Custard Head Fishing Premises
(Hants Harbour)

These premises, presently co-owned by the Francis and Green families of Hants Harbour, are a fine example of a turn of the century fishing stage head and shed. They are typical of the independent entrepreneurial fishing initiatives of families along the Trinity South shore. The premises were originally used for the cleaning, salting and storing of fish. The shed structure is now used as a small display area for artifacts from the fishery and elsewhere.

Custard Head Fishing Premises, Hant's Harbour, NL
Custard Head Fishing Premises, Hant's Harbour, NL
Custard Head Fishing Premises are a fine example of a turn of the century fishing stage head and shed.
© 2000 Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador

Structures such as these are becoming more and more rare. As the nature of the fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador changed, stages fell into disrepair and eventually collapsed, leaving little or no evidence of this feature of the traditional economy. The stage head, the only remaining structure of its kind in Hants Harbour, is built at a slope, facilitating the loading and unloading of fish at high and low tide. The roof is felt, covered with cedar shingles which have been stained to match the original ones. Whenever possible, alterations to the original structure have been carried out in such a way as to make them appear like the original.

The building was designated as a Registered Heritage Structure by the Heritage Foundation in March 1999, and represents a type of building that is quickly fading from the Newfoundland landscape.

Registered Heritage Structures Table of Contents

Also view Custard Head Fishing Premises Registered Heritage Structure on the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador web site. The Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage Web Site has on its site only a portion of the registered heritage structures in Newfoundland and Labrador. To view a complete list or search for a particular structure visit the Heritage Foundation's Property Search page.