The
first, permitted settlers in Pleasant Bay on the Cabot Trail where
in 1828, John MacLean,and Donald Mackintoch from the Isle of Skye,
Scotland . They where soon joined by other Scottish and Irish immigrants
who claimed most of the coastal lowlands, by 1850 settlements spread
out and Red River became part of Pleasant Bay. The first land grants
where given to Edward Timmons and John Hinkley in 1856. In the past,
years where remembered because of extraordinary events at sea.
1874 was the "Year of the Flour", when barrels of flour
washed ashore, presumably from a burning ship. 1875 was the "Year
of the Butter", in which a thousand pounds of butter, in tins,
floated in with the tide. 1931 perhaps the most talked of, was the
"Year of the Rum", when dozens of barrels of contraband
rum from a capsized ship made their way to the shore... unbroken.
Today, about 350 people live in Pleasant Bay. Fishing is the main
livelihood -- lobster in spring and cod, snow crab and mackerel in
summer and fall. This life away from the pressures of the city is
a gift that the residents do treasure.Autumn is a spectacular time
of the year to enjoy the vibrant red, yellow and orange hues of the
forests continuing on for miles, reminding you of a beautiful patchwork
quilt.
