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Wooden boat building has a long-standing history in Trinity. In fact, it dates back to the late 1700s to the time of the early English-Newfoundland fish merchants who brought their master boat builders with them when they came to settle along the rugged coastline of Newfoundland.
The last wooden boat building family in Trinity was the Vokey’s, who under the guidance of Henry Vokey began their career in wooden boat building in the 1960s. The shipyard that he owned and operated functioned until 1990, when it closed due to the change in market demands for vessels. This project focuses on the skills of master boat builder Henry Vokey and his life of building wooden vessels.
This online exhibition allows visitors to view and understand the life of Henry Vokey and the role that he played in the shipbuilding industry in the Town of Trinity, and also the influence that he had on many boat builders in the province. It presents a perspective of how one man was able to turn a passion of shipbuilding into a life-long career.
Henry’s shipyard closed in 1990 after operating for twenty-six years. He did not give up making boats, as he continued to construct them as a pastime and spends his winters making model boats. In 2009, he began the construction of a traditional wooden schooner.
Please enjoy your online exploration of the life, times and skill of master boat builder Henry Vokey.
