I really enjoyed reading this story about Nova Scotia. My family knows the Beaton's, personally. My parents inherited a farm in Nova Scotia, which was sold many years ago. Living in the US, we had loved to visit the farm when we were kids. Our last name was Gillis. My Father's name was Angus William Gillis. The farm used to be in Cape Breton, Inverness. We used to love to go to my Grandmother's house, here in the States, and listen to the downhome music, as you are talking about, that my Father had grown up with. We as kids, were amazed as the kindness of neighbors and just how lovely Nova Scotia was. It is a very fond memory. Thanks for sharing this story!
Beautiful article. I love your description of your attraction to folk music and folklife. That longing for “vitality” and “authenticity” certainly resonates with me. Just a few days ago Cliff and I were reminiscing about our 1976 trek back to see the Beatons in his avocado-green Pinto. We pulled into Inverness in the late afternoon and called John Allan on a pay phone. I told him who we were, that we were friends of you guys from Utah, and that we wondered if there might be a time to get together with them to play and possibly record some music. John Allan said, “ I don’t know- I’m pretty busy. How about half an hour?”
Gosh, so interesting how you both weave history into your artistic lives. My daughter began her summer travels working on farms while studying at Brown, and a piece she made over Christmas for her upcoming art show in Providence is titled “mulch.” Thanks for sharing your coffee chat reminiscences. -Anne
I'm grateful that you've participated in so many "hunting seasons." Your ongoing curiosity and search for authenticity and things vital is a gift to your readers. Like you, I'm negligent in knowledge of The Rolling Stones and other groups of our High School and university days. I tell my kids that I missed the 60s because I was so focused on classical music. It was a happy meeting when I became aware that Tom Carter was one of my neighbors. It brought back memories of you, Tom and Chris Montague in "Uncle Lumpy." Your writing and music are definitely "...songs that make me fall in love again."
A PS to my thank you comment: I went to high school in Providence with Skip and we reconnected at your Yellowstone CD launch at the Alta Club. I knew little of his love of music then. He told me about meeting Bill Monroe. We’ve stayed in touch. Just love the VW road trip account and the exploration of place and self — something everyone if fortunate can relate to…
Wow! I am John Allan’s grand niece. My grandma Emma grew up on that farm and we still spend lots of time there with family. Thank you so much for sharing this!!! I agree, the Beaton’s really are the best, most loving and generous people!
Broad Cove had certain spellbinding power that you were lucky to have shared in. Seek and you shall find , you found what you were looking for. It was the right place to be at exactly the right time in space. Your two worlds stood still , paused for a few moments and then it happened. “Magic “
I sure hope someone gets my note..I just stumble across these pictures of my cousins and my uncles john Allen and alec..and uncle Joe in the group pic..my mother was a beaton.
It blew my mind when I saw all this..we spent many summers on the farm..best memories..I have 6 kids almost caught up to uncle john allen..thanks eddie...pepperell mass 978 772 1082
I am from the place you write about, and I love the story for the warm-heartedness I know so well. At the same time, I am more than a little perturbed by the bit about buying farms for a few thousand dollars, which I also know well. It a painful reminder of wealthy foreigners preying upon impoverished Cape Bretoners and usurping one of their most valuable possessions. The damage is readily apparent by the 'no trespassing' signs at the ends of driveways that lead to the now world-famous shores. Sadly, this happens all over the world by a class of humans who are more often than not oblivious to their impositions and underminings of precious and irreplaceable ways of life.
Hi Hal…we really enjoyed your story about the Beaton’s of Broad Cove Marsh. My husband’s ‘people’ are the Smiths of Broad Cove (Chapel). We, along with other family members, are helping to maintain the Smith homestead with hopes that future generations will do the same. We spend time every summer at the farmhouse and what we call ‘Granny’s’ beach. The Broad Cove Scottish Concert is a highlight of our summer, but has been put on pause the past two years; hoping it returns this year! It’s held the last Sunday in July.
Another poetic Hal Cannon life story; wonderful to read about the Beaton family and their impact on your trajectory. Will pass this along to our friends who moved to Halifax a few years ago - who knows, it could spark their interest in folk music! <3
I really enjoyed reading this story about Nova Scotia. My family knows the Beaton's, personally. My parents inherited a farm in Nova Scotia, which was sold many years ago. Living in the US, we had loved to visit the farm when we were kids. Our last name was Gillis. My Father's name was Angus William Gillis. The farm used to be in Cape Breton, Inverness. We used to love to go to my Grandmother's house, here in the States, and listen to the downhome music, as you are talking about, that my Father had grown up with. We as kids, were amazed as the kindness of neighbors and just how lovely Nova Scotia was. It is a very fond memory. Thanks for sharing this story!
Beautiful article. I love your description of your attraction to folk music and folklife. That longing for “vitality” and “authenticity” certainly resonates with me. Just a few days ago Cliff and I were reminiscing about our 1976 trek back to see the Beatons in his avocado-green Pinto. We pulled into Inverness in the late afternoon and called John Allan on a pay phone. I told him who we were, that we were friends of you guys from Utah, and that we wondered if there might be a time to get together with them to play and possibly record some music. John Allan said, “ I don’t know- I’m pretty busy. How about half an hour?”
Beatons are great people.
Gosh, so interesting how you both weave history into your artistic lives. My daughter began her summer travels working on farms while studying at Brown, and a piece she made over Christmas for her upcoming art show in Providence is titled “mulch.” Thanks for sharing your coffee chat reminiscences. -Anne
I'm grateful that you've participated in so many "hunting seasons." Your ongoing curiosity and search for authenticity and things vital is a gift to your readers. Like you, I'm negligent in knowledge of The Rolling Stones and other groups of our High School and university days. I tell my kids that I missed the 60s because I was so focused on classical music. It was a happy meeting when I became aware that Tom Carter was one of my neighbors. It brought back memories of you, Tom and Chris Montague in "Uncle Lumpy." Your writing and music are definitely "...songs that make me fall in love again."
Thanks for this wonderful story. I’m looking forward to more Loose Cannon.
Hal and Tom,
A PS to my thank you comment: I went to high school in Providence with Skip and we reconnected at your Yellowstone CD launch at the Alta Club. I knew little of his love of music then. He told me about meeting Bill Monroe. We’ve stayed in touch. Just love the VW road trip account and the exploration of place and self — something everyone if fortunate can relate to…
Wow! I am John Allan’s grand niece. My grandma Emma grew up on that farm and we still spend lots of time there with family. Thank you so much for sharing this!!! I agree, the Beaton’s really are the best, most loving and generous people!
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful family 🥰 The best memories of my life include being in Broad Cove with the Beaton's.
Broad Cove had certain spellbinding power that you were lucky to have shared in. Seek and you shall find , you found what you were looking for. It was the right place to be at exactly the right time in space. Your two worlds stood still , paused for a few moments and then it happened. “Magic “
I sure hope someone gets my note..I just stumble across these pictures of my cousins and my uncles john Allen and alec..and uncle Joe in the group pic..my mother was a beaton.
It blew my mind when I saw all this..we spent many summers on the farm..best memories..I have 6 kids almost caught up to uncle john allen..thanks eddie...pepperell mass 978 772 1082
I am from the place you write about, and I love the story for the warm-heartedness I know so well. At the same time, I am more than a little perturbed by the bit about buying farms for a few thousand dollars, which I also know well. It a painful reminder of wealthy foreigners preying upon impoverished Cape Bretoners and usurping one of their most valuable possessions. The damage is readily apparent by the 'no trespassing' signs at the ends of driveways that lead to the now world-famous shores. Sadly, this happens all over the world by a class of humans who are more often than not oblivious to their impositions and underminings of precious and irreplaceable ways of life.
Hi Hal…we really enjoyed your story about the Beaton’s of Broad Cove Marsh. My husband’s ‘people’ are the Smiths of Broad Cove (Chapel). We, along with other family members, are helping to maintain the Smith homestead with hopes that future generations will do the same. We spend time every summer at the farmhouse and what we call ‘Granny’s’ beach. The Broad Cove Scottish Concert is a highlight of our summer, but has been put on pause the past two years; hoping it returns this year! It’s held the last Sunday in July.
Another poetic Hal Cannon life story; wonderful to read about the Beaton family and their impact on your trajectory. Will pass this along to our friends who moved to Halifax a few years ago - who knows, it could spark their interest in folk music! <3
Hal and Tom,
This is beautiful. Thank you…