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S.S. Florizel
Admiralty House Communications Museum
OVR 009 |
The S.S. Florizel set out for a doomed journey on February 23, 1918. In the early hours of February 24, 1918, the Florizel hit rock at Horn Head near Cappahayden on the Southern Shore. 93 people perished and 44 survived. To this day, the Florizel lives on as a major tragedy in the memories of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The S.S. Florizel was not only a passenger vessel but was also repurposed as a sealing vessel during seal hunting seasons. It transported the Blue Puttees to the United Kingdom during the First World War. To celebrate the memory of the Florizel, here is a day trip you can take this summer to learn more about the tragedy and to take in some of St. John's' and Mount Pearl's best attractions.
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| Photo of the Bell from the S.S. Florizel courtesy of The Rooms |
The S.S. Florizel Day Trip starts at The Rooms. At The Rooms, you can view the First World War exhibit and see the faces of the young men who boarded the ship to the United Kingdom. There, you will also see the historic bell of the vessel.
Next, go to the General Protestant Cemetery on Waterford Bridge Road. This cemetery is where at least 19 of the former passengers from the S.S. Florizel were buried. Take a stroll among this gorgeous historic cemetery and check out this blog post from 2020 to see some of the work done to find the S.S. Florizel burials.
Peter Pan Statue, Bowring Park
After the General Protestant Cemetery, head to Bowring Park to see the Peter Pan statue dedicated to Betty Munn by her Grandfather, Sir Edgar Bowring in 1925. The statue is located at the eastern entrance of the park near the duck pond. Bowring was so devastated by the loss of his granddaughter on the S.S. Florizel that he erected the statue in her memory. The statue is a testament to Betty and the love Sir Bowring had for his granddaughter.
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| A portion of the S.S. Florizel Exhibit at Admiralty House |
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Replica of the S.S. Florizel's Marconi Room
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Last, head to Admiralty House Communications Museum (That's us!!) to visit our S.S. Florizel Exhibit! At Admiralty House, you can learn more about the people, like Betty Munn, who lost their lives in the tragedy. You can also check out the replica Marconi Room to see where Cecil Carter made the critical call for aid that saved 44 people that day.
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| Cappahayden Memorial for the S.S. Florizel |
Additionally, you could head to Renews-Cappahayden to see the S.S. Florizel memorial. The artifact is accompanied by some infographic panels and a list of those who lost their lives during the tragedy. Taking a second day to do this leg of the trip is ideal! That way you can take in other attractions on the Southern Shore.
Check out the link to the map below to plan your day trip!
S.S. Florizel Day Trip Map Click here!
If you're interested in the S.S. Florizel or communications history in Newfoundland and Labrador check us out! We're open every day of the week this summer from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
-Elsa
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