tales-of-Fogo-Island

The Souvenir Turtle ShellSometimes, ships sailing across the Atlantic Ocean were caught in gale forcewinds. On other crossings, they moved very slowly because the winds weretoo light.In the fall of 1926, a three-masted Danish schooner under the command ofCaptain Dam was on its way to Joe Batt's Arm. The vessel, Astra, wasscheduled to pick up a load of dry cod at the premises of Mr. Levi Perry. Thetrip took longer than usual because there was almost no wind.One day while the Astra drifted along, the crew discovered a large sea turtlesleeping on top of the water. They captured the turtle, killed it and ate themeat. Soon, all that remained was the shell. The wind was still light and thecrew became bored. To pass the time, a sailor named William Yaksomandecided to turn the shell into a wall-hanging. He carefully cleaned the breastportion of the shell and made letters out of 'tea lead'. Tea lead is similar toaluminum foil. In those days it was used to line tea chests.When the Astra finally arrived in Joe Batt's Arm, Mr. Walter Ludlow helpedload her for the return trip. Before setting sail again, Yaksoman gave the turtleshell to Mr. Ludlow as a keepsake.The turtle shell. Notice the date (1926), name of the ship (Astra),and the word "Velkommen", which means welcome.