Kathleen with her three older sisters. From left to right are Mary, Edith (Sister Mary Angela), Marion (who would later become Sister Mary Edith) and [{athleen

After the chores were done and the rosary said, the playing cards would come out until it was time for bed.

Although money was always scarce, the family was well fed, comfortable and content. There was also a new optimism in the otherwise beleaguered agriculture industry. During the 1920s, Prince Edward Island had seen

a major increase in the shipment of seed potatoes, which became one

of the province’s leading cash crops, earning it the sobriquet “Spud Island.” One of the more prominent farmers in Kinkora was MJ. McIver. He pioneered many innovations in potato production, and helped to establish Prince Edward Island’s seed potato industry. Prince Edward Island seed potatoes were much in demand in North America and on other export markets. McIver became known as the “Potato King,” for his many innovations in the industry.

The Kinkora area was well—suited for potato production, and although prices fluctuated widely, John Keefe became a successful potato grower. By 1928, potato production in the province had climbed to close to

52,000 acres, up from 36,000 acres in 1920. Ofthat, 32,000 acres were entered for seed potato certification for the lucrative export market. 47