Aah, the Lamplighter, or the "Leerieligher" as we used to call him.
What memories of dusk on summer evenings you've inspired to come
floating back, JACKTHELAD
He would come by just before we were due to go inside for supper, then bed.
We waited in anticipation as he always tapped his pole with the wick into a
stank (drain) at our kerbside to empty the
sulphur compound. (I think it was).
We were waiting to see if any of the compound missed the stank and land
on the road so we could spit on it and watch the bubbles rise up. (yuck. lol)
Here's a poem by that old favourite, Robert Louis Stevenson (1850 -1894) regarding
the days when the Leerieligher went on his rounds lighting the gas lamps in the
streets of Scotland's capitol, Edinburgh.
Rather sadly, Robert was a sickly child, hence the reference to "when I am stronger"
and looking out of the window.
Looking out for the lamplighter would be a regular occurrence for poor Robert.
.........................The Lamplighter
My tea is nearly ready and the sun has left the sky;
It's time to take the window to see Leerie going by;
For every night at teatime and before you take your seat,
With lantern and with ladder he comes posting up the street.
Now Tom would be a driver and Maria go to sea,
And my papa's a banker and as rich as he can be;
But I, when I am stronger and can choose what I'm to do,
O Leerie, I'll go round at night and light the lamps with you!
For we are very lucky, with a lamp before the door,
And Leerie stops to light it as he lights so many more;
And O', before you hurry by with ladder and with light,
O Leerie, see a little child and nod to him tonight!
He lived in more salubrious area than this, of course.
His boyhood home.
Really pleasant thread with lovely replys.
Thank you for the memories.
willie.
How could I forget Wacky Races??? And Top Cat and Yogi Bear and Foghorn Leghorn
