Stratton Notes
Source: Handwritten by Ruby Rowsell;
Found in diary of Rev. Reginald Norman Rowsell
[These notes appear to have been made during or after a talk given by
someone named Stratton, at Deer Lake, January 31, 1963.]
1. He told the story of sealing one spring with Capt. Jobie Knee. Stratton was sent
with a message to Capt. Abraham Kane to get directions since Abraham Kane was the
only captain who had navigation.
2. The first religious service ever held in Deer Lake was an open-air service held
by a Miss Abbott of the Salvation Army. Held on Goodyear's Lane at the spot where the
home of Frank Wellon now stands. Stratton could not tell me the date.
3. Told of group of men clearing stumps of land where the Anglican Church now stands.
Rested after pulling first stump. Several men drank rum. One old fellow rubbed his
hands and said, "God will never bless a church that starts with drinking rum and
goes on playing cards." and added Stratton, "he hasn't blessed it yet."
4. Stratton told of the time here in early days of construction - a boiler in use to
keep power for running machinery. They had a hogshead for a bathtub.
5. Capt. Jobie Knee would never eat with passengers - always in room alone. "I was
frightened of him," said Stratton. "Once my dad went on board and went on the
Captain's bridge. I was expecting him to come down very soon. But instead he was
received with open arms. They ate together in the Captain's private room. The mate
said to me (the mate was Captain's son), 'What angel came on board today? I see
the old man was good to him and talks a lot with him.'"
"That is my father," said Stratton.
"Boy he must be some angel," said the mate.