Henry Combden Stage
In Barr’d Islands on Fogo Island the Henry Combden Stage is a family owned fishing stage dating to the early 1900s. Built by Henry Combden it continues to be used by his descendants to make fish, and for other fisheries related purposes. In the summer of 2006 the Combden’s applied to the Fisheries Heritage Preservation Program to “restore the building as it was originally”. At that time work was required to repair the roof and clapboard, to level and repair the cribbing foundation and paint the structure.
Throughout the summer and fall the present owner Frank Combden commenced work on the stage. This single storey, mid-pitch gable roof building was restored to its original condition and its beauty is revealed in the narrow wooden clapboard, plank doors and small, square wooden window. The white star motif is particularly noticeable on the water-facing red door. The building’s simple rectangular form expresses its utilitarian function, and the red color with white corner boards makes it an attractive and visible feature on the Barr’d Islands coastline.
The Combden’s efforts have resulted in a revitalized fisheries building that can once again be a source of pride for the family. They can relive memories of the family fishery and camaraderie that accompanied their work. “Many a good story was told around the splitting table as everyone worked away at the fish while being eaten away by the mosquitoes, or nippers, as we called them,” said Frank Combden. No doubt this tradition still lives on.
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Cobb Fish Stage/ Net Loft
The Cobb Fish Stage and Net Loft was built by the current owner's father, fisherman Horman Cobb, at Barr’d Islands, one of the oldest permanent settlements on Fogo Island, when he purchased a cod trap around 1955.
Nehemiah Cobb realized that he two storey stage/loft needed some new shores, clapboard, flashing, eaves, window glass, roofing, floor work and paint. The paint applied is in a neat, traditional red and white colour scheme. The fish silhouettes on the restored white doors are a variation on the commonly seen circles, known to some as hex marks.
Above: Cobb Fish Stage/ Net Loft after restoration, with fish on doors.
Below: Before and after restoration.
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Hewitt's Store and Twine Loft
Allan Hewitt’s Store is a two-storey, wooden, former dwelling-house which was moved to its present waterside location about 40 years ago for use as fisheries premises. Located in the picturesque community of Barr’d Islands this building and its associated twine loft are highly visible when approaching the community. Mr. Allan Hewitt applied for the Fisheries Heritage Preservation Program (FHPP) in May, 2007 with the goal of restoring his historic properties. The converted house was the first to be approved.
The Store, used by a neighbourhood of fishers, was in need of clapboard, replacement of windows and doors, roof repairs were needed and the foundation shores needed to be strengthened. A wonderful community effort ensued. At least 6 persons were committed to make the time and effort needed to complete the project. Said Hewitt, “People are impressed with how an ‘old’ store stands out along the shore and especially how it stands out when approaching the community.” He was equally impressed with the efforts of the younger people, saying, “The project was successful in rallying younger persons to the restoration. For them it became a goal worth striving towards and completing.”
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