The Quinton family began fishing out of Red Cliffe in southern Bonavista Bay in the late 1700s, eventually becoming merchants. In 1884 John Quinton started a general store in 1884 and became a prominent supplier of general merchandise and a buyer of salt fish, squid and fish products.  John Quinton Ltd. peaked in the 1950s.

 

The sea-hugging structures that once housed John Quinton Limited dominate part of the harbour in the community of Red Cliffe, and the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador designated the Quinton Premises as Registered Heritage Structures in 1984. 

 

Francis Quinlan Twine Store is located adjacent to Quinton Premises as Registered Heritage Structure.  It was built around 1890, or possibly earlier, as a place to make, repair and store nets, rope and twine.  It has stayed in the Quinton family for generations, and is the oldest twine store left in Red Cliffe.  The current generation of Quintons undertook its restoration with support from the Fisheries Heritage Preservation Program in 2007.

 

"I feel very proud of this project," says the twine store's current owner, "It is great that my family and I had an opportunity to preserve a part of our heritage.  The building is restored and looks like it did in the late 1800s.  I hope it is still there 200 years from now."