School: Carraig Áluinn (roll number 16.474)

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1. Old Crafts (continued)

   

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   shoes were somewhat larger and longer than the others which were generally square in shape. A quantity of nails sufficient for one pair of boots or shoes was called a "set". There were then brought to the shoemakers and neatly driven into the soles. Steel "tips" for the heels of working men's shoes were also made by the nailers and many men get these made nowadays in blacksmith's forges.

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

2. Old Crafts

   

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   Flax Industry

   Long ago people made their own linen and used it for sheets, shirts, table cloths and various other uses. For this purpose flax was grown extensively and the "flax holes" in which the flax was placed to ret are still pointed out on many farms. But the industry has completely died out around Carrigallen and no flax is grown nowadays. A field of flan was a beautiful sight, every stalk having its small blue flower somewhat smaller than violets. The "pulling" of the flax when the crop was ripe was a tedious operation. Every stalk had to be pulled separately and they were then bound in sheaves and afterwards made into stooks. Later on the sheaves were placed in a "flax hole" which was a long pit generally about 7 or 8 yards long and 3 yards wide. When the sheaves were placed in the bottom side by side, large stones were placed on top

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   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Topics

   1. activities
      1. economic activities
         1. trades and crafts (~4,680)

   Language

   English

   Informant

   Ed Kieran

   Gender

   Male

   Age

   Over 70

   Address

   Kivvy, Co. Leitrim