Table Of Content

William Thomas Reid

History of Reidville: With an Intro to Upper Humber.

First woman to move to Reidville with her family

This history document is a work in progress and is incomplete at this time. Cliff Reid is still researching the information and would appreciate any information from persons that are familiar with the early development of the town. You may leave comments on any page with corrections or suggestions.

As each Section is satisfactorily completed, the password protection will be removed so that visitors may view it.

Click the Arrow in the Black Rectangle at the left to hear the paragraph read aloud. 

Bonne Bay to Lomond

Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter gives an overview of the original pioneers to Upper Humber and a brief explanation of why they settled there.

Aerial view of Lomond

Chapter 2:  Bonne Bay Connection
Many of the settlers in the Deer Lake area migrated from the Bonne Bay region, by way of Lomond,  during the early 1900's because of the introduction of a new vibrant forest industry. The Paper Mill in Corner Brook and the Hydroelectric Power Plant being constructed in Deer Lake provided much needed work for families on the west coast of Newfoundland. The Pulp and Paper operations remains an essential employer even today.  It was this attraction that enticed William Thomas Reid to uproot his family in Neddies Harbour and move to Reidville.

George Aaron Nichols Sr. Headstone

Chapter 3: Before Reidville - Part 1 
Before Reidville was settled in 1933 by William Thomas Reid and his family there were eight small homesteads stretching from Deer Lake to the Cache Rapids along the Humber River. This chapter briefly discuss Nicholsville, Deer Lake and Rocky Brook.

Sted & Francis' House

Chapter 3: Before Reidville - Part 2
Henry and Catherine Janes moved up on the Humber around 1925 or 1926; The area became known to the locals as Janes' Field. This section is a brief discussion of that location.

Sted & Francis' House

Chapter 3: Before Reidville - Part 3
Steadman and Frances Reid settled just west of Janes' Field near the point of Junction Brook. This section briefly discuss their life at Sted's Field.

At Sted's Field or Junction Brook

Chapter 3: Before Reidville - Part 4
This part discuss Junction Brook in detail.

Uncle Tom & Mary Ann's new Home

Chapter 4 Part 1: Reidville - The Beginning: 1933-1955
This part identifies living conditions of the time and explains William Thomas Reid's decision to move his family out of Bonne Bay and inland to the Deer Lake region. It also gives detail about the decision to set up between the two ravines, Trout Brook and The Gulch, essentially establishing the community of Reidville.

Uncle Tom & Aunt Mary Ann


Chapter 4 Part 2: Reidville - The Beginning: 1933-1955. Uncle Tom & Aunt Mary Ann Reid

This part identifies the challenges faced while living in Reidville.

HerbElsie

3Chapter 4 Part 2A: Reidville - The Beginning: 1933-1955, Herb & Elsie Reid
This part explores the early years Herb and Elsie experienced after moving to Reidville in 1936.

First when they got married.

Chapter 4 Part 2B: Reidville - The Beginning: 1933-1955, Sandy & Florence Reid
This part explores the early years Sandy and Florence experienced in Reidville after marrying in 1936.

Ezekiel Rumbolt (Sr.)

Chapter 4 Part 3: Reidville - The Beginning: 1933-1955 Ezekiel & Rosa Rumbolt, The Majors
This part discuss the arrival of Ezekiel Rumbolt and brothers of Mary Ann Major; Frank and Jake. 

Doug and Alice

Chapter 4 Part 3b: Reidville - The Beginning: 1933-1955 Doug & Alice Reid, Willie Reid.
This part discuss the arrival of Douglas and Alice Reid to Reidville in 1937 and the loss of a brother, William (Jr., Willie) Reid.

William Oxford's family in 1930's.

Chapter 4 Part 4: Reidville - The Beginning: 1933-1955 William Oxford
The Oxford family was invited to move into Reidville in 1938.

Tramway Wharf

Chapter 5: Tramway
The Tramway (Railway Line) was developed by Newfoundland Pulp and Paper during the early years of Reidville's development. This chapter highlights the significance  of the Tramway to Reidville's history.

Chess and Blanche Cross

Chapter 6: The Cache,  Johnny White's / Stuckless Field 1933-1955
The Cache was settled by Chesley & Blanche Cross. A devastating fire in 1943 left the area vacant for many years later.

Both schools in this photo

Chapter 8: Schools
There were a total od three schools in Reidville; Read about them here.

Chapter 9 Part 1: Reidville Road
Children marry and settle in Reidville and new Families arrive.

Henry1Resized2

Chapter 9 Part 2: Henry & Beryl & Thelma Reid
Children marry and settle in Reidville and new Families arrive.

LornePearlWedding

Chapter 9 Part3 : Lorne Jacob & Minnie Pearl Reid
Children marry and settle in Reidville and new Families arrive.

Theodore and Elizabeth Hiscock

Chapter 9 Part 4: Glover & Edith Reid
Children marry and settle in Reidville and new Families arrive.

mable_and_steward_shears3b

Chapter 9 Part 4b: Stewart and Mable (Major) Shears.
Children marry and settle in Reidville and new Families arrive.

LeonardLizzie

Chapter 9 Part5 : Theodore & Elizabeth Hiscock and Leonard & Lizzie Hiscock
Children marry and settle in Reidville and new Families arrive.

Scott & Myrtle

Chapter 9 Part6 : Scott & Myrtle Rumbolt
Children marry and settle in Reidville and new Families arrive.

WilfEster2

Chapter 9 Part7 : Wilfred & Ester Oxford
Children marry and settle in Reidville and new Families arrive.

WillisMinnie

Chapter 9 Part8 : Willis & Minnie Elms
Children marry and settle in Reidville and new Families arrive.

Ruby2

Chapter 9 Part9: Theodore & Ruby Reid
Children marry and settle in Reidville and new Families arrive.

PatP3TheoHisEdt

Chapter 9 Part10: Cecil & Marjorie Rogers
Children marry and settle in Reidville and new Families arrive.

RayMargare2t

Chapter 9 Part11: Ray & Margaret Curlew
Children marry and settle in Reidville and new Families arrive.

William & Leonora Oxford

Summary: 1920 -1945 

A summary of life in the Upper Humber (Reidville Area) from 1920 to 1945.

Rose & her son, Scott

Summary: 1946 -1965 

A summary of life in the Upper Humber (Reidville Area) from 1946 to 1965.

William's Family

Interviews (Audio) 

Live interviews conducted in 1988 and later. Here you may listen to the persons that provided much of the anecdotal information that this History is based upon.

Upper Humber 1930s

Resources 

A list of resources used to compile this History of Upper Humber and Reidville.

This page was last edited on Nov. 5, 2024.

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