Updates

A CBC profile describes Fogo Island.

A July 20, 2013 Globe and Mail article updates the story.

An Oct. 4, 2013 Globe and Mail article is entitled: “Canada’s new architecture school: Inspired by nature to fuel a northern spirit.”

A Nov. 17, 2022 CBC article is entitled: “Frustrated Fogo Island residents push for new financial institution to set up shop: Island has not had a bank since Scotiabank closed its branch in August.”

[End of updates]

Jeff Hollett of Yellowknife, who is originally from Newfoundland, has shared the following comments regarding a previous post about Fogo Island, Newfoundland:

“Yes, there’s some pretty amazing things happening on Fogo. Much of it is funded by one lady from there who made a fortune in business and recently moved back. She is committed to making Fogo a centre for the arts.

“The behind-the-scenes story about what is happening is mixed with some in favour of the changes and developments, and others against the big changes that are in the works. You can’t have big change without mixed feelings.”

[Jeff Hollett referred to the story as told on W5 on CTV; the link to the story is no longer active.]

“You may have seen this clip? It’s all about the arts development led by Zita Cobb — the wealthy lady who recently returned to Fogo and is behind most of the art/tourism developments.”

“I read the story on your website,” Jeff Hollett adds. “Coincidentally, the church I attended as a boy in Blackhead (population about 80) is up for sale right now.”

Properties in this area — along the coast about 90 km from St. John’s — are becoming popular, says Jeff. Many properties border the ocean and the area is known for its rugged beauty.

Karen Hollett of Yellowknife, author of the children’s book Hooray for Aiden, a book that I’m looking forward to reading to a grade 4/5 class in Toronto, is from Joe Batt’s Arm on Fogo Island, off the northeast Coast of Newfoundland.

“My father was an inshore fisherman there … lots of fond memories of ‘helping’ him fish as a young girl.”

“BTW,” adds Jeff, “Karen was recently speaking with a sister and learned that Zita’s big new hotel is right in Joe Batt’s Arm, where Karen’s from.”

Jeff Hollett shares his Blackhead photo album from Facebook

I’m pleased to share the following link from Jeff Hollett featuring photos from the 1940s and 1950s featuring Blackhead, Newfoundland.

Jeff comments that the photos in the Facebook album are of his Mother and Father, and of his Grandparents on his Dad’s side.

“My Grandmother, in these pics, is still doing well at 95.”

Jeff adds that his own generation swam there all summer long as kids in the 1970s and early 1980s, and kids still swim there today.

Children swimming in the ocean in Blackhead, Newfoundland, 1940s or 1950s

“Living in outport NL, everyone swims in natural brooks, ponds, or the ocean (though the latter is bitterly cold).”

With regard to the photo of a Christmas scene, Jeff comments: “That’s my Father and his Grandmother. Must be late 1950s or early 1960s. That chair is still at the house, which is now up for sale.”

With regard to the photo of father and child, Jeff has added these details: “The toddler in the pic is my Father (just turned 70) who was the elementary school principal for 20 or so years. Dad also taught Geography and History and would have taught my friend Sheri those subjects. My Mom was a grade 2 teacher at the same school.”

With regard to the person in the background, Jeff Hollett adds:

“That’s my paternal Grandfather William Freeman Hollett (Billy Free).  He passed away a few years ago at age 95.  His wife –my Grandmother Nathlie (Natly, as it is pronounced home) Hollett — is still alive and doing well @ 95.  I spend much of my vacation with her each time I travel home.”

I was pleased to learn recently that Jeff Hollett has set up a Facebook page devoted to a photo history of Small Point-Adams Cove in Newfoundland. I look forward to visiting the page regularly.

Jeff’s Grandmother and his Father, late 1950s or early 1960s

The toddler is Jeff’s Father, who was an elementary school principal for many years. In the background is Jeff’s paternal Grandfather.