Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for F686 returned 139 results.
PRACTICAL JOKE
TELEPHONES IN THE DORMS OF AMHERST COLLEGE HAVE REMOVABLE CORDS
BETWEEN THE RECEIVER AND THE REST OF THE PHONE; REMOVAL OF THE
CORD STILL ALLOWS THE PHONE TO RING. A COMMON PRANK IS TO
REMOVE THE CORD, THEN MAKE A CALL TO THAT PHONE.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS COLLECTED BY THE INFORMANT IN THE
FRESHMEN DORMS OF AMHERST COLLEGE IN AMHERST,
MASSACHUSETTS; IT WAS COLLECTED BY ME IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN.
Where learned: Massachusetts ; AMHERST
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 00001979-80 ; 03-00-1980
PRACTICAL JOKE
ONE DESTRUCTIVE PRANK IS TO GAIN ENTRANCE TO A PERSON'S ROOM
WHILE HE IS OUT AND TO SPREAD VASELINE ON HIS BEDSHEETS.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS COLLECTED BY THE INFORMANT IN THE
FRESHMEN DORMS OF AMHERST COLLEGE IN AMHERST,
MASSACHUSETTS; IT WAS COLLECTED BY ME IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN.
Where learned: Massachusetts ; AMHERST
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 00001979-80 ; 03-00-1980
PRACTICAL JOKE
ONE PRANK IS TO FILL A PERSON'S ROOM WITH SMOKE BY PLACING THE
STEM OF A LIT PIPE THROUGH THE KEYHOLE, AND BLOWING INTO THE BOWL.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS COLLECTED BY THE INFORMANT IN THE
FRESHMEN DORMS OF AMHERST COLLEGE IN AMHERST,
MASSACHUSETTS; IT WAS COLLECTED BY ME IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN.
Where learned: Massachusetts ; AMHERST
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 00001979-80 ; 03-00-1980
PRACTICAL JOKE
PUSHING PENNIES INTO THE KEYHOLE OF A DOOR WILL BLOCK THE
TUMBLERS AND LOCK A PERSON IN HIS ROOM.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS COLLECTED BY THE INFORMANT IN THE
FRESHMEN DORMS OF AMHERST COLLEGE IN AMHERST,
MASSACHUSETTS; IT WAS COLLECTED BY ME IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN.
Where learned: Massachusetts ; AMHERST
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 00001979-80 ; 03-00-1980
PRACTICAL JOKE
BECAUSE THE DOORS AT AMHERST COLLEGE OPEN INWARD, ANOTHER
DESTRUCTIVE PRANK IS TO LEAN A BUCKET OF WATER AGAINST THE
OUTSIDE OF A CLOSED DOOR. OPENING THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE
CAUSES THE WATER TO SPILL INTO THE ROOM. THIS HAS BEEN DONE
WITH A FULL FIFTY-FIVE GALLON DRUM.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS COLLECTED BY THE INFORMANT IN THE
FRESHMEN DORMS OF AMHERST COLLEGE IN AMHERST,
MASSACHUSETTS; IT WAS COLLECTED BY ME IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN.
Where learned: Massachusetts ; AMHERST
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Wall Partition Door Window |
Date learned: 00001979-80 ; 03-00-1980
PRACTICAL JOKE
ONE PRANK IS TO SIMPLY STAND QUIETLY IN A PERSON'S CLOSET,
GIVING HIM A FRIGHT WHEN HE OPENS THE CLOSET DOOR.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS COLLECTED BY THE INFORMANT IN THE
FRESHMEN DORMS OF AMHERST COLLEGE IN AMHERST,
MASSACHUSETTS; IT WAS COLLECTED BY ME IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN.
Where learned: Massachusetts ; AMHERST
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 00001979-80 ; 03-00-1980
PRACTICAL JOKE
A COMMON PRANK IS TO TURN OFF THE HOT WATER WHILE SOMEONE SHOWERS.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS COLLECTED BY THE INFORMANT IN THE
FRESHMEN DORMS OF AMHERST COLLEGE IN AMHERST,
MASSACHUSETTS; IT WAS COLLECTED BY ME IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN.
Where learned: Massachusetts ; AMHERST
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 00001979-80 ; 03-00-1980
PRACTICAL JOKE
A COMMON PRANK IS TO SET FIRE TO POSTERS HANGING ON THE OUTSIDE
OF DORM DOORS.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS COLLECTED BY THE INFORMANT IN THE
FRESHMAN DORMS OF AMHERST COLLEGE IN AMHERST,
MASSACHUSETTS; IT WAS COLLECTED BY ME IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN.
Where learned: Massachusetts ; AMHERST
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 00001979-80 ; 03-00-1980
PRACTICAL JOKE
TOOTHPASTE IS PLACED IN THE KEYHOLE OF A DOOR, HARDENING AND
MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO UNLOCK THE DOOR.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS COLLECTED BY THE INFORMANT IN THE
FRESHMAN DORMS OF AMHERST COLLEGE IN AMHERST,
MASSACHUSETTS; IT WAS COLLECTED BY ME IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN.
Where learned: Massachusetts ; AMHERST
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Wall Partition Door Window |
Date learned: 00001979-80 ; 03-00-1980
PRACTICAL JOKE
BECAUSE THE DOORS AT AMHERST COLLEGE OPEN INWARD, A COMMON
PRANK IS TO TIE A ROPE ON THE DOORKNOBS OF TWO DOORS ACROSS THE
HALL FROM EACH OTHER, SHUTTING IN THE OCCUPANTS OF BOTH ROOMS.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS COLLECTED BY THE INFORMANT IN THE
FRESHMAN DORMS OF AMHERST COLLEGE IN AMHERST,
MASSACHUSETTS; IT WAS COLLECTED BY ME IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN.
Where learned: Massachusetts ; AMHERST
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Wall Partition Door Window |
Date learned: 00001979-80 ; 03-00-1980
THE HOLES IN THE FLOORS OF THE DORMS AT AMHERST COLLEGE MADE
BY THE RADIATOR PIPES ENABLE THE OCCUPANTS OF A ROOM ON A HIGHER
FLOOR TO POUR WATER DOWN INTO THE ROOM BELOW. ONCE THIS ALMOST
RESULTED IN A TELEVISION SET EXPLODING IN A LOWER ROOM.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS COLLECTED BY THE INFORMANT IN THE
FRESHMAN DORMS OF AMHERST COLLEGE IN AMHERST,
MASSACHUSETTS; IT WAS COLLECTED BY ME IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN.
Where learned: Massachusetts ; AMHERST
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Foundation Floor |
Date learned: 00001979-80 ; 03-00-1980
COUNSELOR IN TRAINING GRADUATION
CIT GRADUATION IS THE CEREMONY THAT A COUNSELOR IN TRAINING GOES
THROUGH BEFORE SHE IS AN OFFICIAL STAFF MEMBER. BASICALLY, THE
CEREMONY IS QUIET AND THOUGHTFUL. A GENERAL OUTLINE OF ONE SUCH
CEREMONY FOLLOWS. MM
I PROCESSION INTO THE AREA
II POEM
III MAGIC CAMPFIRE- A CAMPFIRE LIT WITH AN ARROW.
IV SONG
V ACTUAL GRADUATION
A) POEM
B) STAFF PRESENTATION-STAFF TIES ARE GIVEN TO THE CIT GIRLS
FROM THEIR SPECIAL STAFF FRIENDS
C) CAMP DIRECTORS PRESENT DIPLOMAS AND WISH BALLOONS
D) CIT GIRLS ARE BROUGHT TO A PAPER BAG FILLED WITH SAND AND
A CANDLE AND LIGHT THE CANDLE.
VI POEM
VII POEMS BY THE CIT INDIVIDUALS
VIII SONG
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT WAS EXTREMELY SENTIMENTAL WHEN DESCRIBING THIS CEREMONY
AND EVEN STARTED TO CRY. SHE WAS AVIDLY REMEMBERING HER OWN CIT
GRADUATION.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WIXOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Maturity CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 02-07-1980 ; 00-00-1978
PRACTICAL JOKE AND PRANK
INCOMING FRESHMEN AT CABRINI HIGH SCHOOL (ALLEN PARK, MI.)
ARE THE BUTT
OF MANY PRACTICAL JOKES. ON THEIR FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, SENIORS
HAVE THEM BUY ELEVATOR PASSES FOR FIVE DOLLARS. THEY EXPLAIN THAT
ONLY A CHOICE FEW ARE ISSUED THEM. HOWEVER, CABRINI DOES NOT HAVE
AN ELEVATOR AND THE FRESHMEN SOON DISCOVER THAT THEY WERE DUPED.
ANOTHER JOKE IS TO BAPTISE THE FRESHMEN BY PLACING THEIR HEADS
UNDERNEATH A RUNNING FAUCET.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT HEARD OF THESE ACADEME CUSTOMS IN 1970 AT CABRINI
HIGH SCHOOL. THEY ARE A TYPE OF INITIATION RITE OR RITE OF
PASSAGE OF FRESHMEN STUDENTS FROM GRADE SCHOOL TO HIGH SCHOOL.
ALTHOUGH HARMLESS, THEY COULD OFTEN CAUSE HARD FEELINGS. PERHAPS
THE TERM "BAPTISING" ENTERS SINCE CABRINI IS A CATHOLIC SCHOOL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; 00-00-1970
BETWEEN THE BRIGGS BUILDING AND THE COMMERCE & FINANCE
BUILDING ON THE UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT CAMPUS, IS A
TALL ELM KNOWN AS "THE THETA PHI TREE." DURING THE
LAST WEEK OF THE PLEDGING PERIOD OF THETA PHI ALPHA
SORORITY, THE PLEDGES STAND BEANEATH THIS TREE WITH
LARGE BLUE BOWS IN THEIR HAIR AND SING SONGS ABOUT THE
SORORITY WHICH THEY HAVE WRITTEN. THIS CUSTOM HAS
PREVAILED SINCE THE CHAPTER WAS FOUNDED IN 1951.
THIS TRADITION FIRST BECAME KNOWN TO ME WHEN A FRIEND
PLEDGED THETA PHI ALPHA AND HAD TO SING BENEATH THE
TREE. LATER, I MYSELF PLEDGED AND ALSO CARRIED OUT
THIS CUSTOM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
WHEN HE WAS AT COLLEGE AT HARVARD, MR. MURPHY REMEMBERS
ONE TRADITION THAT WAS UNIQUE TO HIS APARTMENT HOUSE.
THERE WAS A THREE-IN-WIDE LEDGE RUNNING AROUND THE
HOUSE, FIVE STORIES UP. WHENEVER A NEW LODGER CAME
TO THE HOUSE, HE HAD TO WALK AROUND THAT LEDGE AT
MIDNIGHT BEFORE HE WAS ACCEPTED BY THE OTHER
MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE. HE SAID THAT ONE FELLOW
ENJOYED IT SO MUCH, THAT HE KEPT ON DOING IT EVERY
NIGHT, NO MATTER WHAT THE WEATHER, FOR THE REST
OF HIS STAY AT COLLEGE.
Where learned: DETROIT ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F557 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 05-22-1965
Entry filtered.
BLUE NOSE
BLUE-NOSE: NAME GIVEN TO SUBMARINERS WHO PASS AN INITIATION CEREMONY
UPON CROSSING THE ARCTIC CIRCLE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing SPEECH -- Trade & commerce |
Date learned: 10-00-1981
ACADEMIC FOLKLORE
SOME PEOPLE I WAS ATTENDING SCHOOL WITH AT CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIV.
WERE MEMBERS OF THE THETA CHI FRATERNITY. ONE OF THE MEMBERS
TOLD ME ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED TO ONE OF THEIR RUSH MEMBERS THE YEAR
BEFORE. THE FRAT MEMBERS TOOK A PLEDGE AND BLIND FOLDED HIM AND
PUT HIM IN A CAR. THEY DROVE ALL THE WAY TO INDIANA WITH HIM AND
LEFT HIM IN THE MIDDLE OF A MAN'S FIELD. THE GUY HAD NO IDEA WHERE
HE WAS BUT HE SAW A FARMHOUSE AND WENT UP TO IT. HE ASKED THE
FARMER WHERE HE WAS AND EXPLAINED WHAT HAD HAPPENED TO HIM. THE
FARMER GOT A BIG KICK OUT OF IT BECAUSE HE HAD BEEN IN A FRAT WHEN
HE WAS IN COLLEGE. THE FARMER SAID HE WOULD HELP THE GUY GET BACK
TO SCHOOL. HE HAD A PLANE FOR DUSTING CROPS AND HE FLEW THE GUY
BACK TO MT. PLEASANT IN THE PLANE. THE RUSH MEMBER MADE IT BACK
TO THE FRAT HOUSE BEFORE THE OTHER GUYS AND WAS WAITING THERE FOR
THEM. WHEN THEY ARRIVED BACK HE SAID, "WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG?"
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS TOLD TO ME ABOUT FIVE YEARS AGO (1976) WHEN I WAS A LITTLE
SISTER TO THE THETA CHI FRATERNITY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Legend CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 11-00-1981
RUGBY PARTY FESTIVITIES
AFTER HEAVY "BETTING" BT VETERANS FROM BOTH TEAMS, FOUR ROOKIES ARE
TRICKED INTO THIS FARCE. THE ROOKIES ARE CONVINCED THAT THIS IS
VERY IMPORTANT FOR TEAM PRIDE. THEY ARE TOLD THAT THE BIGGEST ONE
OF THEM IS TO PICK UP THE OTHER THREE. THE OTHER THREE ARE TIED
TOGETHER. EACH TEAM TRIES TO LIFT THE PLAYERS FASTER THAN THE
OTHER TEAM. WHEN THE CROWD IS AT A FEVER PITCH, THE COUNT OF
1, 2, 3 LIFT IS SHOUTED. AT THE WORD "LIFT" EVERYBODY AT THE PARTY
THROWS THEIR BEER ON THE UNSUSPECTING ROOKIES.
Submitter comment: THIS USUALLY BRINGS THE HOUSE DOWN
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Bodily Activity CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 03-00-1982
MILITARY HAZING PRACTICES AND RITES OF PASSAGE
NEW CREWMEMBERS ABOARD SHIP ARE GIVEN NONSENSE DUTIES TO CARRY
OUT. SOME OF THESE ARE LOOKING FOR A CAN OF BULKHEAD REMOVER
WHICH HAS THE HAPLESS CREWMEMBER LOOKING FOR A NON-EXISTANT
"WALLREMOVER." ANOTHER IS FINDING A BUCKET OF CROSSHAIRS
WHICH THE GUNNERSMATE NEEDS FOR SIGHTING THE BIG GUNS.
THE FAVORITE IS THE "SUBMARINE" WATCH. IN THIS ONE THE CREW-
MEMBER IS GIVEN A PAIR OF BINOCULARS AND STATIONED SOMEWHERE
HE CAN EASILY BE SEEN. HE IS THEN INSTRUCTED TO REMAIN ON POST
UNTIL HE IS RELIEVED. AFTER A FEW HOURS OF GUFFAWS SOMEONE WILL
USUALLY GO "RELIEVE" HIM.
"SALTINESS" IS ACHIEVED AFTER A NAVYMAN HAS REPORTED TO
HIS FIRST SHIP HE IS ENTITLED TO ROLL THE BRIM OF HIS WHITEHAT,
HAVE HIS PANTS "BELLED" OR "PEGGED," AND TURN BACK THE CUFFS OF HIS
DRESSBLUE JUMPER. ANOTHER FAVORITE IS A TATTOO OR PIERCED EAR.
"CROSSING THE EQUATOR": ON THE EAST COAST INITIATES GO THROUGH
A "SHELLBACK" INITIATION. THERE ARE SEVERAL TESTS SUCH AS A
CRAWL THROUGH SLIME, THE SHELLBACK GAUNTLET, KISSING THE ROYAL
BABY, THE HORIZON SWEEP, AND DECK RUN. ALL SUCCESSFUL INITIATES
RECEIVE A SHELLBACK ID CARD, WALL PLAQUE TO SEND HOME TO MOTHER.
THE WEST COAST VERSION IS THE SAME EXCEPT THAT YOU BECOME A
MEMBER OF THE "ORDER OF THE GOLDEN DRAGONS." YOU RECEIVE THE
ID CARD, PLAQUE, AND TWO PATCHES WITH GOLD DRAGONS ON THEM TO WEAR
ON THE INSIDE OF THE CUFF OF YOUR DRESSBLUE JUMPER. THIS IS TO
IDENTIFY YOU AS A MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING. THERE ARE DISCOUNTS
AT CERTAIN BARS ON DRINKS AND OTHER "RELAXATIVES" FOR MEMBERS.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; GREAT LAKES
Date learned: 00-00-1969