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LEGEND
IN THE SOUTHEASTERN PART OF VIRGINIA, THERE IS A MOUNTAIN WITH
A 200-FT. DROP. THERE WERE TWO LOVERS WHO WISHED VERY MUCH TO GET
MARRIED, BUT THEIR PARENTS FORBADE THEM TO DO SO. THEY CLIMBED TO
THE TOP OF THIS MOUNTAIN, JOINED HANDS, AND LEAPED TO THEIR DEATH.
THE MOUNTAIN HAS BEEN CALLED LOVER'S LEAP EVER SINCE.
Data entry tech comment: THE KEYPUNCHER HAS CORRECTED THE COLLECTOR'S SPELLING
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name |
Date learned: 03-01-1971
STORE
NATIVES OF HAPPY HOLLOW IN DALTON GA. SHOP ONLY AT ONE STORE WHICH
THEY CALL A "JOT 'EM DOWN STORE". IT'S CALLED THIS BECAUSE HERE
THE PURCHASER CAN BARTER OR SIMPLY ARGUE AN ITEMS' PRICE DOWN
HENCE, JOT 'EM DOWN.
Where learned: DETROIT, ASSUMED
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name |
Date learned: 11-00-1971
LEGEND
THERE IS A STREET ON DETROIT'S EAST SIDE, NEAR THE VICINITY
OF CONNORS AND GRATIOT THAT IS KNOWN AS " KNOCK- KNOCK " STREET.
ONE NIGHT, AS A YOUNG COUPLE SAT TALKING IN A CAR, A GROUP OF
CHILDREN PLAYED BALL. THE BALL ROLLED BENEATH THE CAR AND
ONE OF THE CHILDREN CRAWLED UNDER THE CAR TO RETRIEVE IT.
UNAWARE OF THIS, THE DRIVER BEGAN TO DRIVE AWAY, AND AS HE DID
SO DRAGGED THE CHILD FOR SEVERAL YARDS. TO THIS DAY THE THUMP-THUMP
OF HIS BODY CAN BE HEARD WHEN TRAVELING ON THIS STREET.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT REMEMBERS THIS AS BEING TOLD TO HIM AS A TRUE
STORY BY OTHERS WHO HAVE TRAVELED THIS STREET AND HEARD THE
NOISES.
Where learned: DETROIT
Keyword(s): GHOST
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name |
Date learned: 04-12-1965
BACHELOR
IN THE DAYS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE, THE ANCIENT ROMANS WERE CONTINUALLY
BICKERING WITH THE GAULS, CARTHAGINIANS, AND OTHER YOUNG LADS; SO
THEY WERE ALL DRAFTED INTO THE ROMAN LEGIONS. THIS LEFT ONLY THE
CHILDREN TO SERVE AS COWHERDS. THEY WERE CALLED BACCALARIUS,
FROM BACCA (COW). HOWEVER, WHEN THEY BECAME MARRIED, THIS NAME WAS
DROPPED. IT WAS SHORTENED TO BACHELOR, FOR UNMARRIED BOYS.
Where learned: 1460 MEAD
Keyword(s): ORIGIN OF WORD
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name SPEECH -- Folk etymology |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
COMPANION
IN ANCIENT ROME, IT WAS AN UNWRITTEN LAW THAT IF ANY TRAVELER DESIRE
FOOD AND SHELTER, THE HOUSEHOLDER MUST WELCOME HIM WITH CORDIALITY.
THESE CHANCE ENCOUNTERS MIGHT BRING MEN TOGETHER ONLY ONCE IN THEIR
LIVES, BUT THE FACT OF BREAKING BREAD TOGETHER MADE THEM FRIENDS
FOREVER. LITERALLY OUR WORD "COMPANION" COMES FROM THE LATIN WORD
"COM" (TOGETHER) PLUS "PANIS" (BREAD).
Where learned: 1460 MEAD
Keyword(s): ORIGIN OF WORD
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank SPEECH -- Folk etymology |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
AX MURDER HOLLOW, PENNSYLVANIA
THERE IS AN AREA IN PENNSYLVANIA KNOWN AS AX MURDER HOLLOW. THERE
WAS A MASS MURDER WHICH TOOK PLACE IN THE AREA AND ALL THE DEATHS
WERE THE RESULT OF AN AX. PEOPLE GO THERE NOW ON HALLOWEEN EXPECTIN
TO SEE THE MURDERER REAPPEAR.
James Callow comment: MURDERER NOT CALLED A GHOST, ONLY IMPLIED.
Where learned: LOCATION NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
Keyword(s): VIOLENT DEATHS
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- October 31 Halloween BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
Date learned: 11-15-1968
SAINT PATRICK'S PURGATORY
IN IRELAND THERE IS A LAKE CALLED LOUGH DEAGH WITH AN ISLAND IN THE
CENTER OF IT. THE ISLAND IS CALLED ST. PATRICK'S PURGATORY. IT IS
SAID THAT ST. PATRICK SPENT THREE DAYS ON THE ISLAND WITHOUT EATING
FOR PENANCE.
Submitter comment:
PEOPLE GO THERE NOW AND SPEND THREE DAYS THERE WITHOUT EATING LIKE
ST. PATRICK.
Where learned: OHIO
Keyword(s): PLACE NAMES ; RELIGION
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple PROSE NARRATIVE -- Religious hero PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name |
Date learned: 12-01-1969
NICKNAME
NICKNAME BUFFALO CAME ABOUT WHEN A BELGIAN MAN WAS BEING TEASED BY
SOMEONE, HE CHARGED AT THE MAN, RAMMING HIM WITH HIS HEAD LIKE A
BUFFALO.
Submitter comment: LEARNED FROM HER FATHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name SPEECH -- Folk etymology |
Date learned: 02-16-1980
HANGMAN'S CROSSING
SEYMOUR IS THE TOWN WHERE THE FIRST TRAIN ROBBERY
HAPPENED IN THIS COUNTRY OR IN THE WHOLE WORLD. WHEN
THEY CAUGHT THE ROBBERS-THERE WERE 3 OR 4 OF THEM-
THEY TOOK THEM OUT TO HANGMAN'S CROSSING AND HUNG THEM.
AND IT IS STILL CALLED HANGMAN'S CROSSING TODAY. I
THINK THEY WERE CALLED THE RENO BROTHERS. IT WAS
BEFORE JESSE JAMES OR THE DALTON BROTHERS.
Submitter comment: LEARNED IN HOME TOWN OF SEYMOUR, INDIANA.
Where learned: SOUTHFIELD DOWNS TRAILER CAMP
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name |
Date learned: 05-19-1965
EVENTS
IN THE GREAT DEPRESSION, 1931-36, MANY PEOPLE COMMITTED SUICIDE.
IF YOU WENT TO REGISTER IN A HOTEL AND ASKED FOR A HIGH FLOOR, THE
CLERK WOULD ASK, "DO YOU WANT IT FOR SLEEPING OR JUMPING?"
Where learned: FLORIDA ; KEY BISCAYNE
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 09-00-1981
THE REASON THAT HANUKAH IS CALLED THE FEAST OF LIGHTS IS BECAUSE
A LONG TIME AGO WHEN THE JEWS WERE AT WAR, THE PRIESTS WERE
GUARDING THE TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM DURING A SEIGE. THEY ONLY HAD
ENOUGH FUEL TO LIGHT THE LANTERN IN THE TEMPLE ONE DAY. BUT
MIRACULOUSLY THE LANTERN STAYED LIT FOR EIGHT FULL DAYS UNTIL
MORE FUEL COULD BE GOTTEN AND THE CITY WAS SAVED. SO NOW AT
HANUKAH IT IS TRADITION TO LIGHT THE MENORAH FOR 8 FULL
DAYS IN REMEMBRANCE OF THOSE BRAVE JEWS.
Submitter comment: LEARNED IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
Where learned: NEW YORK ; BROOKLYN
James Callow Keyword(s): HANUKKAH
| Subject headings: | 686 Eighths / Eight PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Winter CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Autumn Fall Harvest Thanksgiving |
Date learned: 00-00-1965
RIDDLE
HOW DID THE MAUMEE RIVER GET ITS NAME?
AN INDIAN SQUAW WAS CROSSING THE RIVER AND DROPPED HER BABY INTO
THE RIVER. THE BABY CRIED OUT, "MAUMEE, MAUMEE."
Where learned: OHIO ; DEFIANCE
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name RIDDLE -- Riddle Question |
Date learned: 10-00-1978
THE ORAL HISTORY OF MY FAMILY INCLUDES THE TALE OF
MY GRANDFATHER'S ARRIVAL AT ELLIS ISLAND, IN THE
EARLY TWENTIETH CENTURY. HE HAD BEEN A STOW-AWAY AND
WAS THEREFORE RELUCTANT TO GIVE HIS NAME TO THE
IMMIGRATION OFFICIAL PROCESSING HIM. HE ASKED THE
OFFICER TO SELECT A NEW NAME FOR HIM, AN AMERICAN
NAME. THE NAME "SHERMAN" WAS CHOSEN FROM THE
SIGNATURE OF ROGER SHERMAN ON THE DECLARATION OF
INDEPENDENCE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK ; OAKLAND COUNTY
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name |
Date learned: 00-00-1983
HOW MANGO-STEEN (A THAI FRUIT) WAS NAMED
"A 'FALANG' (WESTERNER) ASKED A THAI SALESWOMAN AT A THAI
FRUITMARKET WHAT THE NAME OF A FRUIT WAS. BECAUSE HE ONLY KNEW
MANGO (ANOTHER KIND OF FRUIT), HE ASKED IF THIS FRUIT WAS A MANGO
SINCE HE HAD NEVER ACTUALLY SEEN ONE. SHE REPLIED, 'NO. IT'S
CALLED "MUNG-KOOT."' HE MISUNDERSTOOD AND ASKED AGAIN IF IT WAS
A MANGO TO WHICH SHE REPLIED AS BEFORE. AFTER MANY EXCHANGES
AND FRUSTRATION, THE WOMAN REPLIED THAT IT'S CALLED 'MANGO-SOAN-
TEEN' WHICH MEANS 'MANGO-AT-THE-BOTTOM-OF-THE-FOOT.' THE NAME IS
STILL USED TODAY BUT IS SHORTENED TO 'MANGO-STEEN.'"
Submitter comment:
THE THAIS REFER TO THE FOOT AS THE LOWEST PART OF THE BODY. TO
USE IT WHEN REFERRING TO SOMETHING, AND ESPECIALLY SOMEONE, IS
CONSIDERED VERY IMPOLITE.
THIS IS A POPULAR STORY IN THAILAND.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name PROSE NARRATIVE -- Tale |
Date learned: 02-00-1984
HOW THE CITY OF CHEYBOYGAN GOT ITS NAME.
ONCE THERE WAS THIS GREAT INDIAN CHIEF WHO LIVED IN THE NORTHERN
PART OF THE LOWER PENINSULA. THIS CHIEF WAS BLESSED WITH A LARGE
FAMILY AND HE WAS VERY PROUD EXCEPT THAT ALL HIS CHILDREN WERE
BOYS. AT THIS TIME THE GREAT CHIEF HAD THE TASK OF NAMING
THE NEW HOMESTEAD THAT HIS TRIBE HAD LAID OUT WHICH HAPPENED
TO BE RIGHT ON THE SPOT WHERE CHEBOYGAN IS NOW. THE CHIEF
DECIDED TO NAME THEIR HOMESTEAD AFTER HIS FIRST DAUGHTER. AS TIME
PASSED ONE OF THE CHIEF'S WIVES BECAME PREGNANT AND WAS GIVING
BIRTH IN THE CHIEF'S TEEPEE. THE CHIEF THEN SURE THAT THIS CHILD
WILL BE A GIRL TOLD THE OTHERS THAT HE WILL COME OUT SPEAKING THE
NAME OF HIS FIRST DAUGHTER AND THE NAME OF THEIR NEW HOMESTEAD.
THE CHIEF THEN ENTERED THE TEEPEE AND CAME OUT A FEW MINUTES AFTER
THE CHILD WAS BORN SAYING "SHE BOY AGAIN!" WHICH HAS BEEN THE
NAME OF THE CITY EVER SINCE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; CHEYBOYGAN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name |
"UFO"
I WAS SETTING UP MY TELESCOPE FOR A NIGHT OF NOT UNUSUAL
OBSERVATION. SUDDENLY, THERE IN THE DEEP BLUE, NORTHERN SKY,
I SPOTTED A TWINKLING STAR-LIKE IMAGE. I QUICKLY
ROTATED MY SCOPE AND AIMED. THERE IT IS....A STRANGE
UNIDENTIFIABLE FLYING OBJECT. "UFO!" I EXCLAIMED. YEAH,
THAT'S WHAT I'LL CALL IT.......A "UFO!"
IT WAS A SILVERY BALL WITH A BAR STICKING OUT. IT LOOKED
LIKE A TOOTSIE-POP SUCKER. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BAR WAS A
RED LIGHT. AT THE END WAS A WHITE LIGHT. THE ENTIRE ALIEN
VESSEL DRIFTED FROM WEST TO EAST AND SLOWLY ROTATED, AS
SEEN BY THE REVOLVING BAR. IN TIME, IT DRIFTED OUT OF
SIGHT, NEVER TO BE SEEN AGAIN.
Submitter comment:
JAMES KEPT A LOG AND DREW A PICTURE OF HIS SIGHTING. HE
SAID THAT IT COULD NOT HAVE BEEN A HELICOPTER, AIRPLANE,
NOR SATELLITE. HE ALSO CLAIMED TO BE THE FIRST TO COIN
THE PHRASE "UFO." THEREFORE, IT IS HARD TO TELL IF HE
IS REALLY SERIOUS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights ; IN EMPTY RESERVOIR BEHIND HOME
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Celestial Body PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name SPEECH -- Folk etymology |
THIS IS A FAMILY LEGEND ABOUT HOW POLISH PEOPLE CAME TO BE
KNOWN AS POLECATS BY OUR SOUTHERN KIN. WHEN MY MOTHER ANNOUNCED
HER ENGAGEMENT TO HER POLISH FIANCE, MY GRANDFATHER AND OTHERS
THOUGHT OF HIM AS A NORTHERN "POLELOCK." MY YOUNG COUSIN HAD A
DIFFICULTY WITH THE CONCEPT. HE CAME UP WITH THE IDEA THAT HIS
"AUNT KAY IS GOING TO MARRY A POLECAT!" THE ADULTS IN THE FAMILY
SEIZED THE IDEA. IT IS STILL USED AT FAMILY GATHERINGS.
Submitter comment:
THE FIRST TIME I REMEMBER HEARING THE ORIGIN OF THE POLISH
POLECAT, I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT A POLECAT WAS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
Keyword(s): SKUNK
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name |
EXPLANATION OF A NAME
THERE'S A FAIR SIZED HILL IN HALIFAX COUNTY IN VIRGINIA.
I DON'T KNOW HOW ELSE I CAN DESCRIBE HOW IT'S LOCATED.
I'M TRYING TO FIGURE EXACTLY WHERE IT IS BY REMEMBERING
THE SUN, WHERE IT IS FROM MY GRANDFATHER'S HOUSE.
ANYWAY, IT'S IN HALIFAX COUNTY. YOU CAN STILL FIND
INDIAN RELICS THERE--I MEAN WAR ARROWHEADS--YOU CAN
TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REGULAR HUNTING ARROWHEADS
AND WAR ARROWHEADS. IN THE VERY EARLY DAYS IN THE
SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA THERE WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE
BEEN A BATTLE BETWEEN THE INDIANS AND SETTLERS. THE
NAME OF IT IS BAD LUCK HILL. I THINK THE SETTLERS
WERE SUPPOSED TO HAVE WON BUT FOR SOME REASON THAT
SEEMS STRANGE 'CAUSE THEN THEY WOULD HAVE CALLED IT
GOOD LUCK HILL. OH! IT'S (BAD LUCK HILL) ABOUT
1500 YARDS FROM SANDY CREEK WHICH IS A TRIBUTARY
OF THE BANNISTER RIVER.
Where learned: TENNESSEE ; NASHVILLE
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name |
Date learned: 07-20-1968
EXPLANATION OF A NAME
BACK BEFORE OKLAHOMA BECAME A STATE THEY OPENED UP
THE RESERVATIONS FOR THE SETTLERS. I GUESS THAT WAS
IN 1889 WASN'T IT? ANYHOW, THEY SHOT THE GUN OFF AT
12:00 NOON AND ALL OF THE PEOPLE WOULD RUN IN AND
STAKE A CLAIM. MY GREAT-GREAT-GRANDFATHER HAD
WORKED ON THE RAILROAD SO HE ALREADY HAD SOME LAND
THERE. THE OTHERS THOUGH, THAT WENT IN EARLY,
AGAINST THE RULES, WERE CALLED "SOONERS."
Where learned: TENNESSEE ; NASHVILLE
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name |
Date learned: 07-30-1968
NAMING
GERMANS WHEN THEY FIRST CAME TO THE UNITED STATES
WERE CALLED "EASTERLINGS." WITH THEM THEY BROUGHT
THEIR FINE PRECIOUS METAL WORK IN SILVER. THE
FIRST TWO LETTERS OF EASTERLING WERE DROPPED AND
THE SILVER WORK WAS CALLED "STERLING."
THEY WERE CALLED "EASTERLINGS" BECAUSE THEY CAME
FROM THE EAST.
Where learned: TENNESSEE ; PEABODY COLLEGE ; NASHVILLE
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name Food Drink -- Service Table furnishing and decoration Implement to handle food |
Date learned: 05-13-1969