Within the large boundaries of American Society we recognize that certain sets of people are folk, generally by virtue of their singing particular songs or by retaining distinct lifestyles. Persons in folk societies, to some degree, accept the notion that they stand apart from mainstream values. In my personal introduction to carpentry during 1941 (learning the shipwright's craft in San Francisco, Local 1149, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America), I was not led to think that our trade had been touched by folklore. Perhaps western cowboys, mountain banjo pickers, or Amish farmers might be categorized as folk, but not ordinary woodbutchers and termites. Yet today, after three decades of talking and listening to carpenters and other building tradesmen, I have come to an understanding that all mechanics, in some measure, cherish traditions which are special to their skills.

Carpenters are well aware of these working hand-me-downs.