To celebrate the season, and our history, here are three articles my Great-Uncle, Ern Clarke, penned about mummering in the Twillingate Sun during the late-1940s and early 1950s: Mummering for the 1948-9 season terminated on Thursday night – to the regret of some who were just getting into the swing, but to the unbounded relief of others, particularly Mothers who for the past fortnight have seen the home almost torn apart as the young ones and others tried to put together a rig which would defy recognition. On the whole the standard this year has been very high with many making a fine effort to provide entertainment. Since we last went to press the mummers have come and gone for another year, and for visitor and visited alike two weeks is probably enough. However, it is gratifying to note that this old, old custom is not dying out even though there is a law on the statute books somewhere, or at least there was before Confederation, which provides a penalty for any person found on the streets in disguise. But like many another law, this was not intended to deprive persons out of innocent pleasure, and no law enforcement officer worthy of the name would dream of apprehending any of the mighty host of fun makers which have roamed the town since Christmas Eve. Old and young alike get a lot of kick out of this perfectly harmless pastime, and the feeling experienced when one succeeds in getting in and out of the home of a close acquaintance without betraying one’s identity, defies description. This year has been an exceptionally favourable one for mummers as, apart from only one or two nights, streets have been free of wet snow or mud which, more than anything else, bars them from entrance to many homes. In fact, so unusual has the weather been for this time of year, many groups have taxied from their homes to the settlements chosen for the night of fun. The gentleman whom we think of as the king of the mummers has been out on a number of occasions but failed to call on us, which it must be admitted is a source of keen disappointment. The last we heard of him was that he was wearing one gaiter and one knee rubber which perhaps resulted in so drastic a disruption of his normal powers of locomotion that he has of necessity been obliged to postpone any further forays until muscular co-ordination has been regained. We take back just about all that we said about the mummers this year being not up to the standard of other seasons. During the last few nights of Christmas those who stayed at home were favoured with visits from some very noteworthy bands who came not to be entertained but to entertain. And with the help of accordions, mouth organs, guitars, good singing voices and nimble feet they made a splendid job of it. The old reliable was out again this year, we are told, though we did not have the pleasure of welcoming him. Every year sees him in some new and spectacular costume and no doubt this was no exception. Best mummer of the year (although we did not see him ourselves) was probably the chap who toured the North Side alone on the night of Old Christmas Day wearing a huge stock key around his neck signifying that he had taken upon himself the task of “locking up” for another year.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 16:05:40 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015