The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

COLLOQUIALISM

"HEELTAPPERS" IS THE NAME OF A SHIPPING VESSEL MANNED BY MARBLEHEAD
FISHERMAN WHO WERE CALLED "HEELTAPPERS" BECAUSE IN THE WINTER TIME
WHEN THE WEATHER WAS TOO BAD FOR FISHING, MARBLEHEADERS MADE SHOES.
SHOE MANUFACTURING WAS THE OTHER PRIMARY INDUSTRY IN MARBLEHEAD.
IF THE FISHERMAN WERE NOT AT SEA, THEN THEY WERE HOME MAKING SHOES
AND WERE CALLED "HEELTAPPERS" FROM POUNDING THE LITTLE NAILS INTO
THE HEELS OF THE SHOES. AS A RESULT, THE FISHING BOATS THEY WENT
OUT ON WERE CALLED "HEELTAPPERS".

Submitter comment: "HEELTAPPERS" IS A PARTICULAR KIND OF FISHING VESSEL BUT THE
INFORMANT COULD NOT REMEMBER IN WHAT WAY IT WAS DIFFERENT FROM
THE OTHER TYPES. THIS COLLOQUIAL TERM WAS LIMITED ONLY TO THE
MARBLEHEAD AREA. THIS ITEM, AS WELL AS THE COMMENTS, WERE TAKEN
DIRECTLY AS THE INFORMANT GAVE THEM TO ME WHILE VISITING AT MY HOME.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TAYLOR

Date learned: 11-00-1977