The Pigeon Inlet Launch at the Visitors’ Pavilion
The afternoon launch at the Visitors’ Pavilion was an inspirational occasion for all who were present, and on a number of occasions, members of the Russell Family were brought to tears along with the audience.
During the launch the Pigeon Inlet Players entertained.
Pigeon Inlet Players
A few of the afternoon’s highlights were:
Councilor Clarence Mercer’s obvious joy in seeing the first phase of his dream come true. [Clarence is the Pigeon Inlet Committee Chair and the originator of bringing Pigeon Inlet to Bay Roberts.]
Councilor Clarence Mercer, Chairperson Pigeon Inlet Committee
Dr. Elizabeth Miller (Ted Russell’s daughter) expressing the family support for the project.
Dr. Elizabeth Miller
The extent to which the Russell family was moved by the event. Many times tears were flowing. It must have been an unforgettable birthday for June – who shares a birthday with her father on June 27th, the date of the launch.
Russell Family - (l-r) Ken Baikie (grandson), June Baikie (d), Rhona Hulsey(d), Peggy Vachon(d)
The overwhelming support for the Pigeon Inlet concept from all four politicians who spoke.
Deputy Mayor Melvin Walsh of the town of Bay Roberts [which has given financial and moral support from the beginning];
Deputy Mayor Melvin Walsh
Roland Bulter, MHA, for the District of Port de Grave
MHA Roland Butler, Port de Grave District
The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister Responsible for the Volunteer and Non-Profit Sector, and MHA for the district of Harbour Main
The Honourable Tom Hedderson
Fabian Manning, MP for the district of Avalon
MP Fabian Manning, District of Avalon
Unveiling of Exhibits.
The summer exhibits based on the life and works of Ted Russell were unveiled. The set up and design of the displays was arranged by Betty Jerrett of the Bay Roberts Heritage Society. The sketches by Silvia Quinton based on Ted Russell’s radio plays are part of the exhibit and can be seen in the background of the photos, along with the display cases with artifacts.
- Unveiling two display cases of memorabilia- (i-r) Ruth Murray (committee), Peggy Vachon (daughter), Agnes Butler (committee) (i-r) Ruth Murray (committee), Peggy Vachon (daughter), Agnes Butler (committee)
Unveiling the life-size cut out of Ted Russell at 17 years old. At the time, he was leaving Coley’s Point to go teaching on Pass Island, an isolated island in Fortune Bay. The cutout was prepared by Hillery Cass, who is well known for her work in museums across the province, including The Rooms in St. John’s.
- Unveiling Ted Russell (l-r) Agnes Butler (Committee), Rhona Hussey (daughter), Betty Jerrett (committee)
- Russell Children with life-size cutout of Ted Russell
Unveiling the large storyboard of Ted Russell’s life story – teacher, magistrate, director of co-operatives, MHA and Minster, insurance salesman, author, university professor. The storyboard was design by Margaret Ayad of Baccalieu Consulting.
- Unveiling Ted Russell Storyboard (l-r) Margaret Ayad (Committee) Dr. Elizabeth Miller (daughter)
Renaming the exhibition room of the Visitors’ Pavilion – “The Holdin’ Ground”
Text from plaque:
The main exhibition room of the Bay Roberts Visitors’ Pavilion was named “The Holdin’ Ground” on June 27th, 2008. The inspiration for the designation is Ted Russell’s play “The Holdin’ Ground”, which elaborates on the bond that the people of Newfoundland and Labrador feel with their home. The strength of the bond defines who we are as a people and draws us back when we leave, as many of us have over the centuries. The exhibits in the Pavilion recognize the diversity of people, places, and things, expressed through works of art, literature, music, language, stories, and inspirations that contribute to Newfoundland and Labrador‘s strength as a “Holdin’ Ground.
Unveiling room sign which was designed by Rick Snow of Bay Roberts:
- Unveiling of name. Harold Stanford (Committee), Dennis Miller (grandson)
- Unveiling the text about plaque (l-r) June Baikie (daughter) Edmund Dawson (Committee and Sponsor)
- Kelly Russell and family cutting the ribbon to declare \”the Holdin\’ Ground\” open, assisted by Clarence Mercer, Committee Chairperson
See more photos from the launch and photos from the Buffet Dinner and the Gala Concert.
Join the town in celebrating at one of the “Times” this summer. Two are already sold out!!
