Beginning in the late 1800s and continuing until about 1927 the area presently occupied by the new Community of Bide Arm was a wintering site for many residents of Englee. In October of each year these people piled their possessions aboard boats and transported them to Bides Arm. This was repeated in May when they loaded everything on komatiks (as many as seven or eight dog teams were in use at any given time) and returned to Englee to start the fishing season.   

During their winter stay at Bides Arm, they would be visited twice by a doctor (including Dr. Grenfell) and a dentist. Esau Fillier had built a clinic and waiting room area onto his house, and his wife Emma took care of the doctor and dentist as well as other medical matters free of cost. In most instances the medical services were adequate. However, one woman died, and because there was no space available in the house for the body, and the weather being bad, it was placed in canvas under a boat for a week until the weather improved and it could be taken to Englee for burial. 

Because there were no stores at the settlement of Bides Arm, everyone brought what they needed in October. If a person "ran out" of supplies, there were no more available. Nothing was wasted. You wouldn't find many empty cans lying around all winter. There were hard times but they were good times as well. Everybody was happy and helped each other. However, we should be thankful that we no longer suffer the hardships of these early settlers.             

Note: Mr. Canning was born May 13, 1913, the son of John and Jessie CANNING. He now resides in Roddickton. He married Mertle FILLIER who was born Sept. 10, 1914 to Esau and Emma Canning FILLIER. Emma and Esau built a clinic onto their house at Bide Arm and Emma was the nurse who worked with Dr. Grenfell when he came to Englee. Emma and Esau had 2 daughters, Mertle and Silvia.