Newfoundland Travel - Memories and "Old Bones"

Travelling through Newfoundland, visitors can see both the natural beauty of the island and the visible reminders of days long past. #newfoundland #newfoundlandhistory #abandonedhouse

Abandoned pink house in a field on Bell Island, Newfoundland.

What were the reasons behind people abandoning their belongings and what secrets lie within these "old bones"? #abandoned #field #tractor #hay

Behind a field of freshly mowed hay, a rusty tractor rests in tall grass.

The coal mining, fishing, and farming industries had been the mainstays of Newfoundland communities for many years. Often, young adults would work alongside their parents, some sacrificing their education to earn a living off the land. #fishing #mining #farming #newfoundlandculture

Typically, extended families banded together, and often lived together, to provide financial, social, and childcare support for each other. #extendedfamily

Rusty coal car, reminiscent of a once vibrant coal mining industry in the town, sits on display on Bell Island.

However, in part due to the collapse of the coal mining industry and the closure of the cod fishery, the way of life so familiar to many Newfoundlanders underwent dramatic change. #coalcar #display #rust

Rowboat rotting under a bushy evergreen on the coast, surrounded by rocks and overgrown vegetation.

Families were struggling economically and, in many cases, it was necessary for both parents to work to provide for their families. #coast #boat #abandoned #field

A school bus modified into a camping structure sits in an overgrown field surrounded by mature trees.

Competition in the work field grew, while a greater emphasis was placed on education. Parents waited longer to start their families and, complicated by the rising costs of having a family, the size of families became much smaller. #schoolbus #tree

An abandoned salt house, lower windows and door boarded up, sits alone under a tall tree in an open field.

Interestingly, rural life appeared to be particularly hard hit in comparison to the city. The advanced educational institutions were located in the city and technology had not progressed to the point where distance education was possible. Furthermore, the promise of greater job opportunities and higher pay off the island lured many young adults to move away from Newfoundland completely. #newfoundland

A partly demolished rusty truck sits abandoned on a cliff on the coast of Bell Island.

The rusty gas pumps and light pole in front of a fuel station in Bay Roberts add to its abandoned appearance

The Mom and Pop establishments that were once familiar landmarks in small communities can still be found but are fast becoming a fixture of the past. If only these walls could talk, what amazing stories they would tell! #gasstation #gasbar

Man standing atop a grassy field enjoying the view of the morning's first rays

Traveling around the island of Newfoundland, you may encounter some of these old relics. I am filled with sadness and awe when I see each, as I know they each hold cherished memories of someone's past. I'd be delighted to hear from you so why not contact me today?