Peter-dum-dick toy
Child`s toy made of the iron heel of a hob-nailed boot, twisted string and short length of wood. Known as a `Peter-dum-dick` and possibly used as a catapult or for making clacking noises. Presented to Alan Boyd by Hugh MacLean, Barrapol, around 1985.
Tiree in 100 Objects – 61 – Toys
The History of Tiree in 100 Objects
Back in the 1950s my mother taught me and my brother a rhyme which was supposed to be the sound of a steam train going over the tracks:
Peter dum dick / When did you quit? / Yesterday morning at half past six
Thank you, Evelyn. I wonder if anyone remembers this rhyme being said on Tiree?
I used to holiday with my family in Tiree in the late 50s and early 60s. When we took the steam train to the boat my mother would always recite that rhyme. Only time she ever mentioned it. I hadn’t realised that it was specifically related to Tiree but makes sense. Almost all locals at that time spoke Gaelic
I was brought up in Coatbridge Lanarkshire in the 1950s. My father used to sing a rhythmical chant/song to entertain us using the metal fireguard and a stick or maybe the poker. The words were ‘Peter dum dick…..has lost his stick…” I can’t remember the rest. None of my family have memories of this but mine are distinct. As far as I know there was no connection between the family and Tiree.
I was taught this in the around 1950 by my grandfather from Hamilton. He worked on the railways and said you recited in time with the train going over the tracks
Peter Dumdick
When did you flit
Yesterday morning
When I got the kick