Town of Hr. Main-Chapel's Cove-Lakeview

Tourist Attractions

NL Lounge

Hr. Main-Chapel's Cove-Lakeview, an amalgamation of three communities, is located on Route 60 towards the central area of the Avalon Peninsula. Its geography consists mainly of high rocky cliffs, and is interspersed with harbours and inlets that frequently have sandy and pebbly beaches.

Hr.Main-Chapel's Cove-Lakeview is rich in history. Hr. Main's first named resident settled as early as 1675. Its livelihood was mainly fishing while Chapel's Cove residents depended primarily on agricultural activities. While it is not certain what the livelihood was, Lakeview, the third community within the Municipality lives up to that name. A climb up Lakeview's first mountain, displays a panoramic view of all lakes and bodies of water in Conception Bay. The communities were settled mostly by the Irish. Subsequently, the religious denomination was predominantly Roman Catholic. Religious practice was not openly allowed until the late 1700's and up to that date incidences of religious persecution were common. The first arecorded church was built in 1811. The first school was constructed in 1839 and the Presentation Sisters arrived in Hr. Main in the mid 1800's. Chapel's Cove also had its own school by 1839. For years, Hr. Main was the religious, political, judicial and educational center for Conception Bay.

Featured tourist attractions include: [top]

1. An early 1700's Cemetry.
2. The Palace (Priests' Residence), a 19th. century structure which housed visiting and stationed clergy.
3. Sts. Peter & Paul Parish Church is one of the oldest in Newfoundland. It provides an excellent example of early church architecture. The altar displays interesting and intricate carvings which were hand produced by Mr. LaCour, a local carpenter of the day.
4. The "Look-Out", the highest point of land in Hr. Main also provides a panoramic view of Conception Bay.
5. In the early 1930's a giant squid was captured off the shore of Hr. Main by the now "late" Joseph Ezekiel, a resident of the community.
6. The communities of Chapel's Cove and Lakeview offer peaceful tranquility created by their scenic and quiet beauty. Chapel's Cove is home to the old man in the rock.
7. Recreational attractions are found at the communities' playground and ballfields. The lcoal swimming pool, known as "The Tide", offers cooling relaxation to residents and visitors alike during the summer.
8. Hr. Main-Chapel's Cove-Lakeview celebrates Canada Day annually. These celebrations are sponsored by the communities' local Volunteer Fire Department.
9. The annual garden parties in Hr. Main and Chapel's Cove are held annually in July and August. Each offer fun, games and an opportunity for all ages to meet, socialize and enjoy good food and fine company.

Newfoundland Lounge [top]

It is the last place the fog hits as it rolls into beautiful Harbour Main and the first place you would stop in the area for a "cold one".

The "Newfoundland Lounge" has been a fixture at the head of the bay for almost 55 years. Its doors were opened in 1954 by Rose and Albert Furey. It was at the time an establishment of "proper dress" and a place for social gatherings whereby you didn't have to wander far from home for entertainment or to catch up with old friends. Soon after, Albert opened a gas bar in front of their home, which was attached to the lounge. Rose also ran a motel and convenience store from the house.

In 1969, their only son Albert Jr. (Buster) took over the business. Throughout the years, the club has been host to bingo games, card games, weddings, dances and on one occasion even entertained dignitaries from around the world.

Buster and his wife Geraldine have lived in the same house and have raised five children of their own. And so, in the truest sense, the Newfoundland Lounge has remained a family business with all five children tending bar from time to time.

Though, the "proper dress" code of the 50's has since become obsolete, and the novelty of a local gathering spot have become overshadowed by the lure of "downtown", the "Newfoundland Lounge" has remained just as Albert and Rose had intended..a local escape. An unpretentious place to go for a quick one or just a chat...a game of pool with Buster or a lively game of darts.

Hopefully, Come Home Year will be a time you decide to take a walk down memory lane and revisit your old stomping ground. Whether you are reminiscing about dancing to Square Penny in the 70's or you are thinking about darts you shot last week, you will feel right at home..and always welcome.

Buster (Albert) and Geraldine Furey