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COUNTING-OUT RIME {PROBABLY AN INACCURATE TITLE}

RICH MAN, POOR MAN, BEGGAR MAN, THIEF. DOCTOR, LAWYER, MERCHANT,
CHIEF.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED THIS WHEN SHE WAS A LITTLE GIRL. YOU SAY ONE NAME
FOR EACH BUTTON ON A SHIRT, SWEATER, ETC., AND WHERE YOU STOP, THAT
IS THE PERSON YOU WILL MARRY. SHE DOES NOT HOLD IT TO BE TRUE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse
BELIEF -- Marriage
BELIEF -- Use of Object

Date learned: 09-20-1972

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THIRTEEN

13 IS A LUCKY NUMBER IN ITALY.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED THIS FROM AN ITALIAN FRIEND WHOSE GRANDMOTHER HAD
AN 18 KARAT GOLD METAL CHAIN WITH THE NUMBER 13 INSCRIBED ON IT TO
BE WORN FOR LUCK AROUND HER NECK.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE

Subject headings: 686 Specific number by specific number being described
BELIEF -- Good luck P881.5

Date learned: 09-25-1972

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LEGEND

A YOUNG GIRL DESPERATELY WANTED TO GO TO A PARTY BUT SHE DIDN'T HAVE
A DATE. SHE THEN EXCLAIMED THAT SHE WOULD GO TO THE PARTY
WITH ANYBODY,
EVEN THE DEVIL HIMSELF. THEN A FRIEND ASKED HER TO THE PARTY
AND SHE HAD A MARVELOUS TIME. AS SHE WAS SAYING GOODBYE SHE GLANCED
DOWN AND SAW HOOVES INSTEAD OF FEET AND SHE REALIZED THAT SHE TRULY
WAS OUT WITH THE DEVIL.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT'S MOTHER TOLD HER THIS TO WARN HER NOT TO CALL UPON
SATANIC PO/WERS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE

Subject headings: Favorites
PROSE NARRATIVE -- Devil Demon

Date learned: 09-18-1972

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PLANTING CUSTOM

IT IS A TRADITIONAL CUSTOM IN EUROPE FOR THE UPPER CLASS TO HAVE
THEIR SERVANTS PLANT THE VEGETABLE AND FLOWER GARDENS IN THE EVENING
AFTER THE SUN HAS GONE DOWN. THE HOLES ARE DUG AND WATER IS THEN
POURED INTO THEM. THE SERVANT THEN WORKS THIS TO FORM A MUDDY PASTE
IN WHICH THE YOUNG PLANTS ARE PLACED.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED THIS FROM HER MOTHER AND SAYS THE PURPOSE OF THIS
IS TO PREVENT THE YOUNG PLANTS FROM BEING SCORCHED IN THE HOT SUN.
INFORMANT CARRIES ON THIS CUSTOM EVERY SPRING WHEN PLANTING.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F476
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Week Day Hour
BELIEF -- Sun
BELIEF -- Plant

Date learned: 09-25-1972

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Friendship bracelets

Friendship bracelets consist of thread braided
together to form a bracelet. These bracelets
represent your friendship to that particular
person. They are usually worn around your wrist or
around your ankle.
You will need embroidery thread, two or more safety
pins, and a pillow or cushion. You also have to know
how many colors you want and how wide you want the
bracelet.
In order to start the bracelet you have to cut the
thread. A good standard length is two arm lengths.
Even if the bracelet is small you still want long
thread because it is easier to work with and you
don't have to worry about running out.
Once the thread is cut you have to arrange the
colors into the order that you want them. This is
also the time to decide how thick you want the
bracelet to be. If you would like a color to be
thicker then put two strands of that color next to
each other. Usually what people do is to use four
colors with two strands apiece for a good standard
thickness.
Now that you have all of your strands and colors in
the order you like, tie them together. A note of
caution, leave about two inches of open thread before
you tie the knot. This extra two inches is so you can
tie it together when you're done.
After the knot is tied, place the threads on the
pillow. The knot should be furthest away from you and
safety pinned to the pillow. Once the knot is pinned
to the pillow separate the strands into the desired
order and make sure they aren't too close together.
If they are close together there is a chance that
you may get the color order confused and the
bracelet would be in a different color order than
you would want them.
Now you are ready to begin. Put the pillow either
on your lap or on a table. You can begin either on
the left and work to your right, or you can begin
on your right and work to the left. Right handed
people usually find it easier to work from the left
and work towards the right.
These instructions will be from the left to the right.
Pick up the thread farthest to the left with your
left hand and pick up the string next to it with
your right hand. Cross the left string over the
right to make a loop. Pull the end of the left
string through the loop to make a knot - but slide
the knot as far as it will go towards the pinned
knot. Make sure it is secure. A word of caution:
If your knots are too tight the bracelet will begin
to twist in a spiral after a few rows have been
completed. This makes the bracelet very difficult
to work with. However, if the knots are too loose
the bracelet will lose the separation of colors,
creating a blended look. Finally you want to hold
the right hand string firmly, pulling it towards
you. This is so the left string will completely
cover the right hand string. Otherwise, the
different colors will bleed through creating a
speckled look.
Once the first knot is made repeat the process of
crossing over and looping with the same two strands.
After two knots have been made set the string on the
right down.
The string in the left hand stays there. The strand
that just received the two knots should be the one
farthest to the left. Now the thread in the left
hand moves to the next thread on the right. The right
hand thread then makes two knots on that one. This
process is continued until all the threads have two
knots in them and the thread farthest to your right
is in your hand.
Once you set down the furthest thread on the right,
you begin the whole process over again using the
thread on the left until that becomes the furthest
one on the right. Continue the rows like this until
you have the desired length. Another note to ease
the process of making the knots: After a few rows
are completed you may want to pin the completed
part to the pillow in order to keep it stationary.
Now that you have reached the desired length, take
all the threads and tie them in a knot, similar to
the one at the top. This knot should be as close to
the rows as possible and be very tight to prevent
the bracelet from falling apart.
Finally, find your friend and tie the bracelet
around his / her wrist or ankle, then cut the extra
thread off.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE

James Callow Keyword(s): JEWELRY

Subject headings: ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Weaving material For costuming in dance or drama, see C484.
ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress Overall body coverUpper body and arms
ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress Lower body and legs

Date learned: 00-00-1986

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PROVERB

ACT ENTHUSIASTIC AND YOU'LL BE ENTHUSIASTIC.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE

Subject headings: PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim

Date learned: 09-20-1972

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ELEPHANT JOKE

WHY DID THE ELEPHANT PAINT HIS TOE NAILS RED?
BECAUSE HE WANTED TO HIDE IN THE CHERRY TREE.

Submitter comment: I LEARNED THIS FROM MY FRIENDS AT SCHOOL IN FIFTH GRADE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE

Subject headings: RIDDLE -- Riddle Question

Date learned: 09-25-1972

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IT IS A GOOD SIGN IF THE BABY IS BORN WITH A LIGHT FILM
OF SKIN COVERING ITS FACE. IT MEANS THAT THE BABY WILL
BE INTELLIGENT.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT LEARNED THIS FROM HER GRANDMOTHER (IRISH).

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE

James Callow Keyword(s): CAUL

Subject headings: Observation
BELIEF -- Body part Senses Head, physiognomy, face
BELIEF -- Birth
BELIEF -- Use of object for determining future of young

Date learned: 00-00-1966

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A RABBIT'S FOOT WILL BRING THE BEHOLDER VERY GOOD LUCK
IN WHATEVER HE PARTAKES IN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Good luck Amulet, mojo

Date learned: 04-26-1972

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JUMP ROPE

ONE GUM DROP, TWO GUM DROP,
THREE GUM DROP, FOUR.
ALL THOSE WHOSE NAME BEGINS
WITH (LETTER)GO OUT THE DOOR
IF YOU WISH TO RETURN
BRING US ALL BACK SOME MORE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS

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

Date learned: 11-00-1969

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WHENEVER YOU GO TO A PARTY
AND DON'T GET IN TILL LATE,
REMEMBER IT IS BED TIME
AND DON'T SWING ON THE GATE.

James Callow comment: RDNeedsReview

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MISSOURI ; GROSSE POINTE ; BIRCH TREE

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Autograph Verse Wisecracks, gags, silly stories, insults

Date learned: 03-01-1972

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WHEN YOU GET MARRIED,
AND FAT AND GREY,
JUST REMEMBER THAT GIRDLES
ARE STILL $2.98.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Autograph Verse Wisecracks, gags, silly stories, insults

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SEE YOU LATER ALLIGATOR,
AFTER WHILE, CROCODILE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Autograph Verse Wisecracks, gags, silly stories, insults

Date learned: 00-00-1956

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DON'T EXPAND, RUBBERBAND.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Autograph Verse Wisecracks, gags, silly stories, insults

Date learned: 00-00-1956

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MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB,
SHE TIED HIM TO A HEATER,
EVERY TIME HE TURNED AROUND,
HE BURNED HIS LITTLE SEATER.
(SIGNED) SHERRYL WALTERS

James Callow comment: PARODY

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Autograph Verse Wisecracks, gags, silly stories, insults

Date learned: 00-00-1950

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A GESTURE FORMED BY EXTENDING THE LITTLE FINGER AND
THE FOREFINGER. IT MEANS LITERALLY "BULLSHIT" BUT
IT SIGNIFIES DISBELIEF IN SOMETHING.

Where learned: GROSSE POINTE WOODS ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED

Subject headings: SPEECH -- Derision Scorn

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

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KNOCK-KNOCK STREET

THE STREET O'CONNER, WHICH IS LOCATED IN ST. CLAIR SHORES,
MICHIGAN, IS SAID TO BE HAUNTED BY THE GHOST OF AN 8-YEAR-OLD
GIRL WHO WAS DRAGGED TO HER DEATH ON THE BUMPER OF A CAR.
THE DRIVER OF THE CAR HEARD A KNOCKING ON THE BACK OF THE
VEHICLE BUT WAS UNAWARE AT THE TIME WHAT IT WAS. THE GIRL'S
MOTHER CURSED THE STREET SO THAT EVERY TIME A CAR WENT PAST
THE STREET, THE PASSENGERS WOULD HEAR THE KNOCKING.

Where learned: GROSSE POINTE WOODS ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter
PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal
ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Means of transportation Vehicle propelled by mechanical or other force on land
BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial

Date learned: 00-00-1964

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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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KNOCK-KNOCK STREET

THE STREET O'CONNER, WHICH IS LOCATED IN ST. CLAIR SHORES,
MICHIGAN, IS SAID TO BE HAUNTED BY THE GHOST OF AN 8-YEAR-OLD
GIRL WHO WAS DRAGGED TO HER DEATH ON THE BUMPER OF A CAR.
THE DRIVER OF THE CAR HEARD A KNOCKING ON THE BACK OF THE
VEHICLE BUT WAS UNAWARE AT THE TIME WHAT IT WAS. THE GIRL'S
MOTHER CURSED THE STREET SO THAT EVERY TIME A CAR WENT PAST
THE STREET, THE PASSENGERS WOULD HEAR THE KNOCKING.

Where learned: GROSSE POINTE WOODS ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter
PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal
ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Means of transportation Vehicle propelled by mechanical or other force on land
BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial

Date learned: 00-00-1964

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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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