The first people came to Gin Cove for the rich timber in the area. Many of the people had sawmills and spent the winter cutting their timber. Some lumber was used for building homes and schooners while the other lumber was shipped to St. John’s to sell. There was some individual shipbuilding done but not as a business, most were built for personal use or individual merchants.

The first settlers, 3 Frampton brothers from Old Bonaventure, settled in the Gin Cove area around 1866. Thomas, the eldest brother settled in the area. He was a shipbuilder and was the foreman for building the first Church of England Church in Gin Cove. His brother William operated the only store in Gin Cove and captained schooners. The younger brother, Kenneth, also captained schooners and was noted for having the only phone in Gin Cove during that time.

Early settlers cut timber during the winter months, to be used for boats/buildings, and went to the Labrador fishery during the spring and summer.

As with most Newfoundland outport communities, families had to be self-sufficient for the most part. Early residents would have to row to Trinity or Catalina for needed supplies until 1912 when a twice-a-week service was provided by the first local steamer, “The Ettie”.

Most people looking for work were employed in the shipyard in Monroe or in the slate quarry in Nut Cove. After World War II the shipyard closed and most people left the area for Clarenville. The Dry docks there were building ships and many of the men were hired on.

Gin Cove was abandoned for a while. People did not live in the community again until a former resident returned in 1988. Since then people have built summer homes with only a few people living there year round.

Gin Cove residents are mostly retired people who enjoy the tranquility of the countryside and the scenic views of Smith Sound. This pretty community is close to Clarenville which serves as a center for banking, shopping and medical needs.