Sports was just one of their pursuits. Shawn took painting lessons, Danny took violin and guitar lessons, Mary Jane took up tap dancing and Michael set up a darkroom in the basement. They all took swimming lessons, even in winter, and most of them would eventually earn their life—saving certificates. They were also fiercely competitive. When Joey, the youngest, was just three years old, he would play cards with himself for hours. When anyone asked who he was playing with, Joey would invariably reply “the other fellow.” Joey usually won.

The annual ice sports for students at the Spring Park school was

a major and much—anticipated event. The Charlottetown Forum was packed with students, family and friends who gathered to watch or participate in skating, costume or honeymoon races, and a hockey game, usually played against students from West Kent school. Mothers

Kathleen and Michael in his took along fudge to sell, and a basement laboratory

carnival atmosphere hung over the event. The Murphy children participated actively and enthusiastically, and usually came home with their share of ribbons.

Old Home Week was another major highlight of the year. The children would be taken once to the exhibition grounds where they were treated to rides, games and other attractions. It must have been difficult for Kathleen and Bill to keep the group together, but they managed. It was also costly for a large family on a small budget, but the sheer enjoyment of the children made up for the added drain on the family’s resources. After the trip to Old Home Week, the children set up mini—games in the

backyard, and held an exhibition of their own for the neighbourhood Children.

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