Minnie Quay - Ballad of Minnie Quay

Ballad of Minnie Quay

The ballad has been popular in the region for over 100 years. It has been passed down the generations. Many versions exist. Here is one.

1.
'Twas long ago besides Lake Huron
She walked the sandy shore.
but the voice of one sweet Minnie Quay
'Twill echo ever more.

2.
Sailors still hear her crying.
Young lovers hear her, too,
As she calls for them to join her
In the waters,icy blue.

3.
Young Minnie loved a sailor.
The sailor loved her, too.
And on the shore, behind the trees
The pair would rendezvous.

4.
But gossips soon got wind of it,
And tongues began to wag.
the tale was told to Minnie's Ma
By some old babbling hag.

5.
Minnie's Ma got angry
And to her daughter said,
"Married to a sailor?
I'd rather see you dead."

6.
They knew she'd been sneaking out
To see the lad at night.
They boarded up her bedroom door,
And kept her locked in tight.

7.
He waited for his love, in vain.
A tear was in his eye
when he set sail next morning
without kissing her goodbye.

8.
He never saw his love again
For alas, a storm arose.
That raging gale sank many ships,
And his was one of those.

9.
The ship that carried Minnie's love
Sank like it was lead.
And when the news reached Forester
They said he was dead.

10.
Minnie wore a dress of white.
She looked just like a bride,
When she plunged into the water deep
To die there by his side.

11.
But Minnie Quay is not at rest,
Or so the people say.
Her ghost still walks the lonely shore.
You may see her to this day.