|
Brent's Cove, incorporated in 1966, is located 4km off highway 414, northwest of La Scie in Confusion Bay. It is not known where Brent's Cove got its name, but the name Brent is an English place name. The community is located on what is called the "French Shore" and was fished by the French like all the other communities in the area. The community is situated around the salt water with numerous high hills surrounding it.
Local History
Brent's Cove first appeared in the Census in 1857. At that time there were 5 homes in the community with a population of 21 people. Lovell's Newfoundland Directory (1871) described Brent's Cove as "a small fishing station on the French Shore".
As a permentaly established settlement, Brent's Cove can be traced back as far as the mid 1800's. Previous to that time Brent's Cove was a seasonal station where migratory French fisherman landed and set up operations to carry out the summer fishery.
It is interesting to note that Brent's Cove has not always existed under that name. When the French were regularly sailing the northeast coast, the French Shore, Brent's Cove was called La Rochelle and at times Petit Coup de Hache. Both these names reflect prominent geographical features of Brent's Cove.
Despite this change of names from French to English the French have left lasting influences on the place. In fact, the high school in Brent's Cove today is not called Brent's Cove Central High but instead it bears the name La Rochelle Central High.
Brent's Cove, a predominantly Roman Catholic community, depended mainly on fishing for their livelihood. Their catch was made up of cod, herring, mackerel, and seals. The community grew rapidly in the 1800's, by 1884 there were 75 residents living in Brent's Cove. They had a church, school, one merchant and a resident clergyman. By 1935 the population had risen to 144, and over the next 21 years the population had increase by 86 to a total of 230.
|
B
