FATHER OF THE MUSICIANS Peter Simon Chaisson , a native of Bear River was named after his father who was also called Peter Simon . "Pete," as he was called, left home at an early age to go t work in Maine, but when his father died, he returned home to Bear River to take over the farming operation. Pete later married Mary Maclsaac and they were blessed with twelve children, eleven of whom survived beyond infancy. In this large family, music, song, and laughter were common in their home, on a daily basis. Pete acquired his musical skills from his father who also played the fiddle. It was very relaxing for him to pick up the fiddle and play a few tunes. His wife, Mary, also had an ear for music, and she would jig a tune for her children, who easily picked it up. Pete Simon was a good family man who believed in doing things right. On one occasion, he sent one of his boys to the store to buy a package of tobacco for him. While there, his son was accused by the clerk of taking a dollar from the counter. The boy returned home and related the story to his father, who became very upset because he thought that his son had done something wrong. He and the boy went to see the parish priest who convinced them that the boy had not taken the money. They both returned home jubilant, a happy father and a relieved son. "Pete" was a very charitable man who was dedicated to his community of Bear River . He liked to share his musical talents with others; so, he very willingly played the fiddle for all community gatherings. If there was a wedding in the community, or a dance in the local school house, you could always depend on him to be there and to do his best to entertain everyone. Very often he was the only musician at such events, and he played without accompaniment. Today, a band of four or five members are required to play a single tune. On many 31