Our story begins with a bang! In 1898, the general store was blown across the street and cut in half by a violent storm. Built in 1850, it had been one of the first commercial buildings in Peggy’s Cove. Now on the opposite side of the road, the one-story shack was partially restored serving as an occasional meeting place referred to as Parliament House, with the store’s original wooden counter used to mend fishing nets.

Bring on the Artists

Drawn to its picturesque landscapes, artists and photographers had been visiting Peggy’s Cove for many years. In the summer of 1937, artists Grace Whiten and Marion Johnston gave the shack new life when they opened Peggy’s Cove Tea Room and Craft Shop, the community’s very first art gallery. In addition to selling their own paintings, Grace and Marion served home-made chowder using locally harvested clams. These two women were pioneers in establishing Peggy’s Cove as the world-famous tourist destination it remains today.

Stormy Weather

In 1964, another storm hit and the shack was sadly demolished. William deGarthe, now a well-established artist and a full-time resident of Peggy’s Cove moved his Marine Studio, along with the general store’s original wooden countertop, to a new space nearby.

The building that Holy Mackerel resides in today was constructed around 1971. It was first owned by Harold Lightfoot to house his business, Harlan Shops Ltd. The building was then purchased by John Beale and, in 1975, he and his family established Beale’s Bailiwick, a renowned gift and coffee shop. The Beale properties included the original Peggy’s Cove Schoolhouse (1838) and a house that would become the Beale family home (as well as the future location of Margaret’s Café!).