[4] The Shearstown pioneers included the families of Holmes, Earle, Hedderson, Badcock, Sparkes, Franey, French, Saunders, and Mercer.
A visitor to the community in 1935 wrote,One of the roads through Bay Roberts passes many prim little front gardens and emerges on the shore of Spaniard's Bay, which it skirts for a short way before crossing the Highroad to enter the settlement of Shearstown, and the New District of Harbour Grace.
There is a good road up the valley on the west side, and several branches cross the river to the homes on the other bank.
This is a farming settlement whose neat cottages and smart barns show signs of the care and attention that have been bestowed upon them.
Farther in the road beyond the hamlet of Butlerville women and children dot the hills gathering the wild grape.
Early settlers like Augustus Mercer worked in the fishery, while John and George Tetford set up a cooperage.
From the early to mid 20th century, a number of shops were operated by families in the community: Bertram “Bert” and Bertha Dwyer's butcher shop; Doc's Store; Marjorie and Roy Saunders (who had a jukebox and sold ice cream and chips); Jim and Marcie Earle; Ned Holmes; William “Bill” Saunders; Zippy Dwyer; and Mary and Jesse Badcock (a confectionery store).
James Holmes set up a general store, featuring everything from a post office to barrels of salt beef.
[16] The Lodge is home to the Shearstown Brass Band, which was noted as having approximately 30 members ranging from young children to seasoned veterans in 2018.