Legend of the Tinker:
"Peddler by day, Fiddler by night."
One of Louis L'Amour's characters, mentioned in several of his books, was called "The Tinker."
No one knew his real name, or even cared. He was known from the Carolinas to Tennessee and everyone looked forward
to his visit. He could fix almost anything and was known far and wide for his handmade knives.
Throughout the 19th century, as Americans moved west, the need for housewares and farm goods became more important.
Since the household was moved in one wagon, was hundreds of miles from towns or trading centers, only the bare
essentials were taken.
Enter the Tinsmith or Tinker, as he was commonly referred to. The Tinsmith would have his shop in town where he
would work night and day making coffee pots, pans, boilers, lanterns, sconces, cookie cutters, and spice tins.
When his wagon was full, he would start his journey through the timbers and across the plains visiting the homesteaders.
He was a welcome sight, for company was rare, and he not only brought new goods from town but could repair almost
anything. He also brought news from back east.
At mealtime, he would be invited to share whatever his customers could spare. This was a time for the telling of
tales, playing the fiddle or jew's harp, thus the saying "peddler-by-day, fiddler-by-night." The children
could usually earn some stick candy if they would see to the Tinker's horses or mules. He was probably one of the
most important and anticipated visitors the homesteader had.
Shem Drowne was possibly the first tinsmith in America, but Edward Pattison of Connecticut, is accredited with
starting the first large scale tin shop in 1738. He trained apprentices and encouraged tin peddling in the rural
areas. Pattison's neighbors referred to his shop as the "Bang-All," from all the hammering they heard.
When several items were made, he would polish the tin with wood ashes and pack them in baskets to peddle.
From an article by Michael Walsh appearing in:
The Villager - May 1995
Tinker's Song
I am a jolly tinker,
That goes from town to town.
I will mend your pots and kettles,
If you'll only bring them 'round.
Chorus:Tura laddy, tura laddy,
Tura laddy, hi row.
I know how to solder,
And I can mend a pot.
I can also stop a hole,
So it will not leak a drop.
I can mend umbrellas,
And I can tinker clocks.
The housewives are all smiles,
When they see the tinker stop.
A tinker never marries,
Has a girl in every town.
And they shower me with kisses,
As they bring their kettles down.
They feast me and regale me,
With choicest meat and wine.
And whatever house I stop at,
I can always sup and dine.
So many wait my coming,
For I have many friends.
I have never stored much gold,
Yet I have a lot to spend.
My life is wild and free,,
I do not seek renown.
I'm just a jolly tinker,
With a girl in every town.
Author Unknown,
Circa Late 18th Century
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