demanding. This industry, like many others that have since passed into extinction in small communities, suffered the stress of the advancing world. A grave decline in timber resources, along with the introduction of iron into shipbuilding marked the end of one of the largest industries ever to prosper in St. Peters an around the world.

SHIPWRECKS

If the Sea could speak, many are the sad and wonderful stories it could tell. (30)

TIMELINE: 1 883: “Thomas” 1 837: “Aimouell” 1 839: “Asia” 1840: “Mary Elizabeth” 1 840: “American Lass” 1 850: “Young Henry” 1 85 1: “Forrest” 1 851: “Charles Augusta” 1 851: “Triumph” 1 85 1: “Mary Lenore” 1851: “Washington” 1899: “Our Hope” 1902: “Richard B” 1906: ”Turret Bell" 19 1 0: “Empress”

The North Shore of Prince Edward Island has been the graveyard for many vessels over the years. The list above displays only those wrecks that have been documented off what the residents of the area simply call ‘the north shore.’ This stretch of coastline encompassed along the shoreline of the fire district area has witnessed the demise of many vessels, some of which have been forgotten, and some of which have been documented with accurate descriptions. This area of the Island’s north shore was the scene of tragic storms, which took the lives of many fathers, brothers, and husbands, and left numerous families devastated.

The eastern end of the north shore was a particularly dangerous area for sailing vessels during a gale. In addition to the presence of reefs. which run a couple of miles out to sea, the waters of the strait meet those of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, resulting in strong whirling currents.

(31)

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