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Due to the large amounts of pine in the Central Newfoundland area, Norris Arm became the ideal location for many lumbermen in the late 1800s. There was an increasing demand for pine and many of its uses involved shipbuilding, export, railway construction and to aid with the Great Fire of 1892 (St. John's, NL). New Land Lumber Co., later known as Central Forest, was the first commercial sawmill owner in the town. This steam-powered mill attracted settlers from different parts of Notre Dame Bay. In the early 1900s this mill was purchased by Harry J. Crowe, a prominent businessman, who assumed most of the timber rights in the Bay of Exploits region. The last and final owner, Saunders, Howell, & Co. Ltd. of Carbonear played an important role in the development of Norris Arm.

Even with the depletion of white pine in the area, there was still a great demand for lumber and extensive pulpwood cutting for other companies.

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Sawmill Operations
24 August 2004
Norris Arm, Newfoundland, Canada

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Video Transcription:

Norris Arm saw many years of prosperity with the operation of the sawmill. The original mill opened in Norris Arm in the late 1800's and was owned and operated by the New Land Lumber Company, later known as Central Forest. The last owner of the mill was Saunders, Howell & Co. Ltd. who took over in 1913. Due to the vast amounts of pine in the Norris Arm area, the sawmill industry thrived and provided jobs for the majority of the settlers. The mill was the livelihood of the town for many years. The men worked at the mill during the summer months, sawing, planing and shipping lumber to all areas of the island. During the winter they cut and hauled logs in preparation for the spring drive on the river.

Lodging was always provided for the workers, whether it was in the woods or working in the mill. Camps were set up around the lakes for the men cutting logs during the winter months and company housing, known as the Company Range, was provided for the mill workers and their families year round.

The company range was located across the railway tracks from the mill. Even after the mill was closed, the company range remained. Today its location is now known as Rainbow Crescent and several of the original houses are still located there. It serves as a great reminder to many Norris Arm residents of our past prosperity and success.

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Newfoundland Postal Telegraph
6 March 1910
Carbonear, Newfoundland, Canada

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This telegraph, dated March 6, 1910, from Harry J. Crowe to J.P. Powell, one of the owners of Saunders, Howell & Co. Ltd., regarded the sale of lumber in Norris Arm.

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Letter Re: Settlement of Logs and Lumber in Norris Arm (Page 1 of 2)
16 January 1915
Carbonear, Newfoundland, Canada

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Page 1 of 2

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Letter Re: Settlement of Logs and Lumber in Norris Arm (Page 2 of 2)
16 January 1915
Carbonear, Newfoundland, Canada

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Page 2 of 2

This letter, dated January 16th, 1915, from Harry J. Crowe to the owners of S & H, regards the settlement of logs and lumber at Norris Arm mill. In this letter Mr. Crowe proposed to negotiate the sale and export of this lumber to England, South American and European buyers.

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Letter Re: Sale of lumber at Norris Arm
26 March 1915
Carbonear, Newfoundland, Canada

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This letter, dated March 26, 1915, from J.P. Powell to Harry J. Crowe, gave Mr. Crowe authorization to handle the sale of lumber and price negotiations.

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Allan Freeman Sr.
1952
Norris Arm, Newfoundland, Canada

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Mr. Allan G. Freeman was the mill manager for the Saunders, Howell and Co. Ltd. operations in Norris Arm. Mr. Freeman also ran the company store owned by Saunders, Howell and Co. Ltd. After the mill closed in Norris Arm, Mr. Freeman purchased the store from the company and continued to run it.

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Sketch of the Norris Arm Mill and operations
1913
Norris Arm, Newfoundland, Canada