Fourteen-year-old Jaden Melvin outside Melvin’s Mini Museum in Bauline East. The museum is now open for it’s second season. Submitted photo
By Mark Squibb
Fourteen-year-old Jaden Melvin might just be the province’s youngest museum curator.
Melvin runs Melvin’s Mini Museum out of his garage in Bauline East.
Over the years he has collected many a relic of everyday life, which he now displays proudly at the museum.
“I have fishing gear, make and break engines, old bottles, old farming gear, an old stove,” said Melvin. “I have a little bit of everything.”
Folks can visit the museum to have a look at the artifacts and learn more about the olden days in coastal Newfoundland.
The make and break engines, said Melvin, are a particular favourite of visitors.
Make and break engines, also called putt-putt engines, were known for their distinct thudding sound, a rhythm that was once synonymous with small harbours and coastal outports.
In fact, Melvin had to close his museum last Saturday to participate in the 5th annual Dildo Make and Break festival. Melvin was one of seven boaters to parade across the cove — and certainly the youngest.
The museum is typically open from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., although the schedule varies from time to time. Melvin’s rule of thumb is that if the door is open, the museum is open. This summer marks his second year of operations.
“I’ve been collecting now for about five years,” said Melvin. “And so, I said, ‘I might as well open up a museum.’”
Admission is by donation.
