A St. John’s family who has a cherished summer home in Western Bay is among those getting the terrible news that their property is gone.
Western Bay was hardest-hit by the fire, with more than 80 metered structures gone.
Holly Hogan and her husband, award-winning author Michael Crummey, have connections to Western Bay through his father’s family. They had a house on the road to Bradley’s Cove, and while some neighbouring properties are still there, their house is gone.
Hogan says while their loss doesn’t compare with those who have lost their only home, it still resonates.
Trees planted in memory of Michael Crummey and Holly Hogan’s 19-year-old son (submitted)
“We have three children, and they had their childhoods there. Lots of wonderful memories. We also lost our son at 19, and we had planted 19 trees around the property to remember him, and to commemorate his life, and those trees I imagine, are gone as well. It’s emotional and sentimental things that are missed as much as the physical property you know?”
Hogan says it’s far too early to say if they intend to rebuild at this time given the level of destruction in the community.
The interior of Michael Crummey and Holly Hogan’s Western Bay home (submitted)
Heritage structures among buildings lost
Among the homes and structures lost in the Conception Bay North fire are a number of registered heritage structures.
The north shore of Conception Bay consists of many older homes, in which generations of families have lived.
The interior of the Adam’s Cove school house (Eugene Howell)
Among the many confirmed losses are the Adam’s Cove School, and Crowley House in Ochre Pit Cove.
Aside from the personal losses, there are some who are concerned that the built heritage of the region is changed forever.
Crowley House in Ochre Pit Cove (Heritage NL)
