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School: Swords (B.) (roll number 755)

Location:
Swords, Co. Dublin
Teacher:
A. Hamill
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0789, Page 57

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0789, Page 57

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  1. XML School: Swords (B.)
  2. XML Page 57
  3. XML “Homemade Toys”

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  1. Homemade Toys

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    Before toys could be bought in shops the boys made their own toys. The favourite toy was a catapult. The made it by searching the hedge for an ash fork. Then they would buy two pieces of solid rubber and attach the rubber to the fork. Then they would get the tongue of a boot and fasten the rubber to it. When they would have would have this (dom) done their catapult would be completed.
    They used this toy for following birds to try to kill them. Along with pleasure it was it also taught them the habits of birds and animals. Some boys had very good shots with this toy and they often killed rabbits and hares. This toy is now dying out.
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    History Edit
    Topics
    1. activities
      1. social activities (~7)
        1. entertainments and recreational activities (~5,933)
          1. toys (~1,598)
    Language
    English
    Collector
    Joseph O Rourke
    Gender
    Male
    Address
    Swords, Co. Dublin
    Informant
    Joseph O Rourke
    Gender
    Male
    Age
    15
    Address
    Swords, Co. Dublin