Tales From The Halifax School For The Blind

In our season finale, we learn where life would take Jean Hills, Fred and Gloria Haines after graduation.

From the turbulent 1960’s, to starting their careers, raising families and into retirement; they share stories of the school’s demolition, teachers who made a lifelong impact, and how they reunited with fellow classmates to pay tribute to their beloved Alma Mater.

In this episode, Fred and Gloria Haines talk about the positive impact the Boys Club and Canadian Girls in Training had on their lives, and how the school had very different rules for boys and girls during their teenage years. Meanwhile, Jean Hills reveals how she became Miss Congeniality, the great lengths to which a girl would go to keep up with the hit parade and dishes the dirt on the best make-out spots at the Halifax School for the Blind.

Love is in the air in this Valentines edition of Tales from the Halifax School for the Blind.

Fred & Gloria Haines share their love story, which began when they were both students at the school, over 60 years ago.

Jeanie MacAllister, now Jean Hills, reflects on first crushes, school dances, and the historic day when the fence, that long separated the boys from the girls, finally came down.

In this episode, we explore what daily life was like for kids new to the Halifax School for the Blind. Cleon Smith joins Vivian O’Neill & Robert Mercer to share early memories of the school’s rigid routine, being fascinated by their fellow students, and those thrilling first adventures outside the school gates.

In the sophomore episode of Tales from the Halifax School for the Blind, we catch up with former students Vivian O’Neill, Robert Mercer, and host, Terry Kelly. They share tales of an epic journey aboard the “Newfie Bullet,” Mrs. Miller’s classroom full of animals, a runaway locomotive inside the girls’ dormitory, how portable radios help cure homesickness, and their memorable first trips back home for the holidays.

In the debut episode of Tales from the Halifax School for the Blind, we get to know former students Robert Mercer (1958-1968), Vivian O’Neill (1960-1970) and our host, Terry Kelly (1961-1971). They discuss their first impressions of the old school, and the difficult choices faced by their parents when deciding to send their young children so far from home.

Inspired by the book Mrs. Beaton’s Question by Robert Mercer, this monthly podcast shares the experiences of those who attended the Halifax School for the Blind. Hosted by renowned musician and school alumnus Terry Kelly, Tales from the Halifax School for the Blind presents first-hand accounts from students who tell stories of youthful mischief, school culture, inspiring teachers and the lives they’ve enjoyed since graduation.