Statement of Significance
Formal Recognition Type
Fisheries Heritage Preservation Program
Notes
The Best Premises in Fogo is an impressive collection of 14 buildings dating from the mid 1800s into the mid 1900s. They were built by the Best family over several generations. Some of buildings were purpose-built for use in the fishing industry, while others originated for other functions and have had a number of roles throughout their existence. The oldest building is a studded tilt built by Thomas Best (1812-1891), who came to Newfoundland from Dorset, England around 1838. It was later used as a barn for livestock until the 1960s. The tilt is now used for storage as part of the Best Premises. A dry fish store was built around the early 1900s by Elijah Best (1863-1928). Elijah also built another dry fish store with a net loft around 1914, using pine board rejected from a Gander Bay sawmill. This building also once functioned as a sail loft. One store was originally built as a dwelling by Jimmy Witham around the 1860s. It was later used by the local cooperative and credit union from about some time in the 1940s through to 1962. It then served as a twine loft. The two maintenance buildings were built circa 1850 by Thomas Best (1812-1891) and the other circa 1960. The bunk house was built circa 1950 by Thomas Best (1906-1986). Originally it was used as a supply building for a small-scale mink farm operation. In the next decade it was converted into a bunkhouse for a trap-fishing crew. The fishing stage was built circa 1960 by William Best (1894-1970), his brother Thomas (1906-1986) and the applicant Donald Best. Donald Best oversaw the repairs to the Best Premises through the FHPP.
Location and History
Community
Fogo
Municipality
Town of Fogo Island
Civic Address
Main Road
Construction (circa)
1840 - 1960
Location
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