“The Maggie Hunter”

Description

The Maggie Hunter leaves Oswego bound for Toronto, but runs into a gale. Various crew members do their best, but the ship is lost, with only bits recovered. Six months later, the cook's body is found. Listeners are told to remember whenever a storm blows

Notes

Snider said he learned the song in July of 1947. Fowke reports that it was widespread in the Prince Edward County area (where the cook's body came ashore) in the 1880s, but has not been reported elsewhere. - PJS

Historical references

  • Oct. 13, 1876 -- telegram to ship's owner announces the coming ashore of the Maggie Hunter's cabin work

Cross references

Recordings

  • C. H. J. Snider, "The 'Maggie Hunter'" (on GreatLakes1)

References

  1. Roud #3841
  2. BI, RcTMagHu

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1964 (recording, C. H. J. Snider)
Found in: Canada(Ont)