Dear wofahulicodoc: The only nursery rhyme with genuine historical background is that of
Little Jack Horner, about which we had several posts fairly recently. I have read "folksetymology"
equivalent allegation about others, but know not how to check themm
Incidentally, in the old days oven temperatures were comparatively low, and birds had to be
stuffed to keep them from being dried out too much during slow cooki;ng. With today's hot ovens
cooking times are much shorter, and many state health departments forbid restaurants' stuffing
birds as Salmonella may not be killed if cold things such as whole apples are used along with
the bread crumbs etc. Can't resist adding bit of humor from caroon Moon Mullins many years ago.
To give Mamie a break from cooking, Willie cooks the bird. Little Kayo asks for some stuffing, and
Willie says "There ain't none. This bird wasn't hollow." Last frame shows Mamie beating Willie over
the head with turkey with all viscera still inside.
