Clare C.

Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador

Western Newfoundland Regional Heritage Fair

Colemans ... Keeping Our Stories Alive

Coleman Group of Companies is a family business based out of Corner Brook, NL that was established in 1934 by the son of a Glace Bay coal miner. It is a story about entrepreneurship. Together we will look at how tragedy sparked creativity and innovation and how the actions of a thief led to the beginning of my family's business.

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

When Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949 it was a very poor province. Yet people such as Arthur and Maggie Coleman still saw an opportunity in a small town in Western Newfoundland. With a population of a little over 1000 in 1934 there was opportunity for entrepreneurs to provide products and services that did not exist at the time.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

I've learned that Canada's economy was founded primarily by entrepreneurs. Canada has a rich history of entrepreneurship from all backgrounds. Entrepreneurs have helped to shape the face of Canadian business and our way of life.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

The freedoms and opportunities in Canada are among the best in the world. My ancestors and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and of Canada are very generous in their work ethic and in their optimism for the future. Although we are different in many ways, we are still of the same character and still proud to be a part of this great country.