Cupids Cove

Thank you Glenn Moores for this artifact loaded cover! A hundred years ago, Canada Post issued a stamp commemorating the 300th anniversary of Cupids Cove, the first English colony in Canada. Excavated since 1995 with over 145, 000 artifacts to choose from this year's edition has a different look. Superimposed over this map are coins and chevron trade beads. Amber beads are rare in the archaeological record but are mentioned in John Guy's journal and his intentions for trading with the Beothuk. 

The larger coin is a silver half crown, minted in the Tower of London between 1660-2. Surrounding the block of stamps is a tobacco pipe, iron key, a Bellarmine neck fragment and a glass wine bottle. The London and Bristol Company was under the impression that a permanent colony would produce superior workers adjusted to the land and sea, thereby undercutting the less acclimatized fishing competitors. However, as is the fate of many colonies, they were under prepared, under skilled and unmatched to compete with visiting merchants to the local waters who had less overhead. While an unsuccessful commercial venture, it paved the way for English expansion in the New World. 

When I visited The Rooms a few weeks ago, the artifact on the FDC cachet was still 'on loan' and missing from their cupids cove exhibit.

Uncacheted FDC with lower selvage showing present day cove. Issued: August 17 2010.

A shot I took of part of the excavation. They were busy building walkways for the upcoming anniversary celebration. Fun Fact: After many trials, Revlon 771 is the only nail polish the Cupids Legacy Centre uses for the cataloguing of artifacts.
                                                        
The pictorial postmark issued for Cupid's Quadricentennial. This image is from Allen's blog.