Last modified: 2011-12-31 by rob raeside
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image located by Valentin Poposki, 21 March 2010See also:
The flag of the Town of Gambo, Newfoundland and Labrador, is white with town
shield on it. I can't describe it, but
you'll see it in the link below. Any description is welcome. Information and
image of the crest thanks to Cynthia Paul, Admin Clerk.
About the town:
"Why is it called Gambo?
The name Gambo is believed to be a corruption of the
Spanish or Portuguese name "Baie de las Gamas" (Bay of the Does), found on early
maps of the area. It seems that the Gambo area has been a hunters' and
fishermen's paradise for at least 500 years. The heritage of Gambo, lies in the
logging and railway industries. In the winter of 1862-63, David Smallwood,
grandfather of the late J.R. Smallwood, came to Gambo from P.E.I. and built a
sawmill in Gambo. It was the first in Gambo and when it burned down, Mr.
Smallwood proceeded to build the first steam-powered sawmill in Newfoundland on
the Gambo River.
Shortly after, several mills began to spring up around
the town in Gambo, Dark Cove and Middle Brook A tramway was constructed from the
railway station in Gambo to the Mint Brook area and a community was formed along
its route. The Murphy Hotel was built with hopes of attracting tourists and
sportsmen, as well as serving as the station depot for the railway. When the
forests around Mint Brook were devastated by the forest fires of the 1960s, most
of the sawmills closed down. The railway became the main industry for the town
and the residents of Mint Brook soon moved to Gambo. Gambo's population at that
time was near to what it is today, approximately 2500.
The greatest pride
of Gambo, however, is that of the grandson of David Smallwood, Joseph Roberts
Smallwood. "Joey" was born in Mint Brook during the "Logging Boom" in 1900.
While Joey did not reside in Gambo for very long, he always referred to Gambo as
his hometown. Joseph R. launched his Confederation Campaign here at the
Orangemen's Hall and the approval of the people was signified by an almost
unanimous vote for him as a candidate to the National Convention, and later as
the member to the House of Assembly. Joey may not have lived in Gambo for long,
but his name will live on here forever." - from town's website:
http://townofgambo.com/community/default.aspx
Official
website: http://townofgambo.com
Valentin Poposki, 21 March 2010
