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Archiver > VERMONT > 1999-05 > 0927696130


From: "Jackie M. Botala" <>
Subject: [VERMONT-L] more old papers...
Date: Tue, 25 May 1999 22:22:10 -0700


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Clock Tinker

Dan Downing, the clock tinker and phrenologist of Waits-
field, used to make his rounds carrying his supplies in the
summer in a little cart resembling a baby carriage and on
a hand sled in the winter. Wherever he worked he was
given his board and room. Each of his tools was carefully
wrapped in paper and tied with string; consequently, when
he was ready to repair a clock, there was quite an array
covering the table.
One man sometimes chides his siter for what seems to
him unnecessary clutter by saying, "I'd think Downing was
here."
Some young boys, thinking they would make sport of
Dan's interest in phrenology, asked him to examine their
heads. He informed them that he was busy with a clock
but that if they would use his fine tooth comb on each other,
they might find something.

(Contributed by Elizabeth Joslin, Waitsfield)

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Riley Lovett

Riley Lovett came every year to my great-greatgrandfather
to shear the sheep. He was a most peculiar looking man and
had a funny high squeaky voice.
He was sometimes crazy and had to be shut up in a room
at his home. He would take his fist and knock on the window
panes. Every time he would say in his high screechy voice,
"Ting-a-ling God damn ye!"
Once when the minister came to call on a rainy night, Riley
and his brother were after the cows which were lost and the
brother was still out hunting. The minister announced, in a
deliberate pompous manner, "My name is Axtell. I preach
in the White Church."
Riley said, "I don't give a damn if you preach in the black
one," and continued merrily on his way.

(Told to Avis Kenyon by her mother, Mildred M. Kenyon)
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Discontented

Charles Simonds of New Boston became discontented
with his home and declared: " I'm sick of living in this two by
four and I'm going to build a good big house."
So armed with a shovel, out he went to a spot a few rods
from his home and dug a cellar and immediately became
contented with the house again, for that was as far as he got.
The cellar hole is still there attesting to the fact that he
did dig it.

(Contributed by Hazel S. Hill)

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