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We are now open for the 2022 season! Come visit us from 11AM-4PM Monday-Saturday! If you have any inquiries or would like to schedule a time to visit our centre, you can call:
Claude Bowers at (709) 778-0640 or
Don Huxter at (709) 673-7316
Springdale, NL
Welcome to the Springdale Heritage SocietyOur Heritage...Worth Promoting...Worth Protecting
Our Beginnings
The first settlers in Hall's Bay settled on Mill Island in the 1870's and operated a sawmill there before moving ashore to Wolf Cove, later renamed Springdale. In this photo you can see Mill Island at the top with the sawmill located on the end. Take note also of the road leading across the island.
Native Tradition
The Mi'kmaq have a long history in the Springdale/Hall's Bay area, living at Dock Cove, Dock Point, Beachy Cove, and along the north side of Hall's Bay. Prominent among them is the famous Matty Mitchell, whose exploits across the island are well documented. He was born in Hall's Bay. Local Mi'kmaq tradition in our area also includes families such as Joes, Bushys, Jeddores, and Stevensons. An old Mi'kmaq cemetery can still be seen today at Dock Point.
Ship Building History
Through its history Springdale has seen activity from various local industries. These include a thriving herring fishery, mink ranching, logging/sawmilling, and shipbuilding. This is a photo of The Ruth Hickman, perhaps the best known schooner to be built in Springdale. It was torpedoed during World War I on its maiden voyage.