
Product of Newfoundland
This is a blog about Newfoundland: The strange truths, tall tales & pop culture of a foggy island.
Stories
Mermaids, Pirates and Propaganda
The story of pirate Peter Easton and the tale of Newfoundland’s most famous mermaid share one point of connection — Richard Whitbourne.
Francis Pickmore’s Worst Winter. Ever.
How bad can a Newfoundland winter get? How about snow drifts in the governor’s bedroom? Not that the governor complained much - he couldn’t, he ended up pickled in a barrel of rum.
How Did Dildo, Newfoundland Get Its Name?
Owing to its name, Dildo may be one of the best known communities in Newfoundland and Labrador. How the town got such an unusual name is a matter of debate.
John B. Garland and The Blood Book
John B. Garland, Newfoundland’s first speaker of the legislature, had an interesting hobby — making blood collages.
Mary Travers Sells The Speaker’s Chair
It’s often said Newfoundland’s first legislature was held in a tavern. What’s less-well-known is that they failed to pay their tab and that the owner, Mary Travers, collected her due in a way the government wouldn’t soon forget.
Kicking the Concern and Other Curious Christmas Customs
Kicking the concern and other strange Newfoundland Christmas customs.
Mummers, Murder and Mayhem
Not every mummer story has a happy ending. In 1860 a group of mummers killed a man in Bay Roberts , NL — that was only one incident in a string of violent behaviour.
Death at the Barn Dance: The K of C Fire
On Dec 12, 1942, 99 people died in a tragic fire at the Knights of Columbus Barn Dance— and it may not have been an accident.
The Wicked Wreck of the Waterwitch
The story of a terrifying Newfoundland shipwreck, a harrowing rescue and a song that still gets sung today.
Botwood: Flying Boats & Bob Hope
When World War II came to Newfoundland Botwood was forever changed — and Bob Hope got to add a joke to his repertoire.
Giant Squid: Giant Feast from a Giant Beast
On November 2, 1878 a giant squid came ashore in Thimble Tickle, Newfoundland. It became a world record holder, inspired a life-sized sculpture and appeared on a stamp. It also became dinner.
The Gruesome Gibbets of Newfoundland
Murder, macabre justice and mayhem! In 18th century Newfoundland there was a punishment worse than death — the gibbet.