Bell Island #2 Mine and Community Museum,
13 Compressor Hill, Bell Island, NL

Tel: +1-709-488-2880
Toll Free: +1-888-338-2880
Email: bellislandhs@nf.aibn.com

MINERS BLEND COFFEE

Start your day the Bell Island way, with a freshly brewed cup of our signature coffee blend. Miners Blend offers a rich, nuanced flavour infused with the history and character of the Bell Island miners. Available for shipping across Canada, the USA, and beyond—it makes a great gift!

Contact us to order!
Email: bellislandhs@nf.aibn.com
Call: 709-488-2880 or 709-691-8143

Coffee Shop OPERATOR

Doris Skanes

Daughter of a Bell Island miner

Born and raised on Bell Island, Doris’ roots here go way back. Her own father worked in the mines from 1913 as a boy until the closure in 1966, alongside her brother, uncle, and husband.

As a child, Doris’ house was in Lance Cove, 5 miles from the town of Wabana—a distance her father had to walk back and forth, six days per week, to his shift at the mine. Understandably, she remembers him being very tired after work with his clothes, hands and face tinged red from the iron ore dust.

To this day, she recalls the panic and sadness felt around the island when it was announced that the mines would soon close. Her own mother and father were devastated as they watched their livelihoods evaporate. Following her own career with the St. John’s Department of Education and as an administrative assistant and business instructor at the Bell Island Vocational School, Doris joined our staff and works here to this day. If you’ve got questions about our fascinating corner of the world, just ask, and she’ll be happy to answer them.

The #2 Mine Tour and Museum is closed for the season. See you next year!