Ten Historic Towns Ten Historic Towns: Preface
In 1975 the Newfoundland Historic Trust published "A Gift of Heritage." Volume I of a projected series of books dealing with the historic architecture of Newfoundland. "A Gift of Heritage" contained drawings and information on 45 properties in St. John's. With the publication of "Ten Historic Towns," Volume II in the series, the Trust is attempting to focus attention on other communities throughout the province. Some of the structures in this book are in a state of excellent preservation while others are badlv neglected. All of them are unique and fascinating in themselves.

The towns and outports here depicted have a history as old as any in North America. So as to inform the reader of the historic perspective in which each structure or mercantile premises is located we have included a historic background sketch of each community. It is interesting to know for example that Bonavista is reputed to be the landfall of John Cabot when he was the first man to discover the mainland of North America in 1497. Trinity was discovered by Gaspar Corte Real of Portugal on Trinity Sunday 1500 and was named by him for the holy day. Placentiawas fortified in 1662asthe French capitalof Newfoundland underorders of Louis XIV. These and other facts are contained in the volume.

The numbers on the maps correspond to the numbers on the structure drawings and will enable the visitor to locate any house, ch urch, shop or warehouse illustrated with comparative ease . The map at the back of the book will serve to give the location of the ten towns in Newfoundland.

It has been said we will not always be as we are but what we are to become depends on what we dream. If that is so then the Newfoundland of today has become what our ancestors dreamed and their hopes and aspirations are reflected in the homes and churches they built for themselves and their children as well as in the shops and warehouses where they conducted their business affairs. Many of the great families of the past have disappeared and most of the great business firms have long since gone bankrupt and closed their doors forever. Empty structures stand in mute testimony to a time that is past.

Read the Introductory Article by Shane O'Dea