Islais Creek Copra Crane
A Labor Landmark
San Francisco’s Copra Crane visibly reminds us of past work. It represents trans-oceanic scenes: harvesting coconuts on Pacific Isles; shipping copra; processing copra oil, food, soap, and medicine; recycling the residue for animal feed.
Once a site of fish canneries, tanneries, and slaughter houses, the bay inlet provided abundant blue collar jobs. When owners abandoned obsolete factories, Islais Creek became a “slum.” For decades preservationists, conservationists, and trade unionists have united to restore the waterway and its surroundings.
Working people, lead by the ILWU, the San Francisco Building Trades Council and Pile Drivers Local 34 intend to put the Copra Crane to educational and cultural use. The crane symbolizes past toil and future community cooperation. It marks respect for our environment and ourselves.
For additional information please contact Friends of Islais Creek: (415) 995-4755
Copra Crane Links:
Organized Labor Newspaper October 2011
Foundsf website
The Potrero View, July 2009
Islais Creek Wikipedia
International Longshore and Warehouse Union Dispatcher Feb. 2011
Mission Dispatch online newspaper, Sept. 2, 2009
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