Autobiography of Nettie Covey Sharpe

Nettie’s father had many different trades and occupations, and taught his daughter to look after herself. He took her hunting and fishing with the American tourists he guided at their lodge. He even took her along when he drove visitors around Quebec, exploring the back roads and villages of the Beauce, where many traditions had been kept alive. As a result, young Nettie developed an early fascination with traditional ways of life — and the objects which resulted. She would never lose her interest in Quebec’s material creativity. Several days before her final journey on March 29, 2002, she confided to a dear friend, “I miss meeting the artists and getting wonderful pieces from them.” Her friend responded by making a quick trip to artisan Léo Fournier, bringing back a traditional scene depicting baking in the good old days.

My interview with Nettie Covey Sharpe, which is presented here, was conducted entirely in French. She was a true francophone, and expressed herself very well in her second language, as you can tell by listening to an excerpt from the interview. Her narrative has been reworked to make it easier to read. Chapter headings have been added for the same reason.

Now imagine yourself sitting with us, around the table in Nettie’s dining room, as we ask: “Tell us, Mrs. Sharpe, how did it all begin?”