boat framing and planking,
shingles and timber taken out
each year.
   The beginning of Milltown
can be traced back to 1894
when the merchant John E.
Lake built a large sawmill at
Weasel Island. With only 20
people living on a shoreline
of two miles, the sawmilling

industry continued to grow in
Milltown. Throughout the late
1800’s to 1940’s, Milltown
and Head Bay d’Espoir were
recognized as two separate
communities - their story was
one of hardworking and
determined people who adapted
through hardships and change
to create their own

community, culture and
heritage. While the forest is
no longer the driving force
of the local economy, it
still plays an important role
in the lives of those who
call Milltown - Head Bay
d'Espoir home. We invite you
to take a look back at the
history of the community and

its link to the forests of
Bay d’Espoir!