Cyril Hutchings’ Store

Cyril Hutchings’ Store is located on the west coast of Newfoundland Island, just outside the boundaries of Gros Morne National Park.  This store, along with three others, applied for a Fisheries Heritage Preservation Program grant in late 2003 as a group project. 

Cyril Hutchings’ Store is one among just a few stores in the community of St. Paul’s, a seasonal village comprised of summer cabins and fisheries buildings lining the shore.  St. Paul’s has grown as a small fishing community where fishers move in the spring until September, prosecuting the local fishery during their stay.

Cyril Hutchings’ Store was built circa 1948 by John Charles Hutchings.  At that time it was the only two-storey fishing store in St. Paul’s.  It was reduced to a one-storey store in the 1970s with an added extension.  When John Charles retired from fishing his four sons continued to use the store for their fishing occupations.  The store was also used by two companies, Hopkins K. Ltd. and Dunphy Ltd., for the salt fish industry, and by fish buyers to weigh lobster catches.

Work required on the store included jacking up the foundation, installation of new siding, two windows, a door and repair of the bridge.  Cyril Hutchings said of the project, “This fish store was very hard to level up.  The workers had to level up this building and then put in a new foundation underneath.  But, with all the problems they encountered over the three weeks it took to restore (it), it turned out great.”

The results of all this hard work reveal a sturdy and attractive, mid-twentieth century fisheries building. It adds to the overall impact of the architecture of the coastline and is a source of pride for the Hutchings family.

Carl Pittman’s Store

Carl Pittman’s Store is located on the west coast of Newfoundland Island, just outside the boundaries of Gros Morne National Park.  This store, along with three others, applied for a Fisheries Heritage Preservation Program grant in late 2003 as a group project. 

Carl Pittman’s Store is one among just a few stores in the community of St. Paul’s, a seasonal village comprised of summer cabins and fisheries buildings lining the shore.  St. Paul’s has grown as a small fishing community where fishers move in the spring until September, prosecuting the local fishery during their stay.

Carl Pittman’s Store was constructed in 1943 by Norm Pittman and his son Carl, who is the present owner.  Built from local lumber this store was used for storing fishing gear and salting fish.  Today it is no longer being used for fisheries purposes, but continues to stand as a reminder of its time and purpose.

At the onset of the project this store was in need of many repairs.  All exterior siding was replaced, new studs installed, roof work included new felt and eaves and the building received a new door and two new windows.  There were no apparent problems with the restoration and the results show an attractive and historic fish store, amongst many others, along the St. Paul’s coastline.

Calvin Pittman’s Store

Calvin Pittman’s Store is located on the west coast of Newfoundland Island, just outside the boundaries of Gros Morne National Park.  This store, along with three others, applied for a Fisheries Heritage Preservation Program grant in late 2003 as a group project. 

Calvin Pittman’s Store is one among just a few stores in the community of St. Paul’s, a seasonal village comprised of summer cabins and fisheries buildings lining the shore.  St. Paul’s has grown as a small fishing community where fishers move in the spring until September, prosecuting the local fishery during their stay.

Calvin Pittman’s Store was built circa 1960 by William Pittman, who spent his entire life fishing from the community.  Upon his retirement from the fishery he passed the building down to his son, George.  George continued to use the store for salting and storing fish for the fisheries companies, and to weigh lobster catches.  Perhaps more importantly, the structure was a means of social expression where fishermen used to meet and socialize with others.  George spent time in the store with his brothers, who were also fishermen.  Today the store is owned by George’s son, Calvin who carries on the family tradition of fishing.

The store was in relatively good condition prior to restoration work commencement.  Repairs were minor and included the installation of new wooden siding, eaves, one new window, roofing felt and foundation work.  Pittman said of the project, “With the new siding and some minor repairs this fish store looks great.”

Indeed, Calvin Pittman’s Store adds greatly to the aesthetics of the community, revealing an historic icon on the St. Paul’s shore.  Restoration has prolonged the life of this building, which may continue to be used by the Pittman family.