Sir William Ford Coaker Heritage Foundation Inc.

Sir William Ford Coaker Heritage Foundation Inc. Sir William Ford Coaker Heritage Foundation Inc. The Factory...

Built in 1923, The Factory was home to the controversial newspaper "The Fishermen's Advocate".

a not for profit registered charity that preserves, promotes and educates the legacy of Port Union ( the only- union built town in North America) Sir William Ford Coaker and the Fishermen's Protective Union History of Port Union:

Port Union is the "Only Union Built Town" in North America, and was founded by William Ford Coaker in 1916. Headquarters for the Fishermen's Protective Union (FPU) and F

PU Trading Company; Port Union had electricity in 1918 while parts of New York City remained in the dark. With its bustling harbour, branch railway, shipyard, factories, salt fish plant and retail store outlet, Port Union was an independent and self-reliant community. This building also included a woodworking shop and ice house. Today The Factory is used as an interpretation centre with banquet space on the third floor for conventions and special events. The interpretation centre is open seven days a week offering guided tours into the past with treasures from the fishery, woodworking enterprises and newspaper publishing days. Visitors can find treasures of their own to take home from the gift shop. Sir William F. Coaker (1871-1938)
Founder of The FPU

Visionary, activist, labour leader, businessman, publisher, politician...William F. Coaker was all of these. He formed the Fisherme's Protective Union (FPU) in 1908, founded a political party known as the Union Party, established The Fishermen's Advocate newspaper, and was knighted for his achievements. Today he remains one of Newfoundland's most fascinating and controversial public figures.

CEEP Needs Assessment for 2026
08/22/2026

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Copied from Newfoundlanders and Genealogy a little tidbit on The Fishermen’s Protective Union
08/11/2026

Copied from Newfoundlanders and Genealogy a little tidbit on The Fishermen’s Protective Union

07/17/2026

Join us for an evening of conversations and learning about the earliest animals of our Geopark!

In collaboration with the Sir William Ford Coaker Heritage Foundation Inc. we invite you to come and hear about the fascinating research and work of Dr. Emily Mitchell-University of Cambridge, Dr Marjorie Cantine-University of Washington, and Dr Chad Ostranger-University of Utah.

Admission is free and everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be served.
We look forward to seeing you!

Today we received a remarkable new artifact! A small object but with a big story. It defines the story of the Fishermen’...
07/14/2026

Today we received a remarkable new artifact! A small object but with a big story. It defines the story of the Fishermen’s Protective Union and the legacy it leaves behind, Artifacts like this remind us that history isn’t always grand monuments but in the smaller quieter items that survive across generations. Thank you to the donor who thought of us!

07/06/2026
As we wake early on July 1 and as the sun lifts on the town with its heritage buildings and finally the Church of the Ho...
07/01/2026

As we wake early on July 1 and as the sun lifts on the town with its heritage buildings and finally the Church of the Holy Martyrs ( the centre of remembrance).
Inside the church sunlight passes through the windows that carry the names of the Coaker Recruits. The young men who believed in the Fishermen’s Protective Union and who stood up to answer the call to serve. Each window is a story. Each window is a life. Each window is a reminder that Port Union’s history is not just one of industry and reform, but of sacrifice.
On this day we remember the Royal Newfoundland Regiment at Beaumont Hamel where hope was shattered in the span of a morning. We remember all those lost during the war and as the news travelled back across the Atlantic to small communities like ours the lost was profound it touched people in the kitchen’s At the wharves, in the churches, it was personal and changed families forever.
In Port Union, they built a Memorial church so that future generations would understand that freedom, community, and dignity were paid for with lives.
As we stand today to reflect we honour those lost not just for their courage but for the dreams they left behind. May the names in the glass never fade. May we carry their legacy with humility and pride.

Want to know how to create content for Social Media Check out this event!!
05/15/2026

Want to know how to create content for Social Media Check out this event!!

Address

Main Street
Port Union, NL
A0C2J0

Telephone

709.469.2207

Website

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