John Tilley and his family are remembered as the first permanent settlers of what is now Clarenville. Drawn by the plentiful timber, they moved from Hants Harbour in 1848 and built their homestead near the Shoal Harbour River.

The Tilleys were a family of remarkable entrepreneurs. Beyond their initial sawmilling operation, they diversified into a range of ventures, including fox farming, gardening, coopering, blacksmithing, and fishing. However, it was their award-winning fish canning that earned them international recognition.

In 1862, their tinning operation submitted a sample of their canned salmon to the International Fisheries Exhibition in Copenhagen, Denmark. Their efforts were rewarded with a bronze medal, inscribed with a testament to their product's quality: "Warranted to keep free from taint and to retain its purity and nutritious quality, in any climate for many years."

In the mid-1800s, the Tilley family's arrival marked the beginning of Clarenville's development. By 1853, the Tilley family were operating a water-powered sawmill, an industry that would come to define the region. John Tilley, expanded his family’s efforts into gardening and a thriving farm, producing oats, hay, and vegetables for his family and the burgeoning community. Families like the Cowans and Wisemans soon followed, settling in coves along the shoreline and joining the Tilleys in transforming the area into a hub for logging and sawmilling. This industry drew more workers and their families, who established their lives largely in the coves found between the Upper and Lower Shoal Harbour rivers.

The First Census

The 1884 Newfoundland census provides the first detailed snapshot of the settlements that would become Clarenville.

• Upper Shoal Harbour, recorded as the largest settlement in the area with 72 residents in 13 families.

• Red Beach was likely a temporary landing place, absent from census records

• Broad Cove's 3 families and 14 residents reported cod and caplin landings worth $202.

• Brook Cove had 19 residents in three families

• Dark Harbour had 24 residents in four families.

• Lower Shoal Harbour was the largest, with 36 residents across 7 families

• Russell's Cove listed a single family of 5.

At the turn of the century, the Newfoundland Legislature officially merged these small settlements—excluding Upper Shoal Harbour—into one community, which they named Clarenceville (later changed to Clarenville).

1884 Census https://collections.mun.ca/digital/collection/cns_tools/id/176170

The history of Clarenville is inextricably linked with the Newfoundland Railway. After a preliminary reconnaissance in 1868, the first railway survey in 1875 traced an almost direct route across the island's interior. In 1880, a committee of the House of Assembly recommended the construction of a narrow-gauge railway spanning 547 km (340 mi) from the colonial capital in St. John's to Halls Bay. This route was intended to provide access to the mining district of western Notre Dame Bay while stopping short of the French Shore.

Construction on the Avalon Peninsula began in August 1881. However, the section of the railway through what is now Clarenville was not built until the 1890s. As the main line's grading approached the area in late 1891, engineers had initially planned to bypass Clarenville to avoid its challenging, steep hills. Local residents strongly disagreed with this engineering decision and successfully petitioned to have the route altered, ensuring the main line passed directly through the heart of their community. This significant rerouting, a testament to the community's determination, might have been influenced by the upcoming general election of 1893 or was simply a powerful demonstration of democratic will.

This victory for the town meant that trains would forever face a considerable eastward grade just outside Clarenville. This hill boasts the second-steepest slope on the entire Newfoundland Railway, surpassed only by a section on the Gaff Topsails. From an engineer's perspective, this might have seemed an ill-advised compromise, especially considering the rejection of a more direct island-crossing route proposed in 1875. Yet, in Clarenville, the community's interests ultimately prevailed over pure operational efficiency. For the town, this decision proved to be profoundly beneficial, as it created many jobs. Even more were generated when the branch line to Bonavista was constructed in 1911.

The railway fundamentally became the cornerstone of Clarenville's infrastructure. Its passage through the town immediately transformed Clarenville into an important confluence of two major transportation modes: rail lines and sea lanes. Random Sound provided a large, mostly ice-free port, the last of its size on the railway before reaching Corner Brook. This strategic advantage allowed cargo and coastal vessels to exchange freight and passengers efficiently with trains in Clarenville.

Clarenville is a relatively new town, by Newfoundland standards. In the early 1890s, some of the people in one of the small communities in the area asked the Prime Minister, Sir William Whiteway, how they could get a post office. He said it was necessary for some of the smaller places to join together to form a larger centre to warrant putting a post office there. As a result, five communities, Lower Shoal Harbour, Dark Hole, Brook Cove, Broad Cove and Red Beach, amalgamated to form Clarenville.

The new community was first named Clarenceville by the Prime Minister. It may have been named in honour of the Duke of Clarence, the oldest son of the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), who died in 1892, about the same time the community was being formed. (Some sources have said that the community was named for a son of Whiteway, but Whiteway had no son by that name.) By the time of the first census after amalgamation, in 1901, however, the town’s name appeared as Clarenville and has remained so.

The development of local government in Newfoundland and Labrador trailed significantly behind the rest of Canada. For centuries, governance was tightly controlled by naval and colonial powers, leading to a long-standing absence of formalized local governance across the island. Outside of St. John's, many coastal settlements, known as "outports," managed local affairs through informal means. A major complication for establishing stable municipal systems later on was the lack of organized property rights in many of these early legal settlements.

Clarenville’s Path to Incorporation

The municipal landscape was completely reshaped after Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949. The influx of federal funding and the new Local Government Act of 1949 standardized the powers and duties of towns, spurring a rapid expansion of local governance throughout the 1950s.

Like many growing communities, Clarenville quickly recognized the necessity of incorporation. Formal municipal status—which allowed the town to levy taxes, access financial incentives like shared funding, and secure loan guarantees—became essential for funding the increasing demand for public services and ensuring the town's long-term future.

Founding Councils and Amalgamation

Clarenville's progression into the town we know today occurred in three main stages:

-Original Clarenville Incorporation (1951): Clarenville officially became an incorporated municipality on July 10, 1951. Its first Town Council included Mayor Ernest Drover, Deputy Mayor Martin Bourne, and Councillors G.A. Myers, Malcolm Tulk, George Vardy, Edgar Stanley, and Boyce Smith.

-Shoal Harbour Incorporation (1973): Separately, Shoal Harbour was incorporated as its own municipality in February 1973. Its first Town Council was led by Mayor Eric Butler, Deputy Mayor Harris Thistle, and Councillors Eli Dalton, William Sheppard, Rex Clarke, Bruce Coish, and Merlin Mills.

-Formal Amalgamation (1994): The two municipalities formally merged in 1994, combining their populations and resources to form the larger, single town. The first amalgamated council was comprised of Mayor Fred Best, Deputy Mayor Walter Butler, and Councillors Barry Haines, Clyde Matthews, Edward Osmond, Frazer Russell, and Heather Greene.

Clarenville Today

Clarenville's journey, from a small logging community to a major regional centre, is a testament to its remarkable adaptability. The town is the largest in its region and the second-fastest growing town in Newfoundland and Labrador. Its resilient and diverse economy, which now includes vital sectors like oil and gas services and high technology, showcases the enduring resourcefulness of its residents.

Today, as we stand on the verge of the 2025 Municipal Election, it’s worth looking back at a pivotal moment in Clarenville's history. As our town approaches its 75th anniversary in 2026, we remember pioneers who changed the game—especially in politics and gender equality. Dorothy "Blackie" Drover was one of them.

Born in Seldom, Fogo Island, in 1919, Dorothy and her husband, Harry, moved to Clarenville in 1952, where they bought and renovated the Balmoral Lodge, the town’s main hotel. Their five years of running the lodge saw them become deeply involved in the community. In the fall of 1957, both decided to run for Town Council and were elected in a truly landmark vote.

This election was significant for two reasons: Dorothy was the first woman ever elected to municipal leadership in Newfoundland and Labrador, and it was the first time a husband and wife were elected to the same council simultaneously.

But the story didn't end there. Dorothy Drover topped the polls, receiving the highest number of votes. By law and tradition, the new council should have offered her the title of Mayor.

They didn't.

At the first council meeting on November 22, 1957, Dorothy was passed over for the mayoral role, which went instead to former Mayor Boyce Smith. Harry Drover was elected Deputy Mayor. While Dorothy didn't openly protest, her supporters did. They organized a petition and demonstrated, leading to the resignation of Mayor Smith and several other councillors.

With the council in crisis, Deputy Mayor Harry Drover assumed the mayoral role. In a dramatic move, he then vacated his own seat and appointed his wife, Dorothy, as Mayor.

This unconventional move immediately drew the attention of the provincial Minister of Municipal Affairs, who, citing a lack of quorum and issues with the nomination process, abolished the entire council and declared the election null and void. The Minister appointed a temporary council, notably excluding Dorothy and Harry Drover. A new election was called, and this time, neither of the trailblazing Drovers chose to run.

Though this incident was controversial, Dorothy’s experience starkly highlighted women's challenges in political life and the urgent need for gender equality. She paved the way, helping inspire countless female political leaders across the province and the country.

In the late 1970s, the Town of Clarenville commissioned renowned dory builder Max Grandy to construct four "Grandy Dories" specifically for a new tradition: the Clarenville Day Dory Races.

Throughout the 1980s, these races were a highlight of the annual Clarenville Days municipal holiday. Teams from local businesses and organizations would compete in a waterfront race, cheered on by townspeople watching from the shoreline and Jack's Pub. The goal was simple: claim the title of the fastest dory on the water.

Interest in the races faded in the 1990s, and the boats were largely unused for many years. However, dory enthusiasts have recently restored some of them. Today, one of the original dories is proudly displayed in Elizabeth Swan Park, serving as a tribute to the town's maritime heritage.

The Grandy family of Garnish was famous for their dory building. Max Grandy, one of the three sons who joined the family business, had previously worked as a foreman for the well-known Canadian shipbuilding firm of Smith & Rhuland, which built the famous racing schooner Bluenose.

The family business, Grandy Brothers Ship Repair and Dory building, constructed over 3,000 dories for customers throughout Newfoundland. Max Grandy later left the family business and eventually started a new boat-building yard in Marystown. He passed away on April 13, 1996, at the age of 82.

About the Grandy Dory

The Grand Banks of Newfoundland, once one of the world's most productive fishing grounds, are also known for their severe weather. The Banks Dory, or Grand Banks Dory, was a small, flat-bottomed boat designed to withstand these treacherous seas. Used for fishing from the 1850s, these dories became more stable once they were loaded with a half-ton of catch. 

In 1992, the Royal Canadian Mint, to commemorate 125 years of Confederation, struck a commemorative set of provincial silver coins — one quarter for each of the 10 provinces —  featuring the Grandy dory on the Newfoundland quarter.

From 1918 to 1949, four brothers—Gordon, George, Ernest, and Alison Wiseman—ran a successful saw log mill on the banks of Shoal Harbour. They established their operation on the lower north side of the harbor, choosing the site for its flat land, a small cove for booming logs, and easy access to the new Bonavista Branch railway line. The advent of the steam engine meant they were no longer dependent on the river for power. As the business expanded, they even successfully lobbied for their own railway siding.

The Wiseman operation employed ten men, including the four brothers and four hired hands, along with three horses. With this crew, they averaged 30,000 to 40,000 four-foot logs per season. The men would work in the woods for six days before returning to Shoal Harbour for a day to see their families and get new supplies. They even had hay for the horses imported by train from St. John's, as baled hay was more convenient to transport over long distances than loose local hay.

The logging was done mainly in the areas of Shoal Harbour Pond, Long Lou Pond, Little Prairie Pond, and Dark Hole Pond.  Logs were normally cut during the winter and stockpiled near a stream or pond that flowed into Shoal Harbour Pond. In the springtime, high water flows allowed the logs to be driven down to the mouth of the Shoal Harbour River to the mill.  With different families involved in wood harvesting, logs would normally be marked for identification.  The Wisemans, however, were exempt, as the first family to log in these relatively faraway areas. 

The mill's primary product was lumber for making boxes, which were shipped by rail to St. John's. During the Great Depression, the business became a reliable supplier, selling an average of 44,000 boxes to major companies like Harvey & Co., Purity Biscuits Ltd., and The Newfoundland Butter Co.

The Wiseman operation was moderately successful throughout the 1930s. The mill was powered by a steam engine from 1918 to 1940, initially using a used one. In 1940, it was converted to run on gasoline, which it did until 1949. The original steam engine is now a historical display near the Shoal Harbour viewing deck.

In 1946, the mill became a key lumber supplier for the Clarenville Shipyard, providing wood for the construction of the wooden vessels known as the "Splinter Fleet." The mill's last recorded shipment was a final order of butter boxes for Purity Factories in St. John's, valued at $90.00.

By 1940, the business faced serious trouble: they could no longer get enough wood. The area around Shoal Harbour Pond was becoming logged out, forcing the Wisemans to cut timber at a considerable distance from the river. Using horses, they could only transport two loads of logs per day, which wasn't enough to keep the mill running. To save the business, a large capital investment was needed for more horses and equipment, but money was not available.

The Mills' Mill and the associated Mills' Siding were located on the shores of Random Sound, just below the Bonavista Branch Line in Shoal Harbour. This complex was central to the local lumber industry, operating from the late 1800s until the 1940s.

The story began with George Mills, who arrived in the early 1880s as a "Winterman" at the Tilley family's water-powered mill on the Shoal Harbour River. When that mill closed, his son, William Mills, founded his own mill in Shoal Harbour. Alongside his brother, he established William Mills and Sons. The family's deep roots in the lumber trade helped the business grow, leading to the creation of a large factory dedicated to making wooden barrels. To manage this expansion, they formed a separate company: Mills Siding Mills Ltd.

The barrel factory became a major operation. It was powered by a large steam boiler fueled by sawdust and wood scraps. This boiler ran two circular saws, a cylinder saw, a joiner, a head cutter, and a trimmer, allowing the factory to produce an impressive 40 to 50 barrels each day. The mill had a key advantage over competitors like the Wisemans because it could use smaller trees. These trees were more abundant and could be cut closer to the Shoal Harbour River. The river itself, with its shallow, rocky course, was perfectly suited for floating out the four-foot logs needed for barrels. 

Logs were sourced primarily from the Shoal Harbour Valley, with additional timber supplied by individual contractors from Random Island. A rail siding was specifically built off the Bonavista Branch Line to transport the finished barrels to market. Some barrels were also shipped by small vessels.

The lumber industry in the area reached its peak in the mid-1930s before facing a decline. This was due to a combination of economic shifts and local forests becoming depleted. The entire operation was heavily dependent on the demand for wooden barrels from businesses in St. John's, particularly those involved in shipping fish and other goods.

Unfortunately, the Great Depression hit the company hard. The market for their products collapsed when their primary customers in St. John's began switching from wood to cardboard boxes for shipping. This financial strain ultimately forced William Mills and Sons to close in 1940, bringing an end to a significant chapter in Shoal Harbour's industrial history.

(Photos of Mill’s Mill https://photos.app.goo.gl/PML5SwVBXrzCkEW68 )

On July 26, 1933, the largest armada of aircraft to make a transatlantic flight, to that date, landed in Random Sound.

Pioneering aviator General Italo Balbo and his fleet of twenty-four seaplanes landed at Shoal Harbour as part of their return trip from the Chicago Century of Progress World Fair.

Balbo and his crew waited for two weeks for suitable weather before undertaking the next leg of their flight to the Azores, approximately 2000 km east in the mid-Atlantic.

On August 8th, Balbo's planes departed Shoal Harbour and completed the rest of their legs through the Azores and Lisbon, arriving in Rome on August 12th.

In commemoration of the historic event, the Newfoundland Government reissued a 75-cent Labrador yellow-brown stamp, overprinting it with "Air Post $4.50".  (One of these unused stamps was sold at auction in 2016 for nearly $30,000!)

As for Balbo, he has a controversial history for his role in the Italian Fascist regime that governed Italy through the period up to and including World War 2.  He died suspiciously in 1940, having been shot down by his own air force.

In Clarenville, Balbo has been remembered: Balbo Drive and the former Balbo Elementary School (now Riverside Elementary) were named in honour of this occasion

This month, the Clarenville Area Consumers Co-operative Society Ltd., more commonly known as the Clarenville Co-op, received two important honours.  First, recognition from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business as part of their  #1 small business in Canada in CFIB's Big Thank You Contest!  Second, the NL Federation of Cooperatives awarded our co-op the 2025 Cooperative of the Year.  Congratulations to our Co-op!

Clarenville's Coop has a long history that is rooted in the co-operative movement and the vision of a local teenager. Its story is a testament to community-based business and steady growth.

The idea for a consumer co-operative in the Clarenville area was sparked in 1967 by Frank Collins, then a teenager from Shoal Harbour. While attending a Co-H Camp, he was inspired by the camp's canteen, which operated on a co-operative basis, returning profits to its members. Collins reached out to the Managing Director of the Newfoundland Co-operative Services, who visited the area to present the benefits of co-operatives to residents.

On January 16, 1968, 25 people gathered for a meeting, leading to the election of a 10-person provisional Board of Directors. The society adopted its constitution on March 13, 1968, and received its official Charter as a Registered Society. To be a viable operation, the co-op aimed for 200 members, each investing $100.

Less than six months after its first meeting, on June 26, 1968, the Clarenville Area Consumers Co-operative Society Ltd. opened its doors. It began in a rented building with 180 members and a staff of five (a manager and four employees). The first six months were a success, with sales exceeding expectations. At its first Annual General Meeting, the co-op returned a 6% patronage dividend to its members.

Business increased rapidly, and within a year, the co-op needed a larger space. On December 17, 1970, a new, 8,960 sq. ft. member-owned store was officially opened. The building was later expanded in 1974 with an additional 6,500 sq. ft., again in 1985 with another 5,600 sq. ft. and a major interior facelift, and yet again in the early 2020s.

The Clarenville Co-op continued to grow and diversify its offerings.

1991: A Gas Bar was added.

1998 & 2002: The store underwent significant renovations to modernize its facilities.

2012: A new Gas Bar was opened on Shoal Harbour Drive.

2016: Spearheaded Parking Lot renewal with the Town of Clarenville

2018: 50th Anniversary celebrations

2021: The co-op completed a full external and internal facelift.

2022: The store expanded to include a Bulk Centre and a "Co-op Dollar Stop $hop."

2025: Today, the Clarenville Co-op is a well-established and essential part of our town, boasting over 13,000 members and an estimated 60+ employees. The co-op has been recognized for its community contributions, including its latest awards and for its swift response to community needs, such as providing flood relief during Hurricane Igor in 2010.

On Sept 21st, 2010, Clarenville and Eastern Newfoundland faced an unprecedented challenge. Hurricane Igor, the most destructive hurricane on record to hit our province, brought torrential rains and flash flooding that isolated nearly 150 communities.

We remember Clarenville being struck hard—our two major rivers overflowed, and extensive damage to our roads led to a state of emergency. It was a time of immense uncertainty, but it was also a time when our town’s true character shone through.

Immediately following the storm, the newly opened Clarenville Events Centre became the central hub for the entire region's recovery efforts. On September 25, Operation Lama was launched, as 120 soldiers and 40 vehicles from the Canadian Forces arrived to help, setting up temporary bridges and distributing emergency aid.

And in our town, we saw incredible acts of neighbour helping neighbour. We want to give a special shout-out to Kevin Jacobs and Kent Toms, who at the time worked for the Clarenville Co-op. Their quick thinking and leadership inspired them to engage local fishermen and boat owners to ferry essential groceries and supplies to families on Random Island and in the Burgoyne’s Cove area, which were completely cut off. Their efforts, along with the thousands of dollars the Co-op raised, encouraged other local businesses to join in the flood relief activities.

It's a powerful reminder that while the storm tested our infrastructure, it revealed the unwavering strength of our community.

The lessons from Igor continue to shape our town. Since the storm, we've upgraded specifications for storm drainage in our infrastructure projects to better cope with the effects of climate change.

Unlike most of the other settlements that were established along the rugged Newfoundland coastline to harvest the wealth of the ocean, the communities that went on to form Clarenville were set up primarily to harvest and process the rich on-land logging resources found in the Shoal Harbour Valley.   John Tilley and his family were the first to do just that in the mid-1840s. By 1853, the Tilleys were operating a sawmill powered by water. 

With the turn of the 20th century, the focus shifted from water-driven sawmilling to steam-powered mills.   One of these was the Wiseman’s Family Mill on the shores of Shoal Harbour.

Four brothers of the Wiseman Family operated Wiseman’s mill during the first half of the century.   Their steam-powered mill was located on the rim of Shoal Harbour near the river mouth, and it sawed many of the logs that would be used in the boats constructed by the Clarenville Shipyard.   Today, the steam engine is displayed at its original location next to the Shoal Harbour viewing deck.

This two-story train station in Shoal Harbour was a pivotal landmark, a physical representation of our town's economic growth and its role as a transportation hub. Its construction in 1911 marked a high point for the community, a direct result of the Bonavista Branch Line's completion.

This building was more than just a place for passengers and freight. Its two-story design housed offices for railway staff, making it a bustling center of daily activity. The station solidified our identity as an important railway town, serving as the crucial meeting point of the Newfoundland Railway's main line and the Bonavista branch. This intersection of lines connected the community to the wider world, facilitating trade, travel, and communication.

The station’s unfortunate loss was a reminder of the shift from rail to road transportation and the changing fortunes of towns that depended on the railway. It represents a lost chapter in Shoal Harbour's history, where the railway was the central artery of the community's economic and social life.

The Clarenville UFO sighting of 1978 stands as one of Canada's most compelling and well-documented cases of unexplained phenomena. Unlike many fleeting reports, this event is distinguished by the detailed testimony of a key witness: Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Constable James Blackwood, who provided a rare, official account of the event.

On the night of October 27, 1978, Constable Blackwood received a call from dispatch regarding a UFO sighting in progress. He drove to Marine Drive, where he met a resident, Mr. Lethbridge, and several other locals. Initially, Blackwood observed an object flying from the west, heading eastward at an estimated altitude of 2,000 to 3,000 feet, which he initially dismissed as a high-flying jet. However, upon being handed a pair of binoculars by Lethbridge, the 25-year-old officer realized he was looking at something completely unidentifiable. The object was hovering over the district of Weybridge and did not resemble any known aircraft.

Seeking a closer look, Blackwood radioed for the police detachment's industrial telescope, typically used for narcotics surveillance. With another officer, he set up the powerful scope and focused it on the object now hovering over the northeast coast of nearby Random Island. Through the lens, Blackwood saw an oval-shaped craft with flashing blue lights on either side and a red light on top. The bottom half was completely illuminated by a bright white light, and a triangular, pyramid-like fin protruded from the back, which seemed to move as the craft shifted.

In his report, Blackwood provided a meticulous description of the object. He noted its size, which appeared to be "a little larger than a 737 aircraft," and its construction. It was "definitely a metallic structure," but the metal was not smooth or shiny like an aircraft. Instead, it was "very dull and not shiny at all... very coarse looking." Critically, the craft was completely silent, and the officer saw no windows or doors. He also noted its peculiar movement: it would slowly shift but then make quick up-and-down movements before returning to its original position.

The most extraordinary part of the encounter occurred when Blackwood, in an attempt to communicate, flashed his police cruiser's high beams. The craft instantly responded, perfectly mimicking the flickering light. This responsive behaviour, a phenomenon reported in other sightings such as those involving the "Charlie Red Star" in Manitoba, left Blackwood in no doubt that the object was intelligently controlled. After hovering for a couple of hours, the craft slowly began to move, then shot off at jet speed, disappearing in a split second.

The credibility of a police officer's eyewitness account, backed by multiple civilian witnesses and a detailed official report, has cemented the Clarenville incident as a landmark in Canadian UFO history.

Canada's Unexplained Phenomena: A Collectible History

The enduring legacy of the Clarenville event is perhaps best symbolized by its commemoration by the Royal Canadian Mint in 2020. To honour the event, the Mint issued a 1 oz. Pure Silver Glow-in-the-Dark Coin as part of its "Canada's Unexplained Phenomena" series. This unique, square-shaped coin features a glow-in-the-dark element that highlights the mysterious, hovering saucer and its reflection on the water, as depicted by artist Adam Young.

The coin's design captured the essence of the encounter, showing the UFO from the perspective of the witnesses, including Constable Blackwood's police cruiser in the foreground. With a mintage limited to just 5,000, these collectible pieces sold out quickly, initially selling for a whopping $129.95 each. Their rapid sale and unique features underscore the public's fascination with these mysteries.

If you've ever driven through Clarenville,  you've almost certainly been on Manitoba Drive. As the town's busiest street, with around 10,000 vehicles a day, it's a central part of daily life. But have you ever wondered why a street in eastern Newfoundland is named after a province on the Western Canadian Prairies? The answer lies in a special moment of Canadian history.

In 1974, Newfoundland celebrated a significant milestone—its 25th anniversary of joining the Canadian Confederation. To commemorate this occasion, the town of Clarenville decided to name its then-new major thoroughfare after the province of Manitoba, symbolizing the connection and unity between the two provinces.

Years later, on May 9, 1981, the official plaque was unveiled by the Honourable Walter Dinsdale, the Member of Parliament for Brandon—Souris, Manitoba. This event further cemented the bond and added a personal touch to the tribute.

So, the next time you're noticing the traffic on Manitoba Drive, you can appreciate that the name isn't just a random choice. It's a permanent reminder of a key moment in Newfoundland's history and a testament to the ties that bind Canada's provinces together. It's a piece of Manitoba, right here in Clarenville. #manitoba

Take a look at this. It's the rusted remains of an articulated dump truck, a silent witness to a hidden piece of Newfoundland's development history. This truck has been sitting on the banks of Random Sound, just east of Clarenville, since the early 1960s, a relic from the construction of the Trans-Canada Highway.

Owned by Curran and Briggs Construction, the truck was being used for infilling the roadway high above the shoreline when it slipped over the bank and tumbled into the water. Thankfully, what could have been a tragedy was a close call. According to those who were there, the driver managed to jump out just before the truck went over the edge.

This isn't just a forgotten piece of machinery; it's a monument to the immense effort that went into building the highway across our province. Accessible only by water, this site is a truly unique landmark. If you find yourself on the ocean near this spot, it's worth seeing this remarkable piece of our past.

On Sept 21st, 2010, Clarenville and Eastern Newfoundland faced an unprecedented challenge. Hurricane Igor, the most destructive hurricane on record to hit our province, brought torrential rains and flash flooding that isolated nearly 150 communities.

We remember Clarenville being struck hard—our two major rivers overflowed, and extensive damage to our roads led to a state of emergency. It was a time of immense uncertainty, but it was also a time when our town’s true character shone through.

Immediately following the storm, the newly opened Clarenville Events Centre became the central hub for the entire region's recovery efforts. On September 25, Operation Lama was launched, as 120 soldiers and 40 vehicles from the Canadian Forces arrived to help, setting up temporary bridges and distributing emergency aid.

And in our town, we saw incredible acts of neighbour helping neighbour. We want to give a special shout-out to Kevin Jacobs and Kent Toms, who at the time worked for the Clarenville Co-op. Their quick thinking and leadership inspired them to engage local fishermen and boat owners to ferry essential groceries and supplies to families on Random Island and in the Burgoyne’s Cove area, which were completely cut off. Their efforts, along with the thousands of dollars the Co-op raised, encouraged other local businesses to join in the flood relief activities.

It's a powerful reminder that while the storm tested our infrastructure, it revealed the unwavering strength of our community. 

The lessons from Igor continue to shape our town. Since the storm, we've upgraded specifications for storm drainage in our infrastructure projects to better cope with the effects of climate change.

Elizabeth Swan was a driving force behind youth recreation in Clarenville, particularly through her dedication to figure skating. As a founding member of the Clarenville Skating Club, she gave countless children the opportunity to learn and compete. Her commitment was unwavering; she devoted her life to the sport, serving as a coach, official, and long-time judge for Skate Canada.

Tragically, on February 25, 1985, she was killed at the age of 61 in a car accident while driving home from judging the Provincial Skating Championships.

In recognition of her profound impact on the community and its youth, the town named the newly developed Elizabeth Swan Park in her honour.  In 2018/19, the park underwent a significant upgrade, which added a new Bill Davis Chalet, a stage, outdoor amphitheatre, a cookhouse, an accessible walking track, a playground, and a splash pad.  With members of her family in attendance, the Park was officially opened on July 1, 2019. ( In partnership with the Town, Clarenville Lions Club, Clarenville Rotary Club and countless volunteers)

The park stands as a testament to her belief in providing young people with opportunities to thrive.

During World War II (1939-45), German submarine U-boats posed a significant threat to shipping, creating a severe shortage of coastal transport for Newfoundland. In 1942, the Commission of Government made a strategic decision to build ten new wooden vessels to address the crisis. They chose Clarenville as the location for the new shipyard.

Why Clarenville?

Clarenville was an ideal choice for the shipyard. Its deep-water port and sheltered harbour were perfect for constructing large vessels. The town also had a direct connection to the Newfoundland Railway, which was crucial for delivering essential machinery from St. John's. Local sawmills provided the necessary lumber, and the area was home to a ready supply of skilled boatbuilders. This combination of natural resources, infrastructure, and expertise made Clarenville the perfect hub for the project.

The Clarenville Shipyards quickly became the town's second-largest employer, providing jobs for 66 residents and boosting the local economy.

The Splinter Fleet

Each of the Splinter fleet's ten vessels was 135 feet long with a 28-foot beam, powered by a 600-horsepower diesel engine, and had a 322-ton capacity. The unusual choice to build them from wood earned the fleet the nickname "Splinter Fleet." From 1944 to 1947, the shipyard was a hive of activity, producing ten ships, each named after a Newfoundland community: the M.V. Clarenville, Trepassey, Glenwood, Placentia, Twillingate, Ferryland, Codroy, Burin, Bonne Bay, and Exploits.

The Splinter Fleet played a vital role in the war effort and beyond, transporting fish to the Caribbean and returning with crucial imports like coal, molasses, rum, and salt. One vessel, the M.V. Trepassey, even made an Atlantic crossing to London, where it was chartered by the Royal Navy to serve as a supply ship for their Antarctic bases.

The flagship of the fleet, the M.V. Clarenville, was launched on July 12, 1944. After years of service, it was converted in 1981 into a floating restaurant in Owen Sound, Ontario, but was tragically destroyed by fire in 1989, then was taken out in Georgian Bay, and scuttled.