School: Knockaville (roll number 14185)
- Location:
- Knockaville, Co. Westmeath
- Teacher: C. de Búrca
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0730, Page 311
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- Old Crafts.Some two centuries ago tanning was a flourishing industry in this district. As far back as the year 1736 pelts were tanned in Mullingar tanneries, of which there were four.
The pelts used in the tannery were bought from the farmers in the locality. Every Tuesday the pelts were purchased at a place called "Daly's Crossing", about 1 1/2 miles outside the town. The pits for the hides were where the present Legion Hall now stands. The men employed had to work from dawn till dark for the princely sum of eight pence a day, and there were not many in it, on account of such little pay. Mr. Bailey was one of the "travellers" for the tannery. His house was situated where the Bank of Ireland now stands. At the back of Mr. Bailey's house there was a shed in which a man named "Nailer Lacey" made the nails for the shoemakers and he lived beside the shed. His house and work shop was bought by a man named Tormey, who(continues on next page)
