BLEAK HOUSE MUSEUM

Bleak House was originally constructed for the Slade family and later on became the principal residence for Henry J. Earle and family from 1897 to 1967.  Prior to the Earle  wealthy Fogo resident named John Owens who was a former bookkeeper of the Slades. The old home was seriously deteriorating by the 1980's, however the town was able to save and restore the structure.  Bleak House  is an enjoyable and educational experience.

Bleak House was one of the first buildings to be registered as an official Heritage Structure by the Province.  In fact, it was the first structure in the Province to be completed under the restoration program of the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador.  The photograph at right shows Bleak House as it appeared many years ago.  The people in front may well be members of the Earle Family. Although not known for certain, it is speculated the house may have gotten its name from a similar structure which is described in a novel by Charles Dickens.

SCHOOL HOUSE MUSEUM

The School House Museum may well be "one of a 
kind" within the province. This one-room structure 
was erected in 1888 and had an official opening  
the next year.  Father Walker, who was the Roman Catholic Parish Priest from 1886 to 1892, performed the dedication.  This was one of the first Roman Catholic Schools in rural  Newfoundland and one of the few buildings of its kind which remain today.  The school now looks much as it would have been a century ago, with old texts and desks, an old potbelly stove, old style organ and other furnishings.

LION'S DEN TRAIL

Lion's Den Trail leads through the old 
resettled communities of  Lock's Cove, 
Eastern Tickle, Shoal Tickle and Lion's Den. 
All of these communities were populated 
from the early 1800's until the mid 20th 
century.  The trail runs in a continuous loop. 
Hikers have the option of traveling directly along the coastline or first taking a walkway through a wooded area.  Very little remains of what were once four small towns on the outskirts of Fogo.  During 2003 the trail underwent substantial development with the help of ACOA.  Now, there are bridges, boardwalks and lookouts in place. The trail still retains its pristine nature.  The rugged beauty of this area is unsurpassed. Signage has also been installed which shows photographs of how the towns once looked.

BRIMSTONE HEAD

This unique geographical rock formation, which 
juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the 
most spectacular images in the area.  It is known 
throughout the world as one of the earth's 'four 
corners' and has been visited by thousands of 
people. An obvious navigation beacon for mariners, it's name even appears in a 1756 'Pilot verse' known as Wadham's Song - 

"As you draw near to the Fogo land, 
you'll have fifteen fathoms in the sounding sand, 
-- From fifteen to eighteen, never more, 
and that you'll have close to the shore. 

When you abreast of Round Head be, 
then Joe Batt's Point you'll plainly see; 
To starboard then three or four miles, 
you'll see a parcel of damned rugged isles. 


When Joe Batt's Arm you are abreast, 
Fogo Harbour bears due west, 
but unkind fortune unluck laid a 
sunken rock right in the trade. 


So, nor-nor'west you are to steer, 
till Brimstone  Head doth appear, 
Which over Pilley's Point you'll see, 
that of that danger you are free."

CHURCHES

Within the centre of Fogo there are three historic churches - St. Andrew's Anglican Church to the left; Our Lady of the Snows Roman Catholic Church bottom left, and Fogo United Church on the right (Fogo United Church is not in use today. This Church was turned over to the town and subsequently restored through a grant from ACOA).  The churches add a great deal to the ambience of the community, as do many of the older homes which are still intact today.

FOGO BATTERY

Relax at the FOGO BATTERY which was used to protect Fogo from Privateers as far back as 1779 or take a hike to the top of FOGO HEAD 338ft. above sea level and view the whales, birds & Icebergs.