Wadham Islands facts for kids

The Wadham Islands are a group of islands located off the coast of Newfoundland in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. They are found at the eastern entrance to Hamilton Sound, southeast of Fogo Island. This group includes several islands like Offer Wadham Islands, Copper Island, Duck Island, White Island, Peckford Island (the largest), Coleman Island, and Small Island.

Island History

The Wadham Islands were very popular for fishing starting in the early 1800s. Fishermen from Bonavista were among the first to use these rich fishing grounds. The islands of Offer Wadham and Peckford were especially important. They had perfect conditions for drying fish, which helped produce some of the best salt cod in the country.

Many families who fished here decided to live in nearby Doting Cove. They would then travel to the Wadham Islands to fish during the summer months. Families like the Cuffs, Hickses, and Moulands started this tradition in the 1850s. For over 100 years, men from Doting Cove continued to fish around the Wadham Islands each summer.

In 1858, an important lighthouse was built on the Offer Wadham Islands. This was the Offer Wadham Lighthouse, the first one in the northern part of Bonavista Bay. After the lighthouse was built, a small number of lightkeepers and their families lived on the islands all year round. By 1899, post offices were set up on Peckford's Island and Offer Wadhams. The islands also had schools, a Methodist church, and stores.

Church on the Islands

A Methodist church was built on the Wadham Islands in the late 1800s. The people living there worked together to raise money for a Bible for their church. An old message inside the Bible says: "Wadham Island Methodist Church July 1899. Bought by subscription collected by Mrs. Charles H. Prowse."

Church services were held almost every Sunday during the summer. Residents on the island often led these services.