Nestled on Conception Bay in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Clarke's Beach is a town that boasts a rich history, a vibrant arts scene, and a serene environment that makes it a favorite retirement spot. With a population of 1,400 as per the 2021 census, this town is home to several well-known Newfoundland artists.
Clarke's Beach first made its appearance in census records in 1857, with a population of just 280. The early settlers, primarily from Bareneed and Port de Grave, migrated to Clarke's Beach when their original settlements ran out of space for curing fish and the Labrador fishery gained prominence. Initially attracted by the timber, these settlers later utilized the cleared land for planting vegetables.
Winter Home, a designated heritage building, stands as a testament to the town's rich history. This structure was designed and built by Henry William Winter, a furniture maker from the turn of the century, in 1919.
Another significant heritage structure in Clarke's Beach is Drogheda (Valley of Hope). Built by John Coveyduck in the mid-1800s, this property comprises a one-story house with a steeply pitched gable roof, a two-story barn, an outhouse, and a well.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Clarke's Beach had a population of 1,400 living in 599 of its 678 total private dwellings. This represented a change of -10.1% from its 2016 population of 1,558. With a land area of 12.64 km2 (4.88 sq mi), the town had a population density of 110.8/km2 (286.9/sq mi) in 2021.
The earliest record of sawmilling activity in Clarke's Beach dates back to around 1611–1620, when settlers from the John Guy colony in Cupids built a sawmill and pit saws in nearby South River. The sawmilling industry in Clarke's Beach saw significant growth in 1885 when William and Reuben Horwood established a steam-operated sawmill. This venture also involved business dealings with Colin Campbell, a sawmill operator at Campbellton and Dog Bay, Notre Dame Bay. By the 1920s, the production of fish casks and drums had become a side industry. By the 1970s, the only sawmill in operation in the community was owned by George Wilson, who was also a dealer in doors, window sashes, boxes, wallboard, and builder's hardware.
