Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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DISENTING PRACTICE
THIS INFORMANT SAID THAT HE HAD HEARD OF A RUSSIAN GROUP IN CANADA
THAT EVERYTIME IT PROTESTS SOMETHING, STRIPS OFF ALL THEIR
CLOTHES AND WALK AROUND, NUDE, CARRYING SIGNS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being |
Date learned: 03-15-1967
THE WISE COP
A COP NAMED DOOLY ARRESTED A GUY AND WAS HOLDNG HIM UNTIL THE
PIE-WAGON ARRIVED. THE GUY TOOK OFF HIS HAT AND TOSSED IT A FEW
YARDS AWAY, SAYING "LEMME GET MY HAT." BUT DOOLY SAID, "OH NO YA
DON'T, I AIN'T THAT DUMB. YOU STAY RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE,
I'LL GET IT MYSELF."
DOOLEY LET THE GUY GO AND THE GUY PROMPTLY TOOK OFF, LAUGHING.
Submitter comment:
JOHN L. CONROY LEARNED THIS STORY IN WATERBURY, CONN. AROUND 1916.
HE SAID THAT DOOLY WAS MENTIONED IN MANY STORIES AROUND WATERBURY,
BUT THIS WAS THE ONLY ONE HE COULD RECALL.
Data entry tech comment: THERE IS ONE MORE SIMILAR STORY IN THE 5X8 FILE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed |
Urban Legend
THE INFORMANT TOLD ME THAT STUDENTS ACTUALLY BELIEVE THAT THERE
WAS A PROFESSOR WHO USED TO THROW THE EXAMINATION PAPERS UP THE
STAIRS AS HIS METOD OF GRADING THEM. THOSE THAT LANDED ON THE
HIGHER LEVEL GOT "AS", THE NEXT STEP GOT "BS" AND SO ON DOWN
UNTIL THE BOTTOM STEP WERE THE STUDENTS WHOSE PAPERS LANDED THERE
RECEIVED "FS".
Submitter comment:
HE (THE INFORMANT) TOLD ME THAT THIS PRACTICE WAS ATTRIBUTED TO DR.
H. THEODORE HOFFMAN OF THE ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT AT THE
UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated / 02-24-2011 / TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ACADEMIC ; Grade ; Legend ; MYTH ; Stairs ; Student ; TEACHER ; URBAN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being |
SUPERNATURAL STORY CONCERNING DEATH
MY GREAT-UNCLE, BERT SULLIVAN OF CLINTON, MICHIGAN, ENTERED THE
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR AT THE AGE OF 18. WHILE IN TENNESSEE,
HE CONTRACTED TYPHOID FEVER; AND THE PARISH PRIEST
FROM CLINTON, FATHER HEIDENRICH, WENT DOWN TO
KNOXVILLE TO VISIT HIM. BERT'S MOTHER, MRS.
JOHN SULLIVAN, AND HER FOUR DAUGHTERS DECIDED TO PRAY FOR THE YOUNG
SOLDIER. SHE WENT INTO THE BEDROOM TO PRAY, WHILE THE FOUR
DAUGHTERS REMAINED IN THE PARLOR. SUDDENLY SHE CAME RUNNING
OUT OF THE
ROOM WTH HER HANDS CLAPPED OVER HER EARS. "WHAT WAS THAT
HORRIBLE BOOM?" SHE CRIED. THE DAUGHTERS REPLIED THAT THEY HAD
HEARD ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. WHEN FATHER HEIDENRICH RETURNED, HE
BROUGHT THE SAD NEWS THAT BERT HAD DIED--AT THE EXACT TIME THAT
HIS MOTHER HAD HEARD THE DEAFENING SOUND.
Submitter comment:
THIS STORY IS WELL KNOWN BY MEMBERS OF MY FAMILY. MY MOTHER
TOLD IT TO ME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
| Subject headings: | Observation PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being |
Date learned: 10-00-1963
KENTUCKY BEAR
THERE WAS A MOTHER AND FATHER IN KENTUCKY WHOSE THREE-YEAR-OLD
DAUGHTER CAME UP MISSING ONE DAY. SHE WAS SEARCHED FOR FOR FOUR DAYS
AND NOT FOUND. ON THE FOURTH DAY A MAN CAME TO HER HOUSE AND TOLD HER
PARENTS THAT HE WOULD SHOW THEM WHERE THEIR DAUGHTER WAS IF THEY
WOULD GIVE HIM A MEAL. THEY FED HIM AND AFTERWARD HE LED THEM INTO
THE WOODS. THE GIRL WAS FOUND NEAR A LOG WHERE A BEAR WAS BRINGING
HER FOOD. THE GIRL SAID THAT THE BEAR HAD BEEN TAKING CARE OF HER AND
FEEDING HER. NOT KNOWING ANY BETTER THE GIRL THOUGHT THE BEAR WAS A
DOG.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ;
Keyword(s): DAUGHTER ; MISTAKEN IDENITY (BEAR THOUGHT TO BE A DOG) ; TO GIVE IS TO RECEIVE--STRANGER GIVEN MEAL FOR SHOWING PLACE OF LOST
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being |
Date learned: 11-20-1968
THE HATCHET MAN
TWO GIRLS WENT TO THE BEACH FOR THE SUMMER WHERE THEY RENTED A
COTTAGE. PEOPLE AROUND THE AREA WARNED THEM ABOUT THE HATCHET MAN
WHO COMES OUT ON THE BEACH EACH SUMMER AND HAS ALREADY KILLED THREE
PEOPLE THIS SEASON. THE GIRLS FIGURED THEY WOULD BE ALRIGHT IF THEY
LOCKED THE DOORS EACH NIGHT. ONE NIGHT ONE OF THE GIRLS HAD A DATE
AND SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO MEET THE GUY ON THE BEACH. TO BE SAFE, THEY
DECIDED TO WORK OUT A SIGNAL SO THAT THE GIRL LEFT INSIDE THE HOUSE
WOULD KNOW WHEN TO OPEN THE DOOR. LATER ON IN THE EVENING THE
GIRL HEARD SOME NOISES AT ONE OF THE WINDOWS. THEN THE NOISE WENT
AWAY. BUT AFTER A FEW MINTUES SHE HEARD THE NOISE AGAIN, THIS TIME
AT THE FRONT DOOR. SHE HEARD SOMETHING SCRATCHING AT THE DOOR AND
IT KEPT GETTING LOUDER AND LOUDER. SHE SCREAMED AND TOLD IT TO GO
AWAY. THE SCRATCHING SLOWLY FADED AWAY. AFTER A WHILE THE GIRL FELL
ASLEEP. WHEN SHE AWOKE THE NEXT MORNING SHE OPENED THE DOOR AND FOUND
DEEP SCRATCH MARKS IN IT, BLOOD ON THE PORCH AND HER GIRLDFRIEND,S
PURSE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN HEIGHTS ; COLLECTORS HOME
Keyword(s): INATTENTION TO WARNINGS-SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT ; MURDER OF GIRL
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being |
Date learned: 11-18-1970
JOHN C. WOBBLESQUAW
HE WAS MY FATHER,S GREAT, GREAT, GRANDFATHER ON HIS MOTHER,S SIDE.
ACCORDING TO THE LEGEND, HE BUILT MACKINAC ISLAND.
HE HAD A GIRLFRIEND ACROSS THE STRAITS, AND HE USED TO LIKE TO SEE
HER, SO HE WOULD SWIM ACROSS THE STRAITS. HE SAW LITTLE WHITE STONES
ON THE LOWER PENINSULA SIDE AND HE USED TO TAKE THEM TO HER.
NOW HE WAS A STRONG FELLOW, BUT HE TIRED WITH ALL THE STONES WHILE
SWIMMING, SO HE USED TO DUMP THEM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STRAITS.
THIS WAS A HOT ROMANCE, BUT HE COULDN,T GET ACROSS THE STRAITS WITH
SOME MORE STONES. THAT,S HOW HE BUILT MACKINAC ISLAND. BECAUSE IF YOU
GO THERE TODAY, YOU CAN SEE THE LITTLE WHITE STONES IN THE SAND.
or something like that.
Where learned: MARYGROVE COLLEGE ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): AMERICAN INDIAN ; STONES USED TO MAKE BRIDGE NOW A HISTORIC PATH ; STONES USED TO MAKE BRIDGE OF LOVE
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Creation and Order of Universe PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formation PROSE NARRATIVE -- Lie Tall tale |
Date learned: 00001968 FALL
JOHN C. WOBBLESQUAW
THIS WAS THE COLDEST WINTER MICHIGAN EVER KNEW, LONG BEFORE THEY
RECORDED TEMPERATURES. JOHN C. LIVED ON A RESERVATION WITH HIS FAMILY
AND FRIENDS. IT WAS SUCH A HARD WINTER THAT THEY RAN OUT OF FOOD AND
WERE IN PRETTY ROUGH SHAPE. SEEING THAT JOHN C. WAS THE STRONGEST,
THEY SENT HIM OUT TO GO HUNTING. THEY HAD SENT OTHERS OUT BEFORE,
BUT THEY DIDN,T GET ANYTHING.
JOHN C. WENT OUT AND HE WAS LOOKING THROUGH THE WOODS AND HE HAD A
FEELING THAT SOMEONE WAS FOLLOWING HIM. HE TURNED AROUND, AND THERE
WAS THIS BIG BLACK BEAR. SO THAT SCARED HIM, SINCE HE NEVER FACED
ONE BEFORE. WELL, HE WAS OUT OF AMMUNITION SINCE HE MISSED OTHER
ANIMALS, SO HE RAN AND RAN UNTIL SWEAT CAME ON HIS FOREHEAD, AND
IT WAS SO COLD THAT IT FROZE RIGHT THERE. HE GOT AN IDEA.
SO HE TOOK THE POWDER OUT OF HIS HORN AND PUT IT IN HIS GUN.
AND HE TOOK A FEW BEADS OF FROZEN PERSPIRATION OFF HIS FOREHEAD AND
PUT THEM IN TOO. THEN HE TURNED AROUND, SHOT THE BEAR, AND HIS
PEOPLE LIVED THROUGH THE WINTER.
Where learned: MARYGROVE COLLEGE ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): AMERICAN INDIAN ; FROZEN BEADS OF SWEAT USED FOR AMMUNITION
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being PROSE NARRATIVE -- Lie Tall tale |
Date learned: 00001968 FALL
BY THIS TIME JOHN C. HAD AQUIRED QUITE A BIT OF FAME. SO HE WENT TO
ENGLAND TO VISIT HIS FRIEND WHO LIVED IN A CASTLE. SO HE TOOK THE
BOAT OVER AND GOT A HORSE WHEN HE GOT THERE, AND HE RODE OVER TO THIS
FELLOW,S CASTLE. THE LAST DAY OF THE JOURNEY WAS A LONG ONE AND HIS
HORSE WAS TIRED WHEN THEY GOT TO THE CASTLE.
SO WHEN HE GOT TO THE CASTLE, THE FIRST THING HE WAS GOING TO DO WAS
GET HIS HORSE A DRINK OF WATER.
HE GOT TO THE CASTLE AND WENT THROUGH THE GATE THERE, AND HE HEARD
SOMETHING CLANK BEHIND HIM. AND HE DIDN,T PAY ANY ATTENTION, BUT
JUST TOOK HIS HORSE TO THE FOUNTAIN. WHILE HIS HORSE WAS DRINKING,
HE KEPT HEARING THIS WATER RUNNING, AND HE TURNED AROUND AND THE BACK
OF HIS HORSE HAD BEEN CUT OFF. THE GATE HAD CUT OFF THE BACK END OF
HIS HORSE. HE COULDN,T LET HIS HORSE GO ON LIKE THAT, SO HE RIPPED
A VINE DOWN OFF THE WALL OF THE CASTLE AND HE SEWED THE FRONT END
OF HIS HORSE TO THE BACK END. HE STAYED AT HIS FRIEND,S CASTLE FOR
ABOUT FOUR MONTHS. BY THAT TIME HIS HORSE HAD HEALED. THE VINE
THOUGH GREW FROM THE STICHES UP AND OVER THE HORSE, FROM THAT TIME ON
HE ALWAYS RODE IN THE SHADE.
Where learned: MARYGROVE COLLEGE ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being PROSE NARRATIVE -- Lie Tall tale |
Date learned: 00001968 FALL
TALE
THERE WAS A TEACHER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT WHO WAS REALLY
STRANGE, ONE DAY HE WAS LECTURING ON A PLAY BY SHAKESPEARE, AND
HE STARTED TO READ A CHARACTER IN THE PLAY WHO HAPPENED TO BE WOUNDED
IN THE LEG. THE TEACHER LIMPED AROUND IN FRONT OF THE CLASS, HOLDING
HIS LEG WITH ONE HAND AND GESTURING WILDLY WITH THE OTHER.
IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SPEECH, THE BELL RANG. THE TEACHER PICKED UP
HIS BRIEF CASE AND LIMPED OUT OF THE ROOM, STILL HOLDING
HIS LEG.
Submitter comment:
INFORNANT HEARD THE STORY FROM A FACULTY MEMBER AT THE
UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ECCENTRIC ENGLISH PROFESSOR ; FEIGNED LAMENESS CONTINUED ; PSYCHOSOMATIC ILLNESS (LAMENESS)
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being |
Date learned: 03-10-1970
RATTLESNAKE PETE
RATTLESNAKE PETE WAS A HANDY-MAN ON A CATTLE DRIVE. HE WAS FAMOUS
FOR CATCHING RATTLESNAKES WITH HIS HANDS AND BITING THEIR HEADS OFF.
ONE DAY ONE OF THE COWBOYS ON THE DRIVE WAS BITTEN IN THE EAR BY A
RATTLESNAKE. PETE CUT HIS EAR OFF AND DRAINED THE POISON AND THEN
SEWED THE EAR BACK ON THE MAN. HOWEVER, PETE HAD
BEEN DRINKING AND SEWED THE EAR ON BACKWARDS. SEEING WHAT HE HAD
DONE, PETE REMOVED THE OTHER EAR AND SEWED IT ON BACKWARDS ALSO.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being PROSE NARRATIVE -- Lie Tall tale |
Date learned: 11-20-1968
URBAN TALE
IT WAS SAID THAT A GIRL MARRIED A DEAD MAN IN THE FUNERAL PARLOR
JUST BEFORE HE WAS BURIED. HE WAS KILLED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT ONE
NIGHT, AT THE SAME TIME SHE FOUND OUT THAT SHE WAS PREGNANT WITH HIS
BABY. SHE TOLD HER MINSTER WHAT HAD HAPPEN AND NOW THE BABY WOULD
NOT HAVE A LAST NAME. THE MINISTER SUGGESTED THAT SHE MARRY THE
BOY IN THE FUNERAL PARLOR SO THAT THE BABY WOUL BE CONSIDERED
LEGITIMATE AND HAVE A PROPER LAST NAME. THE MINISTER OFFICIATED AT
THE CEREMONY, AND IT WAS SAID TO BE LEGAL IN THE EYES OF THE STATE.
Submitter comment:
THIS TALE WAS SPUN BY SCHOOLGIRLS TO SHOW WHAT COULD HAPPEN TO THEM
IF THEY BECAME PREGNANT.
FUNCTION
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate |
Date learned: 10-00-1977
THE LEGEND OF CURTIS TURNER
CURTIS TURNER, A NOTED RACE DRIVER, WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE GOTTEN
HIS START WHEN HE WAS RUNNING BOOTLEG WHISKEY IN A MODEL A FORD.
HE WAS TRAVELING DOWN A NARROW ROAD ONE NIGHT WHEN HE NOTICED
A POLICE CAR BEHIND HIM AND ONE IN FRONT OF HIM. THERE WAS A ONE
LANE BRIDGE AHEAD OF HIM ALSO. WHEN HE GOT TO THE BRIDGE HE DID
A 180 DEGREE TURN AT 75 MILES AN HOUR AND HEADED BACK TOWARDS THE
OTHER POLICE CAR. THE OFFICER WAS SO SHOCKED THAT HE WENT OFF
THE ROAD AND TURNER GOT AWAY.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT
Keyword(s): WILD CHASE
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate |
Date learned: 11-20-1968
THE SHOPPER
WHEN I WAS WORKING AT THE J.L. HUDSON COMPANY AT NORTHLAND CENTER,
I NOTICED AN UNUSUAL WOMAN SHOPPER. SHE WAS A MIDDLE AGED WOMAN
WHO PUSHED A BABY BUGGY THROUGHOUT THE STORE. HOWEVER, THERE WAS
NO BABY INSIDE OF THE BUGGY. INSTEAD, IN THE BUGGY, WERE HER
MOST PRIZED POSSESSIONS. WHENEVER SHE WENT SHOPPING SHE LOADED
UP HER BUGGY AND TOOK OFF.
I INQUIRED ABOUT THIS STRANGE BEHAVIOR AND WAS TOLD BY THE WOMAN WHO
HAD BEEN WORKING AT HUDSON'S FOR MANY YEARS THAT THIS WOMAN WAS
ONCE ROBBED. AND, IN ORDER TO BE SURE THAT IT WOULD NOT HAPPEN
AGAIN, SHE TOOK ALL HER VALUABLES WITH HER WHEREVER SHE WENT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): UNUSUAL BEHAVIOR
James Callow Keyword(s): DEPARTMENT STORE LEGEND
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal |
THE WEEPING WITCH
ABOUT 1950, THERE WAS A WOMAN WHO LIVED IN THE SIX MILE - JOHN R
AREA. SHE HAD LOST HER HUSBAND AND SONS IN WWII. SHE WOULD DRESS
COMPLETELY IN BLACK, HER FACE COVERED BY A HEAVY VEIL, AND KNEEL ON
HER FRONT PORCH, LEANING OVER THE RAILING, WAILING AND MOANING AND
WEEPING.
I DON'T KNOW WHEN SHE STARTED THIS, BUT ABOUT 1950 ALL THE TEEN-AGER
USED TO DRIVE SLOWLY DOWN HER BLOCK. THIS CAUSED SEVERAL MAJOR
JAMS. FINALLY THE POLICE HAD TO PROHIBIT OUTSIDE TRAFFIC UNTIL
THEY COULD PERSUADE HER TO DO HER MOURNING IN PRIVATE.
Where learned: LOCATION NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being |
Date learned: 00-00-1950
ERIEVIEW CONSTRUCTION WORKER
A FEW YEARS BACK THE CITY OF CLEVELAND WAS CONSTRUCTING AN URBAN
DEVELOPMENT PROJECT CALLED ERIEVIEW. THE PROJECT HAD BEEN BESET BY A
NUMBER OF STUMBLING BLOCKS FROM FINANCING TO RACIAL TROUBLE.
ONE WINDY DAY A WORKER FELL FROM ONE OF THE UPPER-MOST FLOORS TO HIS
DEATH. AS A LASTING REMEMBERANCE, HIS WORKERS ON THE LOWER FLOORS
QUOTED HIM AS SAYING, AS HE FLEW BY "OH, SHIT"
Where learned: LOCATION NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
Keyword(s): HUMOR ; OBSERVATION
James Callow Keyword(s): ANTICLIMAX ; OHIO
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
THE BOAT TRIP
GREAT GRANDMOTHER ELIZABETH SULLIVAN WAS THREE MONTHS OLD
WHEN BROUGHT TO THE NEW WORLD IN 1831. TRAVELING WAS HARD
AND SHE DIED. THEY HAD HER WRAPPED AND READIED TO BE PUT OVERBOARD
AS WAS THE CUSTOM ON LONG SEA VOYAGES WHEN SHE BEGAN TO CRY
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being |
Date learned: CA02001980
THE SELLING OF TORONTO
TWO GREAT GRAND UNCLES WERE IN THE WAR OF 1812
THEY TOOK PART IN THE SACKING OF WASHINGTON
AND THEY WERE GIVEN A TRACK OF LAND AS PAYEMENT
THE TRACK OF LAND WAS IN CANADA AND WHEN THEY FOUND THE LAND
IT WAS SWAMPY AND BEING THE IRISHMEN THAT THEY WERE TRADED THE LAND
FOR WHISKEY AND WENT ON UP FARTHER INTO CANADA AND CLEARED LAND AND
BUILT HOMES ON LAKE SIMPKO THEY WERE RAISING THEIR FAMILIES WHEN
THE GOVERNMENT TOOK THEIR LAND AND SOLD IT
THEY VOWED NEVER TO STEP IN CANADA AGAIN
THE TRACK OF LAND TRADED FOR WHISKEY TURNED OUT TO BE TORONTO.
Submitter comment:
THE TWO MEN MOVED TO THE UNITED STATES
AND SETTLED IN BAD AX MICHIGAN
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being |
Date learned: CA02001980
IN GERMANY MY MOM AND DAD SHOPPED AT A LOCAL BUTCHER. LATER MY MOM
FOUND OUT HE GOT SOME OF HIS MEAT FROM HUMANS. MY MOM WOULD NOT
EAT MEAT FOR A LONG TIME AFTER THAT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TROY
James Callow Keyword(s): CANNIBALISM
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Work Commerce Business Food Drink -- Meat BELIEF -- Work Commerce Business |
Date learned: 00-00-1950
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
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 00-00-1972