Save Jack’s Twine Store!

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The Outer Battery is one of the oldest communities in St. John’s, and together with Quidi Vidi is the only place in the metropolitan area where you can still see evidence of Newfoundland’s inshore fishing heritage. This wharf and twine store on the Outer Battery was the Wells’ family fishing premises until the closure of the cod fishery 18 years ago. Nowadays, 77-year-old Jack Wells spends most days here looking out over the water. You’ll often find him keeping company with a couple of friends, a cat, or a nest of seagulls on the roof.

The popular North Head walking trail passes by the front steps, and hundreds of walkers and visitors know that his door has been open to anyone wanting to drop in for a chat. Passers-by will tell you that Jack’s twine store is an iconic example of Newfoundland’s fishing heritage. Outer Battery residents will tell you that it is the heart and soul of our community. This winter, two fierce storm surges destroyed much of the Outer Battery heritage fishing structures. They ripped out Jack’s wharf and took away half of the twine store, sweeping away the front foundations and first floor. The building is now leaning precariously over the water, hanging on by a thread that the next storm could sever.

Family and friends have spent the past week propping up the structure in hopes of stabilizing it temporarily until weather and waves permit a more lasting solution this summer. A group of Jack’s neighbours are trying to help save the little heritage building. We’re mobilizing a 30 day fund drive for Jack’s twine store reconstruction. We invite you to join our effort and contribute to the trust fund by using the links below. Have a look at these before-and-after pictures, and listen to the documentary about the twine store, broadcast on CBC Radio’s On the Go afternoon show March 23, 24th, and 25th.

There are three easy ways to donate - and any amount will be greatly appreciated. Our sincere thanks to CBC Nfld & Labrador for their support.