The Screech Story
Long before any liquor board was created, salt fish was shipped to the West Indies in exchange for rum. The fish became the national dish of Jamaicans and the rum became the traditional drink of Newfoundlanders.
Not being overly concerned with alcohol content, the early fishermen tended to drink the nameless rum at incredibly high strength until, during World War II, an unsuspecting American serviceman adhered to local customs and downed the drink in one gulp. A bloodcurdling howl came from the poor fellow as soon as he managed to regain his breath.
People came from everywhere to see what was going on, including a garrulous old American Sergeant who pounded on the door and demanded "What the cripes was that ungodly screech?" The taciturn Newfoundlander who had answered the door replied simply, "The Screech? 'Tis the rum, me son."
Thus was born a legend~
Unknown "Nicole" Purring
- 15 years, 7 months, 20 days ago
