A Brač inventor on Canadian currency
The centre’s name comes from a unique historical detail – a fishing vessel equipped with Puratić’s device appeared on the Canadian five-dollar banknote issued in 1972.
At first glance, this small house in Sumartin doesn’t immediately reveal the scale of the story it holds. Yet the House of 5 Dollars is exactly that – an interpretation centre dedicated to Mario Puratić, the man whose invention reshaped the global fishing industry.
This is not just an exhibition space. It’s a story of a life that began on Brač, crossed the ocean, and left a mark on the world. Born in 1904 into a family of fishermen and laborers, Puratić left his hometown in search of opportunity. In the United States, working aboard tuna boats and trawlers, he encountered the harsh reality of the job – hauling heavy fishing nets often required up to ten men.
Out of that challenge came an idea that would change everything. His invention, the Power Block, a simple yet highly effective device for hauling fishing nets, transformed the way fishing was done. Tasks that once demanded large crews could now be completed faster and with fewer people. In the fishing world, its impact was often compared to the introduction of electricity.
The influence of this invention quickly spread worldwide. Fishing operations became more efficient, entire sectors were saved from decline, and thousands of jobs were created through the production and installation of Power Blocks. For his contribution, Puratić received numerous recognitions, including being named Inventor of the Year in the United States.
Today, the interpretation centre in Sumartin preserves this remarkable story. Through a modern exhibition, it brings visitors closer not only to the technical brilliance of the invention but also to the life journey of a man who carried a piece of Brač into the wider world.
