our research might overlap in ways we never expected. That happened to me yesterday. I had completed the edits on the first book in my new series set in the Amana Colonies. Because that book is set in East Amana where most of the Amana sheep were raised to produce wool for the woolen mill, I did quite a bit of research about raising sheep and shepherding. As usual, I discovered some interesting facts about raising sheep back in the nineteenth century and I hope to share some of those interesting tidbits with you when the book releases.For now, let’s fast forward to the present and my current research and writing on the final book in the co-authored Bridal Veil series with Tracie. For this book, I needed to learn about golf. Now, both my son and my brother would be excellent resources for present-day golf, but I need to know about golf at the turn of the twentieth century, not in 2011.
In yesterday’s mail, I received a gift—one a book about golf’s founding father and son—and another, a DVD about golf in the 19th Century. I haven’t had time to watch the movie, but I thumbed through the book last evening to get a feel for the story.
I read the prologue and continued on to the first chapter, where I laughed out loud when I read the second sentence of that very first chapter, which says, “It was in the kingdom of Fife on Scotland’s east coast that medieval shepherds used their crooks to knock stones at rabbit holes.” Talk about colliding worlds—or should I say colliding books. I absolutely could not believe my eyes. I sat there for a moment trying to picture golfing shepherds.
My imagination ran amok wondering if they yelled “Heads Up” to the sheep when a rock careened in the direction of the grazing animals. Somehow, it has tainted my view of shepherds sitting beneath a tree playing their lyres while singing to the sheep.In fact, it has also made me wonder if it wasn’t God’s good planning that a star appeared to the shepherds at night rather than during a round of rabbit-hole golf. Just kidding—I know the Lord could have gained their attention during the daytime, but I do find the idea of golfing shepherds quite amusing. I do wish I could have discovered a picture of a golfing shepherd—alas, there was none to be found by me. However, if you come upon one, please let me know!
For now I need to get back to writing about the golf course on Bridal Veil Island where they didn’t have any shepherds—at least none that I’ve discovered.
If you have an extra minute, you'll find another pastime of shepherds in Scotland on the following video that is funny--and shows shepherds do have too much time on their hands.
Click here to view the YouTube Video
(For some reason, the embed code didn't work)
(For some reason, the embed code didn't work)
May you find joy as you discover new and unexpected treasures. ~Judy
Judy! What a very interesting post. This has really made my night! I found your post very intriguing. I had no idea that mediaeval shepherds played their version of "golf" at Fife, hitting stones at the rabbit holes!
ReplyDeleteI was particularly interested,because Old St Andrews sprang to mind and I am sure you know it is a world famous Golf Club.:)
I recognised the Old Clubrooms immediately from your photos, as we were there last year and also in 2008, specifically for Andy who is a very keen golfer. I pulled up a photo which was almost identically taken,even to the white posts. The only difference between your photo and mine,is that your photo had the golfers in their attire of the day,while mine has a few golfers in the distance, and their golf bags are on buggies.:)
You mentioned rabbit holes,well I thought you might be interested in knowing(if you don't already)that back in 1552 a licence was issued permitting the people of Fife to rear rabbits on the links, (and I quote) "play at golf,futball and schuteing,(don't you love the spelling?)with all other manner of pastimes." (end of quote)
You may also like to know that in 1506,King James 1V signed documents saying that he had purchased some golf clubs from St Andrews,but now there is some new evidence that it is older than the documents state. I find this amazing.
I also thought it was fascinating to think that just maybe,the shepherds tended their sheep,right where the course is today!
:)Interesting trying to fit the jigsaws together this evening!
Great post as usual Judy.:
Cheers
Rosie
I probably didn't clarify myself when I mentioned about putting the jigsaw together. I see your info as pieces of jigsaw and coupled with bits of my info,somewhere, there has to be a link to join it all together and make it a story if you catch my drift. Perhaps it's those rabbits! :)
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Rosie--that is St. Andrew's--good eye! And the one of the books I have says that soldiers were playing a form of the game back when King James IV grandfather, James II, banned the game saying he was sick of seeing his soldiers neglecting their archery practice to hit a wee wooden ball that wouldn't pierce armor and kill the English--that was back in 1457. Needless to say, I don't need to go back that far for my story, but it's sure interesting! AND, the Dutch and Flemish people say a form of the game actually started with them, not the Scots!
ReplyDeleteOh dear! Not having a good night.I must be tired or something! I used the wrong word when I said"documents state" I should have used the word "record"indicating the golf club is a lot older than 1574 as originally thought. A far cry from 1506 for sure!
ReplyDelete1457! I missed that bit,thanks for my history lesson Judy!:)
ReplyDeleteOkay...for once you guys have lost me! Interesting, but I don't know too much about golf...but now miniature golf now THERE'S a fun pastime! lol
ReplyDeleteIf I come across a picture of some shepherds golfing though Judy I will be sure to send it to you.(chuckle)
Have a great day!
Hi Veronica,
ReplyDeleteLike you, golf isn't my game, either, but I do like playing minature golf so we could have some fun with that! Our kids always liked minature golf so that brings back some fond memories, for sure! Hope you have a wonderful day!
From shepherds in a field to wealthy men on manicured links--who'd have thought? I can imagine how the game came to be because it would be boring, sitting out there all day with only a flock to keep you company.
ReplyDeleteI loved the video, too.
derHi Lori,
ReplyDeleteI'm with you--I think it would be mighty boring out there watching the sheep without much to do and its little wonder they developed a few games to play.
As for the video, I wonder what those sheep must have thought racing around with lights on their backs. Of course, with the dogs herding them around, they probably didn't have much time to think! LOL.
LOL Love the mental image of shepherds playing a game of rabbit-hole golf, Judy! And the video was a hoot. Taking those two ideas along with thoughts of David composing psalms out on the hillside, and I'm thinking shepherds are a much more resourceful group than we usually give them credit for!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Carol. It takes shepherding to a whole new level.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post today, sweet Judy. Not baaa-ad at all! (sorry, that's the best pun I could do today, LOL). ~ It's always fun reading your history-related posts and the humorous comments you add--makes me smile. :)
ReplyDeleteHugs from windy Georgia, Patti Jo
Loved the pun, Patti Jo. And I hope that wind dies down before the wedding on Saturday. I'll be praying for your family as your sweet daughter walks down the aisle. I know it will be a lovely day!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my all time favorite YouTube videos. It was fun to see it again.
ReplyDeleteI, too, am amused at the idea of golfing shepherds. You never know what you will find while researching. Thanks for sharing with us.
Hi Pam,
ReplyDeleteI hadn't seen the YouTube video before, but interestingly I had already written the blog when a friend sent me that video last night--I knewI just had to add it. I think it's fun, too.