Continuing with the “Piece of the Month” initiative, the Vila do Conde Museum selected for display during the month of July a pair of epaulettes, insignia of a naval officer, which belonged to the Captain of the Port of Vila do Conde, Adriano Coutinho Lanhoso, and are currently part of the collection of the Vila do Conde Museum.

Epaulettes were used as insignia on the shoulders of a naval officer’s dress uniform during official events.

Adriano Augusto Gonçalves Coutinho Lanhoso was one of the most striking and hard-working figures of the 1930s in Vila do Conde. Second Captain of the Port of Vila do Conde, a position he first held in the period between 10-11-1929 and 25-11-1933.

His work was essentially characterized by the devoted protection he provided to fishermen, seeking to satisfy their material and spiritual needs, as well as the recognition of the services inherent to the position he held.

As Captain of the Port of Vila do Conde, he was responsible for the following projects: Construction of the “Bairro dos Pescadores”; Construction of the “Casa dos Pescadores” where a primary school, a medical center and a women’s craft workshop now operate; creation of “Casa dos Pescadores” branches on the beaches of Labruge and Vila Chã, equipped with medical posts; construction of the “Fishermen’s Quarter” Chapel; Extension of lighthouses near the coast; continuation of the works in the Port of Vila do Conde; Draining the terminal section of the Ave River (which had not been done for many years, although shipbuilding systematically required it); construction of the “Casa do Salva Vidas” and allocation of the respective vessel.

Along with the position of Harbour Captain, he was part of an Administrative Commission of the City Council, where he showed a passionate interest in the life of Vila do Conde, due to his entrepreneurial spirit he achieved important achievements, of which we highlight: organization of the “Cortejo do Trabalhador”, in which all the parishes of the municipality were represented, presenting the economic potential of Vila do Conde; celebration of the “Festas do Carmo”, which enjoyed enormous fame and prestige, deserving the title of “Festas do Concelho”, and which stood out for the splendor of the decoration of the streets, the lighting of monuments and streets, the collaborations of the music band of the GNR of Lisbon, the Navy and Santiago de Compostela, as well as the landing (descent of a seaplane into the Ave river).

Throughout his life he was honored and honored, which reflects the recognition of all the people of Vila do Conde, highlighting his effort, tenacity and dedication to Vila do Conde.