THE PORT DE GRAVE PENINSULA IS VERY UNIQUE IN ITS OWN WAY.
We have our own flag, we have our own Ode, not only do we have the flag and the ode, you will also find a very unique sign which has deep meaning, the Harbour Authority sign. We proudly have the biggest display of Christmas lights in the Harbour in the province, which attracted people from around the world! The Peninsula is unique in many ways, even the residents are unique in their own way.
FLAG:
The former Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society held a contest in January and February of 2000 which was open to all residents of the Port de Grave Peninsula.
The goal was for the Port de Grave Peninsula to obtain a design for a flag, and though they offered the incentive of $100 to the winner of the design chosen, it is more likely that the seven entries were received on the basis of pride for the community.
Local resident, Christine Ralph, a graduate of Lawrence College’s photography program, submitted the winning entry.
Judges for the contest were: Eric Jerrett of the Bay Roberts Heritage Society; Gordon Francis, Art teacher at Ascension Colleigate, Bay Roberts, and Mona Petten, Secretary of the Port de Grave Heritage Society.
The following details outline the significance of the elements chosen by Ralph in the design of the new flag for the Port de Grave Peninsula.The blue background of the flag represents the Atlantic Ocean which surrounds us and from where the people of Port de Grave have earned their livelihood by fishing for hundreds of years. It represents the color of the uniforms of the Royal Navy in which a large number of our men served and died for their country.
The green peninsula represents our hills, valleys and marshes in Summer. It is also the color of Ireland and represents the early Irish settlers of Port de Grave.
The red rope signifies the color of the British Empire and represents the early English settlers in one of the oldest settlements of Britain’s oldest colony. It also represents the fishermen and seaman of our peninsula – past, present and future.
The final element, a white anchor, indicates that Port de Grave is the home port of a large fishing fleet. It is also an ancient symbol of the Christian faith and shows that the faith of our fathers is still firmly anchored in our people.
ODE:
The late Ruby Petten was an inspired resident , Aunt Ruby as she was affectionately known to many of us, was a gifted writer, although she never officially published anything, her work was found in songs, poems, and scripts for the Old Fashion Concerts. Her song “Ode to Port de Grave” is now a well known tribute to the peninsula and sung at many events.
“ODE TO PORT DE GRAVE”
O Port de Grave, O Port de Grave, Your hills and cliffs delight us. Nestled snugly by the shore, Conception Bay is at our door to us the best God ever gave, Our own dear home of Port de Grave.
There’s Sandy Cove and Happy Jacks Hill, Husseys Cove is with us still. The jailhouse mountain partly there reminding us of yesteryear. No other place we’d ever crave our home our village of Port de Grave.
The harbour as you travel through for fishing boats, a haven too, so many llandmarks up and down. Telling a tale of some renown fishermen so true and brave among the best from Port de Grave.
And taking us down memory lane in fancy we are there again. There’s St. Luke’s Church so brave and strong, further along there’s Ship Cove Pond. What we would give these things to save in our dear home of Port de Grave.
There’s Blow me Down and Dannell’s Hole many stories can be told, Hibb’s Cove with its quaint ways takes us back to happy days when people battled wind and wave along the shore of Port de Grave.
Our students did so very well too, in their chosen fields excel, Doctors, teachers, priests and more all passed through our schoolhouse door. Veterans too, so nobly gave their best, their all for Port de Grave.
O Port de Grave remain the same preserve your heritage, your name. Your kindly fold, your generous heart that whether near or far apart take up they torch and bravely stand up be proud of Port de Grave.
Harbour Authority Sign
MORE THAN JUST A SIGN TO LOCALS GREAT DETAIL CONTAINS DEEPER MESSAGE
Located on Dawe’s Hill in scenic Port de Grave, the Harbour Authority has installed a unique and colorful sign that portrays more insight into the community than might first be imagined.
Decorated in bright colors, with a unison of shape, the whole of the Harbour Authority Sign contains meaning.
Walk up Dawe’s hill, gather round….take a moment to have a meaningful look into the eyes of our residents, both past and present.
The legend: The triangular top sections depict boat sails, representing the past, present and future of our fishery;
Anchors show ties to the harbour and spirit of our fishery;
Port de Grave crest (between anchors) represents the importance of the fishery in our community;
Oval depicting harbour scene and Port de Grave Harbour Authority text;
Blue background refers to the sea around us, from which our people derive a livelihood.
The gold outline shows the border around the sign, bringing all aspects together;
The plaque at the bottom reminds us of how tender life is and displays firm belief in memory;
The red protruding from behind reminds of us of our heritage ties to our forefathers.
In legend form the previous outlines the basic meaning of our sign. Go a little further into our hearts and discover what may be left unsaid; what might be too painful to up in an instant to a tourist passing by…..
Named the Morgan & Hawe Memorial Building, it has been dedicated to the memories of Lloyd Andrew Morgan, January 25, 1980 – December 20, 1998; and Wade Preston Hawe, March 17, 1979 – June 21, 1997.
Both Lloyd and Wade lost their lives in tragic traffic accidents. Lloyd and Wade were the sons of local Port de Grave fishermen, both lost their lives at the tender age of 18, and both were honor students of Ascension Colleigate. Lloyd was the son of Boyd and Gloria Morgan; Wade the son of Cyril and Alice Hawe.
May the memories of your youth live on and remind us of how fragile life is.
BOAT LIGHTING:
The Port de Grave started a tradition in 1999 lighting up the harbour, for the past 18 years fishermen and boat owners have lit up the harbour beginning the second Friday in December and ending on old Christmas Day! Thousands visit our Peninsula to view the spectacular site. 2018 will be the 20th anniversary of the Boat Lighting, hope you can join us on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018.
Port De Grave Peninsula Heritage Society Inc. 