This page features brief notes on some significant dates in the history of Bell Island, with links to more information on my website. I am adding to this page on an ongoing basis, with items inserted in calendar date order.
Today in the History of Bell Island: On January 29, 1955, “the grand old sport of curling returned to Bell Island after a lapse of over a quarter century. On that date, the new Bell Island Curling Club was officially opened.” Below is a picture from the October 1954 Submarine Miner, of the beginning of construction of the curling rink at the old No. 2 Mine Hoist House. Read more about the history of the sport of curling on Bell Island on my website at https://www.historic-wabana.com/curling.html. 
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Today in the History of Bell Island: Valentine’s Day, February 14th. As early as 1937, Bell Islanders were celebrating Valentine’s Day. Back then, the Daily News reported that “the LOBA opened their new hall, Bastow Lodge, on Feb. 16 with a Valentine party. It was hoped to have Mrs. Wiseman, Worshipful Mistress of Newfoundland, open the lodge but ice blocking the Tickle prevented her from coming. It was opened by Mrs. S. Blackmore, Mistress of the lodge, in the presence of 200 people.”

School children in the 1950s exchanged Valentines that were often hand-made from scribbler paper and coloured with red crayons. When times were good, they bought “books” of Valentine cards that they would cut out and sign.

In 1958, the Submarine Miner reported that “Valentine dances and socials were held by the local welfare clubs. The Kiwanis and Lions Club held Ladies’ Night celebrations. The Canadian Legion and Wabana Boys’ Club held Valentine dances and those who attended the socials enjoyed the events very much.” Here is a sample of the store-bought Valentines of the 1950s.

The images below are typical of mid-20th-Century, mass-produced valentines.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: Shrove Tuesday / Pancake Day is the feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Growing up in the mining days on Bell Island, this was a special food day. Unlike today when pancakes are a breakfast treat any day of the year, in those times, they were only served on this day, and were a main meal. The religious custom was to prepare pancakes to use up all the fattening ingredients (eggs, fat and milk) in the house before Lent so that people were ready to fast, as Jesus did during his 40 days in the desert. Objects that were said to predict future occupations were placed in the pancake batter. A coin symbolized future wealth, a pencil stub meant you would be a teacher, a holy medal meant you would join the clergy, a nail meant you would become a carpenter (or marry one), a button meant you would become a tailor.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: On February 19, 1938, the Newfoundland Government approved the Avalon Telephone Company Act and, a few days later, that company purchased the Bell Island telephone system from DOSCO for $9,000. As part of the sale, Avalon Telephone agreed to maintain a special section of the switchboard for the needs of DOSCO, and to provide continuous 24-hour service, with a special operator for this section.​ Another connection to the mining company that was continued by Avalon Telephone was the activation of the fire alarm. The Bull Dog was the nickname for DOSCO's automated whistle that blew to signal the changing of the shifts in the mines, and also the mid-day meal hour. When there was a house fire, someone with access to a telephone would call an operator at the Avalon Telephone Company who would then activate a switch, causing the whistle to blow a certain number of times, depending on the area of the Island where the fire was located. In those pre-cell phone times, when many residents did not have land lines, volunteer fire-fighters would know in which direction to go by the number of blows of the whistle. Today, the Bull Dog is located at the Fire Station on West Mines Road and still announces the noon hour. You can read all about telephone service on Bell Island in the mining years on my website at https://www.historic-wabana.com/telephones.html. The photo below is of the Control Room of the Inter-plant Telephone Communications System to the underground and trans-island ore conveyor network. Jim Butt (standing) was keeping account of the movement of ore across the Island, while Control Room attendant, Hubert Crane, was on the radio-phone. Photo from the Submarine Miner​, June 1957, p. 8.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: In March 1905, the Scotia Company began driving the first slope beneath Conception Bay. This was Scotia’s No. 2 Mine (renamed No. 6 after 1922), which had gone underground in the land area in 1903. It would take 7 years driving the slope beneath the ocean before they could start mining their submarine holdings, about 6,000 feet from shore. The first photo below shows No. 6 Deck Head (viewed from the east) in 1910. The second shows No. 6 ore piles and machine shop (viewed from the west) in 1911; the Deck Head is mid-picture in background. The third photo is a close-up of No. 6 Deck Head (viewed from the west), c.1950s. Photos courtesy of A&SC, MUN Library, COLL-202, Lindsay.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: On March 4, 1899, the Messrs. Butler of Topsail sold their mining claims on Bell Island to the Nova Scotia Steel and Coal Company (the Scotia Company), who had been leasing them from the Butlers up to that point. The Scotia Company then sold part of their holdings (the lower bed) to the Dominion Coal Company of Cape Breton, which became Dominion Iron & Steel Company (DISCO), known locally as the Dominion Company. Scotia and Dominion then each built steel plants in Cape Breton beginning a great steel industry there and setting off a building boom on Bell Island. Wabana iron ore was their sole source of blast furnace ore until the 1950s. The photo below is of the 3 Butler brothers: Jabez Sr., 1835-1924; John (standing), 1845-1920; and Esau, 1837-1926. They were all born in Port de Grave to Susannah (Dawe), 1810-1901, and John Butler, 1806-1883. James Vey photo, perhaps taken following the sale of mining claims in 1899. To read all about the Messrs. Butler of Topsail, click on "People" in the top menu, then "Messrs. Butler of Topsail" in the drop-down menu.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: On March 5, 1943, the United Church School on the west side of Davidson Avenue burnt down. It accommodated 100 pupils and was located just south of the present-day Jackson United Church. (Pete Rees and Harold Bennett built a garage on the site in 1946. Tom Kelloway purchased the property in 1964 and converted part of it to an apartment building, now owned by Joseph Kelloway.) In 1945, Jackson Memorial School opened across the road. That building is still standing. The photo below is courtesy of Heather Lindsay. It is of the school that burned down on this date and was taken about 1926.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: March 10, 1952 was the first broadcast of the DOSCO News on CJON Radio. ​The story of DOSCO News, below, is from the April 1955 edition of the Submarine Miner, pp. 4-5.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: The St. Patrick's Night concerts, which were to be so popular an annual feature in later years, were inaugurated in St. Joseph's Hall on March 17, 1913 with 300 people present. A one-act play, "The Wearin' O' the Green," was staged. Over the years, the day was celebrated with concerts, dances and, in the 1950s and 60s, a cavalcade through the streets of cars decorated with balloons, ribbons and Irish symbols. For Roman Catholics, the day was a school holiday and a Holy Day of Obligation that would start with Mass, where most people would wear something green, such as a green tie, ribbons, or a bunch of shamrocks. The photo below left, courtesy of Tom Clarke, was taken in 1965 in front of Power's Supermarket, West Mines. The photo below right is of William Kent Senior's car c.1961 or 62, courtesy of his daughter, Marina Kent Coxe. Read more memories of St. Patrick's Day on Bell Island at https://www.historic-wabana.com/st-patricks-day.html.
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​Today in the History of Bell Island: On March 20, 1897, The Daily News reported that “20 horses from Bell Island were on George Street with loads of produce such as potatoes, turnips, cabbage, etc., which sold at reasonable prices. The finest potatoes which came to the city these months past came from Bell Island this morning.” The story went on to say that the Tickle had become blocked with ice in February and people crossed with horses to the mainland on the ice. And, yes, they are talking about “that” George Street that was the heart of the St. John’s business district; it was the “farmers’ market” of its day. I daresay there was a tavern or two there where the thirsty farmers could gain some sustenance after their long walk over the ice and in Portugal Cove Road to the downtown before having to turn around and do it again to get back home with supplies for their families. Below are two photos from Sonia Neary Harvey of her father, Tom Neary, crossing the Tickle on the ice with a convoy of horses pulling catamarans loaded with supplies in the late 1930s to early 1940s.
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​Today in the History of Bell Island: On March 29, 1913, The Bell Island Miner began publication as a weekly newspaper. William M. Dooley was the first Editor, followed about a year later by William J. English. When he died in 1917, his daughter Bessie B. English took over as Managing Editor and remained so until about 1940. The excerpt below is from the first issue and states the paper’s mandate. Read more about it on my website at https://www.historic-wabana.com/bell-island-miner...
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Today in the History of Bell Island: On March 31, we commemorate the Newfoundland Sealing Disasters of 1914 in which 251 men and boys died in 2 separate but simultaneous tragedies. Bell Islanders came together to support fund-raising efforts for families of those who were lost. The miners worked a shift on April 10th and contributed their wages for that day, totalling $3,138, to the Fund. The Syrian Society donated $100; the Happy Home Lodge and the Bell Island Steamship Company each donated $50, and the Catholic Cadet Corps donated $20. A performance of the play “Mavoureen” realized $31.50. As well, the Scotia and Dominion employees in Cape Breton raised $6,825 for the cause. Photo of memorial by Tom Clarke, whose grandfather, Henry Clarke, was a victim from the S.S. Southern Cross.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: April was a month of several firsts for Bell Island during the mining years. In 1931, Miss Jean Lilly of St. John’s opened the first ladies’ hair-dressing business on Bell Island, located in Walter Walsh’s barbershop on Bennett Street.

By April of 1940, 50 Newfoundland Constabulary, who had been on Bell Island guarding the iron mines against sabotage, were able to return to normal duties in St. John’s as enough Newfoundland Militia had been trained to take over for the duration of WWII.

As of April 1, 1949, Newfoundland was part of Canada and mothers started receiving monthly cheques of $6.00 (about $66.00 in 2021) for every child under 16 (as long as they stayed in school). This went a long way in helping feed and clothe large families, while dramatically changing attitudes about education and ensuring better futures for many. The news clipping below (from Mar. 14, 1962 Evening Telegram) shows Stanley & Myrtle Kitchen with 12 of their 13 children, all under age 16, just one of many large families who benefited from the Family Allowance, AKA, “Baby Bonus.” Mrs. Kitchen is quoted in the story as saying, "I used the Family Allowance to buy shoes and clothing for the children," 7 of whom were in school. "With Stanley working, we got along alright."
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[Mr. Kitchen had just been laid off along with 612 other miners following the closure of No. 4 Mine in January 1962. He was 44 and had been working in the mines for 25 years.]
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Today in the History of Bell Island: Easter is celebrated the first Sunday after the first full moon in spring (after March 21st), which can occur as early as March 22 and as late as April 25. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. It is a shop-closing holiday in Newfoundland. Easter, the day Christ rose from the dead, is the culmination of the Lenten season, which included such traditions as:
Finding a nickel in your pancake on Pancake Day, filling cardboard slots with precious dimes for church offerings and giving up chocolate bars for Lent, school holidays on Good Friday, chocolate eggs on Easter morning, and then walking to church sporting your new summer hat, coat and gloves, these are all fond Easter memories of our childhood on Bell Island.

Below are 4 happy children from those cherished times. The photo below left is courtesy of Bonnie Highmore Kyle, seen here with her cousin, Ruby, one Easter morning in the 1950s. Ruth Archibald provided the photo on the right of her and her brother, Jamie, c.1958. All are dressed head to toe in new spring outfits. To read more about how Easter was celebrated go to:
https://www.historic-wabana.com/easter.html
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Today in the History of Bell Island: On April 4, 1900, a sign of Bell Island’s growing importance in Newfoundland’s economy was the appointment of Peter Quigley as the community's first Preventive (Customs) Officer. 4 years later on this date in 1904, the St. John's Daily News said of Bell Island: No section of the Colony contributes anything like the proportion of wealth to the public treasury; in the face of which, their mail service is abominable, the roads are neglected, and the wharf conveniences necessary for the trade of the place are practically valueless. The August 1903 photo below shows what the wharf at The Beach looked like as people gathered for the first Bell Island regatta. Photo from an album held at the Bell Island Community Museum.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: St. George’s Day, April 23rd, commemorates the death date of the Patron Saint of England and several other European countries. It was an Anglican school holiday when I was a student in the 50s & 60s but, other than having the day off, I don’t recall any special celebration. The Daily News reported parades by Bell Island's Protestant organizations in the early 1930s. You can read more about it on my website by clicking the ​button below:
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​Today in the History of Bell Island: On April 28, 1913, Governor Davidson paid an official visit to Bell Island to open the new street that was named after him, Davidson Avenue, which provided a direct link between Court House Hill and Scotia Ridge. Up to that time, the only road connecting the Front of Bell Island to the busy mining and business/residential area at the Back of the Island was the one that went from Beach Hill in Main Street. The new avenue had been started 4 or 5 years earlier, when it was graded and drained, but not finished. In 1911, a petition to have it completed was presented to the House of Assembly. In July 1939, Davidson Avenue was one of the first roads on Bell Island to be paved when work was started on what was known as the Main Loop. The first section done was from the Mess Shacks to the War Memorial. Below is an early 1960s aerial view showing Davidson Avenue snaking along the left side of the photo past No. 3 Mine Yard (10 Commandments Range in the foreground is now considered part of Davidson Ave.), past the Salvation Army buildings, shops and Company houses of Scotia Ridge, past the line of Mess Shacks that became the Vera Perlin School, past Jackson Memorial School and Church, Rees' Garage and out to Mercer Street before starting up the hill to the War Memorial. Photo from the Southey photos. See them all by clicking on https://www.historic-wabana.com/southey.html.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: On May 20, 1956, in the early morning hours, the 3-storey Company Staff House on the East Track where it meets Church Road (opposite the Sports Field) burnt to the ground. 12 people, consisting of male boarders and female household staff, escaped without serious injury. One man, Aime Moquin, perished in the fire. On the right is the notice of his death from the Daily News, May 26, 1956, p. 10.
Below is his photo, courtesy of his  god-daughter, Sharon (O'Leary) Keels. 
Read more about Aime Moquin and the Staff House Fire by clicking the button below:
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Today in the History of Bell Island: On May 24th, 1898 (3 years after mining started), the growing importance of Bell Island in the economy of Newfoundland was recognized when the Government constituted our Island a "Port of Entry" for the Colony (of Newfoundland). Below is a photo of what our Port of Entry looked like in 1898. This was our first shipping pier which, at that time, was the Scotia Pier. A year later it would be sold to the Dominion Company and be forever after that known as Dominion Pier. Photo courtesy of A&SC, MUN Library, Acc. 11-148, Vey.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: On June 11, 1896, at the opening of the 1896 session of the House of Assembly and Legislative Council, the name of the Island was given as "Bell Island," the first time this spelling of the name was used in print. Up to that time, it had always been referred to in official government documents as Bell(e) Isle or Great Bell(e) Isle, the Great being used to distinguish it from what was then known as Little Bell(e) Isle. The first known document giving the name was the 1706 Census, which gave the population of "Great Bell Isle" as 85. The 1794-95 Census gave the population of "Bell Isle" as 87. A September 1814 "Report of the State and Condition of Belle Isle in Conception Bay" named 43 men and 2 women who had land enclosed and cultivated.

In his 1819 History of the Island of Newfoundland, Rev. Lewis Anspach wrote about Conception Bay's islands of "various sizes, the most remarkable of which is Bell-Isle, so called from a very remarkable rock, called the Bell, high, perpendicular, and cylindrical, standing almost close to its western side."

​For years after the 1896 use of the name "Bell Island," many people continued to refer to it as "Bell Isle," both in written text and in everyday speech.

You can read more interesting facts of Bell Island history on my website at https://www.historic-wabana.com/timeline-of-amenities-public-services--utilities.html
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The photo below, entitled "Bell Isle Beach," is from "William Grey, Sketches of Newfoundland and Labrador," 1858.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: On June 30, 1966, after 71 years, Dominion Wabana Mines ceased operations.

"DOSCO BOWS AT MIDNIGHT" was the headline of page 1 of the Evening Telegram, June 30, 1966. Here are some excerpts from Ray Guy's article: "For Bell Island, the long wait starts tomorrow...at least 500 Bell Island families will be waiting for news that could either mean a new lease on life for their town or could force them to tear up roots and leave their native island and province for good.
"Bell Island will not end with a bang when 'B' shift comes up for the last time from the submarine iron ore mines under Conception Bay at midnight and after 71 years DOSCO ceases operations. Most of the workers and their families will wait and for at least another month the suspense, heightened by the absence of the familiar daily work routine, will continue to mount. It will be the longest month of their lives.
"DOSCO's ownership of the Bell Island mines ceases at midnight today. Three shifts of underground workers will go down to the mines for the last time today. 'A' shift comes off at 4 p.m. today. 'B' shift is finished at midnight, and 'C' shift at 8 a.m. Friday. The final or 'C' shift may not even go down and, if they do, it will be little more than a formality. Nearly three-quarters of a century of activity will cease, a $70,000 weekly payroll will be cut off and 730 men will be unemployed.
"When the announcement was made two months ago that DOSCO was pulling out of Bell Island...more than 100 quit to look for jobs on the mainland of Canada...When the whistle blows for the last time tomorrow, another 100 workers will prepare for the long trek westward to the south of Ontario for jobs in other mining towns or in Toronto's plants and factories. The rest will wait. The ties of sentiment are strong, but the iron bonds of cold economics are even stronger."
Today in the History of Bell Island: On June 30, 1966, after 71 years, Dominion Wabana Mines ceased operations. On this date in 2016, I launched the website www.historic-wabana.com as a means of sharing some of the history that I have gathered over the years. I invite you to explore my website, where I am adding historical information and photos on an ongoing basis. Go to the website by clicking on www.historic-wabana.com. Once there, in the drop-down menu under HISTORY, you will find the history of the Wabana Mines; some Miners' Brass Numbers; Mining-related Fatalities; Company Housing photos; Monuments & Murals; a Timeline of Amenities; Women's Work & Social Life; and other aspects of Bell Island's history. Under PUBLICATIONS, you can see issues of the SUBMARINE MINER. Under PEOPLE, see stories of individual Bell Island people. Under EXTRAS, find a variety of entertaining stories. The PHOTO GALLERY features many historic photos, including the Southey collection of slides. Taken sometime between 1957 and 1963, they give a good idea of how Bell Island looked when the mines were at their peak. The Southey photo below is an aerial view looking north over No. 3 Mine Yard with No. 6 Mine Yard in the upper left distance. In the foreground are Scotia Company miners’ houses on Scotia Ridge. On the north side of the arena are 5 Scotia Company staff family houses on what was known as Wall Street (no longer there). The houses to the east of No. 3 Yard are Dominion Company miners’ houses on Ten Commandments Range and Dominion Range. The road going left to right just north of No. 3 Yard is West Mines Road, which becomes No. 2 Road after the intersection with Davidson Avenue at the NE corner of No. 3 Yard. The houses in the distance are on The Green. Gail Hussey-Weir
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Today in the History of Bell Island: On June 30, 1966, after 71 years, Dominion Wabana Mines ceased operations. Victor Southey was Resident Manager from 1957-1965. Following the shutdown by Hawker Siddeley, the last owner of the mines, Southey was part of DOSCO’s effort to persuade the Government of Newfoundland to take over the running of the mines, an effort which sadly failed. Three years later, the Canadian Mining & Metallurgical Bulletin published his paper entitled “History & Problems of the Wabana Submarine Iron Mines,” which I suspect he originally wrote as part of the attempt to keep the mines operating. The paper gives a good overview of the history of the mines, outlining the improvements to the operation over the years, and discusses the changes taking place in the steel-making industry, the discoveries of new iron ore deposits that were cheaper to mine, and the problems with the Wabana iron ore that eventually led to the closure of the mines. You can read it on my website by clicking on https://www.historic-wabana.com/victor-southey-article.html.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: Memorial Day was first observed in Newfoundland and Labrador on July 1, 1917 to remember those soldiers of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment who died during the Battle of the Somme of the First World War. Memorial Day was first observed on Bell Island in 1921. The Monument at the intersection of Davidson Avenue and Memorial Street was unveiled on June 15, 1921 in "a ceremony that was attended by thousands." Bell Island held its first Memorial Day ceremony on Saturday, July 2nd, 1921. "All denominations held church services, the returned soldiers and sailors attending their respective churches as well as the members of the Brigades. At noon, the parades met at the War Memorial where Capt. L.C. Murphy explained the significance of the occasion. Comrade N.G. Lodge, president of the GWVA, brought along a very fine wreath of laurel and natural leaves. It had been presented by Sir John C. Crosbie and artistically arranged by Miss Agnes Dwyer. The wreath was laid at the base of the monument on behalf of the people of the island by Magistrate Power, who gave an appropriate address." On Bell Island during the mining years, July 1st was not a statutory holiday; the service at the War Memorial was held on the Sunday following July 1st.

The photo below of Memorial Day on Bell Island c.1958 by Tom Careless is courtesy of his son, Dave Careless.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: July 1st is the day we commemorate the soldiers of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment who fought and died at the Battle of Beaumont Hamel in World War 1. The photo below is of some of the first Bell Island soldiers who volunteered to fight overseas in that war. Five of these boys & men would die on July 1, 1916 at Beaumont Hamel: Martin Cahill, Thomas Carroll, Robert Lahey, Michael Ross and George Sparkes. (Robert Kershaw would die in March 1918.) Three other Bell Islanders not shown in the photo would also die on July 1, 1916: Richard Flemming, Michael Jackman and Walter Thomas. (Walter actually died of his wounds on July 15th; he lay wounded and bleeding on the battle field for three long days before he was found and taken to hospital.) Lest we forget. You can read more about Bell Island’s involvement in World War 1 on my website at https://www.historic-wabana.com/world-war-i.html
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Today in the History of Bell Island: July 3, 1896 was the first time Wabana iron ore was shipped to the United States. The photo below is a c.1895 photo of the first pier at Bell Island, constructed by the Scotia Company in 1895 and located just west of The Beach in the location now known as "Dominion Pier." It was a rudimentary structure, consisting of a box-like tower erected in the water 300 feet from the cliff. It was connected to the land at the top by a swaying suspension bridge, which was 11 feet wide, carrying a set of tracks over which cars of ore were conveyed by cables. In this picture, there is an ore boat docked at the pier for loading. The man standing in the foreground may be Robert E. Chambers, who supervised the building of the pier and managed the operations for the Scotia Company in its early years on Bell Island. This image appeared in an uncredited article entitled "Bell Island" in the first edition of The Newfoundland Quarterly, July 1901. The photograph may have been taken by James Vey, a St. John's photographer who visited Bell Island in late December 1895 shortly after the pier was completed to take photos of the operation at the request of the Scotia Company. ​
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Today in the History of Bell Island: Orangemen's Day, July 12th, a provincial holiday in Newfoundland & Labrador on the Monday closest to July 12th. For many years on Bell Island, two branches of the Loyal Orange Association (one in Lance Cove & one representing the area now known as "Wabana") would hold parades featuring someone dressed as "King Billy" leading the parade on a white horse, suitably decorated for the occasion. You can read more about the LOA on my website at https://www.historic-wabana.com/loyal-orange-association.html. Read more about Calendar Customs in the drop-down menu under "Extras." The Orange Hall was last listed in the Telephone Directory in 1978. Does anyone recall when either or both of these two branches of the LOA ceased to exist?
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​Today in the History of Bell Island: July 20, 1895 was the day mining operations actually got underway at Wabana. At the time, it was reported that supplies were arriving at St. John’s for the mine, including two horses for the surface pits. A large quantity of dressed lumber for the construction of buildings was sent out by train to Kelligrews and ferried across to the Island. Work on the building of the pier and tramway was going ahead. By August, 160 miners were employed and their pay was one dollar for a 10-hour day. The photo below shows some of those early miners. It is entitled "West Mines, Scotia Company" from a 1902-03 album at the Bell Island Community Museum.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: On August 4, 1892, Jabez Butler, Sr. of Topsail paid $60.00 to file 3 applications with the Surveyor General’s Office in St. John’s for licenses to search for minerals on the north side of Bell Isle, Conception Bay. He was the leader of 6 partners who came to be known at the Messrs. Butler of Topsail. Below are photos of the Surveyor General’s receipt for their claims and of the accompanying crude drawing of the area claimed (source: the Butler Family Papers at the Rooms Provincial Archives). The only landmark noted is “Ochre Cove,” so their claims took in much of the land area that would later prove to contain iron ore. It seems obvious from this 1892 drawing that the land was already scarred from previous mining, and also from their correspondence, two years before the Scotia Company got involved, in which they refer to it as “the mine.” You can read all about the Butler family of Topsail and their efforts to bring the riches of Bell Island to the attention of the world on my website at https://www.historic-wabana.com/the-messrs-butler-of-topsail1.html
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Today in the History of Bell Island: Sports Day, August 15, 1958. For a time, at least in the 1950s-1960s, Bell Island had two sports days. The A.A.U. of C. (Amateur Athletic Union of Canada) Sports Day in August, and the Labour Day Sports in September.​

The photos below of the August 15, 1958 Sports Day are from the September 1958 issue of the Submarine Miner.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: On August 20, 1998, ​the first transatlantic flight of an unmanned aircraft, the Aerosonde "Laima," was launched successfully from the Bell Island air strip. 26 hours and 45 minutes later, the 13.5 kilogram robotic plane landed safely in a field on South Uist Island in the Scottish Hebrides after a flight of 3,289.5 kilometres. The Aerosondes are designed to collect weather data over the ocean, where there are no weather stations. You can see a video of the launch and landing at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSVjJjOK-4Y. You can read more about it at https://www.museumofflight.org/aircraft/insitu-areosonde-laima. The newspaper clipping below is from the Evening Telegram​, Aug. 22, 1998, p. 3.
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​Today in the History of Bell Island: On August 24, 1896, only 8 months after the first shipment of iron ore, Bell Island had its first miners' strike. 180 men struck for 12 cents an hour, 2 cents more than the 10 cents they were getting at the time. They were pacified by the promise that their grievances would be brought to the Company's attention. They returned to work after a few days at the old rate, but the raise never came through. In August 1899, a writer from St. John's was hitching a ride from the Pier to the mines in an empty ore car when he noticed that someone had scratched on the side of the car, "I am killing myself for 10c an hour." The photo of surface mining below is from the MUN Maritime History Archive, Job Coll. PF-315.112.
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​Today in the History of Bell Island: Coal Delivery. Not so much a specific day, but a memorable one just the same when it happened every year near the end of summer, that was the day a dump truck would back into the yard and dump 4 tons of coal, our winter supply. Because the Wabana Mines were part of the giant DOSCO corporation, and DOSCO owned coal mines in Cape Breton, when ore boats came to Bell Island from there to collect iron ore to take back to the steel mill, they would bring coal for local use. The coal was relatively inexpensive and was the main source of stove and furnace fuel on Bell Island from the beginning of mining in 1895 until the mines closed in 1966. Fun fact from page 2 of the February 1955 Submarine Miner: “approximately twenty-one thousand tons of coal was consumed annually on Bell Island.” You can read all the issues of the Submarine Miner, which are full of history and genealogical information, on my website at https://www.historic-wabana.com/. Under “Publications” in the top menu, scroll down to “Submarine Miner” in the drop-down menu, then select an issue in the off-shoot menu. The photo below is from the May 1959 issue. It shows a loading tower being toppled at Dominion Pier to make way for coal discharging facilities.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: the Town of Wabana was incorporated on August 29, 1950. Its boundary was drawn along the line of brooks, going south to Main Brook, and took in all the area around the mines, which included the bulk of the Island’s population. A year or two later, the boundary was extended, on petition, to include the Mercer Street-Memorial Street area. As of 1957, the main services provided by the Council were garbage and waste removal, road maintenance, including snow removal, street lighting, and fire protection. The Council also employed a full-time police officer. The provision of a municipal water supply and sewerage system was one of the main concerns. Before the incorporation of the municipality, no form of local government existed. There were only a few local road boards to deal with the maintenance of certain roads. Read more history of Bell Island’s municipal government at https://www.historic-wabana.com/municipal-government.html. The newspaper clipping below is from the Daily News, Dec. 31, 1959. It shows the first Wabana Town Council Office located in the former DOSCO Survey Office, which is still standing on Town Square where it meets No. 2 Road.
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​Today in the History of Bell Island: On September 1, 1940, Bell Island's first lighthouse went into operation. The photo below shows the first version of the lighthouse under construction in 1940. Photo courtesy of Colin Hann. You can read all about it and see more photos on this website by clicking the button on the right>>>
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Today in the History of Bell Island: September 4, 1894 was the date of the first mention of mining on Bell Island in the St. John's Daily News. The story said that 3 gentlemen from Nova Scotia, mining engineer R.E. Chambers; Vice-President of the New Glasgow Iron, Coal & Railway Company G. Frazer; and H. Swinehanneur, arrived at St. John’s aboard the steamer Portia. A week later, it was reported that they were on Bell Island locating the exact landing place of a line of railway and laying plans generally. The actual mining started on July 20, 1895. It was at that time that Thomas Cantley gave the operation the name Wabana. The map below shows the 1912 sphere of operations of what was by then called the Nova Scotia Steel & Coal Company, including the route from Bell Island to Cape Breton taken by the ore ships. You can read more history of the Wabana mines at https://www.historic-wabana.com/mining-history.html.
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​Today in the History of Bell Island: September 5, 1942, German U‑boat 513 torpedoed 2 loaded ore carriers anchored off Lance Cove. About noon on that day, the S.S. Saganaga was the first ship to be sunk. Realizing their danger, the crew of the nearby Lord Strathcona abandoned ship and went to help the Saganaga survivors. In the confusion, the Lord Strathcona swung about, hitting the submarine’s conning tower. The U‑boat recovered quickly and sank the Lord Strathcona. There were no casualties from that ship, but 29 of the Saganaga crew died; they were mostly from the United Kingdom. Only 4 bodies were recovered. They were laid out at the police station, where residents came to pay their respects, and were buried at the Anglican cemetery. You can read more about this on my website at https://www.historic-wabana.com/u-boat-attacks.html. The photo is of Joe Dwyer's painting of "Sinking the Saganaga" with the Lord Strathcona that is about to be sunk.
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​Today in the History of Bell Island: September 5, 1942, German U-Boat 513 torpedoed 2 ore carriers anchored off Lance Cove. A young Scotsman, Ratcliffe Winn, was Third Officer on the SS Saganaga, and had enjoyed a relaxing morning in a small boat jigging cod with one of his mates. Just before noon, they were off-loading their catch onto the ore ship when the first torpedo hit, then a second, and he soon found himself under water, fighting for his life. He was rescued by Customs Officers, William J. Power, Cyril J. Butler and Hugh Marry, the first 2 of whom are seen with him in the Evening Telegram photo below, when he returned to Bell Island 18 years later. Local news correspondent, George Toope, interviewed Winn for his amazing first-hand account of this tragic event, which you can read on my website at https://www.historic-wabana.com/ratcliffe-winns-story.html
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Today in the History of Bell Island: Labour Day, the first Monday in September. Labour Day has been a statutory holiday in Canada since 1894. We were not part of Canada then, of course, but some industrialized towns in Newfoundland began celebrating Labour Day early in the 20th Century. Grand Falls held its first Labour Day parade in 1918. From 1920 onward, parades were held in some towns the last Monday of July. At some point, the holiday in Newfoundland was moved to the first Monday in September to align with the Canadian tradition. For Bell Island, the move may have been spurred by the forming of the Wabana Mine Workers' Union in 1941.

In my research of the holiday on Bell Island, the first mention I have found of it in the media is in a September 9, 1942 item in the Daily News that came from the local weekly paper, The Bell Islander, which read, "Prior to Labour Day celebrations, a special appeal was made to all Union members by the Secretary-Treasurer, G.J. Robbins, on behalf of the Executive for all men to turn out for work on Thursday after Sports Day." 

​Below is the earliest photograph I have found that is specifically identified as being of the Bell Island Labour Day Parade. It is of the Safety Committee's Float in the 1947 Labour Day Parade. ​Written on the back of the photo was, "snap of float - parade on Bell Island 1947."  Gordon (Rocky) Highmore is standing at the cab door. Information from Charlie Bown, 1990. Photo courtesy of A&SC, MUN Library: Coll-202, #1.08.001.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: On September 13, 1900, the first Magistrate's Court Session was held on Bell Island by Dr. Freebairn, J.P., in the Roman Catholic Schoolhouse. The schoolhouse was located on what would later become known as Court House Hill as that was where the Island's first court house was then being erected). 7 civil cases were heard in that first session and "Court" was held every Thursday thereafter. The Court House, pictured below with the Constable's Residence just east of it, was completed in 1901. Read more about it on this website at https://www.historic-wabana.com/government-buildings.html.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: September 1930 was when stop signs were first erected at intersections on Bell Island. We went from only 3 motor cars in 1922 to 56 cars, 9 trucks and one motorcycle in 1929. In 1927, the driving test consisted of the successful completion of a figure 8. Until the Maneco went into service July 1, 1931, local ferries were not fitted for taking cars except as freight, for which the one-way fee was $10 (about $150. In today’s money). The Maneco was built for the Bell Island Steamship Company and equipped to carry 5 vehicles. You can read more of the fascinating history of Motorized Vehicles on my website at https://www.historic-wabana.com/motorized-vehicles.html. Read a history of the Ferries at https://www.historic-wabana.com/ferries--the-tickle.html.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: On September 18, 1917, the first 4 Sisters of Mercy arrived on Bell Island to conduct classes for 100 students. St. Edward’s School opened on September 24th and was the first Roman Catholic convent school on the Island; it was located in St. Joseph’s Hall at The Front. The “new” St. Edward’s Academy was under construction in the summer of 1929; it was the first two-storey school in the Parish and was located on what is now Memorial Street, opposite St. Edward's Convent. It closed in December 1985 when the new St. Michael’s High School opened, and was demolished shortly after that. The Sisters of Mercy were down to 5 members in 1986 and 4 in June 1990 when they relinquished the principalship of St. Michael’s High School. They continued their work on the Island until the last Sister left in February 2020. The photo below of St. Edward's c.1980 is courtesy of Tom Clarke.

The photo below was probably from the cover of a 1950s school yearbook. Image courtesy of Walter Taplin.
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​Today in the History of Bell Island: On September 20, 1900, the Frost Stock Theatrical Company opened a week's engagement at St. Joseph's Hall. This was the first dramatic troupe to visit Bell Island. 
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Today in the History of Bell Island: On September 22, 1956, Monsignor George Bartlett died. 
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Today in the History of Bell Island: On September 22, 1958, Bell Island's telephone system was changed over to a dial system. Before this date, very few households had a telephone, and if you did have one, you had to speak to a telephone operator to get connected to the number you wanted to reach. Soon after the new system was installed, there were approximately 1,100 telephones in use on Bell Island. Below is a photo of the Avalon Telephone building on Main Street, with the Manager's residence to the north of it. Immediately north of the residence was the Loyal Orange Lodge building, which is still standing in 2022. To read a history of telephone service on Bell Island, click "Telephone Service" in the drop-down menu under "History" in the menu at the top of this page.
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​Today in the History of Bell Island: On September 24, 1917, St. Edward's School, the first convent school on Bell Island, opened. (See description and photos above for September 17, 1917.)
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​Today in the History of Bell Island: On September 24, 1920, Archbishop Roche opened the new Immaculate Conception School at "The Mines" (Town Square), under the direction of The Sisters of Mercy. Classes began on October 11th. This was a 4-room school at that time. The photo below of the school and Convent c. 1927 is courtesy of Bill Cantwell. 
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​Today in the History of Bell Island: On September 25, 1909, St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church was opened “at the Mines,” ie. on The Green, “for the convenience of the miners.” Up until then, the only RC Church was St. Michael’s at The Front on the site now occupied by St. Michael’s High School. St. Peter’s was replaced in May 1938 when the Roman Catholic “basement” church of St. James was opened on Town Square. Both the church and church hall next door are believed to have burned to the ground in the late 1940s. ​
Also on this day in 1930, electricity was switched on in Lance Cove for the first time. You can read about many other “firsts” for Bell Island on my website at https://www.historic-wabana.com/timeline-of-amenities-public-services--utilities.html. I am adding to that site as information is found.

​Below is a picture of St. Peter’s Church, courtesy of Gord Johnson Gord-Angela Johnson. St. Peter's RC Hall is seen to the west of it. The photo was published in the October 1913 issue of Newfoundland Quarterly, p. 5, in an article by Archbishop Michael Francis Howley on "Newfoundland Name-Lore." The caption beneath the photo reads, "His Grace the Archbishop at the School House at Wabana, Bell Island." [The picture is of the church; perhaps he had visited the school house, which was probably near by.]
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​Today in the History of Bell Island: October was the time of year when we children of mid-20th century Bell Island would hear the warning: "The Woman in White is out tonight!" There have been many theories about this legend. In the Oct. 4th, 1961 edition of the Wabana Star, editor Ralph Ryan pondered a few of them. Thank you to John Gauci for generously donating the issue.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: In October 1961, St. Boniface Anglican Church was torn down. It stood in what is now known as St. Boniface Anglican Cemetery at the Front. This piece is also from the Oct. 4th, 1961 issue of the Wabana Star. To read more from that issue, click the button on the right. I will be adding pages as time allows. ​
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Today in the History of Bell Island: On October 12, 1931, work was started on the building of the Sports Field. DOSCO donated the land which was just south of its Main Office. The Daily News reported that "by an outstanding example of community cooperation, it was transformed into the modern athletic grounds which are the pride of Bell Island." This was during the early years of the Great Depression and the mines were on shut-down, not due to reopen until Nov. 5th, so 1736 out-of-work men volunteered their labour. The Company supplied picks, shovels, dynamite, horses and expertise. Sods were laid a year later. A grandstand and dressing rooms were built in 1934, by which time 8 football teams and 3 baseball teams were using the field. The first A.A.A. Sports took place Sept. 2, 1936, at which time 700 visitors came from St. John's and 2,500 local residents attended the events. "The grounds were gaily decorated and spectators were standing five deep outside the rails, while the grandstand seating 600 was filled to overflowing." It was the first time that championship sports were held outside St. John's, and the first time that Newfoundland athletes ran on a regulation cinder track measuring 1/4 mile (440 yards). Previously they had used a turf surface for the racing events. The source of the cinders was the Power Plant at Dominion Pier. Below is a page from the August 1957 Submarine Miner ​with photos of that year's track and field events and some history of former great Bell Island athletes.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: October 14, 1942, the S.S. Caribou was sunk by German submarine U-69 as she carried passengers, both civilian and military, from North Sydney to Port aux Basques. 136 people were lost. At least five passengers on the Caribou that fateful night had some connection to Bell Island, one of whom survived and four who died. Read their stories at this link: https://www.historic-wabana.com/caribou-sinking-bell....
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Today in the History of Bell Island: On October 15, 1925, Charles Cohen opened business on Town Square in premises previously occupied by William Cahill. (Source: Bown, 1925, p. 12.) In October 1959, the store celebrated its 34th anniversary, with the following item appearing in the local newspaper: 

COHEN PAYS TRIBUTE TO EMPLOYEES. Mr. Bob Cohen, manager of the Charles Cohen and Son enterprise here, said yesterday that the 10 personally-selected female employees of the big Cohen store are "among the very best to be found anywhere." Paying tribute to them on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the Charles Cohen firm, Mr. Cohen said the employees are equipped by intelligence and training to show the shopping public every courtesy and service. He said he was "quite pleased" with the employees setup as far as the store was concerned.

In the c.1960 photo below, the Charles Cohen store is on the right-hand side. (Source: A&SC MUN Library: James Carew 92-022.)
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Today in the History of Bell Island: On October 21, 1923, the “new” Roman Catholic Cemetery was formally consecrated by his Grace, Archbishop Roche. The R.C. Parish had set up a committee in May 1922 “for the enlargement and improvement of the cemetery for which a piece of ground had just been acquired." Magistrate Power was chairman of the 15-member committee. “1 ½ acres of ground had been purchased for the extension of the cemetery.” This aerial view, taken in recent years, showing the RC Cemetery immediately west of The Beach, is courtesy of Owen Kelly. The Kelly farm, dating to the early 1800s, was just west of the cemetery. ​
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Today in the History of Bell Island: Happy Hallowe’en, Everyone! Have you ever wondered how Hallowe’en was celebrated on Bell Island in the olden days? Old timers like the late Ned Kent and Pat Mansfield, among others, tell you all about it on my website at https://www.historic-wabana.com/halloween.html. Below are images of Hallowe'en masks from the backs of cereal boxes in the late 1950s.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: On November 2, 1942 at 3:30 a.m., German submarine U-518 sank 2 ore carriers in the Tickle off Bell Island. 12 men died on the PLM 27and 24 died on the S.S. Rose Castle. 2 young Bell Islanders died on the Rose Castle. James Fillier, 22, boarded the ship the previous evening to work as a fireman. Able Seaman Henry C. King, 26, had been living in St. John’s, but was born on Bell Island. You can read more about them on the People page of my website at https://www.historic-wabana.com/. Click “People” in the top menu, then select “K” or “F” in the drop-down menu. A third Bell Island boy, Frank Rees, who was only 16, miraculously survived not only the attack on the Rose Castle, but also the sinking of the S.S. Lord Strathcona on Sept. 5th. On the People page, select “R” to read his amazing story. You can read about both U-Boat attacks at https://www.historic-wabana.com/u-boat-attacks.html. Joe Dwyer’s painting depicting the November 2nd sinkings hangs in the Bell Island Community Museum. Thanks to Teresita McCarthy for the photo.
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​Today in the History of Bell Island: November 5th is Bonfire Night. During the mining years on Bell Island, when there were large numbers of young people, Bonfire Night was an eagerly-anticipated annual event. Every area of the Island would have its own bonfire that was close enough to get to on foot. As the days grew shorter in the Fall, boys would take advantage of the early evening hours to start collecting sticks, tires and anything else that wasn’t nailed down. When Hallowe’en rose in popularity in the 1950s, that night became a free-for-all, as some would take advantage of the occasion to grab things from backyards of houses where they’d just received their treats! You can read memories of Bonfire Night on Bell Island on my website at https://www.historic-wabana.com/bonfire-night.html
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​Today in the History of Bell Island: on November 10, 1940, 23 people, mostly commuting miners or family members of miners, were lost when two small passenger ferries, the W. Garland and the Little Golden Dawn, collided in The Tickle. You can read the story on my website at https://www.historic-wabana.com/tragedy-in-the-tickle-1940.html. You can see more photos and close-ups of the monument to the victims at https://www.historic-wabana.com/monuments--murals.html​. Scroll down that page until you come to it.
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​Today in the History of Bell Island: November 11th Remembrance Day. Today we remember those Bell Islanders who served in WWI, WWII, the Korean Conflict and other wars. Earlier in the year, I asked for names and photos of those who served in WWII. Thanks to your submissions, I now have a page started on my website with about 85 names, many with photos. I know there are a lot more; at least 240 had enlisted by the end of 1941. I am working through Herb Wells’ books and will be adding information and photos from there. Have a look at the website and let me know if you see errors or omissions: https://www.historic-wabana.com/ww2-veterans.html. If you have photos or more information, please get in touch, either by posting here or via email at [email protected]. Lest we forget.
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​Today in the History of Bell Island: On November 17, 1930, the first “talking picture” was seen and heard at the Gaiety Theatre. “The Gaiety” as it became known, was part of the Roman Catholic St. Peter’s church hall that was built in 1908 on The Green. It was first mentioned in the Daily News in early Fall 1908 when “the famous St. John’s poet and playwright, Johnny Burke, leased the new R.C. Hall at the Mines from Rev. Fr. McGrath to bring over a vaudeville troupe.” In 1907, Newfoundland’s first moving picture house, the Nickel Theatre, opened in St. John’s. A year later in Fall 1908, “moving pictures were being shown at St. Pete’s Hall and were said to be attracting large audiences.” (St. Peter's Church was opened next door in 1909. See Sept. 9, 1909 above for more on St. Peter's Church.) When “talkies” were installed at the Gaiety Theatre in 1930, it was the first outside St. John’s to change over from silent movies to sound pictures. Both the church and church hall are believed to have burned to the ground in the late 1940s. The photo below is courtesy of Clayton Basha, whose father, George Basha, sold copies at his grocery business on Town Square.
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​Today in the History of Bell Island: On November 18, 1900, the first telegraph message was sent from Bell Island to the local mainland. The need for better communication between the Island and St. John’s was highlighted that summer when miners went on strike after the Dominion Company tried to reduce the number of men loading ore cars. There were threats of violence when longshoremen were brought from St. John’s to load an ore boat, and police had to be summoned from St. John’s twice before the strike ended. At that time, telegraph messages were taken by boat to Kelligrews where they were relayed to St. John’s, and vice versa. When the strike ended, the Dominion Company pressed for a telegraph cable from Portugal Cove to Bell Island so as to ensure quick and constant communication with the local mainland. The photo below of miners arriving at the Beach on a Sunday evening c.1930 shows the small open boats that were commonly used for many years to cross the Tickle. Photo courtesy of A&SC, MUN Library, COLL-202: 1.12.030.
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​Today in the History of Bell Island: November 22, 1897 saw the first trans-Atlantic shipment of Wabana iron ore when the S.S. Glenmavis set sail for Rotterdam with 2,700 tons. The next day, November 23, 1897, the Alaska sailed for Glasgow, Scotland, with 2,600 tons. These were in the nature of trial shipments to a new market that was opening up across the Atlantic. Wabana had a long history of shipping ore to Rotterdam as the photo on the right from the November 1956 Submarine Miner,​ p. 8, shows. The naming in the photo is a little confusing, so I will start from the left and go to the right naming them: Capt. de Heer is standing on the left addressing the others. Dr. Walter Templeman is seated next to him. E.J. Murphy is seated next. Charles Belbin is standing, then V.J. Southey seated. Chief Engineer J. Tromp is standing on the right closest to the camera.
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​Today in the History of Bell Island: November 29, 1931. On this day, St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church on Main Street was consecrated. In 2012, that church building was deconsecrated, along with St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Lance Cove. In 2014, they were replaced by one building, the Church of St. Cyprian and St. Mary, located on the site of the former St. Cyprian’s.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: On December 8, 1918, the Conception Council No. 1930 Knights of Columbus was formally instituted. You can read some of its history on my website at https://www.historic-wabana.com/knights-of-columbus.html. The photo below is believed to be of St. Michael's Parish Knights of Columbus church ushers c.1954. L-R: Bill Jardine, Ed Power (behind Bill), Wm. Murphy (back), Pat Kelly (front), Jim Ezekiel (back), Elias Basha (front), Doug Perry (back), either Bernie Downey or Jim Power (front), Wm. Somerton (back), Jacob McLean (front), Mike Boland (back), Ed Russell (front). Photo by Charles Ruggles, probably at the official opening of Immaculate Conception Church on Town Square. Photo and names courtesy of Lew Kelloway.
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​Today in the History of Bell Island: On December 10, 1913, the new Tramway that would take passengers from The Beach up to what is now Memorial Street began operation. This happened to be on the same day that Clift Masonic Lodge was instituted. Members of the Masonic Order from St. John’s who came to Bell Island for the special occasion were among the first passengers to travel on the new Beach Tramway. I have started a page on my website for both these subjects. You can read the history of the Beach Tramway and see photos at https://www.historic-wabana.com/beach-tramway.html. To read about Clift Masonic Lodge, go to https://www.historic-wabana.com/clift-masonic-lodge.html.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: On December 10, 1928, Wabana Light and Power Company held its first annual meeting. It had extended electrical power lines to The Green, Scotia No. 1 and The Front. A 500-gallon gasoline tank had been installed at its gas station. (This was Bell Island's first gasoline tank.) Electric power was to be extended to Lance Cove and the East End in 1929 and preparations were being made for street lighting. (The large turbo-electric power plant had gone into operation at the Dominion Pier in September 1923. Each of the two shipping piers had their own power plant for supplying their own mining company's needs. See photo of the Dominion Power Plant below.) To read more about Electric Power on Bell Island, click the button on the right>>>





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Today in the History of Bell Island: On December 10, 1963, the first St. Augustine's school was totally destroyed by a fire that broke out at 11:30 that night. In 1963, there were over 600 Grade 1 to Grade 8 students in 20 classrooms. There was a large auditorium-gymnasium, a music room and a specially-equipped remedial teaching room. The 22 teachers included a music teacher and reading specialist. Following the fire, the students were accommodated in six different buildings around Bell Island, where they saw out that school year and the first half of the next. You can read more about the fire by clicking the button on the right >>>




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​Today in the History of Bell Island: On December 15, 1941, the Royal Canadian Air Force officially opened Torbay Airport (now called St. John’s International Airport). The airport was constructed during WWII at the urging of Newfoundland's Defence Commissioner Sir Edward Emerson "to protect Bell Island from raids by German warplanes." At that time, 30% of the iron produced in Canada was smelted at Sydney, NS, from ore obtained from the Wabana Mines, Bell Island. Canada was concerned because it needed the iron ore. Newfoundland (which was not then part of Canada) was concerned because of the employment Wabana Mines provided to Newfoundlanders and the revenue it provided the government. The airport was officially opened on this day in 1941, at which time it served as a landing field for military aircraft. (Source: Evening Telegram, Nov. 3, 1991). The photo below of the terminal at Torbay Airport in 1954 was taken by Allen Squires and is from the DAI Collection MUN Library.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: On December 17, 1963, fire on Town Square destroyed Lawton’s Drug Store, Mercer’s Snack Bar, the supermarket building formerly occupied by Bowring's and several utility buildings. Another fire that day completely destroyed a repair garage and two cars at West Mines, and one week previously, on December 10th, St. Augustine’s elementary school was gutted. The day before that fire, the site of the new Bell Island hospital was also the scene of a fire that destroyed a gasoline-operated steam boiler and its housing, delaying construction. The left-hand side of the photo below shows the buildings destroyed in the December 17, 1963 fire. Lawton's Drug Store was the yellow building with green trim mid-picture. It also contained the Eaton's Order Office and a barbour shop. Next going up hill was Mercer's Snack Bar, then the Agnew-Surpass shoe store that housed the Bowring's Supermarket in 1963.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: On December 20, 1985, St. Michael's High School opened on the site of the former St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. St. Edward's Academy (across the street) closed at that time and was demolished shortly afterwards. The photo below of St. Michael's High School was taken by Gail Hussey-Weir in 2020.
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Today in the History of Bell Island: On Dec. 31, 1965, the dance floor was full at the Legion, as can be seen from these 2 photos from the Tom Careless collection, courtesy of his son, Dave.