The story of pirate Peter Easton and the tale of Newfoundland’s most famous mermaid share one point of connection — Richard Whitbourne.

A little more than a century ago a newspaper’s bizarre tale of a pirate treasure and spectral dogs on the shores of Quidi Vidi created a sensation in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Tall tales of rum runners and pirates  have obscured the truth behind this Brigus landmark. The real story illustrates the tremendous changes Newfoundland’s rural communities have faced.

Was Happy Adventure, Newfoundland named by pirates?