Wilson Vardy (1858-1921), harbour master and light keeper, was born in Channel, Newfoundland, the eighth of ten children of Lucy and John Vardy (from Christchurch, England). Wilson's father, John, died on 28 December 1861 of suspected foul play. Wilson Vardy married Jane Meade on 11 February 1881 and the couple had eight children. Wilson was buried 21 December 1921 at the old Anglican cemetery at Graveyard Point, Port aux Basques.
Vardy worked as harbour master and light keeper on Vardy's Island at Channel and Port aux Basques from 1899 until his death in 1921. He was in charge of the leading lights and buoys, which had been established in 1898/9. These consisted of a front light, a rear light, and a series of buoys which were removed during winter to avoid drift ice.
published
Partial
Draft
Previously known as Wilson Vardy Port Aux Basques Leading Lights records
Title is based on the contents of the fonds
Fonds consists of diaries that give a daily account of the weather, entries and clearances of vessels at Port aux Basques, ice conditions, and sparse comments relating to the fishery and other subjects. The letter books consist of correspondence between Wilson Vardy and the Department of Lighthouses and relates to work carried out on the lights and buoys. The logbooks are an account of the oil, wicks, and glasses used and a daily record of the weather.
Fonds is arranged in three series: Diaries, 1900-1920; Letter books, 1918-1921; and Logbooks, 1904-1921.
Fonds was donated by Rev. Myles Vardy, the grandson of Wilson Vardy.
There are no restriction on access to the material.
It is the responsibility of the researcher to comply with all copyright regulations.
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