Daisy Parris

Daisy Parris was born in Hilloby, St. Andrew, Barbados on September 28, 1897.

She came to Sydney, Nova Scotia in 1918 to marry Alexander Parris who was born in St. Michael, Barbados.

Alexander Parris had emigrated to Canada to work as a laborer in the Steel Plant. He was a shoemaker by trade. After working in the cake ovens department for five years he left the steel plant to open a Shoe Repair Shop on Tupper Street. Daisy and Alex were one of the first black couples to own their own home. Later he opened a candy store and a grocery store. He also bought an apartment building which he rented out.

Daisy and Alex had nine children and two adopted children, six of whom are still living. Daisy said her husband was a talented musician. He played the organ, piano, guitar, violin, mandolin and the ukulele. The oldest daughter, Ersil, was also a talented pianist. Alex gave music lessons to many young boys and girls in the community.

Her husband died on December 19, 1945, leaving the family well off.

Daisy is now living (in November 1986) on Laurier Street with one of her adopted children.

In the interview conducted in 1982, Daisy Parris recalled that when arrangements were being made for her to come to Sydney to marry Alexander Parris she was not quite twenty-one years old. Her age had to be advanced in the application:

            "He couldn't get me here unless I was twenty-one, 

             so he had to put twenty-one so as to get me. 

             He had come home to visit his mother.  

             His uncle was married to my aunt.  They all lived 

             well together.'

Daisy and Alexander Parris accomplished a great deal in their married life in a pioneering situation during difficult days. It is understandable, then, that at the age of 85 in 1982, Daisy still had fond memories of their life together:

           "I see him every day in my dreams, in my moving on my way.

            Every move I make I see Alexander Parris."

Though they had together made efforts to provide for themselves and their family, life was not easy for Daisy when her husband died. Some of the children were still young and there wasn't much surplus to rely upon. However, it all worked out for this courageous lady who had come to Canada in 1918 as a young bride.

As this book goes to print in November, 1986, Daisy Parris, now 89 years old, is a fine example and reminder of the contribution of immigrants from Barbados to the growth and strength and achievements of Canada.

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