Formal Recognition Type

Registered Heritage Structure

Heritage Value

The Loyal Orange Lodge LOL #116 was designated a Registered Heritage Structure by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1986 due to its historic, aesthetic and social value.

The Loyal Orange Lodge LOL #116 has historic value because of its association with the Fishermen’s Protective Union (FPU). Loyal Orange Lodge #116 is famously known as the birthplace of the Fishermen’s Protective Union (FPU). From this Lodge, in November 1908, William Coaker formed the FPU and launched a crusade that challenged Newfoundland’s political, economic and social norms. With the slogan of “To each their own,” the FPU spread along the northeast coast, organizing fishermen into an influential political force. In an effort to better the lives of Newfoundland fishermen, who were effectively at the mercy of local merchants through the truck system of bartering, Coaker established the FPU with resounding local support. Coaker made great strides with the union due to his persona as “one of the people,” his powerful way of speaking, and his ability to withstand the rigors of winter travel around Newfoundland. The uniting of the fishermen was arduous, difficult and a great achievement. Coaker reached Newfoundlanders in a way no St. John’s politician could, and his step up to politics was a logical next move in furthering his aims of changing the fishery and other aspects of Newfoundland society.

The Loyal Orange Lodge LOL #116 has aesthetic value because it is a unique example of a wooden lodge building. Built in 1904 by Thomas Blanford and lodge members, and featuring two large side towers, it apparently was meant to resemble the Basilica of St. John the Baptist in St. John’s. The towers on either side of the entrance were cut down in 1931. The pointed roofs on the towers are topped with small finials, while the main entrance is ornamented with a stained glass transom and large entablature. The peaked, triangular windows lend a Gothic feel to the structure while the building itself is low and sturdy-looking. Loyal Orange Lodge LOL #116 is an important component of the built landscape in Herring Neck and has been used as a landmark by fishermen to locate their fishing grounds.

The Loyal Orange Lodge LOL #116 has social value because it was built as the meeting hall for the local Orangemen. It also served the needs of the larger community, acting as a gathering place for public and private functions.

Source: Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador property file “Herring Neck – Loyal Orange Lodge LOL #116 – FPT 1570”

Character Defining Elements

All elements that speak to the age and original use of the building, including:
-number of storeys;
-low-pitch gable roof with large overhang;
-size, style and placement of wooden eave brackets;
-two front towers with hipped roofs topped by spires and finials;
-wooden flag pole on central front facade;
-narrow wooden clapboard;
-wooden corner boards and horizontal wooden trims;
-wooden skirting boards;
-size, style, trim and placement of wooden windows, including large raincaps;
-size, style, trim and placement of exterior wooden doors;
-size, style, trim and placement of wooden transom window with stained glass over front entrance;
-size, style, trim and placement of wooden entablature over front entrance;
-exterior paint scheme that reflects its use as a Loyal Orange Lodge;
-dimension, location and orientation of building.

Community

Herring Neck

Municipality

Not specified (Newfoundland)

Construction (circa)

1904 - 1904

Builder

Thomas Blanford

Style

Rectangular Short Façade