According to local lore, the first person to inhabit the area of Deep Bight was a man by the name of Sam Pelley. He would come to the area known as Pittman’s Point during the fall and winter, living in a tilt that he built for his winter dwelling. As far as people know, he came to cut wood during the winter and then returned to his home during the summer. This man did not set up permanent residence in Deep Bight.

The first permanent settlers in Deep Bight were the Avery’s who came from Grate’s Cove via England. The Averys along with families of Hansfords and Shorts came to settle in the community for the lumbering industry. The Averys built a watermill in Deep Bight and this operation was passed down through the family until its closure. The sawmill was constructed from local materials. Black spruce lumber was used almost exclusively to build the sawmill, except white birch was used for the working parts. The roof covering was made from flattened oil drums, other parts were salvaged from a ship's derrick winch.

When construction began on the Trans-Canada Highway in 1957 it seriously affected the flow of water used to operate the watermill. It was no longer possible to control the water by dams and chutes to drive the water wheel. After the water wheel ceased to operate a diesel engine was installed as an alternate source of energy to operate the mill. This mill was a landmark for the community until it was completely removed. There have been many postcards and paintings of one of the last surviving watermills in Newfoundland at that time

Deep Bight was self sufficient for vegetables and meat. Residents grew their crops, raised animals for eggs, milk and fresh meat which was also supplemented with meat and fish gathered through hunting and fishing, while other necessary supplies were brought by schooner. It was extremely important for families to make sure they had enough supplies bought in before the winter freeze so they would not have to do without things during the winter.

Located just a few miles from Clarenville, along the Trans Canada Highway, this tiny community built around the salt water, is a quiet get away for those who want to live a rural lifestyle. Deep Bight overlooks Random Sound and offers a quiet walk along a beach for beachcombers or easy access to the open water for those who enjoy a day on the bay. The residents show pride in their community with well cared for properties, adorned with flowers and shrubs. Residents avail of shopping, banking and medical services in nearby Clarenville. All students from Deep Bight attend school in Clarenville and bussing services are provided by the local school district. The community a Local Service District that oversees municipal matters. The community has a bed & breakfast and a construction company, which provides employment for some residents and many more travel to nearby communities for work. Businesses located in the community are:

Short’s Backhoe & Trucking Company
Equipment for hire (backhoes, loaders, excavators, dump trucks)
Fill, Topsoil, Sand, Class A&B Stone
(709) 546-2463

Mom’s Place Bed & Breakfast
(709) 546-2405
Web Site: http://momsplacebb.awardspace.com

Short’s Apartments
7 apartments
(709) 546-2281