The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

GOD BLESS THE DUKE OF ARGYLE

WHEN THE TELEGRAPH WAS FIRST BEING SET UP IN SCOTLAND,
THE DUKE OF ARGYLE HAD POLES ERECTED FOR THAT PURPOSE
ALL OVER THE COUNTRYSIDE. THE PEASANTS, BEING SIMPLE
PEOPLE DID NOT UNDERSTAND THAT THESE POLES WERE TO BE
USED FOR THE TELEGRAPH AND THEY THOUGHT THE DUKE HAD
THEM PLACED THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRYSIDE FOR THE PEASANTS
TO USE AS SCRATCHING POSTS. SO NOW, WHENEVER A SCOTSMAN
FROM THE DOMAIN OF THE DUKE OF ARGYLE GETS AN ITCHY
BACK, HE SAYS, "GOD BLESS THE DUKE OF ARGYLE."

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HIGHLAND PARK