1
Map of the location of Port Union in Newfoundland2003
2
Sir William Ford Coaker had organized the fishermen of the Northeast Coast of Newfoundland into The Fishermen's Protective Union. Sir William tried to establish the Fishermen's Union presence in St. John's however, the Fish Merchants opposed the property acquisition on Water Street and Sir William was forced to look for property outside of the city.An ice free port and a close proximity to the fishing ground was a priority.
Sir William acquired the South Side of Catalina Harbour from McCormack and Walsh and began the building of Port Union in May 1916.
3
Sir William Ford Coaker1935
4
In 1908 William Coaker held public meetings in Herring Neck and formed the Fisherman's Protective Union. By the fall of 1909 there were 50 local councils this was not an easy task as the fisherman were scattered in isolated communities around the coast of Newfoundland.5
Port Union before Holy Martyr's Church was built1922
6
Just to highlight some of the things Port Union had to offer its citizens and visitors were:- Power Station
- Large retail wholesale store that supplied upwards of 40 outlet stores
- Salt fish store with electric elevators and fish dryers
- Factory building which housed the "Fishermen's Advocate" a weekly newspaper
- Wood working factory
- Ice shed and storage facilities with an electric elevator
- Spur railway line
- Coal shed, salt shed, cooperage, and carpenter shop
- Row Housing
- Soft Drink Factory
- Hotel
- Congresss Hall
- Seal Oil Factory
- Ship building facility where approximately 35 schooner were built
- Holy Marytrs Church
- Sir William Coakers House, The Bungalow
Located nearby was approximately a 100 acre farm that grew Timothy Hay, clover and root vegatables. Cattle and Sheep were also raised there. The farm was know as 'Pardise Farm'.
All this was a result of the Fisherman's Protective Union which made Port Union a unique community in Newfoundland.
7
Trading Company before the fire in 19451943
8
Port Union Hotel before the fire of 19451943
9
Port Union Hotel was a three story building erected for union members, staff and others who wished to avail themselves of board and lodging.10
Congress Hall1937
11
Congress Hall was built in 1924 and was situated on the crest of a hill overlooking the community of Port Union. The cost of constructing this building was $25,000. The first floor of the building was used for Union conventions, social events in the community, and was the home of the first Lion's Club of Port Union. The second floor was used exclusively for Union meetings and activities.12
Holy Martyr's Anglican Church before the fire in 19451943
13
The Church of the Holy Martyrs was named in honour of the soldiers who fell on the field of battle during World War I as Coaker Recruits, and each stain glass window in the building bears the name of a fallen hero and when he fell in battle, thus commemorating his sacrifice.It opened for service on Sunday December 19th, 1920.14
The inside of Holy Marytrs Anglican Church1967
 |
 |
 |
 |