School: The Downs (roll number 8875)
- Location:
- The Downs, Co. Westmeath
- Teacher: S. Molloy
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0730, Page 082
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- Things made in the district long ago:
Long ago there were several articles made locally. As wax candles were not available then the people made candles from rushes.
The rushes were peeled first of all, then they were soaked in grease which had been melted for this purpose in a shallow pot called a grisset.
There was usually a large number of these candles made at the one time, and any that were not required for use were placed on a shelf over the fire called a "candle board".
Rush candles that were stored in this manner lasted longer than others.
There was a special for holding rush candles. Flax was grown by a great many people long ago, and from it garments of all kinds were made.
Some of the hand-woven sheets are still to be seen.
Wool was also spun in to thread on a spinning wheel and garments knitted from it.
Lizzie McGuire
From Joseph McGuire
Aged 68 years
The Downs, Mullingar
Born in and living in the Downs.
Date: 12.5.38
- Collector
- Lizzie Mc Guire
- Gender
- Female
- Address
- The Downs, Co. Westmeath
- Informant
- Joseph Mc Guire
- Gender
- Male
- Age
- 68
- Address
- The Downs, Co. Westmeath
