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PRACTICAL JOKE

A COMMON PRANK IS TO SET FIRE TO POSTERS HANGING ON THE OUTSIDE
OF DORM DOORS.

Submitter comment: THIS ITEM WAS COLLECTED BY THE INFORMANT IN THE
FRESHMAN DORMS OF AMHERST COLLEGE IN AMHERST,
MASSACHUSETTS; IT WAS COLLECTED BY ME IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

Where learned: Massachusetts ; AMHERST

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing

Date learned: 00001979-80 ; 03-00-1980

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PRACTICAL JOKE

TOOTHPASTE IS PLACED IN THE KEYHOLE OF A DOOR, HARDENING AND
MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO UNLOCK THE DOOR.

Submitter comment: THIS ITEM WAS COLLECTED BY THE INFORMANT IN THE
FRESHMAN DORMS OF AMHERST COLLEGE IN AMHERST,
MASSACHUSETTS; IT WAS COLLECTED BY ME IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

Where learned: Massachusetts ; AMHERST

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing
ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Wall Partition Door Window

Date learned: 00001979-80 ; 03-00-1980

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PRACTICAL JOKE

BECAUSE THE DOORS AT AMHERST COLLEGE OPEN INWARD, A COMMON
PRANK IS TO TIE A ROPE ON THE DOORKNOBS OF TWO DOORS ACROSS THE
HALL FROM EACH OTHER, SHUTTING IN THE OCCUPANTS OF BOTH ROOMS.

Submitter comment: THIS ITEM WAS COLLECTED BY THE INFORMANT IN THE
FRESHMAN DORMS OF AMHERST COLLEGE IN AMHERST,
MASSACHUSETTS; IT WAS COLLECTED BY ME IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

Where learned: Massachusetts ; AMHERST

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing
ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Wall Partition Door Window

Date learned: 00001979-80 ; 03-00-1980

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THE HOLES IN THE FLOORS OF THE DORMS AT AMHERST COLLEGE MADE
BY THE RADIATOR PIPES ENABLE THE OCCUPANTS OF A ROOM ON A HIGHER
FLOOR TO POUR WATER DOWN INTO THE ROOM BELOW. ONCE THIS ALMOST
RESULTED IN A TELEVISION SET EXPLODING IN A LOWER ROOM.

Submitter comment: THIS ITEM WAS COLLECTED BY THE INFORMANT IN THE
FRESHMAN DORMS OF AMHERST COLLEGE IN AMHERST,
MASSACHUSETTS; IT WAS COLLECTED BY ME IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

Where learned: Massachusetts ; AMHERST

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing
ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Foundation Floor

Date learned: 00001979-80 ; 03-00-1980

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COUNSELOR IN TRAINING GRADUATION

CIT GRADUATION IS THE CEREMONY THAT A COUNSELOR IN TRAINING GOES
THROUGH BEFORE SHE IS AN OFFICIAL STAFF MEMBER. BASICALLY, THE
CEREMONY IS QUIET AND THOUGHTFUL. A GENERAL OUTLINE OF ONE SUCH
CEREMONY FOLLOWS. MM
I PROCESSION INTO THE AREA
II POEM
III MAGIC CAMPFIRE- A CAMPFIRE LIT WITH AN ARROW.
IV SONG
V ACTUAL GRADUATION
A) POEM
B) STAFF PRESENTATION-STAFF TIES ARE GIVEN TO THE CIT GIRLS
FROM THEIR SPECIAL STAFF FRIENDS
C) CAMP DIRECTORS PRESENT DIPLOMAS AND WISH BALLOONS
D) CIT GIRLS ARE BROUGHT TO A PAPER BAG FILLED WITH SAND AND
A CANDLE AND LIGHT THE CANDLE.
VI POEM
VII POEMS BY THE CIT INDIVIDUALS
VIII SONG

Submitter comment: INFORMANT WAS EXTREMELY SENTIMENTAL WHEN DESCRIBING THIS CEREMONY
AND EVEN STARTED TO CRY. SHE WAS AVIDLY REMEMBERING HER OWN CIT
GRADUATION.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WIXOM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Maturity
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing

Date learned: 02-07-1980 ; 00-00-1978

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SIGNATURES-ACCEPTANCE INTO A FRATERNITY.

WHEN A PERSON PLEDGES A FRATERNITY, HE MUST OBTAIN
SIGNATURES OF ALL OF THE MEMBERS, BEFORE HE IS INITIATED.

Submitter comment: WHEN A PLEDGE RECEIVES A SIGNATURE FROM A MEMBER, THIS
SIGNIFIES THAT THE PLEDGE HAS BEEN ACCEPTED BY THAT
MEMBER INTO THE FRATERNITY. THE SIGNATURE INCLUDES THE
FOLLOWING: FULL NAME, LOCAL AND PERMANENT ADDRESSES,
MAJOR, OFFICES HELD IN THE FRATERNITY, AND COMMITTEE
CHAIRMANSHIPS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School

Date learned: 10-00-1977

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PRACTICAL JOKE AND PRANK

INCOMING FRESHMEN AT CABRINI HIGH SCHOOL (ALLEN PARK, MI.)
ARE THE BUTT
OF MANY PRACTICAL JOKES. ON THEIR FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, SENIORS
HAVE THEM BUY ELEVATOR PASSES FOR FIVE DOLLARS. THEY EXPLAIN THAT
ONLY A CHOICE FEW ARE ISSUED THEM. HOWEVER, CABRINI DOES NOT HAVE
AN ELEVATOR AND THE FRESHMEN SOON DISCOVER THAT THEY WERE DUPED.
ANOTHER JOKE IS TO BAPTISE THE FRESHMEN BY PLACING THEIR HEADS
UNDERNEATH A RUNNING FAUCET.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT HEARD OF THESE ACADEME CUSTOMS IN 1970 AT CABRINI
HIGH SCHOOL. THEY ARE A TYPE OF INITIATION RITE OR RITE OF
PASSAGE OF FRESHMEN STUDENTS FROM GRADE SCHOOL TO HIGH SCHOOL.
ALTHOUGH HARMLESS, THEY COULD OFTEN CAUSE HARD FEELINGS. PERHAPS
THE TERM "BAPTISING" ENTERS SINCE CABRINI IS A CATHOLIC SCHOOL.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK

Subject headings: Favorites
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Baptism Naming rite
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing
BELIEF -- School

Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; 00-00-1970

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PRACTICAL JOKE AND PRANK

WHEN MANY PEOPLE SHARE REFRIGERATORS IN A FRATERNITY, THERE IS A
PROBLEM OF STEALING FOOD. ONE SURE WAY TO STOP THIS IS TO REPLACE
URINE FOR APPLE JUICE IN A STAMPED JUICE BOTTLE. WHEN THE CULPRIT
TAKES HIS FIRST SIP, HE LEARNS HIS LESSON WELL.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT FIRST HEARD OF THIS PRANK IN 1976 AT WESTERN
MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY. UNDOUBTEDLY, THE UNKNOWING PARTY FEELS SOME
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DISCOMFORT. AFTER THE INITIAL JOKE, ALL
CONCERNED MAY BE MORE SKEPTICAL AND THE STEALING STOPS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School

Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; 06-00-1978

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PENNSYLVANIA GERMANS (NATIONALITY GROUP)

A COLONY OF AMISH PEOPLE NOW LIVE IN COLON, MICHIGAN. THEY MOVED
HERE FROM PENNSYLVANIA TO ESCAPE PROBLEMS WITH THEIR TEACHERS NOT
HAVING CERTIFICATES. NOW THEY ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM IN COLON.
ONE CAN TELL AN AMISH HOUSE IN COLON, MICH. BECAUSE THE WINDOWS
NEVER HAVE CURTAINS. THEY ONLY HAVE SHADES. THERE IS NO ELECTRICITY
OR LUXURIES IN THEIR HOUSES. THE PEOPLE OFTEN TAKE THEIR
HORSE AND BUGGY TO THE LOCAL SUPERMARKET, LEAVING THE HORSE TIED
TO A HITCHING POST OFF TO THE SIDE. THEY WILL NEVER BUY FOOD WITH
PRESERVATIVES AND PREFER TO EAT A RATHER THICK TASTING BREAD.
THE INFORMANT SAID THAT SHE TASTED THE BREAD AND COULD NOT STAND
MORE THAN A FEW BITES BECAUSE IT WAS SO RICH.

Submitter comment:

THE INFORMANT FIRST LEARNED OF THE AMISH WHILE GOING TO A FAMILY
COTTAGE IN COLON, MICH. IN 1978. HER DESCRIPTION SOUNDS TYPICAL OF
THE CLASSIC PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH ATTIRE AND ATTITUDE. SIMPLICITY
AND KEEPING TO OLD TRADITIONS ARE INHERENT TO HER DESCRIPTION.
UPON VISITING COLON WITH THE INFORMANT, THE COLLECTOR NOTICED THE
SAME CUSTOMS. ONE HEARS ON THE NEWS ABOUT THE CURRENT PROBLEMS
WITH TEACHING, STRESSING THAT NEW DIFFICULTIES ARE ALWAYS ARISING
WITH THE AMISH.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK

Keyword(s): Amish ; BREAD ; Buggy ; Curtains ; GERMAN ; HORSE ; Preservatives ; Shades ; Simplicity ; Technology

Subject headings: Favorites
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Daily Life
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
Food Drink -- Plant food Cereal
BELIEF -- P439

Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; 00-00-1978

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WHEN CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY WINS A FOOTBALL GAME, THE BAND
PLAYS A SONG TO A TREE. THE SONG IS THE SCHOOL FIGHT SONG, THE TREE
IS CALLED THE VICTORY TREE. WHEN THEY LOSE A FOOTBALL GAME,
THEY SING THE ALMA MATER TO THE VICTORY TREE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MOUNT PLEASANT

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Emotion
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
BELIEF -- Plant

Date learned: 11-00-80

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ONE OF MY HIGH SCHOOL CLASSMATES HAD QUITE A SKILL WHEN IT CAME TO
BELCHING. HE COULD BELCH ENTIRE SENTENCES IN VERY LOUD AND GROSS
MANNER. ONE OF OUR FAVORITE PRANKS WAS TO FILE INTO THE LIBRARY AND
HAVE OUR EXPERT BELCHER HIDE IN A SECLUDED PART OF THE LIBRARY. WHEN
THINGS BECAME STILL, THE BELCHER WOULD LET GO WITH "QUIET PLEASE"
AND THE ENTIRE LIBRARY WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE NUN WOULD LAUGH.

Submitter comment: MY SENIOR YEAR IN HIGH SCHOOL WAS QUITE CRAZY. WE MORE OR LESS
THRIVED ON PRANKS AND PRACTICAL JOKES. DAVE'S BELCHING EXPERTISE WAS
ONE OF THE FUNNIEST.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; RIVERVIEW

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School

Date learned: 00-00-1975

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A NUN'S STORY

ONE DAY A FIRST GRADE TEACHER TOLD HER CLASS THAT ALL
THE NUNS AT THE CONVENT WERE GOING TO AN INSTITUTE THAT
WEEKEND. ONE PARTICULAR LITTLE GIRL WENT HOME
AND TOLD HER MOTHER THAT ALL THE NUNS WERE GOING
ON AN "INNOCENT TOOT."

Where learned: NOT GIVEN

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
SPEECH -- Vocabulary

Date learned: 06-00-1964

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DANCING CUSTOMS

90% OF ALL BOYS AND GIRLS TAKE DANCING LESSONS IN
PRIVATE DANCING SCHOOLS. THE WALTZ, FOX TROT, TANGO,
ENGLISH WALTZ, AND ROCK AND ROLL. AFTER HALF THE
COURSE IS OVER, A FORMAL DANCE IS HELD AND ATTENDED
BY THE YOUNG ADULTS AND PARENTS. THE SECOND HALF OF
THE COURSE TEACHES MODERN DANCE, SAMBA, RUMBA, CHA CHA,
AND OTHER LATIN DANCES. ETIQUETTE AND MANNERS ARE ALSO
LEARNED IN THIS COURSE. THE FINALE IS A BIG BALL AT
WHICH TUXEDO AND FORMAL DRESS IS WORN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; BEAUTY SHOP

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School

Date learned: 01-00-1971

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KISSING LEGEND

AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, (ANN ARBOR) A GIRL IS
NOT TO BE CONSIDERED A CO-ED UNTIL SHE HAS BEEN KISSED
UNDER THE ARCH OF THE ENGINEERING BUILDING. THE
ACTION MUST TAKE PLACE AT MIDNIGHT, IN ORDER TO BE
VALID.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ANN ARBOR

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School

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KISSING LEGEND

ALL NAVAL OFFICER CANDIDATES AND MIDSHIPMEN ARE WARNED
TO KEEP THEIR HATS CAREFULLY IN THEIR POSSESSION,
FOR IF THIS HAT IS TO FALL INTO THE POSSESSION OF ANY
YOUNG LADY, THE RANSOM PRICE IS A KISS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ANN ARBOR

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School

Date learned: 00001965 AUTUMN

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MILITARY TRADITIONS -NAVAL

IF A GIRL GETS KISSED UNDER THE SITTING INDIAN AT
ANNAPOLIS, SHE WILL MARRY THE GUY SHE KISSED.

Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT DORMS

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School

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NAVAL CUSTOM

AT THE NAVAL ACADEMY IN ANNAPOLIS, A GIRL WHO PUTS
THE HAT OF A MIDSHIPMAN ON HER HEAD AGAINST HIS WILL
OR TO HIS SURPRISE, IS ENTITLED TO A KISS FROM HIM.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; DORM ROOM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School

Date learned: 09-08-1969

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SCHOOL CUSTOM

DURING GRADUATION, ALL GRADUATES WALK IN WITH THEIR
TASSELS ON THE RIGHT SIDE, AND AFTER ALL HAVE
RECEIVED THEIR DIPLOMAS THEY FLIP THEIR TASSELS
TO THE LEFT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GRAND RAPIDS

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

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MOVABLE TASSEL

ON THE DAY OF GRADUATION, YOU WEAR YOUR GRADUATION CAP
WITH THE SCHOOL COLORS ON A TASSEL. BEFORE RECEIVING
YOUR DIPLOMA YOU WEAR THIS TASSEL ON THE RIGHT SIDE
OF YOUR CAP. THE MOMENT AFTER YOU RECEIVE YOUR
DIPLOMA YOU FLIP THE TASSEL TO THE LEFT SIDE OF
THE CAP.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School

Date learned: 10-29-1968

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GRADUATION CUSTOMS

IT IS CUSTOMARY AT AMHERST HIGH SCHOOL IN BUFFALO,
NEW YORK, THAT THE SENIORS SKIP A DAY OF CLASSES
NEAR THE END OF THE SEMESTER. ALSO, THEY PULL PRANKS
SUCH AS POURING ACID ON THE GRASS OF THE SCHOOLYARD
TO READ OBSCENE WORDS, OR PUT SOMETHING ON THE
FLAGPOLE AND GREASE IT SO NO ONE COULD GET IT DOWN.

Where learned: BUFFALO ; NEW YORK, ASSUMED

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

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