
Product of Newfoundland
This is a blog about Newfoundland: The strange truths, tall tales & pop culture of a foggy island.
Stories
The Strange Story Behind ‘Jack Was Every Inch A Sailor’
London! New York! Baccalieu! From globe-trotting music hall hit to kitchen parties in the cove, there’s a strange story behind ‘Jack Was Every Inch A Sailor’ becoming a Newfoundland folk music classic.
Newfoundland’s Last Deadly Duel
On March 30, 1826 Mark Rudkin shot John Philpot in a duel. It was Newfoundland’s last death by duel but was it murder?
Lights! Camera! Disaster! The Viking Tragedy
91 years ago Hollywood came to Newfoundland and it ended in tragedy — some 27 people died in what would become known as The Viking disaster.
Bakeapples: The Origin Story
Unusually named and unusually tasty! How did the Newfoundland’s most beloved berry — the bakeapple — get its name?
A Mope Among The Dogberries
In Newfoundland they are mopes and dogberries, but they might be grosbeaks and mountain ash, to you.
Close to Shore, Miles from Safe: The Truxtun & Pollux Disaster
In WW2 two US Navy ships ran aground in a deadly accident off Newfoundland’s Burin Peninsula. The heroic actions of the people of Lawn and St. Lawrence are still being talked about, and for good reason.
Avalanche After Avalanche: St. John’s 1921
Old-fashioned winters are overrated — February 1921 was avalanche after avalanche in St. John’s. Newfoundland has a deadly history of avalanches.
Love, Dreams and Armpit Apples
Mar Falten! That means it’s Valentine’s Day in Newfoundland! Beware people with apples — check out these old Newfoundland love spells and charms to find out why.
A Candlemas Day Rhyme to Bear in Mind
Candlemas is upon us! Throw your cod-oil lamps and candles away. Find the nearest bear — she may have good news!
Robbie Burns’ Newfoundland, in Black and White
Newfoundland dogs — small talk for your next Robbie Burns night thanks to Sir Edwin Landseer.
St. John’s to Labrador: A Dog’s Journey
The story of the Labrador retriever starts on the rocky coast of Newfoundland where a hard working fisherman’s dog travelled the Atlantic to win the heart of an English aristocrat.
The Curious Customs of Old Christmas Day
From superstitions to magic, Old Christmas Day (January 6th) in Newfoundland comes with a set of strange customs and beliefs.