SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — The Newfoundland Shed

Today I am pleased to present Chapter 56 of “Telling Our Story.”

When I was growing up in the small fishing community of St. Bride’s on the south-coast of Newfoundland, several small buildings were constructed along the water’s edge near the wharf where the fishermen plied their daily trade. In our area of the province, these small buildings were referred to as “the stages”. In other regions, they were referred to as the “twine lofts”, the “stores” or “the rooms”, depending on what the building would be used for. A twine loft was where a fisherman would keep and mend his nets. A place called a stage, a room or a store, was a shed that was built close to where the unloading of the fish would occur and where fishermen would keep and repair their fishing gear. From time to time fishermen would gather in these sheds and relate their experiences of life on the water.

Now just to ensure that there isn’t any confusion, a place where you buy things in Newfoundland is a not called a store, that is known as a shop.

On July 2, 1992, the Government of Canada declared a moratorium on the Northern cod fishery which essentially put 30,000 people out of work the next morning. The result of the moratorium is that it changed the face of rural Newfoundland forever. Despite all the changes though, the shed has remained central to the lives of many Newfoundlanders. It is a place where people gather, discuss the issues of the day, cook a scoff, have a refreshment or two, play music and enjoy each other’s company. The sheds are no longer confined to locations down by the wharves in the fishing communities. They are now moved to the backyards of many Newfoundland homes. The sheds have also moved to the suburbs and cities along with their owners. From Ferryland to Fort McMurray, you will find sheds stocked with comfortable couches, table and chairs, fridges, most likely a wood stove and often a welcome sign on the door.

I have visited many sheds in Newfoundland, and each time it has been a unique experience; whether it is a birthday party, a fundraiser for someone in need in the community, a celebration of someone’s life or simply a chat about current and local events, nothing compares to the gathering in the shed.

As an example, in the historic town of Heart’s Content, an old fish shed built back in 1956 by William Piercey as a place to store his fishing gear was rebuilt in 2009 and has become an important meeting place for the locals. It is also now a major tourist attraction. The fish shed is now renamed the “House of Commons” and earlier this month Bailey White of our local CBC Radio station dropped by the Newfoundland version of the “House of Commons” in Heart’s Content for a chat with some of the local Members of Parliament.

I am not sure whether it was Kyle, Doug, Frank Piercey, John Warren or Ed Arnott who was the Speaker of the House; but regardless, it was a very enjoyable and interesting piece of journalism.

As you all may know, a provincial election is being held in Newfoundland and Labrador tomorrow. I was told last week that in one particular shed on the southern shore, they are holding their own vote as a lead up to the election. But the shed ballot will be a little bit different. On this particular ballot, you can vote Progressive Conservative, Liberal, NDP, the NL Alliance Party or you have a fifth option, none of the above. I am told the results will be released when the polls close tomorrow.

One of our province’s greatest musical groups Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers wrote and produced The Shed Song. It is worth listening to. And then we had “Big Tom”, a host of St. John’s radio station K-Rock 97.5, who had a huge following for a weekend program called “Saturday in Big Tom’s Shed.” Sadly, Tom Fitzgerald — Big Tom — passed away in 2012 at the tender age of 38.

The shed is a major part of the history and culture of our province. If you have the opportunity to visit us soon, I encourage you to find a local shed to drop by and have a chat. Even better, you can book a night in one of “The Fish Sheds” in the beautiful community of Rocky Harbour in Gros Morne. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.