I spent some time recently digging through some old photos of Exploits that Grandma collected over the years and that I later scanned from prints. Some were taken by her, some by her son (my uncle, Peter M. Ball). Exactly who took which is a subject that only Peter could truly verify for us. I suspect that most of them are his. The two I know for fairly certain that Grandma took (with a twin lens reflex Lubitel) are noted accordingly.

Peter was (and is) a tremendously talented photographer and his work is a treat to peruse. I only wish I could see more of it regularly.

So without further ado, I hereby blog a bunch of old Exploits photos for the half-dozen or so searchers that I get weekly who are, like me, lovers of these beautiful and hidden island treasures. I hadn’t realised there were so many of you out there. Enjoy….

The aspen grove, near Ball Point. This one was taken by my grandmother, Jean M. Ball in the mid 1970s with a twin-lens Lubitel camera (according to a conversation I had with her when she gave me said camera). Grand little camera, actually. Takes 120mm films and wonderful black & white shots. I still have (and occasionally use) it.

Looking across the harbour. Richard and Lydia Wells in their skiff. Taken by either Grandma or Uncle Peter, mid 1970s. Probably one of Peter’s shots.

This house was one of two houses built on the Purchase property. It was the home of Norman Purchase and was later purchased by Gerry Squires. We live next door, in the other of the two houses. Taken by either Grandma or Uncle Peter, mid 1970s. It’s now painted white with red trim and is owned by the Cuff Family.

What our house and property in Squid Cove looked like soon after Grandma bought it. Taken by either Grandma or Uncle Peter, mid 1970s. The main house is in the centre. The old boatshed/workshop stands on the shore to the left and the wood shed is the upper-most right-hand building. The old boatshed is gone now, and a newer one stands slightly to the left of the original.

Grandma and one of the many cats of Exploits. Taken in the mid 1970s, probably by Uncle Peter. There are still cats, gone wild, living in the woods down there.

The breakwater, in Lower Harbour. Taken in the mid 1970s, probably by Uncle Peter. It hasn’t changed substantially in all the time I’ve known it (30 years).

Taken by either Grandma or Uncle Peter, mid 1970s.

Gus Jeffries, hauling wharf timbers with Dyer’s horse, Babe. Taken by either Grandma or Uncle Peter, mid 1970s. Gus was a marvellous fellow. I remember going out in the boat to get chunks of growler ice with him and Dad. His wife, Ruby, used to waylay children on the path and feed them cookies and candy. Gus was the lighthouse keeper for many years.

Taken in the mid 1970s, probably by Uncle Peter.

Grandma always got up early at Exploits, lit the fire, made tea, toast and a soft-boiled egg and had an orange. Every morning. And no one was allowed to bother her while she ate/woke up on pain of instant death. I didn’t understand it then, but I do now…..

This is how she looked when I crept down the stairs early in the morning and peeked round the corner. I wonder if she knew it was being taken?

The old boatshed. Taken by either Grandma or Uncle Peter, mid 1970s. Probably Peter’s work.

Taken by either Grandma or Uncle Peter, mid 1970s. Probably Peter’s work. Upper Harbour entrance, with the government wharf across the harbour.

Tamar Dart’s parents’ house, later owned by Kitty and Dyer Drake, who lived there during the 70s. Tamar Dart was my Great-great Grandmother (there might be more greats in there – I’ll have to check). Taken by either Grandma or Uncle Peter, early 1970s (probably Peter). My sister is named after Tamar Dart, who is buried in the island cemetery. My ancestor, that is. Not my sister. She’s still alive and well.

This one was one of the two that Grandma told me had been taken with the Lubitel camera. It’s one of my favourite photos of Exploits.

Lower Harbour in spring. Taken by either Grandma or Uncle Peter, mid 1970s (probably Peter). You can see one of the cemeteries to the right. This is the one in which John Peyton is buried. It’s easy to see how ice can move a wharf when you look at this shot, though.

a quickr pickr post