BURGUM's COVE

Edith Bartley e-mailed me this week, having discovered a place called Burgum's Cove in Newfoundland, Canada. Had I heard of it? Where does it originate? I have, of course, been investigating this and here is what I found out-



Lovell's 1871 Directory is a trade publication listing the heads of households for virtually all communities in Newfoundland for the year 1871. Lovell's is particularly popular with researchers and genealogists because it includes descriptions of the community and its population. Lovell's description of Burgum's Cove is as follows:
Upper Trinity North District ~ BURGUM'S COVE - On Random Sound, north arm of Trinity Bay, district of Trinity. This is the first place in Trinity Bay where caplin for baits may be obtained in the spring. The scenery around is remarkably beautiful, and in the immediate vicinity slate may be quarried in unlimited quantities. Population 40. There is then a list of the head's of each household:



Burgum's Cove was recorded in the 1869 census when 40 residents were reported. This agrees with Lovell's report just two years later. However, before we get too excited, the area had previously been called Burgoyne's Cove! Originally charted by Captain James Cook, the Sound extends in a zig-zag fashion for about 24 km. Burgoyne's Cove was named after John Burgoyne, a British general who served for several months in Newfoundland in the late 1700's. The natural advantage of a harbour sheltered from high winds, access to excellent fishing ground, and good timber stands made Burgoyne's Cove a logical choice for a fishing and logging settlement.

Today there is a population of about 165 people. The community is situated in one of the longest stretches of inshore waterways in Newfoundland known as Smith's Sound. In the late 1980s a slate mine producing high quality dimension stone was developed at Burgoyne's Cove with product being shipped to world markets. Despite the high quality of the product the slate mine recently closed due to economic conditions. The outstanding natural beauty along with a close knit friendliness makes Burgoyne's Cove a typical Newfoundland outpost community. Sadly, it appears to have little or no connection with the Burgums!