Nova Scotia Archives

Helen Creighton: Folklife

Helen Creighton Audio Reel 5034

Dreadful Ghost

00:00:01 - Cuckoo Audio Reel: 5034 Recording number: 55 performed by Mrs. R.W. Duncan at Dartmouth, Halifax County, Nova Scotia first line of lyric: The cuckoo is a pretty bird she sings as she flies — 1943
00:02:27 - I'm a Stranger in this Counteree Audio Reel: 5034 Recording number: 56 performed by Mrs. R.W. Duncan at Dartmouth, Halifax County, Nova Scotia first line of lyric: I'm a stranger in this counteree from America I came — 1943
00:04:50 - Branded Lambs Audio Reel: 5034 Recording number: 57 performed by Mrs. R.W. Duncan at Dartmouth, Halifax County, Nova Scotia first line of lyric: As Johnny rode out one fair summer's morn — 1943
00:09:15 - Ship's Carpenter Audio Reel: 5034 Recording number: 58 performed by Mrs. R.W. Duncan at Dartmouth, Halifax County, Nova Scotia first line of lyric: Says William to Mary, 'Will you come along with me — 1943
00:14:30 - Tarry Trousers Audio Reel: 5034 Recording number: 59 performed by Mrs. R.W. Duncan at Dartmouth, Halifax County, Nova Scotia first line of lyric: As I rambled out one fine summer's evening — 1943
00:16:58 - Nancy Audio Reel: 5034 Recording number: 60 performed by Dennis Smith at East Chezzetcook, Halifax County, Nova Scotia first line of lyric: It was down in yon green valley in the pleasant month of May — 1943
00:20:54 - When A Man's In Love Audio Reel: 5034 Recording number: 61 performed by Dennis Smith at East Chezzetcook, Halifax County, Nova Scotia first line of lyric: When a man's in love sure he feels no cold — 1943
Dreadful Ghost Audio Reel: 5034 Recording number: 62 performed by Dennis Smith at East Chezzetcook, Halifax County, Nova Scotia first line of lyric: It's of a sailor as home by right And on the sea he took great delight — 1943
00:29:50 - Green Mossy Banks of the Lea Audio Reel: 5034 Recording number: 63 performed by Dennis Smith at East Chezzetcook, Halifax County, Nova Scotia first line of lyric: When first to this country a stranger curiosity caused me to roam — 1943

Interested in a particular style of folk song or type of story? Helen often assigned a genre term to her recordings. Choose a genre below to listen.

Acadian Folk song

African Nova Scotian song

Child Ballad [F.J. Child anthology]

Interested in recordings in a particular language? Helen recorded people singing and speaking in multiple languages. Language terms were assigned by Creighton herself. Choose a language below to listen:

Interested in recordings with a particular instrument? Helen recorded people playing and signing with multiple instruments. Instrument solos and/or accompaniment were assigned by Creighton herself. Choose an instrument below to listen:

Read Helen Creighton's recording notes along with archival documentation related to these audio recordings: Mf289-14 PDF Mf289-15 PDF