St. Anthony history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the town of St. Anthony is rooted in the Age of Discovery. This convenient natural harbour was first mapped by the French explorer Jacques Cartier in 1534, who named it in honour of Saint Anthony. For a long time, the territory was used exclusively as a seasonal station for French and Basque fishermen operating off the shores of what is now Canada. The first permanent settlers, primarily of British origin, began to establish themselves here only in the mid-19th century.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small fishing camp into an important regional centre was driven by several factors:

• Geographic Location: A deep harbour protected from storms, located near the fish-rich waters of the North Atlantic, made this place strategically important for navigation.
• The Grenfell Mission: A decisive role in development was played by the arrival of Dr. Wilfred Grenfell in 1900. He chose the settlement as the headquarters for his medical and charitable mission (Grenfell Mission), which attracted investments and specialists.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of the early period depended entirely on seasonal cod fishing and seal hunting. Life in the harsh climate required exceptional resilience and self-sufficiency from the residents. However, thanks to the activities of the Grenfell Mission, St. Anthony became a unique example for remote regions: a hospital, school, orphanage, and craft workshops appeared here earlier than in many other settlements, forming a special cultural way of life that combined fishing traditions with a high level of social responsibility.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1534 — French navigator Jacques Cartier maps the harbour and names it St. Anthony in honour of Saint Anthony.
• Mid-19th Century — The first permanent families of English settlers begin to establish themselves in the bay, replacing seasonal French fishermen.
• 1900 — Arrival of Dr. Wilfred Grenfell, who selects this location to establish the headquarters of his medical and social mission.
• 1901 — Opening of the first hospital, marking the beginning of a healthcare system in the region that was advanced for its time.
• 1912 — Founding of the King George V Institute (orphanage and school), which significantly improved social support for the local population.
• 1927 — Completion of a new permanent hospital, which became the main medical centre of the Northern Peninsula.
• 1945 — The settlement officially receives Town status, allowing for the formation of the first municipal council.
• 1949 — The province of Newfoundland and Labrador joins the confederation, becoming part of the nation of Canada.
• 1960s — Active road construction connects the town with the rest of the island, ending the era of relative isolation.
• 1978 — Recognition of the nearby settlement of L’Anse aux Meadows as a UNESCO World Heritage site transforms the town into the region's key tourism hub.
• 1997 — Opening of the Grenfell Interpretation Centre, a modern museum dedicated to the history of the mission and the development of the region.

Key Development Stages and Their Significance

The evolution of St. Anthony is inextricably linked to changes in the maritime industry and social initiatives that turned a remote settlement into the "capital" of the Northern Peninsula. The main milestones in the town's development include:

• Establishment of the Grenfell Mission Headquarters (1900).
  Dr. Wilfred Grenfell's decision to base the centre of his medical and charitable activities here was a turning point. It transformed a seasonal fishing station into a permanent administrative and social hub, ensuring an influx of specialists and investments uncharacteristic of other settlements in the region.
• Development of Craft Production (Early 20th Century).
  The creation of the "Industrial Department" at the mission gave impetus to the local economy. The production of rugs, bone carving, and sewing allowed residents to earn income during the winter months when fishing was impossible, forming a unique culture of labour and self-sufficiency.
• Construction of Permanent Infrastructure (1920–1940s).
  The erection of a concrete hospital, schools, and an orphanage defined the urban appearance of the settlement. St. Anthony became a centre of attraction for residents of the entire coast in need of medical and educational services, which stimulated the growth of the permanent population.
• Receiving Town Status and Municipal Reform (1945).
  Official incorporation allowed for the formation of local self-government. This started the planned development of the urban environment: the installation of water supply, sewage systems, and the organization of municipal services, which significantly improved the quality of life.
• Overcoming Transport Isolation (1960s).
  The construction of a highway linking the town to the island's road network ended an era when one could only travel here by sea or dog sled. This event integrated the town into the economy of the province and the entire country of Canada, simplifying the logistics of goods.
• Transformation of the Fishing Industry (1990s).
  After the collapse of the cod population and the introduction of a moratorium on its fishing, the town was able to reorient its port and processing plants towards shrimp and crab harvesting. This economic flexibility saved the region from depression and preserved jobs.
• Emergence as a Tourism Centre (Late 20th Century – Present).
  The development of infrastructure to welcome travellers visiting the nearby Viking settlement of L’Anse aux Meadows and the Grenfell museums created a new economic sector. Tourism has become an important driver of development, stimulating the opening of hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

Architectural Character and Urban Planning

The architectural appearance of St. Anthony is unique for a small northern settlement. Unlike many fishing villages that developed spontaneously, the layout and construction of this town were largely determined by the activities of the Grenfell Mission. The urban planning axis is built around the protected harbour, where wharves and warehouses were historically located, while residential and administrative buildings rise in terraces up the hillsides, providing protection from the winds.

Main Eras and Styles

Several key stages can be distinguished in the town's architecture, each leaving its mark on the urban landscape:

• Early 20th Century (Mission Era): Colonial Revival and Arts & Crafts.
  The most striking architectural layer of the town is connected with the period of active infrastructure construction by Dr. Grenfell. Professional architects from the USA were engaged to design key buildings, bringing elements of refined style to the harsh landscape, which was uncharacteristic for remote corners of Canada.
• Mid to Late 20th Century: Functional Modernism.
  With the attainment of status as a regional medical centre, large public buildings made of concrete and glass appeared in the town. This period is characterized by a utilitarian approach where form strictly follows function, which was necessary to ensure reliability in the subarctic climate.
• Traditional Construction: Vernacular Style.
  Residential development is represented by wooden houses traditional for Newfoundland (often in the "saltbox" style or simple frame constructions). The bright colours of the facades are a practical tradition that helps with orientation in fog and during winter.

Iconic Buildings and Structures

The town's appearance is shaped by several landmarks reflecting its history:

• Grenfell House. Built in 1909–1910 according to the design of New York architect William Adams Delano, this mansion is a rare example of the Colonial Revival style with elements of the Arts & Crafts movement. The building is distinguished by large covered verandas and a complex roof adapted for snowfalls.
• Hospital Rotunda (Jordi Bonet Murals). Part of the former hospital building constructed in the mid-20th century. This modernist structure is notable not so much for its exterior as for its interior: the ceiling is decorated with a monumental ceramic mural by the renowned artist Jordi Bonet, which is a unique phenomenon for a small town.
• Grenfell Interpretation Centre. A modern building that connects historic structures into a single museum complex. Its architecture is delicately integrated into the landscape without disturbing the historical panorama of the waterfront.

Notable Figures of St. Anthony

The history of St. Anthony is inextricably linked with the names of people whose dedication and talent turned a small fishing settlement into a thriving centre of medicine and culture. These figures not only influenced the development of the town but also left a legacy that attracts travellers from all over the world.

• Sir Wilfred Grenfell (1865–1940)
  Medical missionary, philanthropist, mission founder
  A key figure in the history of the region. A British doctor who dedicated his life to improving the living conditions of fishermen and indigenous peoples inhabiting the coast of what is now Canada. It was he who chose St. Anthony as the headquarters of his charitable mission and built the first hospital and school. His home is now the town's main museum.
• Lady Anne Grenfell (1885–1938)
  Administrator, public figure
  The wife of Sir Wilfred, who played a decisive role in the organizational and financial support of the mission. She managed fundraising in the USA and Great Britain, oversaw educational programmes, and helped send local students to study at top universities.
• Dr. Charles S. Curtis (1887–1964)
  Surgeon, medical superintendent
  An American doctor who arrived in the town as a volunteer and remained here for his entire life. He became Grenfell's successor and led the construction of the modern hospital complex that today bears his name. Thanks to Curtis, the town became a leading medical centre in the North Atlantic.
• Jessie Luther (1860–1952)
  Artist, pioneer of occupational therapy
  Founder of the mission's "Industrial Department." She taught local women weaving and the creation of unique rugs with northern motifs (hooked rugs). This allowed families to earn income during the winter and laid the foundation for the famous craft shops that are popular with tourists today.
• William Adams Delano (1874–1960)
  Architect
  A prominent American architect from New York who designed Grenfell House. The building, constructed in the "Colonial Revival" style, is an architectural gem of the town and a rare example of high-class architecture in the harsh conditions of Newfoundland.
• Jordi Bonet (1932–1979)
  Painter, sculptor, muralist
  A Canadian master of Catalan origin. In 1967, he created a monumental ceramic mural in the rotunda of the St. Anthony hospital. This work of art, depicting the life and struggle of northerners, is considered one of the most significant artistic attractions in the region.