Roddickton, Newfoundland Labrador, is a community with a rich history and a vibrant tourism scene. Nestled on the eastern side of the Great Northern Peninsula on the island of Newfoundland, this former town has a story that is deeply intertwined with the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Roddickton, originally known as Eastern Brook, was a hub for salmon fishing, hunting, and trapping for the residents of Englee, a small fishing community. In 1906, the Grenfell Mission initiated a sawmill operation in the area, prompting a name change to Roddickton in honor of Thomas George Roddick, a supporter of the mission. The first permanent settlers were residents from Englee and Wild Cove who moved to work in the sawmill and clear land for growing crops for the St. Anthony hospital.
The first census in 1911 recorded a population of 46. However, the sawmill's closure led to a population decline, with only 8 residents remaining by 1921. The community was abandoned the following year. The sawmill reopened four years later, and in the 1930s, Bowater began pulpwood cutting in the area. By 1945, the population had risen to 548.
Roddickton was incorporated as a town in 1953. The 1960s saw the end of isolation with the construction of a road to the town, transforming it into the region's service and supply center. The population swelled to 1185 in 1961 as people from other small settlements in the area resettled in Roddickton. However, the 1970s brought a decline as Bowater's pulpwood operations closed, causing many to leave the area.
In the 1980s, a crab plant opened, providing employment for the community. However, a fire in the late 1980s destroyed both the crab plant and the sawmill. By 1992, the sawmill was operational again, and the crab plant had been rebuilt, although it was not yet in operation.
On January 1, 2009, Roddickton amalgamated with the former Town of Bide Arm to create the Town of Roddickton-Bide Arm. Despite this amalgamation, the residents still consider the two towns as separate entities. However, there's no denying the strong connection between the people of Bide Arm and Roddickton.
Roddickton, Newfoundland Labrador, is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people. Despite the challenges it has faced, it continues to thrive and evolve, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.
