Old Polina (Paddy Gearin)

Traditional Newfoundland folk song, most likely based on the ship Polynia, built in 1861, of the Dundee Seal and Whale Fishing Company fleet. The Polynia was commanded by Captain William Guy from 1883 to 1891, when it was sunk by ice in Davis Strait. Every year, the whaling fleet would sail from Dundee, Scotland to Newfoundland, there to pick up men to hunt the whales. Since the first ships to make it to Newfoundland would be able to pick the most experienced men, it became a bit of a competition to see who could make it in the fastest time.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• old
• polina
• paddy
• gearin
• traditional
• newfoundland
• folk
• song
• polynia
• dundee
• seal
• whale
• fishing
• fleet
• captain
• william
• guy
• davis
• strait

[Leftstrum]

This is part of a video commissioned by Joey Smallwood advocating the benefits of confederation with Canada. The video was done live on the wharf of the fish plant in Fermeuse in 1953. Paddy spent his summers in Renews with his uncle. Another portion of this video can be seen at leftstrum site. Wonderful addition to our folklore and history here on the southern shore. Thanks GDGEST!!

[gdgest]

@Leftstrum ~ Thanks for that information. :-)

[tbird4365]

Wow this is fantastic I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS IN MY LIFE! This is my Dad! Paddy Gearin! Wow! My brothers are going to freak out! Where did you get this?!!!

Theresa Gearin ON

[mearle2009]

This is my late Uncle Paddy Gearin from Shea Heights, Newfoundland

[JackGAdams]

Great GEST ...love these old NFLD folk songs ...always toe tapping ....great post.

Jack