This is one of a series of more detailed reviews about the Manx Museum and describes the Social gallery.
This very much concentrates on the oral tradition with quotes about the way of life a hundred years ago, recordings to listen too and old photographs.
There are some absolute gems including this one about the importance of schooling.
“Take Manx children, their minds are full of buggans and fairies and speaking their own language. Put them in to a school….teach them to read and write and add up fractions and quote Shakespeare and how to cook and sew (but only if a girl).”
As far as the boys were concerned, there were three options open to then – Farm labourer, working in the lead mines or herring fishing. There was a final option – emigration in hope of a better life. Papers were full of adverts for vessels sailing to Australia or New Zealand.
Although there aren’t as many artefacts here, the displays boards and pictures are fascinating, recording a way of life now long gone.
