The Violin

The year 1950. I think the experience I had with the violin in the classroom may have had an influence on my desire to play a violin of my very own. I enjoyed the music of Ambrose Mahar Sr. and his sons at Bird Cove; they produced good music and played for social gatherings. Another source of influence was Cliff Caines of Bonne Bay, who worked with Bowaters Woods and was stationed nearby one winter. His strong, vibrant playing was inspiring. I also listened to Don Messer's violin playing on the radio.

One day our teacher, Nelson Bennet, from Greens Harbor, TB, brought his violin to the afternoon classes. Our school had one class room with maybe fifty students from seven to 16 years. He called the classes to attention and told us his intention was to alert our understanding to good music. He took the violin from its case and played a few beautiful runs. Then he called me, onr of the elder students, to come forward to help him demonstrate playing of the violin.

He positioned the violin at my sholder and my left hand near the strings; the bow was held by my right hand. At his direction I drew the bow across the strings and prodused a rsonent note. All the various moves he explained to the students. In this way many notes were played that thirlled me as I fellowed the mastor's directions. I enjoyed it greatly, soon the time came for our regular duties.

Prestently, about mid summer the Eaton's catalogbe arrived which illustrated a beginner's violin outfit for a moderate price. I resolved to make every effort to obtain the violin, though I attened school and had little income. Mother had been giving me a monthly allowance which I spent on clothing, school books; and such.

It was a fine smmer morning and I was awake early, about seven o'clock. I was resolved that today I would talk with my brother, Pleman, who was off work for a few days, to help me in buying the violin. He had money to spare beca because he was working with Bowaters Woods, but he was also careful in spending his money. I waited impatiently for the time when he usually got up when he was not working. At the right time I went to his room; he was still sleeping soundly. I called him and he awokke, opened his eyes and asked what time it was. I told him it was nine o'clock. He answered, "OK", mumbled that he would be up soon, his eyelids drooped, and he was heading off to slumber-land for a half-hour. I called him back, saying, "I have something to show you, Pleman, see this beautiful violin," l held up the picture,"this violin comes with a nice, stylish case and everything you need to play it; we might never have the chance to get a violin at this price, again". "What's that to me" he muttered sleepily, "I don't want a violin". "But it is very importment to me", I replied. "Well then," I countered, "this violin means so much to me, that, if you will pay $20 or so on it, I will pay back the money you lend me, at, say, $5 a month?" He got his eyes open and focused on me. "You're not serious about this, are you?" he said. "Sure, you,ll never learn to play that thing."

He turned his head and closed his eyes as if he had no intention to discuss the subject any further. It seemed my dream was lost, when a thought came to me. I knew that my brother cared for me and that he felt he was was doing the right thing. I had left his room but turned back and said to him, "I believe that somehow I will play that violin and when I have larned to play it well, I will teach you to play." Pleman rose up on his bed and looked at me. Then he said, "I'll have the money for you today." The change was so suddee I could hardly grasp it, and I went to my room, to weep. Then I went down stairs to tell my mom. My brother came down and passed the money to me. I counted it and it was more than I need. "Keep the change, brod." he said, smiling.

Two weeks later when the Coastal Vessel arrived from Corner Brook, I was on hand at the Government wharf, watching for my package to be landed. When it came out it was larger than I expected; the carton, reinforced with wood strips, and there was my name on it: Ralph A. Hoddinott! I had my violin. My dream had become a reality! During the twenty-minute steam by motor boat from Plum Point to Brig Bay, a Gentleman began to read the printing on the unusual package in order to ascertain its contents and who the owner was. He called, "It says here that there's a violin in this parcel, but that must be a mistake; who in Brig Bay would be buying a violin?" The boat owner, who knew it was my package, answered, "Read the label, and tell us who the owener is". The man read, "Ralph A. Hoddinott". Then he looked toward me with a puzzleded expression, and asked, "Is that so, Ralph? Is that really a violin in there?" I nodded, and he exclaimed, "Well, I'll be!", and smiled, warmly.

My life style changed about three years later and any talent I had was directed to other persuits. Afterwards I played the violin in church services, along with my sons, Gary and David, who played accordions. Pleman also learned to play well known melodies like, "You are my sunshine etc and also hymns. About four years after this I received a new violin, a Christmas present, from my wife. I turned the original one over to Pleman, and I think he still has it in his possession.

Link to My Wife:click here.

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