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.