National Network for Equitable Library Service

The history of Bell Island, Newfoundland, is an amazing one of a strong and courageous people who overcame the challenge of creating a community exposed to the mighty North Atlantic Ocean. Bell Island: Dawn of First Light covers the first permanent European settlers who were attracted to the rich soil of the island and to the fish in the surrounding waters. It outlines the accidental discovery of iron ore, the growth of the mining operations to become the largest submarine mine in the Commonwealth, labour unrest and the formation of a union, the factors that led to the mine’s closure, and the tragic impact this would have on the residents. This is also the story of the equally determined women who fashioned the family home in both good and bad economic times.