Town of Terra Nova

Current Population: 28

Location: East of Glovertown, 19km off the Trans Canada Highway on Route 301.

Historical Overview

Place Name Origin: The town's name originated from Terra Nova Lake.

Names and Dates of First Settlers:

• In 1901, the only inhabitants were a section man named Tim and his adopted son Mike, who despite being only 11, served as stationmaster.
• In 1915, a hotel was set up for hotel workers. At the same time the first permanent settlers, mainly woodworkers, arrived at Terra Nova.

First Recorded Population:

• In 1935, the population stood at 64 and the community was bustling. (It was headquarters for the wood camps - a railhead of hundreds of seasonal loggers-and one of the best known hunting grounds in Newfoundland.)

Major Early Industries:

• Logging
• Poultry Farming

Significant Facts:

• Terra Nova was formerly a logging community and the eastern headquarters for the A.N.D Company's (Anglo Newfoundland Development) pulpwood operations. This area was a hub in logging until 1962 when operations in logging were ceased.
• In 1924, the first school was built by William Holloway but was replaced in 1939 by a school/chapel.
• In 1950 with the woods operations being amalgamated in Terra Nova and the population approaching 200, a new school was constructed and the former school converted to a church of unique arrangement. (It was fitted with one alter at each end - one each for the Church of England and the United Church congregations).
• In 1958, a road was constructed from Terra Nova to the Trans Canada Highway.

To inquire about services available in the Town of Terra Nova contact Patsy King, Mayor at (709) 265-6406 or Vera Reid, Town Clerk at (709) 265-6117.