by Peter Simpson/ South Shore Breaker (published February 21, 2017)

Nova Scotia’s fishermen obviously place their trust in the folks at Snyder’s Shipyard. The Dayspring shipyard has built 225 new boats and refitted, repaired or restored hundreds more, including Bluenose II.

Records show the shipyard’s origin dates back to 1871. The Leary family operated the business until 1944, when the shipyard was purchased by Teddy Snyder, who eventually passed ownership to son Philip.

Philip Snyder remains as co-owner, while long-time staffer Wade Croft, who became co-owner in 2004, handles the shipyard’s day-to-day operation and its staff of 15, aged 19 to 65. Dennis Stewart, 40 years, is the longest-serving employee. The sole female, office manager Donna Hatt, has 22 years on the job.