Collections Catch of the Week: Easthope
Submitted by M.Lenz and Y.Rancourt, Collections Assistants
The Easthope story begins in the early 1900s when a father and son began designing and manufacturing marine equipment. For nearly a century, Easthope produced engines and other specialized machinery at their Vancouver location and later right here in Steveston. When they finally closed their doors, Bill Easthope donated several original machine patterns and forms to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society.
Many of these wood and metal patterns were used in the production of drum drives, a technology that revolutionized the fishing industry. Instead of pulling wet nets full of fish onboard by hand, fishermen could use a motorized drum drive to aid them in bringing in their catch. The drum drive would wind the heavy nets onto the drum as it turned, pulling the nets and fish within easy reach of the crew.
Though no longer used in production, these artifacts remind us of the Easthope family’s contribution to maritime history.


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