Elliston

History

Elliston, originally known as Bird Island Cove, was settled in the early 19th century, primarily by fishing families attracted to the rich marine resources of the region. In 1902, the town was renamed Elliston by Reverend Charles Lench to honour in honor of Reverend William Ellis, the first Methodist missionary in this town. In 2010, discussions were held about the potential annexation of Elliston by the nearby town of Bonavista The proposal arose from concerns about the economic sustainability and administrative challenges of smaller municipalities in the region. A feasibility study was conducted to explore the benefits and drawbacks of merging services and governance. However, the idea was met with mixed reactions from residents, and the annexation did not proceed. Elliston continues to operate as an independent municipality. The James Ryan Shop is a two-and-a-half storey building with a steeply pitched gable roof, built in 1900. The shop was added to the Canadian Register on February 8, 2005