Lillian Crew Walsh was born in Neil's Harbor in 1883, the oldest child of James and Elizabeth Crew. She became known for her poetry, which reflects the environment in which she lived. Lillian wrote with ease as she expressed life's daily experiences. She was able to turn her stories to poems as she expressed her ideas, one could find themselves between the lines of her easy flowing writings. This legacy was created by few people of her time, having a possible Grade 5 at Neil's Harbour. Lillian had her book of poems published, of which most she gave away. She was described as a wonderful person who loved life and always enjoyed telling stories. Some of her songs were recorded by Charlie MacKinnon. Most of her life she lived in Glace Bay, but often returned to Neil's Harbor to visit. Her verses for the "The Lady of The Loom" began one day, as she carried a scuttle of coal to her house. The Cape Breton Tartan was patented by the verses she wrote in the poem. Mrs. Wilson Grant used this piece of poetry and with her threads wove it into a tartan.

Lillian passed away in 1967 at 83 years of age. In 1997, at East Coast Music Awards her work was honored with Stompin Tom Connars award for her exceptional contribution to the music tradition of Atlantic Canada. A few of her songs are: “My Cape Breton Home” “Kelly's Mountain” “The Waters of Iona” “The Ghost of Bras d'Or.” among others.

Submitted by Linda Symes