Pius Power Sr. (1912 to 1993) was born in Fumbly Cove in Paradise Sound and spent most of his life in Clattice Harbour. He remained there with his family for three years after everyone else had left and eventually moved to South East Bight, another community that had held out against centralization.
Mr. Power was a well-known singer and storyteller. He got most of his stories and songs from his father or his Brewer uncles, but would learn a song from anyone who had one. He sometimes composed songs too - mostly to torment his friends and family. He was never without a song on his lips - or a pipe in his mouth! Mr.Power sang and told
stories at many festivals and gatherings. His story Jack Shipped to Puss, was made into a play,Jack Meets the Cat by Sheila's Brush Theatre.
He was married to Margaret (Maggie) Hepditch and had six chidlren: Annie Francis, Pius Jr., Mary,Clara, Kathelen and Margaret,and a foster daughter, Mary Margaret. Mr. Power was a fisherman who grew most of his own food and built his own boats, including a schooner-Jigged jackboat,which was one of the last boats to fish under sail in Placentia Bay.
Pius Power, Sr. was a master of these these wonderfully long ancient stories of unlikely heroes using quick wits to overcome supernatural foes. Over time storytellers added local settings, details and characters to give them a distinctive Placentia Bay flavour.
A Few of Pius' Songs
Peg Bearskin
The big and hairy heroine sets out with her two beautiful sisters to seek their fortune. She outsmarts a witch along the way.Weddings ensue (collected by Anita Best in South East Bight in 1987).
Jack Meets the Devil
The hero of this tale plays cards with the Devil and has to work off his debt performing three impossible tasks. Beautiful princesses come to his aid. (collected by Anita Best in South East Bight in 1987).
