When Rita was growing up in rural Newfoundland, the existence of the pioneer lifestyle was still evident, as living conditions were inadequate and difficult. Her family lacked even the basic fundamentals of life (heat, running water, and electricity). She vividly remembers the difficulties her family faced in their struggle to survive. The children rarely ever got new clothes to wear. On a few occasions, after stretching the Almighty dollar to the limit and some creative financing, the children managed to get a few new clothes to wear for their return to school each September, if they were lucky. Fortunately enough, her parents were the epitome of humbleness, unselfishness, and frugality, even though they never knew what it was like to have money in reserve. For the Stamp family, the needs of their children took precedence. 

Not only was the lack of funds a major concern, but, there were many other factors that impacted their way of life. Children, basically, had no rights and were deprived of the freedom to express themselves both verbally and/or emotionally. The children lived by the rule ….. “Children should be seen and not heard.” Traditionally, men were regarded as the head of the household and responsible for providing the financial support for their families. Fishing, the primary occupation in most rural towns and villages, was not a guaranteed income, and men who preferred not to make a living from the sea were forced to work away from home and their families for long periods of time. The labour wage for unskilled labourers, at the time, was minimal, and workers were considered lucky if they even found employment. To supplement their income, Rita’s parents grew their own vegetables and raised sheep, cattle, and chickens, which required a lot of maintenance and upkeep. On occasion, cattle or sheep would be sold to cover unexpected expenses, or to buy food or other vital necessities. While her father was working away from home, and she was still a young child, Rita and the rest of her siblings were busy helping out with the laborious and tedious outdoor chores.  

In Rita’s more explicit opinion, “From a very young age, the fear of God was inbred in us and we were constantly reminded that if we were bad, the gates of hell would be open and waiting to receive us.” It was a constant worry for Rita to have to conform to the high expectations of her father, in addition to the other authoritative figures — the parish priest, and school team that she had to answer to. In retrospect, Rita says, “My perception now has changed; education was forced, rather than encouraged. Back then, children were conditioned to view this form of corporal punishment as discipline, therefore, they did not perceive it as abuse.”

Rita’s parents taught the children all the skills they themselves had learned from their forefathers. She says, “These lessons were well learned, and never to be forgotten.” She continues to apply many of them today. Despite the harsh childhood and difficulties encountered, Rita says she can revisit her childhood years and find some of it rather amusing. Her heart dwells in that piece of the Rock called home, and says those precious memories will never fade away. She has come a long way and have finally put closure on her past.