Welcome to Our Online Exhibition
With these uncertain times, we are unable to open our doors to visitors this Summer 2020 season. However, The Carbonear Heritage Society, The Old Post Office Museum, and our staff would like to bring our exhibit to you from the safety of your own homes.
Whether you have visited before, planned to visit soon or have stumbled upon us, we welcome you explore our site and Exhibition.
Whether you have visited before, planned to visit soon or have stumbled upon us, we welcome you explore our site and Exhibition.
The Old Post Office
The Old Post Office has been a focal point in Carbonear, Newfoundland for over 100 years. The building was constructed in 1905 to replace a much larger building that burned down on Friday, June 25th 1904.
When the new building was erected in 1905, a memorial fountain in Tryphoena’s honour was displayed in front of the post office in 1907. The fountain was later moved to Carbonear’s Memorial Park and can now be seen here next door to the Old Post Office Museum.
The new building served as a post office, along with a customs house, telegraph, and welfare office.
In 1957, The Old Post Office was closed due to a newer post office being constructed further up Water Street. The building then served as a Branch Office for the Commerce until 1979.
In June of 1988, the buildings significance was acknowledged when The Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador designated it as a Registered Heritage Structure.
When the new building was erected in 1905, a memorial fountain in Tryphoena’s honour was displayed in front of the post office in 1907. The fountain was later moved to Carbonear’s Memorial Park and can now be seen here next door to the Old Post Office Museum.
The new building served as a post office, along with a customs house, telegraph, and welfare office.
In 1957, The Old Post Office was closed due to a newer post office being constructed further up Water Street. The building then served as a Branch Office for the Commerce until 1979.
In June of 1988, the buildings significance was acknowledged when The Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador designated it as a Registered Heritage Structure.
The building that you see standing today was built the following year after the original Post Office caught fire, in 1905. The Old Carbonear Post Office is considered one of the finest and best-preserved examples of Second Empire construction style. It is also an excellent example of a turn-of-the-century government building. The Old Post Office is characterised by a mansard roof with dormers and a distinctive clock tower. It is a simple, elegant wooden building. While some alterations have been made over the years, including new windows and doors, the exterior remains almost identical to what it was when it was first built.
The excellent work that was done to preserve this outstanding building was recognized with a Southcott Award from the Newfoundland Historic Trust in 2008.
Today, The Old Post Office serves as the Carbonear Heritage Society’s office and archive, which holds many interesting artifacts that speak to the life and times of the Town of Carbonear.
The excellent work that was done to preserve this outstanding building was recognized with a Southcott Award from the Newfoundland Historic Trust in 2008.
Today, The Old Post Office serves as the Carbonear Heritage Society’s office and archive, which holds many interesting artifacts that speak to the life and times of the Town of Carbonear.
Tryphena and the Old Post Office
If you had been standing near this building in the early hours of Friday, June 25, 1904 you would have witnessed the tragic fire that destroyed the previous post office. Later that day, you would have joined Carbonear residents as they mourned the loss of Tryphoena Nicholl, who gave her life saving two people trapped inside. One of the people Tryphoena was able to save was Rev. Dr. Levi Curtis, a well-known and highly educated preacher at the time, who, later established Memorial University.
When she died in the post office fire, Tryphoena Nicholl was 51 and had been postmistress for over 27 years. She took over from her father in 1877. He had held the post from 1858 until his death at age 77. Tryphoena was one of three children of Nicholas and Tryphoena (Stabb) Nicholl. She was born on March 5, 1843, grew up in Carbonear. As a very young girl, she helped her father with the mail and later became his assistant.
The building that housed the post office since the early 1890s was both a workplace and home to Tryphoena and her niece Suzanna Pike who was Assistant Postmistress.
When she died in the post office fire, Tryphoena Nicholl was 51 and had been postmistress for over 27 years. She took over from her father in 1877. He had held the post from 1858 until his death at age 77. Tryphoena was one of three children of Nicholas and Tryphoena (Stabb) Nicholl. She was born on March 5, 1843, grew up in Carbonear. As a very young girl, she helped her father with the mail and later became his assistant.
The building that housed the post office since the early 1890s was both a workplace and home to Tryphoena and her niece Suzanna Pike who was Assistant Postmistress.
Tryphena Nicholl Dress
This dress was made by Tryphena Nicholl for her brother George Apsey Nicholl (who passed away in 1920) and his wife Maria Jane Peach who were married in 1874.
The dress was then worn by their children; Arthur (b 1877), Helena (b 1879), Tryphenia (b 1882), George (b 1883), John (b 1886), Anna (b 1952).
Helena Nicholl married William Badcock and together they had two children; Elenor and Rosalyn, who were both christened in the dress. George Nicholl and his wife Violet May Long were then passed the dress to christen their five children; Guinevere (b 1913), George (b 1915), Majorie (b 1916), Anna Maria (b 1918), William (b 1920).
Majorie Nicholl married James Bishop and had four children, of which only one was christened in the dress; Grace Bishop (b 1937).The dress was then passed to William Nicholl who married Jessie Mackenzie and had four children, their oldest son George Nicholl (b 1945) was christened in the gown. Anna Maria Nicholl married Richard Watson French then christened their only child Richard French (b 1947) in the dress.Richard French married Margaret Hearn and had one child, Megan French (b 1986) who was the last person to be christened in this dress.
The dress was then worn by their children; Arthur (b 1877), Helena (b 1879), Tryphenia (b 1882), George (b 1883), John (b 1886), Anna (b 1952).
Helena Nicholl married William Badcock and together they had two children; Elenor and Rosalyn, who were both christened in the dress. George Nicholl and his wife Violet May Long were then passed the dress to christen their five children; Guinevere (b 1913), George (b 1915), Majorie (b 1916), Anna Maria (b 1918), William (b 1920).
Majorie Nicholl married James Bishop and had four children, of which only one was christened in the dress; Grace Bishop (b 1937).The dress was then passed to William Nicholl who married Jessie Mackenzie and had four children, their oldest son George Nicholl (b 1945) was christened in the gown. Anna Maria Nicholl married Richard Watson French then christened their only child Richard French (b 1947) in the dress.Richard French married Margaret Hearn and had one child, Megan French (b 1986) who was the last person to be christened in this dress.
Magic Lantern Projector
c. 1895. This is one of the earliest types of slide projectors. It works by putting a lighted candle behind the frame to cast the light through the lenses. Smoke from the candle was released through the flue at the top.
This projector was donated by the Bishop family (the same family that donated Mr. Bishop’s camera, shown lower).
Slide Projector
c. 1940’s. This projector was used for preshow ads at the old Bond Theatre in Carbonear. Typical ads could be anything from upcoming movies to new products available in stores. This early electric design is similar to candle powered “Magic Lanterns”. This projector would have used glass slides.
Carbonear’s Bond Theatre
Construction began on the Bond Theatre in 1947. According to the Carbonear Heritage Society, the Bond Theatre opened around the same time Newfoundland joined Confederation in April 1949. It closed as a theatre sometime in the mid 1970’s.
The very first film shown was Razor’s Edge, a movie about an American Pilot traumatized by the violence he has experienced during WW1. The theatre was owned by United Movies Ltd and was later purchased by the Davis family in Carbonear.
The Bond theatre has recently been home to a small business known as “The Trophy Hut” prior to the fire.
The very first film shown was Razor’s Edge, a movie about an American Pilot traumatized by the violence he has experienced during WW1. The theatre was owned by United Movies Ltd and was later purchased by the Davis family in Carbonear.
The Bond theatre has recently been home to a small business known as “The Trophy Hut” prior to the fire.
Fire Demolishes Carbonear’s Bond Theatre
On April 23rd, 2014 firefighters were called to the former Bond theatre building in Carbonear. Within an hour smoke cloaked Water Street from the old theatre all the way to the Rorke Store Museum. Firefighters were still dousing flames well into the evening.
Desk and Chair
c. 1920’s. This wooden chair and desk are from the office of the second Carbonear Train Station built in the 1920’s. The new station was built when the train line was extended to service communities further afield than Carbonear. It was more than a place to board the train but also the home of the telegraph company. The double sided desk was a shared space perhaps seating a telegraph and a train clerk. The desk would be displayed in the Train Station museum however it was too big to fit in the exhibition when they decided to focus on the history surrounding Carbonear Island and so now lives in the Old Post Office museum. |
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Morse Key used by Telegraphers
The morse code was tapped out on this instrument, using short and long sounds (dots and dashes). These were sent over telegraph lines and immediately typed into readable language lines at their destination.
The Telephone
In the 1890’s the condenser telephone was developed with the capacity of switching between high frequency sounds (voice) and low frequency (morse signals).
This saved the telegraph companies money as they did not have to install extra wires and the phone was more efficient.
German Settlement in Carbonear
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In the early 1950’s after the Second World War, nine German craftsmen arrived in Carbonear to help trigger industrial growth here in rural Newfoundland. The families of those nine and workers, went on their journey to Carbonear to open three leather related businesses. Although the leather businesses only lasted a short time, they had immense influence on the town and the residents of Carbonear.
Although some of the Germans left Carbonear, many of them stayed, married, and raised their families here. The names Reiss, Reichel, Shaefer, and Stoeterau can still be found here in Carbonear to this day. The plaque you will find on the Carbonear boardwalk commemorates the history of the German people in Carbonear and their influence on the province of Newfoundland. In 1950 J.R. Smallwood, the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, began pushing to create new industries in the province. In the same year he appointed himself the Minister of Economic Development, and made a Latvian economist Alfred Valdmanis the Director of Economic Development, which placed him in the perfect position to create an industrial development program to help fuel jobs and money into the province. However, Smallwood struggled to find investors that were willing to come to Newfoundland. Eventually Valdmanis turned to business contacts in Germany, who ultimately were responsible for establishing thirteen of the sixteen manufacturing and industrial plants Smallwood and Valdmanis implemented between 1950 and 1957. |
The Newfoundland Tanneries
Wilhelm (William) Dorn, a German business owner from Hamburg, was the name behind the Newfoundland Tanneries. The tannery was one of the first of these new businesses to become established, and opened in 1951 in Carbonear. The initial investment was $750,000, and production in the tannery began the same year. Dorn was responsible for bringing many of the workers overseas to fill the tannery, and even personally supported this move for some employees with the help of his parents.
The Newfoundland Tanneries was founded to manufacture shoe leather, primarily hockey boot leather, which was a rough, heavy, ungraded leather made in a basic tannery.
A piece of leather, this has a crest stamped on the back side that has a lion, shield and the worlds “Newfoundland Tanneries Ltd.”. This would have been from the tannery in Newfoundland.
Atlantic Gloves Limited
The second industry company to open in Carbonear was in 1953, when G. Hahlbrock of Hamelin established Atlantic Gloves Ltd. for $350,000. The doors opened and production began in 1954 under the management of Eric Von Brock and his wife.
The company specialized in sport-styled men’s, women’s and children’s hand sewn leather gloves, made from seal, gazelle, moose, sheep, calf, kid, and cape pelts, which mostly from Germany, but were also from Africa and local sources. They offered approximately 180 different styles of gloves. Atlantic Gloves employed people to work both in the factory as well as at home, and at one time had over 100 local women sewing gloves by hand for them.
Atlantic Gloves Limited was in the red each year it was open, which was caused by several faulty elements of the business. These included the cost of the raw materials alone cost more than net sales, the limitation of sport gloves due to the lack of trained machine glove sewers, and a turn in the market towards cheaper and easier to clean fabric gloves.
A pair of green leather gloves and small season’s greetings card, these were both from the Atlantic Gloves Ltd. Which was the glove company that was run by the German people that settled in Newfoundland looking for a better life. These gloves were donated by Emily Babb. Atlantic Gloves Ltd. was open from 1953-1957.
The company specialized in sport-styled men’s, women’s and children’s hand sewn leather gloves, made from seal, gazelle, moose, sheep, calf, kid, and cape pelts, which mostly from Germany, but were also from Africa and local sources. They offered approximately 180 different styles of gloves. Atlantic Gloves employed people to work both in the factory as well as at home, and at one time had over 100 local women sewing gloves by hand for them.
Atlantic Gloves Limited was in the red each year it was open, which was caused by several faulty elements of the business. These included the cost of the raw materials alone cost more than net sales, the limitation of sport gloves due to the lack of trained machine glove sewers, and a turn in the market towards cheaper and easier to clean fabric gloves.
A pair of green leather gloves and small season’s greetings card, these were both from the Atlantic Gloves Ltd. Which was the glove company that was run by the German people that settled in Newfoundland looking for a better life. These gloves were donated by Emily Babb. Atlantic Gloves Ltd. was open from 1953-1957.
Keeping in Touch
This is an early Ham Radio equipment bequeathed by the late Mr. James Moore to Mr. Frank Davis. Mr. Davis has donated it to the Carbonear Heritage Society.
Dry Cell Battery Radio
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This radio was purchased by the Masonic Lodge #1043 in 1924-25 and was one of the first known radios in Carbonear. People could pay a few cents to come and hear the radio that was set up in the downstairs part of the lodge.
On 13 December 1923, a committee was formed to procure a radio for Lodge Carbonear. Evidently, members believed that a radio would “lead to too many pleasant hours spent by brethren”. According to some of our older members, brethren could come to the Lodge Carbonear on certain nights and, for a small fee, listen to the radio. - (Excerpt from The History of Lodge #1043 Carbonear by Brother Keith Thomas) Soon after its installation, some controversy began over the radio; it wasn’t making enough money to pay for its expensive battery consumption, and therefore the Lodge had to pay for its upkeep. |
On May 14th, 1925 the radio was moved to the lodge room, upstairs in the Temple, and rules were drawn up for its use.
The radio was on display in the Carbonear Lodge until it was graciously loaned to the Carbonear Heritage Society so that a unique piece of Carbonear history could be experienced by the public.
Dry Cell Batteries - These batteries were used to power the Western Electric radio in the Carbonear Masonic Lodge #1043.
Troubleshooting instructions – partial instructions found in the case of the Western Electric Radio in the Carbonear Masonic Lodge.
Vacuum Tubes – These tubes were never used but were purchased to have “on hand” since the radio was one of the first in Carbonear, which made parts not locally available.
The radio was on display in the Carbonear Lodge until it was graciously loaned to the Carbonear Heritage Society so that a unique piece of Carbonear history could be experienced by the public.
Dry Cell Batteries - These batteries were used to power the Western Electric radio in the Carbonear Masonic Lodge #1043.
Troubleshooting instructions – partial instructions found in the case of the Western Electric Radio in the Carbonear Masonic Lodge.
Vacuum Tubes – These tubes were never used but were purchased to have “on hand” since the radio was one of the first in Carbonear, which made parts not locally available.
Royal Air Force (RAF)
While the British were not the first to make use of heavier-than-air military aircraft, the RAF is the world's oldest independent air force. That is, the first airforce to become independent of army or navy control. The RAF was founded on 1 April 1918 by the mix of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) and was controlled by the British Government Air Ministry which had been established three months earlier. The Royal Flying Corps had been born out of the Air Battalion of the Royal Engineers and was under the control of the British Army. The Royal Naval Air Service was its naval equivalent and was controlled by the Admiralty. The decision to merge the two services and create an independent air force was a response to the events of World War I. The creation of the new force was based on the Smuts Report prepared by Field Marshal Jan Smuts for the Imperial War Cabinet on which he served.
To emphasize the merger of both military and naval aviation in the new service, many of the titles of officers were deliberately chosen to be of a naval character, such as flight lieutenant, wing commander, group captain, and air commodore.
The newly created RAF was the most powerful air force in the world, with over 20,000 aircraft and over 300,000 personnel (including the Women's Royal Air Force). The squadrons of the RFC kept their numerals while those of the RNAS were renumbered from 201 onwards. At the time of the merger, the Navy's air service had 55,066 officers and men, 2,949 aircraft, 103 airships and 126 coastal stations. The remaining personnel and aircraft came from the RFC. A memorial to the RAF was commissioned after the war in central London. The RAF's last known surviving founder member was the World War I veteran Henry Allingham who died in 2009 aged 113.
Following the end of World War I and the accompanying British defence cuts, the newly independent (and still temporary) RAF waited nine months to see if it would be retained by the Cabinet. 6,500 officers, all holding temporary commissions or seconded from the Army and Navy, applied for permanent commissions. The Cabinet sanctioned a maximum of 1,500 and the Air Ministry offered 1,065 to the applicants, published the first list on 1 August 1919, with 75% of them short-term (two to five years). The service as a whole had been reduced in strength to 35,500.
To emphasize the merger of both military and naval aviation in the new service, many of the titles of officers were deliberately chosen to be of a naval character, such as flight lieutenant, wing commander, group captain, and air commodore.
The newly created RAF was the most powerful air force in the world, with over 20,000 aircraft and over 300,000 personnel (including the Women's Royal Air Force). The squadrons of the RFC kept their numerals while those of the RNAS were renumbered from 201 onwards. At the time of the merger, the Navy's air service had 55,066 officers and men, 2,949 aircraft, 103 airships and 126 coastal stations. The remaining personnel and aircraft came from the RFC. A memorial to the RAF was commissioned after the war in central London. The RAF's last known surviving founder member was the World War I veteran Henry Allingham who died in 2009 aged 113.
Following the end of World War I and the accompanying British defence cuts, the newly independent (and still temporary) RAF waited nine months to see if it would be retained by the Cabinet. 6,500 officers, all holding temporary commissions or seconded from the Army and Navy, applied for permanent commissions. The Cabinet sanctioned a maximum of 1,500 and the Air Ministry offered 1,065 to the applicants, published the first list on 1 August 1919, with 75% of them short-term (two to five years). The service as a whole had been reduced in strength to 35,500.
Royal Flying Corp
Officer Field Dress Uniform
13th April 1912 to 1st April 1918
The style and type of uniform to be worn was decided at an early stage and was to adopt the standard British Army uniform of the day. This would change very little during World War 1 until the amalgamation of the Royal Flying Corps & Royal Naval Air Service on the 1st of April, 1918
The uniform displayed is that type and was worn by a Canadian Officer with the rank of major noted by the crown on the sleeve from 1914 to 1918. The uniform consists of a single breasted tunic with 4 large pockets, Khaki shirt and black tie. The buttons are General Service pattern the cuffs are displaying decorative rank braid that are called a cuff rank. The shoulder strap proudly displays the title badge of Canada that was authorized in 1917. On the collar epaulets is a set of collar badges for the RFC.
The hat of the day is called the “Austrian” pattern in khaki serge or “fore-and-end” with bronze cap badge and buttons. The glasses are called “Wilson Spectacles” safety glasses worn by pilots.
Above the left breast pocket is a standard issue Royal Flying Corps (PILOT’s) wing that was authorized by King George V in February 1913. It was the first badge authorized to be worn by qualified pilots of this service.
To complete this uniform is worn a pair of breeches pants & a pair of field boots to the knee laced to the top meaning there was no need to wear putties or gaiters. Lastly a leather sam brown belt and cross strap is worn around the waist and over the right shoulder. Missing is a pair of brown soft leather dress gloves.
Royal Naval Air Service
After prolonged discussion on the Committee of Imperial Defence, the Royal Flying Corps was constituted by Royal Warrant on 13 April 1912. It absorbed the nascent naval air detachment and also the Air Battalion of the Royal Engineers. It consisted of two wings, the Military Wing making up the Army element and the Naval Wing under Commander C. R. Samson. A Central Flying School staffed by officers and men of both the navy and the army was created at Upavon for the pilot training of both wings and opened on 19 June 1912 under the command of Captain Godfrey Paine, a naval officer. The Naval wing, by the terms of its inception, was permitted to carry out experimentation at its flying school at Eastchurch. The Royal Flying Corps, although formed of two separate branches, allowed for direct entry to either branch through a joint Special Reserve of Officer. Soon the Navy inducted new entries into the Royal Naval Reserve. In the summer of 1912, in recognition of the air branch's expansion, Captain Murray Sueter was appointed Director of the newly formed Air Department at the Admiralty. Sueter's remit, as outlined in September 1912, stated that he was responsible to the Admiralty for "all matters connected with the Naval Air Service”.
In the same month as the Air Department was set up, four naval seaplanes participated in Army Manoeuvres. In 1913 a seaplane base on the Isle of Grain and an airship base at Kingsnorth were approved for construction. In the same year provision was made in the Naval estimates for eight airfields to be constructed and, for the first time, aircraft participated in manoeuvres with the Royal Navy using the converted cruiser Hermes as a seaplane carrier. On 16 April, ten officers of the Navy Service graduated from the Central Flying School. As of 7 June, 44 officers and 105 other ranks had been trained at the Central Flying School and, at Eastchurch, 35 officers and men had been trained in airship work. Three non-rigid airships built for the army, the Willows, Astra-Torres and the Parseval were taken over by the navy. On 1 July 1914, the Admiralty made the Royal Naval Air Service, forming the Naval Wing of the Royal Flying Corps, part of the Military Branch of the Royal Navy.
In the same month as the Air Department was set up, four naval seaplanes participated in Army Manoeuvres. In 1913 a seaplane base on the Isle of Grain and an airship base at Kingsnorth were approved for construction. In the same year provision was made in the Naval estimates for eight airfields to be constructed and, for the first time, aircraft participated in manoeuvres with the Royal Navy using the converted cruiser Hermes as a seaplane carrier. On 16 April, ten officers of the Navy Service graduated from the Central Flying School. As of 7 June, 44 officers and 105 other ranks had been trained at the Central Flying School and, at Eastchurch, 35 officers and men had been trained in airship work. Three non-rigid airships built for the army, the Willows, Astra-Torres and the Parseval were taken over by the navy. On 1 July 1914, the Admiralty made the Royal Naval Air Service, forming the Naval Wing of the Royal Flying Corps, part of the Military Branch of the Royal Navy.
First World War
By the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, the RNAS had 93 aircraft, six airships, two balloons and 727 personnel. The Navy maintained twelve airship stations around the coast of Britain from Longside, Aberdeenshire in the northeast to Anglesey in the west. On 1 August 1915, the Royal Naval Air Service officially came under the control of the Royal Navy. In addition to seaplanes, carrier-borne aircraft, and other aircraft with a legitimate "Naval" application, the RNAS also maintained several crack fighter squadrons on the Western Front. As well, the RNAS allocated scarce resources for the independent strategic bombing force at a time when the U-boat was still a threat to England. Further, nightly, Great Britain had to live under the threat of Zeppelin airships.
On 1 April 1918, the RNAS merged with the RFC to form the Royal Air Force. At the time of the merger, the Navy's air service had 55,066 officers and men, 2,949 aircraft, 103 airships and 126 coastal stations. The RNAS squadrons were absorbed into the new structure.
On 1 April 1918, the RNAS merged with the RFC to form the Royal Air Force. At the time of the merger, the Navy's air service had 55,066 officers and men, 2,949 aircraft, 103 airships and 126 coastal stations. The RNAS squadrons were absorbed into the new structure.
The Royal Flying Corps (RFC)
The RFC was the air arm of the British Army before and during the First World War, until it part of the war, the RFC supported the British Army by artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance. This work gradually led RFC pilots into aerial battles with German pilots and later, in the war, with the strafing of enemy infantry emplacements, the bombing of German military airfields and later the strategic bombing of German industrial and transport facilities.
At the start of World War I the RFC, commanded by Brigadier-General Sir David Henderson, consisted of five squadrons – one observation balloon squadron (RFC No 1 Squadron) and four aeroplane squadrons. These were first used for aerial spotting on 13 September 1914 but only became efficient when they perfected the use of wireless communication at Aubers Ridge on 9 May 1915. Aerial photography was attempted during 1914, but again only became effective the next year. By 1918, photographic images could be taken from 15,000 feet and were interpreted by over 3,000 personnel. Parachutes were not available to pilots of heavier-than-air craft in the RFC – nor were they used by the RAF during the First World War – although the Calthrop Guardian Angel parachute (1916 model) was officially adopted just as the war ended. By this time parachutes had been used by balloonists for three years.
On 17 August 1917, South African General Jan Smuts presented a report to the War Council on the future of air power. Because of its potential for the 'devastation of enemy lands and the destruction of industrial and populous centres on a vast scale', he recommended a new air service be formed that would be on a level with the Army and Royal Navy. The formation of the new service would also make the under-used men and machines of the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) available for action on the Western Front and end the inter-service rivalries that at times had adversely affected aircraft procurement. On 1 April 1918, the RFC and the RNAS were amalgamated to form a new service, the Royal Air Force (RAF), under the control of the new Air Ministry. After starting in 1914 with some 2,073 personnel, by the start of 1919 the RAF had 4,000 combat aircraft and 114,000 personnel in some 150 squadrons.
At the start of World War I the RFC, commanded by Brigadier-General Sir David Henderson, consisted of five squadrons – one observation balloon squadron (RFC No 1 Squadron) and four aeroplane squadrons. These were first used for aerial spotting on 13 September 1914 but only became efficient when they perfected the use of wireless communication at Aubers Ridge on 9 May 1915. Aerial photography was attempted during 1914, but again only became effective the next year. By 1918, photographic images could be taken from 15,000 feet and were interpreted by over 3,000 personnel. Parachutes were not available to pilots of heavier-than-air craft in the RFC – nor were they used by the RAF during the First World War – although the Calthrop Guardian Angel parachute (1916 model) was officially adopted just as the war ended. By this time parachutes had been used by balloonists for three years.
On 17 August 1917, South African General Jan Smuts presented a report to the War Council on the future of air power. Because of its potential for the 'devastation of enemy lands and the destruction of industrial and populous centres on a vast scale', he recommended a new air service be formed that would be on a level with the Army and Royal Navy. The formation of the new service would also make the under-used men and machines of the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) available for action on the Western Front and end the inter-service rivalries that at times had adversely affected aircraft procurement. On 1 April 1918, the RFC and the RNAS were amalgamated to form a new service, the Royal Air Force (RAF), under the control of the new Air Ministry. After starting in 1914 with some 2,073 personnel, by the start of 1919 the RAF had 4,000 combat aircraft and 114,000 personnel in some 150 squadrons.
Royal Canadian Air Force
Pilot Officer John Bertram Cornish
1944-1945
Pilot Officer John Bertram Cornish, Service No# R.280672, Can J96144 was born, October 5th, 1924, the son of John and Lilian Cornish of 186 Water Street Carbonear, Newfoundland. John Sr. himself was a soldier in World War 1 in the Royal Army Service Corps from 37 Fore Street, Shaldon, England. His wife, Lilian, was the daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Taylor) Tucker of Carbonear, NL. John married Phyllis Janes of Jane’s Lane Southside, Carbonear, Newfoundland.
John completed high school at the United Church School in Carbonear, NL and worked as a surveyor prior to joining the Royal Canadian Air Force. On 7th January, 1944, in St John’s, NL, he was assigned aircrew class with Service Number R.280672. He shipped off to No.1 Manning Depot in Toronto, Ontario, Canada to complete Basic Training. Upon completion in July 1944, he received the category of Air Gunner (Special) and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. While at No. 10 Bomb & Gunner School at Mount Pleasant, P.E.1., John worked hard learning to be an Air Gunner flying in a Bolingbroke twin engine aircraft. After completing only 24:35 hours he won his 1943 RCAF issue AG Wing. Ground Instruction School followed in February 1944 in Mountain View, Ontario and he graduated after only 8-10 hours and was assigned to Ferry/Transport South Command in Nassau in the Bahamas. Flying out of Kelly Air Field on Darrell Island, John helped returning B-24 Liberators bomber aircraft. These aircrafts were returning from Europe for major maintenance actions in the United States and Canada so they could return to service. P/O John Cornish was released from the RCAF on 2 October, 1945, and placed on the RCAF (Reserve) General Section, Class “E” and was awarded the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp, the 1939/45 War Medal. When he returned to St. John’s after the war, he joined Transport Canada in Goose Bay, NL as a meteorologist and then moved on to Gander working for Air Traffic Control. Pilot Officer John Corrish passed away on 9 December, 2000 in St John’s, NL, leaving behind his wife Kathleen in Gander and 5 children. |
Sopwith Camel F.1
Single Seat Fighter
1916
The Sopwith 1F.1 Camel was the most distinguished British biplane fighter in WW 1 powered by an aircooled radial engine. Achieving outstanding performances especially in its maneuver, speed and climbing, a total of 5,490 aircraft were built including several variations. This figure was larger than any other aircraft’s quanity in England during WW 1
The prototype was completed in December, 1916, both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force operated with a Clerget 9B 130 hp into operation in June, 1917. There appeared a night interceptor version of the 1F.1 powered by the Le Rhone 9 cylinder rotary engine of 110 hp which was lighter than the Clerget 9B aircraft. This model was used as an interceptor against the German Zeppelin airships and the Gotha bombers.
The standard 1F.1 was armed with a pair of Vickers 303 machine guns in front of the cockpit, and carried under the fuselage four 9-11 kg bombs in the ground attack mission. The Camel was used to bomb the German Zeppelin airships with this bomber version from above.
The Camel was mass-produces by the eight companies including: Sopwith, Boulton Paul, British Caudron, Beardmore to name but a few. The records shows the Camel shot down 1,294 enemy aircrafts through the War.
The most famous air combat was that a Camel 1F.1 powered by the Clerget 130 hp piloted by Captain A.R. Brown from Canada. Captain Brown of 209 Squadron shot down the all red colored Fokker Dr.1 tri-plane of the famous German ace, Barron Manfred von Righthofen known as the Red Barron.
On August 10, 1918, Zeppelin L.53 was shot down, and on July 17 in the same year, L.54 and L.60 was destroyed on the ground. This was when the seven Camel 2F.1s armed with a pair of 23kg bombs attacked an airship base of Germany.
The prototype was completed in December, 1916, both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force operated with a Clerget 9B 130 hp into operation in June, 1917. There appeared a night interceptor version of the 1F.1 powered by the Le Rhone 9 cylinder rotary engine of 110 hp which was lighter than the Clerget 9B aircraft. This model was used as an interceptor against the German Zeppelin airships and the Gotha bombers.
The standard 1F.1 was armed with a pair of Vickers 303 machine guns in front of the cockpit, and carried under the fuselage four 9-11 kg bombs in the ground attack mission. The Camel was used to bomb the German Zeppelin airships with this bomber version from above.
The Camel was mass-produces by the eight companies including: Sopwith, Boulton Paul, British Caudron, Beardmore to name but a few. The records shows the Camel shot down 1,294 enemy aircrafts through the War.
The most famous air combat was that a Camel 1F.1 powered by the Clerget 130 hp piloted by Captain A.R. Brown from Canada. Captain Brown of 209 Squadron shot down the all red colored Fokker Dr.1 tri-plane of the famous German ace, Barron Manfred von Righthofen known as the Red Barron.
On August 10, 1918, Zeppelin L.53 was shot down, and on July 17 in the same year, L.54 and L.60 was destroyed on the ground. This was when the seven Camel 2F.1s armed with a pair of 23kg bombs attacked an airship base of Germany.
Hawker Family, Off to War 1914-1918
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Young men volunteered to serve in the navy of the army. Newfoundland raised a regiment of troops for overseas service with the British army. In 1915, after training in Britian, the First Battalion of the Newfoundland Regiment was sent to Egypt and then to Gallipoli, where there was heavy fighting. In 1916 the regiment went to France to fight upon the “Western Front”. Units of the regiment in Newfoundland in Scotland undertook the recruitment and training of replacement soldiers.
Mortimer Hawker of Carbonear volunteered in early 1916. He was deployed to Britian in July 1916 with “A” and “B” companies of the Third Battalion. They sailed on the S. S. Sicilian from St. John’s on July 19th, arriving in Liverpool on the 26th and continuing by rail to Scotland. Mortimer kept a notebook of the more important facts and impressions of the journey from Carbonear to Scotland. |
German Knife
This is not an ordinary knife, it is a piece of Trench Art which is the name put on objects created in the trenches during the wars. This knife is uniquely designed with a bullet casing for its handle and another bullet casing for the blade which would have been hammered out flat. Stamped into the blade is “France”.
The middle is made of two German medallions which both old the traditional German cross symbol and say “Gott Mit Uns” which translates to “God Be With Us”. The medallions are stamped with the date 1914.
Mr. Bishop’s Camera
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Mr. Cyril Desmond Bishop was born in Cavendish, November 1917 and moved to Carbonear area at an early age. Throughout his life Bishop photographed people and places around the Carbonear area. Mr. Bishop passed away May 27th, 1991.
Mr. Bishop became known for his photographs in Carbonear and was the main photographer for any event, incident, or family portrait. The picture in this display shows an accident involving an overturned fish truck from 1973. The events in this photo happened on Water Street Carbonear close to where you would find Honda Town today. Thanks to Mr. Bishop and his family we are able to display one of the camera’s that he used for some of his pictures. This camera is a Kodak 9A Century Studio camera. This style of camera was intended for portrait photography and was able to adjust and tilt . A full original camera of this type would have a wooden tripod base. The Kodak 9A Century Studio cameras were made in the 1920’s. |
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC)
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The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) is the oldest police force in all of Canada dating back to 1729 and was reorganised in 1871 to be the Newfoundland Constabulary. It wasn’t until 1979 when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II awarded the prefix “Royal” in recognition of the provinces proud history. Today The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is the provinces Provincial Police Force. Prior to joining Canada in 1949 the RNC was the National Police Force of the Dominion of Newfoundland. |
Saunders and Howell Co.
In 1899 Phillip Saunders was hired by John P. Powell, a local engineer for the Reid Newfoundland Railroad, to build the Powell house. Later in 1908, two carpenters, Philip Saunders and Augustus Howell, began a construction group building houses and small schools. Then in 1913 John P. Powell, took over the business while still keeping Saunders and Howell on the payroll.
They had a building by the waterfront where they crafted berry and fish boxes, while on Water Street they ran a grocery store. The business flourished until it was struck by fire in May 20, 1931. As shown, a piece of old and charred pitch pine was salvaged from the original structure. The fire completely destroyed the building, and hundreds of thousands of feet of dry lumber, leaving nothing but the company vault standing, causing over half a million dollars’ worth of damage. |
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After the fire, J.P. Powell rebuilt the company in the low land of the West End of the harbour. With this he set up for heavy construction with a lumber yard, a mill with band saws, moulders and matchers. This allowed the company to build a variety of things including windows and doors, church pews and alters; as well as bigger construction like houses, schools and public buildings. The Saunders and Howell Co. also began a mill operation near Roddickton that shipped lumber to their location and to another in Norris Arm.
By the 1950s Saunders and Howell moved from groceries to hard ware, and then to laboratory furniture in the 1970s when factory made windows and door were popularized.
Displayed are some pieces from the Saunders and Howell Co., the first of which is a Time Keeping clock for workers to clock in and out of work. The clock has been made by The Dey Register and is used to record the employee’s hours for their pay. Inside a large roll of paper can be found with records printed on them. With the clock is a box extra ribbons of ink, a small roll of paper and a lock and key mechanism. Missing from the clock is its large outer dials used for selecting. This item comes from J. P. Pike’s house and has been donated by Frank Pike and his son Bob. Also displayed is a piece of the original Saunders and Howell building and was kept from the May 20, 1931 fire making it over 100 years old. As well as a Newfoundland and Labrador Business hall of fame award from 1995. This award was presented posthumously to John P. Powell and accepted by Strat Pike, a former manager of the Saunders and Howell Water Street store.
By the 1950s Saunders and Howell moved from groceries to hard ware, and then to laboratory furniture in the 1970s when factory made windows and door were popularized.
Displayed are some pieces from the Saunders and Howell Co., the first of which is a Time Keeping clock for workers to clock in and out of work. The clock has been made by The Dey Register and is used to record the employee’s hours for their pay. Inside a large roll of paper can be found with records printed on them. With the clock is a box extra ribbons of ink, a small roll of paper and a lock and key mechanism. Missing from the clock is its large outer dials used for selecting. This item comes from J. P. Pike’s house and has been donated by Frank Pike and his son Bob. Also displayed is a piece of the original Saunders and Howell building and was kept from the May 20, 1931 fire making it over 100 years old. As well as a Newfoundland and Labrador Business hall of fame award from 1995. This award was presented posthumously to John P. Powell and accepted by Strat Pike, a former manager of the Saunders and Howell Water Street store.
“Jubliee Rink” Carbonear 1930-1955
The Carbonear Jubilee Rink was built, owned, and operated by the W. F. Howell family. The rink was the first closed facility in the Conception Bay area and was constructed in 1927 under the name, Carbonear Rink by Roy Howell, Fred Howell, and brother-in-law Mark Badcock. Carbonear rink ended up losing its roof due to high winds in 1930 and was than rebuilt to be called the Jubilee Rink.[1] The rink was operated by the Howell family until about 1955 and was torn down later in the 1950’s.
The Jubilee Rink was about 185’ x 55’ in total size and held two dressing rooms which were both heated with pot belly stoves. According to interviews and records when the rink was “packed to the ceiling” it could fit 500 fans.
During 1934-1955 there was no such thing as a Zamboni, so the Jubilee Rink had to find another way to create ice for each working day. Because of the cold climate during Newfoundland winters this was somewhat easy. After every snowfall the “Rink Rats”[2] would drag boxes of snow into the rink, flatten it all out by hand, and then flood it with water. Once the snow was flattened and the rink was flooded they would open all the shutters in the building, allowing the cold winds to cycle through and freeze the water and snow.[3] Once the water was frozen the hockey games could begin. After every hockey game was the free skate, where families could skate together for some much needed enjoyment.
Running the rink was a family affair, right from the construction to the operations. Roy Howell took care of the main operations day to day while the daughters of William Howell, Emma (“Em”) and Jean, would knit hockey sweaters and socks for the players each year.[4] The family as a whole had a strong role in creating an environment where the population of the Conception Bay area could come together. The Howell’s worked hard to create a sense of family, home, and sportsmanship during a time of economic struggle.
In 2003 the William F. Howell family was inducted into the Sport Hall of Fame for their contribution to the Conception Bay area by building the first indoor ice rink. This great accomplishment can be found online at www.sportsnl.ca.
Heber McGurk, a self-proclaimed “rink rat” at the Jubilee Rink built the model we currently have. He said that many younger folk of today had no idea that a rink like the Jubilee ever existed. By this he was referring to skating rink that was reliant on the weather in order to run. McGurk’s goal in building this model was to show the younger people of today that a rink like this existed and to share his memories of the place.[5]
The Jubilee Rink was torn down in the 1950’s with the construction of a new skating rink in Harbour Grace which was able to make artificial ice and did not need to rely on the weather. After the building was torn down the area became residential. Today, the rink is no more however, to those who remember it they can pinpoint its’ exact location.
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[1] Wells, Emma, Interview
[2] “Rink Rats” were people who would work in the old skating rinks and prep the rink/ice for each day.
[3] McGuk, Heber
[4] Dryden and MacGregor, Home Game
[5] Roberts, Terry, Rink Revival in Carbonear, The Compass
Items which might have “Gone Foreign”
An ordinary seaman would not have taken a box to sea. The seaman’s belongings were brought on board in a large canvas duffle bag (known usually as a “clothes bag”) and then transferred to his locker in the fo’c’sle. This box, although it dates back to the right period was acquired only to display these items. We have no way of knowing if it ever went to sea, although it could have, as it was a carpenter’s and later an electrician’s tool box.
(Everything in the box is on loan from Mr. Frank O’Keefe)
(Everything in the box is on loan from Mr. Frank O’Keefe)
Highchair & Catalogue
A small orange highchair for children, highchairs allowed mothers to comfortably feed their children at standing position. Many highchairs came with a table tray that allowed the child to feed themselves. Missing from this chair is its tray table. Below is a Heywood Bro. & Co. “Chairs” catalogue featuring a highchair similar to this one that sold for $7 in 1895.
Small Trunk & Toy Catalogue
A small green and black trunk made of tin with a removable shelf inside. This trunk was used as a toy box and now holds a Nelson Catalogue from 1915 that features books and toys.
Antique Pump Organ
A pump organ, also known as a reed organ, generates sound from an air flow that vibrates the thin metal reed in its frame. This type of organ was easier to transport than a pipe organ, making it more accessible to smaller churches and private homes.
This organ originally belonged to Mr. Ira Parsons of Carbonear, who ran a gas station and convenience store on Water Street circa 1930-1950 (Located to the right of the War Memorial). Mr. Harold McCarthy bought the organ from Ira, and then in 1973 Ms. Gloria (Noel) Mercer bought it from Harold for $100. Ms. Gloria (Noel) Mercer graciously donated it to the Carbonear Heritage Society in 2019.
The stool has graciously been loaded to us by Karen Butt, so visitors could sit and play the organ.
Women’s Boots & Umbrella
Both pairs of button up boots belonged to a woman in St. John’s before Muriel Steele Peddle owned them and donated them to the Carbonear Heritage Society. The small white pair is custom made for the original owner as they are two different sizes and are made of a white canvas material and have a wooden heel. The black pair is made from leather like material and are a larger size that also have a wooden heel. Beside them is a polished lace up pair that has rubber taps along with an old umbrella that has a wooden shaft and handle.
Painting By Mr. Peter Sampson
Mr. Peter ‘Pete’ Sampson was born in Grand Falls, 1948 and lived in Harbour Grace most of his life. He was a well-known businessman and artist in Carbonear, he operated a barber shop on Water Street for over 40 years before closing in 2017. Not only did Mr. Sampson trim hair in his shop but he spent many hours working on his paintings in the back room. Many of these paintings were displayed both in his shop and outside. On April 28, 2019 Mr. Sampson passed away at age 70.
This painting is of the Carbonear Train Station Museum and was painted and presented to the Carbonear Heritage Society in 1988.
This painting is of the Carbonear Train Station Museum and was painted and presented to the Carbonear Heritage Society in 1988.
Southwell’s Lemonade Crystals Tin
Tin of lemonade drink crystals that dissolve in water. Invented in the early 20th century to help reduce shipping costs for juices, by removing the liquid the drink took up less space and weight for transportation.
Meat Grinder
Used to make (usually meat) into ground meat. The grinder was attached to the table while the meat was fed in from the top. When the handle was turned the meat was ground and came out from the side onto a plate.
Antique Rotary Knife Sharpener
This device made by Spong & Co. Manufactures London, founded by James Osborn in 1856. By turning the handle an inner mechanism moved to sharpen the knife. The blade of the knife could be inserted from the outside.
Prilect Traveling Iron
The Prilect Traveling Iron came with detachable handle and cord that could be conveniently stored in its travel tin. This small electric iron was a travel appliance from c. 1950 and was popular among travelers.
Butter Churn
This Dazey butter churn is the 20th paten from the Dazey Churn Manufacturing in 1922. Women began making butter in churns like this because of its small size. A smaller glass jar held less cream for whipping or churning and the ability to make butter faster. In the 20th century gears were added for easier and better churning.
Wool Carder
Many families kept sheep a few sheep for their wool. The carder was used to straighten their hair so it could be spun into yarn.
Donated by Mr. Ned White of Carbonear.