1949, the Sunset of a nation

On March 31, 1949, the sun when down on the proud but struggling Nation of Newfoundland and Labrador. With the dawning of the next day, the early settlers awakened to the realization that they were a part of a much larger picture. Overnight they had become Canadian. Joseph R Smallwood was the first premier of the new Canada’s newest province. He soon realized that it took more than a stroke of a pen to change the hearts and minds of these proud people. Many recognized that with Confederation came the promise of a greater prosperity. They also recognized that this prosperity would not come without a price. No other circumstance in this provinces history has been more divisive than that of Confederation. This issue has destroyed friendships, and torn families apart in a debate continues today.

On August 5 1583, Sir Humphrey Gilbert formally claimed Newfoundland on behalf of Great Britain. After that the fishing admirals looked after the colonies affairs. However, by the 1860’s, Newfoundland’s population had expanded to 140, 000. A strong argument was made for a Responsible government. Eventually Britain gave into pressure and awarded the colony a full responsible government in 1855.

The first attempt at Confederation came in August of 1864, at the Charlettetown conference. However, it was assumed that Newfoundland would not be interested, and therefore not invited to attend. Another conference was held in October that same year. This time two Newfoundlanders were present, but as observers only. Several attempts were made after that, but little benefits could be seen from having to pay Canada’s high taxes.

World War I took its toll on Newfoundland’s economy and population and by the 1930’s it had acquired a 100 million dollar debt. Times were hard and some considered it time to take a more serious look at either joining with Canada, or the United States. Peter Cashin made the argument to continue with a Responsible government, while a young journalist named Joseph (Joey) Smallwood led the cause for Confederation. A bitter debate ensued
And after the two referendums in 1948, the decision was made to become Canada’s youngest province. Just before midnight on March 31 1949 negotiations were finalized. A day later we were officially welcomed into the Canadian family.



"I say to you, that there is in operation at the present time a conspiracy to sell,
and I use the word sell advisedly, this country to the Dominion of Canada. Watch in
particular the attractive bait which will be held out to lure our country into the
Canadian mousetrap. Listen to their flowery sales talk which will be offered to you;
telling Newfoundlanders they’re a lost people, that our only hope, our only
salvation, lies in following a new Moses into the promise land across the Cabot
Strait."
- Major Peter Cashin, May 19, 1947

The Newfoundland Pony

Since Cabot's arrival on the rugged coast of Newfoundland in 1497, this Island has become home to several breeds of animals, which have become unique to this neck of the woods. There is of course the Newfoundland dog, the not so well known Newfoundland sheep, and the beautiful and Majestic Newfoundland pony. Early settlers to this land had a strong connection to this animal. It proved to be very rugged and well suited to the Islands harsh environment. This particular animal resulted from the breeding of the welsh pony and the New forest pony. The result was a strong hardy animal, that served as a beast of burden for the early settlers. Today there a few of these animals still around. Some have taken the initiative to try and bring these animals back from extinction. Otherwise this province will suffer great loss

Contact the Newfoundland Pony Society for more information

Plane Crash in Smith's Sound

The weather in Newfoundland was seasonably poor, as on the morning of March 18 1953 American Convair B-36 (known as the peacemaker) departed from Lajes in The Azores destined for its home base in South Dakota. On board were 23 airmen anxious to be heading home after a training mission. Among the crew on board that night included Brig. Gen Richard Ellsworth. The flight plan was to maintain a low altitude as the crossed the Atlantic and climb to a higher altitude as it passed over Newfoundland. The Rain and fog of the evening made visibility unimaginably poor, and the plane arrived over Newfoundland about an hour and a half prior to the time they had expected. At 4:00 am the massive bomber collided with the 900 ft ridge known as “Nut cove” in Smith’s sound, Trinity bay. Nearby loggers heard the impact and made the 40 minute climb up the embankment. There were no survivors. Local men from Lower Lance Cove, Random Island assisted in the removal of the bodies. Today much of the debris remains undisturbed at the crash site. A monument has been erected to commemorate the lost. The propeller mounted in a block of stone reads

“They shall rise up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint”

U.S.A.F RB-36
28th Reconnaissance Wing
Rapid City, Dakota

That same night after locating the wreckage from the air a Boeing SB-29 Superfortress
And its ten crewmembers from Harmon Air Force base in Stephenville disappeared and was never heard from again.