The THOMAS COLES COLLECTION
ELLISTON MEN

From The Fisherman's Advocate
10 Feby 1961

THEY WERE MEN OF REPUTE

By Spotlight


Of all the fishermen of any country, there is none so daring as the Newfoundlander,
so courageous and hardy.  At home or abroad, he can perform the duties allotted 
to him skilfully and commendably.  Whether his qualification was hereditary, or 
was acquired through hard years of experience, 	 the fact remains that 
Newfoundland fishermen rank among the ablest.

In nearly all settlements throughout the province, there are some persons who
stand out from the others in some particular role.  In Elliston we have had 
some such characteristics. 

One citizen of note was Mr. Garland (Porter). He was one who went through all
the degrees of a fisherman and was worthy of the name. This fisherman worked 
at the industry all his life, bringing many thousands of quintals of fish to 
land, which gave him the means to supply all the average benefits of living 
to his family. Garland began fishing when a mere boy of 16, we are told, and
at the age of 20 he skippered his father's fishing concern. All through his 
years his fishing career was properous, and he was able to keep his fishing 
premises in good order, operating from one to three cod-traps, and build his 
own fishing skiffs. Not only was this man a fish-killer, but an expert carpenter
also. He build his own house, and was the designer and builder of several homes
for others in the community. Never did he have difficulty in securing sharemen
to fish with him, for it was generally understood that a "berth" with Gar was
a sure money-making adventure. This gentlman was very neighbourly. On many 
occasions, he freely gave his valuable time to help his fellow citizens to do
repairs to his boat or his home. During the summer months, scores of fresh 
fish were given to those who needed a fishfry, and an offering of cash payment
was considered out of order.  

There were other persons in this locality who were notable in diverse ways. There 
was Uncle Bob (Robert Tilley), who was a real musician in his day. Being a 
very agile fiddler, he could set all his listeners in motion when tipping off
"Turkey in the Straw", "The Irish Washerwoman" and many other jigs and reels.
One certainly had to come to one's feet when his fiddle was singing, even if 
he was but an amateur floor-tapper. Uncle Bob organized the first Elliston 
brass band, and kept it humming through the greater part of his life.

About the time that Sir William Coaker was at the top of the popularity ladder,
having a very strong union of hardy, robust fishermen - ten thousand strong, 
I believe - Uncle Bob organized a band of boys whose ages ranged from 10 to 15
years. They were a musical group, and their fame soon spread around. Sir William,
after hearing them play, had them come to Bonavista during the three or four 
days when the union convention was in session. The boys were assembled in the
lodge ante-room, and would be called out about every half hour to render a band
selection before the huge audience present. Uncle Bob used to write music for
his band. Some of the marches he wrote were called Russian March, Java March, 
Elliston No.1, Elliston No.2, etc. It was difficult to get players in those 
early days. When the band was having rehersals, many listeners would be 
present to spend an evening. One time the bandmaster wanted an extra hand, so
he contacted the visitors. 
"Is there someome among you", he questioned, "that would like to learn to play?"
"I'll learn a piece," prompted Bill.
"All right, then, but have you got any "ear" for music", the master queried.
"Yes, sir-ee, I certainly have," was the reply, "Why, I can "ear" a pin drop".

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