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RIDDLE

Q: WHY DID THE MAN THROW THE CLOCK OUT THE WINDOW?
A: HE WANTED TO SEE TIME FLY.

Data entry tech comment: 3 OTHER EXAMPLES IN THE 5 X 8 CARD FILES.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Keyword(s): ACTIONS (Q) ; AN ACTION (A) ; METAPHORICAL NONOPPOSITIONAL

Subject headings: RIDDLE -- Riddle Question

Date learned: 09-25-1965

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LITTLE MORON

WHY DID THE LITTLE MORON PUT HIS
MOTHER UNDER THE STEPS?
BECAUSE HE WANTED A STEPMOTHER.
WHY DID THE LITTLE MORON THROW THE
CLOCK OUT THE WINDOW?
BECAUSE HE WANTED TO SEE TIME FLY.

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote

Date learned: 00001980S

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LITTLE MORON

WHY DID THE LITTLE MORON PUT
HIS FATHER UNDER THE STEPS ?
BECAUSE HE WANTED A STEPFATHER.

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote

Date learned: 00001980S

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SILVER JACK

HE WAS JOHN DRISCOLL, FRIENDS--AND BEST KEEP A CIVIL
TONGUE IN YOUR HEAD AND BE SPARING WITH THE LINGERING
LOOK, IF YOU WERE IN HIS WHEREABOUTS WHEN THE SAGINAW
VALLEY WAS STREWN WITH THE SAWDUST AND GAUDY LEGENDS OF
LUMBERJACKS AND RIVERMEN.
HE WAS THE REDOUBTABLE "SILVER JACK" DRISCOLL. THEY SAID
HE COULD BEND A RAILROAD SPIKE BARE-HANDED - THAT HE
COULD BOOST A BARREL OF SALT UP OVER HIS HEAD AND HOLD
IT THERE WHILE DRINKING A PINT OF WHISKEY HELD BETWEEN
CLENCHED TEETH.
THEY SAID YOU NEVER SAW A BIG MAN SO CAT-QUICK -- WHETHER
WHIRLING HIS BIG, HARD FISTS IN A SALOON BRAWL, OR
KNUCKLED TIGHTLY ABOUT THE HANDLE OF A TWO-BITTED AXE
MEASURING A FOREST PINE.
THEY SAID SILVER JACK WAS A KIND OF ROUGHSHOD, LUMBER
DAY ROBIN HOOD WHO CUDGELED TORMENTORS OF THE WEAK.
THEY SAID HE WAS A SAVAGE VARLET AND BULLY WHO LIKED
TO WATCH BLOOD SPURT AFTER HIS FIST STRUCK.
THEY SAID MANY THINGS OF SILVER JACK DRISCOLL, MOST
CONTROVERSIAL LUMBERJACK AND RIVERMAN OF HIS TIME.
HE PLIED THE LENGTH AND BREADTH OF THE MICHIGAN
PINELANDS AND LOG STREAMS. THERE IS A RECORD OF HIM
IN MINNESOTA AND CANADA. BUT IT WAS IN THE SAGINAW
VALLEY THAT DRISCOLL ENDURED LASTING FAME -- CALL
IT NOTORIETY IF YOU WILL.
SOME SAID HE WAS CALLED SILVER JACK BECAUSE OF
PREMATURELY WHITE HAIR. OTHERS SAID HIS WAS FLAXEN-
WHITE. THERE ARE SEVERAL OLD-FASHIONED "TINTYPE"
PHOTOGRAPHS WHICH SHOW HIM A WITH CAREFULLY POMADED
MANE OF BLACK HAIR.
OLDTIME LOGGERS -- LONG DEPARTED FROM THIS VALE OF
NEON LIGHTS AND CHROME-PLATED GADGETS OF MODERN LIVING
ONCE TALKED OF THE SIGHT IT WAS TO SEE SILVER JACK
SWINGING DOWN THE CHALK-COVERED BOARDWALKS OF EAST
SAGINAW (NOW THE EAST SIDE) AND SAGINAW CITY (NOW
THE WEST SIDE).
THEY SAID NEVER WAS SUCH A ONE AS SILVER JACK TO
"BLOW HER IN" WITH A FAT WINTER'S PAYCHECK, AFTER
THE LOGS HAD BEEN DRIVEN DOWN THE RIVER OVER
FRESHET-SWOLLEN TRIBUTARIES OF THE SAGINAW.
OTHERS CLAIMED JACK DRISCOLL WAS GOADED INTO MOST
OF HIS MANY FISTIC INTERLUDES -- THAT HE HAD, IN
THE LUMBER ERA, THE EQUIVALENT OF A WILD WEST
TWO-GUN REPUTATION SOMEBODY ALWAYS WANTED TO TEST.
SOME VOWED HE WAS MUCH MISUNDERSTOOD AND MALIGNED -
A CHAP AN EARNEST PREACHER MIGHT HAVE FASHIONED INTO
AT LEAST A PROPER DEACON IN A DESERVING PARISH.
BUT HISTORY RECORDS THAT DRISCOLL, AN ACKNOWLEDGED
SOMETIME VISITOR IN LOCAL VILLAGE "POKEYS" IN THE
MICHIGAN PINELANDS, ALSO SERVED FIVE YEARS'
IMPRISONMENT IN SOUTHERN MICHIGAN PRISON. HE
WAS SENTENCED BY SAGINAW COUNTY CIRCUIT JUDGE
DEWITT GAGE ON A CHARGE OF ARMED ROBBERY. ADMIRERS
SAID HE WAS FRAMED. THE LAW SAID OTHERWISE.
SILVER JACK DRISCOLL DIED APRIL 1, 1895, IN A
HOTEL IN L'ANSE, MICHIGAN.
WHATEVER HIS EPITAPH, IT COULD HARDLY BE ADEQUATE,
SAINT OR SCALAWAG. HISTORIANS AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL,
ARE NOT AGREED EVEN TODAY.

Submitter comment: I AM NOT SURE WHO WROTE THIS STORY BUT IT DID COME
FROM THE FIRST ANNUAL TIMBER TOWN FESTIVAL
MAGAZINE AROUND 1950.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW

Keyword(s): LUMBERJACKS ; SAGINAW VALLEY LOGGING

James Callow Keyword(s): STRONG MEN

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Secular hero

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8-BALL DRINKING GAME

IN THIS DRINKING GAME, FILL UP A GLASS TO A CERTAIN
POINT WITH BEER. THEN THE PERSON WITH THE GLASS
"HIGH FIVES" EVERYONE SITTING AT THE TABLE IN ORDER
WITHOUT MISSING A SINGLE PERSON. AFTER HE/SHE COMPLETES
THE PROCEDURE, THEY GUZZLE THE BEER. THE GLASS IS PASSED
TO THE PERSON ON THEIR LEFT. THE PROCEDURE IS REPEATED WITH
THE NEXT PERSON.
THE GAME CAN GO ON FOR AS MANY ROUNDS AS YOU MAKE IT.(ONE
ROUND EQUALS THE COMPLETION AROUND THE TABLE BACK TO THE
PERSON WHO STARTED THE GAME.) THE PENALTIES OF THE GAME ARE
PROMPTED BY MISSING A PERSON OR MISSING A TURN. THIS PERSON
WILL HAVE TO DRINK A BEER. IF THE OBJECT PERSON (WHO IS TO
DRINK THE BEER) DOESN'T WANT TO MISS A PERSON, HE CAN "HIGH
FIVE" THE PERSON NEXT TO THE MISSING PERSON TWO TIMES.

Submitter comment: THE NAME CAME ABOUT FROM THE GLASS FIRST USED. THE GLASS
WAS ROUND AND HAD AN 8-BALL PAINTED ON IT. THE GAME STARTED
AS MY FRIENDS AND I, BORED OF THE SAME OLD DRINKING
GAMES, WANTED A CHANGE.
8-BALLED CAN BE VARIED BY MAKING NEW RULES AFTER EACH
ROUND.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW

James Callow Keyword(s): EIGHT BALL

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement

Date learned: 00-00-1985

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WHEN SOMEBODY DROPS SILVERWARE ON THE KITCHEN
FLOOR, IT USUALLY MEANS COMPANY IS COMING OVER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW

Subject headings: Observation
BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank

Date learned: 00001970S

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BELIEF

MAKE A VISIT IN A CHURCH YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN IN BEFORE AND
WHILE YOU ARE THERE, MAKE A WISH. IT WILL COME TRUE.

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; 17287 GREENVIEW ; TOLD AT

Subject headings: 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually.
BELIEF -- Church

Date learned: 02-01-1970

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A WOMAN SHOULD ALWAYS DRINK BEER DURING PREGNANCY.
IT MAKES THE BABY GOOD LOOKING.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT REVEALED THAT HE HEARD THIS FROM HIS FATHER WHO OWNED A BA

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; 20295 Westbrook ; TOLD AT

Keyword(s): PREDICTION

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth
Food Drink -- Alcoholic beverage Fermented
BELIEF -- Birth

Date learned: 11-26-1971

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IN AN IRISH CHRISTMAS CAKE THERE IS ALWAYS PLACED
A GOLD RING SO THAT WHOEVER EATS THE PIECE OF CAKE
AND FINDS THE GOLD RING, WILL BE MARRIED WITHIN THE
NEXT YEAR.

Submitter comment: I HEARD THIS FROM MY IRISH LANDLADY AT CHRISTMAS TIME
OF 1970. I DON'T THINK SHE REALLY BELIEVED IT WOULD
HAPPEN.

Where learned: NOT GIVEN ; HARPER WOODS ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED

Subject headings: 862 Use of object for determining future spouse
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below.

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

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FORD'S CURVE; DEAD MAN'S CURVE

ON LAKESHORE ROAD, BETWEEN 8 AND 9 MILE ROADS IN GROSSE POINTE
SHORES, MICHIGAN, THERE IS A CURVE IN THE ROAD KNOWN AS "FORD'S
CURVE." THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTED MANY ACCIDENTS FROM KIDS
DRAG RACING ON THIS STREET. BRIAN, AT 19, RECEIVED A 1966
CORVETTE STING RAY FOR HIS BIRTHDAY. ONE DAY, DRIVING DOWN
LAKESHORE, ANOTHER CORVETTE APPROACHED HIM; THEY DECIDED TO
"DRAG." THE BOY IN THE OTHER CAR DIDN'T MAKE IT AFTER REACHING
THE CURVE--HE DIED 3 HOURS LATER. BRIAN ALSO ENDED UP IN
CRITICAL CONDITION FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. AFTER THIS FATAL ACCIDENT
THE CURVE WAS NAMED "DEAD MAN'S CURVE."

Where learned: GROSSE POINTE WOODS ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name
ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Means of transportation Vehicle propelled by mechanical or other force on land

Date learned: 00-00-1966

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HAPPY IS THE BRIDE THE SUN SHINES ON

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; WARREN ; 31319 Newcomb ; TOLD AT

Keyword(s): MARRIAGE ; WEATHER

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Marriage
PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor

Date learned: 01-22-1970

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EXTRA CORPORAL MEANS OF COMMUNICATION/ TO BE HEARD

ON CHRISTMAS MORNING, THE NOVICES (THOSE WAITING TO PROFESS THEIR
RELIGIOUS VOWS) WOULD WALK THROUGH THE CORRIDORS OF THE CONVENT
SINGING CHRISTMAS HYMNS. OTHERWISE, THE SISTERS WERE AWAKENED AND
PUT TO BED BY A BELL.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; 19711 HAWTHORNE ; SAINT RITA CONVENT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below.
SPEECH -- To Be Heard

Date learned: 03-01-1970

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IF YOU STEP ON A CRACK YOU'LL BREAK YOUR MOTHER'S BACK.
A GAME I PLAYED WHEN I WAS YOUNG, YOU WEREN'T ALLOWED
TO STEP ON A LINE ON THE SIDEWALK. WE USUALLY PLAYED
WHILE WALKING HOME FROM SCHOOL, IT MADE THE WALK SEEM
SHORTER.

Where learned: HARPER WOODS ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Bodily Activity

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

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MOCK PRAYER

O LORD, GIVE ME THE STRENGTH TO
KEEP MY BIG MOUTH SHUT
WHEN I DON'T KNOW WHAT
THE HELL I'M TALKING ABOUT.

Where learned: GROSSE POINTE WOODS ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Belief Belief

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

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ALL THE RIBBONS FROM THE BRIDE-TO-BE'S SHOWER GIFTS
ARE SAVED AND MADE INTO A "RIBBON BOUQUET" TO USE
AT THE WEDDING REHEARSAL. THIS BRINGS HER GOOD LUCK.

Where learned: HARPER WOODS ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Bows

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

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WHEN I WAS A KID I WENT DOWN THE ROAD
OVER A FRIEND'S HOUSE, WHEN I STARTED
BACK HOME I LOOKED IN BACK OF ME
AND THERE WAS A LITTLE RED BOUNCING BALL
FOLLOWING ME. I STARTED RUNNING HOME AND
THE BALL MOVED FASTER AND I RAN INTO MY
ROOM AT HOME AND LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW AND
THE RED BALL WAS STILL THERE. IT FINALLY
WENT AWAY AND I NEVER SAW IT AGAIN.

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal

Date learned: 00001970S

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YOU ALWAYS REMEMBER THE BIRTH OF YOUR
FIRST CHILD FIRST BECAUSE IT WAS THE
FIRST TIME YOU EVER HAVE EXPERIENCED
A THING LIKE THAT. THERE IS A CLOSER
BOND BETWEEN MOTHER AND FIRST CHILD
THAN BETWEEN THE OTHER CHILDREN.

Submitter comment: YOU CAN IMAGINE HOW I MUST HAVE FELT
BECAUSE I WAS THE 4TH CHILD.

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually.
BELIEF -- Birth

Date learned: 00001980S

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INSULTS AND WISECRACKS

RAY: HE REMINDS ME OF WHISTLER'S MOTHER
STANDING UP.
KAY: HE DOES, WHY?
RAY: HE'S OFF HIS ROCKER.

Where learned: HARPER WOODS ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED

Subject headings: SPEECH -- Formula

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

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THE BUG-A-LA-BOO

THE BUG-A-LA-BOO HAD 90 FITS AS HE CAME
FROM UNDER THE BED, HE RIPPED AND SCORNED
AND SHIT ON THE FLOOR AS HE WIPED HIS
TAIL ON THE DOOR KNOB DOOR, HE WENT OUT
SIDE AND CLIMBED A TREE AND IF I HAD'NT
BEEN LOOKING HE WOULD HAVE SHIT ON ME.

Submitter comment: NO ONE KNOWS WHAT A BUG-A-LA BOO IS -
JUST A FICTITIOUS CHARACTER CREATED BY
THE MASTER MIND OF MY UNCLE.

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formula tale

Date learned: 00001970S

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PROVERB

ONE BIRD IN HAND IS WORTH TWO IN THE BUSH

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Keyword(s): NUMBERS

James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL ; MAKE THE MOST OF WHAT YOU HAVE ; VEGETATION

Subject headings: 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually.
686 Seconds / Twice / Two
PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor

Date learned: 11-15-1967

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