Formal Recognition Type

Fisheries Heritage Preservation Program

Notes

The Joseph Blake Stage is a late nineteenth-century or early twentieth-century gable-roofed fishing stage located at the water’s edge in Change Islands. While the original owner is not confirned, it is assumed the stage was built and owned by Joseph Blake, who originally had the building further up the cove. It was moved to its current location by Joseph’s son, Cecil, who fished from it along with his brothers. Owner Edith May Burt (Joseph Blake’s granddaughter), and her husband Gilbert and son Tony used the stage for fishing until 1992, when the cod moratorium was put into effect. The structure measures 12 feet by 18 feet, and has a mid-pitch gable roof. Supported by cribbing the stage extends over the water’s edge and is accessed from the road by a long, plank walkway. Ms. Burt applied to the Fisheries Heritage Preservation Program (FHPP) in 2007 so that she could restore her stage. At that time the roof was in need of replacement, the foundation required a new sill and the structure needed painting. Ms. Burt was successful in her project, replacing the damaged roof with a new one and giving the overall structure a fresh coat of paint. The final product revealed a wonderful, traditional fisheries building nestled into the cove. Ms. Burt is immensely proud of her project, and of her stage. She said the community has commented very favorably on the building, saying how good it now looks. It is a great addition to the beautification of the harbour and adds to the cultural landscape of the area.

Community

Change Islands

Municipality

Town of Change Islands

Civic Address

Main Street

Construction (circa)

1890 - 1910

Builder

Joseph Blake