Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for B478 returned 313 results.
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
LUMPY LUMPKIN STREET
A MAN WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET ONE NIGHT AND UNKNOWINGLY STRUCK DOWN A YOUNG GIRL.
THE GIRL, CAUGHT IN THE REAR FENDER, WAS DRAGGED ALONG FOR SOME DISTANCE; AND ALL THE
WHILE SHE BEAT ON THE FENDER, BUT THE DRIVER HEARD IT AND STOPPED TOO LATE--THE GIRL WAS DEAD.
NOW WHENEVER SOMEONE DRIVES ALONG THAT PARTICULAR STRETCH OF LUMPKIN STREET, HE HEARS A THUMPING
NOISE AT THE REAR OF HIS CAR. THE STREET HAS BEEN PATCHED AND EVEN REPAVED, BUT TO NO AVAIL.
THE THUMPING CONTINUES. THE STREET IS HAUNTED.
Submitter comment:
DETROIT'S LUMPKIN STREET IS SUPPOSEDLY HAUNTED NOW AS A RESULT OF
THE FOLLOWING INCIDENT:
INFORMANT DOESN'T RECALL WHERE HE HEARD THE LEGEND.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): KNOCK-KNOCK STREET
Date learned: 10-23-1965
GREEN GROWS
DURING THE TEXAS-MEXICAN WAR AT MID-NINETEENTH CENTURY, AMERICAN
SOLDIERS SANG "GREEN GROWS THE LAUREL":
GREEN GROWS THE LARUEL, ALL SPARKLING WITH DEW,
I'M LONELY, MY DARLING, SINCE PARTING FROM YOU.
BUT BY THE NEXT MEETING I HOPE TO PROVE TRUE,
AND CHANGE THE GREEN LAUREL FOR THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE.
THE MEXICANS, SEIZING UPON THE FIRST WORDS OF THE SONG, CALLED
THE AMERICANS "GRINGOES," A NAME WHICH HAS STUCK TO AMERICANS
SOUTH OF THE BORDER TO THIS DAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F535 SPEECH -- Vocabulary of Special Group |
Date learned: 09-17-1965
FORD'S CURVE; DEAD MAN'S CURVE
ON LAKESHORE ROAD, BETWEEN 8 AND 9 MILE ROADS IN GROSSE POINTE
SHORES, MICHIGAN, THERE IS A CURVE IN THE ROAD KNOWN AS "FORD'S
CURVE." THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTED MANY ACCIDENTS FROM KIDS
DRAG RACING ON THIS STREET. BRIAN, AT 19, RECEIVED A 1966
CORVETTE STING RAY FOR HIS BIRTHDAY. ONE DAY, DRIVING DOWN
LAKESHORE, ANOTHER CORVETTE APPROACHED HIM; THEY DECIDED TO
"DRAG." THE BOY IN THE OTHER CAR DIDN'T MAKE IT AFTER REACHING
THE CURVE--HE DIED 3 HOURS LATER. BRIAN ALSO ENDED UP IN
CRITICAL CONDITION FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. AFTER THIS FATAL ACCIDENT
THE CURVE WAS NAMED "DEAD MAN'S CURVE."
Where learned: GROSSE POINTE WOODS ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Means of transportation Vehicle propelled by mechanical or other force on land |
Date learned: 00-00-1966
HOW THE HUNGARIAN SCISSORBILL BIRD RECEIVED ITS NAME
THIS BIRD RECEIVED ITS NAME BECAUSE OF THE FACT THAT, WHEN CHRIST
WAS CRUCIFIED, THIS BIRD WAS ALLEGED TO HAVE TRIED TO PULL THE
NAILS OUT AND THUS RECEIVED ITS TWISTED BILL.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED FROM HER GRANDMOTHER.
Where learned: DETROIT ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Religious hero PROSE NARRATIVE -- Bird PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
LEGEND OF A NAME
IT IS TOLD THAT ABOUT FIFTY YEARS AGO THERE WAS A DETROIT STREETS
AND RAILWAYS BUS STOP ON GRAND RIVER PAST FARMINGTONN THAT WAS
KNOWN AS NO. VI. IT OFTEN WAS REFERRED TO AS NOVI, SO WHEN A
CITY WAS ESTABLISHED THERE IT TOOK ON THE NAME OF THIS DEPOT,
THAT IS, NOVI, MICHIGAN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
INDIAN LEGEND: ARIZONA
TWO INDIAN TRIBES WERE INVOLVED IN A BATTLE, ONE TRIBE WAS APACHE.
THE APACHES WERE TRAPPED ON A CLIFF, AND RATHER THAN SURRENDER,
THEY LEAPED TO THEIR DEATH. LATER THE FEMALE MEMBERS CAME TO
MOURN THEIR DEAD. THE TEARS OF THE WOMEN TURNED INTO A BLACK
GLASS-LIKE STONE WHICH IS NOW CALLED APACHE TEARS. THE ROCK
LOOKS LIKE IT CONTAINS A TEAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WAYNE
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Metal Stone Bone Precious stone Gem BELIEF -- Mineral BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 01-00-1970
THE ANNEY OAKLEY
THE SILVER DOLLAR IS CALLED AN "ANNEY OAKLEY" BECAUSE SHE WAS
ABLE TO SHOOT THEM OUT OF THE AIR AFTER SOMEONE TOSSED IT UP.
Submitter comment: LEARNED FROM HIS FATHER.
Where learned: OHIO ; WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name BELIEF -- Measure of quality Medium of exchange |
Date learned: 12-04-1967
DEAD MAN'S HILL
THERE IS A HILL FIVE MILES OUTSIDE OF ELMIRA, MICHIGAN WHICH IS
REFERRED TO BY LOCAL INHABITANTS AS "DEAD MAN'S HILL" BECAUSE
SOME TIME DURING THE LOGGING DAYS OF THE TURN OF THE CENTURY
THERE WAS A TRAGIC ACCIDENT INVOLVING SEVERAL DEATHS.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT LEARNED THE TALE OF THE HILL IN 1960 WHEN HE AND HIS
HIS FAMILY MOVED TO GAYLORD, MICHIGAN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Gaylord
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 00-00-1960
THE LEGEND OF PRIEST'S LEAP
AN IRISH PRIEST WAS SAYING MASS IN THE HOMES OF THE PEOPLE LIVING
ON TOP OF A MOUNTAIN IN COUNTY KERRY. THE BRITISH FOUND OUT ABOUT
THIS AND CAME AFTER THE PRIEST. THEY CHASED THE PRIEST FOR A
WHILE AND HAD HIM CORNERED, ABOUT TO BE CAPTURED. THE PRIEST,
BEING ON TOP OF THIS MOUNTAIN, HAD NO WHERE TO GO. SO HE GAVE
HIS HORSE A SWIFT KICK AND HE LEAPED FROM THE MOUNTAIN, OVER
BANTRY BAY, AND LANDED TWENTY MILES AWAY IN COUNTY CORK. IF YOU
GO DOWN THE ROAD, 1/4 OF A MILE OUT OF THE CITY OF BANTRY, YOU
WILL STILL SEE A ROCK ALONG THE SIDE WITH THE HOOF PRINTS OF THE
HORSE AND THE SIGN OF THE WHIP THAT ARE STILL THERE TODAY.
Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT SAW THE HOOF PRINTS AND THE SIGN OF THE WHIP.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name BELIEF -- Mammal BELIEF -- Curse |
Date learned: 11-18-1970
THE LEGEND OF KILMACMOGUE
IN THE 11TH CENTURY THERE WAS A VERY PROSPEROUS AND BEAUTIFUL
CHURCH IN COUNTY CORK. BUT DURING THE REVOLUTION, WHEN THE
IRISH CATHOLICS WERE BEING PERSECUTED, THE CHURCH WAS DESTROYED.
AFTER THE END OF THE REVOLUTION, THERE WAS A MAN WHO HAD A WIFE
AND FOUR SONS, BUT COULD NOT AFFORD TO RAISE THE CHILDREN. SO
HE TOOK THEM TO THE RIVER BANKS AND PREPARED TO DROWND THEM IN
THE OVANE RIVER. A PRIEST SAW WHAT THE MAN WAS PLANNING TO DO
AND HE TOOK THE BOYS AND RAISED THEM. WHEN THE BOYS GREW UP
THEY ALL BECAME PRIESTS AND THEY REBUILT THE 11TH CENTURY CHURCH.
THUS THE CHURCH IS NAMED KILMACMOQUE, MEANING CHURCH OF THE
YOUNG SON.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name PROSE NARRATIVE -- Religious |
Date learned: 11-18-1970
MILWAUKEE'S ORIGIN
THERE WAS A MILL AND IN THE MILL THERE WAS A WALK AND ON THE WALK
THERE WAS A KEY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name |
Date learned: 03-00-1968
BEAR-MAN LEGEND
THIS STORY CONCERNS THE NAMING OF A NEARBY CHEBOYGAN LAKE WHICH
IS NOW KNOWN AS DEVEREAUX LAKE. THE NAME IS A FAMILY NAME
BELONGING TO MANY NATIVES OF NORTHERN MICHIGAN, ESPECIALLY IN THE
CHEBOYGAN VICINITY. ALTHOUGH IT IS NOT CERTAIN WHICH FAMILY IS
THE GENUINE DESCENDANT OF "OLD MAN DEVEREAUX," NUMEROUS PERSONS
CLAIM HIM AS THEIR ANCESTOR.
THIS SOUGHT AFTER PERSONAGE LIVED APPROXIMATELY SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS
AGO. TOWARDS THE END OF AN APPARENTLY LONG LIFE, HE LIVED ALONE
AND HAD THE FUNNY HABIT OF CARRYING AROUND WITH HIM AN UNLOADED
MUSKET. ONE DAY WHILE HE WAS PICKING BERRIES NEAR A LAKE, HE WAS
CONFRONTED BY A LARGE BEAR. IT IS NOT QUITE CLEAR WHAT ENSUED
(VERSIONS VARY), BUT THERE DID TAKE PLACE A TREMENDOUS HAND-TO-
HAND STRUGGLE, LASTING FOR A LONG TIME (ALSO VARIES). EVENTUALLY,
BOTH WORN OUT AND DEATHLY EXHAUSTED, THE OLD MAN LAY DOWN NEAR
THE WATER WHILE THE BEAR RETREATED TO A NEARBY KNOLL. THERE, IN
THEIR RESPECTIVE PLACES, THEY WENT TO MEET THEIR MAKER. AND SO
THEY NAMED THE BODY OF WATER AFTER THE OLD GENTLEMAN, DEVEREAUX
LAKE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; CHEBOYGAN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Mammal PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name PROSE NARRATIVE -- Man BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 07-22-1964
AGAIN?
THE STORY SURROUNDING THE NAME OF CHEBOYGAN, MICHIGAN, IS USUALLY
CONNECTED WITH AN INDIAN FAMILY RESIDING IN THE AREA. THE FATHER
IS GENERALLY AN IMPORTANT CHIEF BUT SOMETIMES IS REPORTED AS A
COMMON HUNTER. HIS WIFE HAD SEVERAL CHILDREN, ALL OF WHOM WERE
BOYS. ALTHOUGH HE WAS VERY PLEASED, HE WISHED THEIR NEXT CHILD
TO BE A GIRL. HOWEVER, THE NEWBORN WAS AGAIN A BOY. WHEN TOLD OF
THE BIRTH, THE FATHER REPORTEDLY REPLIED, "SHE A BOY AGAIN?"
THIS ANSWER WAS CONSEQUENTLY ELIDED INTO THE NAME, "CHEBOYGAN."
Submitter comment:
THE STORY HAS BEEN TOLD TO ME FROM MANY NATIVES OF THIS NORTHERN
MICHIGAN TOWN, AS WELL AS TOURISTS WHO HAVE VISITED THE SURROUND-
ING AREA, SO FOR THIS REASON, NO LONE INFORMANT HAS BEEN SINGLED
OUT.
Where learned: NOT GIVEN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name BELIEF -- Birth |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
DEVIL'S KITCHEN
ON MACKINAC ISLAND IN MICHIGAN, THERE IS A CAVE-LIKE HOLE IN THE
SIDE OF A HUGE BOULDER. LEGEND HAS IT THAT THE DEVIL AND WITCHES
USED THIS CAVE TO CONJOUR UP THEIR EVIL SPELLS. THE CAVE IS THUS
CALLED "DEVIL'S KITCHEN."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Devil Demon PROSE NARRATIVE -- Witch Shaman PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name |
Date learned: 06-01-1968
INDIAN LEGEND
LEGEND HAS IT THAT THE COMMANDER OF FORT MACKINAC IN THE LATE
18TH CENTURY FELL IN LOVE WITH AN INDIAN GIRL, AND SHE WITH HIM.
HE WAS THROWN TO HIS DEATH FROM A BLUFF, NOW NAMED ROBINSON'S
FOLLY, BY A JEALOUS INDIAN BRAVE.
Submitter comment:
HE DID DIE THIS WAY, BUT SOME SAY THAT INTOXICATION, NOT INFATUA-
TION, WAS THE REAL CAUSE OF HIS DOWNFALL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F535 BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 01-30-1968
INDIAN LEGEND
ACCORDING TO INDIAN MYTHS, SUGAR LOAF ROCK ON MACKINAC ISLAND IS
SO NAMED BECAUSE IT WAS ONCE AN IMMENSE BEE HIVE, EVERY CRACK OF
WHICH WAS FULL OF HONEY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Insect PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name |
Date learned: 01-30-1968
LEGEND
THERE IS A LEGEND AT KISSING ROCK ON THE GROUNDS OF WEST POINT
THAT IF A FELLOW TAKES HIS HAT OFF AND THE GIRL HE IS WITH REFUSES
TO KISS HIM, THE ROCK WILL FALL AND KILL HER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 12-05-1967
THE DEVIL'S PUNCH BOWL
NEAR THE LAKES OF KILLARNEY, THERE IS A PLACE CALLED "THE DEVIL'S
PUNCH BOWL." WHEN CROMWELL'S SOLDIERS RAIDED THE HOLY MONASTERY
OF MUCKROSS ABBEY, THE DEVIL WAS SO DELIGHTED THAT HE JUMPED UP
FROM HELL, TOOK A BIG BITE OUT OF THE GROUND, AND JUMPED BACK TO
HELL AGAIN. IF YOU VISIT KILLARNEY, YOU CAN SEE THE PLACE ON THE
GROUND--THE DEVIL'S THREE FRONT TEETH DUG INTO THE GROUND, LEAVING
THEIR MARK THERE FOREVER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Devil Demon PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name |
Date learned: 11-00-1970
COLLEEN BAWN ROCK
THERE IS A SPELL OVER ONE OF THE LAKES OF KILLARNEY. COLLEEN
BAWN (FAIR-HAIRED GIRL) WAS COUNT O'DONOGHUE'S DAUGHTER.
O'DONOGHUE WAS A FIERCE WARRIOR WHO JEALOUSLY DEFENDED KILLARNEY
FROM NEIGHBORING WARRIORS IN CORK. COLLEEN BAWN FELL IN LOVE
WITH A WARRIOR FROM CORK, AND SHE WANTED TO MARRY HIM. O'DONOGHUE
WAS SO FURIOUS THAT HE HAD HIS SOLDIERS TAKE HER OUT ON THE LAKE
TO BE THROWN ON A ROCK SO THAT SHE WOULD DIE OF HUNGER. SHE WAS
HEARD WAILING FOR MILES AROUND. THE PEOPLE COULD SEE HER FROM
THE SHORE, BECAUSE SHE WAS DRESSED IN A LONG WHITE DRESS.
FINALLY, COLLEEN DIED ON THE ROCK, WHICH IS NOW CALLED COLLEEN
BAWN ROCK. TO THIS DAY, IT IS DANGEROUS TO ROW YOUR BOAT AROUND
THE ROCK, BECAUSE COLLEEN'S SPIRIT IS UNDER THE LAKE. THE
CURRENTS ON THE LAKE ARE FROM HER SIGHING. WHEN SHE GETS ANGRY,
IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE OUT ON THE LAKE, YOU CAN GET DROWNED--THIS
HAPPENED TO THOSE WHO DO NOT BELIEVE IN HER SPELL. ALSO, ON
RAINY NIGHTS WHEN THE FOG HOVERS OVER THE LAKE, COLLEEN BAWN
HAS BEEN SEEN WALKING ON THE WATER, TRYING TO REACH THE SHORE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 11-00-1970