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  1. #1
    Join Date
    3rd January 06
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    Dorset, on the South coast of England
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    Timber for ships and roofs used to be grown to the right shape and size in English woodland - it was very valuable.

    My father's father was a barber, and one of the sidelines for most barbers was making walking sticks. They had a steamer out the back of the shop and would soften the materials so as to be able to shape the tops and straighten out unwanted bends.

    One rather strange material used was cabbage stalks - presumably from plants used for seed, or which had 'bolted'. I have a vague recollection that they were imported from the Channel Islands.

    Anne the Pleater :ootd:

  2. #2
    Join Date
    22nd November 07
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    Quote Originally Posted by Pleater View Post
    Timber for ships and roofs used to be grown to the right shape and size in English woodland - it was very valuable.

    My father's father was a barber, and one of the sidelines for most barbers was making walking sticks. They had a steamer out the back of the shop and would soften the materials so as to be able to shape the tops and straighten out unwanted bends.

    One rather strange material used was cabbage stalks - presumably from plants used for seed, or which had 'bolted'. I have a vague recollection that they were imported from the Channel Islands.

    Anne the Pleater :ootd:

    What were they using the cabbages for, Pleater?
    I tried to ask my inner curmudgeon before posting, but he sprayed me with the garden hose…
    Yes, I have squirrels in my brain…

  3. #3
    Join Date
    23rd March 09
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    Kamloops BC
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    Quote Originally Posted by Pleater View Post
    One rather strange material used was cabbage stalks - presumably from plants used for seed, or which had 'bolted'. I have a vague recollection that they were imported from the Channel Islands.
    When I harvested a test plot of amaranth last fall, I cut a couple of the heavier stalks and put them in the woodshed to dry. Depending on what they turn out to be, I may make a stick out of one and see what happens. They were a beautiful red colour when I cut them, but that's gone to brown.

    :ootd:
    Dr. Charles A. Hays
    The Kilted Perfesser
    Laird in Residence, Blathering-at-the-Lectern

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