REMINISCENCES OF A LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER
July 30,1980 edition of the Saint Croix Courier (with permission)
Editors Note: Prescott Dines, 83, of St. Andrews is a retired keeper of the Green's Point light which guided vessels through L'Etete passage through long years of service, prior to being de-commissioned in 1963. Mr. Dines has recorded his reminiscences and the newspaper is pleased to print these in instalments. Helene Nielsen of Ottawa, grand niece of Mr. Dines, helped in compiling the material, gleaned from Mr. Dine's recollections of 27 years as keeper of the light.
Part IV
Sardine canning plants began springing up around the Bay of Fundy.
Canadian ones included Connors Bros. of Black's Harbour (largest in the world), Clarks at L'Etang and Booth Fisheries of Chamcook.
The Seacoast Canning Co. had a fleet of sardine boats built for their trade. They were built to carry 35-40 hogshead of sardines and included; The Doris, the Lillian, the Frances, the Elk, the Abbie, and the Mildred.
Later, vessels twice the size were built: The Helen McCall, the Continental, the Conqueror, and the Sylvina Beal. These vessels still had no protective pilot house for the captains but eventually the wise decision was made to add this necessary measure.
Booth Fisheries added to their fleet by buying all the vessels of the Canadian Sardine Co. of Chamcook.
Lost in the Bay of Fundy were the Doris, Elk, Abbie and Mildred.
From Booth Fisheries four new easily distinguishable vessels--(painted yellow instead of the usual white): The Patrol, the Pioneer, the Patriot, and the Black Diamond.
Going back to the early part of our century, I shall mention some of the vessels I used to admire as they sailed past our lighthouse.
From L'Etete harbour: The Undine, Millie M., Telephone, Redwing, Myrtle M., Ada M., Shamrock, Icenia, Violetta (or Brigg), Argyle, Ada May, and a small two-masted vessel owned by Captain Lewis Matthews-the only vessel I have ever known to stem the strong flood tides for the St. Andrews Bay to Ship Harbour, midway through the passage, without any sail. Lest many find this difficult to believe, let me reassure you it is a fact. It was during their return trip home from St. Andrews, that Captain Matthews and his two elder sons encountered a thunder squall with gale force winds. They took in their sails and ran before the gale under 'bare pole' (as the saying goes) right down into Ship Harbour, against head flood tide. Here they anchored until the storm passed.
From Back Bay: the Cecil L., the BBB (known locally as the 3 B's), the Lizzie McGee, the Oronotekha.
The last two mentioned vessels were owned by Andrew McGee who operated a large Grocery and General Store for many years. At least once a week, one or both of the vessels would make the supply trip to Saint John.
End of Part 4
©Charlene Beney 2006