Allan Hillier was born on January 1, 1918, and lived all his life in Griquet, on the northern tip of Newfoundland. His older brother Sam was born there in 1906. Their father, Archibald Hillier, was also from Griquet, and their mother, Caroline (nee Brace), was from Botwood. The brothers worked as fishermen, Allan a jack-of-all-trades, and Sam a carpenter who loved his dog team and komatik. Both knew Rufus Guinchard and played with him when he worked there in the 1930s.

Collector’s Note: I spent an afternoon with the Hilliers in Allan’s home, where several family and friends had gathered. It was clear that Allan was quite a good player at one time. He remembered many tunes and was enthusiastic about playing, but often noted: “I won’t be at it now” and “I get tangled up between the bow and the fingers.” We talked about dances, and the family was out on the kitchen floor in no time, reconstructing a set dance from years ago. They spoke of Charlie Broomfield, a great fiddler who came to St. Anthony from Labrador years ago. I assume a connection with Martin Broomfield, referenced by Labrador fiddler Aukie Montague. Sam Hillier played only one tune, complaining of stiff fingers, but it’s a dandy. Allan played all the remaining tunes. Sam passed on December 8, 1989, and I’m uncertain of the date of Allan’s passing.