Digital Storytelling: The Shop with Mary Flynn

Mary Flynn and Dale Jarvis in Mary's home in Otterbury.

Digital storytelling is a short form of digital media production that allows everyday people to share aspects of their own family and community history. Many people have stories about family members and local places that often go untold. Digital storytelling helps interpret and make community history accessible.

Watch below as Mary Flynn, originally from Shearstown and currently living in Otterbury, Newfoundland, tells the story of her first job in the local shop:

Or click here to watch the video on YouTube.

If this video elicits memories for you, or if you'd like to arrange a digital storytelling workshop for your community, contact Dale Jarvis at dale@heritagenl.ca

Alex C. Gruchy General Dealer, Pouch Cove 1954 #Folklorephoto

028.03.013 Alex H. J. Gruchy, Delcie Squires, and Pearl Squires in front of Alex C. Gruchy General Dealer, Pouch Cove. 1954
Photograph courtesy of the Portugal Cove-St. Philip's Archives 

These two photograph are from the Allen and Pearl Squires fonds at the Portugal Cove-St. Philip's Archives. Allen and Pearl visited his home town of St. Philips, taking 35mm slided in 1954 and 1962. The slides show the couples travels around the Avalon Peninsula including Pouch Cove. The above photo shows the Pouch Cove shop Alex C. Gruchy General Dealer in 1954. Allen Squires and Alex Gruchy served together in WW2 as part of the 166th Newfoundland Field Regiment Royal Artillery. Below is a photograph from Allen and Pearls 1962 visit, showing Allen Squires, Alex and Jean Gruchy with their children and a friends baby.

 028.03.132 - Alex and Jean Grouchy and their son and daughter and friends baby and Allen Squires (in suit) in. Pouch Cove. August 12th 1962. Photograph courtesy of the Portugal Cove-St. Philip's Archives.  

Are you from the Pouch Cove area? What do you remember about the Gruchy's shop?

For more information on the Portugal Cove-St. Philip's Archives, contact the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip's Heritage Programs and Services Coordinator Julie Pomeroy.

~Kelly