Cousin's Yard in East Blue Hill

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Cousin's Yard in East Blue Hill

Paul Stubing indicated that this is a photograph of Cousin's Yard in East Blue Hill Bay. There is a smelt tent in the background which had been pulled ashore. This type of tent was used in winter for ice fishing. Fish were put in box outside the tent. The custom died out in 1950's as pay for smelt wasn't sufficient. Stubing went on to explain about the saltwater and freshwater smelt tents. He said they used grain bags to cover a 1 -1/12 inch frame. There were runners underneath and a trap door. There was also a limber pole to hold line - the line dropped through. They had at least two pairs of woolen gloves. A blacksmith would use scrap metal to make a stove (square or round). A chimney would go up through the roof. They would make the chimney as high as possible.
Ralph said the same boat which is hauled out is the one pictured in the Winter Harbor photos.
Ralph says this may not be the Cousin's Yard. He'd have to go over there and look.

Ballard, W.H.

Paul Stubing Ballard Print Collection