Formal Recognition Type

Municipal Heritage Building, Structure or Land

Heritage Value

The Quidnock has been designated a municipal heritage site by the Town of Conche because of its historic, cultural and aesthetic value.

The Quidnock is a rock formation in the shape of a fish, in an area known as the Dock at Stage Cove. Fittingly, this area was historically a very busy fishing station. The Dock was a French fishing room from 1745 until 1904, during which time the French enjoyed British-granted fishing treaty rights along the French Shore. Adjoining the French Room at The Dock, families such as the Symmonds, Bromleys and Flynns had large fishing premises from 1816 until 1992, with family-owned fishing stages and stores. During much of this period, the Quidnock was surrounded with fish drying on numerous flakes and the cobbled beaches.

The area also has historic significance because some local residents believe it may have been burial grounds for now extinct Aboriginal people.

The Quidnock has cultural significance as an interesting example of local landmark nomenclature, though its etymology is something of a mystery.

The Quidnock has aesthetic value as a distinctive natural landscape feature and landmark in an historically significant area of Conche.

Source: Town of Conche Council Meeting Minutes of 2007/12/19

Character Defining Elements

All those elements which represent the historic, cultural and aesthetic value of The Quidnock, including:

-location of the rock, and;

-fish-like shape of the rock.

Notes

Various spellings and pronunciations of “Quidnock” exist relating to this landscape feature. It may be a variation of “Quidnuck” which is a surname, although not one known to be associated with the area. There is a Quidnock Pond in the Main Brook area, approximately 67 km away from Conche.

Community

Conche

Municipality

Town of Conche

Civic Address

Stage Cove

Construction (circa)

1745 - 1904