Lawless, Wib (Wilbert)

Paul Stordy interviews Wilbert “Wib” Lawless in Kinkora, PEI. Mr. Wilbert talks about his family coming from Ireland, his career as a musician, and employment and wages when he was young. Wib also sings some songs and talks about music.

Interview

Stordy, Paul

Lawless, Wilburt

All content on this site is made available for personal research and private study only. Any other reuse, reproduction, or re-purposing may require the permission of the rightsholder(s); please contact the UPEI Library for more information on permissions/clearances.

1982-06-01

Held by UPEI Library-SMI-ARCH 1983-001. Series 1

00:14:35

Introduction
Wib's great grandfather came from Ireland; his grandfather was Joseph Lawless. Remembers the old songs (Shadows of the Pine, Growing Old Together, etc.) Wib started singing when he was ten years old. He played violin (started when he was 15) at weddings, dances and concerts. He'd get 50-60 cents for playing. His sister played piano with him. Once they received five dollars!
Recalls early jobs, working 6 months in the woods, and being paid twenty six dollars per month.
Grew up in Norboro, near Kensington, where they farmed. Moved to Kinkora in his senior years ("fourteen years ago this Fall"). Recalls life as a farmer.
Wib sings "Shadows of the Pines".
Stories about early jobs picking potatoes, carrying bags of potatoes, paid twenty five cents per day. He also raised colts and trained racehorses.
Wib sings a verse from a song. Tape ends.

Held by UPEI Library-SMI-ARCH 1983-001. Series 1