Long Pond

Origin of its name:

According to the Vol. 3 of the Newfoundland Encyclopedia, Long Pond take its name from a large salt-water lagoon, separated from the waters of Conception Bay by a rocky beach. Long Pond and the Gut leading into it, were dredged to form the only harbour in Conception Bay South suitable for larger vessels.

Early Beginnings:

John Kennedy and Barney Janes were the first recorded settlers who were granted land in 1803. The other family names in the area by 1840 were Eason, Greenslade, Porter, Rideout, Stanley and Taylor. According to the Census of 1845, Long Pond had a population of 135. The population increased to 231 by 1857 mainly because of the construction of the road between St. John's and Conception Bay South. It increased to 374 by 1869.

Agriculture made a major impact on growth in the area. By 1884, agriculture had surpassed the fishery as the major source of employment.

Talc Mine:

In 1898, a pyrophyllite deposit was first identified on a ridge near Johnnie's Pond. Quarrying began in 1903 and a tramway was built in 1903 to connect the mine to the railway line. Operations were suspended in 1905.

In 1937 the quarry came back into production only to close in 1947. The mine re-opened in 1947 by Newfoundland Minerals Limited.

Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club:

The Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club was established in 1936. The "Royal" prefix was conferred on the Newfoundland Yacht Club by Her Majesty the Queen in 1964. In 1942 the Club was taken over by the government for civil defence purposes. On April 7, 1943 the premises were destroyed by fire. After Confederation, Long Pond became the centre for the tuna sport fishery in Conception Bay South.

The fully serviced marina includes a travel lift, fuel dock and other services which accommodates 110 boats up to 60 feet in length. The Club also affords full club house facilities. It is a private club with over 200 members.