Between Two Worlds

Colorful coastal scenery (iceberg; lighthouse etc.); photos of real persons some from the 1800s; sketches and snapshots of quaint tools seen now only in museums ... Together they make up a pictorial introduction to Newfoundland (NL).The written text tiptoes through more than 500 years in time from European discovery (1497) to just beyond millennium two. It''s a reminder of significant historical events where this large island in the North Atlantic has been used as a link - a stepping stone -between Europe and Continental North America: the landing of the submarine communications cable across the Atlantic (1866); Marconi''s wireless apparatus (1901); pioneering flights in the skies over the Atlantic (Alcock and Brown 1919; Earhart 1932 ...); USA defense bases (WWII) ... even a safe haven during the horrors of 9-11-01 ...Despite Britain''s initial anti-settlement laws the oppressed colony grew. Through determination grit and fortitude notable colonists battled their way to political independence within the Commonwealth - elected representatives; NL Prime Minister one succeeding another and another ...; NL minted currency; NL postage stamps ... Foreign investors became attracted to the potential of natural resources. Viable mines and paper mills became realities; railway lines and coastal shipping routes were established ... Britain was supported during WWI (1914-1918) both financially and with human lives ... Then the world''s Great Depression (1930s) hits.Politically the story turns grim here even fatal ... Did the extended lifeline have a noose attached to its receiving end? Could things have been managed in a more compassionate manner? Question after question arises.