Description
Big Rock is located off the shoreline of Gillams, NL, a community in the southernmost arm of the Bay of Islands on the west coast of Newfoundland. It is best viewed at low tide when the rock is exposed. The designation is confined to the feature known locally as Big Rock.
Statement of Significance
Formal Recognition Type
Municipal Heritage Building Structure or Land
Heritage Value
Big Rock has been designated a municipal heritage site by the Town of Gillams because of its aesthetic and historic value.
Big Rock has aesthetic value as a well-known landmark within the community of Gillams. It is a popular resting place for seabirds and a bathing spot for seals. During low tide, the remnants of a mooring chain and cables can be seen, reminders of the rock’s industrial use.
Big Rock has historic value for its connection to the development of the community. Around 1900 Gillams received an influx of families named House, who moved from Bellburns on the Great Northern Peninsula. William House set about finding a good position for a salmon berth that would not infringe upon the existing fisheries run by families already established in the community. He decided on an unused area that had a good mooring rock or shorefast, locally known as Big Rock. Big Rock would prove to be a very productive spot for a berth and the House family would use it for several decades.
Big Rock’s use changed when the pulp and paper industry expanded on the west coast with the construction of the paper mill in Corner Brook. Mr. Charles Parsons, chief contractor for supplying pulpwood to the mill, identified the forests of Gillams Brook and the Bay of Islands area as excellent sources of pulpwood. In 1926 he moved his home and sawmill operation from Curling to Gillams and immediately expanded it to include a pulpwood operation. The wood he cut had to be driven down Gillams Brook and held in large booms at the mouth of the brook to await towing to the mill. The Big Rock was an ideal location for a strong natural mooring.
The Houses agreed to give up their salmon berth, knowing that this new opportunity would provide much employment. The availability of this work saw families through the worst of the Great Depression.
Source: Town of Gillams Regular Council Meeting Motion #04-12-022, April 12, 2022.
Character Defining Elements
All those elements which represent the cultural and aesthetic value of Peter’s Finger, including:
-unobstructed view planes to and from Big Rock;
-the untouched, natural landscape of Big Rock;
-continued public access to Big Rock.
Location and History
Community
Gillams
Municipality
Town of Gillams
Civic Address
Beach Road
Construction (circa)
1900 - 1926
Location
Similar Heritage Properties
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