~ Industries' Past ~
Random Island's early industries consisted of fishing, lumbering, shipbuilding, quarrying, brickmaking and subsistence farming.
Fishing
The inshore codfishery was the most important part of Random Island's fishery, but the Labrador fishery and the lobster fishery were also important. There were also a few minor fisheries, such as the herring fishery and the caplin fishery, which were popular for a time. There were herring factories at Britannia Cove, Deer Harbour, Hickman's Harbour and Thoroughfare.
The first salmon cannery in Newfoundland was on Random Island at Deer Cove.
Lumbering
One of the main reasons that people settled on Random Island was it's forest. Therefore, a lot of work was put into harvesting the forest for firewood and building materials.
Shipbuilding
From the beginning shipbuilding was considered an important industry. Many people came to Random Island to get the materials to build fishing boats. Then they would build their boats on the island before returning home. People in settled communities would also build punts and skiffs in various sizes. Many Schooners were built on Random Island, as well. Some were built to be used locally, but others were for people living outside of Random Island.
Slate Quarrying
The only slate quarries that were actually on Random Island were in Hickman's Harbour, but people living on Random Island also made use of slate quarries on the neighbouring mainland. These were found at Nut Cove, in Smith Sound, and at Dartmouth Cove.
The slate these quarries produced was reportedly of the finest quality. It was sold for roofing material in St. John's and England. The last slipment of slate to leave Hickman's Harbour was in 1910. It is said that the shipment was damaged on the way to England. the other cargo had broken loose and smashed the slate into dust.
Brickmaking
There were two brickyards on Random Island. One was located in Elliott's Cove. The other was located in Snook's Harbour, and was run by Aaron Smith and his sons. Smith's Brickyard was well-known for its quality brickmaking, as well as producing clay pots for house plants.
Farming
There were a lot of different types of farms found on Random Island. These consisted of cows, sheep, pigs, potatoes and cabbage. During the early days cows were farmed for dairy products and meat, sheep provided mutton and wool, and pigs provided pork. Eventually, though, Random Island became dependant on the outside for these things.
Since potatoes were considered a staple back then, they were grown on various parts of the island. More than a few acres, in many commmunities, were used for growing potatoes.
Information found in "Random Island Pioneers"
by Wilfred B. W. Martin
