Formal Recognition Type

Fisheries Heritage Preservation Program

Notes

The Croque Waterfront was constructed in 1959 by local fishermen who moved into Croque Harbour from Kearney’s Cove. The move was made, in part, because they could access fishing grounds quicker from there and because the harbour provided better shelter from weather. The buildings were once a hub of activity, with freight boats frequenting the harbour. They were also used as a gathering place for fishermen, as fisheries buildings so often were in most outports. In 2004 The French Shore Historical Society applied to the Heritage Foundation’s Fisheries Preservation Program (FHPP) for funding to help restore the waterfront. The sheds were constructed to store salt fish, but once the salt fishery died out the fishermen used the old sheds to store their fishing gear. They are also used to store other items owned by the fishermen. The sheds were all constructed of local lumber cut by the local fishermen, but due to the closure of the fishery, the sheds were not repaired each year, as they traditionally had been. The loss of these buildings would not only signify a drastic change on the waterfront, but would also signify a great social loss. At the time of the application many of the sheds required replacement of shores, wood cladding and stage heads. They also needed painting and roof and window repairs. Colleen McLean, Coordinator for the French Shore Historical Society, said of the project, “The Fisheries Heritage Preservation Program is a shining light for the Croque Waterfront Properties. This program will enable the owners of these properties to make essential repairs that will allow the properties to remain standing for a while longer.” The project has enabled the community to regain stability in the structures, while expanding the potential growth of tourism in the area.

Community

Croque

Municipality

Not specified (Newfoundland)

Construction (circa)

1959 - 1959