Women in Heritage: Myrtle Pelley

Pelley House, located at 13 Northside Road, Boyd’s Cove, was built in 1917 by Eric Coffin and first owned by merchant Uriah Freake. Four years later the house and business were purchased by Edgar Pelley. His wife, Myrtle, though had the most influence on the house.
Born in Bareneed in 1900 to Elijah Bartlett and Elizabeth Ann Batten, Mytle was a gifted musician, and by age 14 was the Anglican Church organist.
At 16, Myrtle left home to teach. She taught across the island including Boyd’s Cove where met Edgar Pelley, a merchant and veteran of World War I. They married in 1929, and moved into the Pelley House.
Myrtle received an organ as a wedding gift and loved entertaining in the home. She also became St George’s Church organist where she played for 52 years. Myrtle taught music, crochet, and choir lessons and enjoyed photography as a hobby.
After the death of her husband in 1954, Myrtle, became the Matron at Bishop Jones’ Hostel in St. John’s. She held the position for five years before retiring.
Myrtle returned to Boyd’s Cove and operated Pelley House as a boarding house until 1974. Many prominent individuals including doctors, magistrates, judges, welfare officers, and geologists boarded in the home.
In 1994, Myrtle passed away. Her funeral service was held at Boyd’s Cove where friends and family said their final farewell. Her four grandsons and two great-grandsons escorted her coffin down the aisle.
To learn more about the Pelley House check out our website: heritagenl.ca/heritage-proper...