Community Profiles
Purbeck's Cove
Trail: Dorset Trail HWY 410
Mayor: Unincorporated Community
Introduction
Purbeck's Cove is situated at sea level in an elongated U-shaped cove facing northwest out to sea. The prevalent winds are eastern and western. Purbeck's Cove is surrounded by high tree covered hills on all three sides with the main road coming into the community from the southeast.
The terrain of Purbeck's Cove is still suitable for more community growth because there is still plenty of available land for housing, etc. There are no bogs or cliffs to contend with close by. Two brooks are located here; one small one to the east and a larger main brook to the west which serves as the community swimming hole. A small picnic park is located at this main brook and contains swings, picnic tables, benches, barbecue pits and two change huts for the swimmers.
Local History
The small community of Purbeck's Cove was settled in the early 1800's by one man. The man's surname was Wellman, who originated from England. He settled over in the west side of the cove which was known as Wellman's path. The next settlers to live in the cove were Edward Stuckless and Theadore Stuckless who also originated from England. The name Purbeck's Cove refers to beds of materials consisting of corals and marble. Since both marble and coral can be found, it would appear that is where the name came from.
In 1905, a company from St. John's began mining the Marble Quarry which starts at Wild Beach and runs into Purbeck's Cove. The industry failed in 1920 due to poor equipment.
The next industry started in 1946 which was logging. The contractor for the logging was William Stuckless. This industry gave jobs to the men of Purbeck's Cove and Westport for about twelve years. It failed due to the contract not being renewed.
Purbeck's Cove boasts of a very beautiful sandy ocean beach.
Tourist Facilities & Attractions
Picnic Park
Sandy Beaches
Housing
The community has fourteen occupied homes, and the average selling price is $8 - $9,000.
Education
Students bussed to Westport.
Postal Service
Canada Post provides door to door mail delivery to the residents of Purbeck's Cove.
Media Data
The local weekly newspaper, Nor' Wester, is circulated in the community every Thursday. As well, various radio and television stations are accessible.
Health & Welfare
There is a medical facility forty-eight kms away, at Baie Verte
Fire Protection
Purbeck's Cove shares the services of the Westport volunteer fire department which has twenty six members.
They have all of the necessary equipment: fire truck, pumps, fire hose, suits, boots and breathing mask. There are no fire hydrants or fire alarm systems in Purbeck's Cove. The contact has to be made by telephone. The fire department stresses prevention and is ready to answer any calls for assistance.
Transportation
Community Travel.
Bus Service.
Airport.
Utilities & Power
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.
Water Supply & Sanitation
Private wells or pond.
Garbage disposal.
Sewage.
Purbeck's Cove doesn't have a main public water supply system, but people rely on private wells, or connect into a pond. As well, individuals are responsible for their own garbage disposal, and each house has its own septic tank for sewage.
Social & Cultural Data
The church at Purbeck's Cove was established in 1963.
At one time the church and school was used as one building. In recent years, the new school was built, so the church was renovated and used only as a church. It has a weekly attendance of approximately 35, with services once a week. The average weekly attendance is good for such a small community.
The church also has a Sunday school gathering for children once every two weeks. The children really enjoy this exercise because it gives them a chance to learn new things and it is especially good for preschoolers.
