HIGH STAKE SWEEPS

(Page 6 of 6)

January/February 1981
 
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SWEEP LORE

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Orrin C. Kerr—a professional parttime sweep—is bearded, long-haired, and as tall and wide as a lot of chimneys. "Traditionally the sweep is considered a creature of good luck," said Kerr, as I watched him work inside a very handsome Kingston home near Lake Ontario. "In Germany, custom has it that if you touch the sweep's brushes, good luck will rub off on you. In England and the Scandinavian countries, the luck is picked up by shaking the sweep's hand, or—in the case of ladies—by kissing him . . . this is the part of the job I like best. Another Olde English custom is to invite a chimney sweep to the wedding to kiss the bride and to shake the groom's hand, insuring a lucky marriage."

Not being superstitious, yet at the same time not wishing to take any unnecessary chances, I held out my hand. We shook. As I left, Kerr turned his back to return to his task and there was my opportunity: On the way to the door —I sneaked a quick feel of the steel bristles . . . just in case.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Harrowsmith the fine magazine from which this excerpt was reprinted, comes out eight times a year and is available from Harrowsmith Magazine, Dept. TMEN, Camden East. Ontario, Canada KOK 1J0. A one-year subscription costs $12?.

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