Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for C560 returned 390 results.
GARAGE BASEBALL
MY FRIEND AND I WERE SOON BORED WITH CURB BASEBALL, SO
WE DECIDED TO COME UP WITH A NEW GAME CALLED GARAGEBALL.
THIS GAME WAS ALSO PLAYED WITH ONLY TWO PEOPLE, EXCEPT THIS
TIME THE FIELDER PITCHED THE BALL AT THE GARAGE.
WHAT WAS SO UNUSUAL ABOUT THE GAME WAS THAT THE BATTER
FACED THE GARAGE INSTEAD OF THE PITCHER. TO CLARIFY THINGS UP,
THE FIELDER THROWS THE BALL AT THE GARAGE, IT BOUNCES OFF
THE GARAGE AND THE BATTER TRIES TO HIT IT. IF HE MISSES IT IS
A STRIKE, THE BATTER MUST HIT THE BALL BACK AGAINST THE
GARAGE AND THE FIELDER MUST CATCH IT OFF THE BOUNCE
IN ORDER TO GET THE BATTER OUT; IF HE MISSES IT IS A BASE
HIT. SIDES ARE SWITCHED WHEN THREE OUTS HAVE BEEN COMMITTED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
Keyword(s): GAMES
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 07-00-1976
KICK THE CAN
YOU PUT A CAN IN A DESIGNATED SPOT AGREED UPON BY ALL OF
THE PLAYERS. ONE PERSON IS CHOSEN TO BE "IT". ALL OF
THE OTHER PLAYERS HIDE. THE OBJECT IS FOR SOMEONE TO
KICK THE CAN BEFORE ANYONE IS FOUND. IF SOMEONE IS FOUND
BEFORE THE CAN IS KICKED THAT PERSON BECOMES "IT."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROCHESTER HILLS
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
CORNER HOCKEY
YOU NEED FOUR PARTICIPANTS TO PLAY. IT IS PLAYED
INDOORS. THERE ARE TWO TEAMS OF TWO PLAYERS EACH.
EACH PLAYER STANDS IN A CORNER OF A ROOM. A PUCK
IS PLACED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FLOOR. A SIGNAL IS
GIVEN FOR THE START OF THE GAME. ALL PLAYERS CONVERGE
ON THE PUCK. THEY THEN TRY TO PUT THE PUCK IN
THE OPPOSING TEAM'S GOAL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 00-00-1984
BASEBALL CARD TRADING WORKS LIKE THE CARD
GAME WAR. ON THE BACK OF ALL TOPPS BASEBALL
THERE IS A NUMBER, OR AN INSTRUCTION, AS TO
HOW A STEP OF THE GAME IS TO BE PLAYED.
IF PLAYERS ARE USING THE NUMBER METHOD, THE
NUMBER WINS THE FLIP. THE INSTRUCTION METHOD
IS PLAYED MUCH THE SAME AS A REGULAR GAME
OF BASEBALL IS PLAYED. THE HIGHER OF THE TWO
INSTRUCTIONS WINS THE HAND. INNINGS ARE
PLAYED AND RUNS ARE SCORED. AFTER RUNNING OUT
OF CARDS, THE PLAYER WITH THE MOST RUNS WINS.
SOMETIMES, THE DIFFERENCE IN RUNS BETWEEN
THE SCORES DETERMINES HOW MANY CARDS ARE TO BE
TRADED BY THE LOSER.
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 00-00-1984
TWO BOUNCE SHOT
SHOOTER TAKES SHOT. IF A BASKET IS MADE
HE RECEIVES TWO POINTS. IF A BASKET IS
NOT MADE THE PLAYERS MUST LET THE BALL
BOUNCE TWICE BEFORE IT CAN COME BACK
INTO PLAY. FIFTEEN POINTS WIN THE GAME.
THERE IS ARE NO LIMITS ON THE NUMBER OF
PLAYERS. IT IS "EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BERKELEY
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 00-00-1982
AROUND THE WORLD
THERE IS NO LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS.
THERE ARE PRE-DESIGNATED SHOOTING POSITIONS.
THE FIRST SHOOTER TAKES HIS FIRST SHOT
FROM DIRECTLY UNDER THE BASKET. IF HE MAKES
THE SHOT, HE MOVES TO THE NEXT DESIGNATED
SHOOTING POSITION (FURTHER FROM THE BASKET).
IF HE MISSES THIS FIRST SHOT, HE LOSES HIS TURN,
AND THE NEXT PLAYER TAKES HIS SHOT. IF THE
PLAYER IS NOT AT THE FIRST POSITION AND MISSES
HIS FIRST SHOT, HE MAY DECIDE TO TAKE A SECOND
SHOT. THIS SHOT IS CALLED A CHANCE. IF THE
PLAYER MISSES THE CHANCE SHOT, HE LOSES HIS
TURN AND GOES BACK TO THE STARTING POSITION.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BERKELEY
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
CHICKEN
CHICKEN IS A GAME, PLAYED BY CADDIES, THAT
IS SIMILAR TO OTHER GAMES OF DARE. HOWEVER,
ONE OF THE PEOPLE PARTAKING IN THE GAME
MAY NOT KNOW HE IS PLAYING.
TO PLAY CHICKEN, PARTICIPAINTS MUST BE WILLING
TO RISK POSSIBLE SUSPENSION OR EVEN DISMISSAL.
BAGS ARE RIGGED TO FALL APART, AND GOLF CLUB
GRIPS ARE SOAKED WITH WATER TO MAKE THEM
VERY DIFFICULT TO PLAY WITH. THERE ARE NO
WINNERS IN THIS GAME, BUT IT DOES PRODUCE SOME
VERY FUNNY SITUATIONS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 00-00-1975
THERE ARE MANY GAMES THAT CAN BE PLAYED BY
GOLFERS ON THE GOLF COURSE. THESE ARE
UNOFFICIAL GAMES THAT ARE PLAYED FOR THE
OF BETTING.
GREENIES- ANY TEE SHOT THAT LANDS ON THE GREEN.
ONLY PLAYED ON PAR THREES.
SANDIES- WHEN A PERSON CHIPS OUT OF A SAND TRAP,
ONTO THE GREEN, AND PARS THE HOLE, HE
RECEIVES A SANDY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 00-00-1975
CADDIES HAVE A HIERARCHY OF RANK WHICH
WORKS BY SENIORITY. THE PERSON WITH THE
MOST SENIORITY, EVEN IF HE IS NOT OF THE
HIGHEST RANK, GETS TO GO FIRST, HAVE THE
BEST, OR WHATEVER IT MAY BE.
Submitter comment: THIS IS NOTED IN CALLOW'S FOLKLORE CLASS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
James Callow Keyword(s): AGE
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 00-00-1975
BOOMERANG
SINCE A BOOMERANG NATURALLY COMES BACK TO
THE THROWER, IT IS EASY TO MAKE A GAME
FOR TARGET PRACTICE. DESIGNATE A 20-FOOT
DIAMETER TARGET AREA.
THE FIRST ONE TO LAND THEIR BOOMERANG
IN THIS AREA WINS THE GAME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSCOMMON
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 00-00-1972
CAPTURE THE FLAG
OBJECT: TO CAPTURE THE OTHER TEAM'S FLAG BEFORE
THEY CAPTURE YOUR FLAG.
ANY NUMBER OF PEOPLE CAN PLAY THIS GAME. THEY
ARE DIVIDED EVENLY INTO TEAMS. A BOUNDARY IS
SET UP FOR THE GAME TO BE PLAYED IN. EACH
TEAM HAS A FLAG WHICH THEY HIDE SOMEWHERE ON
THEIR SIDE OF THE LAND (THE LAND IS DIVIDED INTO
THREE SECTIONS). THERE IS A SIDE FOR EACH TEAM
AND A NO MAN'S LAND SEPARATING THE TWO. EACH
OPPOSING TEAM IS TO LOCATE THE OTHER TEAM'S FLAG
AND BRING IT TO NO MAN'S LAND. THE FIRST TEAM
TO DO THIS WINS. IF A PERSON IS CAUGHT IN THE
OPPOSING TEAM'S LAND, THEY MAY BE CAPTURED AND
PLACED IN JAIL. NO ONE MAY BE CAPTURED IN NO
MAN'S LAND.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BERKELEY
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 00-00-1972
A MEXICAN DRINKING GAME
TO GET THE HIGHEST ROLL OF THE DICE OVER THE OTHER PLAYERS,
THE DICE ARE READ WITH THE HIGHEST VALUE FIRST AND THE LESSER
VALUE SECOND. FOR EXAMPLE, IF I WERE TO ROLL A 4 AND A 5
THE VALUE IS 54. THE VALUES OF THE DICE INCREASE NUMERICALLY
AS DOES THE NUMBER SYSTEM. DOUBLES ARE AN EXCEPTION. DOUBLES
ARE HIGHER IN VALUE THAN ANY SPLIT ROLL AND THEY ALSO INCREASE
IN VALUE NUMERICALLY. (DOUBLE TWOS ARE GREATER THAN DOUBLE
ONES) THE HIGHEST ROLL POSSIBLE IS 21. THIS IS CALLED MEXICAN;
HENCE THE NAME OF THE GAME. THE GAME PROCEEDS BY SOMEONE
STARTING THE ROLL AND THEN LOOKING AT IT SO THAT HE IS THE ONE
WHO SEES IT. THE ROLLER THEN ANNOUNCES THE VALUE OF HIS ROLL
AND PASSES THE DICE TO THE NEXT PLAYER. THE NEXT PLAYER
BEATS THE VALUE ANNOUNCED OR HE IS FORCED TO DRINK A GLASS
OF BEER. NOW THE PERSON RECEIVING THE DICE HAS TWO OPTIONS.
HE MAY EITHER TRY TO BEAT THE ROLL OR HE MAY CHALLENGE THE
PREVIOUS ROLLER TO SEE IF HE WAS TELLING THE TRUTH.
IF THE ROLLER LOOKS AT THE DICE AND THE PREVIOUS ROLLER
WAS LYING THEN THE PREVIOUS ROLLER MUST DRINK. IF THE
PREVIOUS ROLLER WAS NOT LYING THEN THE CHALLENGER HAS
TO DRINK. IF THE ROLLER CHOOSES TO ROLL THE DICE TWO
THINGS MAY HAPPEN. ONE, THE ROLLER BEATS THE PREVIOUS
ROLL HE ANNOUNCES HIS ROLL AND PASSES THE DICE. TWO,
THE ROLLER DOES NOT BEAT THE PREVIOUS ROLL SO HE MAY
EITHER CHOOSE TO DRINK RIGHT THERE OR HE MAY PASS THE DICE
AND ANNOUNCE A FALSE SCORE AND SEE IF HE GETS CAUGHT.
WHEN ONE ROLLS 21 HE AUTOMATICALLY ANNOUNCES THAT HE HAS
MEXICAN, DISPLAYS THE DICE, AND EVERYONE DRINKS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MARQUETTE
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 00001983CA
THE GAME "BITE THE BAG."
THE GAME BITE THE BAG IS A GAME PLAYED AT PARTIES WHERE THE
PLAYERS ALL GATHER IN A CIRCLE AND AN ORDINARY GROCERY BAG
IS PLACED IN THE MIDDLE. THE OBJECT OF THE GAME IS TO
BEND OVER AND PICK UP THE BAG WITH YOUR TEETH WITHOUT ANY PART
OF YOUR BODY EXCEPT FOR YOUR FEET TOUCHING THE GROUND. THE GAME
PROCEEDS AND EACH PLAYER TRIES TO PICK UP THE BAG. THE PLAYER
IS DISQUALIFIED WHEN THEY FAIL TO PICK UP THE BAG PROPERLY.
AFTER EACH SUCCESSIVE ROUND THE BAG HAS ONE INCH CUT OFF THE
TOP EDGE SO THAT IT PROGRESSIVELY BECOMES MORE DIFFICULT.
THE WINNER IS THE LAST PERSON TO SUCCESSFULLY PICK UP THE BAG.
James Callow comment: CAN YOU BEND YOUR KNEES? YES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; PARTY ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 00001983CA
I OFTEN PLAYED THIS GAME WHEN I WAS BORED DURING CERTAIN CLASSES.
YOU NEED: 1 PENCIL, 1 SHEET OF PAPER, AND AN IMAGINATION.
YOU MAKE A SQUARE, APPROXIMATELY 2 INCHES BIG. PUT ANY NUMBER
UNDER 10, BUT GREATER THAN ZERO IN IT. THIS IS THE COUNTING
NUMBER THAT YOU WILL USE. RIGHT ABOVE THIS BOX, YOU LIST 3 BOYS'
NAMES; TO THE RIGHT OF THE BOX YOU LIST 3 TYPES OF CARS; TO THE
LEFT OF THE BOX YOU LIST 3 NUMBERS; AND BELOW THE BOX YOU LIST
3 TYPES OF HOMES (E.G- APPARTMENT, HOUSE, ETC.) THE NUMBER IN THE
NOW IS USED; YOU BEGIN WITH THE VERY FIRST BOY'S NAME, YOU CROSS
OUT THE ITEM THAT THE NUMBER LANDS ON. FOR EXAMPLE, IF THE NUMBER
IS THREE, THEN THE THIRD BOY'S NAME IS CROSSED OUT. YOU DO THIS
UNTIL BY PROCESS OF ELIMINATION, ONE OF EACH GROUP IS LEFT.
THIS TELLS YOU THE NAME OF THE PERSON YOU MARRY, THE CAR YOU
WILL DRIVE, THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN YOU WILL HAVE, AND THE
TYPE OF PLACE WHERE YOU WILL LIVE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 00-00-1979
FEATHER BOWLING IS THE PAST TIME FOR THE BELGIANS AS
BOWLING IS FOR THE AMERICANS, AND BOCCI BALL IS FOR
THE ITALIANS. THE "BALL" IS FLAT ON ONE SIDE, AND BEVELED
ON THE OTHER SIDE. THE BEVELED SIDE IS THROWN DOWN THE
LONG WOODEN FLOOR. THE OBJECT IS TO GET THE BALL TO
SWING AROUND A FEATHER AT THE END OF THE FLOOR. THE SKILL
INVOLVES BEING ABLE TO GET THE BALL TO CURVE AS CLOSE
TO THE FEATHER AS POSSIBLE WITHOUT TOUCHING THE FEATHER.
IN THE EAST SIDE OF DETROIT THERE IS A PLACE TO FEATHER
BOWL AND EAT THE FAMOUS BELGIAN MUSSELS: THE CADIEUX CAFE.
IT IS LOCATED ON CADIEUX IN DETROIT BETWEEN MACK AND WARREN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 12-05-1985
IN AFGHANISTAN, THE VARIOUS MOUNTAIN TRIBES PLAY A
POPULAR GAME. THE GAME GOES LIKE THIS.
THE MEN OF THE TRIBE, MOUNTED ON HORSEBACK, ARE EQUIPPED
WITH POLES THAT HAVE A LONG BLADE ON THE END. WHILE ON
HORSEBACK, THEY MUST KILL A YOUNG CALF WITH THEIR POLES
AND CUT OFF THE HEAD. THEN THEY MUST ROLL THE HEAD OF THE
CALF FROM ONE END OF THE FIELD TO THE OTHER, AND THEN
BACK AGAIN TO WHERE THEY STARTED. THE ONE IN POSSESSION
OF THE HEAD AT THIS POINT WINS THE GAME.
Submitter comment:
SINCE THE SOVIET INVASION OF AFGHANISTAN, THE AFGHANIS
NOW USE CAPTURED SOVIET POW'S FOR THIS GAME INSTEAD OF
THEIR CATTLE, WHICH THEY FEEL THAT THEY MUST CONSERVE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): BEHEADING ; SEVERED HEAD OF HUMAN USED AS BALL ; WAR PRISONERS
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- War |
Date learned: 08-00-1987
SLUG BUG
SLUG BUG IS A GAME PLAYED IN THE CAR ON LONG TRIPS. WHEN
SOMEONE SPOTS A VOLKSWAGON HE/SHE HITS THE PERSON NEXT TO
HIM/HER. THE OBJECT OF THE GAME IS TO SPOT THE VOLKSWAGON
FIRST SO THAT YOU WILL NOT BE THE ONE TO BE HIT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALMONT
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 00-00-1979 ; 11-00-1987
MUMBLY PEG
THIS GAME IS PLAYED WITH TWO OR MORE PLAYERS. YOU NEED A STICK
AND A KNIFE. THE FIRST PERSON THROWS THE KNIFE INTO THE GROUND.
THE NEXT PERSON THROWS A KNIFE TO TRY TO THROW IT EVEN FARTHER.
MEANWHILE THE STICK IS GOING FARTHER INTO THE GROUND. THE PERSON WHO
LOSES HAS TO GET THE STICK OUT THE GROUND WITH THEIR MOUTH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 11-00-1987
HORSE (BASKETBALL GAME)
WHEN YOU PLAY BASKETBALL WITH TWO OR MORE PERSONS,
THE FIRST PERSON MAKES A SHOT AND THE NEXT PERSON TRIES TO MAKE
THE SAME SHOT. IF HE DOESN'T MAKE THE SAME SHOT HE HAS TO CARRY
THE FIRST LETTER IN HORSE AND THE GAME CONTINUES ON.
Where learned: OHIO ; PAINESVILLE
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 11-00-1987
QUARTER BOUNCE
THE OBJECT OF THIS GAME IS TO SOMEHOW BOUNCE A QUARTER
INTO A GLASS. THE PERSON THAT SUCCEEDS CAN MAKE ANYONE
PLAYING DRINK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ANN ARBOR
James Callow Keyword(s): DRINKING GAME
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 00001980S