Theresa (Tessie) Power grew up in Marystown. She met Walter while teaching on Colinet Island. They have reared eight children and have had 51 full and rewarding years together.

LOOKING BACK

I was born in 1925 and raised in Marystown by my parents Susan and James Brushett. Life was hard raising a family in those days. My father spent most of his time at sea, trying to make some money to raise myself and Mary and brother Raymond (who died at 1½ years). Mom had to take care of us. She had to take care of the gardens and bring water from our own well. In the winter the well would be frozen over with ice and we had to break the ice to get some water for drinking and washing. Clothes were washed on an old wash board and we had to heat the water on the stove. Mom made her own soap out of Gillett's Lye and fat beef. She also scrubbed the floors and they came so clean. Later on we got some cheap canvas.

There was no electricity at the time, no phones. We had to study by lamplight. There were no toilets so we had to use chamber pots and pails. The pail was emptied after dark so no one would see you. Jeys Fluid was used all over the old house and it gave off a wholesome smell. There was an attic in our old house, but no one was allowed up there because valuable papers and such were stored up there.

In 1943, I went to summer school and obtained my first grade teacher certificate and then went to teach in Burin. In 1944, I went to summer school again and got my second grade certificate. Then I went to Colinet Island to teach school. I met my husband Walter Power whom I love dearly. We got married in 1949, the year of Confederation. Walter's life was hard-going also. He was a fisherman. His mother (Vivian) worked hard as well. She made their clothes out of flour bags, made quilts and spun yarn, knit socks. In the daytime she would be on the flake making fish. Mr. Dave, his father, was also a fisherman. They grew their own vegetables, made hay, kept a horse and sheep. Later on, Mr. Dave managed East Coast Fisheries, then he passed his job over to Walter. In 1961 we all moved to Admiral's Beach from Colinet Island. We had eight children who are working away from home now and we love them all very much.