Uncle Albert and the New Tools
Esther Westlund Title: Uncle Albert and the New Tools Storyteller: Esther Westlund Language: English Date of Telling: 2016-03-29 Location of Telling: Spokane, Washington Duration of Story: 01:39 Source of Story: Family Location of Story: San Francisco, California Subject Headings: Tricksters; Men -- Employment Notes: |
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Uncle Albert had 4 younger brothers. This happened about the time of the San Francisco earthquake. They had a job in an oyster bed that raised oysters, which was very hard work and dirty work. So they thought carpentry would be better. They bought some brand new carpentry tools and went to the recruiting officer and said, “We would like to apply for jobs to help rebuild.”
“Nope, we won’t hire you.” They couldn’t figure it out.
They went back and talked amongst themselves and they said, “Here we are, willing to work. We are strong, we are healthy. We got brand new tools.” Then Uncle Albert says, “Ahh! That’s what it is. Those tools don’t look like they have been used.” So they went and beat their hammers on rocks and worked the saws so the teeth looked a little bit worn. Then they went back, making sure that they didn’t go back to the original man who was recruiting workers, and they were hired.
“Nope, we won’t hire you.” They couldn’t figure it out.
They went back and talked amongst themselves and they said, “Here we are, willing to work. We are strong, we are healthy. We got brand new tools.” Then Uncle Albert says, “Ahh! That’s what it is. Those tools don’t look like they have been used.” So they went and beat their hammers on rocks and worked the saws so the teeth looked a little bit worn. Then they went back, making sure that they didn’t go back to the original man who was recruiting workers, and they were hired.