Formal Recognition Type

Fisheries Heritage Preservation Program

Notes

Located in Barr’d Islands on Fogo Island, the Henry Combden Stage is a family owned fishing stage dating to the early 1900s. Built by Henry Combden it continues to be used by his descendants to make fish, and for other fisheries related purposes. In the summer of 2006 the Combden’s applied to the Fisheries Heritage Preservation Program to “restore the building as it was originally”. At that time work was required to repair the roof and clapboard, to level and repair the cribbing foundation and paint the structure. Throughout the summer and fall owner Frank Combden commenced work on the stage. This single storey, mid-pitch gable roof building was restored to its original condition and its beauty is revealed in the narrow wooden clapboard, plank doors and small, square wooden window. The white star motif is particularly noticeable on the water-facing red door. The building’s simple rectangular form expresses its utilitarian function, and the red color with white corner boards makes it an attractive and visible feature on the Barr’d Islands coastline. The Combden’s efforts have resulted in a revitalized fisheries building that can once again be a source of pride for the family. They can relive memories of the family fishery and camaraderie that accompanied their work. “Many a good story was told around the splitting table as everyone worked away at the fish while being eaten away by the mosquitoes, or nippers, as we called them,” said Frank Combden. No doubt this tradition still lives on.

Community

Barr'd Islands

Municipality

Town of Fogo Island

Civic Address

Barr'd Islands

Construction (circa)

1905 - 1925

Builder

Henry Combden