Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for B437 returned 155 results.
MAN WITH A HOOK: TALE
JUST OUTSIDE BOSTON IS A PLACE WHERE COUPLES PARK TO TALK, AND
MANY COUPLES ARE USUALLY THERE IN THEIR CARS. ONE NIGHT ONLY ONE
CAR WAS THERE ON A MOONLESS NIGHT. THE COUPLE HAPPENED TO HEAR
ON THE RADIO THAT AN INMANTE OF AN ASYLUM HAD ESCAPED AND WAS IN
THE AREA. THE REPORT SAID THAT HE WAS MISSING A HAND AND HAD A
HOOK INSTEAD. JUST THEN THEY HEARD A NOISE OUTSIDE AND HURRIEDLY
LEFT THE SPOT. WHEN THEY REACHED THE GIRL'S HOUSE, THE BOY WENT
TO OPEN THE GIRL'S DOOR AND THERE WAS THE HOOK ON THE DOOR HANDLE
ON A BLOODY STUMP.
Where learned: BOSTON ; Massachusetts
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Means of transportation Vehicle propelled by mechanical or other force on land BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 10-00-1967
GERMAN TALE
THERE ONCE WAS A VILLAGE CALLED RALLINGEN IN SWITZERLAND. THOUGH
THE TOWN ITSELF WAS VERY PRETTY, ITS INHABITANTS WERE STINGY
PEOPLE WHO DIDN'T BELIEVE IN CHARITY. ONE DAY A DWARF VISITED
THE VILLAGE BUT NONE OF THE PEOPLE WOULD LET HIM INTO THEIR HOMES.
ONLY ONE OLD COUPLE WHO WERE VERY POOR OPENED THEIR HOUSE TO HIM.
IN ANGER, THE DWARF DENOUNCED THE UNCHARITABLENESS OF RALLINGEN
AND, CLIMBING A HILL BEHIND THE TOWN, HE JUMPED ON A LARGE ROCK
AND RODE IT DOWN THE HILL TO THE TOWN. EVERY HOUSE EXCEPT THAT
OF THE OLD COUPLE WAS COMPLETELY WIPED OUT BY THE ROCK AND THE
PEOPLE WERE PUNISHED FOR THEIR LACK OF CHARITY.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT IS AN AMERICAN GIRL WHOSE PARENTS ARE FROM GERMANY.
HER FATHER LEARNED IT AS A YOUNG BOY IN GERMANY AND TOLD IT TO
HER WHEN SHE WAS A CHILD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed PROSE NARRATIVE -- Religious |
Date learned: 10-06-1963
SLEEPY HOLLOW STORY
AN OLD MAN LIVED ALONE BY SLEEPY HOLLOW AND HE OWNED THIS BIG DOG,
ALMOST A WOLF, REALLY. ONE NIGHT A CAR FULL OF DRINKERS STOPPED
IN THE HOLLOW AND SETTLED DOWN TO SOME HEAVY DRINKING. AFTER A
WHILE, ONE GUY GOT OUT OF THE CAR TO WALK AROUND. IN THE MORNING
THE OTHER GUYS FOUND HIM LYING A FEW FEET FROM THE CAR, HIS FACE
AND NECK TERRIBLY TORN UP. HE MUMBLED OUT A STORY ABOUT A GIANT
DOG ATTACKING HIM.
Submitter comment:
THE PERSON WHO TOLD THIS STORY HAD SCARS ALL OVER HIS FACE AND
TOLD IT ABOUT HIMSELF.
Where learned: KENTUCKY ; UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed PROSE NARRATIVE -- Mammal PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ordinary Tale Food Drink -- Alcoholic beverage |
Date learned: 10-00-1968
THE LEGEND OF THE HEADLESS MAN
IN MISHAWAKA, INDIANA, THERE ARE RAILROAD TRACKS RUNNING
THROUGH THE CITY UPON WHICH THE NEW YORK CENTRAL TRAINS
USUALLY TRAVEL. THEY USUALLY GO ABOUT 90 MPH SO WHEN A
TRAIN COMES, YOU'D BETTER STOP. THE FOLLOWING IS A LEGEND
WHICH IS TOLD ABOUT THESE TRACKS:
IN THE OLD DAYS, A RAILROAD WORKER IS SAID TO HAVE BEEN
INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON THESE TRACKS IN WHICH HE LOST
HIS HEAD AND IMMEDIATELY WAS KILLED. SINCE THEN, MANY
PEOPLE IN THE AREA SWEAR THAT THEY HAVE SEEN A HEADLESS
FIGURE ROAMING UP AND DOWN THE TRACKS. IT IS THOUGHT
TO BE THIS RAILROAD WORKER LOOKING FOR HIS HEAD.
Submitter comment:
HEADLESS GHOST OF DECAPITATED WORKER ROAMS RAILROAD TRACKS IN
MISHAWAKA, INDIANA, LOOKING FOR HIS HEAD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed |
Date learned: 03-04-1972
THUMP-DRAG
ONCE THERE WAS A COUNSELOR WHO WENT TO REACH FOR SOMETHING
IN THE NATURE HUT AND SPILLED ACID ON HIS FACE. HE TRIED
TO GET TO THE LAKE TO WASH HIS FACE, ON THE WAY DOWN HE
BROKE HIS LEG. HE IS SAID TO WALK THROUGH THE CAMP NOW.
AT NIGHT YOU CAN HEAR THE THUMP-DRAG OF HIS LEG AND CAN
SEE HIS FACE IN THE WINDOW OF THE NATURE HUT.
Submitter comment:
FACE OF CAMP COUNSELOR IS SCARRED BY ACID. CALLED THUMP-DRAG BECAUSE
OF HIS BROKEN LEG. CAN STILL BE SEEN AND HEARD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed |
Date learned: 03-10-1972
ELECTROCUTED BUT DIDN'T DIE
A MAN WAS EXECUTED IN THE ELECTRIC CHAIR, BUT HE DIDN'T
DIE. HE WAS BADLY DEFORMED AND NOW HE LIVES IN THE
WILDERNESS NEAR A LOVERS' LANE IN PENNSYLVANIA. HE
COMES OUT AND TALKS TO THE PEOPLE WHEN THEY COME TO
PARK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed |
Date learned: 01-00-1968
THERE IS A MAN (WHOM I HAVE SEEN) WHO WALKS UP AND
DOWN A CERTAIN STREET. HE WAS INJURED IN AN AUTOMOBILE
ACCIDENT. WHEN CARS SPEED UP THE ROAD, HE WILL THROW
ROCKS AT THEM. WHEN THEY DRIVE SLOWLY, HE WAVES
FRIENDILY.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; BETHEL PARK
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed |
Date learned: 00-00-1959
CRAZY CHARLY
THERE IS A TALE IN NORTHEAST DETROIT {MICHIGAN} ABOUT
A MAN NAMED CHARLY WHO WENT CRAZY. FIRST HE KILLED
HIS WIFE, AND THEN HIMSELF (WITH AN AX).
IT IS REPORTED THAT HE HAS BEEN SEEN CHASING TEENAGERS
PARKED NEAR HIS OLD HOME WITH A BLOODY AX.
Where learned: APARTMENT ; DETROIT, ASSUMED ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed |
Date learned: 11-12-1969
THEN THERE IS THE STORY ABOUT PROF. WHITTY AT
UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT {MICHIGAN}. A FEW YEARS AGO,
HIS CAR WAS STOLEN. HE CALLED THE POLICE TO REPORT
IT. WHEN THE OFFICER ARRIVED, HE COULDN'T REMEMBER
THE COLOR, YEAR, MAKE OR BODY STYLE, AND HE WASN'T
REALLY SURE WHEN HE LAST USED THE CAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): LOSS OF MEMORY
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
BACK TO THE HOUSE THAT HE AND HIS WIFE LIVED IN
AND EVER SINCE HE HAS NEVER TURNED ON ANY LIGHTS AND HE
LIVES THERE. THERE IS ELECTRICAL WIRES HOOKED UP TO
THE HOUSE AND EVERYTHING.
Data entry tech comment: SOMETHING MISSING HERE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Legend PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed |
Date learned: 10-20-1971
EASY WAY TO GRADE PAPERS
WHEN AN INFORMANT TOLD ME OF HIS CONNECTION WITH STUDENTS
WHO BELIEVED THAT THERE WAS (IS) A UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT
PROFESSOR WHO GRADES PAPERS BY THROWING THEM UP THE
STAIRS, I WAS REMINDED OF TWO INSTANCES IN WHICH I
HEARD OF THE SAME LEGEND.
THE FIRST TIME I HEARD THIS STORY (AND BELIEVED IT!) WAS
WHEN I WAS A FRESHMAN AT THE UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT DOWNTOWN
CAMPUS. I REMEMBER A CLASSMATE OF MINE SAYING HE DIDN'T
WANT TO TAKE A MR. THOMPSON FOR ACCOUNTING BECAUSE HE NEVER
EVEN LOOKED AT THE EXAMINATION PAPERS OR AT THE HOMEWORK
HANDED IN. HE WOULD JUST THROW THE PAPERS UP THE STAIRS
AND THOSE THAT LANDED ON TOP WOULD GET AN A AND THEN THE
GRADES DESCENDED AS DID THE PAPERS. THE BOTTOM PAPERS
WOULD GET FS. THIS WAS ABOUT 1954.
THE SECOND TIME I HEARD THIS AT THE UPTOWN (MC NICHOLS
RD.) CAMPUS. DR. ESPINOSA OF MY SPANISH 55 CLASS TOLD US
THE STORY OF A YOUNG GIRL WHO HAD A DEFECT (I BELIEVE
SHE WAS HUNCHBACKED) BUT WHO WAS A VERY GOOD STUDENT
WHO HAD EARNED ALL A'S IN HER COLLEGE CAREER. ALL
A'S THAT IS, UNTIL A SOCIOLOGY PROFESSOR WHO GRADED BY
THE "THROW THE PAPERS UP AND SEE HOW THEY FALL" METHOD,
GAVE HER A C IN HIS COURSE. DR. ESPINOSA TOLD THIS AS
THE TRUTH, AND TOLD IT QUITE CONVINCINGLY, I MIGHT ADD.
THIS WAS IN ABOUT 1961.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- School |
Date learned: 02-19-1965
MIRACULOUS BATH WATER
SOME FOURTH GRADERS I TAUGHT INFORMED ME OF A STORY
THAT THEIR THIRD GRADE TEACHER, SR. WILMA, HAD TOLD THEM
THE YEAR BEFORE:
JUST ABOUT THE TIME JESUS WAS BORN, ANOTHER LADY IN
BETHLEHEM HAD A BABY, TOO. THIS BABY WAS ALL
CRIPPLED. ONE DAY, JESUS' MOTHER WAS GIVING HIM A
BATH. THE LADY KNEW THERE WAS SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT
MARY'S BABY, AND ASKED TO USE THE SAME WATER. WHEN SHE
TOOK HER LITTLE BOY OUT OF THE WATER, HE WASN'T
CRIPPLED ANY MORE.
Submitter comment:
I HEARD THIS STORY WHEN I WAS A TEACHER AT THE SCHOOL
MENTIONED ABOVE.
Data entry tech comment: I WILL PARAPHRASE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES ; SAINT ISAAC JOGUES SCHOOL
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Religious hero PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed |
Date learned: 00-00-1961
THE STORY OF THE BOY WHO CAMPS OUT. AN ANT GETS IN HIS
EAR. AS THE YEARS GO BY, HE GETS WORSE HEADACHES.
FINALLY HE IS IN A CAR ACCIDENT AND HIS HEAD IS SPLIT
OPEN. OUT COMES THOUSANDS OF ANTS, THEY HAD A COLONY
THERE.
Where learned: BUFFALO ; NEW YORK
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed PROSE NARRATIVE -- Body part Senses PROSE NARRATIVE -- Insect BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
Date learned: CHILDHOOD
THERE WAS A FARMER BOY WHO SWALLOWED THE SEEDS TO
WATERMELONS WHEN HE ATE THEM AND WATERMELONS GREW
IN HIS STOMACH SO YOU SHOULDN'T SWALLOW THE SEEDS
WHEN YOU EAT WATERMELON, YOU SHOULD SPIT THEM OUT.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT'S MOTHER TOLD HIM THIS WHEN HE WAS
TEN YEARS OLD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HARPER WOODS
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed PROSE NARRATIVE -- Body part Senses |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
CRUEL BABYSITTER
IN HARPER WOODS {MICHIGAN} THIS GIRL WENT TO BABYSIT FOR
A FAMILY WITH A SMALL BABY. BEFORE THE PARENTS OF THE CHILD
WERE TO COME HOME, THE SITTER THOUGHT SHE WOULD SURPRISE
THE PARENTS WITH A MIDNIGHT SNACK. SO SHE SET THE TABLE
AND TOOK THE BABY AND BAKED IT AS THE MEAL SHE WOULD
SET FOR THE PARENTS. WHEN THE PARENTS CAME HOME THEY
WERE GREETED WITH A MEAL WHICH THEY DID NOT KNOW WAS
THEIR CHILD. IT WAS LATER FOUND OUT THAT THIS GIRL
WAS TAKING LSD.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): BABY ; Babysitter ; CANNIBALISM ; Consumption ; DRUGS ; FOOD ; Hallucinogen ; HORROR ; LSD ; Urban Legend
James Callow Keyword(s): HALLUCINOGENIC DRUG
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 04-00-1971
IN THE CENTRAL MOUNTAINS OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC,
CIGUAPA, PEOPLE LIVE. THEIR FEET ARE ON BACKWARDS,
WITH SHARP, RAZOR BLADE HAIR DOWN TO THEIR ANKLES.
THEY GO AROUND TRYING TO KILL PEOPLE. THE ONLY
WAY TO CATCH THEM IS WITH A BLACK DOG WITH FIVE TOES
AND BORN ON THE 7TH MONTH OF THE YEAR. ALL THE DOG HAS
TO DO IS BARK, WHICH WILL PARALYZE THE CIQUAPA, SO
THE CATCHER CAN KILL HIM.
Where learned: HOME ; DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed BELIEF -- Physically handicapped Deformed |
Date learned: 10-25-1972
ONE OF THE INFORMANT'S PROFESSORS AT JOHN CARROLL
UNIVERSITY {CLEVELAND, OHIO} WAS NOTED FOR BEING
ABSENTMINDED. AT ONE TIME, WHEN TRYING TO GET HIS
CAR OUT OF A SNOW-FILLED PARKING LOT, HE SPOTTED A
STUDENT HITCHHIKING WITH SUITCASE IN HAND. HE MADE
A DEAL WITH THE STUDENT, THAT IF HE PUSHED HIS CAR
OUT OF THE SNOW, THE PROF WOULD DRIVE THE STUDENT
TO THE TRAIN STATION. SO THE STUDENT THREW HIS SUITCASE
IN THE BACK SEAT OF THE CAR AND PROCEEDED TO PUSH THE
PROF'S CAR OUT OF THE SNOW.
BUT WHEN THE CAR GOT TO BETTER GROUND, THE PROF KEPT ON
DRIVING, SUITCASE IN THE CAR, STUDENT LEFT IN THE
PARKING LOT, ALL THE WAY TO THE TRAIN STATION, BEFORE
HE NOTICED THAT HE WAS ALONE IN THE CAR.
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed |
Date learned: 06-00-1961
THERE WAS A GIRL IN COLLEGE WHO CLAIMED TO BE COMPLETELY
FEARLESS. HER ROOMMATE AND ALL HER FRIENDS PLAYED MANY
PRANKS TRYING TO FRIGHTEN HER. BUT SHE REMAINED BRAVE.
FINALLY, AS A LAST ATTEMPT TO SCARE HER, THEY STOLE AN
ARM FROM THE MED SCHOOL'S MORTUARY AND PUT IT IN HER
BED WHILE SHE WAS OUT.
WHEN THEY RETURNED THE NEXT DAY TO SEE HOW SHE FARED,
THEY FOUND HER SITTING ON HER BED, HER LONG, BLACK
HAIR TURNED WHITE, AND EATING THE ARM.
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
James Callow Keyword(s): PRANK GORE
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed |
Date learned: 11-21-1967
THERE WAS ONCE A GIRL TRAINING TO BE A NURSE. SHE
HAD ENTERED A CLASS ON DISSECTING CADAVERS AND
FELT QUEASY ABOUT TAKING THE COURSE, WHICH WAS RE-
QUIRED. OTHER TRAINEES WHO HAD REALIZED HER FEAR,
HAD PLANNED A PRACTICAL JOKE. THEY CUT AN ARM OFF
OF ONE OF THE CADAVERS AND REPLACED HER LAMP'S
PULLCORD WITH IT. LAMPS IN THOSE DAYS DAYS
UTILIZED A PULLCORD TO TURN THEM ON AND OFF. THEIR
INTENTIONS WERE SIMPLY TO INNOCENTLY SHOCK THE GIRL
AS SHE ENTERED HER ROOM AND TURNED THE LIGHT ON.
AS THE GIRLS AWAITED TO HEAR THE VICTIM'S REACTION
NOTHING HAPPENED AND THEY BEGAN TO WORRY. SO THEY
ENTERED HER ROOM, ONLY TO FIND IT EMPTY WITH A
GURGLING NOISE RISING FROM BENEATH THE BED. IN-
VESTIGATING, THEY FOUND THE STUDENT HUDDLED UNDER
THE BED GNAWING AT THE ARM, HAVING GONE MAD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion |
Date learned: CHILDHOOD
NOT GIVEN
MY BROTHER ONCE TOLD ME THAT A YOUNG COUPLE WAS PARKED ON AN OPEN
FIELD NEAR JACKSON, MICHIGAN. THEY HEARD OVER THE RADIO THAT A
CONVICT HAD ESCAPED FROM THE STATE PRISON AND THAT HE COULD BE
IDENTIFIED BY A HOOK IN PLACE OF AN ARM. AT THAT POINT THE COUPLE
LEFT AND WHEN THE YOUNG MAN GOT OUT OF HIS CAR TO TAKE HIS DATE
TO HER DOOR, HE FOUND A HOOK ATTACHED TO HIS CAR-DOORKNOB.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: NOT GIVEN