LUCK OF A POOR BOY

IN THE EARLY DAYS IN POLAND, THERE WERE LOTS OF FORESTS. ONE
TIME, A RICH RANCHER WAS TRAVELING WITH HIS HORSE AND BUGGY THROUGH
THE FOREST. HE HAD A LONG WAY TO GO AND HE COULD NOT MAKE IT IN A
DAY SO HE WAS TRAVELING AT NIGHT.
AROUND 11 O'CLOCK HE GOT VERY TIRED AND HE SAW A LIGHT AND A
LITTLE HOUSE, SO HE DECIDED TO STOP AND HAVE A LITTLE NAP. HE CAME
TO THE HOUSE AND SAW THAT THE PEOPLE WERE VERY POOR.
HE ASKED THEM IF HE COULD ACCOMMODATE HIS HORSE AND BUGGY IN
THEIR YARD AND TAKE A LITTLE NAP. THEY PERMITTED HIM. WHILE
SLEEPING IN THE BUGGY, HE HAD A DREAM THAT IN THIS VERY HOUSE, A BAB
WAS BORN AND THAT IN HIS FUTURE LIFE HE WOULD ADOPT THIS BABY. HE
WAS VERY SURPRISED}
IN THE MORNING, HE WENT BACK TO THE HOUSE TO INVESTIGATE. SURE
ENOUGH, THAT NIGHT, IN THAT HOUSE, A BABY WAS BORN. THERE WERE QUIT
A FEW CHILDREN BESIDES THAT BABY.
THINKING ABOUT HIS DREAM HE ASKED THE FAMILY IF HE COULD ADOPT
THE CHILD BECAUSE THEY HAD TOO MANY CHILDREN. IN THE BEGINNING, THE
WOULDN'T HEAR OF SUCH A THING. HE TRIED TO CONVINCE THEM WITH
STORIES, AND ASSURED THEM THAT THE BABY WOULD HAVE EVERYTHING IN HIS
POWER. HE WAS RICH} THEY WOULD NOT LISTEN TO HIM AND SAID THAT THE
WERE GOING TO BAPTIZE THE BABY IN THE MORNING OF THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THERE WAS NOBODY CLOSE BY WHO COULD TAKE THEM TO THE CHURCH, SO
THE MAN THEN OFFERED THE SERVICES OF HIS BUGGY AND HIS OWN TIME TO
TAKE THEM. THE POOR FAMILY DECIDED TO NAME THE RICH RANCHER AS THE
GODFATHER OF THEIR BABY BOY.
GOING TO THE CHURCH, THE RANCHER SLIPPED SOME MONEY UNDER THE
BABY'S PILLOW. IN POLAND THERE IS A BELIEF THAT IF YOU PUT SOME
MONEY UNDER THE PILLOW OF A BABY FOR ITS BAPTISM, THAT BABY WILL
LATER GET RICH.
AFTER THE BAPTISM, THE RANCHER AGAIN TRIED TO CONVINCE THE FAMILY
TO LET HIM HAVE THE CHILD. HE PROMISED THAT THE BABY WOULD HAVE
EVERYTHING, SO THEY GAVE HIM THE BABY WITH THE SAME PILLOW HE WAS
BAPTIZED, IN A BASKET. HE PUT THE BASKET IN HIS BUGGY AND TOLD HIS
DRIVER TO GO.
AFTER THEY WENT A LITTLE FARTHER IN THE FOREST, THE RANCHER DID
NOT WANT THE BABY BOY TO BE HIS ADOPTED SON. THE ONLY REASON WHY HE
TOOK HIM WAS BECAUSE HE WAS AFRAID OF HIS DREAM. HE TOLD HIS DRIVER
TO TAKE THE BASKET AND THROW IT AGAINST A TREE SO THAT HE WOULD NOT
SEE THE BABY ANY MORE.
THE DRIVER WENT AWAY FROM THE BUGGY. HE DID NOT HAVE THE HEART
TO SMASH THE BASKET AGAINST A TREE AND KILL THE BABY. HE SIMPLY LEF
IT NEAR A TREE, AND HE DROVE THE RANCHER AWAY.
IN THE MORNING, SOME OTHER POOR FAMILY CAME INTO THE FOREST TO
PICK SOME WOOD. THEY HEARD THE BABY CRYING AND TOOK HIM HOME. THE
BABY WAS SO CUTE, DRESSED NICELY, AND THE WOMAN OF THE HOUSE LIKED
IT. THEY HAD A FEW CHILDREN BUT THEY DECIDED TO KEEP THE BABY. OF
COURSE, IN THEIR AREA, THERE WERE ONLY A FEW FAMILIES AND EVERYONE
KNEW THAT THEY HAD FOUND THE BOY.
THE BOY GREW AND STARTED SCHOOL, WHERE THE CHILDREN NEVER CALLED
HIM BY HIS GIVEN NAME. THEY CALLED HIM "FOUNDED".
ONE DAY, THE RICH RANCHER WAS GOING THROUGH THEIR VILLAGE AND
HEARD THE KIDS CALLING THE BOY. WHEN HE HEARD THE KIDS CALLING HIM
"FOUNDED", IT BOTHERED HIM VERY MUCH. HE ASKED THE CHILDREN WHY THE
CALLED HIM THAT AND THEY TOLD THE RANCHER THAT HIS FATHER FOUND HIM
IN THE FOREST, IN A BASKET.
THE RANCHER WAS SURE NOW THAT IT WAS THE SAME BOY WHO WAS
SUPPOSED TO BE HIS ADOPTED SON. HE WENT TO THE PEOPLE AND ASKED THE
FOR SOME MORE DETAILS. HE GOT VERY WORRIED AND MADE UP HIS MIND THA
HE WOULD DO EVERYTHING IN HIS POWER TO PREVENT THE BOY FROM GROWING
UP TO BECOME HIS SON. HE OFFERED THE PEOPLE A LOT OF MONEY TO SELL
THE BOY. IT WAS A POOR FAMILY AND THEY WERE TEMPTED BY THE MONEY AN
GAVE HIM THE BOY.
WHEN HE WAS WALKING FROM THEIR HOUSE HE SAW AN EMPTY BARREL. HE
BOUGHT THE BARREL TOO. HE THEN TOLD THE BOY TO SIT IN THE BARREL AN
STARTED OFF ON HIS JOURNEY AFTER HE HAD COVERED THE BARREL WITH THE
LID. WHEN THE RANCHER WAS TRAVELING BY THE LAKE, HE PUSHED THE
BARREL INTO IT.
ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE LAKE THERE WAS A SEMINARY. THE
STUDENTS, SEEING THE BARREL ON THE LAKE GOT VERY INTERESTED, AND
PULLED IT TO SHORE. IN THE BARREL, THEY FOUND THE 6 YEAR OLD BOY.
THE PRIESTS DECIDED TO KEEP THE BOY AROUND THE SCHOOL TO DO SMALL
TASKS. BESIDES THIS, THE BOY GOT AN EDUCATION.
ONE DAY THE SEMINARY GAVE A BANQUET FOR ALL ITS BENEFACTORS.
NATURALLY, THE RICH RANCHER ATTENDED IT. DURING THE DINNER, THE
YOUNG BOY WAS SERVING AS A WAITER AND THE RANCHER WAS AMAZED AT THE
BOY'S MANNERS. HE ASKED THE PRIESTS WHERE THEY GOT THE BOY FROM.
THEY TOLD HIM THE STORY.
AGAIN THE RANCHER WAS VERY UPSET BECAUSE THE BOY WAS GROWING TO
BE HIS SON. THE RANCHER HAD RELATIVES SEVERAL MILES AWAY AND ASKED
THE PRIEST IN CHARGE IF HE WOULD BE SO KIND AS TO LET THE BOY TAKE A
MESSAGE THERE. THE PRIEST DIDN'T OBJECT, SO THE RANCHER MADE A NOTE
WHICH READ- "AS SOON AS THIS BOY REACHES YOUR PLACE, MAKE ALL THE
ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE HIM KILLED, I DON'T WANT TO SEE ANY SIGNS OF
HIM." THE RANCHER PUT THE NOTE IN AN ENVELOPE WITH HIS SEAL ON IT.
BEING AROUND THE SEMINARY, THE BOY WAS VERY RELIGIOUS. HE WALKED
A DAY OR TWO AND STOPPED AT A LITTLE CHURCH BY THE WAY FOR MASS. HE
DECIDED TO GO TO CONFESSION AFTER MASS. THE PRIEST GOT VERY CURIOUS
ABOUT THE YOUNG BOY TRAVELING ALONE, AND ASKED HIM WHAT HE WAS DOING
THE BOY SAID HE WAS CARRYING A MESSAGE. THE PRIEST SAID, "WHAT
MESSAGE?", AND THE BOY TOLD HIM HE COULDN'T BREAK THE SEAL.
THE PRIEST THEN INVITED THE BOY TO HIS HOME FOR BREAKFAST. HE
TOLD THE BOY TO LEAVE THE NOTE ON THE SIDE TABLE AND TOOK HIM TO THE
DINING ROOM. MEANWHILE, THE PRIEST'S CURIOSITY WAS TEMPTED, HE MADE
AN EXCUSE TO LEAVE THE ROOM, AND OPENED THE LETTER. IT HAPPENED THA
HE KNEW THE FAMILY WHERE THE BOY WAS GOING. HE TOOK THE NOTE AND
DESTROYED IT AND WROTE ANOTHER WHICH SAID, "AS SOON AS THIS BOY
ARRIVES AT YOUR PLACE, MAKE QUICK ARRANGEMENTS FOR HIM TO MARRY YOUR
DAUGHTER."
UPON ARRIVAL AT THE RANCHER'S RELATIVES HOME, HE MARRIED THEIR
DAUGHTER.
A COUPLE DAYS LATER, THE RICH RANCHER CAME TO SEE IF EVERYTHING
WAS DONE. TO HIS SURPRISE, HE HEARD THE STORY THAT HIS RELATIVES
MARRIED THE BOY FOLLOWING THE RANCHER'S WISH.
NOW THE RANCHER WAS IN REAL TROUBLE. HE SENT THE BOY TO A
FORTUNE TELLER WHO WAS KNOWN TO KILL HIS VISITORS, TO FIND OUT WHY
ONE OF HIS PEAR TREES AT HIS ESTATE NEVER GAVE ANY FRUIT. TO GET TO
THE FORTUNE TELLER, THE BOY HAD TO TAKE A FERRY. WHEN HE WAS ON THE
FERRY, THE CAPTAIN ASKED HIM WHERE HE WAS GOING. THE BOY TOLD HIM,
"TO SEE THE FORTUNE TELLER". THE CAPTAIN ASKED THE BOY TO FIND OUT
HOW LONG HE WOULD BE SERVING ON THE FERRY. THE BOY SAID OK.
AFTER HE GOT OFF THE FERRY, HE WENT TO THE FORTUNE TELLER'S HOUSE
BUT HE WAS NOT HOME. HIS WIFE WAS. THE WIFE HAD PITY ON THE NICE
LOOKING BOY AND TOLD HIM TO HIDE IN THE CLOSET AND SHE WOULD GET HIM
THE INFORMATION HE NEEDED.
THE FORTUNE TELLER CAME HOME FROM HIS HUNTING TRIP. HIS WIFE DID
NOT TELL HIM THAT THE BOY WAS THERE. SHE SERVED HER HUSBAND DINNER
AND TOLD HIM THAT SHE HAD A DREAM. SHE SAID THE DREAM WAS OF A VERY
RICH MAN WHO OWNED A BIG RANCH. THE RICH MAN HAD A PEAR TREE BY HIS
RANCH HOUSE THAT WOULD NEVER BEAR FRUIT. WHY DOESN'T THE TREE HAVE
FRUIT?
THE FORTUNE TELLER KNEW ABOUT IT. HE SAID, "OH, YES, I KNOW.
THE TREE WILL NEVER BEAR FRUIT, AS LONG AS THERE IS A POT OF GOLD
UNDER ITS ROOTS. SOMEONE HAS TO DIG IT UP."
THE WIFE THEN ASKED HOW LONG THE CAPTAIN OF THE FERRY WOULD STAY
AT HIS JOB.
"HO} HO} HO} HE'LL STAY THERE UNTIL HE CATCHES SOMEONE ELSE."
SAID THE FORTUNE TELLER.
THE BOY HEARD EVERYTHING. WHEN THE FORTUNE TELLER WENT TO BED,
THE WIFE LET THE BOY OUT OF THE CLOSET AND TOLD HIM TO GO. HE HAD
ALL THE ANSWERS.
THE BOY WENT TO THE RIVER TO CATCH THE FERRY. THE CAPTAIN ASKED
HIM IF HE HAD ASKED THE FORTUNE TELLER HOW LONG HE WOULD PILOT THE
BOAT. "OH YES}" SAID THE BOY, BUT HE WOULD NOT TELL HIM THE ANSWER
UNTIL HE GOT TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RIVER.
THE CAPTAIN TOOK HIM TO THE OTHER SIDE AND THE BOY STEPPED OFF
THE FERRY. "HOW LONG AM I GOING TO STAY HERE?" ASKED THE CAPTAIN.
THE BOY ANSWERED HIM, "UNTIL YOU CATCH SOMEONE ELSE."
"OH, YOU'RE WISE, I CAN'T CATCH YOU NOW}" SAID THE CAPTAIN.
THE BOY WENT BACK TO THE RANCHER'S RELATIVE'S HOUSE AND THE
RANCHER WAS STILL THERE. THE RANCHER WAS SHOCKED TO SEE THE BOY. H
ASKED HIM, "DID YOU FIND THE ANSWER?"
THE BOY SAID, "YES. THE TREE IS NOT GOING TO HAVE ANY FRUIT
UNTIL WE DIG THE GOLD UP FROM BENEATH ITS ROOTS."
SO...THE BOY AND THE RANCHER RETURNED TO THE RANCHER'S HOME.
THEY STARTED TO DIG UP THE TREE'S ROOTS AND FOUND A WHOLE POT OF
GOLD. THE RANCHER WAS SO EXCITED WHEN HE SAW IT, THAT HE HAD A HEAR
ATTACK AND DIED.
THE BOY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER WITH THE RANCHER'S COUSIN AND
THEIR DAUGHTER.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED THIS STORY AS A BOY AT AN EVENING OF FAMILY STORY
TELLING. HE USED QUITE A BIT OF EXPRESSION AND WAS VERY DELIGHTED
THAT THE PEOPLE LISTENING DIDN'T GET BORED AND ACTUALLY ENJOYED IT.
IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORY HE ALMOST STOPPED BECAUSE HE THOUGHT WE
MIGHT NOT LIKE THE IDEA OF A BABY BEING GIVEN AWAY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 02-07-1980 ; 00-00-1934

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A GAMBLER'S LESSON

FAR AWAY BY A RIVER, THERE WAS A LITTLE WHITE HOUSE IN WHICH THERE LIVED A FAMILY.
A FATHER, MOTHER, A BOY AND A GIRL. THEY HAD ONE PROBLEM, THEIR FATHER LIKED TO GAMBLE
AND DRINK. ALL OF A SUDDEN, THEIR MOTHER GOT VERY SICK. THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE MONEY TO SEND
HER TO THE HOSPITAL BECAUSE THE FATHER GAMBLED EVERYTHING HE EARNED. THE MOTHER DIED. THE
GIRL WAS HELPING WITH EVERYTHING AROUND THE HOUSE AND THE BOY WAS TRYING TO EARN MONEY FOR
THE LIVING OF THE FAMILY. ONE DAY THE BOY WAS DRAFTED INTO THE ARMY. HE WAS ALWAYS WONDERING
HOW HIS SISTER WAS MANAGING AT HOME AND WAS ALWAYS VERY SAD. HIS ARMY BUDDY WAS ASKING HIM WHY
HE WAS SO SAD. HE TRIED TO HIDE THE ANSWER FROM HIM, BUT FINALLY TOLD HIM THAT HE HAD A BEAUTIFUL
SISTER WHO COULD NOT MANAGE THE HOME BECAUSE OF THE FATHER'S GAMBLING. HIS FRIEND PROMISED TO
HELP HIM DURING HIS NEXT FURLOUGH. HE WENT TO A THEATRE AND BOUGHT HIMSELF A DEVIL OUTFIT. WHEN
FURLOUGH TIME CAME, HE PUT THE OUTFIT ON, AND ON TOP OF IT, THE BEST SUIT THA HE COULD FIND.
WHEN THEY REACHED THE BOY'S HOME, THEY COULDN'T FIND THE BOY'S FATHER. THE SISTER TOLD HIM THAT
THEIR FATHER WAS A FEW MILES AWAY AT AN INN. THE BOY'S FRIEND WENT TO THE INN AND ASKED FOR THE MAN.
THE INNKEEPER TOLD HIM THAT HE WAS PLAYING CARDS IN THE CORNER. HE WENT OVER TO THE CORNER AND GREETED
THE GAMBLERS, ASKING PERMISSION TO JOIN THEM. THEY ACCEPTED HIM. HE WAS A VERY GOOD CARD PLAYER AND
STARTED TO WIN FROM THE BEGINNING. A FEW HOURS LATER, ONLY THE GIRL'S FATHER WAS LEFT IN THE GAME.
ALL THE OTHERS HAD STOPPED PLAYING BECAUSE THEY HAD LOST EVERYTHING THAT THEY HAD. THE GIRL'S FATHER
WAS LOSING ALSO. BY ELEVEN O'CLOCK, HE ASKED FOR ONE FREE HAND OF CARDS. HE HAD LOST EVERYTHING. THE
BOY GAVE IT TO HIM. IT ALSO WAS A LOSING HAND. THE MAN WANTED TO QUIT AND TOLD THE BOY THAT HE HAD NO
MONEY TO GAMBLE. THE BOY TOOK HIS GLOVES OFF. RED, LONG FINGERNAILS WERE STICKING OUT FROM HIS DEVIL'S
OUTFIT, AND WHEN HE REMOVED HIS HAT, LITTLE HORNS WERE STICKING OUT FROM HIS HAIR. HE SAID, "NOW WE ARE
GOING TO PLAY FOR YOUR SOUL. I WOULD LIKE TO WIN YOUR SOUL." THE MAN JUMPED UP AND STARTED TO RUN TOWARDS
HIS HOME. THE YOUNG MAN WAS PURSUING HIM. THERE WAS A CHURCH BY THE ROAD. THE MA RAN INTO IT. THE MAN TOOK
THE SEAT CLOSEST TO THE ALTAR. THE BOY, OUTSIDE THE CHURCH, WHISTLED HIS WAY TO HIS FRIEND'S HOME. THE MAN
WAITED TILL THE PRIEST CAME IN AND ASKED FOR CONFESSION. THE BOY RETURNED ALL THE WINNINGS TO HIS FRIEND AND
ASKED TO MARRY HIS SISTER. FROM THAT DAY ON, THEY WERE A VERY HAPPY FAMILY. THEIR FATHER DID NOT DRINK OR GAMBLE ANYMORE.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED THIS STORY AT AN EVENING OF FAMILY STORY TELLING I LUKOWA, POLAND.
HE LAUGHED QUITE A BIT WHEN DESCRIBING THE DEVIL AN THE EFFECT IT HAD ON THE GAMBLING FATHER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; POLAND ; LUKOWA

James Callow Keyword(s): SOLDIER DISGUISED AS DEVIL REFORMS COMPULSIVE GAMBLER

Date learned: 00-00-1934

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TALE ABOUT A GIRL WHO CRIED PEARLS

ONCE UPON A TIME, THERE LIVED A HAPPY FAMILY. THEY LIVED NEAR
THE FOREST. THERE WERE TWO CHILDREN, A MOTHER, AND A FATHER. THE
CHILDREN WERE A BOY AND A GIRL. ONE DAY THEIR MOTHER BECAME ILL AND
DIED.
A YEAR LATER, THEIR FATHER REMARRIED A WIDOW THAT HAD A GIRL.
FOR A TIME, THEY WERE ALL HAPPY.
THE BOY'S SISTER WAS QUITE BEAUTIFUL COMPARED TO HIS
STEP-SISTER, AND BECAUSE OF THIS THEIR STEP-MOTHER WAS VERY JEALOUS
OF THE GIRL.
TIME WENT BY. THE BOY GREW TO BE A FINE MAN AND WAS DRAFTED INTO
THE ARMY. AT THAT TIME, THE STEP-MOTHER TALKED THE FATHER INTO
TAKING HIS DAUGHTER TO THE FOREST TO PICK BERRIES. HE TOLD THE GIRL
HE WOULD BE BACK TO GET HER.
THE GIRL STARTED TO CRY. IT WAS GETTING DARK SLOWLY. A SHORT
DISTANCE FROM HER SHE SAW THREE BOYS. THEY ASKED HER WHY SHE WAS
CRYING. SHE TOLD THEM ABOUT HER FATHER LEAVING HER IN THE FOREST AN
NOT PICKING HER UP.
ONE OF THE BOYS SAID, "WHAT KIND OF A PRESENT SHOULD WE GIVE
HER?" ONE SAID THAT HE WOULD GIVE HER A SWEET FRAGRANCE WHEN SHE
WOULD SMILE. ANOTHER SAID THAT HE WOULD MAKE PEARLS DROP FROM HER
EYES WHEN SHE WOULD CRY. THE LAST ONE SAID THAT SHE WOULD HAVE
BEAUTIFUL GOLDFISH SWIMMING IN THE WATER BASIN WHEN SHE WOULD GO TO
WASH HER FACE. THEY WERE ANGELS. THEY THEN SHOWED HER THE WAY HOME
SHE ARRIVED HOME VERY LATE AND KNOCKED AT THE DOOR. THE
STEP-MOTHER ACTED SURPRISED AND MADE SOME EXCUSE WHY THE FATHER HAD
LEFT HER IN THE FOREST. SHE SPANKED HER AND THE GIRL STARTED TO CRY
PEARLS CAME FROM HER EYES. WHEN HER FATHER CAME HOME, SHE SMILED AN
A BEAUTIFUL AROMA CAME FORTH. LATER WHEN SHE WENT TO WASH HER FACE,
BEAUTIFUL GOLDFISH WERE SWIMMING IN THE WASHBOWL. THE STEP-MOTHER
WAS UPSET ABOUT IT AND ASKED HER TO TELL HER HOW THESE THINGS
HAPPENED.
AFTER THE GIRL HAD TOLD HER THE STORY ABOUT THE THREE BOYS, THE
STEP-MOTHER DECIDED TO SEND HER DAUGHTER TO THE FOREST ALSO. SHE
INSTRUCTED HER DAUGHTER TO ACT THE SAME WAY AS HER STEP-DAUGHTER.
PERHAPS THEY WOULD ALSO GIVE HER GIFTS. INSTEAD THE DAUGHTER
RECEIVED THREE DIFFERENT GIFTS. ONE WAS THAT WHEN SHE WOULD SMILE,
SHE WOULD HAVE AN AWFUL SMELL AROUND HER. ANOTHER WAS THAT WHEN SHE
WOULD CRY, ROCKS WOULD FALL FROM HER EYES, AND LAST OF ALL, SHE WOUL
HAVE UGLY LIZARDS SWIMMING IN THE WASHBASIN WHEN SHE WOULD WASH HER
FACE.
WHEN ALL THESE THINGS HAPPENED, THE STEP-MOTHER BECAME UPSET AND
WENT TO SEE WHAT SHE COULD DO TO REVERSE THE GIFTS. SHE WENT TO A
WITCH AND ASKED FOR HELP. THE WITCH SAID THAT HE COULD NOT REVERSE
THE GIFTS, BUT HE COULD TURN HER STEP-DAUGHTER INTO A DUCK. AND SO
HE DID.
THE DUCK ALWAYS STAYED NEAR THEIR PROPERTY. AFTER A TIME, THE
FATHER DIED. THE BROTHER WAS CALLED HOME FROM THE ARMY FOR THE
FUNERAL. WHEN HE ARRIVED HOME, HE ASKED ABOUT HIS SISTER. NO ONE
KNEW ANYTHING ABOUT HER WHEREABOUTS. HE CAME HOME WITH A FRIEND OF
HIS FOR THE FUNERAL AND TO VIEW HIS FATHER'S BODY.
THE COFFIN WAS LAYING IN THE CHURCH IN THE EVENING BECAUSE THE
FUNERAL WAS PLANNED FOR THE NEXT DAY. THE BROTHER AND HIS FRIEND
WENT TO THE CHURCH AND FOUND PEARLS ALL AROUND THE COFFIN. THEY
DECIDED TO HIDE IN THE CHURCH AND SEE IF THEY COULD FIND OUT WHY
THERE WERE PEARLS LAYING ON THE FLOOR. HE ASKED THAT THE FUNERAL BE
DELAYED.
THEY HID IN THE CHOIR LOFT AND WHEN THEY HEARD A MOVEMENT,
LOOKED DOWN TO SEE A DUCK FLY INTO THE CHURCH. AFTER THE DUCK SHOOK
ITS WINGS, THE SISTER CAME OUT OF THE DUCK'S BODY AND WAS CRYING FOR
THE FATHER AS THE PEARLS FELL FROM HER EYES.
THE SISTER WAS TALKING TO THE DEAD FATHER AND SAID THAT THE STEP-
MOTHER HAD TURNED HER INTO A DUCK. THE TWO YOUNG MEN CREPT QUIETLY
OUT OF THE CHOIR LOFT AND TOOK A MATCH AND BURNED THE BODY OF THE
DUCK. THIS SAVED THE GIRL FROM EVER RETURNING BACK INTO THE FORM OF
THE DUCK. SHE WAS SO HAPPY THAT SHE MARRIED HER BROTHER'S FRIEND
AND LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED THIS STORY AT AN EVENING OF FAMILY STORY TELLING A
A YOUNG BOY IN LUKOWA, POLAND. WHEN DESCRIBING THE GIFTS OF THE
BEAUTIFUL GIRL, HIS VOICE WAS VERY SOFT AND EVEN EXPRESSED PITY WITH
HER SITUATION.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): CONTRAST ; WIZARD

Date learned: 02-12-1980 ; 00-00-1934

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CUT THE PIE

THIS GAME IS PLAYED IN THE SNOW. IN ORDER TO MAKE IT MORE FUN, A
LARGE NUMBER OF CHILDREN (ABOUT 25) IS RECOMMENDED.
BEFORE THE GAME IS BEGUN, A LARGE CIRCLE IS MADE IN THE SNOW AND
SECTIONED OFF TO RESEMBLE A WAGON WHEEL OR CUT PIE. THE CIRCLE
NUMBER OF PLAYERS.
SHOULD BE ABOUT 25 FEET IN DIAMETER OR MORE, DEPENDING UPON THE
A PERSON IS THEN CHOSEN TO BE THE FOX. THIS PERSON CAN ONLY WALK
OR RUN ON THE CROSSING LINES OF THE PIE.
THE REMAINING PLAYERS ARE GEESE AND MUST STAY ON THE OUTER PATH
OF THE CIRCLE. THEY MAY WALK OR RUN IN A CLOCKWISE DIRECTION AND
WHEN THE FOX APPROACHES THEM, CAN STOP IN THEIR TRACKS TO AVOID
BEING TAGGED.
WHEN THE FOX APPROACHES A GOOSE, THAT GOOSE CAN ALSO RUN UP THE
NEAREST CROSSING LINE TO THE CENTER WHERE THEY ARE SAFE IF NOT TAGGE
IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING THERE. WHEN THE FOX ATTEMPTS TO TAG
ANOTHER PLAYER, THE PERSON IN THE CENTER CAN JOIN THE OUTER CIRCLE A
LONG AS THEY ARE NOT TAGGED.
THE PURPOSE OF THE GAME IS FOR THE FOX TO TAG SOMEONE ELSE TO BE
THE FOX, SO THEY CAN BECOME A GOOSE AND THE GAME CAN CONTINUE. THER
IS CONSTANT MOTION.

Submitter comment: THIS GAME WAS LEARNED AT A GIRL SCOUT CAMP IN METAMORA MICHIGAN AT A
WINTER CARNIVAL FOR BROWNIE, JUNIOR, AND CADETTE GIRL SCOUTS.
I ENJOYED TEACHING IT TO THE GIRLS VERY MUCH AND FOUND THAT THE MORE
PLAYERS YOU HAD, THE MORE FUN IT WAS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; METAMORA

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PUTTING WINTERGREEN LEAVES ON YOUR SKIN WILL TAKE AWAY THE PAIN OF
A SUNBURN.

Submitter comment: SHE LEARNED THIS WHILE IN FLORIDA.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROCHESTER HILLS

Date learned: 00-00-1979

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LULLABY

HUSH A BY DON'T YOU CRY
GO TO SLEEP BABY.
WHEN YOU AWAKE YOU SHALL HAVE CAKE
AND ALL THE PRETTY LITTLE HORSES DOWN IN THE MEADOW
DOWN IN THE MEADOW THERE'S A POOR LITTLE LAMBY
HUSH LITTLE BIRD DON'T SAW A WORD
CAN'T YOU HEAR THEM CRYING MAMY.

Submitter comment: HIS MOTHER USED TO SING THIS TO HIM IN ENGLISH.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TROY

Date learned: 00-00-1949

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FEAST OF SAINT JOSEPH

EVERY MARCH 19TH, IT IS COMMON AMONG MANY SICILIANS TO CELEBRATE
THE FEAST OF SAINT JOSEPH. IT IS TRADITIONALLY REPRESENTED BY
THE PREPARATION OF HOMEMADE SPAGHETTI WHICH CONTAINS TWELVE
DIFFERENT KINDS OF BEANS AND PEAS TO REPRESENT EACH OF THE
TWELVE APOSTLES. THESE INCLUDE: SPLIT PEAS, KIDNEY BEANS,
CHICK PEAS, HORSE BEANS, LINTO BEANS, LIMA BEANS, BLACKEYE
PEAS, GREEN BEANS, CRANBERRY BEANS, SWEET PEAS, PINTO BEANS,
AND NORTHERN BEANS.

Submitter comment: DURING THE FEAST MANY SICILIAN FAMILIES CELEBRATE THE OCCASION
BY RECREATING THE LIFE OF JESUS AND HIS APOSTLES.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOLS

Date learned: CA00001920

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HARVEST CELEBRATION IN LIBERIA

MANY PEOPLE IN LIBERIA DEPEND ON AGRICULTURE.
AGRICULTURE DEPENDS ALSO ON FAVORABLE WEATHER
CONDITIONS. THERE ARE TWO SEASONS. THE RAINY AND THE
DRY SEASON. IF THERE ISN'T SUFFICIENT RAIN THERE
WOULDN'T BE SUFFICIENT HARVEST AND THE SITUATION TENDS TO
CREATE UNHAPPINESS IN OUR COMMUNITY. WE HAVE DEVELOPED
RITES AND CEREMONIES THAT RELATES TO RURAL LIFE.
HARVEST CELEBRATION IS AN ACTIVITY WHICH
STRENGTHENED COMMUNITY CONSCIOUSNESS AND SOLIDARITY.
THE HARVEST CELEBRATION IS USUALLY CELEBRATED AT THE
BEGINNING OF THE YEAR. IT IS ALSO A FAMILY AFFAIR.
IT IS A TIME WHEN RELATIVES COME TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE THE
NEW YEAR AND TO REFLECT ON THE PAST YEAR. IT IS A TIME
OF HAPPINESS. BEFORE COLONIZATION, FAMILIES WOULD MEET AT THE
HOME OF THE OLDEST MALE RELATIVE.
AN EXAMPLE WOULD BE THE FATHER, GRANDFATHER, A NEPHEW OR
AN UNCLE OR A DISTANT MALE RELATIVE.
FAMILY MEMBERS ARE PRESENT. INDIVIDUALS CAN ONLY BE EXCUSE
IN THE CASE OF DEATH OR SERIOUS ILLNESS.
RELATIVES WHO LIVE FAR AWAY USUALLY ARRIVE AHEAD OF
SCHEDULE; THEY ARRIVE A DAY AHEAD.
ON THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR, A SMALL CELEBRATION IS HELD.
RELATIVES ARE OFFICIALLY WELCOME, THE OLDEST MALE IS
PRESENTED WITH GIFTS. THE GIFTS CONSISTS OF CORN,
CATTLE, WHEAT OR RICE. THE YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN USUALLY
ARE GATHERED OUTSIDE AND ARE CIRCLED BY
A FIRE. THEY CARRY ON A CONVERSATION. THE GRANDMOTHERS
SIT WITH THE CHILDREN NEAR A FIRE AND TELL FOLKTALES.
ON NEW YEAR'S MORNING, GOATS ARE SLAUGHTERED. THE YOUNG
MEN PREPARE THE GOAT FOR COOKING AND ROASTING. THE
WOMEN TRAVELS INTO THE FOREST TO GATHER WOOD. THE WOMEN
RETURN AND PREPARE THE MEAL FOR THE BIG CELEBRATION.
WHILE THE WOMEN ARE COOKING, THE MEN ARE GATHERED
IN A SPECIAL GROUP TO CONVERSE AND TO DRINK PINEWINE. A PINE IS
SHARED AMONG THE MALES. MATTERS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE
ARE DISCUSSED. VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT IS ALSO DISCUSSED.
THE HARVEST CELEBRATION IS USUALLY READY BY MID_AFTERNOON.
EVERYONE EATS AT THIS TIME. AFTER EVERYONE HAS EATEN,
THE WOMEN ARE LEFT ALONE TO PERFORM THE CLEANING.
THE MEN RETIRE TO ANOTHER LOCATION TO DISCUSS THE NEW YEAR.
AFTER CLEANING THE COOKING UTENSILS AND YARD,
THE WOMEN RETURN AND THE VILLAGE ELDERS
USUALLY PRAISE THE WOMEN FOR THE DELICIOUS MEAL
AND ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO MAKE A WISH FOR THE NEW YEAR.
AFTER THE PRAISES AND SPEECH BY THE ELDERS,
WOMEN, MEN AND CHILDREN ALIKE ARE JOINED TOGETHER
FOR A FESTIVAL WHICH INCLUDES MUSIC AND DANCE.
AT THE END OF THE MUSIC WHICH USUALLY BRING THE HARVEST
TO AN END, A GRANDPARENT LEADS ALL IN PRAYERS FOR A SAFE
JOURNEY HOME.
THIS BRING A HAPPY AND MEMORABLE CELEBRATION TO AN END.

Submitter comment: THE CELEBRATION IS HELD DURING THE MONTH OF JANUARY.
WE PARTICIPATE IN THIS FESTIVAL ANNUALLY.

Where learned: LIBERIA ; BONG COUNTY

James Callow Keyword(s): IT IS ALSO SEXES ; SEPARATION OF THE SEXES ; SEXISM

Date learned: 00-00-1968

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THE LAST VISIT TO PUTU TOWN

NO ONE EVER WALKS BY PUTU TOWN AT NIGHT. VISITORS CLAIMED
THAT THEY HAVE SEEN A MYSTERIOUS COUPLE WALKING NEAR THE TOWN,
BUT, NONE OF THESE ALLEGATIONS ARE CERTAIN. HOWEVER, WHAT IS
CERTAIN IS THAT NO ONE WHO HAS EVER VISITED THIS TOWN SURVIVED.
PUTU TOWN IS LOCATED IN KRU COAST TERRITORY WHERE MY FATHER
WAS BORN AND REARED. IT IS ABOUT ONE HUNDRED MILES AWAY
FROM MONROVIA, THE CAPITAL CITY OF LIBERIA. IT IS A LOVELY PLACE
TO VISIT BECAUSE OF ITS FARMS AND HUTS. APART FROM ITS SCENERY,
IT DOESN'T HAVE A LOT OF MODERN FACILITIES, SUCH AS BIG
AND MODERN BUILDINGS AND TRANSPORTATION AS IT DOES IN MONROVIA.
GBEH AND FODAY WORKED AT A LOCAL HOSPITAL NEAR PUTU TOWN. THEY
ENJOYED THEIR WORK. THEY BOTH LOVE PEOPLE. BECAUSE OF THEIR
SIMILAR INTEREST, THEY DECIDED TO VISIT PUTU TOWN ONE DAY.
THEY WERE BOTH ADVISED NOT TO VISIT PUTU TOWN. THIS WAS ALSO THE
TIME FOR GBEH'S RETURN TO GERMANY FOR FURTHER STUDIES.
AS THE TIME FOR GBEH'S RETURN ABROAD GREW CLOSER, FODAY SPENT
MORE AND MORE TIME WITH GBEH. THEY LIVED NEAR PUTU TOWN.
THE NIGHT BEFORE GBEH WAS ABOUT TO DEPART, THEY MADE
THEIR JOURNEY TO PUTU TOWN. THEY WERE NEVER SEEN ALIVE AGAIN
AFTER THEIR VISIT. LATER, THEIR BODIES WERE FOUND IN GRANDCESS.
HOW THEIR BODIES CAME TO PUTU TOWN, NO ONE REALLY KNOWS.
THE POLICE DISCOVERED THAT THEY HAD NOT BEEN ROBBED, FOR THE
GOING AWAY GIFT THAT FODAY HAD INTENDED ON GIVING GBEH WAS
STILL IN HIS POCKET. GBEH'S WATCH WHICH WAS MADE OF PURE
GOLD WAS STILL ON HER WRIST. HOWEVER, WITH THE AUTOPSIES
PERFORMED, NO INDIVIDUAL OR MEDICAL EXPERT COULD DETERMINE THE
EXACT CAUSE OF THEIR UNTIMELY DEATH. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN A MYSTERY.
AN INVESTIGATION INTO THEIR DEATH PROVED FUTILE.
THEY STILL REMEMBER THE SWEET AND INNOCENT SMILE AND LAUGH OF
GBEH. COULD SUCH A HAPPY AND FINE COUPLE TAKE THEIR OWN LIVES?
OR HAD THEY? FOR WHAT IS LIFE WITHOUT GENUINE LOVE? PUTU TOWN WILL
FOREVER KEEP THEIR TRUE SECRET.
THEIR DEATH IS STILL A MYSTERY TO THE PEOPLE OF GRANDCESS.

Submitter comment: I WAS TOLD BY MY GREAT AUNT THAT WAS HOW PUTU TOWN RECEIVED
ITS NAME AND RECOGNITION.
MY 69 YEARS OLD AUNT NARRATES THIS STORY A LOT. WHATEVER HER
MOTIVES ARE, I REALLY DON'T KNOW. I CAN ONLY SPECULATE. ALSO,
AUNTY WUSU TELLS THIS STORY A LOT PROBABLY TO MAKE US AWARE
OF THE DANGERS OF LIFE. AN EXAMPLE WOULD BE FOR PEOPLE NOT
TO HAVE TOTAL CONFIDENCE IN EVERYONE HE/SHE MEETS UNTIL
PROVEN TRUSTWORTHY.

Where learned: LIBERIA ; GRAND CESS ; KRU COAST TERRITORY

Date learned: 00-00-1972

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DRINKING GAME "ZOOM-SWARTZ-PAFIGLIANO"

PEOPLE ARE ARRANGED IN A CIRCLE WITH DRINKS IN HAND.
ONE PERSON STARTS OFF BY SAYING ZOOM, SWARTZ, OR
PAFIGLIANO. HE MUST LOOK DIRECTLY AT ANOTHER PERSON
WHILE SAYING THIS. THE PERSON WHO HAS BEEN SPOKEN
TO MUST DELIVER A PHRASE TO ANOTHER PERSON. IF HE
DOESN'T RESPOND IN A MATTER OF A FEW SECONDS, HE MUST
DRINK. IF A PERSON SAYS PAFIGLIANO, THE PERSON WHO HAS
SPOKEN BEFORE HIM MUST RESPOND, REGARDLESS OF WHO THE
RESPONSE IS BEING DIRECTED TO. EXAMPLE: PERSON A SAYS
ZOOM TO PERSON B, PERSON B SAYS PAFIGLIANO TO PERSON C.
IN THIS SITUATION, PERSON A MUST RESPOND OR ELSE
HE IS FORCED TO DRINK. OTHERS RULES THAT APPLY ARE AS
FOLLOWS: NO POINTING IS ALLOWED, NO SCANNING OF THE
EYES IS ALLOWED, AND ZOOM CAN'T BE SAID TWICE.
VIOLATIONS OF THESE RULES RESULT IN A DRINK BEING
TAKEN BY THE OFFENDER.

Submitter comment: THIS IS A FAST-PACED GAME. AGAIN, AS THE EVENING PRO-
GRESSES, THE GAME BECOMES QUITE A CHALLENGE BECAUSE OF
THE CONDITION OF THE PLAYERS. IT IS ENJOYABLE AND
FUN TO WATCH, IN ADDITION TO BEING A CHALLENGE TO PLAY.
THE KEY TO SUCCESS IN THIS GAME IS TO BE QUICK AND
ACCURATE WITH YOUR ANSWER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 10-00-1977

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STOLEN CORPSE OF DOG

TWO OLD LADIES IN BROOKLYN, N. Y., GOT UP ONE MORNING AND FOUND
THEIR OLD TERRIER HAD DIED DURING THE NIGHT. THEY CALLED THE HUMANE
SOCIETY WHO SAID THAT THERE WAS ONLY ONE TRUCK AVAILABLE, IT BEING
SATURDAY, AND WOULD NOT BE AROUND UNTIL THE NEXT TUESDAY. THEY SAID
THE LADIES COULD BRING THE DOG DOWNTOWN IF THEY WISHED. NOT HAVING
THE MONEY FOR A TAXI FROM BROOKLYN TO THE SOCIETY HEADQUARTERS IN
MANHATTAN, THEY TOOK THE SUBWAY DEEP DOWN TO A MANHATTAN STATION
SEVERAL LEVELS BELOW GROUND. MEANWHILE, THEY HAD PUT THE DEAD DOG IN
AN OLD SUITCASE. WHILE THEY WERE TRUDGING ALONG, A YOUNG NEGRO
OFFERED TO CARRY THE SUITCASE UP THE STAIRS. HE DID SO BUT WHEN HE
REACHED THE STREET HE QUICKLY TOOK OFF WITH HIS PRIZE.

Submitter comment: ( GOTTEN ) FROM A SALESMAN FROM NEW YORK CITY
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK IS THE SETTING.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): URBAN BELIEF TALE

Date learned: 08-00-1964

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A GRAVE MATTER

IN THE EARLY NINETEENTH CENTURY, THE DAUGHTER OF A WEALTHY
KENTUCKY LANDOWNER CONTRACTED A FEVER, FELL INTO A COMA, AND WITHIN
TWO DAYS PASSED AWAY. ON THE FOLLOWING DAY SHE WAS BURIED IN THE
FAMILY CEMETERY. HER BODY WAS ADORNED IN BEAUTIFUL GARMENTS AND
PRECIOUS GEMS WERE PLACED ABOUT HER ACCORDING TO THE LOCAL CUSTOM.
ON THE NIGHT OF HER BURIAL, TWO GRAVE-ROBBERS EXUMED THE CASKET.
THEY OPENED THE LID AND WERE IN THE PROCESS OF REMOVING ONE OF HER
EARRINGS WHEN, IT WAS ALLEGED, SHE AWAKENED FROM HER COMA. THE
SURPRISED GRAVE-ROBBERS IMMEDIATELY GRABBED A SHOVEL AND STRUCK THE
SCREAMING GIRL ACROSS THE BACK OF HER HEAD. THEY THEN LOWERED THE
CASKET INTO THE PIT AND RECOVERED THE HOLE.
THIS STORY BECAME A LEGEND OVER THE COURSE OF THE FOLLOWING
ONE-HUNDRED-TWENTY-FIVE YEARS UNTIL FINALLY IN THE 1920'S LOCAL
OFFICIALS, IN AN EFFORT TO REPUDIATE THE TALE, OPENED THE GRAVE.
THEY FOUND THE REMAINS OF THE YOUNG LADY LYING FACE DOWN WITH THE
REAR OF HER SKULL BASHED IN.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT HEARD TALE WHILE A RESIDENT OF LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): BELIEF TALE ; LOCAL LEGEND

Date learned: 10-23-1965

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WISCONSIN KILLER

A MAN IN NORTHERN WISCONSIN WAS INVOLVED AND SUSPECTED IN A
NUMBER OF DISAPPEARANCES IN THE VICINITY. THE POLICE CAME TO HIS HOME
AND AFTER A BRIEF STAY, ONE OF THEM NOTICED THAT ALL OF THE
FURNITURE IN THE HOUSE WAS UPHOLSTERED IN HUMAN SKIN. LATER
INVESTIGATION FOUND THAT HIS COOKIE JAR WAS FILLED WITH HUMAN FINGERS
AND TOES.

Where learned: DETROIT ; 2822 EWALD CIRCLE ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED

Keyword(s): LOCAL LEGEND ; URBAN BELIEF TALE

Date learned: 02-03-1968

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"THUMP-DRAG"

MANY YEARS AGO A COUNSELOR AT THE CYO BOYS CAMP WAS WORKING IN
THE CRAFT-HOUSE. HE REACHED UP ON A HIGH SHELF TO GET SOMETHING AND
ACCIDENTALLY KNOCKED A BOTTLE OF ACID OFF THE SHELF. HE FELL TO THE
FLOOR AND HIT HIS HEAD ON A TABLE, AND THE ACID FELL ALL OVER HIS
LEFT LEG.
HE WAS TAKEN TO THE DOCTOR, BUT HE WAS DEAD. THEY BURIED HIM
SOON AFTER--BUT HE WASN'T REALLY DEAD} HE CAME TO WHEN HE WAS BURIED
IN THE COFFIN, AND HE SCRATCHED AND DUG HIS WAY OUT OF THE GRAVE.
THIS "DEAD" COUNSELOR NOW HATED ANYONE AT A CAMP BECAUSE OF THIS
AWFUL THING THAT HAPPENED TO HIM. THE NEXT SUMMER HE CAME BACK TO THE
CYO BOYS CAMP. HE WAS HORRIBLE-LOOKING, AND YOU COULD HEAR HIM COMING
BECAUSE OF THE THUMP-DRAG NOISE HE MADE BECAUSE OF THE ACID THAT
SPILLED ON HIS LEG.
IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT HE CAME AND KILLED A WHOLE BUNCH OF
CAMPERS AND COUNSELORS, AND THEN DISAPPEARED. BUT FIVE YEARS LATER HE
CAME TO THE CAMP DOWN THE ROAD AND DID THE SAME THING. HE COMES BACK
EVERY FIVE YEARS AND THUMP-DRAGS INTO THE NEXT CAMP DOWN THE ROAD.
AND FIVE YEARS AGO HE CAME TO THE CAMP JUST BEFORE THIS ONE} AND HE
ALWAYS COMES DURING THESE TWO WEEKS} SO LISTEN FOR A THUMP-DRAG
CAREFULLY, BECAUSE HE MAY BE HERE ANY NIGHT}}

Submitter comment: THIS IS A STORY TOLD TO CAMPERS AT CYO GIRLS CAMP, CARSONVILLE, MICH.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 10-30-1969

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THUMP-DRAG

ABOUT THIRTY YEARS AGO WHEN WHAT IS NOW CYO CAMP FOR GIRLS IN
CARSONVILLE WAS JUST STARTED, IT WAS A BOYS CAMP. MANY OF THE
BUILDINGS THAT ARE THERE NOW WEREN'T EVEN BUILT YET. WHAT IS NOW THE
NATURE NOOK WAS IN THE STOREROOM. A YOUNG CHEMISTRY STUDENT WAS IN
CHARGE OF NATURE. ONCE HE WAS REACHING UP TO A HIGH SHELF TO GET SOME
CHEMICALS FOR AN EXPERIMENT. THE SHELF COLLAPSED AND A BOTTLE OF ACID
SPILLED ALL OVER HIM. HE JUMPED BACK SO QUICKLY THAT HE FELL AND
BROKE HIS LEG. HE LAY ON THE FLOOR WRITHING AND SCREAMING AS THE ACID
BURNED HIS FACE. SOMEONE HEARD HIM AND RAN FOR HELP. SOON A WHOLE
GROUP OF COUNSELORS CAME. WHEN THEY SAW THE ACID BURNING THEY
GRABBED HIM AND DRAGGED HIM TO THE LAKE. EVENTUALLY THEY WERE ABLE
TO STOP THE BURNING BUT BY THIS TIME MOST OF HIS FACE HAD BEEN EATEN
AWAY BY THE ACID, HIS BROKEN LEG WAS HOPELESSLY MANGLED AND THE
UNBEARABLE PAIN HAD MADE HIS MIND SNAP. HE WAS COMMITTED TO A MENTAL
INSTITUTION BUT HE ESCAPED SOON AFTER. PEOPLE IN THE CARSONVILLE
AREA REPORTED SEEING HIM, HIS FACE A REPULSIVE BLOB, LIMPING AROUND.
CHILDREN HEARD HIM WALKING--A THUMP FOLLOWED BY THE DRAG OF HIS
USELESS LEG. ONE NIGHT HE RETURNED TO THE CAMP. HE MET UP WITH A
CAMPER AT THE BIFFY. HE LUNGED TO GRAB THE CHILD BUT TRIPPED AND
FELL, KNOCKING THE CAMPER UNCONSCIOUS. AFTER THAT THE POLICE SET OUT
DRAGNETS TO TRY AND CATCH HIM. THE CAMP REQUIRED THAT ALL CAMPERS
TAKE A BUDDY WHEREVER THEY GO. STILL THUMP-DRAG GOES TO A DIFFERENT
CAVELL, YMCA AND YWCA. EVERY SEVENTH YEAR HE RETURNS TO THIS CAMP,
THE SCENE OF HIS ACCIDENT AND SEEKS REVENGE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; CYO CAMP ; CARSONVILLE

Keyword(s): SUPERNATURAL LEGEND

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PASTIME

WHENEVER DANDELIONS WERE IN SEASON, THE CHILDREN IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
WOULD PINCH UNDER THE TOP OF THE FLOWER, CAUSING IT TO BREAK OFF THE
STEM. THE FLOWER WOULD THEN FLY THROUGH THE AIR. AT THE SAME
TIME, THE FOLLOWING WAS CHANTED: MM
MAMA HAD A BABY
AND ITS HEAD POPPED OFF.

Submitter comment: THE COLLECTOR FIRST HEARD OF THIS DANDELION PASTIME AS A CHILD IN
TAYLOR, MICH. IN 1970 AND CONTINUED PLAYING IT UPON MOVING TO
SOUTHGATE, MICH. AN ANALOGY IS MADE BETWEEN A MOTHER'S BABY AND
A DANDELION FLOWER. WHEN PLAYED AS DESCRIBED, NO COMPETITION IS
INVOLVED. HOWEVER, WITH TWO OR MORE CHILDREN, THE ELEMENT OF
DISTANCE IS PRESENT AND THE WINNER IS THE ONE WHO POPS THE FLOWER
THE FARTHEST. THIS IS SIMILAR TO THE BEHEADING OF A FLOWER AS
IT RELATES AS A SYMBOL OF A BABY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; USA ; SOUTHGATE

James Callow Keyword(s): BEHEADING OF FLOWER (BABY)

Date learned: 00-00-1970

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TRADITION

WHEN YOU ARE SITTING AROUND A CAMPFIRE AT NIGHT AND THE WIND BLOWS
SMOKE IN YOUR EYES, THE PERSON RETORTS WITH; MM
I HATE RABBITS

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT FIRST HEARD OF THIS STATEMENT WHILE CAMPING IN
ONTARIO, CANADA. WHEN QUESTIONED, HE COULD OFFER NO EXPLANATION
AND CLAIMED THAT HIS FAMILY HAD ALWAYS DONE IT. PERHAPS A RABBIT
IS ASSOCIATED WITH MISFORTUNE (SMOKE IN THE EYES). ANOTHER
EXPLANATION COULD BE THAT RABBITS ARE SUPPOSED TO SEE GOOD AND
SMOKE IN THE EYES PREVENTS PROPER SIGHT. HENCE, "I HATE RABBITS".
THE EARLIEST DATE THAT THE INFORMANT COULD RECALL THIS WAS IN THE
SUMMER AROUND 1965.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK

James Callow Keyword(s): NON-SEQUITUR

Date learned: 10-00-1980

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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

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

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FOLK CURE AND REMEDY

A SURE CURE FOR WARTS INVOLVES THE USE OF LEAVES FROM A WEEPING
WILLOW TREE. THE INFLICTED PERSON RUBS THE LEAVES OVER THE WART IN
THE SIGN OF THE CROSS. THEN THEY BURY THEM.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT FIRST HEARD THIS REMEDY AROUND THE YEAR 1910 IN
POLAND. IT IS A PLUGGING CURE IN WHICH THE OBJECT USED TO CURE
THE WARTS IS BURIED IN THE GROUND. A HIGH DEGREE OF BELIEF WAS
PORTRAYED WHEN SHE DISPLAYED HER HANDS TO THE COLLECTOR. WHERE
THERE USED TO BE WARTS, THERE WERE NONE PRESENT. THE INFORMANT
DID NOT INDICATE WHETHER A TRANSFER OCCURRED FROM THE HAND TO THE
LEAF.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): TRANSFER

Date learned: 10-00-1980

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