Iconic Schooner The Little Morrissey Returns to Brigus Harbour

The historic schooner The Little Morrissey made a poignant return to Brigus, Newfoundland and Labrador, in September, bringing with it tales of adventure and exploration from its storied past. Originally captained by the legendary Bob Bartlett, the vessel, which has been lovingly restored, drew a crowd of enthusiastic spectators eager to witness its arrival despite the inclement weather.

As the 132-year-old wooden ship sailed into the harbour, many gathered along the shore and at the community wharf to capture the moment. With its sails unfurled and hull cutting through the waves, the schooner evoked nostalgia and pride among local residents who recognize its significance to the region’s maritime history. Bartlett used The Little Morrissey for nearly two decades, embarking on expeditions to the Canadian Arctic and Greenland, often accompanied by scientists from esteemed institutions such as the Smithsonian Institute and the American Museum of Natural History.

Legacy of Exploration

During his exploratory voyages, Bartlett not only charted unknown territories but also inspired a generation of young men from Brigus, including Jack Angel, son of Margaret Angel, who recounted her father’s experiences aboard the vessel. “Dad didn’t talk a whole lot about his trips with his uncle Robert,” she said. “But when he did, you could see he just glowed.” Jack Angel documented these adventures, capturing stunning photographs that later appeared in publications like the New York Times.

In an interview with Margaret, she shared a collection of black and white photographs taken by her father, showcasing scenes of scientists at work and the unique wildlife of the Arctic. “Here is a scientist collecting plankton,” she noted, describing one image. “They had specific tasks of either collecting specimens, flowers, mosses, and anything they could bring back.” The emotions were palpable as Margaret expressed her excitement about the schooner’s return, having first seen it in 1988. “It will be nice to have my feet on the deck and think about what it would have been like for him,” she added.

Inspiration for Future Generations

The return of The Little Morrissey was not only a moment of reflection for those with historical ties to the vessel but also a source of inspiration for a new generation of sailors. Among those who sailed with the schooner from Quebec to Brigus was Tyler Simms, a student from the Marine Institute. He expressed admiration for Bartlett, stating, “He was someone to look up to, you know, as a young sailor, like myself. I aspire to be like him.”

Simms shared his experience of steering the vessel, remarking on the significance of using the original wheel that Bartlett once held. “It was incredible thinking, like, I’m holding this wheel,” he said, reflecting on the connection between past and present.

While the vessel is now officially known as the Ernestina Morrissey and serves as the state vessel of Massachusetts, it remains an iconic piece of Newfoundland’s maritime heritage. As Margaret Angel poignantly stated, “There’s nothing that can compare to the feeling of history coming alive. History isn’t just for the books. There’s a lot of living history out there.”

The return of The Little Morrissey serves as a vibrant reminder of the enduring legacy of exploration and the connections that bind communities to their maritime past. For those in Brigus, the vessel represents not just a ship, but a tapestry of stories woven together by adventure, discovery, and history.