The First English Settlement and Oil

June 17, 2016 by Let's CUT the Crap! 76 Comments

The day began with a disappointing fog, thick as porridge and I worried about the drive. On the bright side, the road wasn’t as winding as the previous day, but visibility wasn’t good. Soon, a fine drizzle drifted in. Mary and I weren’t in the front seat anymore, but back a couple seats. Yay.

The bus stopped in Whitbourne at Robyn’s Donut Shop for hot coffee and a stretch. It’s similar to Timmy’s in Ontario, but this establishment was takeout only. Two interesting travelers were pushing off as we exited. I wanted to ask about their biking adventures but didn’t want to run after them, nor come across as a stalker.

First English settlement

In 1610 John Guy arrived from England with 39 men and meager supplies. They wintered in Cupids Cove (Plantation) and began building houses. The area was rocky and covered with mulberry, pine, spruce and fir trees. He returned to England the following year and came back with 16 women. Building started in earnest and more settlers followed. He attempted to establish trade with the Beothuks. In 1613 he left again never to return but became a Member of Parliament in his native land.

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We moved on to Cupids Legacy Centre, a building chock full of old collections, which took me down memory lane. Here’s a look inside and out.

Some displays inside Legacy Centre:

Offshore Oil Quick Facts:

• Hibernia 315 km from St. John’s
• 200 miles offshore
• 240 feet high / 224 meters
• 33 meters higher than Calgary
• Pumping 120,000 barrels a day
• Cost $6 Billion
• 1985 accord signed. Government wanted full control.
• Why should Newfoundland be treated any different from Alberta?
• Argued until PM Mulroney got in. Gulf oil bowed out.
• Most oil fields have around a 20-year lifespan
• Latest News June 17, 2016

Hebron Facts:

• Hebron Project
• Drilling begun 1981
• 4 major fields: ExonMobil, Suncor, Statoil, Nalcor
• Coming in a year or so (after 2015)
• Contains 1.2 billion barrels of oil
• Good for 20 years or more
• Negotiated better deals than Alberta
• Province gets 1%
• After all costs paid, Newfoundland gets super royalty over the 30% they usually get
• Funds go into general coffers
• Hope a fund is set up for renewable resources

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On the Lighter Side:

A young couple who tried to conceive met their old parish priest while walking down the street.

“How’s the family?”

“None. Can’t”

“I’m on my way to Rome. I’ll light a candle for you.”

Five years later, Mary was heavily pregnant when she met the priest again.

“I see it’s all working out for you.”

“Don’t talk, Father. Shortly after you said you were going to Rome and would light a candle, I had twins. After, I had another one. Now again.

“Good. Good. By the way, where is John?”

“He’s gone to Rome to blow out the candle.”

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© 2016 Tess @ How the Cookie Crumbles.

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