Brookfield, Newfoundland Labrador, is a charming Canadian community nestled on the northeast coast of Newfoundland Island. This quaint locale, once known as Norton's Cove, boasts a rich history and a vibrant community spirit.
Brookfield's story began near Wesleyville, where it was initially named Norton's Cove. The name change occurred in 1879 when Captain Abram Kean and his family of nine relocated to the area. The community grew steadily after its settlement in 1874, boasting a population of 147 by 1891 and 372 by 1911. Today, Brookfield is part of the new municipality of New-Wes-Valley, incorporating several other former villages.
In 1891, Brookfield, Newfoundland Labrador, was predominantly Methodist, with 138 of the 147 residents practicing this faith. The community began constructing a church in 1889, which was completed and dedicated by Rev. James Nurse in July 1891. The church, large enough to accommodate nearly 200 people, also housed a day and Sunday school. However, as the population grew, a separate school was built in 1905. The community had been raising funds since 1891, which were used to renovate and expand the church. The Ebenezer United Church remains in use today.
Captain Abram Kean, one of Newfoundland's most renowned sealing captains, called Brookfield home. He set an impressive record, collecting over 1,052,737 seal pelts throughout his career. Captain Kean commanded nine steamers: The Wolf, Hope, Aurora, Terra Nova, Florizel, Stephano, Nascopie, Thetis, and Beothic II. He also held the record for the most seals brought in from a single voyage in 1910, with 49,069 pelts, a record later broken by Captain Albert Blackwood in 1933.
Brookfield, Newfoundland Labrador, is not only rich in history but also full of interesting facts. Captain Abram Kean's nephew, Job Kean, was also a resident of Brookfield and served as a captain on numerous sealing steamers between 1896 and 1917. Job, his wife Virtue (Hann), and their youngest son Baxter Wesley Kean operated a general store in Brookfield from around 1890 until 1979. The Job Kean Shop was recognized as a historic structure by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1988.
In the 1880s, the Bonavista District Outport Road Boards for the area of Norton's Cove to Pound Cove was represented by Tiller, Bishop, Biddlecombe, Gibbons, Blackwood, Bishop, and Hounsel. This fact further highlights the rich history and community spirit that defines Brookfield, Newfoundland Labrador.
