Hi Joe and all,

Rich Bala here, and yes Joe, I did record the song on my "Hudson Valley Traditions" album. It is available on CDBaby.com, which has "mp3's" of all the tracks, so you can get the tune from there.

I learned it from an LP ("Stay on the Farm", Philo, 1978) by the "Arm & Hammer String Band" of Vermont, which consisted of Sid Blum, Joel Eckhaus, Pete Sutherland, and Hilary Woodruff. In the liner notes, they credit the Flanders collection as their source.

My understanding of what a "pod auger" is matches Paul Jay's description, with the word "pod" meaning the tripod on which it was placed.

As far as I know, it is not related to "In Good Old Colony Times" (which I also perform), as that song originated in England, whereas this one is native-born.

Great "sleuthing" folks, and thanks to you Joe, for your thorough research! I can always count on you Mudcatters to get to the bottom of things, and I mean that in a good way!

Take care, and stay tuned,
Rich