SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Sullivan's Songhouse

Honourable senators, today, I am pleased to present Chapter 97 of “Telling Our Story.”

As many of you are aware, an incredible amount of Newfoundland and Labrador’s history and culture has been passed down for generations and shared with the world through our songs and stories. For an immersion in everything Irish, one would only have to drive a short distance from the capital city of St. John’s to a region called the Southern Shore where Irish traditions are embedded in the DNA of the people who live there.

Growing up in the small fishing community of Calvert, Sean Sullivan learned at an early age how to sing, play an instrument and entertain a crowd whether at the community centre or the kitchen table.

Following his retirement, Sean wanted to realize a dream he had thought about for years, which was to turn an old saltbox house that a neighbour had left him in his will into a place to gather with music and friends. He talked to his wife, Angie, about it, and her reply was, “Might as well. It is already a songhouse.”

Thus Sullivan’s Songhouse was created, and it opened its doors on August 9, 2017. Since then, Sean and Angie have welcomed people from all around our province, across Canada and from countries all around the world, including Türkiye, Iran, Denmark, the United States and beyond. If you want to see what people think about their experience at Sullivan’s Songhouse, you can check it out on Tripadvisor.

To sum up what a visit to this unique, one-of-a-kind visitor experience would be like, I want to read you a recitation written by Harry Ingram of Arnold’s Cove in Newfoundland and Labrador called “The House of Songs”:

If you’re fed up with life, and the frustrations of town,

I’ll tell you a secret, there’s this place that I found.

It’ll do your heart good, put right all your wrongs,

So head up the shore, for this house full of songs.

With a hand shake and hug, you’re greeted come on in.

Have a quick mug up, before the music begins.

And what happens next, would fill up your heart,

All the instruments emerge, and the seanchai starts.

He’s the kindest of hosts, and he sings the first song.

And we listen intently, or perhaps sing along.

From A Grey foggy day, this song has its charm,

To another about longliners, out in Joe batt’s Arm.

Then he passes the torch, as they go round the room.

Each singing in turn, or perhaps play a tune.

On banjo or fiddle, and mandolins to boot.

And for those who don’t sing, a recitation or two.

The finest of stories, some new songs or rare.

Some funny, some touching, they’ll relieve all your cares.

And the loveliest hostess, she sure keeps an eye,

So you’ll never go hungry, or never go dry.

You might even see dancers, that swing ’round the floor.

Oh the kindness and laughter, how could you want more.

But like all good things, it must come to an end,

But you sure won’t forget, all the music and friends.

They bid you farewell, with more hugs and a smile,

It’s like a page from history, a step back in time.

It’s hard to describe, but try as I might,

It’s like being wrapped in a blanket, on a cold winter’s night.

So if you’re fed up with life, and the frustrations of town,

Remember my secret, this place that I found.

And head up the shore, and bring ’long your spouse,

You’re sure to feel welcome, at Sullivan’s Song House.

It is, indeed, another jewel in the Newfoundland and Labrador tourism crown, but my advice to you is to call early and book your reservations. Sullivan’s Songhouse has become a very popular destination.

Thank you.