BCK....Did some more checking. My father-in-law says he learned this song from a man named Louis Shaw of Amsterdam, NY in about 1932-33. No idea of original artist or composer, he thinks Mr. Shaw just happened to know the song. However, we're gaining - you've got my interest up - I always liked the song anyway. Tell me why (&where) your historical society is interested, that may provide some additional clues.

As to the the Mac and Bob songbook.......You most certainly can't mailorder it. It was published in 1931 by Agricultural Broadcasting Co. They were associated with radio WLS in Chicago who featured many old groups such as the Carter Family and the Monroe Brothers (we're talkin' 30's here). Mac and Bob (both blind), also sometimes known as "The Knoxville Boys", were a popular group at that time and a strong influence on many of the next generation's musicians.

BTW - the full name of the book is "Mac and Bob's Book of Songs (Old and New)".

I'll keep looking.....Tiger