A Man in Overalls: The Legacy of a Cape Breton Bard

Many of Patrick "Paddy" Nicholson's descendants may be surprised to learn that he had once been a respected writer and reporter. For years, he worked as the custodian of a Catholic church in Worcester, Massachusetts. His kindness and humility were legendary, as was his devotion to his family and faith. Yet his writings, and the stories behind his work, could have been lost forever if not for the discoveries made by his granddaughter, Judy Roy.

In his youth, Paddy was influenced by the Gaeli...