TheEconomy on
Brunette Island

As was the case with the majority of the early Newfoundland communties, the fishery was the primary occupation of the first settlers to arrive at Brunette and the prodominant factor for its existence up to 1957. Since the south coast of Newfoundland is completely ice-free, the fishermen of Brunette prosecuted the fishery all the year round.

Active participation in the fishery required long, arduous hours of work.

Oftentimes, it was necessary for a fishermen's whole family to become involved in the process.

Until recent times fishermen did not receive a lump sum for their catch, rather they practiced a barter system. The local merchants would outfit each fisherman for the fishery and supply him with his family's necessities. The fishermen of Brunette, of course, followed this practice which, if they were lucky, left them with a little cash after their debts to the merchants were paid. Expensive goods and low prices for fish, however, often created tense feelings between fishermen and merchants.

During the communties existence, there were six merchant's premises on Brunette. The reknown company of Newman and Hunt had established a business on Brunette by 1868, owning by two acres of land. During the early years of the twentieth century a large store had been established by William Price.

Residents of the island also practiced subsistence farming to support their families. Crops such as potatoes, turnip, and cabbage were grown, while various species of livestock- horses, cows, goats, sheep, and swine were also kept. This continued to be carried on until the island was vacated, but farming as a full-time occupation did not exist.