User:Ivan Fraser

Ivan Fraser, born and raised in Nova Scotia, is an artist, photographer and author. His latest endeavor is focused on developing the story of Peggy of the Cove*. According to the legend, she was the only survivor of a shipwreck during the mid 1800’s.

There are two versions of the legend. William (Bill) deGarthe claimed the sole survivor who washed ashore was a young woman. Folks called her Peggy, the abbreviation of Margaret. People in the surrounding communities would say, “Let’s go see Peggy of the Cove*,” thus after some time the village was named Peggy’s Cove, in her honor.

Then in 1996, two ladies from North Dakota came to Nova Scotia, and visited Peggy’s Cove. According to their story, the little girl that miraculously washed ashore, was too young to remember her name. The family that took care of her, named her Peggy. The rest of the legend is the same. She became known as Peggy of the Cove*.

Nobody developed the story until 2004, when Ivan registered the names, Peggy of the Cove* and Peggy of Peggy’s Cove* as he began his story. In his novels, he combined the two versions of the legend, and created Peggy at the age of eight when she was shipwrecked on Halibut Rock, just off the coast of the famous fishing village now known as Peggy’s Cove. From the trauma of that horrific night, the young girl developed amnesia and doesn’t remember who she is or where she is from.

The resident’s encouraged Mary to take care of the young child. Mary also suggested the name of Peggy and asked if she would come live with her family. Peggy accepted both the name and invitation to live with Mary, her husband John, and their three sons, James, Peter and Joe.

As time moved on, Peggy adjusted well to her new life in the Cove, thankful for the good fortune of being taken in by such a loving family. However, that didn’t stop the gnawing pain of her amnesia. Over the next few years, people, places, and things sparked familiarities of her past. The compelling desire to discover her identity was set in motion.

* Peggy of the Cove and Peggy of Peggy's Cove are registered trademarks owned by Ivan Fraser.