Jack Manley

by Hattie Dyck

Music is an important part of many of our lives for a myriad of reasons. Some of us just enjoy listening to it and others enjoy the ability of both playing it and singing it for the enjoyment of many others.

For those of us who grew up in the country in the days when our entertainment consisted mainly of music, playing cards or ball games we can be happy reminiscing on our participation in these forms of entertainment.

There are so many people I could name in relation to music that I wouldn’t dare write their names down for I would certainly leave some out. But one I have recently talked with whetted my memories and well deserves praise as does all the others.

That is Jack Manley who grew up in East Noel and has been playing and singing both in his own home and at public functions since he was four years old. Jack comes from a music loving family and remembers his mother, Annie, helping him pick the guitar when he was barely strong enough to hold it. Jack says he loved the old country songs then and still does now, close to 70 years later. One that his grandfather, the late Clifford Sanford of Walton particularly enjoyed and taught him to play was “Grandfather’s Clock,” which Jack still enjoys. It was always a part of the family gatherings they used to have on his grandparent’s lawn.

Jack has played with many of the greats over the years including Eric Bowers a well known and well-liked Stewiacke musician. He Played many times at the dances at Latties Brook and Noel along with filling in for others who could not do so on a particular night. The first time that happened was when a player couldn’t come to a dance at Noel and he was recruited. He was only 8 years old but his parents took him and helped him complete this act of kindness.

Jack’s brother, the late Clifford Manley was a well-known fiddle player and Clifford’s wife, Maxine, now heads the band ‘Max and the Boys” that plays at the Hants North Legion once a month. Jack is a part of this band as is John Caldwell, Dan MacDougall, and Larry Crozin. Clifford is remembered fondly for composing the “Florence Killam Waltz” and Maxine composed the “Tidal View Waltz.” Florence composed the “River John Sunset Waltz.’’ All are still popular.

Organizing fund raisers for those who need a bit of help has been a vital part of Jack’s musical talent. Many times, he has taken on the role of auctioneer and thoroughly enjoyed the bidding wars he created on a cake or a pie. He laughs when he recalls his son Roary bidding on a cake and outbid the funds he had in his wallet. He had to ask his father, the auctioneer, for help to pay for his purchase.

Jack says he has made a lot of long-time friends throughout his musical years and would urge young people to do likewise. He and his wife, Mary, have also enjoyed a lot of happy times as they worked together to enjoy a lot of musical talent while he played and sang with both the guitar and the mandolin.