Burrage, Edith. Interview with Edith Burrage, New Perlican

• Main Author: Baccalieu Trail Heritage Corporation
• Other Authors: Burrage, Edith
• Format: Moving Image (Video)
• Language: English
• Published: 2005
• Subjects: Oral traditions; expressions and the written word; Burrage; Edith; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/ich_avalon/id/4828

This interview is part of a series of oral histories collected by The Baccalieu Trail Heritage Corporation. This interview is with Edith Burrage of New Perlican, NL. The interviewer is Linda Reid. The camera was operated by Linda Cooper. The video was edited by Mike Ryan and Darrell Barrett. [00:40] Edith Burrage begins by talking about where she was born and raised and growing up in New Perlican. She was born in 1911, was raised in New Perlican and lived there all her life. [4:10] Burrage talks about meeting and marrying her husband, Albert. They were married in January 1935, but where supposed to be married a few months before in November. As it turned out, Albert’s father passed and they had his funeral on the day Edith and Albert were to be married. [5:15] Burrage talks about her parents and how her mother’s maiden name was Pinsent and her father’s name was Isaac Smith. [5:39] Burrage recalls her childhood and how she can remember her brother going off to war when he was 18 years old. She recalls when they got a message saying her brother, George Smith, was missing in action. This was a false alarm and he returned. [7:50] Burrage describes attending school when she was a child, particularly when they had to huddle around the pot belly wood stove to dry off after getting soaking wet from walking into school. [15:38] Burrage describes the games she played as a child, such as playing house, calling colours, rings, marbles and barrel hoops . [18:49] Burrage describes special celebrations growing up. In particular, Burrage recalls celebrating Easter Monday, Boxing Day and Christmas. [24:58] Burrage mentions that writing, specifically poetry, helped get her though some of the tougher times in her life. [25:49] Burrage talks about how her grandson publish her book of stories and poetry, titled Edie's Book: Thoughts, Memories & Folklore from Trinity Bay, Newfoundland. [32:16] Burrage recites one of her poems. [34:46] Burrage recalls the songs they would sing while playing rings. [35:40] Burrage talks about ...