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.

Women were not considered to be on the same level as men. The rules were different for girls and boys. In his established role as Head of the household, Rita’s father was also the disciplinarian in her family — a very strict one at that. The girls had curfews placed on them, and they were not allowed to date till they left home. The joys of dancing, wearing pants/shorts, and the use of make-up were also forbidden. Literally, the word “sex” was verboten, and the act itself, undoubtedly, would have been considered sinful, scornful, and perhaps even criminal. Marriage was sacred and the key to this form of activity.  Catholicism — the only religion in Rita’s community played a dominant role in impacting their lives. As well as her father’s strict rules, there were even stricter rules imposed on the family by their parish priest. The parish priest, given all due respect, was a man of great power and control. Aside from his religious teaching and own set of rules, the priest had authority over the school system and, dutifully ensured that all rules were strictly enforced. Corporal punishment was still practiced in the school system, and the Leather Strap — the curse of the demons, a.k.a. the “or else” consequence was used to inflict pain on its victims and emotionally scar anyone who did not comply with his rules and expectations. The parish priest not only condoned the use of the Leather Strap, in fact, he encouraged his teachers to use it and not spare it. 

 

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.