Appleton-Glenwood

Origin of Appleton: Apparently named after a Mr. Appleton Cleaves a manager of one of the local sawmills at the beginning of the twentieth century. Glenwood: Named after the Glenwood Lumber Company which moved here from Glenwood, Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia.

Population: Appleton: 572 (1996); Glenwood: 893 (1996)

Early Settlement: Lumbermen arrived around 1900 to harvest timber from the surrounding forests.

Employment: Timber still employs many, while others are either self-employed or commute to work in nearby centers such as Gander.

Interesting Facts about Appleton-Glenwood

• 700 to early 1800s, Beothuk Indians migrate through the area hunting, fishing, and trapping.
• 1890s, G.L. Phillips establishes the Glenwood Lumber Company.
• 1895, Railway depot is built at Glenwood. During its early years it is one of the busiest in Newfoundland.
• Early 1900s, Gander River gains great popularity for salmon fishing; unique Gander River Boats are developed by local craftsmen to access the River system.
• 1901, Lewis Miller (of whom Lewisporte is named after) acquires control of the Glenwood Lumber Company.
• 1901, Fire destroys the Glenwood Lumber Company Mill.
• 1901, Census shows Glenwoods population to be 245 of which 79 are lumber workers. Some are skilled tradesmen from Sweden and Scotland who are brought over to help establish the lumber industry.
• 1903, Lewis Miller ceases operations in Glenwood.
• 1910, Reid Family (of railway fame) operate a summer resort at Gleneagles, catering to the 'society' of the day.
• 1914, Original sawmill operations in Appleton are abandoned.
• 1919, Fire destroys much of Glenwood.
• 1930s, Local businessman Tom "Gambo" Murphy (who later helps establish the Avalon Telephone Company) , starts a new sawmill in Gambo.
• 1930s, Newfoundland Airport 'staff house' is constructed at Gleneagles, site is used as an alternate for flying 'boats', (aircraft) when Botwood is fogged in.
• 1940s, Many local people work at construction of airport in Gander.
• 1947, Bowaters begins harvesting local timber.
• 1950, Salvation Army Citadel opens.
• 1950s, Anglican and United churches are built in Glenwood.
• 1956, Population of Appleton is 156.
• 1961, Extensive forest fires damage local woodlands.
• 1962, Town of Glenwood is incorporated; Town of Appleton is incorporated in 1974.