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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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Love
There was a little girl who lived all alone, her parents were
dead. All she had was a dog named Love. One day a murderer
broke into her house and said the only way he would let her
live is if she can think of a riddle that he could not guess.
She had three days to come up with the riddle. The man then
left. The girl thought and thought and thought. She stroked
her dog and rocked in her chair. On the third day the man
returned. The little girl had on a pair of gloves, a pair of
boots and a thick pair of pants. This was her riddle.
Love I sit
Love I stand
Love I hold, in my right hand.
I can see Love,
But Love can't see me.
If you can unriddle this,
You can hang me.
The man thought and thought and thought. The girl rocked and
rocked and rocked. Finally the man left, he could not figure
out the riddle. He never returned again and the girl spared
her life. The answer to the riddle was she had cut up her
dog. She placed a piece of the dog named Love under her
bottom as she sat in the chair. She placed another piece of
the dog in her boot and still another in her glove of her
right hand. She could still see the dog, but it, being dead,
could not see her.
Where learned: TENNESSEE ; Sparta
James Callow Keyword(s): neck riddle
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ordinary Tale |
Date learned: 00-00-1950
Long ago before things were civilized there was an Indian tribe.
This tribe hunted bull, the most prominent food supply. When the
Indians came to hunt, the bulls would jump over a cliff and fall to
their death, making the hunters' hunting very easy. One day the
hunters went to hunt, and all the bulls began to jump, except one.
The head hunter spoke to the bull, "Why are you not jumping? Do you
wish to be killed at our hand?" The fierce bull replied, "I am
strong and brave and searching for a mate. If I jump and make it to
the other side I wish to have your most beautiful daughter." The
head hunter agreed. The bull jumped and made it to the other side,
much displeasing the head hunter. The head hunter said, "You are not
to have any of my daughters, certainly not my most possessed. When
the hunt was over the hunters returned to their group. The following
morning the head hunter summoned his daughters. The most beautiful
of the group were missing. The Head hunter was so upset he called a
group of warriors to search out the mighty bull. In the same place
as before the mighty bull sat watching over his followers. When the
bull saw the head hunter and his warriors approaching he commanded
his followers to trample the unwanted to death, and that they did.
The most beautiful daughter awoke from her afternoon nap just in time
to see what was happening. She went over to where her father once
stood; now there was nothing but dust. She began to weep and her
father began to take form once more. The head hunter was so amazed
he asked the bull, "Why was I brought back? How did this happen?"
The mighty bull replied, "The power of love tends to be much greater
than the forces of this world and others. Your daughter loves you
and her tears brought you back."
Submitter comment:
I heard this story last year in a religion class. I don't recall
the teacher or much of what she taught. But she had wonderful
stories. This is not exactly as it was told but how I remember it.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ordinary Tale |
Date learned: 00-00-1991
CUMULATIVE TALE FRAGMENT
WE'RE HAVING A PARTY
WE'RE HAVING A PARTY!
THE GIRLS WEAR GRASS SKIRTS (BOO!)
THE GUYS BRING LAWN MOVERS (YEAH!)
REFRAIN
THE GIRLS WEAR TIN CANS (BOO!)
THE GUYS BRING CAN OPENERS (YEAH!).
Where learned: TENNESSEE ; CHATTANOOGA
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ordinary Tale |
Date learned: UNKNOWN
PAN TWARDOWSKI
THE POLISH NOBLEMAN AND SORCERER, TWARDOWSKI (OCCASIONALLY
REFERRED TO AS THE "POLISH FAUST") SOLD HIS SOUL TO THE
DEVIL IN EXCHANGE FOR POWERS IN ALCHEMY. IT WAS ONLY
THROUGH LAST MINUTE REPENTENCE AND INVOCATION OF
THE BLESSED VIRGIN THAT HE ESCAPED HIS INFERNAL
REWARD, BUT WAS FORCED TO SPEND THE ETERNITY ON
THE MOON--HALFWAY BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Witch Shaman PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ordinary Tale |
Date learned: 10-11-1972
NOT GIVEN
AN EAST SIDE SIAMESE CAT WHOSE DEATH PROVED MORE CAPTIVATING THAN
ALL ITS LIVES HAS FOUND IMMORTALITY, ALTHOUGH AN ANONYMOUS ONE.
THE SIAMESE WAS THE LOVING PET OF A KNDLY LADY WHO--AS THE EVENTS
THAT FOLLOW SHOW--ALSO DESERVES ANONYMITY AND IMMORTALITY.
THE CAT REACHED ITS NATURAL END RECENTLY, AND THE OWNER WAS PER-
PLEXED ABOUT WHAT TO DO WITH THE REMAINS. SHE LIVES IN AN APART-
MENT.
"BRING IT OVER HERE AND WE'LL BURY IT IN MY YARD," A FRIEND WHO
LIVES IN BIRMINGHAM TOLD HER OVER THE PHONE.
A SMALL BOX WAS READIED AND THE SIAMESE PLACED REVERENTLY IN IT.
THEN, BOX UNDER ARM, THE SWEET OLD LADY BOARDED A BUS AND HEADED
ACROSS THE CITY.
BUT WHILE BETWEEN BUSES, SHE DECIDED TO DO SOME SHOPPING DOWNTOWN.
WHILE RUMMAGING THROUGH GOODS, SHE LAID THE WRAPPED SIAMESE ON
THE COUNTER IN A DEPARTMENT STORE.
WHEN SHE LOOKED UP MOMENTS LATER, THE BOX WAS GONE. THE LADY WAS
DUMBFOUNDED AT THE THOUGHT OF REPORTING THE DISAPPEARANCE OF A
DEAD CAT TO STORE OFFICIALS.
AS SHE COLLECTED HER THOUGHTS, SHE NOTICED A LARGE CROWD GATHERING
ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE FLOOR. SHE WENT TO INVESTIGATE AND
FOUND EXCITED SHOPPERS GATHERED AROUND A PROSTRATE FORM NEXT TO A
TELEPHONE BOOTH.
PEEKING THROUGH THE CROWD, SHE SAW A WOMAN SPRAWLED OUT UNCON-
SCIOUS. NEXT TO HER WAS THE BOX WITH THE DEAD SIAMESE.
THE KINDLY LADY TURNED AROUND AND QUIETLY LEFT THE STORE, A TEAR
IN HER EYE. BUT SHE COULDN'T KEEP A SMILE OFF HER FACE.
Submitter comment: NEWSPAPER'S SOURCE UNKNOWN.
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Mammal PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ordinary Tale |
Date learned: 11-08-1963
TALE: CLEVER ALICE
THERE WAS A YOUNG GIRL NAMED ALICE WHO WAS GETTING MARRIED. SHE
WENT DOWN TO THE CELLAR TO GET SOME WINE AND WAS GONE FOR A VERY
LONG TIME. FINALLY HER FATHER SENT THE MAID DOWN TO FIND OUT
WHAT WAS WRONG. THE MAID SAW ALICE SITTING THE THE CELLAR CRYING
AND ASKED HER WHAT WAS THE MATTER. ALICE SAID, "SEE THAT AXE
STUCK IN THE BEAM IN THE CEILING? ONE DAY OUR SON WILL COME DOWN
HERE, THE AXE WILL FALL DOWN AND CHOP HIS HEAD OFF." THE MAID
SAID, "TRULY YOU ARE CLEVER, ALICE," AND SHE TOO SAT DOWN AND
STARTED CRYING. WELL, PRETTY SOON THE BUTLER WENT DOWN TO FIND
OUT ABOUT THE MAID, THEN THE MOTHER, FATHER, AND FINALLY THE
BRIDEGROOM. THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO ALL OF THEM. THE BRIDE-
GROOM SAID, "TRULY YOU ARE CLEVER, ALICE. LET'S GO UP AND GET
MARRIED RIGHT NOW."
THEY GOT MARRIED AND ALICE TURNED OUT TO BE THE TYPE THAT SAID TO
HERSELF, "SHALL I BAKE OR DUST? I DON'T KNOW, SO I'LL SLEEP FOR
A WHILE." SO SHE WOULD FALL ASLEEP ALL DAY AND NEVER HAVE ANY
WORK DONE WHEN HER HUSBAND CAME HOME. ONE DAY HER HUSBAND TOLD
HER TO GO ROUND UP THE GEESE. WHEN SHE GOT OUTSIDE SHE SAID TO
HERSELF, "SHALL I ROUND UP THE GEESE OR FIX MY HAIR?" SHE SAT
DOWN TO THINK IT OVER AND FELL ASLEEP IN THE HAYLOFT. HER HUSBAND
GOT WORRIED AND WENT TO FIND HER. WHEN HE FOUND HER SLEEPING IN
THE HAYLOFT HE PUT A HAIR NET WITH BELLS ON HER HEAD. WHEN SHE
WOKE UP AND HEARD THE BELLS SHE WENT BACK TO THE HOUSE. SHE
KNOCKED AND ASKED FOR CLEVER ALICE. THE HUSBAND SAID, "YES,
SHE'S ASLEEP IN HER BED." THEN ALICE SAID, "WELL THEN, WHO AM
I?" THE HUSBAND SAID HE DIDN'T KNOW. SO ALICE USED TO GO FROM
DOOR TO DOOR ASKING WHO SHE WAS, AND SHE HAS NEVER BEEN HEARD OF
SINCE.
Submitter comment:
MISS DAMIN HEARD THIS TALE FROM HER HUNGARIAN GRANDMOTHER, MRS.
JOSEPHNE (JOSEPHINE?) DAMIN, WHEN SHE WAS A CHILD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HUNGARY ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ordinary Tale PROSE NARRATIVE -- Stupid man or woman CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Daily Life BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 01-00-1964
THE AXEMAN
A GROUP OF THE INFORMANT'S FRIENDS WHEN IN HIGH SCHOOL USED TO
PASS THE BLOOMFIELD ESTATES CEMETERY ON THE WAY TO SCHOOL EVERY
MORNING. EACH MORNING IN THE CEMETERY WAS A MAN WHO CARRIED AN
AXE STANDING AT HIS WIFE'S GRAVE. THE GROUP OF TEENAGERS CALLED
HIM "CHARLIE THE AXEMAN." THEY USED TO TEASE HIM EVERY MORNING
UNTIL ONE DAY ONE OF THE FELLOWS FOUND THIS AXE WEDGED THROUGH
THE HOOD OF THE CAR. THERE WAS NO FURTHER TEASING AFTER THAT.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED THIS FROM THIS GROUP OF FRIENDS.
Where learned: DETROIT ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED
Date learned: 03-31-1967
OFFICIAL REQUEST
THERE WAS ONCE A MAN AND A WOMAN WHO HAD TWELVE SONS, AND THE
THIRTEENTH WAS ON THE WAY. THE FIRST TWELVE HAD BEEN NAMED
AFTER THE APOSTLES AND THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THE NAME FOR THIS
ONE WOULD BE. BY THE TIME HE ARRIVED THEY HAD DECIDED TO NAME
HIM CHRIST--CHRIST MURPHY.
AFTER A FEW YEARS CHRIST MURPHY STARTED TO SCHOOL. ONE DAY
IN SECOND GRADE THE BISHOP WAS VISITING. HE SAID TO THE TEACHER,
"SISTER, I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR ONE OF YOUR PEOPLE SING. HOW ABOUT
THAT LITTLE BOY THERE," POINTING OUT LITTLE MURPHY.
"CHRIST MURPHY CAN'T SING," SHE PROTESTED.
"WELL, GODAMMIT, HE CAN TRY, CAN'T HE?"
Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT HAS NO RECORD OF WHERE HE FIRST HEARD THE JOKE.
Where learned: VIRGINIA ; WOODSTOCK
| Subject headings: | 686 Specific number by specific number being described PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ordinary Tale CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Baptism Naming rite |
Date learned: 09-12-1967
WAKE UP
IF YOU TALK NONSENSE, YOU WILL BE TOLD, "PUT OUT YOUR HAND
AND SEE IF YOU ARE IN."
TRANSLATION: YOU ARE DREAMING.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT SAYS SOURCE IS BOSTON, BUT HAS NO DATE.
Where learned: NOT GIVEN ; BOSTON ; Massachusetts ; WASHINGTON DC
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ordinary Tale BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 11-04-1967
CAMPUS TALE
THERE IS A STORY THAN AN ARCHITECT FROM THE SIXTH FLOOR OF SHIPLE
WENT OUT ON THE NARROW LEDGE WHICH RUNS THE LENGTH OF THE BUILD-
ING AND RACED ANOTHER ARCHITECT WHO WAS IN THE HALL AND BEAT HIM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ordinary Tale CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School |
Date learned: 09-00-1966
INDIAN CHIEF TREASURE
IT IS REPORTED THAT "TWO COPPER KETTLES FULL OF MONEY" WERE BURIED
BY A CHIPPEWA CHIEF IN THE NORTHERN PART OF BENZIE COUNTY NEAR THE
MOUTH OF THE PLATTE RIVER IN MICHIGAN. LATER THE INDIAN CHIEF
DROWNED WHEN HIS CANOE CAPSIZED IN GREEN BAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
MILWAUKEE TREASURE
ACCORDING TO A STORY A POTAWATOMI CACHE OF $35,000 WAS BURIED
IN A DEEP PIT ALONG THE BANK OF THE MILWAUKEE RIVER ON THE
PRESENT SITE OF THE CITY OF THE SAME NAME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ordinary Tale CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of quality Medium of exchange |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
HOUSE OF DAVID TREASURE
IN BENTON HARBOR, MICHIGAN, IN THE HOUSE OF DAVID (KING BEN
PURNELL'S RELIGIOUS SECT), IT IS BELIEVED THAT A SUM OF TEN
MILLION DOLLARS IS HIDDEN BEHIND A PANEL WITH A SECRET SPRING.
PURNELL IS REPORTED TO HAVE COLLECTED MANY MILLIONS THROUGH
HIS ENTERPRISE AND THE MONEY HAS BEEN CHECKED AND TRACED, BUT
TEN MILLION DOLLARS ARE UNACCOUNTED FOR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ordinary Tale CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of quality Medium of exchange |
Date learned: 03-00-1968
SLEEPY HOLLOW STORY
ONE NIGHT A YOUNG COUPLE WENT TO SLEEPY HOLLOW TO MAKE OUT. WHEN
THEY WERE READY TO LEAVE, THE CAR WOULDN'T START. THE BOY WENT TO
GET HELP AND THE GIRL LOCKED ALL THE DOORS, CURLED UP, AND FELL
FAST ASLEEP. SOMETIME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT SHE WOKE UP TO
A SCRATCHING SOUND ON THE ROOF, LIKE A TREE BRANCH BRUSHING ACROSS
THE ROOF IN THE WIND. THE NEXT MORNING THE COPS CAME AND WOKE HER
UP. WHEN SHE GOT OUT OF THE CAR, SHE SAW HER BOYFRIEND HANGING
ABOVE THE CAR, SHOES GONE AND HIS TOENAILS SCRAPING THE ROOF.
VARIATION: THE SOUND WAS A THUMPING AND THE BOY'S HEELS WERE
BUMPING ON THE ROOF.
Where learned: KENTUCKY ; UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
Date learned: 10-00-1968
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
ORDINARY FOLKTALE
A GIRL WANTED TO GO TO A DANCE, BUT HER PARENTS REFUSED
TO LET HER GO. THAT NIGHT SHE SNEAKED OUT HER WINDOW
AND WENT ANYWAY. AT THE DANCE SHE WAS DANCING WITH A
HANDSOME YOUNG MAN WHEN SHE HAPPENED TO GLANCE DOWN AT
HIS FEET. THEY WERE CLOVEN HOOVES!!
Submitter comment: LEARNED FROM HER MOTHER. DEVIL HAS CLOVEN HOOVES
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): DEVIL
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ordinary Tale |
Date learned: 11-00-1967
ORDINARY FOLKTALE
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. KEYPUNCHED IN NOV.,1972-ALSO ON CARD IN 5X8 FILES
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ordinary Tale |
Date learned: 09-18-1972
THE PRIEST'S VISITOR
ONCE UPON A TIME ON A COLD WINTER NIGHT IN A SMALL
TOWN A VISITING PRIEST CAME TO THE OLD CHURCH RECTORY.
WHEN HE CAME TO THE DOOR THE PASTOR WAS ON HIS WAY OUT.
AFTER A BRIEF INTRODUCTION, THE PASTOR HAD EXPLAINED
THAT HE HAD TO GO ON A SICK CALL TO A NEIGHBORING VILLAGE
AND WITH THE WEATHER THE WAY IT WAS, HE WOULD PROBABLY
NOT BE BACK UNTIL LATER ON THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE
YOUNG PRIEST SAID HE WOULD MAKE HIMSELF AT HOME AND TAKE
CARE OF THE MORNING MASSES. LATER THAT NIGHT, THE PRIEST
BEGAN TO HEAR NOICES AND GROANS COMING FROM THE BASEMENT.
HE HELD HIMSELF TOGETHER AND WENT DOWN INTO THE BASE-
MENT. THERE HE FOUND A MAN WITH A BLANKET WRAPPED AROUND
HIM IN THE CORNER OF THE COLD BASEMENT. AS THE PRIEST
TRIED TO QUESTION THE MAN BETWEEN HIS GROANS OF PAIN, HE
PIECED TOGETHER THAT THE MAN HAD COME THROUGH AN UNLOCKED
WINDOW IN SEARCH OF WARMTH FROM THE COLD. NOW HE WAS
DYING. THE YOUNG PRIEST HEARD THE MAN'S CONFESSION AND
GAVE HIM THE LAST SACRAMENTS. SOON, HE DIED.
THE NEXT DAY THE PASTOR RETURNED. BEFORE THE PRIEST
TOLD HIS EXPERIENCES OF THE NIGHT BEFORE THE PASTOR
SAID, "IN MY HASTE I FORGOT TO TELL YOU ABOUT THE CORPSE
WRAPPED IN THE BLANKET IN THE BASEMENT. THE TOWN MEN
FOUND HIM FROZEN TO DEATH IN THE WOODS, A VAGRANT WE
GUESS. WE'LL NEVER KNOW. WE WOULD HAVE BURIED HIM
BUT THE GROUND WAS TOO HARD TO DIG."
Where learned: NOT GIVEN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ordinary Tale |
Date learned: WHILE COLLECTOR WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL
CRY OF BABY
THERE WAS A BABYSITTER "SITTING" AT A LARGE HOUSE.
SHE WAS SITTING DOWNSTAIRS LISTENING TO THE RADIO WHEN
SHE HEARD THAT AN INSANE MAN HAD ESCAPED FROM THE
INSANE ASYLUM. SHE HEARD THE BABY CRY AND WENT
UPSTAIRS AND ROCKED IT TO SLEEP, THEN SHE WENT DOWN-
STAIRS. THE BABY STARTED TO CRY AGAIN, BUT STOPPED
SUDDENLY. SHE WENT UPSTAIRS AND SAW THE BABY'S HEAD
ROLLING AROUND IN THE CRIB AND A MAN IN THE ROCKING CHAIR
ROCKING THE BABY'S BODY. THIS IS TRUE!
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT HEARD THIS STORY FROM HER GIRLFRIEND,
JEAN UPDIKE WHO LIVES IN ROYAL OAK {MICH.} AND HAS
LIVED THERE ALL HER LIFE.
BABY'SITTER FINDS MURDERER ROCKING BABYS BODY, HEAD ROLLING AROUND
IN CRIB.
INFORMANT HEARD STORY FROM JEAN UPDIKE, ROYAL OAK, MICHIGAN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK
Keyword(s): GORE
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ordinary Tale |
Date learned: 07-03-1964
HORROR STORY
TWO GIRLS WERE ASLEEP IN THEIR ROOM. ONE OF THE GIRLS
AWOKE WHEN SHE HEARD HUMMING. SHE POKED HER SISTER
TO ASK HER IF SHE HEARD IT, TOO. RECEIVING NO ANSWER,
SHE TURNED ON THE LIGHT. THERE IN A ROCKER SAT AN OLD
MAN ROCKING BACK AND FORTH HUMMING TO HER SISTER'S
SEVERED HEAD, WHICH HE HELD IN HIS ARMS.
Submitter comment:
GIRL FINDS MURDERER IN ROCKING CHAIR HOLDING HER SISTER'S SEVERED
HEAD AND HUMMING.
Where learned: OHIO ; PORT CLINTON
Keyword(s): GORE
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ordinary Tale |
Date learned: 1964-65