John Rorke and Sons Ltd.
IndustryShipping
Retail
Founded1839 in Carbonear, Newfoundland
FounderJohn Rorke
Defunct1980
Areas served
Newfoundland
Labrador
Key people
John Rorke Sr.
John Rorke Jr.
James Rorke Sr.
John Rorke
James Rorke Jr.
ProductsCodfish(fresh and cured)
coal
general goods

John Rorke and Sons Ltd. was a mercantile firm founded in Carbonear, Newfoundland in 1839 by Irish-born merchant, John Rorke.[1]

History

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In 1839, after leaving the employment of Bennett and Ridley, John Rorke purchased the former Slade and Elson mercantile premises, located in Carbonear. From here, Rorke's firm expanded rapidly. The firm opened up two new branches in St. Francis Harbour and Venison Island, Labrador. This was to trade with the many migratory fisherman who traveled from Newfoundland to Labrador each year.

In 1859, a massive fire destroyed most of Carbonear, including the Rorke premises and Rorke family home. Rorke began rebuilding the following year; some of the buildings still stand today.

John Rorke Sr. passed away in 1896 and the firm was taken over by his two sons, John Jr. and James, both of whom joined the firm in 1880. By 1920, James' sons, John and James Jr. had joined the firm. The firm was incorporated in 1929 as John Rorke and Sons Ltd.

References

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