Glovertown, a charming town nestled in northeastern Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, is a hidden gem in Division No. 7 on Alexander Bay. This article will take you on a journey through the rich history and vibrant culture of Glovertown, Newfoundland Labrador.
Glovertown's history is as intriguing as its name. Originally known as Bloody Bay, a name dating back to the 18th century, it was supposedly named after a tragic massacre of a family of 11 by Beothuk natives residing in the area. In 1894, the town was renamed Alexander Bay, coinciding with the construction of a railway section in the area. A few years later, it was renamed Glovertown, after Sir John Hawley Glover, the governor of Newfoundland from 1876 to 1881 and from 1883 to 1885.
The first settlers of Glovertown arrived in the early 19th century. The population grew slowly, from 12 residents in 1845 to 80 in 1869, when Glovertown began to thrive as a center for the fishery, boat building, and lumbering industries. By 1911, the population had grown to 408, with separate settlements established in the Saunders Cove to Northwest Arm area, which are now part of Glovertown.
On July 2, 1913, Glovertown faced a tragic event when a sawmill at Rosedale exploded, killing six people. By 1935, the population had grown to 842, spread across Glovertown North, Glovertown Center, Angle Brook, Glovertown South, and Alexander Bay. However, the town's resilience was tested in 1946 when a forest fire, sparked by a passing train, destroyed 46 homes, two schools, several businesses, and 150 square miles of timber. The lumber industry never fully recovered from this loss.
Despite these challenges, Glovertown continued to grow and evolve. People from Greenspond, Flat Island, Bragg's Island, and Gooseberry Island began to resettle in Glovertown, bringing new industries, including dairy and construction. By 1981, the population had grown to 2,165. The Glovertown Regional High School was built in 1957, followed by an elementary school in 1975. In 1998, both schools were joined to create the present-day Glovertown Academy.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Glovertown had a population of 1,948 living in 822 of its 972 total private dwellings, a decrease of 6.5% from its 2016 population of 2,083. With a land area of 69.85 km2, it had a population density of 27.9/km2 in 2021.
Despite its tumultuous past, Glovertown, Newfoundland Labrador, stands today as a testament to resilience and community spirit. Its rich history and vibrant culture make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique blend of history and natural beauty.
