1

Arising in the soft morning light, the fishermen make their way down to their stages. If you are awake, there is much to listen to. From your bed you can hear boats puttering out of the harbour, oars lapping on the surface, and men calling out to each other in their own distinct fisherhermen's dialect. Drifting into bedroom windows, snippets of conversation such as, "A great morning John, I daresay the tide got the trap moved again".

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Fleur De Lys Early Morning
2004
Fleur De Lys, Newfoundland, Canada

3

Heading For The Fishing Grounds.
1953
Fleur De Lys, Newfoundland, Canada

4

It was a time when life in Fleur de Lys was simple and familiar. Seasons came and went, each having a purpose reflecting a means of survival. It was certain that people knew what each day and season would bring. It was a pattern of life somewhat resembling the character of rough, worn cloth - a pattern woven to perfection which was accepted and enjoyed by everyone. Time was only measured in terms of what each season offered for people living in Fleur de Lys.

5

''Moratorium Days!''
1994
Fleur De Lys, Newfoundland, Canada

6

Community life was similar in all fishing outports in Newfoundland. "To everything there is a season" was a fitting way to describe their simple lives. All the seasons involved work of some sort. Spring and summer were the busiest times of the year for fishermen and their families. Once the month of May came you could feel the sense of life picking up at a renewed pace. It was natural for families to arise early each day, and the men arose even earlier preparing for the beginning of what was hoped to be a prosperous fishing season. The spirit of fishing came to life with the smells of tar and bark.

During the long winter months nets had to be made or mended. Often the nets were actually made right inside the homes and it was common for men to visit each other's houses and help with the knitting of the nets. Conversation revolved around what spring would bring and would there be much ice in the bays? Most often there were new boats (skiffs and punts) being built in stages and sheds owned by the fishermen. There was a sense of companionship that could only be experienced by people who lived this life. Living the life of a fisherperson was like breathing to them, it came naturally. If some may have wondered what they should be doing with their lives, should they be fishing or doing something different, their purpose was longer in doubt!

7

''Mending The Trap''
1982
Fleur De Lys, Newfoundland, Canada

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''Mending Nets For The Upcoming Season.''
1984
Fleur De Lys, Newfoundland, Canada

9

''Wintertime Projects!''
1982
Fleur De Lys, Newfoundland, Canada

10

Daily life as a fisherman started out with an early to bed and early to rise routine. Both men and women were up out of bed well before first light. A day didn't end after eight hours, as sometimes it took many extra hours and hands to complete the task of putting away the fish. At one time a family fished together with their sons if they had them. Others included in-laws or families of relations fishing together. This wasn't always perfect, because at times conflicting views and power struggles were evident. Although there was tension, the men would eventually work the situation out, knowing they depended on each other's abilities to survive.

11

''Red Sky At Night, Sailors Delight!''
1993
Fleur De Lys, Newfoundland, Canada

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''The Lewis Family Fishing Clan''
1979
Fleur De Lys, Newfoundland, Canada

13

After The Cooking And Cleaning Was Done...
1980
Fleur De Lys, Newfoundland, Canada

14

During the fishing season different types of gear were used at different times. The season started out with the cod traps, and this could prove to be very successful for the fishermen. It was common to see boats coming into the harbour "full to the gunnels". There was the occasional time when nature's power gave you a quick reminder about who was in control, with boats returning empty, showing nothing but patience for a hard days work. Remaining positive and accepting days such as these was all that a fishermen could do.