Former Deloraine area long time resident John Stovin (wife Helen) (BOTH NOW DECEASED), former farmer, who is being inducted into the Manitoba Fiddle Association's Wall of Fame on Sunday, April 29, 2018 in Carman, Manitoba. His daughters, Jean McKay and Shirley Brown, will attend the induction on behalf of their father. This is the 14th year for inductions into the Wall of Fame. Admission is $13.00 at the door, supper available for $10.00 (Chicken Chef). This event will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Carman Community Hall. An afternoon of dancing will take place, supper at 4:30 p.m, inductions takes place at 6:00 p.m. and further dancing until 9:00 p.m.
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John Stovin
February 9, 1911 – December 4, 1995
John Stovin was born in Windthorst, Saskatchewan, moving as a child with his family close to Deloraine, Manitoba. John learned to play fiddle by ear from his dad, Ted Stovin. They played for local school dances and parties. He could also accompany others on piano, guitar and banjo. John often talked about playing music with the Swanson boys.
John and his wife Helen – who played piano and some fiddle by ear-played music together since age 15; they were inseparable. They played in many venues, receiving $1.50 each for playing from 8:30 to 2:00 or 3:00 a.m., often driving 8 or 10 miles with team and sleigh to play for a dance. They took their children along and the children learned to dance. They were great times. They recall house parties going on until morning with fiddle, piano and guitar music.
John took part in may fiddle contests. In 1975 John won $7.00 first prize at a contest and bought burgers for the whole family. He and Helen retired in 1976, travelling in a camper to many contests across Canada, winning many trophies. They became part of an orchestra that included good friends Art and Marg Champion and Norm Cheyne. They were founding members of the Southwest Old Time Fiddlers. Fiddler Eugene Laderoute wrote the John Stovin Waltz, of which John was very proud. John Stovin’s fiddling legacy lives on!
