A glimpse into Merchant Life.

The islands once housed over a dozen fish merchants, including Richard Dorman Hodge, founder of Hodge’s Twillingate enterprise. Born in 1845, Hodge started with Cox & Company and later partnered with William Waterman. He arrived in Twillingate in 1871 with his wife, Grace Helen. They took over Waterman’s business and operated it with family members. By the 1880s, the business declined, and Richard ran it mostly on his own. In 1895, he faced insolvency, likely due to a bank crash. His brother, John Wheedon Hodge, took over while Richard remained involved. Richard passed away in 1908.

His sons, Arthur H. and Cyril L. (“Bertie”), continued the business under John Wheedon’s direction. When John retired in 1918, the business became Hodge Brothers, managed by Arthur and Bertie. Arthur managed the office, while Bertie managed the shop. In 1927, Arthur married Elsie B. Wood, a nurse who worked with Dr. Wilfred Grenfell and supported various community activities. The Hodges entertained foreign visitors and operated until the early 1960s. Arthur and Bertie passed away in 1963, leading to the closure of the business.

After Arthur’s death, Elsie returned to the US and died in 1994. A memorial service was held, and a building constructed in 1914 by Benjamin and Thomas Roberts in Wild Cove still stands. This building replaced an older store used by Hodges and Watermans. The Hodges’ family residence was replaced by the Anchor Inn Hotel and Restaurant.