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Posted by MM on November 05, 2003 at 01:34:00:
In Reply to: Re: Social history in Western Ireland..question... posted by joxer on November 04, 2003 at 21:31:21:
Very good information Joxer.
J.G.Kohl,a German traveller,describing Ireland circa 1840 stated:"The rags of Ireland are quite as remarkable a phenomenon as the ruins.There is something quite peculiar in Irish rags.So thoroughly worn away,so completely reduced to dust upon a human body,no such rags are elsewhere to be seen"This is from Women in Mayo 1821-1851.A Historical Perspective.by Maureen Langan-Egan.It has a good chapter on clothing.I also have a book called"The Famine in Mayo"1845-1850.A Mayo County Library Publication.Compiled and edited by Ivor Hamrock."It is a portrait of the lives and deaths of the people as recorded by witnesses in books,newspapers and official records of that period".Here is an exerpt.
The Achill Missionary Herald.Jan 1946.
Freize and Brogues.For naked labourers on the Island of Achill.
The Christian public are informed that numbers of poor creatures attend the Achill Dispensary,unable to continue on the public works for want of clothing.For six or seven months,they have not been able to to purchase a single article-are now disposing of their pigs ,poultry,sheep and lambs,even blankets have been sold to procure food;yet carts with provisions pass through this island,not only unmolested,but have been assisted by the Islanders.This forms no small claim for relief on those who value the peace of the country..
A freize frock coat,costing seven or eight shillings,or a pair of brogues,costing five or six shillings,would enable a poor man to support himself and family for the winter.Webs of freize or brogues sent to Mr Willis,36 Bride St,Dublin.Orders on the post master,Newport,Co Mayo,in my favour,by which country freize or brogues can be purchased will be thankfully received,carefully expended and accounted for in a report to each subscriber.One hundred and thirty nine frock coats and waist coats,nineteen monkey jackets and one hundred and sixty five pair of brogues have already been distributed.
Neason Adams.MD.Honorary Physician to the Achill Dispensary" It wasent pretty.Theres a lot of information out there.The above books however I bought in Castlebar.
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