Interesting Facts ---Commemorative Book 

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NEWS BULLETIN!  THE BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE!!!

     

     Containing some factual history of the area, a sprinkle of folklore tales and anecdotes, and an interesting photographic section, our commemorative book will surely become more than just another souvenir.  It will be an invaluable asset of recollection for the descendants of all the people who have ever called Bond’s Path-Southeast their home.

The area known as Bond’s Path extends from the top of Blockhouse Hill to the Smelt River Bridge.  The wooded area of Bond’s Path where St. Edward’s School once stood is known as the Burnt Woods.  It was so named because of a fire that occurred there on Thursday, July 19, 1888.

Bond’s Path was named for Prime Minister Sir Robert Bond in July 1905.  However, it was neither an honor nor a compliment at the time.  You will have to wait for the Come Home Year 2006 commemorative book to learn the detailed history as to how the place-name Bond’s Path came to be.

One of the big attractions in Bond’s Path is the O’Keefe Christmas Village.  That village, owned by Adrian O’Keefe and his family, is a showcase of a wide variety of Christmas and cartoon character scenes.  Every year a new character is added to the display.  A walk through the O’Keefe Christmas village with your family during the Christmas season is a must.

Southeast extends from the Smelt River Bridge to where the Dermot McGettigan Memorial Cemetery is located.  You will also have to wait for the commemorative Come Home Year 2006 book to find out exactly why Southeast was so named.

In close proximity to Placentia, Southeast extends along the Southeast Arm for approximately eight kilometers.  It can best be described as a modern rural community with ample natural attractions and scenic beauty.  Bond’s Path and Southeast have become very populated in recent years, as more and more people are lured to its scenery and serenity.

One of the areas in Southeast that bears witness to nature at its finest is Shaw’s Lane.  Rugged, yet appealing, that area is nestled in a forest with access to Rice’s Pond and the Southeast Arm.  It is used extensively for hiking, skiing, swimming, skating, canoeing, and tobogganing.  The first school — St. Joseph’s School — in Southeast was located at the head of Shaw’s Lane and was in operation from 1888 (the same year as the Burnt Woods fire) to 1950.

In 1949, construction of a new school was begun on the hill overlooking what is now known as the Wayne John Searle Recreation Complex.  The construction of St. Joseph’s School was supervised by Mercedes O’Keefe’s father, Vince McLennon.

Some interesting places to visit in Bond’s Path-Southeast include:

•Dermot McGettigan Memorial Cemetery

•Coombs Memorial Cemetery

•Lannon’s Sawmill

•Wayne John Searle Recreation Complex

•Shaw’s Lane

•Smelt River

•O’Keefe’s Christmas Village

•Pinnacle Rock

•Placentia  Regatta Site

For more information regarding the Bond’s Path-Southeast Come Home Year 2006 commemorative book, as well as other special souvenirs that will be available this year, please continue to monitor our website, e-mail: ecollins@personainternet.com or call 709-227-3579.

  ITEMS AVAILABLE TO DATE INCLUDE:

• CD of Local Singers / entertainers---$20.00 + $5.00 Shipping
  

• Commemorative Book---$15.00 + $5.00 Shipping
  

• 
  

FAMILY STORIES

Mike McHugh

The name McHugh is a little foreign to Bond’s Path, as I was born on the Jersey Side. My father was a McHugh from Argentia. After my father's death in 1932, we moved to my grandmother’s house on the beginning of the Point Verde Road. My grandmother was a King from Bond’s Path

and I was first cousin to Bill and Jim King and their siblings.

Going to school in the early years meant walking along Point Verde Road to a location known as the Harbour Path, exit to Bond's Path South East Highway. Due to the distance, after school it was not feasible to play with the

kids in the area, consequently I missed that personal contact of having close playmates, but that would correct itself in later years.

After my mother moved to Point Verde Road, she opened up a small convenience store, at the Point Verde and Southeast Road junction. During the War Years she had interesting and well known St. John's politicians and business folk drop by her store. This was during the period of pre-confederation in 1949. My two brothers John and Ron went to Mount Cashel Orphanage and my two sisters Anne and Madeline went to Belvedere Orphanage as after my father's death that was the normal thing to do at that time. They would in later years return home to work at the Argentia Base.

The Bond's Path/Southeast “Come Home Year” is no doubt a great way for young and old alike to celebrate their roots and share the same with others. Visitors from near and far will come and enjoy the scenery and homespun hospitality with relatives and friends to rekindle the colourful

memories.

I remember having to leave home at an early age to obtain employment in St. John's and mainland Canada. Many young people are doing the same thing today. During my visits home I would take pictures of the places that brought back memories. One of those memories was the one-room schoolhouse I remember attending in Bond's Path, and earlier in the early 1940s attending a two-storey house with a converted one-room classroom. A new school was built a few years later, but still no indoor plumbing, and heated with only a potbelly wood stove. I was five years of age when I went to the first school. I remember the wide attached desks with three and four seats side by side, the inkwell on top of the desk, the leaks in the roof, the cold classroom and all the other discomforts that we took in stride. This was in the late 1930s. Later the United States Base would open at Argentia in mid 1940s, and prosperity

seemed to be around as the people were working.

As young children, we would bring the firewood to school in our arms, and take turns in making the fire to provide the heat before everybody else arrived. Bathroom facilities consisted of an outhouse about one-hundred feet from the school premises. In the winter months it meant getting there, up to your waist in snow. Walking a distance to school during cold winter mornings, with

books and an armful of firewood, wasn't all that pleasant. There was no complaining, as it was just a way of life.

A good dedicated teacher with good family roots provided the early childhood training. No doubt an extension of the home training, and they seemed to blend well. The regular school day started with daily prayer. Afterwards we would have a religion or catechism class. This had a tremendous impression on us for years to come. Classes consisted of spelling, reading, writing

and arithmetic. You had to memorize your arithmetic tables, as there were no calculators in those days. You had to use your brain for calculating purposes. Just to add here, we were not fortunate enough to have note pads, scribblers or exercise books. We used what was called a slate and a slate pencil. A small bottle of water and a small cloth were used as an eraser. It seemed to do the

trick just fine.

Also in the 1940s, hot chocolate or Cocomalt was provided by the government, and that was a welcomed treat during the cold winter mornings.

Prior to school closing for the summer holidays, young students would team up to lime or whitewash the school’s pailing fence. This was good training in taking care of school property and learning a lesson in responsibility.

Yearly school concerts would be held by the teachers, presenting the students with their talents and training. This was the time for the parents and relatives to enjoy an evening of entertainment.

The teachers that taught at the schools in Bond's Path seem to come to mind. The old school where I started was later purchased by a Mr. John Hanrahan, Sr. who later turned it into a private home. The teacher at this time was Miss Florence Greene from Point Verde. She later married Mr. Ronald Lannon and moved to Southeast to live. When the new one-room school was built at

the beginning of the Burnt Woods in the early 1940s, she moved her classes to the new school and later retired to raise a family.

The next teacher in the new school was Miss Teresa Linehan from Southeast. I believe she retired in the 1940s to move to the United States. We later had a new teacher by the name of Miss Marie Greene from Point Verde, who also moved to the United States. A new teacher came to teach for a while, I recall her name to be Miss Sadie Stewart. She was not from the local area

but did board with a local family in Bond's Path. Our first male teacher to come upon the scene was Mr. Ronald Greene from Point Verde. He later retired from the teaching profession to run his family business of a general store in Point Verde. During his term of teaching in Bond's Path, his sister Miss Millie Greene, who later became Mrs. Bert Young, taught at the school in

Southeast. During this period, combined field trips would involve both schools coming together periodically. Later I would attend the new St. Edward's High School in Placentia, now an elementary school, to finish my grades up to and including grade eleven.

Bond's Path school, as far as I know, was by then taken over by a Mrs. Kathleen Collins, who married Mr. John Collins, a bus operator from Bond's Path. From this period on, a new generation of pupils including my own nephew and nieces, the Millers, continued on with the tradition in Bond’s Path school, that by then had a new addition of a classroom, installation of

indoor plumbing and a new heating system. The building of a new school, Laval Regional High School at Placentia, resulted in Bond's Path school being closed. The windows were boarded up and it was used only as a warehouse, and later it was torn down. All that remains is a vacant lot

and a lot of memories.

The family names that made up the community in 1940s were the Emberleys, and the families of

Joseph Barron, James Newman, and Paddy King, who was my mother's brother and consequently

the family were cousins of mine. Other families were those of James Brown, the Sweeneys, and

later arriving were the Piccos, Pat Martin Sr., the Hefferans, and John Hanrahan, Sr. Many of

these people came to settle in the area to get work at Argentia. Their children in most cases went

to school in Bond's Path. Down the road was Mr. Jimmy Barron, who had a trucking and oil

delivery business, and we looked forward in later years to getting a ride in his truck. He just

loved children and had a great sense of humor. Next was the home of Charles Sr. and Mrs. Agnes

Collins. They had a large musical and talented family. As well, there were the families of Tom

Tobin and John Gale Sr. and his wonderful family, Cyril Collins and his family, the families of

Frank and Minnie Collins and James and Annie King. Later their sons and daughters settled in

the area. Ron Collins, who married a cousin of mine, and their family also lived there. Other

families were Anthony and Cecilia (Sis) Lannon, Ned and Alice Collins, Joe and Marie Brooks,

Aloysius and Mercedes O'Keefe, and the great roots of David and Mary O'Keefe, Jack and Mary

Dean, and Allen and Betty Flood, and Arthur O’Keefe, and all their children. All these families

of the area were hard working and honest people. All with a good sense of humor in the most

difficult times. People of the community were of great stock, a pleasure to know and still friends

after all the years. All the children from the above mentioned family names went to Bond's Path

School, in addition to the children of Ray Sr. and Madeline Miller (my sister), and Mike and

Mary Kerrivan's children of Southeast.

I remember an old gentleman saying to me one time,“You cannot live in the past, but you can

take the good out of the past and adapt it to the present, so as to help us with the future.” It is

easy to take the experiences of the one-room school as “the good out of the past” and adapt it to

the present and future. The small one-room school provided good training for young minds. We

experienced the simplicity of life, but today life seems to be very complicated for all. We learned

respect for other people and for our surroundings. We were provided good religious training and

good teaching in all other classes. These small one-room schools produced good people who

moved on to become good leaders in all aspects of life.

NOTES FROM A PROUD SOUTHEASTER

Bill Gale

On a nice cool October morning in 1936 a baby boy was born to William and Agnes (Shaw)

Gale. He was the third child to come into this family. His siblings were 5 ½ year old Martha and

four-year old Matthew. That little baby was me, William, and the date of 69 years ago is not too

vivid a memory for me, however, I can remember as far back as when I was three years old. I

have a very vivid memory of June 28, 1940, when my first cousin, Aloysius McLennon, drove

my mother and me to the Placentia slip by horse and carriage to get on a small motor boat and

walk up Jerseyside hill to the train station to catch the train to St. John’s, where I would be

hospitalized until October 4, 1940, a period slightly over three months. The reason was I had

ulcer of the cornea on my eye. I consider myself very fortunate growing up to have very loving

parents. While we did not have much extra, we had what we needed. Work became a way of life

at a very early age, when what they call chores today we saw those as duties and responsibilities.

At a very early age I learned to milk a cow, feed the pigs, the hens, and the ducks, and feed and

shear the sheep. Also the spring job of hauling out the manure was a s…. job for sure. When I

was about 12 years old I became very interested in sheep farming. We had two sheep at the time,

so I bought two from my cousin, Tom McLennon, and two more from another cousin, Charlie

Gale. Over the ensuing years I bought and raised the animals until one year we had close to 400

sheep and lambs. In the meantime I had graduated from St. Edward’s School and had joined the

Royal Bank of Canada, and the sheep venture became too much for my aging father so we

butchered them off and sold some live.

I started school at St. Joseph’s one room school in Southeast where we had grades 1 to 11 with

one teacher. While the numbers were small it was still a big job for any teacher. In those days we

went to high school in Placentia for grades 8 to 11, where my teachers were Sister Mark for

grades 8 and 9 and Sister Clement for grades 10 and 11. Then of course there was the infamous

commercial business course, taught by Mother Edward (who I am sure had lots of business

experience). That course was not great and somewhat boring until one day a couple of us from

Southeast and Bond’s Path decided it looked like it might snow, so we took it upon ourselves to

arrange for the bus to take us home at noon time without telling Mother Edward. Lo and behold

the next morning she arrived around 10:00 o’clock and stood in the door and said, “You

Southeasters, get out!”. She would not accept any explanation, so that ended the course for

many, but my mother was unhappy with my story. She went down to see the teacher and she was

very nice to my mother, but she told her unless I came back I would not be able to get a letter of

reference from the school, so I went back to the class but not for long. Two weeks later my father

didn’t look well so I told the good sister I had to look after things at home due to my father’s

poor health. There wasn’t much time left anyway so she gave me a certificate of completion.

I joined the Royal Bank of Canada October 23, 1954 at the Placentia branch. Mr. J. P. O’Brien,

who had been talking to me for some six months encouraging me to complete an application for

employment, hired me. I really did not want to go to work in a bank, but it was October, so I

thought it might be a good place for the winter. It turned out to be a long winter from October

1954 to July 31, 1993! I started my RBC career like most others in those days as a junior clerk.

Everything was posted by hand, all the passbooks and ledgers. We sometimes spent nights

looking for an error of as little as a penny, I say nights because our days were full. In addition to

my clerical duties I was responsible for keeping the coal furnace going, dusting the office every

morning and changing the pen nibs, as well as cleaning the inkwells. The old India ink would dry

out over night making the job somewhat challenging at times.

In April of 1957 I got transferred to Argentia branch, which as it turned out was to be the first of

14 such transfers. I had the good fortune to work in all four Atlantic Provinces. I retired as Vice-

president RBC Royal Bank New Brunswick after close to 39 years of service. I have to say I

enjoyed my career with the bank and will be forever thankful to Mr. J.P. O’Brien for his

determination in getting me to join the bank.

On the family roots side of things I will start with the Gale Family. My grandfather, Thomas

Gale, was born in Yorkshire, England on June 9, 1859. At the age of 23 he came to Gaultois,

Newfoundland to work for a British fish-packaging firm. He practiced his trade as a cooper (one

who makes barrels and wooden-spoked wheels). In 1884 he married my grandmother, Mary

Peters, from Harbour Breton, Newfoundland. That marriage produced four children: Alice, John,

William and James. In the early 1900s Alice married James McLennon from Southeast.

Sometime shortly after that event, grandfather Gale came over to Southeast to see where his only

daughter had moved. Obviously, he liked what he saw. Upon his return to Gaultois he announced

to his family that he thought they should move to Southeast. In 1905 the Gale clan left Gaultois

and arrived in the Promised Land. For a short time they lived with Alice, until grandfather bought

an older home from a Mr. Pat O’Keefe. The old house was located very near where Theresa

Gale’s house is now located. The land that was included ran from Shaw’s Lane to Mr. George

Lannon’s property. In the meantime grandfather also acquired land on the opposite side of the

road, where he built a house. This later became Uncle Jim Gale’s home. Aunt Alice McLennon

and her husband Uncle Jim lived in Southeast and raised their family of six children.

Uncle John Gale married Violet Collins from Bond’s Path and they lived there and raised their

family of nine children. Uncle Jim Gale married Ellen Kelly from Southeast and lived where

previously mentioned. They raised a family of three children. My father, Will, as he was known,

married Mary Agnes Shaw, who was born and raised down Shaw’s Lane, about 150 feet from the

wharf. They had three children. In all, the Gales were instrumental in increasing the population of

Southeast and Bond’s Path by 21 offspring – a commendable contribution.

On my mother’s side the story is shorter. My great grandfather Peter Shaw came from Ireland and

settled in Shaw’s Lane near the water (beautiful Southeast Arm), as he was a fisherman. He

married Mary (don’t know her last name). They raised three children, Robert, Patrick and Mary.

Robert was my grandfather. He married Martha O’Leary from Fox Harbour. Incidentally, her

grandmother was an Irish princess who eloped to Newfoundland with her boyfriend who was a

commoner. He, being a fisherman, also wanted to be near the water so he settled in Fox Harbour.

My grandfather and grandmother had six children – Peter, Paul, Matthew, Anastasia, Mary

Agnes and Elsie. My grandmother died in childbirth, delivering her daughter Elsie.

My mother, Mary Agnes, married my father William Gale on January 9, 1929. This union

produced three children: Martha in 1930, Matthew in 1932 and me (born in 1936). Martha

married Raymond Foley from Little Barachoix. They had eleven children. My brother Matthew

died of pneumonia in 1938 at the age of six. I was married to Marina Tobin from Placentia and

we have four children.

In conclusion I must say that while it has been 46 years since I lived in Southeast, it will always

be HOME to me. I relive some of my childhood memories practically everyday including the

great times I spent with my three best friends while growing up, Vincent and Pat McLennon and

Bill Barron.

AN INTERESTING NOTE: A former colleague of Mr. Gale’s has informed the Book

Committee that he has received the prestigious Order of New Brunswick for 2005 for his work

with the homeless in that city. A story on Mr. Gale in “The New Brunswick Reader”, November

26, 2005 titled “The Good Banker” tells of his work and compassion. Congratulations, Mr.

Gale on your award!

My Early Days in Southeast

Alice Lannon

In February 1955 my husband and I moved to Southeast His mother was asking him to come to

live. The American Naval Base was booming and jobs were no problem so he decided to come

home. We had two girls, Jeanette, age five and Patsy (now Pat) 18 months.

The house I live in was built by a William Barron for James Lannon. James and other Lannons

were living on the other side of the Southeast Arm. He bought some land from a Collins and in

1900 he decided to have the house built and the family moved in on July 8, 1900. A fireplace in

the parlor that has not been used in many years has the date inscribed on the brick. It is worn off

now, but up to a couple of years ago it was plain to see.

A lot of people had space rented out to Americans. My father-in-law, Fred Lannon, had two

apartments in his home. One was vacant at that time, so rather than ask the family in his father’s

house to leave he let us live in an upstairs apartment until the American family moved to the

base. We stayed there for thirteen months, because when the family moved out in January the

pipes were all frozen, so we waited till March 1956 to come to live here. Over the front door was

a large board with the name “Land’s Dale Villa” in fancy lettering. It is no longer there and I am

sorry now that we didn’t keep it.

When we came here there were a lot of elderly people and only a few young couples. There were

three stores; Mrs. Bride (George) Lannon, Mrs. Agnes Gale (Will) and up the head Vince Lamb

had a store and gas tank. Gas at that time was 25 cents a gallon. Vince Lamb also had a daily taxi

service to St. John’s. The fare was five dollars one way. His car was a seven passenger one. On

most days he had a full load. He also bought things at stores or delivered things in St. John’s for

one dollar an item.

In Mrs. Bride Lannon’s store was a post office. The mail came to Placentia three days a week by

train; Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays, however in Southeast it was only for Mondays and

Fridays and to get a post office order a person would have to go to Placentia office.

Mrs. Bride became ill and she asked me to take the mail, which I did. It was like history

repeating itself as Esther, my husband’s grandmother, had the port office in this house back

during the Responsible Government era. They were later closed with the change of government.

When I took the mail it was twice a week. Then the mail started coming by truck on a daily basis

except Saturday and Sunday. I was also given small money orders. I already had COD packages.

The pay was $25.00 a month which went to $27.50 and only came every three months. It wasn’t

a regular cheque it was called a warrant and could only be cashed at the Placentia Post Office.

Now that I had five mail days instead of two days, I asked for a raise but the Diefenbaker

Government decided to close out these small post offices and install rural route mail boxes. We

still have those, and if someone has a parcel it has to be picked up at Placentia.

The one-room schoolhouse had an outhouse. When Jeanette started school in September 1956

there was no kindergarten, then a child had to be six years old before the end of the year and

started grade one. The children went from grade one to eight; however a parent had the option to

send their children to the convent school in Placentia, St. Edward’s. The bus was free from

grades nine to eleven but if your child went to Placentia at a lower grade the cost was five dollars

a month to the bus driver. Jeanette went to St. Edward’s at grade five.

After that the school in Southeast was enlarged to two rooms and indoor plumbing was installed.

Pat went to Placentia for grade four. My other three children started school at Southeast. Michael

was in grade three, Michelle was in grade four and Jackie was in grade two when the Southeast

school was closed. For the last few years it was from grade one to six. My youngest child, Sean,

who was born to me at age 44, was the only one of mine to go from kindergarten to grade 12 at

Placentia.

We live at the top of Morrissey’s Lane and when my children were small we spent a lot of time

down the lane to Morrissey’s Cove. At first they sailed paper boats made from catalogues leaves

and played in the sand or threw stones in the water and had picnics.

In the early sixties we decided to make a place for swimming by raking up sharp stones and

clearing away the kelp. There once was a wharf but only a pile of rocks remained. We used this

as a starting point and cleaned about seventy to eighty feet along the shore line and about forty

feet from the shore. This was our swimming area. At first it was only my children but soon a lot

of cousins and neighborhood children joined us. Their mothers let them come because I was

always there with them.

I always kept two gallon Javex plastic bottles tied by a nylon stocking to each handle. That was

for safety reasons. If someone got in trouble I would swim to them and let him or her hold one

bottle while I held the other one and tow them to shore. I only had to do that a couple of times.

Most of the children used the idea and had their floats. The nylon stocking went behind the neck

and let the bottles float up under the arms and by their backs. The children would lie in the water

and move their arms and legs until the movements were coordinated. They would practice until

they could swim along the shoreline with the floats with no problems. When they were ready I

would walk out to my neck and have them come by me, and without the floats , swim towards

the shore. After a few attempts they were ready to swim.

I only knew the breast stroke and side stroke and floated on my back. The children, or at least

some of them, would jump off the pile of rocks and swim under water for a few feet. Some days I

would have up to thirty children ranging from ages five to fifteen years. They were great children,

and I would yell at them if I thought they were going too far out and they listened to me and

never gave me a saucy answer. Now when I meet them in their forties and fifties they thank me

for showing them how to swim.

My other claim to fame was the homemade fudge I gave out on Halloween. The children on the

school bus would tell my children that they would like some fudge with their treats. Only last

year a young man told me he used to come back about three times the same night with a different

false face to get the fudge. I still give out fudge.

I have seen a lot of changes in the past fifty years; paved roads, water and sewer, street lights and

a large number of new houses and people. I miss our summers swimming the tide, and deciding

when to go, anytime between nine in the morning and nine at night. I quit teaching swimming

when the sewage treatment plants were draining into the arm. My youngest had to go to St.

John’s with his classmates to learn to swim. Rice’s Pond at Shaw’s Lane is still a popular

swimming place.

FAMILY STORIES

Joseph and Margaret Barron

Joseph Barron was born in St. Joseph’s, Placentia Bay on November 12, 1896. At the age of 28

he met Margaret (Maggie) Emberley, who was born in Petite Forte on April 11, 1906. They were

married on February 7, 1925. They built their home at St. Joseph’s, where Joe worked as a

fisherman, and also fished the Grand Banks and on the Labrador. When the base began at

Argentia in the early 1940's, they decided to uproot their family, Peter, Cecilia (Sis), Violet and

Ag, and move. They lived in Argentia for a couple of years until he decided to build a new home

in Bond’s Path (Dunn’s Hill to be exact). There the family grew to include three more children,

James, Ignatius (Iggy) and Evelyn. Maggie’s full-time job was taking care of their home and

family. Periodically she was called upon to clean house for the Presentation Sisters.

Joe worked in Argentia until he retired in 1966. He was known to all in the Placentia area as

Uncle Joe. He could be seen many times a day “making a run to the harbour” (Placentia). They

enjoyed their life in Placentia surrounded by their family and friends. He passed away on Sunday,

February 7, 1982, their wedding anniversary. Ironically Maggie died eight years later on their

wedding anniversary, on Sunday, February 7, 1990.

Arthur (Joe) and Marie Brooks

Arthur W. (Joe) was born in Fortune and also lived in St. Pierre, Miquelon with his mother and

father, Florence & Arthur W. Brooks and then returned to Fortune where he stayed until 1942.

Joe is the youngest of six children. Joe lost his leg at the age of 14 years due to a soccer accident.

He was transported to St. John’s by boat and since that took a number of days, gangrene had set

in and the leg was amputated. Joe went to work at the Argentia, Naval Base in1942 and worked

there in different jobs, one of which was Assistant Manager and Manager of the Navy Exchange

for many years. Joe also owned and operated the Junction Service Station in Placentia for 18

years. He is retried now and they still live in Bond’s Path. He and Marie have traveled

extensively and most recently to Quebec (with their daughter, Shirley and husband Bob) to St.

Anne’s Shrine and to visit their other daughter, Sandra and her family in Orillio, Ontario, then

onto Florida for a visit with Shirley and family.

Marie (King) was born in Bond’s Path in 1920 and has remained in the area all her life. She is the

daughter of Annie and James King. She has two brothers Gordon (deceased) and Johnny living in

Bond’s Path and a sister Kathleen (deceased) and her niece Bernice (King) Cooney, whom her

mother, Annie raised. Marie worked on the Argentia Naval Base for five years.

Arthur (Joe) and Marie met at a dance in Freshwater and courted for three years. They married

and raised 11 children and have lived in Bond’s Path for 54 years. Shirley is the oldest, Bob, Art,

Freeman, Florence, Matilda (deceased) Gerard, Sandra, Sharon, Wayne and Hubert. They have a

number of grandchildren and great grandchildren living in the area and abroad. This year on July

th th

10 , Marie & Joe will celebrate their 60 wedding anniversary. [Congratulations Folks!]

Jim and Rose Browne

Jim and Rose Browne lived on the “top of the Blockhouse Hill”; the only house on the waterside

from the Blockhouse up to Billy Barron’s.

Jim came to Placentia from Bar Haven, the son of Douglas and Lucy Browne. Rose’s family

came from Red Island. She was the daughter of Nellie & Paddy King. When they married, they

built their house across from Nellie King. The original house was a bungalow. In 1959, he made

it into a two story which still stands today.

Back in the early days of the base, many of the Americans didn’t live in base housing, so they

had to find places out in the immediate area. Jim & Rose rented part of their house (then a

bungalow) to a family named Keyes. They came back to visit over the years and still keep in

contact with us.

Jim went to work on the base like so many others in the area. He managed to keep working

when the first phase down occurred on the base. He worked there until February 1981 when he

retired. He had 37 years with the U.S. Navy.

They had 9 children: Patricia (died at 3 months), Jimmy, Wayne, Madonna (died at 40 years),

Sharon, Douglas, Stella, Daphne & Rosemary. The only ones remaining in the area now are

Wayne & Sharon. There are 15 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren today.

Over the years, the Browne’s tried many ventures including farming, raising cattle and sheep.

Rose even made fresh butter from cow’s milk and sold it. They would go berry picking in the

summertime out over the Cape Shore. On Sundays, they would load everyone into the truck (a

red Ford), with a lunch, pots and pans, jugs and set off for berry picking. The family would walk

for hours and couldn’t leave until the big flour sack was filled with berries. Jim would carry it on

his shoulders. Along the way to the Shore, they would stop at all the churches and light candles.

Jim used to go trouting down over the “Big Head” on Sunday evenings. He found it very

peaceful.

th

Jim Browne died at the age of 59 on October 30 , 1982 and Rose Browne died at the age of 61

nd

on July 2 , 1992.

Edward and Alice Collins

by Des Linehan

Mr. Edward Collins came from Bond’s Path and during WW1 he met and married Alice Jane

MacDonald from County Cork in Ireland. After the war they moved to Manchester, Connecticut

where they had two children; Mary and John. They then moved back to Bond’s Path where they

built a house on Otter Point. There they had four more children; Mike, Betty, Jim and Edward.

Edward died at a young age leaving Alice to raise five children. Alice started cleaning homes for

people in Placentia and she became known as “The Little Irish Cleaning Lady”. She would walk

to Placentia each day and walk home each evening after making probably $2.00 for the day. She

never complained at how little she had but was always happy with what she had. Later on in her

years she would start to walk to the Harbour but someone would always pick her up and bring

her home even if they were not going that way. They loved to hear her Irish accent. Many an

evening she got a ride home in a police car which she joked about. She was a very humble lady

who was dearly loved by her family and indeed by the whole community. Placentia is a better

place because she lived here.

Ernest and Bride Collins

Bridget (Power) Collins was born in Argentia. Her parents were Elizabeth (Joy) Power and

Richard Power. During the time of the Second World War the Powers, like all the people of

Argentia, were uprooted and moved to other places of their choice. Mrs. Bride, as she was known

to the people of Bond’s Path, moved to the Blockhouse in Placentia. She met Ernest Collins, got

married and had four children, Ally, Leo, Theresa and Elizabeth. Ernest worked for the

Department of Highways and when he retired he would sit out on his front step and give a wave

to everyone whether he knew you or not. He was a man of few words but was always willing to

give a helping hand.

Mrs. Bride loved to see people come for a visit. She would have her stove turned down on a low

heat so the kettle would take longer to boil, as she loved to talk. She was a shy but generous

woman and her home was open to everyone. They both loved music. Mrs. Bride would look

forward to Friday nights to see the Tommy Hunter Show. You could hear Mr. Ernest singing

Molly Bawn on many occasions. They are well missed by all who knew them.

Frank and Minnie Collins

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Collins were very hard workers and very kind people. Mrs. Minnie Collins

(Tarbett) was born in Salmonier. She married Frank Collins from Bond’s Path where they built

their home and raised eight children, five boys John, Clem, Greg, Ernest and George, and three

girls Florence, Theresa and Maude.

Mrs. Minnie took in boarders and grew her own vegetables to help out with family expenses. Mr.

Frank worked with the Department of Highways in the early thirties and forties.

Peter and Isabel Collins

by Eugene Collins

Peter Collins was the son of Charles and Agnes Collins of Bond’s Path. He met and married

Isabel (Best) of Merasheen and they proceeded to have a family of 6 children including 5 boys

(Charlie, Wayne, Gene, Peter, and Gerard) and 1 girl Darlene. They both worked very hard

providing for their family and seeing that they had a roof over their heads and food on the table.

Peter spent his early working days at Argentia, as did a lot of local people, and later held jobs as

a mechanic at places like “Import Motors’ (now Matt’s Auto) and “Patterson’s Garage”. His last

job was an Equipment Operator with the Dept. of Highways. Many a time, in winter storms, he

would work for more than 20 hours at a time with only a few minutes to rest and maybe grab a

quick bite. Back in the 60’s and 70’s he used to fix Volkswagon Beetles, especially for the

Americans of the base, often for little or no reward (sometimes a bottle of the good stuff, ha, ha).

People would often say that he could take a Volkswagon apart completely in the morning and

th

have it running again after lunch. He died on January 17 , 1995 and is dearly missed by us all.

Isabel still resides in the house that Peter and she built together in the late 60’s. She also worked

many jobs in her day such as a teacher and a nursing assistant in her younger days. She went on

to hold other jobs at various businesses in Placentia such as: Western Tire, Midway Market and

her last position at the Liquor Store. She was a very energetic, young looking woman who loved

her family dearly and loved to attend a good Saturday night dance (especially if the Visions are

playing ha, ha). In the early days it was her strength and will that kept the family together and

because of these qualities it has made us who we are today.

Cyril and Carmel Collins

Cyril was the son of Thomas Collins and Hannah Furlong. Thomas had two brothers, John and

Sam, and at least one sister Mary. Their parents were John Collins and Agnes Greene. The three

brothers, Tom John and Sam inherited the property from their parents and it was divided up

among them. Cyril later inherited from his father Tom. One of John’s daughters, Violet,

inherited from her father and married John Gale. Sam left his property to his son Charles, who

married Agnes (“Mrs. Aggie” as we remember her), and their offspring include Tony Collins,

Peter, Eleanor and their siblings who all grew up over on the other hill. So the original John

Collins laid claim to at least the portion of Bonds Path covered by these three families. The

daughter Mary married Jim O’Brien of Southeast and that is how we were related to Annie

O’Brien and Mary (Michael) O’Brien.

Carmel was from Point Verde, the daughter of John Greene of Point Verde and Agnes McGrath

of Patrick’s Cove. Carmel’s father died when she was 16 (he was just 44 at the time), and her

mother died two years later at the age of 38. They left behind six children, of whom Carmel was

the oldest. Cyril and Carmel did not marry until there were 30 years old, and Cyril once

commented that Carmel couldn’t marry until she had her family raised up. Then they proceeded

to have their own family, Ray, Doris, Tom and Mary. Carmel spent almost a year in the

sanatorium in St. John’s for treatment for tuberculosis, and she died at the age of 53 as a

consequence of this disease of the lungs.

Cyril was born with club feet. At that time (1911) there wasn’t much that could be done for birth

defects such as this. His mother Hannah read in the newspaper of the time about a Dr. Smith in

Burin who was making a name for himself as a surgeon. She wrote to him and asked if there was

anything he could do for her son. He wrote back and said that if she could get him to Burin he

would take a look at him. So she undertook the journey. The story goes that Tom took them by

horse and sleigh in the dead of winter from Bonds Path to Placentia and he got his ears frostbitten

in the bargain. Then they had to get the dory across the gut, make their way to the train station in

Jerseyside, and from there by train to Argentia, where they caught the coastal boat to the Burin

Peninsula. There she had to stay in a boarding house while Cyril had the surgery and

recuperated. In later years Cyril worked in Burin for a while, and one day while getting a haircut

a man there told him that he had helped Dr. Smith and that the surgery was performed on a

kitchen table with a pocket knife. Whether or not the surgeon had lost his surgical kit and had to

resort to a pocket knife we really do not know, but however the surgery was done it was a

success; and instead of living his life unable to walk, Cyril learned to walk and was a productive,

hard-working man of labour (bridge-building, roads work, woods work, logging, maintenance

work, etc.) till his retirement at age 65. He died in 1982 at the age of 71.

As for Cyril and Carmel’s four children, Ray taught school for two years in Frenchman’s Cove

on the Burin Peninsula and then spent the rest of his adult life in Labrador City, where he was a

heavy equipment mechanic with the Iron Ore Company of Canada until he became disabled with

iron ore dust on his lungs. He died in a tragic boating accident on a lake in Labrador in 1993.

The coroner commented that it was a wonder to him that the man was able to BE on a lake in

Labrador at all, as he only had ten percent capacity of his lungs, and most people in his condition

would have been bedridden and connected to an oxygen tank. He said he was living on

willpower. Ray had four children: Leonard, Rick, Tim and Carmel Ann. Doris and her husband

Harris Scott live in Upper Gullies; she works with Roebothan, McKay and Marshall in St.

John’s. She has two daughters; Yvette and Wendy, and two step-daughters, Gillian and Andrea,

as well as five grandchildren; Yvette’s Emily, Gillian’s Sarah and Ellie, and Andrea’s Hillary and

Aiden. Tom and his wife Theresa (Hartson) live in Bonds Path, business people both of them;

they have three children (Kim, Tommy and Jeanette) raised and living close by, as well as three

grandchildren (Kim’s Danielle and Robyn and Jeanette’s Thomas). Mary and her husband Fred

Walsh live in Torbay with their three children (John, Susan and Alison); she works at Memorial

University.

As so the story continues.

Ron and Mary Collins

Ron Collins, son of William and Sara Collins of Bond’s Path, lived in the house which is directly

beside the one that his wife Mary (daughter of Paddy and Nellie King, also of Bond’s Path) lives

in now; across from the old swimming pool. His parents, William and Sara had four children,

Rosie, Nell (Lannon), Margaret (Tapper) and our dad, Ron. All are deceased now except for

Margaret , who lives in Stephenville, and was also the mother of Ron Tapper.

Mary and Ron had six children, Patricia, Jean, Marilyn, Brenda, Ronnie and Ken. They were

married for 18 years, until Ron’s untimely death came in 1975 at the age of 55, leaving his wife

Mary with the full responsibility of raising the family, which she did without hesitation. To this

day, Mary still lives in the same house that her husband built for her. She has only one daughter,

Marilyn, living in the Placentia area. Marilyn married Bill Pitcher of Southeast and they have

three children and they built their house across the brook from her mother. Trish, Jean, Ronnie

and Ken all now live in St. John’s, and Brenda now lives in Qatar, although they visit as often as

they can.

Peter and Marie Cochrane

by Bill Cochrane

Peter Joseph Cochrane (Pete) was born on November 19, 1931 at Red Island, Placentia Bay. The

family moved to Placentia with the resettlement game. Peter worked in different companies, such

as the Trading Company, Argentia Naval Base and several local contractors. He was lastly

employed with Department of Highways from which he retired He led a simple life and his

family was the centre of his life. He died September 30, 2003. Marie (nee Martin) was born in

January 13, 1942 at Placentia and raised here. She raised six children and after all her children

were grown, she worked for many people as a housekeeper where her work ethic was well

praised. She was an energetic, friendly lady who loved life. She died October 20, 2002. They are

forever in our hearts and always loved!

Cox and Young Families

Ed was the son of Edward and Bridget Cox. The Cox family originated in England. Ed was

educated at Placentia and for a number of years was employed at Deer Lake and Corner Brook in

connection with the paper company. In 1946 he took over the duties of clerk of the rural district

council. The following year he accepted the position as manager of the Chief Petty Officers Club

in Argentia. He served as a member of the rural district council which included Jerseyside,

Freshwater and Dunville before the change of status to the town of Placentia. He was elected to

two terms of office on the council as deputy-mayor. He was a member of the Knights of

Columbus for 25 years and also was a member of the Star of the Sea Association. Ed married

Margaret Ryan of North Harbour in 1955 and together they had three children, Ed, John, and

Karen. Ed died suddenly on November 19, 1960. He is fondly remembered by his children.

Mike Young was born at Southeast Bight. His parents were William and Theresa Young. At the

age of 10, Mike moved to Merasheen to live with Tom and Marg Hickey. They had no children

of their own and Mike helped Mr. Hickey in the fishery for many years. As a young man, Mike

moved to Jerseyside and he took a job at Canadian National. During that time Mike met Marg

Cox. They married in1963 and together had five children: Mike, William, Theresa, Margie and

Jamie. Marg passed away in March 1994 and Mike passed away in August 1995.

Charles and Agnes Mary (Tobin) Collins

by Alice Collins

Agnes Mary Tobin was the only daughter born to Catherine and Peter Tobin of Ship Cove, Cape

Shore. She attended a one-room school house in Ship Cove and continued her high school

education and teaching permit from the St. Edwards School in Placentia.

She began her teaching career in Patrick’s Cove for a year and then to her home, Ship Cove.

While teaching at Ship Cove, she was asked by the parish priest in St. Bride’s, if she would come

to Cuslett to teach, as there was a problem with the children’s behavior and he thought my

mother could conquer the problem. When she started teaching in Cuslett, her first day, she put a

list of rules on the black board, one of them being,“There were no notes to be brought back to the

teacher”. Her strap, as the teachers used in those days, was hung on the wall and never once did

she have to use it. The kids loved and respected her and she taught them for ten years.

While teaching, my mother, held many other gifts. She answered mass for the priest, trained altar

boys, prepared the altar cloths, and readied children for first Holy Communion and confirmation.

When the Archbishop was expected, she had the men make an archway for him, upon entering

the community. While teaching in Patrick’s Cove, my mother met the mailman, Charlie Samuel

Collins, who carried the Cape Shore mail for 29 years. My mother and daddy married January 6,

1925.

They had 12 children. My father Charlie Collins died at age 55 years on February 20, 1949. My

mother was left to raise 11 children, the youngest being me just six years old. One day shortly

after daddy died, my grandmother came to visit and said to my mother, “If I were you, I would

put a couple of the youngest children in the orphanage” and my mother said, “If the ship sinks, I

will go down with it, if I get it, they will get it too.”. We never saw a hungry or cold day, she

always found ways to make ends meet and, of course, the older children went out to work to help

as much as possible. We owe so much to our mother, to keep us home with her, as we would

have missed the dear loving care she gave us.

When I was just a small child after my father died, I recall sleeping in the same bed with my

mother and many a night, a knock came on the door, someone was dying, could she come and

say the rosary or lay that person out after they had died. My sister Leone, remembers in the wee

hours of the morning, she was called next door, a baby was about to be born and no time to get a

doctor, and my mother acted as midwife. Leone recalls her coming home and saying “Mrs.

Maggie had a baby girl.” She never refused nor complained anything that was asked of her.

Sometimes she even solved the impossible for people.

As I got older, I recall her coming to the school to play the organ for the school concerts; she was

a beautiful singer and played the accordion for the dances as well. My sister Kathleen, married a

US serviceman, who before she started dating him, told her he remembered my mother playing

the accordion for the dance at the Star Hall, Placentia.

In addition to all of this, my mother was well known for filing income tax and unemployment

insurance papers, most time free of charge or say give me a dollar to cover the phone call. She

was surely a lady of kindness and love. The above are just some examples of her goodness, I

know there were lots more that my siblings could add, as well as her neighbours, but most of

them are gone to heaven as well. We were blessed to have such a remarkable mother and may she

be with the angels in heaven.

FOOTNOTE: In the Cape Shore Mail Run story and this one, My Mother I said Charles Samuel

Collins. A long time ago, my brother Charlie told me Daddy’s middle name was Henry and I

thought to myself, where did he get that. Talking to my sister, Kathleen the other day, she read it

from the family bible, so Henry it is. Charles Henry Collins, not Charles Samuel, as my brother

is Charles is named Charles, after daddy and Samuel after Grandfather Collins.

Anthony Joseph Collins

by Alice (Collins) O’Keefe

Anthony Joseph Collins (Tony) was the son of Charles and Agnes Collins. He came down with

polio when he was about 12 yrs old. One day he was making "splits" for the morning fire when

he began complaining of leg pain. My mother first thought he was up to his usual tricks to get

away from doing his evening chores. But, as she questioned him, she knew something was

terribly wrong.

It began a long struggle of hospitals, pain, and suffering for years to come. When he was

admitted to the "Old General" hospital, the doctor told my mother that Tony would need his

affected leg amputated. That really upset her and she began praying to St. Anne, asking her to

spare his leg. On the morning that he was to have surgery, my mother went to the hospital only

to be informed that Tony wouldn't need his leg amputated after all. Needless to say, my mother's

faith in St. Anne increased to the highest. After a few months of treatment in hospital, Tony was

allowed to come home, even though the doctor had told my mother, he may never walk again.

My mother was a woman of great faith and walked to church everyday during Lent. Also, the

first Saturday of every month she did the same. One day, when she left, Tony was in bed and in

great pain, as usual. When my mother returned from Mass, she went upstairs to see how he was

and he had pulled a "picket” off the fence and used it to help himself walk to school, which was

about 10 or 15 minutes away. It was another miracle, she believed, as from that day on, Tony

kept moving. His will and determination coupled with my mother's prayers, allowed him to

enjoy life.

My parents let him off with "murder" so to speak, because of his illness and he was the core of

the family.

When he was just a kid going to high school, Tony would bring his guitar and at lunch time,

other kids would drop a dime or quarter in the hole of the guitar and request their songs. Later,

he became a well known local musician. He formed many bands and became very popular, often

being a guest on CJON and VOCM radio stations.

As he was recovering from his illness, there were some people who influenced his determination

and motivated him. One of those people was Mr. Jimmy Barron. Jimmy had a gas station and an

oil business, and every morning around 5 am, when he would come out to start up his business,

Tony would have up his bedroom window and whistle a tune that would always make Jimmy

dance. This went on every morning for a few years. Other people who kept Tony’s spirit alive

were Tom Greene (RIP) and his brother Stan, both thru their singing and guitar playing. As

years went by, Tony, himself, influenced not only his children but many, many others in the

surrounding communities. Growing up in the same household with him, gave us all a love for

music. He had such a unique voice and we just loved to listen to him. I think the song, “Jump In

And Swim”, written and recorded by Tony’s son, Kevin partially relates to his father’s

determination to beat his disability and enjoy life.

Tony’s suffering continued, inflammation of his hip would cause an abscess to form and he

would suffer great pain. His Faith was so strong that many a relic or Sacred Heart Badge was

found in the holes in his hip through x-rays. He had great belief in the Rosary and recited it

daily. He loved people as much as he loved music. Many a resident of our area has at some time

mentioned how he used to call them to listen to a song, perhaps one he had written.

I never once heard Tony backbite anyone. His favorite saying was, “Everyone knows what I

am”. His worst faults were open for all to see.

Maybe Tony’s worst fault was his undying love for music. He would have done anything to see

that music was a part of his childfren’s lives.

I’m sure Kevin, Kenny, Keith, and Tony Jr. (and even Joan) can recall a scattered rap on the

knuckles for playing a wrong chord or singing the wrong note. Now, it seems that every

descendant of Tony Collins either sings or plays an instrument. That’s what I’d call a true

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testament to the man named Tony Collins. Tony passed away suddenly on July 1 , 1990. He had

been on his way, where else, to watch his two nephews (Wayne and Gene) play some music at

the Canada Day Celebrations on Castle Hill. His love for music and family will always be remembered!

Ned and Bride Counsel

Ned Counsel was born in Red Island, Placentia Bay on June 14,1912. He was a fisherman from

the age of a young boy while living on Red Island. Ned met Bride Murphy from Long Harbour

during one of her visits to Red Island. Bride was born in Long Harbour October 15, 1925. They

later married in November 1948. They built their house in the Herring Cove of Red Island and

raised a family of seven (2 sons and 5 daughters) Eddie, Denis, Mary, Shirley, Laura, Elizabeth

and Angela.

In August of 1966, during the resettlement days, Ned and Bride boarded up their home in Red

Island and moved the family to Placentia. They bought land from Albert Sampson and built

another home on the hill in Bond's Path. They remained in Bond's Path until their passing, Bride

in 1981 and Ned in 1991. The house still remains on the hill, even though it's slightly renovated,

and is lived in by daughter Elizabeth with her husband Gene and son Andrew. Their memory will

remain there forever.

Jack Dean

by Art O’Keefe Jr.

John (Jack) Dean was born in the Colinet area around the 1900’s. It is not known why or when

he came to the Bond’s Path/Southeast area but we do know that he was here in the 1930’s. He

married Mary Miller of Smelt River (date not known) and he worked as a “section hand” on the

road. His job was to fill in pot holes, remove any large rocks etc. and generally keep the road in

some semblance of repair (this was before the road was paved or paving was even heard of).

Jack’s area of road stretched from the ferry dock in Placentia to the school house in Southeast

(approx). Mr. George Linehan’s section began where Jacks left off, these two men kept the dirt

road fairly smooth to drive over, considering that they had only pick and shovels to work with. I

don’t believe there were any accidents then due to excess speeding or the like, the biggest danger

was animals on the road.

Jack, as everyone called him, was a friendly and comical man. Once when asked how his wife

Mary was doing, his reply was “she’s all right in the head but she’s loose in the stomach”. Jack

could be called on for help at any time, especially for a job that other people could not do. He

was the one to get sent for when someone died, Jack was “lay them out” as the saying went then.

(This means getting them ready for burial).

Another job Jack liked was slaughtering animals in the fall of the year. Anyone that had a sheep,

pig or larger animal to be killed sent for Jack to do the job. Jack did a humane job of this

necessary part of rural life.

Jack Dean loved ponies. He needed strong horses for the job he was doing and he used to go all

over the local area looking for suitable ponies. A pony is a small horse weighing up to 800 or

900 lbs. Jack’s ponies were usually 2500 lbs.

During the off season when he was not working on the road, it was a seasonal job from May to

Oct., Jack had to find his own employment wherever he could, this was usually as a trapper. Jack

had a cabin up in Barachois country where he would go for days at a time. His usual catch was

rabbits, partridge, weasels, beavers, foxes but especially lynx. A good lynx could bring $400 or

$500, this was good money at that time.

In addition to helping out at funerals and wakes, he was also a musician. He would play for

dances at the schools or in private homes and he knew songs that are long forgotten.

One instance stands out in my mind that even though I was only young at the time, this was

around 1948 (I would be 10 years old). It was a beautiful moonlit winter night at about 9 pm

when Mrs. Dean (Mary) came in, we said “where is Jack, Mrs. Dean?”. She answered, “he is

doing a job, he will be in directly”. In about ten minutes Jack came in and he looked flustered if

not frightened, and we had never seen him look like that before. Upon asking what was wrong,

Jack and “by the mister man I just saw a little person” meaning a leprechaun. (The old people

believed in the little people or fairies).

He said “I had just squatted down to use the toilet by a tree and when I looked up I saw him/her

looking at me from under the tree. It was about 2 feet tall with a big hat, curled up boots and a

wide belt on its pants, I looked away for a second and when I looked back it was gone. I dare

say, I was constipated when I squatted down but I’m not now. (And he never was for the rest of

his life, thanks to the “little people”.

Jack was a good friend to all both young and old alike, he was one of the old time characters one

hears about but seldom has the privilege to know personally. We’ll remember your songs, stories

and memory a long time old friend. Jack died March 30, 1980. Rest in peace old friend.

Allan and Betty Flood

by Allan and Leona Flood

Allan Flood and Betty Walsh, both from Salmonier, married and settled in Southeast in the early

1960s. Allan worked for the Department of Transportation until his heart attack. With no vehicle,

he would walk to his night watchman’s job out to the Cataracts. Allan couldn’t read or write but

was a wiz at fixing cars. One night he took a motor out of a car with a screwdriver, a vise grips

and 9/16 wrench. Betty liked bingo and they both loved darts and Saturday night dances.

My best memories are Dad leaning over the sink and looking out the window as I came down the

lane and of how Mom would set Jello by putting it in the river by the door. They didn’t have a lot

but were there for their kids. We never realized how many people knew them until they both

passed away. They are dearly missed.

Gale – Collins Daily News January 17, 1924 Wedding Bells,

A very pretty wedding took place at the church of the Sacred Heart, Placentia on Monday,

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January 7 , the contracting parties being Miss Violet Collins, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. JohnCollins and Mr. John Gale, both of Southeast Placentia. The bride was attired in a pretty

costume of fawn with hat to match and was attended by her cousin Miss Ellen Kelly who wore a

costume of navy blue with fawn hat, while Mr. James Gale brother of the groom acted as best

man. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Fr. O’Flaherty, PP. After the ceremony the bridal

party drove to the home of the bride’s parents where a very enjoyable evening was spent among

the relatives and friends of both parties. They were the recipients of many valuable presents

among which were several gold pieces thus showing the esteem in which both parties are held.

Their friends join with me in wishing Mr. and Mrs. Gale many years of “wedding bliss”.

James, Sr and Ellen Gale

by James Gale, Jr.

James J. Gale was born at Gaultois, Hermitage Bay on December 31, 1893, the youngest of four

children. Around the turn of the century his parents moved to Southeast, Placentia, where his

father, a boat builder, was employed in that trade. My father showed a keen interest in wood

working at an early age. He became an excellent carpenter in all fields from cabinet making to

boat building. He was a man of many trades from carpentry to cooperage (barrel making),

blacksmith, and wheelwright and saw filing. He spent many years with the government building

bridges all over Newfoundland.

When the ferry, Ambrose Shea, came to Placentia to carry cars and passengers across Placentia

Gut, he was appointed Operations and Maintenance Supervisor. When the ferry was replaced

with a bridge in 1961 he saw the startup and operations there for a year or so, retiring shortly

after in 1962.

In the summer of 1964, the government approached him again asking him if he would construct

two bridges in the Southeast area, namely the Smelt River and Baldwin’s Brook which he

successfully completed that fall. He retired in December of that year for the final time. He

enjoyed a good and healthy life and died in April 1976 in his 84th year.

Ellen Mary Gale was born in Southeast (the Head) on December 6, 1901, the eldest of ten

children. In her late teens she traveled to New York City to seek employment, taking a position in

housekeeping with a noted Doctor at that time. After a couple of years in his employ, her mother

died leaving four of her ten children under the age of eight. Her father asked her if she could

return home and help out in raising his young family, which she did.

In January 1930 she married James J. Gale and started her own family of two boys and one girl.

She was an excellent seamstress and hooked many mats. In her senior years, she learned the art

of needlepoint which she did flawlessly never dropping a stitch. She loved her game of bingo and

the card game of forty fives which she actively enjoyed up until he death in December 1993 at

the age of 92.

Louis and Catherine Hanrahan

Catherine Fitzgerald Hanrahan was born June 24, 1925 in Merasheen. Louis Hanrahan, born

April 6, 1921, moved to Argentia from St. Joseph’s, and then moved to Bond’s Path when the

Americans moved into Argentia. Catherine and Louis were married on June 27, 1944 and had 11

children, five daughters and six sons. The children are Dominic, Joseph, Angela, Angus, Gerald,

Doreen, David, Rita, Louie, Cathy and Jackie.

The Hartson Family

by Theresa Collins

Pat Hartson was from Fox Cove, Burin. He came to Placentia in 1940 to work in Argentia. While

there he met and married Ruby Gilbert from Sunnyside, Trinity Bay, who was working as a

house keeper on Jerseyside. Pat and Ruby first met at a dance in the church in Freshwater that

also served as a dance hall at the time. They married in 1945 and had 12 children: Debbie, Cindy,

Phyllis, Barbara, Stella, Betty, Paddy, Theresa, Margie, Alice, Annie and Loney. They lived on

Jerseyside until 1959 and then they moved to Southeast All children attended St. Joseph’s School

in Southeast.

Jim and Violet Hayward

Jim Hayward was born September 29, 1926 on Red Island. At the age of 17, he left Red Island to

go to work in Stephenville on the Military Base, as a labourer. While there he met Violet Barron

from Bond’s Path (daughter of Joseph and Margaret Barron) who was in Stephenville babysitting

for her brother Peter. Jim and Violet were married in Stephenville on August 17, 1946. In 1952

they came to the area, setting up stakes at the entrance to Bond’s Path, on the Blockhouse Hill,

near her parents. Jim built their house with help from his father-in-law Joe Barron and Mr. John

Hanrahan from Bond’s Path, who put the roof on the house.

While Violet looked after the house and children, Jim worked as a labourer with different

contractors, and went to work with the American Naval Base, at the Northeast Arm Recreation

Camps, in 1961. There were some difficult times due to sickness, but what they lacked

financially they was made up for in love, honesty, and good family values. Jim and Violet raised

12 children in Bond’s Path - Margaret, Joe, Barbara (deceased July 17, 1972), Patrick, Kate,

Joan, Whilimena, Julie, Jim, Wayne, Ignatius, and Evelyn Ann. Today Joe, Pat, and Evelyn Ann

still reside in the area while the others, unfortunately, had to move away to find work and now

live in various parts of the United States and Canada. Violet passed away on October 8, 2001, but

Jim, now almost 80 years old, still lives in their family home in Bond’s Path.

Jack and Mary Hefferan

by Bill Cochrane

John Thomas Hefferan, aka: “Jack” was born December 13, 1914 in South East Bight and later

moved to Placentia to work. Jack was a kind soul who loved a game of cards. He constructed

many dories in his day and could be seen many a morning rowing across the arm to Stakey’s

Cove. He died July 15, 1997. Mary Hefferan (Cochrane) was born on October 1, 1926 at Red

Island, Placentia Bay but moved from Red Island at the age of 15 to work as a housekeeper. At

age 19 she married Jack. They never had any children but Mary was foster mother to many. She

was an excellent worker and sought by many. She died on December 15, 1997. They will always

be remembered and loved by family and friends.

Gordon and Marcella King

by Sally Hanlon

Gordon King and Marcella (Mercy) [Greene] were married on June 21, 1954. They met a few

years before their marriage and many cold nights Dad walked over Corn Hill to see Mom in Point

Verde, her birthplace. After their wedding that first year they had their first daughter, Sheila, and

continued on until ten more children were born, including Maryann, Eddie, Dave, Wayne, Frank,

Madonna, Leone, Gordie, Sally and the youngest, Dominic.

Mom and Dad were married for 43 years when Dad passed away after a long illness of heart and

kidney failure. Dad’s greatest days were spent in over the old school cutting wood and setting

snares. Going in with his horse Peggy for a slide full of wood is a picture many from Bond’s Path

School can remember. Many games of cards were held at Gordon and Mercy King’s house and

many songs were sung. Their door was always open and a good time was always had. We wish

you were here now, Dad, to see us all. May his heart rest in Bond’s Path forever. Mom is still

living in Bond’s Path at age 75.

James and Annie King Family

Mrs. Annie King lived in Bonds Path for over sixty years. She was born in Dunville but married

Mr. James King of Bonds Path. There she and James raised a family of four; Marie (Brooks),

Kathleen (Hefferan, deceased in 2003), Johnny King and Gordon King (deceased in 1997).

James passed away in 1944 at the age of 54, leaving Annie to raise her family. All Mrs. Annie

King’s family lived and raised their families in Bonds Path also.

After raising her own family, Mrs. Annie King didn’t stop there; she then raised her

granddaughter, Bernice King (Cooney) and did a fine job with it all.

Annie was a very hard working woman, a wonderful person, who was loved by many. She will

be remembered by all whether it be her attendance at Sunday mass, a bingo game or a card game.

She loved it all. We can all see her walking to Placentia, she was so fast and there wasn’t too

many who could keep up with her. But, one was always welcome to try. Ha ha.

th

She passed away peacefully at the age of 79 on Nov. 20 , 1978; at her granddaughters home

Bernice Cooney, where she resided for the last years of her life.

John & Evelyn King

by Brenda O’Keefe

John King was born to James and Anne King in December 1924. He was the third of four children

-Marie, Kathleen, John, Gordon. Evelyn [O’Keefe] was born to David and Mary O’Keefe in June

1929. She was the youngest of nine children – Loretta, Arthur, Will, Anne, Aloysius, Clem,

Imelda, Hilda, Evelyn. Johnny and Evelyn have lived in Bonds Path their entire life. They were

born here, spent their childhood, fell in love, married and raised seven children – Vicky, Wally,

Barbara-Ann, Brenda, Kenneth, Carol-Ann, and John.

Over the years they have seen many changes. Evelyn tells how clothing was seldom bought, it was

handmade, their dresses, coats and even their underwear was made from flour sacks. Many things

we take for granted today were a luxury to them growing up. At Christmas one present each was

the most anyone received and apples were hung on the tree that night. They were usually frozen in

the morning but they savored every bite because they were such a rare treat. Evelyn’s mother,

Mrs. Mary O’Keefe, made pajamas for her nine children to wear every Christmas Eve. Evelyn

carried forward the tradition of giving pajamas to her children and they have carried it to their

children. So now al her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren receive new pajamas to

wear on Christmas Eve.

For many years they had to walk to church in Placentia on Sunday morning, which wasn’t too bad

in summer but was really rough in winter. In later years you could get a ride to church in the back

of Jimmy Barron’s truck for 10 cents.

Johnny’s father was always fishing on the Grand Banks for months at a time while he was

growing up. He and his brother would be responsible for cutting the wood and hauling it home, as

well as getting water from the brook and other chores. Johnny’s grandmother, Mrs. Mary Joe

King, lived with his family while he was growing up. He tells of when she would spend time

telling stories about fairies, which is an old Newfoundland tale of little elf-like people living in the

woods. The stories were always detailed and could have a happy or very scary ending. They never

knew what to expect. She would also teach them games using a piece of string. These games and

also some hand tricks would entertain the kids on many nights before they were sent to bed.

Evelyn’s father was a trapper, who trapped along Colinet Road. Later on in years, he would

become a Section Man, which means he was responsible, along with a group of other men, to

repair the pot holes on the Colinet Road. Evelyn’s mother, Mrs. Mary Davis, as she was often

called, lived with her and Johnny for 10 years while the children were young. She was like a

second mother to the children, often teasing and playing with them in her cheerful manner.

When they were young, Evelyn, Johnny and other Bonds Path children picked blueberries in the

summer and sold them to Phipard’s and Fulford’s Hotel and Ned Lannon’s Boarding House in

Southeast. This money was used to buy shoes or sneakers and scribblers for the school year. This

took many gallon buckets of berries and many trips to Southeast. Sneakers could be bought for 25

cents at Mrs. Lamb’s or George Lannon’s Store. Both of them had a store in Southeast with

groceries and goods. Evelyn remembers often having to go to Mr. Ned’s to play with the children

of their guests when they would come to stay at their Hotel or even sometimes the children would

come to play at her home. Mary and David O’Keefe were a well -respected family in the

community.

As teenagers, the entertainment was gathering at Mr. Alice Collin’s house. There was always a

crowd there on weekends and everyone would sit around as Mrs. Alice sang songs and then others

would take turns singing. There were many tricks played on one another and many stories told.

In the summer when the chores were done Evelyn and her friends would get together and go

swimming in the Arm (Southeast Arm). Not everyone had a bathing suit, actually not many had

one, so they would fasten their dresses with a safety pin to form shorts, this way their dresses

would not float up when they got in the water. There were never any boys there when they went

swimming. The boys would get together and swim at a different part of the arm.

The education they received was in Bonds Path. Johnny went to school in Bonds Path in what was

later John Hanrahan’s house. Later a new school was built, St. Edwards School, where both

Johnny & Evelyn attended. Adelaide Wise, Florence Lannon and Ronnie Greene were some of

the teachers. Students would take turns coming in early and lighting the wood stove and others

would stay late to sweep the school. Everyone would have to bring wood. Mrs. Alice Collins

would come about once a month to scrub up the school. The students then would bring the water

from Rattling Brook for the cleaning.

Johnny left school when he was twelve years old to work for Jimmy Barron to help make money

for the family. Mr. Barron had a truck going to St. John’s to get coal and a truck to get gas for the

gas stations in Placentia and Point Verde. Years later he delivered oil for Mr. Barron in the Esso

Oil truck. Evelyn worked at the Argentia Naval Base as a maid to the Americans and for some

years as a photographer’s assistant in Jerseyside. She left the base to help care for her brother’s

children for three years. Her brother was in the sanitarian.

After many years of struggling, Johnny and Evelyn formed their own bus company, King’s

Transportation, and for 15 years they drove the children to school in surrounding areas. They

also chartered runs to St. John’s for the Regatta and the Santa Clause Parade. Evelyn was the first

woman in the area to drive a bus. Together they worked very hard to make a good life for their

children.

Spending time with the family was an important part of life and together they made memories to

last a lifetime. While on Sunday drives, everyone had their spot in the car and with seven kids

usually two of these spots were on someone else’s lap. Going to Pinsent’s Store in Southeast to

get ice cream and jaw breakers was a must on Sunday. The camping trips to Salmonier and the

boil ups at Rocky River were summer rituals. The younger children would lay still on the ground

with bread on their backs and wait for the jays to pitch on them and eat it. In winter they would

go ice fishing on First Pond and Johnny would always bring along his piece of salt fish wrapped in

brown paper and throw it on the fire to cook. Evelyn would have the best birthday parties for the

kids down in their big meadow.

Johnny and Evelyn are now enjoying their senior years in Bonds Path where they are very

fortunate to have family living all around them. Their children are closed by and are there in a

moments notice if needed. Their flower and vegetable gardens keep them busy in the summer

while setting rabbit snares and going to the cabin keep them busy during the winter. With 17

grandchildren and six great grandchildren they are kept pretty active.

Most families in their day struggled hard and our parents were no different. They worked hard

and instilled good values on their children. We seven King children were very fortunate to have

had Johhny and Evelyn King as our parents. They were warm and loving parents and we grew up

in a house knowing we were loved. We never had everything we wanted but we felt safe and had

our bellies full every night when we climbed those stairs to go to bed. Thanks Mom & Dad for a

great childhood.

William and Gertie King

William King (Bill) was the son of Patrick King and Selena Lake who grew up on the block-house

hill. He married Gertrude McLennon, daughter of Vincent McLennon and Clarissa O’Rielly and

together they resided in Southeast until they both passed away. They had a large family of twelve

children and if that wasn’t enough they also adopted one.

Bill worked for 27 years with the American base as a fuel depot truck driver and when that closed

down he worked with the Dept. of Transportation until he retired. Gertie stayed home and raised

her family. Both were very involved in their community. Though they never had much, they still

gave freely from the heart whatever they had or to even lend a helping hand.

There are many stories that can be told, however, this is one that can never be forgotten. Mom

told us of the time she left dad looking after the twins when they were babies. While she was out,

the boys did the number two job in their diapers, so of course dad wasn’t about to change them so

he filled up the tub with water (no bathtubs then) and threw them in clothes and all. When mom

arrived home they were still in the tub and everything that was in their diapers was out floating in

the tub and they were playing with it. Needless to say he did catch hell for that one.

Finally, putting jokes aside, they were good parents who loved to entertain and have a good time.

Vince and Eva Lambe

We had a lot of magical moments growing up in Southeast in the forties and fifties. For instance,

in the spring when the ice was breaking up some of us kids would go to the cove behind our house

and jump from ice floe to ice floe. Although it was a dangerous pastime, it sure was fun. Also,

there were many hours of ice skating and sledding. The most exciting of all was riding in the car

with our Dad driving across the ice to attend mass when the road was impassible due to drifting

and heavy snow.

The summers bring back nice memories, too. We swam, fished and picked berries for the

delicious jam that our mother made. Growing up in Newfoundland was indeed a special part of

our lives which we will cherish always.

Catherine (McGrath) Lannon

by Kitty Picco Barron

Grandmother Lannon (mother of Anthony Lannon and Mary Lannon Picco) was always called

Mrs. Katie “The Comber” because she would never leave the Pinnacle until the last berry was

picked. Her favorites saying was “Those who have no children, they won’t make them laugh, but

then again they won’t make them cry.”. Mom says she was very strict. One time Uncle Anthony

came to the top of the stairs in his longjohns, and it was two weeks before grandmother allowed

him to go to Placentia. On weekends she would always tell Mom the story about Cinderella and

the glass slipper, except it was a different version from our story today.

Anthony & Cecilia Lannon

by Theresa Lannon Imlach

Many changes have taken place between the youth of our parents and the experiences that our

siblings now encounter in Bond’s Path, or as dad used say to Otter Point. Our Grandparents John

and Catherine Lannon were married on July 7, 1909 and lived in the house currently occupied by

our brother Greg. John and Catherine had six children, the youngest named Anthony Francis, our

father, born July 13, 1920. Anthony married his lifetime partner Cecilia (Sis) Barron in 1946.

Their journey through life left a legacy of 15 children, all of whom are currently still living, from

Newfoundland to Alaska.

Life for our family was not without its toils, and our parents worked long hours with little time, if

any, for themselves. I remember dad working away from home for months at a time. The care of

the family was left to our mother. In those days that meant feeding the animals, i.e. the horses,

sheep, pig, ducks and chickens, and chopping wood for the stoves. We also grew all of the

vegetables for food for the winter. We would gather turnips, cabbages, carrots and of course

potatoes to fill the root cellar, which was at that time behind where our brother’s house is now.

Mother brought water for cooking, cleaning and the laundry. Clothes were hung to dry outside and

in winter they would literally freeze dry. We ironed everything with irons warmed on top of the

stove. Our home had the old Waterloo cast iron stove and we utilized wood for cooking and

heating. I remember the peep hole above the kitchen to heat the bedroom above. In later years we

used coal and dad would bank the fire before retiring for bed. I can still smell the aroma of freshly

baked bread that was baked 6 days a week in later years as our family continued to grow. All of

our meals were prepared from scratch, much different than today. Mom also knit all of our mittens

and socks in her “spare” time; usually this was done after the younger children went to bed. We

actually cleaned, carded and rolled the wool from our sheep. Everything had a dual purpose in

those days. Mom was a strong lady and I never recall her complaining about doing whatever it

took to care for Dad and our family.

When Dad was working close to home his day job was only a portion of the hours he put in just to

make ends meet. I can remember him going on the trap lines with Mr. Jack Dean, and they would

split the profits when Dad sold the furs to the Hudson Bay Company in St. John’s. Snaring rabbits

was another source of income and food, especially meat for our family. He sold rabbits for $2.00

a brace. In addition to supplying our family with all the necessary firewood, he would sell cords of

wood to families in the area. In later years he would cut sticks for fencing etc. These tasks were all

done by foot and with horses and sleighs. Speaking of horses, we would cut hay and store it in the

stable above the horse stall. I am sure that some of the older siblings remember the hay lofts. One

of the many talents that Dad had was building dories. He cut the trees, and after aging the wood

about a year he would cut and shape by hand all of the components. Upon completion he would

sell them to fishermen in North Harbour and other outlining areas. During summer he would jig

codfish, which was salted and dried to provide food for the winter months. I can honestly say that

we had codfish boiled, fried and stewed, and every portion including the heads were utilized.

I actually remember driving with Dad to Premier Joey Smallwood’s home on a Sunday afternoon.

I doubt that we had an appointment but Mr. Smallwood did meet with him. Work was difficult to

find at that particular time and he went seeking assistance for a job. I remember Mr. Smallwood

asking him “Where would you go Anthony?” and dad responded “Anywhere you get me work, I

will go”. In my mind this sums up the strength and dedication of our father to support his ever

growing family during difficult times.

Our parents were very giving, and I can remember them taking in a family assigned to the US

Navy base at Argentia when they could not find housing of any kind in any of the outlying areas.

One of the favorite stories that I recall was during a winter blizzard in the mid 1950’s when dad

was plowing the highway just beyond the North Harbour cutoff, and all he could see was the

antenna of a vehicle covered entirely in the snow drift. When we rose early that morning we found

five strangers seated around our stove thawing out from the cold. They were very gracious and

happy to be alive. We also operated a little convenience store in our home.

Despite the hardships of the early days we can recall numerous card games, visiting friends at

Christmastime, going from house to house as “mummers”, playing tricks on families at

Halloween, Hockey Night in Canada, dances and the great talent of several local musicians in the

area. Each of us will have our own success story. We are privileged to have had the opportunity to

experience the uniqueness of growing up in a large family. I can say that when Mom and Dad

celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary and the entire family attended they were both in their

glory. As mentioned in the beginning we have seen many changes in the area but the spirit and the

values learned in Bond’s Path continue to benefit all of us privileged to have been raised there.

Anthony and Cecilia Lannon raised 15 kids. All are living. They are: Theresa, Kitty, Margie,

Johnnie, Tony, Donna, Frank, Art, Carmel, Joe, Jim, Lilly, Cecilia, Greg and Bonnie.

The Lannon Family

by Gordon Lannon

rd

Michel Lanen (Michael Lannon) 3 , great grandfather, his brother and sister arrived in their ownfishing schooner to the north side of Southeast Arm in 1800. In those days of wind and sail, some

luck had to be with them as they crossed over the North Atlantic from Ireland to Newfoundland.

The old homestead of Michel Lanen, back eight generations ago, “across the narrows”, as it was

called, is also considered the homestead to my grandchildren today.???????

The surname, Lanen, being Gaelic, carried through the next generation by his daughter, Mary and

st st

his son, John 1 , great, great grandfather but the next generation of William 1 (great grandfather)

changed to Lannon.

I, being the eldest of my generation, can relate very well to the area across the narrows where as

a

boy I sometimes worked at the hat with grandfather, Ignatius (Nish). When the hay was finished

we swam the cattle across to pasture until fall. He had a large two-story barn and the hay from all

the meadow lands would be stored there. One winter there were 14 head of cattle, a horse and

many sheep as well. He cut wood by the cord for sale, grew all the vegetables, built boats and

dories, cutting all the timber for them, fished salmon and eels and shipped them to Job Brothers

Ltd. in St. John’s for markets in New York.

My grandfather pumped the first gas in Southeast from 45-gallon steel drums with a hand pump.

In addition they had a grocery store where they sold many food items including flour, molasses,

tea, sugar, salt pork, salt beef, butter, apples, onions and horse seed (oats), just to name a few.

Those items came in wooden barrels to the railway station on Jerseyside.

Grandmother played a big part in all this as well. She milked cows, made all their own fresh

butter, made soap, made quilts, mats and rugs, sewed and mended clothes, as well as made the hay

and attended the vegetable gardens. Besides all this, the cooking, baking, washing and all the

other household chores would be part of her day. In the fall they would sell over 100 gallons of

plums every year but they always bottled enough plum jam for themselves for the winter. They

were practically self- sufficient.

Our father worked away from home building bridges in central Newfoundland. When the base

started in Argentia he went to work there and stayed for 27 years. Our fate changed in 1948 when

our mother of 33 years passed away. There were six children and for the next few years we were

separated as different family members and friends helped to care for us the best way they could.

Eventually most of us returned home, as we were to some extent able to take care of ourselves.

Over the next few years, live-in housekeepers cooked our meals and saw us off to school. When

we were 11 or 12 years old, some of us were cutting wood, milking cows, cleaning stables, setting

potatoes and some other household chores as our father was still working on the base in Argentia.

The years passed quickly, we finished school and everyone was independent.

Fred and Helen Lannon

by Don Lannon

Fred Lannon was born in Southeast Placentia on January 6, 1927. He was the son of Fred and

Lucy (St. George) Lannon. He attended school at the old schoolhouse in Southeast. In 1952 he

married Helen Collins of St. Anne’s, Placentia Bay. Helen was the daughter of James and Bridget

Collins. Over the next 22 years they had 12 children: Clarence, Jim, Don, Sylvia, Wilf, Clayton,

Kevin, Brendan, Freda, Daphne, Keith and Yvonne. They lived next to the family of Dick and

Marg McLennon, who were not only their neighbors but also became life long friends. Fred and

Helen took great pride in the family farm. They grew just about every variety of vegetable, and

raised cattle, sheep, pigs, hens and ducks. This also helped to supplement Fred’s income as he

worked in Argentia and Placentia.

In 1981 Helen passed away at the age of 51, leaving Fred to raise the four youngest children. He

continued to live in the family home that he was born in until his death in 2000. Their twelve

children now stretch from British Columbia to Southeast Placentia.

Leonard and Nellie Lannon

by Diane Lannon Holloway

Leonard was born and raised in Southeast. He married Nellie Collins from Bond’s Path on June 8,

1946, and they resided in the house he built in South East. They had four children: Gloria, Gerald,

Diane, and Danny.

Growing up in our home and in Southeast had to be one of the best experiences any child could

pray for. They were very loving, caring parents who were always there for us. They encouraged

us and taught us in so many ways. They were also fantastic grandparents to their seven

grandchildren who always loved going to Nan’s and Pop’s to visit and get spoiled!

Some of our fondest memories were coming home on a cold winter evening to a nice, warm house

where the smell of supper cooking or bread baking met us practically before we got in the door.

Mom was always there to greet us and Dad came home from working on the base shortly after we

got home.

Sundays were always family days. We would go to church as a family and come home to have

dinner. In the winter, we usually went for an afternoon drive and a treat of ice cream or pop or

whatever. In the summer we would take the afternoon to go to Colinet, the Cape Shore,

Carbonear, or one of many other places. Most times we would have a picnic along the way. Many

times we would go out the Shore to boil up and spend the day on the beach. We always visited

friends and relatives along the way. After we, the children, married, we made the track back home

and kept the tradition of going to these places with our parents. No matter how busy our parents

were or how much work had to be done, Sunday was a day of rest and a day spent together.

South East meant so many things to us. We could go to Morrissey’s Lane to swim with Alice

Lannon being lifeguard for the entire community, ride bikes freely, walk to Rose Gale’s store for a

treat, etc. We each have different memories but all are very fond memories. We were blessed to

have had such a wonderful childhood and such fantastic memories of our home and of our

parents.

Martin Ronald (Mac) Lee Family

Martin R. (Mac) LEE & Marie O’Keefe (LEE) both grew up in Harbour Grace, Conception Bay.

They were married in Freshwater, P. Bay in 1944 since they were both working on the Argentia

base at that time. When they first moved to Southeast, they lived in Lannon’s house, now the

home of Alice Lannon, for a while. In 1946 they started to build their first home on their property

(now owned by Ruby Earle). Their first home was called “the hut”…. term for the Quonset Hut

Style; like the one across the street, now owned by Edna Hall & Kevin Pittman.

Over the years ‘the hut” was converted from the inside out into the “Ranch Style” house that it

still is today. During that renovation several winters were spent in Placentia living in the ORCAN

apartments, next to the now Rosedale Manor B&B. Mac & Marie had three children …. M.

Robert ( Bobby), Jerome & Dianne. Bobby did attend school in Southeast for a brief time (about

1951) …then all went to school in Placentia. Bobby & Jerome finished high school in St. John’s

and Dianne graduated from Laval … the first graduating class of the New High School.

Many may remember that the Lee’s home was always decorated for Christmas, at a time when not

many did so. I t did look lovely (if I do say so myself) & many people would stop to admire &

enjoy the sights. Of course many did not know of all the behind-the-scenes prep work getting

those decorations ready and up….. Dianne knows and so do a few close friends.

Some of our most positive and long lasting memories are those of family & friends and that’s

what Southeast was all about. We kids spent many hours and lots of good times at our second

home with Charlie & Ruby O’Keefe and their children, so that was always a busy lively place.

Marie & Charlie are brother & sister. Of course we are life-long friends with the Leonard Lannon

family, the very best of neighbours. Many hours were spent together at their house, our house,

back & forth from early morning to late at night. Dianne Lannon & I would go to Alice Lannon’s

(the lifeguard) to meet up with Patsy & go swimming down the lane (such cold water) …those

were great times. Some other memories ….walking to the store, & walking & walking, riding our

bikes, on the swings at the playground, skating on the arm at night …. We were so fortunate to

have those experiences and now have those memories

I’m sure I’m not the only one to remember the bus rides to school with John & Kathleen Collins.

I guess they were ahead of their time as far as a different color school bus and crowd control goes

– lots of memories and lots of stories.

At this time, Mrs. Lee (Marie) lives in Harbour Grace and Dianne lives and works in Truro, Nova

Scotia.

Daniel J. Linehan

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Born to Emma (Careen) and Michael Linehan on October 20 , 1919 in Johns Pond, St. Mary’sBay. Dan was left an orphan at the age of 4. He received his education in Boston and Colinet, St.

Mary’s Bay. Dan was a World War II Veteran. He served with the 59th Regiment from 1940-45

as a wireless operator. He served in France, Germany, Holland, England, Belgium etc. After the

war he returned to Colinet where he married Clara Duff. Together they had a family of two boys

and four boys.

In 1963, Dan and his family made Southeast their home. He worked for several years as a

Bartender at the Skyline Motel, Pink Lady, Royal Canadian Legion and Gerald Power’s Motel.

He went from bartending to security guard with the Corps of Commissioners on Castle Hill for

20+ years. He retired at the age of 70.

In his leisure time Dan served was a volunteer with the Branch #33 of the Royal Canadian Legion,

Placentia. He was made a life member in 1989. He enjoyed his time there and with his fellow

comrades, as well as a scatter game of cards, bingo and a good drink or two of whiskey.

nd

His final trip to the battle field was on March 22 , 1993 where he died with cancer.

George and Selina Linehan and Family by Gordon Linehan

George was born in John’s Pond, St. Mary’s Bay, the son of Patrick and Alice. Patrick died while

George and his sister, Gertie, were very young. Seven years later (approx. 1910) when he was a

young man, the family moved to Southeast ?? to where Alice had been born and raised as the

sister of John Phippard.

There they built their home on land purchased from a Kelly. The house stood for more than

ninety years and was recently removed by Des Linehan, a grandson of George & Selina and son of

Patrick & Mary.

Selina Lannon had immigrated to the U.S. before George moved to Southeast but five or six years

later she returned to the home of her parents, John & Elizabeth Lannon, on the site later known as

Bert Lannons. Selina had many siblings. Among them were George, Bert & Ned in Southeast,

Thomas in the U.S. and John Willy who was tragically lost enroute to Golden Bay as skipper of

his own boat at the age of 17. One of her sisters was Mary Lucy Lannon, a seamstress in her little

home near the church. Mary Lucy was confined to a wheelchair from childhood until the time of

her death. The others were Bridget Brennan, Mary Ellen Wyse, Lil Collins and Eva Lambe.

George fished for several years after his arrival to this area and in 1918 he and Selina were

married. They became the parents of five, namely Patrick, Theresa, Alma, George and Gordon.

During this time he acquired the job of repairing five miles of the gravel road leading from

Southeast to Colinet. This was a seasonal job from April to November. When November there

was no income from that source so to maintain his family he spent the winter in the woods. No

weather was inclement enough to stop him from either cutting firewood or saw logs for Leonard

Miller who had a sawmill in Placentia. This was his routine for more than 30 years.

Pat married Mary Collins of Bonds Path and their children are: Des of Southeast and Debbie who

resides with her husband Jerome Power in Fort MacMurray, Alberta. Pat passed away in 1993

and Mary in 2003.

Theresa met Tony Muroski, a U.S. soldier who was based here during the early stages of World

War 11 and then went on the war in Europe. In the meantime Theresa went to the U.S. in 1943.

Prior to this she had taught school in St. John’s and Bond’s Path. On Tony’s return from overseas

they were wed in the U.S. Tony is still living in Florida to where they had moved from

Pennsylvania, a few short years before Theresa’s death in 1992. Their two children, Mike and

Doris reside in the U.S.

Alma & Brendan Tobin from Ship Cove were married in 1949. Three of their daughters live in

B.C., Janet in Ottawa and Brenda with her husband Wayne King resides in Southeast. Having the

good sense to return home after many years teaching in Ontario, and although Wayne is an

Ontario man he is quite contented to be living in Southeast. Their son, Kenny has worked in

Churchill Falls for many years and plans to return to Southeast when he retires. Alma passed

away in 2001 and Brendan in 2003

George and Maureen Murphy wed in 1954. Though Maureen was born and raised in St. John’s,

she has truly become a Placentia area person. They lived in Southeast after their marriage where

they purchased the summer home of Sir John Crosbie. Previous to this Maureen had been a

regular visitor to Southeast. Her Aunt Lucy was the wife of Fred Lannon, so Mike, Jeanette and

Fred Jr. were her cousins. George passed away in 1992 – a sad year indeed. Within the space of

ten months, Pat, Theresa and George passed away.

Gordon left home in 1949 when the Royal Bank transferred him to St. John’s and then moved

again to Gander. This was the beginning of a life style that lasted more than 30 years because

while at Gander I enlisted in the RCAF. One of his stops (the longest one for quite a while 1957 –

1962) was at Ottawa. There he met and married Claudette MacKinnon. Two of their three sons

were born there and the third in Germany.

The Linehan name has taken root again (this time in Grand Falls, NL). Gordon’s son, Barry has

been there since 1989 with his wife, Barb and two daughters. Barb is an Albertan but the two

girls are bona fide Newfoundlanders.

George and Selina became the grandparents of thirteen and they and their children are spread from

coast to coast including the U.S.A. – a very common contribution from the people of Southeast

and Bond’s Path to the rest of Canada and the U.S

Patrick and Mary Linehan

by Des Linehan

The Linehan name came to Placentia, as far as we know, with Patrick Linehan marrying Alice

Phippard of Southeast. They had two children; George and Gertie. George stayed in Southeast

and Gertie went to the United Sates where she died just after WWII. George married Selina

Lannon and they had five children; Patrick, Alma, Theresa, George and Gordon. Pat, Alma and

George lived in Placentia while Theresa in American and Gordon in New Brunswick. Pop

Linehan worked as a section man on the Southeast road to Colinet. Their grandchildren are

spread all over North America. The only remaining Linehan from George and Selina still living

in Placentia is Patrick and Mary’s son Des who lives in Southeast on the land that was owned by

Patrick and Alice. Des and Mary (George) had two children; Desi and Tammy, who are also

living in Placentia. Debbie, Pat and Mary’s daughter lives in For McMurray. She is married to

Jerome Power of Jerseyside and they have two daughters; Jennifer and Nichole.

Richard and Margaret McLennon

by Deborah Anne Halverson

The Mclennon family, as we know it today, resulted in the union of two wonderful families.

Richard Gerard McLennon, son of William and Amelia Mclennon (aka Nanny and Poppy) and

Margaret Mary McGrath, daughter of Nicholas and MaryAnn McGrath, (aka Granny and

Grandfather).

Marg and Dick were married on St. Patrick's Day 1953. Over the next several years they had five

children to add to the household. In chronological order they are, Deborah Anne, Richard Garrett,

Cynthia Mary, Carol Ann Amelia, and Howard Joseph.

Dad worked at the Placentia Trading Company, while Mom stayed at home busily looking after

all of her children.

In the community of Southeast we were a small family compared to most. Some neighbors must

have thought Mom was on vacation with only five to children to look after as opposed to twelve

or fifteen. I am sure she would say we were a perfect crowd of children. Her hair grew back just

fine!!!!

Growing up in Southeast was never boring; we always had lots of friends and luckily lived close

to our Grandparents. Sunday drives out the Shore were quite an experience. It seemed to take

forever on the old gravel roads and I am sure with five young children in the car, my parents

reserved their place in heaven. Nanny and Poppy Mclennon were only a few minutes away. Their

house was at the top of Shaw's Lane.

Memories of swimming down Shaw's Lane, the old swimming pool in Bond's Path, running down

Freddie's meadow to meet our friends, fishing in Smelt River, riding on the bus from school with

Mrs. John Collins at the helm, jumping ice pans, the smell of Mom's homemade beans and the

aroma of Helen's homemade bread, are among the fondest. I am sure the list could

be endless.

Dad was a veteran of WW11 and an important part of the Legion. When he wasn't the President of

the Legion he was the active Past-President. Mom and Dad used to go to the Legion on Friday

night for Bingo. We still talk about all the Pepsi and Cheesies they brought home for us. It was

quite a treat!!!

My Dad passed away December 7, 1992 after a battle with lung cancer, leaving a huge void in our

family. We miss him very much. My sisters and brothers and I are very fortunate to have had such

wonderful parents and to have the opportunity to call Southeast our home.

Miller Family

You cannot think of the Miller family of Smelt River without one phrase coming to mind, ”What

a spot!” The estate of William and Anastasia Miller, complete with its 310’x 930’ size, rock walls

and natural beauty catches the eye of tourists, local people and young and old alike. With its

apple, pine, walnut, pear, cherry trees and naturally growing ferns, gazebo, benches and arches,

over the years it has been the playground for countless children. A 15-foot deep natural spring

water well on the grounds once served as the emergency measures water supply for the Placentia

Lions Manner Nursing Home. Will and Annie, as they were affectionately known, had three

children, Ray, Mary (Min) and Agatha (Newman).

Ray, a World War II veteran, married Madeline McHugh. They had three children, Marie, Anne

and Raymond Jr., two grandchildren, Pamela and Aleah. Madeline was an exception woman,

known for her kindness and love for her children.

In a letter from Christian Brother John McHugh to Madeline’s brother Mike McHugh, John wrote,

“Madeline was a quiet, reserved lady who gained the respect of everyone who knew her. She did it

all while being faced with the dreaded disease of cancer. She was a #1 mom who educated and

groomed her children to face the challenges of life in a remarkably short period of time. As a

person who knew her well, I will tell you that she has suffered her purgatory here on earth and

without a doubt, is now in heaven.”

Today, Marie is a retired schoolteacher, Anne is a retired nursing supervisor (Waterford Hospital)

and Raymond is a successful artist and instructor.

Listed as 7,8 and 9 Southeast Rd., Will and Annie’s estate is witnessing a renovation and is now

the home of Raymond and Sharon Miller and children Melanie and Clayton

In the summer of 2005, Mercedes and Imelda O’keefe visited Raymond and Sharon with

memories and stories of years gone by. Mercedes said “I just had to see Annie Miller’s place, one

more time.”

James and Agatha Newman

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James Newman was born in Petite Forte, Placentia Bay on October 7 , 1912, the son of JosephNewman and Elizabeth Brenton. Lived in Petite Forte with his family until 1942 when he came to

Placentia and worked as a carpenter’s helper at Argentia. Met and married Agatha Miller, January

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7 , 1943 in Placentia. Worked at Argentia for many years and also worked as a deckhand on Blue

Peter with Steamship lines. The later years worked with Dept. of Highways. He became sick in

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the early 80’s and died on January 7 , 1984.

Agatha Miller Newman was born in Southeast the daughter of William Miller and Anne O’Keefe

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Miller on May 29 , 1911. She attended school in Southeast then on to Littledale College for

teachers training. She taught school in Bonavista, Catalina and Flatrock. Had to give up teaching

when she married, married women were not allowed to teach at that time. She was also paid very

little for teaching around $7.00 a month.

After they married they lived with Catherine Blanche until they moved into their own home in

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1952. They had 3 children. They were: Mary An Newman Kerrivan – January 4 , 1945; Theresa

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Mary Newman Carroll – May 24 , 1947 and Majella Newman – November 1 , 1952.

In 1954 they started a small grocery store which served the whole Bond’s Path and Point Verde

road area. She spent many long busy hours in the store over the years. She closed the store in

1980. she always had a dream to travel and would take a week in the summer to visit some places

in Newfoundland. In the early 80’s her dream came through. She went to Paris, England,

Scotland, Ireland (twice), Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Vancouver and all capital cities of

Canada with many visits to Calgary and Montreal.

Agatha became sick with Alzheimer’s disease in 2003; she lived with Theresa until she was

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admitted to hospital in December 2003. She died at St. Clare’s hospital on February 14 , 2004.

They are both very sadly missed.

Arthur Joseph O’Keefe (Sr.)

By Art O’Keefe Jr.

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Arthur Joseph O’Keefe (Sr.) was born in Bond’s Path on Sept. 24 , 1913, the eldest son of Davidand Mary O’Keefe (nee) Tremblett. He attended St. Joseph’s school until he had to leave to help

his father’s growing family (the dirty 30s were just starting). The next few years were spent with

his father, trapping fur-bearing animals such as beavers, weasels, mink, muskrat and lynx. They

hunted for ducks, geese, partridges, sea ducks, rabbits and any animal that was fit to eat. Dad

always said, “I will eat anything that won’t eat my first.”

During the summers, he also fished as a share man with some of the local fishermen. This

entailed intensive physical labor on everyone’s part. They had to row from Placentia each day to

the fishing grounds up off the Cape Shore, fish all day, row back at night, process their catch and

do it all over again the next day. Sleep was definitely a luxury they could not enjoy.

In the summer of 1933, he was hired on as a river guardian for The Department of Natural

Resources by Mr. Rudolph Sr. (no relation by the way) who was the area supervisor.

This work entailed long hours on the South East river, his patrol area stretched from the mouth of

the river in South East to the eight-mile bridge on Colinet road. His only transport was what he

referred to as a “pedal bike” or he had to walk. This employment was of a seasonal nature (May

to Sept or Oct); this was before Confederation and Unemployment Insurance.

Arthur married Philomena King in 1938. They lived in southeast all their married life and had 4

children, Arthur jr., Mary Greene, Loretta Nash and Bill O’Keefe.

During the winter, he kept busy as he used to say by cutting wood for his good friend and another

hard workingman Mr. James “Jimmy” Barron. One winter, I believe it was 1945 or so, he cut 123

cord of wood singled handed using an axe and buck saw (that was before the advent of the chain

saw). I believe he was paid $4.50 a cord (4x4x8 feet) at the stump IE. Where it was in the woods,

he would get more if he carried it to the road.

In 1947 he went back to his seasonal work as a river warden and in the fall be now worked as

game warden, so he was working full time in the conservation field as Mr. Dolph O’Keefe had

retired. He kept with his additional duties, the Government provided him with what he call “a

bike and a half”. This was what is now knows as a Moped it was a bike with a 2 cycle engine,

you had to pedal the bike to reach a certain speed before the engine would start, then the top speed

was only 25 mph, and you had to pedal uphill to help the engine. Once while driving through St.

Brides on the Cape Shore, an old woman thought he was “the devil on a swivel”. When the

moped gave out, he was provided with several Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

After Confederation in 1949, Mr. O’Keefe and several of his colleagues were given the option of

staying with the Nfld. Government as game wardens or transferring to the Federal Department of

Fisheries (now DFO). He opted to go with the Federal Branch and stayed with them until his

retirement in 1978 when he reached his 65th birthday. This gave him 45 continuous years service

to both levels of government. The Prime Minister of Canada at the time, the Right Honorable

Pierre Elliott Trudeau awarded him a long service medal, plaque and certificate for a lifetime of

dedicated service.

Mr. O’Keefe was well known by sportsmen throughout Newfoundland, he was a teller of tall tales

and humorous stories. He chewed tobacco from the age of 12 and he never turned down a drink

of anything, be it cold water or hot rum. He believed in tact and discretion. He always said to

give people the benefit of the doubt… once.

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Arthur Joseph O’Keefe (Sr.) died of prostate cancer on March 30 , 1985, he would be 72 yearsold that September. He was a good husband and father and a dedicated worker and we all miss

him dearly.

Charlie and Ruby (Lynch) O'Keefe Family

by Ruby O’Keefe

Charl and I were both born in Harbour Grace and moved to the Southeast, Placentia area because

of employment at the Argentia Naval Base. We came to Southeast, Placentia in 1956 and we lived

in an apartment in Mr. George and Mrs. Bride Lannon's house for about a year. The apartment

was located up above their shop which also housed the Post Office and a public telephone. One of

our first and lasting memories of Southeast was in the upstairs apartment at the Lannon's. We can

still hear Mr. George shouting and pounding the table during a game of cards, "My God Bride,

why did you play that card?" and Mrs. Bride answering "Hush, George, its nighttime."

We returned to Harbour Grace during the fall of 1957. However, we returned to Southeast in July

of 1959 and lived in Steimer's Hut (known as "The Hut"). Presently, the Hut is Mrs. Edna (Hall)

Pittman's summer home. On New Years Day of 1960, we moved into the house of the late

Lawrence O'Brien and it has been our home ever since. During renovation in 1980, we discovered

that our home was once a one-story house with a peaked roof.

We have eight children: "two Townie boys", "two Carbonear girls", and "four Placentia Bay

boys"; signifying where they were born. Our children are Dan (1955), Charlie (1957), Carol Anne

(1958), Beatrice (1960), John (1962), Chris (1963), Steve (1967), and Frank (1972).

Seven of our children attended St. Joseph's School; however, Frank had to travel by bus to

Placentia as our dear little school closed, in 1972 I believe. We have many treasured memories of

St. Joseph's, especially the concerts and the teachers (Miss Sargent, Miss Viscount, Miss Leonard,

Miss Mansfield, and Mrs. Hann). I shall always remember the meeting when the closure of the

school was announced. It was a very sad night for us. But we have to accept change and go on.

Most of our children are now scattered across Canada but Southeast will always be "Home" to us

and the children. Southeast is truly God's little spot on this big planet.

In 1998 we had a visit from some of Lawrence O'Brien's grandchildren. They were ever so pleased

to see "their" old homestead still standing. They enjoyed a stroll around the garden -taking

pictures and twiddling some toes in Baldwin's Brook. They recalled childhood memories of

former visits with their parents. (Perhaps another Come Home Year of days gone by?). The three

grandchildren wrote down their parent's birth dates for me, all of whom were born in our house

many moons ago. John O'Brien was born in 1894, Mary O'Brien in 1895, and Angela O'Brien in

1898. We realized it was a very small world indeed as we exchanged addresses to exchange

pictures taken of their pleasant visit. When I saw their address, I said "Charles's brother, Ron,

lives in Arlington". When I told them Ron's address it turned out Charl's brother lived no distance

from where they lived. The granddaughter's husband and Charl's brother were also members of the

same War Veteran's Club. Southeast is a very special place to us. Hopefully your book will have

much of its history recorded. I would love to know more myself. If only these walls, roads, paths

could talk?

Good luck to one and all during the 2006 Come Home Year.

Pitcher Family

Ron and Mary Pitcher resettled from Merasheen to Southeast in 1967. They bought Vince

Lambe’s house, which they still live in today with their grandson Shane. Ron Pitcher was fondly

referred to as the Salmon Man because he sold salmon door to door for many years. They raised a

family of eight children, seven boys and one girl. The three oldest still reside in the area, Joe

(Dunville), Bill (Bond’s Path), and Gerry (Southeast). Carl and Gordon reside in St. John’s, and

Ron, Jack and Sheila are on the mainland.

Tobin Clan

The “last house in Southeast” has been home to Alma and Brendan Tobin and their six children

for over 45 years. Fond childhood memories of swimming, skating, fishing and rowing in the

Southeast are shared by Janet, Brenda, Sharon, Ken, Delores and Teri.

Thomas and Mary Tobin

Mrs. Mary Tobin was born in Placentia. She taught school on the Cape Shore for several years.

She taught grade 1-11 in a one-room school. She was a wonderful person. Mr. Thomas Tobin was

born in Ship Cove. He worked as a painter and contractor. They were well known people in the

community and their door was always opened to everyone. Every year there would be a bonfire,

and it would go off really well. Thomas would have to paint his house after every bonfire on the

24th of May. The man had immense patience with the entire crowd.

Joe Tremblett

Joe was born in Colinet to Billy Tremblett and Ida (O’Rourke) Aug 28, 1924. Joe grew up in

Colinet and learned to play the accordion at the age of 4. If there had been an “Entertainer of the

Year” award in Joe’s younger days, I’m sure he would have won it every year as he played at

every dance and house party and was still in demand up to the time he died.

Joe was well known throughout Newfoundland and beyond, not only for his musical talent but his

great sense of humor and the scatter lie he could tell. Joe moved to Southeast in 1978 with Dan

Linehan and his family where he remained til the last of his days. Joe could make you laugh in

the most trying of times. He was the life of a party and a great care giver when the need arose.

He played in several bands throughout his life. Tony Collins and the Visions, Sunnysiders,

Trutones, and ended with Billy Quilty (Lone Rider). Loving every minute.

Joe enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved a good time, a bottle of giggle and a day on the barrens.

He was loved by young and old and was referred to more often as “Dickey-Dickey”. Joe died from

cancer on May 2, 2002.

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The Bond’s Path/Southeast Come Home 2006 Book is now available. “An Arm Full of Memories” contains a collection of stories on family histories, a brief history from the early census and directory listings of Southeast Arm, a local map and historical local place and family names, the history of businesses and business people, the schools, the veterans, bits and pieces of history, and much more.

To obtain a copy in the mail send a certified cheque or money order to:

Placentia Rowing Club Inc.

Box 1, Site 1

Placentia, NL, A0B 2Y0

Price $15.00 Plus postage and handling.