Friday, August 29, 2025

The Life of James Pearl (Part 1)

     The City of Mount Pearl gets its name from its enigmatic founder, Sir James Pearl, who led an incredibly interesting life before settling in Newfoundland. From a childhood bouncing around North America to an early death, Pearl's short life was packed with fascinating stories and events. He served in the British Navy during the Napoleonic Wars, captained his own vessel in the private industry, had two notable relationships with women, started a farm that became a city, and fought continuously with the governor of Newfoundland. Pearl lived such a full life that being the pseudo-founder of Mount Pearl is only the tip of the iceberg. 

    Due to just how full a life Pearl lived, his history will be posted in two parts. This first one will cover his life before arriving in Newfoundland!

Possible Portrait of Sir James Pearl, Admiralty House Communications Museum Collection


Early Life

    The beginning of Pearl's life is murky, as his family moved around a lot during the years he was likely born. Donald L. Hutchens and Lilla Ross, who wrote the sole book on Pearl, speculate that he was born in 1790, though they can only guess at where. The most plausible options are Yarmouth, Nova Scotia or New York City, as this is where the records place Pearl's family in the years before and after his birth. James was the youngest of seven children, so he was mostly raised by his oldest sister, Eunice, and her husband, George Blamey, in Nova Scotia (1). James likely cared for them both a great deal, as in 1799, a nine-year-old James followed George into service aboard the Pheasant, enlisting in His Majesty's Navy as a volunteer first class (2).

Naval Adventures

    Pearl's career in the navy spanned 28 years, and he had reached the rank of commander by the time he retired in 1827. He had many different roles while in the navy, but the majority of his time was spent as a lieutenant. Pearl joined the British Navy on the eve of the Napoleonic Wars, and the first half of his career was spent fighting them. In fact, he served on the Neptune 98, the third ship on the "windward line of battle" during the infamous Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. During that battle, which pitted the English fleet against those of the French and Spanish, Pearl was the Neptune's signalman, responsible for relaying messages between each ship present. While 44 men on his ship ended the battle dead or injured, Pearl survived unscathed. He was present as the Neptune towed the H.M.S Victory, the British flagship that now carried the corpse of Admiral Nelson back home to England after his death in the battle. Despite these losses, England came out of the battle victorious, with not a single ship lost (3). 

    In 1809, Pearl was serving on the Mediator when it, along with several other British ships under Admiral Lord Gambier, stumbled upon part of the French fleet anchored at the Isle d'Aix. When they discovered the ships, they called on Captain Lord Cochrane to orchestrate their attack. He implemented a new, radical, and to some uncivilized, naval strategy of his own invention, and outfitted eight of the British ships as fireships, rigged to explode after their crews steered them into enemy ships. Pearl was responsible for steering his ship, the Mediator, into the French squadron, and upon impact had to make a hasty retreat into the water with the rest of her crew. While one man died and another was permanently disabled, Pearl escaped with only minor burns as the French fled on the few ships which the English had not destroyed. However it was not a victory for them all, as James Pearl was the only lieutenant involved in the mission that was not promoted afterwards. After participating in a naval brigade of Veere, Pearl spent the next several years of his service on ships which patrolled the waters of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. In the wake of the Napoleonic Wars, naval positions became scarce, so Pearl requested, and was granted, a two year leave of absence to venture east (4). 

Francis Sartorius - Neptune engaged Trafalgar 1805


Far East Expeditions

    It was common in the early nineteenth century for British navy men to take leaves of absence and try their hands at trading in the territories which lay eastward of Europe, mostly in India and China. While Pearl was following in the footsteps of others, his timing was likely decided by a letter received by the Admiralty in July 1816, from a Mr. Ommanney, claiming that Pearl owed him a debt. Regardless of his reasoning, Pearl did fairly well for himself in his first  few years abroad; after taking command of the Indiana, a trading vessel, he was able to pay off his debts and even buy the vessel off of Baretto & Sons, the trading house to which it belonged (5). He was known as a country trader, a European individual who commanded smaller ships and kept their trading confined to the region. There are records of him trading textiles, spices, and opium which, although illegal in China, was smuggled in by private traders not connected to the East India Company. 

    In 1821, on one of his voyages between Calcutta and Burma, the Indiana stumbled upon the debris of the crashed and sank Tek Sing (True Star in English), a Chinese ship that had been carrying passengers and porcelain. The survivors of the accident were clinging to the debris, most of them naked due to the harsh conditions. Pearl spent the two days searching for and picking up survivors, even taking fabric from his trade goods to clothe everyone. He then spent a week sailing to Pontiana, on the coast of Borneo, where the Dutch commissioner, J.H. Tobias commended him for his good work. Pearl later received a gold medal from the King of the Netherlands for his heroism. Due to his sacrifice of textiles, and the diversion, Pearl lost a significant amount of income from rescuing the Tek Sing's survivors, which he spent years trying to recoup, even going so far as to ask for a reward from merchants in Canton for his actions. Regardless of this setback, Pearl returned to England in 1826, and lived as "a man of means," so his time abroad was ultimately successful (6). While abroad, Pearl also served in his last naval engagement, when he volunteered for and commanded ships in the Burmese War (7). 

Chinese "trading junk", 19th-century - Similar to the Tek Sing


A Pause for Romance

    While James Pearl did devote much of his life to his sailing career, he also had time for other pursuits, including romantic ones. Hutchens and Ross detail two of his amorous adventures, Lucy Eleanor Kerehappuch Crook and Anne Hawkens, whom he later married. Not much is known about Lucy Crook, and Pearl never mentioned her in any of his surviving letters. Indeed, we only know about their relationship through a monument he raised in Wiltshire County, England, after her premature death in 1822. He placed it there "to perpetuate the long sincere and lasting affection entertained for her," as they would have married had she lived (8). Seven years later, Pearl married Anne Hawkins on May 6th. 1829 at St. Pancras Church in London. By the end of that year, they had both settled in Newfoundland, and embarked upon the journey to becoming long-remembered (9). 


James Pearl's next adventure was starting a life in Newfoundland, check back in for our next post which details his settlement!


Bibliography

1.  Donald L. Hutchens and Lilla Ross, Pearl: The Man and The Place, (St. John’s: SeaFlow Publishing, 2007), 4-5.

2. Pearl, 8.

3. Pearl, 15-17.

4. Pearl, 19-22.

5. Pearl, 23.

6. Pearl, 24-27.

7. Pearl, 31.

8. Pearl, 29.

9. Pearl, 33-35.

Thursday, August 7, 2025

We Are Hiring: Research Assistant


 
We are hiring!

We are looking for a Research Assistant to join our team starting in September, 2025. Further information about the job and how to apply is on Indeed at this link and is posted below. 



Position: Research Assistant
Location: Admiralty House Communications Museum
Type: Full-Time 6-month contract
Wage: $23.00 per hour
Application deadline: August 23rd, 2025, at 5:00pm NST

Are you passionate about history and storytelling? We are seeking a contracted researcher to support the development of engaging, educational, and accessible interpretive materials for a new interpretive plan that will update our exhibit spaces.


Responsibilities:
- Conduct in-depth historical research using primary and secondary sources
- Collaborate with the Museum Manager and Graphic Designer to develop content themes and floor plans outlining the visitor flow 
- Develop and write exhibit labels, text panels, and supplementary materials
- Participate in content review meetings with the Museum Manager
- Ensure historical accuracy, inclusive narratives, and visitor accessibility

Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in History, Museum Studies, or a related discipline
- A master’s degree in History, Museum Studies, or a related discipline would be an asset
- Strong research and writing skills, particularly for public audiences
- Interest in public history and museum education
- Ability to synthesize complex information into clear narratives
- Ability to manage time, meet deadlines, and work independently
- Familiarity with inclusive and ethical interpretation practices is an asset

Why join us?
- Contribute to a meaningful public history project
- Work alongside enthusiastic professionals in a collaborative museum environment
- Gain firsthand experience in interpretive writing and public history communication

Admiralty House Communications Museum values diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.

To apply, please submit a resume, a writing sample (preferably interpretive, no more than three pages), and a brief cover letter outlining your interest via email with the subject line "Research Assistant Application" to admiraltyhouse@mountpearl.ca by August 23rd at 5:00pm NST.

Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Sunday, July 20, 2025

Historic Places Days: The History of Admiralty House Communications Museum

    This year for Historic Places Days, I want to highlight the history of the building that now houses Admiralty House Communications Museum. It turns 110 years old this year. Many elements of the original construction of the building are still visible today, including the cross-beams, hardwood, a fireplace, and some wattle and daub. Throughout its century-long life, it has served many different purposes, most notably as a top-secret wireless station during the First World War. It lived on past the war however, and was used as a farm, an office building, then, after being briefly abandoned, its history was rediscovered and it was turned into a museum. Every era of its existence contributes to its importance as a "Historic Place."
 
   This building started its life as the barracks for those serving at the HM Wireless Station St. John's. The Marconi Company built it in 1915 alongside the Telegraph Building (that is no longer standing) for use by the British Admiralty. It was one of eleven identical stations built for the Admiralty around the world.Due to the high cost of the boxes used to ship wireless equipment parts between England and St. John's, they were then used to construct the barracks, and you can still see the shipping stamps on the cross beams in the museum. The Admiralty chose this location for the building because its distance from the water would prevent any naval attacks, its steep elevation was similar to Signal Hill, its soil's high conductivity of electricity, and they believed its low population would make it easier to keep its location a secret.2 The station helped to coordinate and protect Allied ships crossing the Atlantic Ocean, and even helped to organize the rescue of survivors from the S.S. Florizel which ran aground near Cappahayden in February, 1918.3 The barracks included dormitories, a kitchen, a mess hall, sick rooms, and a private bedroom and sitting room for the commanding officer.4 Isolated from the society of St. John's proper, the men who lived here were often entertained by the Parsons, a local farming family whose property abutted the station. They provided the station with company, friendship, and amusement.5 The station remained in operation until 1922, when the Admiralty decided the high cost needed to update the equipment and technology for use in a future potential war was not a worthwhile endeavor, and they put the building and property up for sale. In a happy coincidence, the same Parsons family bought the building after they had served an integral function for the men who worked at the station.6

Clem Scott Collection, Admiralty House Communications Museum, 006-001-012.

    The Parsons bought the property in 1926, and they expanded their existing farm into the area. They converted the barracks into a farmhouse for themselves and their children's families. A couple of the men who had worked at the station, like Charles Benjamin Scott, even married into the Parsons, so they continued living in the same building they had served in. While the barracks remained a space for living, the telegraph building did not remain a space for communication. Instead, the Parsons converted that building into a barn for their animals and livestock.The three radio towers the Admiralty had built on the property also remained during the Parsons ownership and were used by several local radio stations, such as VOCM and CBC. However, they were torn down in 1938, 1954, and 1955.8 Members of the Parsons family continued to live and work on this land until 1973, when Madeline Parsons sold the property after the death of her husband and son.9

    
Archives, Admiralty House Communications Museum, Box H, 001-003-002.

    When the Parsons sold the property in 1973, the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation purchased the building and used it as their headquarters and office space. They used it until 1988, when they left the property and its history abandoned as it succumbed to time.10 It sat empty and decayed as the grounds became unkempt over the next decade, until the Mount Pearl City Council decided something needed to be done with it. Their initial plan was to demolish it and repurpose the land, but they deemed it necessary to first look into the history of the building. So, they formed a committee, including the then mayor, to discover the this mysterious, dilapidated building's past. Their investigation recovered it's importance as a historical site, but the council still had to decide if it was worth the cost of renovations which were needed to turn it into a museum. After putting it to a vote, which ended in a 5-4 split, the council was officially in support of opening a museum dedicated to the history of the wireless station, communications technology, and the City of Mount Pearl.11 Admiralty House Communications Museum opened its doors to the public on June 23rd, 1997, in a ceremony which Prince Philip attended, and is still in operation today.12

Admiralty House Museum and Archives Digital Collections



Admiralty House Communications and Archives Digital Collections

    Admiralty House recently celebrated it's 28th birthday with a week full of events in June. The building itself has gone through many different inhabitants and renovations over the course of its 110 years, but elements of its youth still shine through, giving it a fascinating feel and look. It is a gratifying experience getting to come to work each day in this historic building, and be surrounded by the memories of all those who have lived and worked here, long before my time. Admiralty House Communications Museum, through both its building and exhibits, is a tangible link to our past; one which allows us to walk in the footsteps of those who came before us.

    If you are interested in learning more about the building's or location's history, please come in and visit us this summer at 365 Old Placentia Road in Mount Pearl, where we are open daily through July and August! We have exhibits not only on the building itself, but also the City of Mount Pearl, the S.S. Florizel, and much more.


Sources

    1. Marconi’s Wireless Telegraph Company Limited. Description and Specification of 30 K.W Naval Wireless Station At St. John’s. 1918. Admiralty House Museum and Archives digital record, 1-4.

    2. Marconi’s Wireless Telegraph Company Limited. Description and Specification of 30 K.W Naval Wireless Station At St. John’s. 1918. Admiralty House Museum and Archives digital record, 1-4.

    3. Gushue, Lisa. “100th anniversary of Florizel tragedy marked at Admiralty House Communications Museum.” CBC News, Feb. 24, 2018. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/100th-anniversary-of-florizel-sinking-1.4550457.

    4. Marconi’s Wireless Telegraph Company Limited. Description and Specification of 30 K.W Naval Wireless Station At St. John’s. 1918. Admiralty House Museum and Archives digital record, 5-7.

    5. Grant, W.L. “Wireless Officer Report on Parsons.” Letter. Admiralty House Communications Museum Collections. 1918.

    6. “Great Sale: Admiralty Wireless Station At Mount Pearl.” The People’s Auctioneers (St. John’s, NL).

    7. Admiralty House Museum and Archives Collections.

    8. “Last ‘Marconi Pole’ Comes Crashing Down.” Daily News (St. John’s, NL), May 19, 1955.

    9. Admiralty House Museum and Archives Collections.

    10. Admiralty House Museum and Archives Collections.

    11. Public Council Meeting, 94-03-143, Admiralty House Communications Museum (March 7, 1994).

    12. Admiralty House Museum and Archives Collections.

Friday, April 4, 2025

Meet our 2025 Spring Market Vendors!

Our Spring Market is coming up fast, and here is our current list of vendors! Some are Saturday or Sunday exclusives, so make note of this when planning your visit :) 


Please note that this post may be updated anytime before the market to reflect any changes in vendor availability. 

NOTE: As of April 4th, we still have a couple of tables available! Please fill out this google form if interested: https://forms.gle/dDV6o3ptGG7SKB5C9 .

The Spring Market will be held on Saturday, April 26th from 4pm-9pm, and Sunday, April 27th from 11am-4pm. Admission will be by monetary donation to Repuplic Pets Rescue, who will have a representative in the Annex porch. 


SATURDAY - ONLY 

Georgia Lynn Art 


Georgia Lynn Art utilizes locally hand picked sea glass, shells, coral, drift wood, and other mixed mediums to create Newfoundland inspired pieces. The artwork and ornaments created may feature nautical themes, traditional mummers, puffins, or local wildlife. This upcoming market will include ‘one of a kind’ pieces that can be previewed via the artist’s social media pages on facebook or instagram… @georgialynn_art 




O'Liver freeze dried 

Oliver Freeze Dried is a unique business based in Conception Harbour, Newfoundland, specializing in freeze-dried candies and dog treats. Founded by a couple who moved back to Newfoundland during the pandemic, the company leverages freeze-drying technology, popular among NASA and doomsday preppers, to create innovative products. Their offerings transform traditional candies into exciting textures and flavors, providing a distinct culinary experience. As the province’s largest producer of freeze-dried candies, Oliver Freeze Dried is committed to quality and community engagement.



Deborah Crafts 

Deborah Crafts was created by St. John’s native Amanda Budgell in response to a growing crochet obsession. After years of experimenting with traditional crochet designs and materials, Budgell honed her craft to create unique and durable crocheted handbags. Using materials such as nylon paracord, and cotton t-shirt yarn, these bags are both fashionable and made-to-last.





SUNDAY - ONLY 

Brush Strokes With Lesley

Handmade jewelry, hand-engraved glassware and coasters.




Ruthies Bead Therapy 

Ruthie's Bead Therapy creates unique, small-batch, handmade polymer clay earrings and pins. Located in Kelligrews, the collection features Newfoundland-inspired puffins and whales, seasonal items, sweet treats, and beautiful florals.



Tina Stewart

"The Walkers" by Tina Mardel Stewart - A self-published novel based on a shoreline trail here in our province linking communities and strangers. Two people walk the trail, one with her rescued Labrador Husky, and two watch the world go by from their homes. They will eventually discover their connections.

100% of all sales proceeds have been and will continue to be donated to NL Animal Rescue charities!


Homes and Custom Embroidery 


I hand embroider 3 inch one of a kind ornaments of homes, cabins, businesses etc. I also do custom hand portrait embroidery. I use pictures and recreate them using free hand stitching. I also create “anywhere ornaments” with various pop culture sayings slogans and references. 





BOTH DAYS 

Valley Girl Creations 


As a talented multi-medium Inuit craftsperson, my work is a celebration of my rich cultural heritage, showcasing the intricate art of sewing and beadwork passed down through generations. Each piece, from vibrant beaded earrings to meticulously hand-stitched designs, is a unique testament to my dedication and skill. 


Purple Glass Crafts 


I sell handmade stained glass suncatchers, candle holders and Christmas ornaments. My pieces are unique and no two are exactly alike; I'm also working on some flower pieces for this market.




Randy Blundon Arts 

I am a visual artists working in various mediums - oil, acrylic, watercolour, charcoal, pastels, pen & ink. I also offer greeting cards and prints reproduced from my original work.





CupCaits

Delicious baked goodies home made with lots of love (and butter). Cupcakes, cake pops, cookies, ect. All peanut free. Gluten free options available as well :)


Rooted Wanderers & Co. 

Information and photos coming soon! 

Friday, March 21, 2025

We're Hiring for Summer 2025!

 


Effective today, March 21, 2025, Admiralty House Communications Museum is officially hiring for the summer! 

Job title: Museum Assistant 

Organization: Admiralty House Communications Museum 
Location: 365 Old Placentia Road, Mount Pearl, NL 
Type: 16 weeks 
Wage: $16.00/hour 
Hours: 35 hours/week 

Positions Available: 4 

Job Summary 

Admiralty House Communications Museum is a small non-profit museum based out of Mount Pearl. Located in the historic HM Wireless Station, we strive to preserve the history and culture of the area and the people who lived here. We also offer tours, group programs, and a roster of events for both tourists and members of the community.   

Admiralty House Communications Museum is looking for creative, enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about providing engaging and entertaining experiences to educate the public on our community’s heritage. A Museum Assistant is responsible for accepting admission, providing tours to visitors, and assisting in upcoming events, programs, and projects.  

Qualifications 

  • - Has completed a minimum of one-year post-secondary education in a relevant field  

  • - Strong verbal communication skills  

  • - Works well independently and in a team environment  

  • - Must be able to reliably commute to and from work for scheduled shifts  

  • - Must be able to provide a clear criminal record and vulnerable sector check certificate prior to starting their employment  

  • - Experience in hospitality and tourism is considered an asset  

  • - Experience working with seniors or youth is considered an asset  

  • - Spoken French skills are considered an asset  


Applications for the Museum Assistant must contain a cover letter, a resume, and a minimum of two references. Applications must be submitted through email to admiraltyhouse@mountpearl.ca with the subject line "Job Application: Museum Assistant."  

* This position is contingent upon the receipt of funding. * 

Pending funding approval, two of these positions are funded in part through the Canada Summer Jobs program and all applicants must meet the current CSJ eligibility criteria. The other two positions are funded in part through the Young Canada Works heritage organizations program and all applicants must meet the current YCW eligibility criteria.  

An individual may be eligible for CSJ if they:  

  • - are between 15 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the employment period*; 

  • - are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment**; and,  

  • - have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.  


*The youth must be 15 years of age at the beginning of the employment period. The youth may be more than 30 years of age at the end of the employment period as long as the youth was 30 at the beginning of the employment period.  
**International students are not eligible participants. International students include anyone who is temporarily in Canada for studies and who is not a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person who has been granted refugee status in Canada. Youth awaiting a refugee status ruling, as well as those who hold a temporary visitor visa, youth visa or work visa are ineligible. As the objective of the CSJ program is to support youth entering the Canadian labour market, the temporary nature of an international student’s time in Canada does not allow for a long-term connection to the labour market.  

An individual may be eligible for YCW if they:  

  • - are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada (non-Canadians holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent resident status are not eligible); 

  • - are legally entitled to work in Canada (have a valid social insurance number); 

  • - are between 16 and 30 years of age inclusively at the start of employment; and   

  • - are a high school, college, CEGEP or university student.   


The application deadline is April 11, 2025,and the expected start date is May 6, 2025. We thank all applicants for their submissions but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.  

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract, Seasonal, Internship / Co-op  

Contract length: 16 weeks  

Pay: $16.00 per hour  

Expected hours: 35 per week  

Benefits:  

  • On-site parking  

Schedule:  

  • 8-hour shift  


Work Location: In person  

Application deadline: 2025-04-18  

Expected start date: 2025-05-06