Hawthorne Cottage was the Brigus home of Captain Robert Abram 'Bob' Bartlett. Born in 1875, Bartlett became well known internationally after he commanded the Roosevelt for Admiral Peary’s North Pole expeditions. His seagoing career spanned 50 years. With his schooner the Effie M. Morrissey he sailed north on scientific voyages for 20 years, collecting Arctic flora and fauna for zoos and universities around the world.
The cottage itself has a rich and diverse history and is recognized for its architecture as a prime example 19th century merchant housing. More than 190 years old, it was moved 10 kilometers on log rollers to its present location in 1834. Hawthorne Cottage was a centre point in the life of the Town of Brigus. Through sealing, fishing, and Arctic exploration, the Bartlett family reflects the way of life of a Newfoundland sailing family and the outport communities of this province. They reached out far beyond the world of an outport village and forged connections of international importance.
Both the historical significance of Bartlett’s work and the architecture of Hawthorne Cottage have been recognized and plaques commemorating Captain Bartlett and Hawthorne Cottage can be found while strolling around the beautiful community of Brigus.