Book Description
Turbulent Tides: A Social History of Sandy Point is 384 page book that contains maps, index and 150 photographs, most of which are being published for the first time.
Sandy Point, situated in Bay St. George, was the largest settlement on the west coast of Newfoundland for most of the nineteenth century, a thriving cosmopolitan community of English, French--from Quebec, St. Pierre and France--Americans, Micmacs and even Norwegians. Its exposed position on a sand spit in Bay St. George, the coming of the railway to the west coast, downturns in the fishery and other factors eventually led to its demise. The last permanent resident left in the early 1970's.
Turbulent Tides: A Social History of Sandy Point presents a well-researched and thoroughly readable account of the settlement and eventual resettlement of Sandy Point. Portrayed in vivid fictional and non-fictional terms are the social, environmental, political, religious, and educational aspects of this unique multicultural community. Included are 150 photographs of the former community, the surrounding area and its people, some of which date back to 1857.
Turbulent Tides makes a valuable contribution to Newfoundland history, especially that of the west coast which tended to be overlooked and remained relatively unknown because of its remoteness from St. John's. Of special interest to students of Newfoundland history will be the story of the Micmac on the west who came from the Maritimes to hunt and fish, possibly as early as the mid-1600's; the photographs and stories of visits of French and British warships patrolling the coast to enforce the French Shore Treaty, (Remember, the French had fishing rights on Newfoundland's west coast right into our own century--1904!);and don't forget Eric and Maria Cobham, perhaps two of the most vicious pirates ever to sail Newfoundland waters, who once had their headquarters at Sandy Point.
Comment...
"...the book is certainly readable the myriad of photographs also add immeasurably to the experience..."
"...And judging by the testimonials the book has gathered, it will be very useful to those with a special interest in Sandy Point."
Lewis R. Fisher, Memorial University of Newfoundland International Journal of Maritime History
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