Cousins, John

Geoff LePage interviews John Cousins of Bloomfield, PEI. On the first side of this recording, Cousins speaks about the early Irish settlers -- notably an O'Halloran family -- who arrived on the brig "Martin" in 1821. Cousins then begins discussing Thomas (Tom) Dunn, who arrived from Ireland ca. 1830 and settled in Lot 7: Dunn was a great storyteller and purveyor of Irish folklore. Cousins continues to share stories and songs of Tom Dunn and his "Uncle Dan".

Interview

LePage, Geoff

Cousins, John

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1983-08-05

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

01:02:28

Introduction
Speaks about the early settlers that came in 1821, the families of Lot 7, and the families that followed.
Talks of crime and land owners. Montgomerys selling land so the early settlers could farm.
Talks about the Irish being frustrated as not being able to buy land. Discusses which part of Ireland the early settlers came out from.
Discusses their farming and fishing livelihood, and how trade started in Lot 7.
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Talks about Irish immigrant Tom Dunn, a great teller of songs and stories.

Discusses multiple songs passed down from Tom Dunn, and performs several examples. Also discusses the life and lore of his "Uncle Dan" and their importance in Irish folklore on PEI.
SIDE A ends
00:37:00-1:02:28 Speaks about Uncle Dan's Life entirely and sings multiple songs that were passed down throughout. Lecture style.

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