The Scots Who Left

**robthehiker** · 27th August 11, 08:44 AM

Originally Posted by Mark Stephenson

It is true that the romanticized version of Abner Doubleday having invented baseball is just so much fiction, and the game of baseball today is far different from the game the New York Knickerbockers played in 1845. However, that does not diminish my appreciation and enjoyment of the game as it is played today. I am well aware that my Great Great Grandfather and his forefathers did not wear the Stephenson tartan I wear today, but that does not diminish the fact that I appreciate my Scottish highland heritage, and honor it by wearing the tartan.

Bingo.

**macwilkin** · 27th August 11, 08:48 AM

Originally Posted by Mark Stephenson

It is true that the romanticized version of Abner Doubleday having invented baseball is just so much fiction, and the game of baseball today is far different from the game the New York Knickerbockers played in 1845. However, that does not diminish my appreciation and enjoyment of the game as it is played today. I am well aware that my Great Great Grandfather and his forefathers did not wear the Stephenson tartan I wear today, but that does not diminish the fact that I appreciate my Scottish highland heritage, and honor it by wearing the tartan.

It does seem that Tom Devine was not as interested in objectively analyzing the "Scottish explosion" (as he called it) as he was in presenting a one-sided criticism of it. For example, I am a proud member of the Caledonian Society of Cincinnati. It was founded in 1827. Clearly, not all Scottish-American activities are new creations. I would be more likely to treat Devine's work as a scholarly effort instead of as a negative philippic had he presented a more balanced view of the "Scottish explosion".

For a more balanced account, I recommend the works of Celeste Ray and Colin Calloway, especially the last chapter of the latter's White People, Indians and Highlanders.

T.

**macwilkin** · 27th August 11, 08:50 AM

deleted.

**Peter Crowe** · 27th August 11, 08:52 AM

deleted

**Jock Scot** · 27th August 11, 08:54 AM

Deleted.

**macwilkin** · 27th August 11, 08:56 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

You beat me to the draw!

Originally Posted by Gradatim Vincemus

I think you meant George IV not George VI.

It's hard to type with a sleeping 15th-month old on your shoulder.

T.

**Mark Stephenson** · 27th August 11, 09:00 AM

Jock,
Because SOME of us may actually remember when the Caledonian Society of Cincinnati was founded doesn't mean others wouldn't think that was a long time ago! <grin> Seriously, your point is very well taken. As an American, I remember touring Salamanca, Spain and being first shown the "old" churc - it was founded in the 13th century. It was built next to the "new" church that was built in the 1500s.

**Guinness>water** · 27th August 11, 10:14 AM

I wonder if we, Americans, are so much more drawn to the 1745 era of Scotland's history because it is a parallel of our recent/still fresh past. In terms of time, it was just yesterday that we fought for independence from Britain and (for us Texans) won our freedom from Mexico. The wars of Scottish independence are ancient history to native Scots but to us it is our wars on a different continent.
I know that is the case speaking for myself. I'm not really interested in Scotland's industrial period because it doesn't so much pertain to me. I like William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Prince Charles and want to learn about their accomplishments. Another connection can also be made here, America is kind of a warrior nation. It should be no surprise that we like and can relate to the Scottish warriors/wars of Scotland. Birds of the feather, flock together, right?

**longhuntr74** · 27th August 11, 11:07 AM

With tongue in cheek...I'm glad I don't need to apply for a kilt-wearing license...I'd never qualify.

This discussion about highland games / celtic festivals in the third article has caused me to start contemplating something...

I wonder if there are more kilt-wearers in Scotland or North America? ...or maybe in the US specifically? I think maybe we should apologize for stealing Scotland's culture!!!

**Jock Scot** · 27th August 11, 12:19 PM

Originally Posted by longhuntr74

I wonder if there are more kilt-wearers in Scotland or North America? ...or maybe in the US specifically?

I have no idea. Let us play with some figures. Total population of Scotland is, say 5 million. Half of those will be male, so say, 2.5 million. Here it gets tricky! How many have kilts? A million? Perhaps 750 thousand? Probably more like 500 thousand? Ok lets go with 500 thousand kilt owners in Scotland. How does that compare to the USA? I suspect whatever the true figure is, that Scotland would probably win?