Fishing Stage of the Year Contest – 2003/2004
The Kittiwake Economic Development Corporation, the Kittiwake Coast Tourism Association and the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador launched the first Stage of the Year Contest in 2003/2004. It was held to find the fishing stage on the Kittiwake Coast (encompassing Charlottetown to Lewisporte) which best represents traditional design, heritage and beauty. The goals of the contest were to foster an appreciation for built heritage on the Kittiwake Coast and enhance its cultural tourism product.
The selection committee reviewed nearly three dozen nominations and awarded prizes to the owners of the top three stages, as well as two honourable mentions.
First Prize Alexander Kean's Room, Pound Cove
owner - Patrick Kean
The Kean stage was built in the early 1900s of boards salvaged from shipwrecks, a spar from an abandoned schooner, and hand-chopped wall joists, and was painted with red ochre and trimmed in white. The original wheel and anchor on the door didn't withstand the elements of nature and have been replaced with replicas.
Second Prize Jim White's Fishing Stage, Change Islands
owner - Bert White
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This two-storey stage has been in the White family for over a century. It has been well used and kept in excellent repair, and contains a splitting table and fish pounds, as well as woodworking and trap repair areas |
Third Prize Boyd Stage, Tizzard's Harbour
owner - David Boyd
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Before being used as a busy fishing stage, this was the first schoolhouse in Tizzard's Harbour. It was hauled to its present location in the 1940s for use in the fishery, but retains the schoolhouse style windows which are a clue to its origins. |
Honourable Mention Dart Brothers Stage, Exploits Island
owners - David and Julie Eveleigh
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This two-storey stage on Exploits Island was built around 1870-1880. It was first owned and used by the Dart family as a fish store on the bottom floor and a grub store and net loft on top. David and Julie Eveleigh restored it to its original beauty. |
Honourable Mention Lane Stage, Tilting
owner - Basil Lane
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This fishing stage was built in the 1890s, and has also been used as an impromptu slaughterhouse for sheep and cows. |
