Confederation 75 – Toope Family Memorabilia

In many homes in Newfoundland and Labrador in the years following 1949, a person didn’t have to look much beyond the kitchen shelf or living room wall to figure out whether the residents were supporters of Confederation, the provincial Liberal Party, or Premier Joseph R. (Joey) Smallwood.

More often than not, they were all three.

Bonnie McGrath participated in a photo scanning party hosted by Heritage NL and the Cape Random Trust at New Bonaventure in mid-September of 2024. That’s when she discovered a level of commitment to Confederation – and the devotion to Joey – goes back generations in her family.

Colour photograph of Bonnie McGrath’s great-grandparents, Charlie and Susan Toope of Old Bonaventure, NL, on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary, ca. 1960s. Note the photo of Joey Smallwood on the wall behind them, peering over their shoulders.

McGrath also snapped photos of a commemorative plate that held pride of place on a shelf in the Old Bonaventure, NL, home of her grandparents, William (Bill) and Beatrice (Beatie) Toope.

Colour photograph of Beatie and Bill Toope of Old Bonaventure, NL

McGrath said the plate has been in her grandparents’ home for at least four to five decades – certainly as long as she can remember.

Colour photograph of commemorative plate: front of porcelain plate, painted image of Joseph R. Smallwood seated in front of a map of the island of Newfoundland
Colour photograph of commemorative plate: back of porcelain plate, map of the island of Newfoundland with quote from Joseph R. Smallwood: “Next to life itself, Confederation has been the greatest blessing under God to the people of Newfoundland.” Limited edition, plate #524
Colour photograph of small, dark brown wood upright pump organ with commemorative plate and antique radio on top

Even though her grandparents have passed away, the plate still resides in their former home and is now considered something of a family heirloom. If she’s lucky, Bonnie McGrath hopes one day it will be hers!

Contributed by the Bonnie McGrath Collection