History of Pasadena

SB History - South Brook Park Dance Hall
Dance Hall in South Brook Park

Photo courtesy of Pasadena Heritage Society – NL Inc.

South Brook

Established in 1921, the oldest community is South Brook. This community housed a quarry which the International Pulp and Paper Limited, based in Corner Brook, used to build a power plant in nearby Deer Lake.

The 1921 Census of Newfoundland lists 6 people living in the community.

Pas History - Atkinson's Farm
Green Acres Farm in Pasadena

Photo courtesy of David Atkinson

Pasadena

Leonard Earle founded the community of Pasadena in 1933.  A farmer originally from Fogo, based in St. John’s, he wanted to establish a community on the west coast.  He purchased 2600 acres of prime farming land from a woman in St. John’s.  Settling in the region, he named the community Pasadena in honour of his wife’s family who owned a ranch in California.  

In the 1935 Census of Newfoundland, 43 people were living in Pasadena.

Mid History - Homestead
French family homestead in Midland

Photo courtesy of Joan French

Midland

In 1936, the Commission of Government at the time, prior to joining Canada, was faced with a downturn in the fishing industry.  To create new prosperity, the Commission established farming communities and relocated fisherman to live and work in them.  A gentleman by the name of Jack Dawson met Leonard Earle on a train who told him about the farmland in the Humber Valley.  Mr. Dawson became the overseer of the Community of Midland, so named for being midway between Corner Brook and Deer Lake.  

History Timeline

South Brook was established c. 1921.

Pasadena was founded in 1933.

Midland was formed in June 1936.

The communities of Midland and Pasadena came together and incorporated as the Community of Pasadena-Midland in 1955.  Later it was renamed the Community of Pasadena.

South Brook incorporated as the Community of South Brook on April 20, 1965.

The Community of Pasadena became a municipality in 1969 incorporating as the Town of Pasadena.

In 1986, all three original communities were integrated as the Town of Pasadena.

Listen to an oral description of the history timeline of Pasadena along with memories shared by current and former residents of the community.

More Info...

View the full story on the Origin of Pasadena’s name.

Learn about the Settlers of Midland, 25 families in total.  Five families returned to their original homes within the first three years of settlement.  Their land grants were given to five new families who replaced them.

Read The Midland Settlement Diary, a daily diary kept by Mr. Dawson during the formative years of Midland.

Review official results of the South Brook Elections from incorporation until amalgamation.