In and Around the Codroy River Valleys

Zane Grey, R.C. Grey, Captain Laurie Mitchell and unknown man looking across the Grand Codroy River with the snow capped Anguille Mountain in the distance. (1929) Photo attributed to Bob Carney.

While waiting for his son, Romer, and George Takahashi to arrive, Zane Grey went on a short trip to fish the waters in and around the Codroy River Valleys.  R.C. Grey, Laurie Mitchell, Bob Carney and he travelled on the Newfoundland Railway’s “Express”, a passenger train that closely parallelled several salmon fishing rivers. 

The first stop was Tompkins where they stayed at the Afton Family Farm. In Newfoundland History Buffs, John McCormick describes the farm as “Not only the first hunting & salmon sporting business on the west coast, but in all probability in Newfoundland. During peak periods in summer & fall as many as 20 or more guides were hired for hunting & fishing. It was a going concern in its heyday & myself, my extended family, friends & neighbors all did our part as we were all like family.” The group’s trip to the Codroy River Valley was brief since they needed to meet the arrival of Romer Grey and George Takahashi on the SS Caribou.  Since neither Zane nor R.C. mentioned the Codroy Valley, it is likely they had not enjoyed much angling success there.

The following two images show a hollow in the Table Mountains near Campbell's Pond. The black-and-white photo was taken during Zane Grey's visit and the  current-day image was shared by Newfoundlander John Marsden from a slightly different angle today.  They are followed by a vintage photo of the Afton Family Farm.