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TIME TRAVELLER: North Van longshoreman a major force in early labour battles

The story of a 'longshoreman’s longshoreman'
Time Traveller (Feb.3)WEB

This photo shows William Fitzclarence “Fitz” St. John in front of the cottage he built at 2421 Western Ave. in North Vancouver in 1911.

Originally from Barbados, Fitz was an early longshoreman and secretary for the Industrial Workers of the World Local 526, a.k.a Bows and Arrows Local 526. He worked as a longshoreman for 51 years and was an active participant in the fierce labour battles of the 1920s and ’30s. After a 40-year fight for union recognition, St. John was one of the 46 union members to first receive a pension.

Calling him “a longshoreman’s longshoreman,” his longtime friend Sam Engler once observed: “Fitz was dedicated to helping his fellow man. He always stood firm on his principles, which included unionization and doing unto others as you would have them do to you.”

His son, Clarence St. John, was a well-known barber and hairstylist on Lonsdale Avenue in North Vancouver. Fitz St. John died in 1970 at the age of 94.

Click here for more information about the history of the North Shore and to learn about MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver, opening in 2021.

Currently, the Archives of North Vancouver at 3203 Institute Rd. in Lynn Valley is open by appointment only. Contact: archives@monova.ca