J.T. CHEESEMAN PROVINCIAL PARK:

This park, located approximately 10 km (6.2 mi) east of Channel-Port aux Basques and 200km (124.3 mi) west of Corner Brook on the Trans Canada Highway, is a popular park with visitors from all over Canada and the United States because of its close proximity to the ferry that brings tourists to the Province.

J.T. Cheeseman Provincial Park first opened to the public in 1960, the land on which the park has been developed was originally farmland owned by Emmanuel Pearce.

On the western side of the park is Barachois Point (or Osmond Point as it is known to locals) and until the area was designated as a park, the Osmond family fished and farmed this area. The park is named to honor J. T. Cheeseman, a well- known politician.

According to information recorded in the ENL, Cheeseman was born in Port aux Bras in 1892. After studying in Bishop Field College, from 1909 until 1923 he was employed with his father's fisheries business in the Burin area.

He entered public life in 1919 as a Member of the House of Assembly for Burin but was unable to be re-elected in 1923.

With his background in the fishing industry in 1933 he was appointed Chief Inspector of Fisheries, and in 1934 Chief Fisheries Officer. The following year he represented the Newfoundland Government in negotiations with European fishing markets.

In 1956 Cheeseman was elected to the House of Assembly as Liberal member for Burgeo and La Poile and retained his seat in 1959. In 1962 he was elected by acclamation in the newly-created district of Hermitage.

In 1956 Cheeseman was appointed Minister of Fisheries and Co-Operatives, and from 1963 until his resignation from Cabinet for reasons of health the following December, he served in the portfolio of Minister of Provincial Affairs.

He retired from the House of Assembly on August 1, 1966 and died on February 22, 1968.

Used with permission from "Uncovering the Origin of 1001 Unique Place Names in Newfoundland and Labrador" 2021 Jennifer Leigh Hill

Address of this page: http://nl.ruralroutes.com/Osmond