Port Hope Simpson history of development with photographs

The Port Hope Simpson Come Home 2002 town emblem

The human figure represents the spirit of Port Hope Simpson and its enthusiastic fire; the Labrador flag represents our heritage; the house represents the importance of home and family that exists in our community and the Port Hope Simpson banner represents our town's pride and teamwork.
Espoir gauche Simpson les deux deces non resolues

Port упование Simpson 2 unsolved смерти

Ελπίδα Simpson λιμένων δύο άλυτοι θάνατοι

Port Hope Simpson twee onopgeloste sterfgevallen

港希望Simpson 二未解決的死亡

港希望Simpson 二未解决的死亡

운반 희망Simpson2개의 미해결 죽음

Esperanza portuaria Simpson dos muertes sin resolver

左舷希望Simpson 2 つの未解決の死

History portu�rio de Simpson da esperan�a do desenvolvimento com fotografias

Storia port di Simpson di speranza di sviluppo con le fotografie

Porthoffnung Simpson Geschichte der Entwicklung mit Fotographien

Two unsolved deaths & links

Two deaths on 3 February 1940 in Port Hope Simpson, Labrador, Newfoundland, Canada are still unsolved. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Serious Crimes Unit, Gander, Newfoundland have opened up their own investigation. This illustrated journal http://twounsolveddeaths.blogspot.com
from 15 July to 28 August, 2002 not only covers an invitation to the town's Coming Home celebrations but also includes a further attempt to establish the facts. If you know anything at all about what happened please do not hesitate in contacting your local RCMP detachment or the police force of jurisdiction in your area.If you live outside Canada, please contact your local police service and ask them to make a request for assistance from the appropriate Canadian law enforcement agency. The main RCMP website address is http://www.rcmp.ca or Email me!

The Tombstone in Port Hope Simpson, 15 November 1969.

The Tombstone behind a white wooden fence. Note the small, broken,slim piece of original concrete headstone leaning up against the front right of the memorial. 29 July 2002.

The Inscription on The Tombstone of Arthur Eric Williams (known as Eric), and Erica Anitoff Williams, reads as follows:
ARTHUR ERIC WILLIAMS SON OF MR. & MRS. J. O. WILLIAMS LABRADOR HOUSE SOUTHERNDOWN WALES BORN JULY 30 1913 LOST HIS LIFE IN A FIRE ON THIS SPOT FEB. 3RD 1940 IN A VAIN ATTEMPT TO SAVE HIS BABY DAUGHTER ERICA AGED 18 MONTHS. GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS.
But at least Six Discrepancies exist that cast serious doubt about its truthfulness:
1 The following additional words were inscribed on the small original concrete headstone but left out from the final inscription:
HAVING SAVED HIS WIFE HE DIED IN THE FLAMES WITH HIS DAUGHTER ERICA.
After hearing about the deaths for the first time, J.O. Williams would subsequently have heard about other circumstances involving Eric, Keith Yonge, the local company Manager in Port Hope Simpson and Olga. J.O. decided to remove any mention of Olga, Eric's wife from the inscription for all time.
2 The original nameplate of the house that J. O. Williams built, (he was known as Jack within his family) is made up of only one word: "LABRADOR" and not "Labrador House" as found on the inscription.
3 Erica was an illegitimate child who was 43 months two days old when she died and not 18 months as inscribed.
4 Also according to her birth certificate, Erica was born on 15 July 1936 at 29 St. Isan Road, Heath, Cardiff but no house existed on that plot of land at that time.
5 The main permanent address of Mr. & Mrs. J. O. Williams when Eric and Erica died in acrimonious, suspicious circumstances on 3 February 1940 is probably false because by 15 March 1938 Mr. & Mrs. J. O. Williams in fact lived at Flat 23 Kenilworth House, Westgate Street, Cardiff, Wales and Arthur Eric Williams was living next door at Flat 14 Dunraven House, Westgate Street, Cardiff, Wales. It is highly likely the flats were their true permanent addresses on the night that Eric and Erica died . Labrador House would most likely have been kept as a holiday home by the sea for the use of the Williams family.
6 Furthermore, Labrador House is located in Ogmore-by-Sea, Dunraven Bay, Bridgend, Wales and not in the village of Southerndown which is one mile away. The name "Dunraven" is not only self-explanatory but it is also associated with smuggling in that particular area of South Wales; 29 July 2002

Keith Younge, local Manager of the Labrador Development Company Ltd., Port Hope Simpson; courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J.O. Williams, from a set of semi-official photographs; 11January 2003

Father and Eldest Son: John Osborn Williams l.aged 48years,deceased; Arthur Eric Williams aged 21 years,deceased, taken in Port Hope Simpson, 1935; courtesy of John Illsely, grandson of J.O. Williams, from a set of semi-official photographs;11 January 2003

Two dolphins decorating a ceramic wall tile near to Labrador House; 18 January 2003

LABRADOR (House), 55 Main Street, Ogmore - by - Sea, Bridgend CF32OPL built by J.O. Williams in the 1920s (the house that Jack built);18/01/03

The Naming Ceremony on 23 August 1934, l. to r.: Sir John Hope Simpson, John Osborne Williams Junior. fourth from left, Arthur Eric Williams fifth from l., Thomas Lodge, Commissioner for Public Utilities eighth from l., John Osborn J.O. Williams ninth from l.; photograph courtesy of John Edward Illsley, grandson of J.O. Williams; date of ceremony from Simpson John Hope, Peter Neary (Editor), Quita Hope Simpson, P.E. Neary page 19 White Tie & Decorations Sir John and Lady Hope Simpson in Newfoundland, 1934-1936 Publisher: Univ of Toronto Press (March 1996)

A photograph that appeared in The Times page 16, 22 January 1934 showing a rather younger picture, probably in his late 30s, of the 66 year old Commissioner of Natural Resources who arrived in St. Johns, Newfoundland on 15 February 1934!

Mary Jane Barclay and John Hope Simpson on their wedding day 19 September 1900; extract from White Tie & Decorations Sir John and Lady Hope Simpson in Newfoundland, 1934-1936 by John Hope Simpson , Peter Neary (Editor), Quita Hope Simpson , P. Neary Publisher: University of Toronto Press; March 1996

John Hope Simpson outside Buckingham Palace on the day King George V conferred his knighthood. The knighthood was announced in the Kings birthday honours list of 3 June 1935; White Tie & Decorations Sir John and Lady Hope Simpson in Newfoundland, 1934-1936 by John Hope Simpson , Peter Neary (Editor), Quita Hope Simpson , P. Neary Publisher: University of Toronto Press; March 1996

p10 COMPANY BROCHURE, a Big Stick cut at Port Hope Simpson and presented to The Great Western Railway, Cardiff as a flagpole; 1935

p1 letter from J.O. Williams to Keith Younge, his Company's Manager in Port Hope Simpson 1941

p2 letter from J. O. Williams to K. Younge, 1941

p3 letter from JO Williams to K Young; 1941

p4 letter from J. O. Williams to Keith Yonge, his Company manager in Port Hope Simpson, 1941

36 South Court Road, Penylan, Cardiff CF23 9DB, one of the permanent residences of J.O. Williams from 8 May 1928; 11/01/03

12 West Bute Street, Cardiff CF105EN today. Dowlais Arcade is also located on this street where Williams� company office was based with the adress of "Dowlais Chambers." 11/01/03

29 St. Isan Road, Cardiff CF14 4LUwhere Eric Williams had dishonestly claimed to be living when he had registered Erica Anitoff, his daughter�s birth on 31 August 1938; building of the house wasn�t completed until after the Second World War; 11/01/03,

Roath Parish Church, Cardiff: the most likely location for the marriage ceremony of Arthur Eric Williams and Olga Marie D'Anitoff, 18 August 1937; 2 January 2003

p1 letter from J. O. Williams to P. Clutterbuck, Dominions Office, London; 2 May 1939

p2 letter from J. O. Williams to P. Clutterbuck, Dominions Office, London; 2 May 1939

p3 letter from J. O. Williams to P. Clutterbuck, Dominions Office, London; 2 May 1939

p4 letter from J. O. Williams to P. Clutterbuck, Dominions Office, London; 2 May 1939

John Osborn Williams and his eldest son Arthur Eric Williams were living at these addreses respectively by March 1938: Flat 14 Dunraven House (r. of entrance) and Flat 23 Kenilworth House Westgate Street Cardiff (l. of entrance) and Westgate Street Cardiff (Source : Companies House, Cardiff) 3.1.03

The location of J.O' s Flats in Westgate Street,near Cardiff Castle; 3 January 2003

p1 Summary of the Revised Report of Newfoundland Comptroller & Auditor General Bradney into the Labrador Development Company Ltd.; 16 March 1945

p2 Summary of the Revised Report of Newfoundland Comptroller & Auditor General Bradney into the Labrador Development Compnay Ltd. 16 March 1945

p3 Summary of the Revised Report of the Newfoundland Comptroller and Auditor General Bradney 16 March 1945

Views from LABRADOR HOUSE (top) and from THE COTTAGE (bottom) looking out over The Bristol Channel on a very wet morning, 3 January 2003

J. O. Williams Property Assets, brief details

The Cottage, 34 Main Street, Ogmore-by-Sea, Bridgend CF32 OPL where J.O. and Ethel Kate retired to and which also served as their Company office during their later years; 18 January 2003

The entrance to Bridgend Cemetery, Bridgend, South Wales 18 January 2003

Location of the grave of John Osborn and Ethel Kate Williams, Bridgend Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Environmental and Planning Directorate, Bridgend County Council, Council Offices, Angel Street, Bridgend CF31 4WB; 18 January 2003

Final resting place of John Osborn Williams aged 77 years; (b. 28 March 1886, d.6 July 1963) and Ethel Kate Williams, aged 69 years; (b. 31 January 1887, d. 20 March 1956) Bridgend Cemetery, South Wales; (Notice of Vandalism was posted at the cemetery, July 2002)18 January 2003

p.1
Preliminary findings about the two deaths, Port Hope Simpson 3 February 1940

p2 Preliminary findings about the two deaths, Port Hope Simpson, 3 February 1940

Certified copy of an entry of death for John Osborn Williams died 6 July 1963

Evidence of the need to finally, once and for all, completely sever the Labrador Development Company-Government business relationship: Telegram from the Newfoundland Government to the Dominions Office; 2 January 1946

Evidence of the Trickery and Powers of Deception of J. O. Williams: letter from John Chadwick, Dominions Office to Lt. Col. Russell Edmunds, British Treasury, 20 January 1947

Evidence pointing the finger of blame at the British and Newfoundland Commission of Government's failure to control the activities of J. O. Williams and his Labrador Development Company, Port Hope Simpson. In a letter from C.H.M. Wilcox, British Treasury, London to P.A. Clutterbuck, The Dominions Office, London, 13 July 1943

COMPANY BROCHURE front cover showing a team of working dogs hauling wood out from the forest; brochure printed in Great Britain by William Lewis (Printers) Ltd., Cardiff; courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J.O. Williams; 11 January 2003

p1 COMPANY BROCHURE extensive, dense forest on the banks of the Alexis River, 1934; courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J.O. Williams; 11 January 2003

p2 COMPANY BROCHURE dense forest on the banks of the deep water of The Alexis River, 1934; courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J.O. Williams; 11 January 2003

p3 COMPANY BROCHURE bot.r.clkwise The late Mr. Arthur Eric Williams was with the the first landing party in Alexis Bay in June 1934; landing stores; the first pioneer landing party landing;a waterfall in Gilbert River; courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J.O. Williams; 11 January 2003

P4 COMPANY BROCHURE After Four Months Work, Port Hope Simpson; courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J.O. Williams; 11 January 2003

P5 COMPANY BROCHURE A Steamer being loaded, Alexis Bay, Port Hope Simpson, September, 1934; courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J.O. Williams; 11 January 2003

p6 COMPANY BROCHURE Deck Cargo of Labrador Pitprops at Port Hope Simpson; Big Logs cut at Alexis River Logging Camps; courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J.O. Williams; 11 January 2003

p7 COMPANY BROCHURE The Visit of The Commission of Government officials, August 1934; front.l.: Hon.Thomas Lodge; m.: Hon. Sir John Hope Simpson; r.: J.O. Williams et.al; courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J.O. Williams; 11 January 2003

URL.biz - History

p8 COMPANY BROCHURE Sir John Simpson Hoisting the Flag naming the Port, Hope Simpson, 23 August 1934; courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J.O. Williams; 11 January 2003

p11 COMPANY BROCHURE Houses built ;The Main Stores; Stores and Warehouses in 1935; courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J.O. Williams; 11 January 2003

p13 COMPANY BROCHURE sawn timber for local consumption; Government passenger steamer, S.S. Kyle;courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J.O. Williams;11 January 2003

p14 COMPANY BROCHURE Dog Team hauling out wood, Alexis River; courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J.O. Williams;11 January 2003

p15 COMPANY BROCHURE Steamer loaded by the Company;courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J.O. Williams;11 January 2003

p16 COMPANY BROCHURE Steamer loaded by the Company, Port Hope Simpson, 1935; courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J. O. Williams; 11 January 2003

p17 COMPANY BROCHURE 1937 Official visit of the Governor, Sir Humphrey Walwyn, to Port Hope Simpson in 1937; courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J. O. Williams; 11 January 2003

p18 COMPANY BROCHURE J.O.Williams & Co. Ltd. pitprop storing yards at Cardiff and Barry, South Wales; courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J.O. Williams; 11 January 2003

Company Pier, Store and Office in Port Hope Simpson, 1935; courtsey of John Illsley, grandson of J.O. Williams from semi-official photographs of that time; 11 January 2003

The Loggers' Camp of Port Hope Simpson, 1934-35 courtsey of John Illsley, grandson of J.O. Williams from semi-official photographs of that time; 11 January 2003

COMPANY BROCHURE horses, big logs etc. thumbnail photographs, Port Hope Simpson 1935; courtsey of John Illsley, grandson of J.O. Williams from semi-official photographs of that time; 11 January 2003

Company Wharf, Port Hope Simpson, 1935; courtsey of John Illsley, grandson of J.O. Williams from semi-official photographs of that time; 11 January 2003

Katie Doreen Williams,l., sister Arthur Eric Williams, daughter of J. O. Williams and her life - long friend Kathleen Mina 'Bunty' James R.,Port Hope Simpson 1935; courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J. O. Williams; 11 January 2003

p 9 COMPANY BROCHURE Bunty James (Kathleen Mina) with Staff at Port Hope Simpson,1936;courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J.O. Williams,11 January 2003.

Page 1 Oral History as recalled by Mrs. Kathleen Mina Squire (formerly James, known as Bunty James) interviewee, who lived in Port Hope Simpson in 1935 as a guest of her life-long friend, Katie Doreen Williams, daughter of J. O. Williams. Interviewed by Llewelyn Pritchard in the company of John and Sheila Illsley;11 January 2003

Page 2 Oral History as recalled by Mrs. Kathleen Mina Squire (formerly James, known as Bunty James) interviewee, who lived in Port Hope Simpson in 1935 as a guest of her life-long friend, Katie Doreen Williams, daughter of J. O. Williams. Interviewed by Llewelyn Pritchard in the company of John and Sheila Illsley;11 January 2003

Page 3 Oral History as recalled by Mrs. Kathleen Mina Squire (formerly James, known as Bunty James) interviewee, who lived in Port Hope Simpson in 1935 as a guest of her life-long friend, Katie Doreen Williams, daughter of J. O. Williams. Interviewed by Llewelyn Pritchard in the company of John and Sheila Illsley;11 January 2003

Page 4 Oral History as recalled by Mrs. Kathleen Mina Squire (formerly James, known as Bunty James) interviewee, who lived in Port Hope Simpson in 1935 as a guest of her life-long friend, Katie Doreen Williams, daughter of J. O. Williams. Interviewed by Llewelyn Pritchard in the company of John and Sheila Illsley;11 January 2003

Page 5 Oral History as recalled by Mrs. Kathleen Mina Squire (formerly James, known as Bunty James) interviewee, who lived in Port Hope Simpson in 1935 as a guest of her life-long friend, Katie Doreen Williams, daughter of J. O. Williams. Interviewed by Llewelyn Pritchard in the company of John and Sheila Illsley;11 January 2003

Page 6 Oral History as recalled by Mrs. Kathleen Mina Squire (formerly James, known as Bunty James) interviewee, who lived in Port Hope Simpson in 1935 as a guest of her life-long friend, Katie Doreen Williams, daughter of J. O. Williams. Interviewed by Llewelyn Pritchard in the company of John and Sheila Illsley;11 January 2003

Page 7 Oral History as recalled by Mrs. Kathleen Mina Squire (formerly James, known as Bunty James) interviewee, who lived in Port Hope Simpson in 1935 as a guest of her life-long friend, Katie Doreen Williams, daughter of J. O. Williams. Interviewed by Llewelyn Pritchard in the company of John and Sheila Illsley;11 January 2003

Page 8 Oral History as recalled by Mrs. Kathleen Mina Squire (formerly James, known as Bunty James) interviewee, who lived in Port Hope Simpson in 1935 as a guest of her life-long friend, Katie Doreen Williams, daughter of J. O. Williams. Interviewed by Llewelyn Pritchard in the company of John and Sheila Illsley;11 January 2003

Page 9 Oral History as recalled by Mrs. Kathleen Mina Squire (formerly James, known as Bunty James) interviewee, who lived in Port Hope Simpson in 1935 as a guest of her life-long friend, Katie Doreen Williams, daughter of J. O. Williams. Interviewed by Llewelyn Pritchard in the company of John and Sheila Illsley;11 January 2003

Page 10 Oral History as recalled by Mrs. Kathleen Mina Squire (formerly James, known as Bunty James) interviewee, who lived in Port Hope Simpson in 1935 as a guest of her life-long friend, Katie Doreen Williams, daughter of J. O. Williams. Interviewed by Llewelyn Pritchard in the company of John and Sheila Illsley;11 January 2003

Page 11 Oral History as recalled by Mrs. Kathleen Mina Squire (formerly James, known as Bunty James) interviewee, who lived in Port Hope Simpson in 1935 as a guest of her life-long friend, Katie Doreen Williams, daughter of J. O. Williams. Interviewed by Llewelyn Pritchard in the company of John and Sheila Illsley;11 January 2003

Page 12 Oral History as recalled by Mrs. Kathleen Mina Squire (formerly James, known as Bunty James) interviewee, who lived in Port Hope Simpson in 1935 as a guest of her life-long friend, Katie Doreen Williams, daughter of J. O. Williams. Interviewed by Llewelyn Pritchard in the company of John and Sheila Illsley;11 January 2003

Page 13 Oral History as recalled by Mrs. Kathleen Mina Squire (formerly James, known as Bunty James) interviewee, who lived in Port Hope Simpson in 1935 as a guest of her life-long friend, Katie Doreen Williams, daughter of J. O. Williams. Interviewed by Llewelyn Pritchard in the company of John and Sheila Illsley;11 January 2003

Page 14 Oral History as recalled by Mrs. Kathleen Mina Squire (formerly James, known as Bunty James) interviewee, who lived in Port Hope Simpson in 1935 as a guest of her life-long friend, Katie Doreen Williams, daughter of J. O. Williams. Interviewed by Llewelyn Pritchard in the company of John and Sheila Illsley;11 January 2003

Page 15 Oral History as recalled by Mrs. Kathleen Mina Squire (formerly James, known as Bunty James) interviewee, who lived in Port Hope Simpson in 1935 as a guest of her life-long friend, Katie Doreen Williams, daughter of J. O. Williams. Interviewed by Llewelyn Pritchard in the company of John and Sheila Illsley;11 January 2003

Page 16 Oral History as recalled by Mrs. Kathleen Mina Squire (formerly James, known as Bunty James) interviewee, who lived in Port Hope Simpson in 1935 as a guest of her life-long friend, Katie Doreen Williams, daughter of J. O. Williams. Interviewed by Llewelyn Pritchard in the company of John and Sheila Illsley;11 January 2003

Page 17 Oral History as recalled by Mrs. Kathleen Mina Squire (formerly James, known as Bunty James) interviewee, who lived in Port Hope Simpson in 1935 as a guest of her life-long friend, Katie Doreen Williams, daughter of J. O. Williams. Interviewed by Llewelyn Pritchard in the company of John and Sheila Illsley;11 January 2003

Page 18 Oral History as recalled by Mrs. Kathleen Mina Squire (formerly James, known as Bunty James) interviewee, who lived in Port Hope Simpson in 1935 as a guest of her life-long friend, Katie Doreen Williams, daughter of J. O. Williams. Interviewed by Llewelyn Pritchard in the company of John and Sheila Illsley;11 January 2003

Page 19 Oral History as recalled by Mrs. Kathleen Mina Squire (formerly James, known as Bunty James) interviewee, who lived in Port Hope Simpson in 1935 as a guest of her life-long friend, Katie Doreen Williams, daughter of J. O. Williams. Interviewed by Llewelyn Pritchard in the company of John and Sheila Illsley;11 January 2003

Page20 Oral History as recalled by Mrs. Kathleen Mina Squire (formerly James, known as Bunty James) interviewee, who lived in Port Hope Simpson in 1935 as a guest of her life-long friend, Katie Doreen Williams, daughter of J. O. Williams. Interviewed by Llewelyn Pritchard in the company of John and Sheila Illsley;11 January 2003

Page 21 Oral History as recalled by Mrs. Kathleen Mina Squire (formerly James, known as Bunty James) interviewee, who lived in Port Hope Simpson in 1935 as a guest of her life-long friend, Katie Doreen Williams, daughter of J. O. Williams. Interviewed by Llewelyn Pritchard in the company of John and Sheila Illsley;11 January 2003

p12 COMPANY BROCHURE Six Company Houses photographed from a clever angle to give a false impression about the number of houses the Company had built in Port Hope Simpson in 1935. Courtesy of John Illsely, grandson of J. O. Williams; 1 February 2003

A Map Showing Territory for a Labrador Mining Company although it is unknown why it was also found inside the back cover of The Labrador Development Company Ltd. brochure. Courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J. O. Williams from a set of semi-official photographs at the time; 11 January 2003

A Map Showing Labrador Development Company Ltd. Territory with Place Names, 20 miles to one inch, in the back cover of the Company's Brochure published 1935, Williams Lewis Printers Ltd., Cardiff; Courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J. O. Williams from a set of semi-official photographs at the time; 11 January 2003

P12 COMPANY BROCHURE A hospital under construction in 1935;Courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J. O. Williams; 11 January 2003

One of the first logging camps in Port Hope Simpson, 1935; Courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J. O. Williams from a set of semi-official photographs at the time; 11 January 2003

The Company boat, "Betty and Ida" now named "P.D." on the Alexis River, Port Hope Simpson, 1935; Courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J. O. Williams from a set of semi-official photographs at the time; 11 January 2003

Port Hope Simpson in 1935: Boats taking stores to the shore. Courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J. O. Williams from a set of semi-official photographs at the time; 11 January 2003

Port Hope Simpson, a view upriver, 1935. Courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J. O. Williams from a set of semi-official photographs at the time; 11 January 2003

Newfoundland Rangers in Port Hope Simpson 1934. Courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J. O. Williams from a set of semi-official photographs at the time; 11 January 2003

The Bunkhouse for 80 men at The Depot, Port Hope Simpson,1935. Courtesy of John Illsley, grandson of J. O. Williams from a set of semi-official photographs at the time; 11 January 2003

C.G. DWYER, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #15, PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT; MONTH ENDING 30 SEPTMBER 1940; 1 FEBRUARY 2003

C.G. DWYER, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #15, PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT; MONTH ENDING 30 NOVEMBER 1940; 1 FEBRUARY 2003

C.G. DWYER, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #15, PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT; MONTH ENDING 31 JANUARY 1941; 1 FEBRUARY 2003

C.G. DWYER, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #15, PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT; MONTH ENDING 28 FEBRUARY 1941; 1 FEBRUARY 2003

C.G. DWYER, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #15, PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT; MONTH ENDING 31 MARCH 1941; 1 FEBRUARY 2003

C.G. DWYER, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #15, PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT; MONTH ENDING 30 APRIL 1941; 1 FEBRUARY 2003

C.G. DWYER, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #15, PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT; MONTH ENDING 31 MAY 1941, P.1; 1 FEBRUARY 2003

C.G. DWYER, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #15, PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT; MONTH ENDING 31 MAY 1941, P.2; 1 FEBRUARY 2003

C.G. DWYER, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #15, PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT; MONTH ENDING 30 JUNE 1941; 1 FEBRUARY 2003

C.G. DWYER, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #15, PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT; MONTH ENDING 31 JULY 1941; 1 FEBRUARY 2003

C.G. DWYER, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #15, PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT; MONTH ENDING 30 SEPTEMBER 1941; 1 FEBRUARY 2003

C.G. DWYER, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #15, PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT; MONTH ENDING 31 OCTOBER 1941; 1 FEBRUARY 2003

C.G. DWYER, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #15, PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT; MONTH ENDING 30 NOVEMBER 1941; 1 FEBRUARY 2003

C.G. DWYER, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #15, PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT; MONTH ENDING 31 DECEMBER 1941, P.1; 1 FEBRUARY 2003

C.G. DWYER, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #15, PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT; MONTH ENDING 31 DECEMBER 1941, P.2; 1 FEBRUARY 2003

C.G. DWYER, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #15, PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT; MONTH ENDING 31 JANUARY 1942; 1 FEBRUARY 2003

C.G. DWYER, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #15, PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT; MONTH ENDING FEBRUARY 1942; 1 FEBRUARY 2003

C.G. DWYER, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #15, PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT; MONTH ENDING 30 MARCH 1942, P.1; 1 FEBRUARY 2003

C.G. DWYER, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #15, PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT; MONTH ENDING 30 MARCH 1942 P.2; 1 FEBRUARY 2003

C.G. DWYER, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #15, PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT; MONTH ENDING 30 APRIL 1942; 1 FEBRUARY 2003

S.T.CHRISTIAN, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #26, BATTLE HARBOUR REPORT INC. PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT ENDING 31 JANUARY 1943 front page

S.T.CHRISTIAN, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #26, BATTLE HARBOUR REPORT INC. PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT ENDING 31 JANUARY 1943 p1

S.T.CHRISTIAN, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #26, BATTLE HARBOUR REPORT INC. PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT ENDING 31 JANUARY 1943 p2

S.T.CHRISTIAN, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #26, BATTLE HARBOUR REPORT INC. PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT ENDING 31 JANUARY 1943 p3

S.T.CHRISTIAN, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #26, BATTLE HARBOUR REPORT INC. PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT ENDING 31 JANUARY 1943 p4

S.T.CHRISTIAN, NEWFOUNDLAND RANGER #26, BATTLE HARBOUR REPORT INC. PORT HOPE SIMPSON DISTRICT ENDING 31 JANUARY 1943 p5

Interpretation of Newfoundland Rangers' Reports Port Hope Simpson District 1940-43 p.1; 1 February 2003

Interpretation of Newfoundland Rangers' Reports Port Hope Simpson District 1940-43 p.2; 1 February 2003

Interpretation of Newfoundland Rangers' Reports Port Hope Simpson District 1940-43 p.3; 1 February 2003

Interpretation of Newfoundland Rangers' Reports Port Hope Simpson District 1940-43 p.4; 1 February 2003

Interpretation of Newfoundland Rangers' Reports Port Hope Simpson District 1940-43 p.5; 1 February 2003

Interpretation of Newfoundland Rangers' Reports Port Hope Simpson District 1940-43 p.6; 1 February 2003

Interpretation of Newfoundland Rangers' Reports Port Hope Simpson District 1940-43 p.7; 1 February 2003

Interpretation of Newfoundland Rangers' Reports Port Hope Simpson District 1940-43 p.8; 1 February 2003

Interpretation of Newfoundland Rangers' Reports Port Hope Simpson District 1940-43 p.9; 1 February 2003

Interpretation of Newfoundland Rangers' Reports Port Hope Simpson District 1940-43 p.10; 1 February 2003

Interpretation of Newfoundland Rangers' Reports Port Hope Simpson District 1940-43 p.11; 1 February 2003

Interpretation of Newfoundland Rangers' Reports, Port Hope Simpson District; 1940-43 p. 12; 1 February 2003

A List of Able Bodied Relief Payments in Port Hope Simpson from Sept 1940 to March 1943

Newfoundland Ranger #34 Acting Inspector Walter Rockwood, Port Hope Simpson 15.07.37 18.10.37

Newfoundland Ranger #29 Captain Harry Walters, second from left based in Port Hope Simpson 1935-36

A list of the Newfoundland Rangers' Serving Officers and Newfoundland Rangers' Reports received by Newfoundland Rangers' Headquarters covering the Port Hope Simpson District from 1940 - 43.

Clarence G. Dwyer, Newfoundland Ranger Registered #15 standing in front of his Port Hope Simpson Detachment in 1940.

Certified Copy of an Entry of Birth for Arthur Eric Williams, deceased 3rd February 1940 Port Hope Simpson, son of John Osborne ( J.O.) Williams. No Death Certifcate has been found; 30 May 2004. A Doctor was in the settlement when the death occurred.

Certified Copy of an Entry of Birth for Erica Anitoff Williams, deceased, aged three years six months, 3rd February 1940, Port Hope Simpson, Labrador. No Death Certificate has yet been found;30 May 2004. A Doctor from Mary's Harbour was present in Port Hope Simpson when the death occurred.

The letter from J.O Williams to Keith Younge which indicates Williams' s true financial position dated 1 January 1942

The symbolic ruins of the Labrador Development Company Ltd. sawmill in Port Hope Simpson, 27 July 2002. The first loggers who settled in this area in 1934 were in fact paid at a starvation level of about $1.30 per day after deductions of 70c. per day for his board and 10c. per month for his straw-filled mattress. The men worked hard hard, in fly-infested woods using bucksaws and axes for up to 12 hours a day. Some were paid 12c. per hour whilst others were paid between $1.75 - $2.00 per cord of cut pitwood. Coupled with the fact they were forced to buy food at exhorbitant prices on credit from the only Company store in the settlemnt it was the same as the fishery. They were always in debt. By 26 July 1934 within a month of arriving, 225 lumbermen had returned to St. John's because they were dis-satisfied with their wages and working conditions which were not as they had been led to believe. On 9 July 1935, Simpson wrote that the loggers were earning great wages of about $3.00 per day!

A close-up view of one of the two original Labrador Development Company Ltd. houses still standing in Port Hope Simpson; 24 July 2002. Only six so called "Company Houses" were ever built. They were kept solely for the use of the Company's staff and their visitors whilst a maximum of only 26 houses were ever bult by the loggers themselves for their families on the basis that they were allowed to purchase timber from the Company and then have to pay a rent on top! Some such houses were quite understandably left standing by the loggers as sidewalls without a roof. Most of the families chose to build for themselves away from the Company on the other side of Blackwater Brook.
In his original application to the Colonial Development Fund in London, John Osborne Williams applied for a loan on the written basis that 400 houses would be built and Sir John Hope Simpson later actively supported him in his false intentions. For example, on 4 June 1935, Simpson wrote to The Dominions Office, in a letter marked secret and personal, that 200 families were being settled at the Alexis River site. This when coupled with the Company's glossy brochure published in Cardiff in 1935 meant that Williams and Simpson were using evidence in a misleading way to paint a dishonest picture about what was really going on in Port Hope Simpson at that time. On 7 January 1935 the Governor of Newfoundland wrote that he anticipated that 400 houses would be built. The loggers and their families, who came with dreams of prosperity and happiness; the Commission of Government based in St. John's and The Dominions Office in London as well as the whole of the British Government (who didn't liase very well between its Departments) were all in fact duped by J.O. Williams and Sir J.H. Simpson into thinking that a good type of development was going on at the site. Nothing could have been further from the truth.

"The Springdale", one of four coastal boats serving the people of The Labrador in 1969-70. The others were "The Cabot Strait", "The Nonia" and "The Bonavista" 23 August 1969

Grenfell Nurse Margaret Harris from Mary's Harbour Mission Station and Weston-Super-Mare, England, in front of the Hospital Ship, "The Strathcona", that called in twice a year. Berthed in Port Hope Simpson 30 October 1969

Wince Clark as he guides his load of firewood up on to the Main Road, Port Hope Simpson with the only dog team left in town; 29 December 1969

Charlie Russell with his bike on the ungraded Main Road, near Edgar Hicks' General Store, Port Hope Simpson 23 November 1969

The only car in Port Hope Simpson at the Bowaters and/or Government wharf because no connecting roads to other places existed at that time; 18 June 1970

Vick Penney's new skidoo, with Ben Rowe and another repairman at work;taken looking towards The Bay, Port Hope Simpson 25 February 1970

The Anglican School, Port Hope Simpson plus Volleyball Court, Decorations and Oil Drums, Port Hope Simpson 15 November 1969

The denominational Pentecostal School on the left, looking towards The Bay and Dick Rumbolt's house. The other denominational school in Port Hope Simpson was The Anglican School. Both school buildings also served the religious needs of their comunity and acted as meeting places; 6 May 1970

Beaver skin drying on a woodpile; people would go out hunting, trapping and fishing to supplement their income and diet; 10 November 1969

Ice Hockey Match, Port Hope Simpson v Mary's Harbour near Blackwater Brook, Port Hope Simpson 9 December 1969

There was virtually no paid employment for the dignified men of Port Hope Simpson; 6 May 1970

The Powerhouse, Port Hope Simpson although erected was not yet operational; 26 December 1969

On 6 May 1970, Port Hope Simpson was starting to be wired-up by Bell Telephone men, including Baxter Rumbolt with Vic Penney amd Henry James Butt standing nearby.

A sketch map of Port Hope Simpson showing the extent of the built-up area, the location of all families, roads and other features; 15 February 1970

Household rubbish was disposed of by leaving it strewn outside houses on 17 May 1970. This was both unsightly and a potential health hazard. However, most of Port Hope Simpson left for their other smaller. fishing settlements during the Summer with their rubbish freezing solid not long after they returned for the winter season.

The Depot, outside the Port Hope Simpson winter settlement, marked the site of a Bowaters' woodcutting operation which had recently closed down; 15 November 1969

Harry Ward in front of the new house he was building in Port Hope Simpson, 1970. The Ward's old house (r.) was one of the original loggers' shacks still standing; 24 January 1970

Two hand-built fishing boats in Port Hope Simpson out of use until the Bay ice thawed. 6 May 1969

A passenger-mailplane preparing for take-off from an isolated Port Hope Simpson,19 December 1969. However, within a generation, thanks to Federal and Provincial Government support air, road and sea transportation developments brought other places such as Happy Valley-Goose Bay, St. Anthony, St. John's and Gros Morne, Newfoundland within easier travelling distance of Port Hope Simpson.

Passenger/mailplane taking-off from Alexis Bay, Port Hope Simpson; 19 December 1969

Thank you everybody. Saying goodbye at Port Hope Simpson airport terminal. L. to R: Muriel, Margaret, me and The Airport Gopher; 29 July 2002

My gear at Berry Hill campsite, Gros Morne National Park, World Heritage Site 18 August 2002

An interpretation board at the start of The James Callaghan Trail in the World Heritage Site of Gros Morne National Park; 19 August 2002

Gros Morne in the distance. Taken from a bridge on the James Callaghan approach trail. 19 August 2002

Making new friends on the walk in to Gros Morne. Robert Deval (l.) 19 August 2002

At the summit of Gros Morne, 19 August 2002; taken by Robert Duval.

My Room Number 416 with a view, in Curtis Hall of Residence (t.), Memorial University of Labrador and Newfoundland from 3-25 August 2002

Street Plan part two of St. John's, Newfoundland; August 2002

Street Plan part one, of St. John's, Newfoundland; August 2002

The emblem of Port Hope Simpson's spirit of endeavour. Designed by Stacey Russell and chosen to represent what Port Hope Simpson is all about. (For a more detailed explanation of its meaning please scroll down.) The Community Centre, Port Hope Simpson, 19-27 July 2002

Northern Lights : A talented, engaging single thread colourful embroidery showing the Northern Lights rather eerily just hanging there in space by Doris Saunders b.1941; 4 August 2002

Time and Place by Bentley Jarvis;Newfoundland and Labrador Art Gallery; 4 August 2002

The George River Herd, 1996; by Chesley Flower b. 1914 d. circa 1987; Newfoundland and Labrador Art Gallery; 4 August 2002

The George River Herd; Newfoundland and Labrador Art Gallery; 4 August 2002

Snow Knife with Wooden Scabbard, Gilbert Hay, 1985; Newfoundland and Labrador Art Gallery, St. John's; 4 August 2002

Sunglasses in wood and leather made by Charles Jones Parker, Davis Inlet, Labrador; Newfoundland and Labrador Art Gallery, St. John's; 4 August 2002

Grasswork of Labrador and Traditional Innuit Hat, Newfoundland and Labrador Art Galllery; St. John's, Newfoundland; 4 August 2002

Ernie Llewelyn Pritchard at Cape Spear, the most easterly point in North America; 30 July 2002

Ferryland from The Downs, Avalon Region, Newfoundland; 1 August 2002

Map of the East Coast Trail from Brigus to Bauline, near to The Witless Bay Ecological reserve, Avalon Region, Newfoundland; 4 August 2002

Helpful notes for walkers along stretches of The East Coast Trail, La Manche to Brigus South, Newfoundland; 3 August 2002

A view of the magnificent East Coast Trail, (boards over a bog with my two walking sticks nearby can be seen in the photograph) Aquefort; 1 August 2002

A great breakfast at Smokey Joe Bob's, Ferryland; 1 August 2002

The Prescott Inn Breakfast Room, St. John's; 30 July 2002

A Deep-Sea Fishing Trawler in St. John's Harbour; 15 July 2002

A most fascinating living room of memorabilia and other artefacts, located in The Batteries, overlooking St. John's Harbour; 10 August 2002

A cleverly terraced housing development with verandahs, walkways and plants on show at The Batteries, St. John's; 10 August 2002

The Batteries on the left, looking out to sea through The Narrows, the entrance to St. John's Harbour; 10 August 2002

Whale Watching Boat Tour, Notre Dame Bay, Central Region, Newfoundland; courtesy of Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism August 2002

Spot the two whales spouting from Signal Hill, St. John's; 15 July 2002

The Military Tatoo, Signal Hill, St. John's; 10 August 2002

The spectacular coastal path to Signal Hill; 30 July 2002

Signal Hill, St. John's where the first trans Atlantic wireless signal was received by Marconi, 12.12.1901; 30 July 2002

The site of Marconi's achievement in sending and receiving the first Trans-Atlantic wireless signal, Summit of Signal Hill, St. John's; 30 July 2002

A military cannon at Cabot Tower, Signal Hill, St. John's; 15 July 2002

St. John's as seen from Signal Hill; 30 July 2002

St. John's Harbour and The Narrows, 30 July 2002

Inside the Air Labrador return flight from St. Anthony to St. John's; 29 JUly 2002

The Air Labrador Turbo Jet Connecting Flight to St. Anthony from St. Johns; 16 July 2002

An Inside View of The Air Labrador Taxi into Port Hope Simpson from St. Anthony; 20 July 2002

An Exhilarating Flight into Port Hope Simpson Regional Airport; 20 July 2002

The Matthew Stays in Bristol. The Bristol Evening Post.2 October 2001

The Matthew under full sail in 1997.

The Matthew, built in Bristol, England and sailed across the Atlantic in 1997 to celebrate the 500th Anniversary of John Cabot's crossing. The crew are being welcomed on land in Newfoundland.

The Puffin: an amazingly agile sea parrott of a swimmer; courtesy of Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism; 25 July 2002

5000 Humbacks Visit Labrador Every Year. Courtesy of Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism; 25 July 2002

Labrador Food - Come Along and Try Some! Courtesy of Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism; 25 July 2002

Labrador - Tranquilty Base; courtesy of Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism; July 2002

Labrador - the Seabird-Watching capital of the world; courtesy of Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism; July 2002

The Northern Lights, courtesy of Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism; July 2002

Small Iceberg outside Battle Harbour, taken from on board the Tourist Trip; 25 July 2002

Approaching the entrance to Battle Harbour (middle view) on board the Tourist Trip; 25 July 2002

Battle Harbour Main Buildings, l. to r. Mission; Herring Store; Salmon Store; Pork Store; Flour Store; Salt Store; 25 July 2002

Michael Earle: Entertainer, Singer; Storyteller; Raconteur, Organizer; Builder; Jack of all Trades; Descendent of the Earle Merchants in Battle Harbour; 25 July 2002

Michael Earle introducing Battle Harbour to its Visitors; 25 July 2002

Welcome to Battle Harbour, Labrador leaflet; 25 July 2002

Map of the faithfully reconstructed Battle Harbour Station; 25 July 2002

Church of St. James The Apostle, Battle Harbour; 25 July 2002

Lemuel Penney and friend cutting the cake at the Opening Ceremony in the Community Hall, Access North Coming Home Celebration; 19 July 2002

Margaret Burden, Mayor of Port Hope Simpson in her front garden overlooking Alexis Bay. Margaret's generosity enabled me to come out to the Town's Access North Coming Home 2002 celebrations; 28 July 2002

The Port Hope Simpson Coming Home logo with an explanation about its design; July 19 2002

The old room where I wrote my diary (http://www.porthopesimpsondiary.blogspot.com)
at Scott and Rita's home, Port Hope Simpson 1969-70; 27 July 2002

The come-everything room (minus the woodburning stove) at Scott and Rita's old house, Port Hope Simpson 27 July 2002

Scott and Rita's home in Port Hope Simpson where I boarded 1969-70; July 24 2002

The neat room where I stayed, The Alexis Hotel, Port Hope Simpson 28 July 2002

Well-qualified staff, The Alexis Hotel, Port Hope Simpson 18 July 2002

A new house under construction with fabulous views over Alexis Bay, Port Hope Simpson 27 July 2002

The Coming Home Celebrations, The Community Centre, Port Hope Simpson 19-25 July 2002

Boys Having Fun: swimming in Blackwater Brook, Port Hope Simpson 21 July 2002

Looking upstream:the beautiful Blackwater Brook, Port Hope Simpson 21 July 2002

Claude and Jean Rumbolt with sons and grand-daughter, Alexis Bay, Port Hope Simpson 24 July 2002

Simon Strugnall's Woodyard, a local employer in Port Hope Simpson 24 July 2002

The silent sentinel of a snow plough ready and waiting off-road in Port Hope Simpson 25 July 2002

Come Along to Summer Dances in Port Hope Simpson; advertisement in Reception, The Alexis Hotel, Port Hope Simpson 24 July 2002

The Driver of a Big Rig pulls in for delicious meals and a comfortable bed for the night at The Alexis Hotel; 26 July 2002

A view of Port Hope Simpson from behind The Alexis Hotel, looking towards the old Anglican School, centre left and the new, internet, satellite-enabled D. C. Young School on the left skyline; 20 July 2002

On-going development work improving Port Hope Simpson's infrastructure and public amenities; 16 July 2002

A truck on the graded Pioneer Street, Port Hope Simpson 26 July 2002

The Wired-up Town of Port Hope Simpson: looking towards the old Anglican School rooms on the left, taken from Pioneer Street 27 July 2002

On board a tourist boat leaving Mary's Harbour to see Battle Harbour, 25 July 2002

On the wharf, Mary's Harbour looking towards the crab and shrimp processing factory on the left.25 July 2002

Crab catch being swung ashore, Mary's Harbour wharf, 25 July 2002

The artistic, hand-crafted Natasha trawler docked at Mary's Harbour, 25 July 2002

The crab catch being unloaded at Mary's Harbour wharf, 25 July 2002

One of the helicopter pads within five minutes, easy walking distance of The Alexis Hotel, Port Hope Simpson 26 July 2002

A Helicopter Dropping off its Passengers for a Spot of Fishing and a Stay at The Alexis Hotel, Port Hope Simpson 25 July 2002

Site of The Grenfell Mission Hospital, Mary's Harbour 25 July 2002

The Re-constructed Newfoundland Rangers' Battle Harbour Detachment Post, 25 July 2002

The old Anglican School building where I taught from 1969-70; now re-used as storerooms by Redge Russell for his Business Enterprise 25 July 2002

Come, Visit and Enjoy Port Hope Simpson - a few early advertising materials; July 2002

A Street Plan of Port Hope Simpson, 25 July 2002 showing for example, The Regional Airport; Bay View R.V. Park & Boat Tours; The Trans-Labrador Highway; Strugnall's Woodworking, Sampson's Mill, Port Hope Simpson Crafts; Penney's Sawmill; S & N Wood Products; Accommodation: The Alexis Hotel. B & B, Apartments & Ski Lodge; Community, Fishermen & Recreation Centres; Churches; The Clinic; College of the North Atlantic; The D.C. Young School; Skating Rink; Sports Shops; Restaurants & Snack Bars; The Rainbow Family Centre, General Stores; Teen Centre; Moulder of Dreams Pottery Studio;