Nova Scotia Archives

Helen Creighton: Folklife

Helen Creighton Audio Reel 5180

Once I Had A Girl

00:00:03 - Pirate Song Audio Reel: 5180 Recording number: 1541 performed by Gordon Connelly at Glen Haven, Halifax County, Nova Scotia first line of lyric: It was early in the morning boys just at the break of day — July 1950
00:08:49 - Sealing Song Audio Reel: 5180 Recording number: 1542 performed by Gordon Connelly at Glen Haven, Halifax County, Nova Scotia first line of lyric: Come all ye lovrs of Newfoundland — July 1950
00:17:31 - Gooseberry Pie Audio Reel: 5180 Recording number: 1543 performed by Gordon Connelly at Glen Haven, Halifax County, Nova Scotia first line of lyric: You may boast if you like of your bacon and greens — July 1950
00:20:46 - Since Love Can Enter An Iron Door Audio Reel: 5180 Recording number: 1544 performed by Sydney Boutilier at French Village, Halifax County, Nova Scotia first line of lyric: It's of a damsel both fair and handsome — July 1950
Once I Had A Girl Audio Reel: 5180 Recording number: 1545 performed by Sydney Boutilier at French Village, Halifax County, Nova Scotia first line of lyric: Once I had a girl, a bonny, bonny girl — July 1950
00:26:06 - Handsome Cabin Boy Audio Reel: 5180 Recording number: 1546 performed by Sydney Boutilier at French Village, Halifax County, Nova Scotia first line of lyric: It's of a gallant lady — July 1950
00:27:00 - There's A Pretty Little Maiden Audio Reel: 5180 Recording number: 1547 performed by Sydney Boutilier at French Village, Halifax County, Nova Scotia first line of lyric: There's a pretty little maiden — July 1950

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: Mf289-303 PDF Mf289-304 PDF