The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

"POETOE" (WHISTLE CAKE)

A VENDER WOULD WALK THROUGH THE STREETS WITH A STEAM-
ING KETTLE INSIDE ONE OF HIS BASKETS. THE BASKETS HUNG
ON LONG STICK THAT WAS HANGING ON HIS SHOULDERS. WHEN
FINDING A CUSTOMER, THE VENDER WOULD MAKE CAKE IN FRONT
OF HIM. THE KETTLE WOULD HAVE BAMBOO SHOOTS COMING OUT
OF IT. IN MAKING THE CAKE, THE VENDER WOULD PUT IN RICE
FLOUR, AND BROWN SUGAR. AFTER THE CAKE WAS IN THE
BAMBOO SHOOTS FOR A WHILE, THE VENDER PUSHED IT OUT.
THE VENDER WOULD THEN SPRINKLE FLAKES OF COCONUT ON IT.
THE NAME "WHISTLE CAKE" CAME FROM THE WHISTLING SOUND
OF THE KETTLE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights

Date learned: 04-00-1979 ; 00001930-1950