Folk songs -- English -- Prince Edward Island

Abstract NA4377 Alphonse Whitty, interviewed by Edward D. "Sandy" Ives at Whitty's home in Farmington, P.E.I. on April 1, 1968. Whitty, Larry Doyle's grandnephew, sings the opening stanzas of "The Picnic at Groshaut" and “Merchants of the Bay.” Brief discussion about some of the men mentioned in "Merchants of the Bay." Discussion about the song "The Bay Bridge" and Whitty speaks what he recalls of the lyrics. Questions about "When Johnny Went Plowing for Kieran" about one of Larry Doyle's nephews....

Abstract NA4365 Annie Laura (Mrs. Benjamin) Smith, interviewed by Edward D. "Sandy" Ives, August 27, 1965, in the home of Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Smith, age 84, in Alberton, P.E.I. With them is Frank McAlduff and the Smiths' son Chester Smith. Mrs. Smith sings "Gracie M. Parker." She believed a man named Arsenault from Tignish, P.E.I. wrote the song the fall of 1893. She witnessed the "Gracie M. Parker" loading at Alberton wharf and knew every one of the dead named in the song but one. Ives' notes on...

Abstract NA4397 Arthur Cahill, interviewed by Edward D. "Sandy" Ives at Groshaut, (St. Charles) P.E.I., July 18, 1970. Discusses Lawrence Doyle, his family, and songs, old days at Groshaut, background of Doyle’s songs; information on Hugh Lauchlan MacDonald and his songs; other songmakers discussed; discussion of the picnic at Groshaut, working in saloons, dance styles. Recording: mf167_1.1_ives070.03_cd135_01 - mf167_1.1_ives070.03_cd135_31. Time: 00:57:44Ives' notes on the interview...

Abstract NA4390 Sandy Ives' spoken notes and observations following a brief interview with Chester Pratt in St. Peter's, P.E.I. on April 3, 1969. Age 80, son of Charles E. "Peddler" Pratt (aka "Catch Eggs Pratt"), about whom Lawrence Doyle made up a song. Did not know Doyle well, but his father did not think well of Doyle. Description of a "tea party" fundraiser like the "Picnic at Groshaut." Tells about his father's wagons, which he used in peddling. Tom Lewis a better poet than Doyle. Recording:...

Abstract NA4369 Emile Arsenault interviewed by Edward D. "Sandy" Ives, August 26, 1965, at Arsenault's home in Tignish, P.E.I. Also, present James Reginald "Reggie" Porter and Frank Buote. Arsenault sings his version of “The Norway Bum,” keeping time by thumping. Arsenault sings “The Old Armchair” [Granny's Old Armchair] that he learned from Jimmy Duron. Ives' notes on the visit are recorded in his "Field Diary, Aug. 20, 1965, to Sept. 10, 1965." (NA2539, p. 11) Recording: mf167_1.1_ives065.07 &...

Abstract NA4362 Underhill A. and Emma W. Coughlin interviewed by Edward D. “Sandy” Ives, August 23, 1965, in the Coughlin's home in Brooklyn, P.E.I. Mrs. Coughlin sings “The Norway Bum.” She performs “John Ladner.” Mrs. Coughlin then performs “Guy Reed” by Joe Scott but as her voice weakens, she speaks the lyrics she learned from Dave Coughlin who was a neighbor about 1911 or 1912. She mentions Sam Cannon, who was a singer. Learned the "The Norway Bum" from Hannah Kinch and Laila Corkran who used to...

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2539 Edward D. "Sandy" Ives, donated by Edward D. "Sandy" Ives 1965. Field journal kept by Ives during collecting in trips to Prince Edward Island August 20, 1965-September 10, 1965. Text: 44 pp. journal.

Abstract NA4366 Frank Buote, interviewed by Edward D. "Sandy" Ives, August 26, 1965, at Buote's home in Tignish, P.E.I. Also, present James Reginald "Reggie" Porter. Buote, age 60, performs "The Norway Bum" in a clear tenor voice. He learned the song from Jim Arsenault from Frog Pond. Buote suggests Ives meet Emile Arsenault. Ives' notes on the visit are recorded in his "Field Diary, Aug. 20, 1965, to Sept. 10, 1965." (NA2539, p. 11) Recording: mf167_1.1_ives065.05 & 065.06_cd083_09 -...

Abstract NA4357 Fred McLaine interviewed by Edward D. "Sandy" Ives, July 17, 1965, at Lake George, Nova Scotia, Canada. Present during the interview Sharon Spurrell and Fred Cogswell and Mr. McLaine's sister. McLaine, age 80, worked with Joe Scott cutting pulp while working for Fred Greenlow. Joe used to sing his songs while working with the Greenlow pulp operation. Heard Joe's songs before he met Joe. Discusses the song, "The Plain Golden Band." Discusses how Joe "could stop a toothache." Joe was...

Abstract NA4363 Grattan McHugh, interviewed by Edward D. "Sandy" Ives at the McHugh home in Tignish, P.E.I., August 25, 1965. With them is Stephen Ives. Background includes talk and rustling from the kitchen. Mr. McHugh, age 60, sings some Joe Scott songs. "Howard Carey," McHugh learned from Burt Provost. "Benjamin Deane," learned from Burt Provost. Ives' notes on the visit are recorded in his "Field Diary, Aug. 20, 1965, to Sept. 10, 1965." (NA2539, p. 6) Recording: mf167_1.1_ives065.03 &...

Abstract NA4384 Herbert MacLeod, interviewed by Edward D. "Sandy" Ives, April 4, 1968, at the Senior Citizens Home, Montague, P.E.I. Also present in the room, Mrs. MacLeod, Bobby Ives. MacLeod, age 79, sings "The Picnic at Groshaut" from a typed copy. His voice is a strong tenor ending lines of the song with a vibrato. Sings "Out Behind the Barn," a popular song. Sings “Galway Bay.” Speaks about the farm where he was born and lived, that it was where the "Bear at Grand River" crossed the river and...

Abstract 3614 Recorded by Edward D. “Sandy” Ives. Recording of songs. “Howard Carey,” first version sung by John O’Conner and second by Wesley Smith, as well as “Guy Reed” sung by Philip Walsh, “The Plain Golden Band” sung by Sam Jagoe and “Benjamin Deane” sung & recited by William Bell. On the second side of the tape are the songs “Benjamin Deane” version 2 sung by Chester Price and version 3 sung by Wilmot MacDonald. Also, “The Norway Bum” sung by James Brown and “The White Cafe” sung by Fred...

Abstract NA4373 Joseph “Joe” Walsh interviewed by Edward D. "Sandy" Ives, September 1, 1965, at Morell Rear, P.E.I. Also, present Bobby and Stephen Ives. The sound of rambunctious child or children running around can be heard in the background. Walsh performs his version of Joe Scott's ballad, "Howard Carey" that he learned from Tom Keith in P.E.I., a schoolteacher who worked on the railroad and was killed in a train wreck. Walsh explains where in the song he "got it wrong" and advised Ives to use...

Abstract NA4405 Mrs. John Banks, interviewed by Edward D. "Sandy" Ives at Poplar Point, P.E.I., July 22, 1970. Information on Hughie Lauchlan MacDonald and his songs, also Dan Somers and Lawrence Doyle, other song makers; discusses references in songs; recites parts of songs; talks about farming. Banks was born at Table Head and moved to Poplar Point when he was three years old. Worked in Boston. Been as far as Route 16 on the Island. Mentions that Somers was a beautiful singer and had low vision so...

Abstract NA4385 John J. "Jack" MacIssac, interviewed by Edward D. "Sandy" Ives on April 5, 1968, at the home of a family member. Mr. MacIssac, age 87, is blind and diabetic and complains of having short wind. Gives general information about Larry Doyle. Lived in St. Charles, near Larry Doyle. Sings one stanza of "Bay Bridge" by Larry Doyle. Sings "Picnic at Groshaut." Sings one stanza of "Bear at Grand River." Conversation follows on Doyle. Description of a "concert." How Doyle used to auction....

Abstract NA4386 John "Jack" Farrell, interviewed by Edward D. "Sandy" Ives on March 31, 1969, at St. Georges, P.E.I. Also present in room, Bobby Ives. Farrell had been recommended by Mr. McCormack, a neighbor, who wrote to Ives. Roar in background is blower in kerosene burner in stove. Farrell was sitting by the stove. Farrell sings "The Potato Bug" which he attributes Lawrence Doyle. Farrell's father used to board with Doyle and work in his carpenter shop with him. Watched him make up songs....

Abstract NA4382 John Miller, interviewed by Edward D. "Sandy" Ives, April 2, 1962, at the Miller home in Morell, P.E.I. Miller sings the most complete version of "When Johnny Went Plowing for Kieran" found to date and names Kieran Larkin and Johnny McCormick as the subjects of the song. Sings “Bear at Grand River,” fragmentary with long pauses. Miller sings a complete version of “Prince Edward Isle, Adieu.” Sings one stanza of “The Merchants of the Bay.” Miller sings two stanzas of the song he made,...

Abstract NA4370 John Morrison, interviewed by Edward D. "Sandy" Ives, August 30, 1965, at Morrison's home in Charlottetown, P.E.I. Also present, Mrs. John Morrison, the couple's son and two of his young children who can be heard playing. Pet parakeets also singing. Morrison, age 53, sings a couple verses of his version of “Howard Carey” and explains how he makes an active effort to remember the song. Morrison is originally from Conway but worked "around the shore" [fishing] and in the lobster cannery...

Abstract NA4372 John O'Connor interviewed by Edward D. "Sandy" Ives, August 31, 1965, at Hope River, P.E.I., Canada. (See NA2539, p. 25). Also present in the room, Mrs. O'Connor and Stephen Ives. O'Connor begins by singing the Joe Scott ballad, "Howard Carey" that he learned in 1919. O'Connor performs "The Plain Golden Band" that he learned from Gabriel Warren in the 1920s. O'Connor performs "The Boys of the Island" he learned from Corelius "Cor" Herrell in 1919. Spoke of entertainment in the woods...

Abstract NA4361 John R. Dignan, interviewed by Edward D. "Sandy" Ives, August 24, 1965, at Howland, P.E.I., Canada. Dignan, age 83, talks about meeting Joe Scott around 1902 when Dignan was 19 years old during his "first and only experience" working in the woods. Dignan was working with Tom Tracey's crew at the Wentwork [?] location on the Androscoggin River near the New Hampshire border. Joe Scott showed up at the camp selling his songs for 10-cents apiece. Dignan bought three or four of the songs....

Abstract NA4378 Leo Gorman, interviewed by Edward D. "Sandy" Ives at his home in Groshaut (St. Charles), P.E.I. on April 1, 1968. In the room for the session are Leo Gorman, age 70, his wife, his daughter Susan, his bachelor brothers John D. and Ambrose, Arthur Cahill, Alphonse Whitty, and Bobby Ives. Ives' notes on this recording: For this first selection, I made a bad blunder by accidentally recording over the first of a session at Gorman's. What follows here came after we had a tea and after we'd...

Abstract NA4367 Linus Christopher, interviewed by Edward D. "Sandy Ives, August 26, 1965, at the Christopher home in Tignish, P.E.I. Also, present James Reginald "Reggie" Porter and Frank Buote. Christopher, age 80, sings "Brennan on the Moor," about a highway man. "Fair Charlotte." "The Crockery Ware." Ives' notes on the visit are recorded in his "Field Diary, Aug. 20, 1965, to Sept. 10, 1965." (NA2539, p. 13) Recording: mf167_1.1_ives065.05 & 065.06_cd083_11 - mf167_1.1_ives065.05 &...

Abstract NA4364 Malvina Doucette interviewed by Edward D. "Sandy" Ives, August 26, 1965, at the home of her sister, Mary Blanche Gaudet, Tignish, P.E.I. With them is Mary's grandson. Mavina's great nephew, James Reginald "Reggie" Porter. The recording starts with Ives' dubbing of a recording Porter made of his great aunt singing "Howard Carey." Doucette then performs "Howard Carey" for Ives to record. Learned the song from James Poirer. She left the island at age 18 to go to Massachusetts. Mentions...

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2432 Mary Cousins, interviewed by Edward D. “Sandy” Ives, September 1996, Campbellton, P.E.I., Canada. Cousins talks about the words to song "O’Halloran Road"; sightings of the Burning Ship; and autobiographical material. Text: 8 pp. transcript. Recording: mfc_na2432_c1517_01, mfc_na2432_c1517_02 [C 1517]. 54 minutes

Abstract NA4391 Mr. & Mrs. Wilfred Larkin, interviewed by Edward D. "Sandy" Ives, April 3, 1969, at the senior's home in St. Peters, P.E.I. Wilfred Larkin is 93 years old. His wife is 80 years old. Mr. Larkins sings "Charming Sally Ann." Breaks off after first and second stanza, but then continues. Sings with great difficulty. Conversation about some of Doyle's songs. Other matters relating to old St. Peters. (The rattling is the large sheets of paper on which Mrs. Larkin had written songs down)....

Abstract NA4376 Mrs. John MacIsaac, interviewed by Edward D. "Sandy" Ives in her St. Peters, P.E.I. home on April 1, 1968. Begins with Mrs. MacIsaac, Larry Doyle's grandniece, explaining her relationship to Larry Doyle. His sister, Ellen Doyle, was her grandmother who married Dennis Whitty. She indicates she was the second oldest in her family but her first name is not included on the recording. Larry Doyle was her godfather as well as her great uncle. Discusses the genealogy of the family and...

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0624 Musical performance, by Edward D. "Sandy" Ives, May 18, 1971, in the Coe Lounge, University of Maine Memorial Union. Recording of a program of folksongs given as part of Poetry, spring 1971. Ives' performance includes a series of ballads from Joe Scott's "Plain Golden Band" to classical guitar works by Spanish Renaissance composer, Luis de Milán. Recording: mfc_na0624_t0345_01, mfc_na0624_t0345_02. (T 0345 / PM 0537). 1 hour

Abstract NA2539 Field journal, created by Edward D. "Sandy" Ives, Prince Edward Island, Canada, 1969. Field journal kept in long-hand by Ives during collecting in trips to Prince Edward Island August 20, 1965 - September 10, 1965. The first of three field journals kept by Ives while researching the life of Larry Doyle. Missing from the collection are Journal 2, September 10, 1965 - September 16, 1966, and Journal 3, March 30, 1968 - July 22, 1970. Handwritten text: 44 pp. No typed transcription...

Abstract NA4374 Omer McKenna, interviewed by Edward D. "Sandy" Ives, September 28, 1965, in McKenna's home, Rumford, ME. In the room are his wife, Cecelia (Perry) McKenna, and his daughter Theresa I. (McKenna) Gallant. Recorded September 28, 1965. Ives’ notes: McKenna begins singing the song "Benjamin Deane" from a typed text that he dictated to his daughter a year earlier. Attempting to read the lyrics and sing throws him off. He puts the paper aside, but his daughter picks it up to prompt him. He...

Abstract NA4368 Philip Cameron interviewed by Edward D. "Sandy" Ives, August 28, 1965, at Wellington, P.E.I. Also, present Stephen Ives. Cameron sings the first verse of "The Plain Golden Band" then recites the words upon request. Never learned the full song but heard his uncle Michael Cameron sing it. Cameron sings "John Ladner" and explains he got the song from Albert "Ab" Stewart and understood it to be a Joe Scott song. Cameron then sings his version of "Bachelor's Hall" by Larry Gorman. Ives'...