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 FPU 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.
