Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for B434 returned 146 results.
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
HUMAN BEING
THERE IS A CAMP IN FLINT CALLED MOTT CAMP. THERE IS AN OLD
LEGEND THAT A HERMIT LIVES NEAR THE CAMP. EVERYTHING THAT WENT
WRONG IN THE CAMP WOULD BE BLAMED ON THE HERMIT. THE HERMIT
WOULD KIDNAP SMALL CAMPERS.
Where learned: TOLD AT ; SOUTH QUAD
James Callow Keyword(s): FLINT, MICHIGAN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate |
Date learned: 10-23-1970
AX MURDER HOLLOW, PENNSYLVANIA
THERE IS AN AREA IN PENNSYLVANIA KNOWN AS AX MURDER HOLLOW. THERE
WAS A MASS MURDER WHICH TOOK PLACE IN THE AREA AND ALL THE DEATHS
WERE THE RESULT OF AN AX. PEOPLE GO THERE NOW ON HALLOWEEN EXPECTIN
TO SEE THE MURDERER REAPPEAR.
James Callow comment: MURDERER NOT CALLED A GHOST, ONLY IMPLIED.
Where learned: LOCATION NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
Keyword(s): VIOLENT DEATHS
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- October 31 Halloween BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
Date learned: 11-15-1968
THE MAD BUTCHER OF KINGSBERRY RUN
KINGSBERRY RUN IS A ROAD RUNNING THROUGH THE FLATS OF CLEVELAND
(INDUSTRIAL AREA). MANY UNSOLVED MURDERS HAVE BEEN COMMITTED THERE
WHERE THE VICTIMS HAVE BEEN SLICED UP. THE MURDERER HAS BEEN
CALLED THE MAD BUTCHER. THIS INCIDENT HAS BECOME A LEGEND AMONG
THE PEOPLE OF CLEVELAND.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT HEARD OF THIS LEGEND WHILE LIVING IN CLEVELAND WHERE
HE SPENT THE FIRST 18 YEARS OF HIS LIFE.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; STUDENT UNION ; TOLD IN
Keyword(s): MUTILATED MURDERS ; OHIO
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate |
Date learned: 03-02-1970
LEGEND
IN ST. THOMAS, ONTARIO, CANADA MANY YEARS AGO A FAMILY OF BOYS LIVED
ON A FARM. THESE BRADEY BOYS, AS THEY WERE CALLED, TERRORIZED THE
COUNTRY SIDE. WHEN THEY SEEMINGLY ALL DIED, THE TOWNSPEOPLE BURNT
DOWN THEIR HOMESTEAD IN REVENGE FOR ALL THE HARDSHIPS THE BRADEY BOY
CAUSED. TO THIS DAY THE BRADEY FARM LIES IN WASTE AS IN MEMORY OF TH
BRADEY'S DESTRUCTION AND ALSO IN FEAR THAT SOME OF THE BRADEY BOYS
MIGHT STILL BE ALIVE AND EVENTUALLY SEEK REVENGE IF ANYONE WOULD TAK
OVER THEIR LAND.
Where learned: DETROIT, ASSUMED ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED
Keyword(s): FEAR ; PLACE NAMES
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate |
Date learned: 02-15-1970
"LA LLORONA"- CRYING WOMAN.
LEGEND HAS IT THAT THIS WOMAN KILLED HER CHILDREN AND THEN THREW
THEM INTO THE RIVER. SHE REPENTED AND THE STORY SAYS SHE NOW
SEARCHES ALONG THE RIVER FOR HER CHILDREN. SOUNDS CAN BE HEARD
WHICH ARE THOSE OF THE WOMAN IN TEARS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate |
Date learned: 00-00-1955
STOLEN CORPSE OF DOG
TWO OLD LADIES IN BROOKLYN, N. Y., GOT UP ONE MORNING AND FOUND
THEIR OLD TERRIER HAD DIED DURING THE NIGHT. THEY CALLED THE HUMANE
SOCIETY WHO SAID THAT THERE WAS ONLY ONE TRUCK AVAILABLE, IT BEING
SATURDAY, AND WOULD NOT BE AROUND UNTIL THE NEXT TUESDAY. THEY SAID
THE LADIES COULD BRING THE DOG DOWNTOWN IF THEY WISHED. NOT HAVING
THE MONEY FOR A TAXI FROM BROOKLYN TO THE SOCIETY HEADQUARTERS IN
MANHATTAN, THEY TOOK THE SUBWAY DEEP DOWN TO A MANHATTAN STATION
SEVERAL LEVELS BELOW GROUND. MEANWHILE, THEY HAD PUT THE DEAD DOG IN
AN OLD SUITCASE. WHILE THEY WERE TRUDGING ALONG, A YOUNG NEGRO
OFFERED TO CARRY THE SUITCASE UP THE STAIRS. HE DID SO BUT WHEN HE
REACHED THE STREET HE QUICKLY TOOK OFF WITH HIS PRIZE.
Submitter comment:
( GOTTEN ) FROM A SALESMAN FROM NEW YORK CITY
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK IS THE SETTING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): URBAN BELIEF TALE
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate |
Date learned: 08-00-1964
A GRAVE MATTER
IN THE EARLY NINETEENTH CENTURY, THE DAUGHTER OF A WEALTHY
KENTUCKY LANDOWNER CONTRACTED A FEVER, FELL INTO A COMA, AND WITHIN
TWO DAYS PASSED AWAY. ON THE FOLLOWING DAY SHE WAS BURIED IN THE
FAMILY CEMETERY. HER BODY WAS ADORNED IN BEAUTIFUL GARMENTS AND
PRECIOUS GEMS WERE PLACED ABOUT HER ACCORDING TO THE LOCAL CUSTOM.
ON THE NIGHT OF HER BURIAL, TWO GRAVE-ROBBERS EXUMED THE CASKET.
THEY OPENED THE LID AND WERE IN THE PROCESS OF REMOVING ONE OF HER
EARRINGS WHEN, IT WAS ALLEGED, SHE AWAKENED FROM HER COMA. THE
SURPRISED GRAVE-ROBBERS IMMEDIATELY GRABBED A SHOVEL AND STRUCK THE
SCREAMING GIRL ACROSS THE BACK OF HER HEAD. THEY THEN LOWERED THE
CASKET INTO THE PIT AND RECOVERED THE HOLE.
THIS STORY BECAME A LEGEND OVER THE COURSE OF THE FOLLOWING
ONE-HUNDRED-TWENTY-FIVE YEARS UNTIL FINALLY IN THE 1920'S LOCAL
OFFICIALS, IN AN EFFORT TO REPUDIATE THE TALE, OPENED THE GRAVE.
THEY FOUND THE REMAINS OF THE YOUNG LADY LYING FACE DOWN WITH THE
REAR OF HER SKULL BASHED IN.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT HEARD TALE WHILE A RESIDENT OF LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): BELIEF TALE ; LOCAL LEGEND
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate |
Date learned: 10-23-1965
WISCONSIN KILLER
A MAN IN NORTHERN WISCONSIN WAS INVOLVED AND SUSPECTED IN A
NUMBER OF DISAPPEARANCES IN THE VICINITY. THE POLICE CAME TO HIS HOME
AND AFTER A BRIEF STAY, ONE OF THEM NOTICED THAT ALL OF THE
FURNITURE IN THE HOUSE WAS UPHOLSTERED IN HUMAN SKIN. LATER
INVESTIGATION FOUND THAT HIS COOKIE JAR WAS FILLED WITH HUMAN FINGERS
AND TOES.
Where learned: DETROIT ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED
Keyword(s): LOCAL LEGEND ; URBAN BELIEF TALE
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate |
Date learned: 02-03-1968
HANGMAN'S CROSSING
SEYMOUR IS THE TOWN WHERE THE FIRST TRAIN ROBBERY
HAPPENED IN THIS COUNTRY OR IN THE WHOLE WORLD. WHEN
THEY CAUGHT THE ROBBERS-THERE WERE 3 OR 4 OF THEM-
THEY TOOK THEM OUT TO HANGMAN'S CROSSING AND HUNG THEM.
AND IT IS STILL CALLED HANGMAN'S CROSSING TODAY. I
THINK THEY WERE CALLED THE RENO BROTHERS. IT WAS
BEFORE JESSE JAMES OR THE DALTON BROTHERS.
Submitter comment: LEARNED IN HOME TOWN OF SEYMOUR, INDIANA.
Where learned: SOUTHFIELD DOWNS TRAILER CAMP
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name |
Date learned: 05-19-1965
MEDICINE SHOWS USED TO COME TO TOWN QUITE REGULARLY.
ONE HE PARTICULARLY REMEMBERS, FEATURED A CURE FOR
TAPEWORM, ALONG WITH ITS OTHER MAGICAL PROPERTIES.
THE MEDICINE MAN HAD A TAPEWORM ON DISPLAY IN A
BOTTLE AND HE TOLD THE PEOPLE THAT, IN ORDER TO GET
THIS PARTICULAR TAPEWORM OUT OF A MAN, SO THEY COULD
USE IT FOR DISPLAY, THEY STARVED THE MAN FOR THREE
DAYS AND THEN PUT A GLASS OF MILK IN FRONT OF HIS
MOUTH. THE TAPE WORM CAME RIGHT UP OUT OF THE MAN'S
STOMACH AND JUMPED INTO THE GLASS.
Where learned: DETROIT ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate PROSE NARRATIVE -- Lie Tall tale BELIEF -- Curer BELIEF -- Method of Curing |
Date learned: 05-11-1965
LEGEND---THE HOBO KILLER
AT BALDUCK PARK ON THE EAST SIDE OF DETROIT THERE HAS BEEN
REPORTEDLY A HOBO THAT LIVES IN THE PARK'S NATURE AREA.
HE FEEDS ON THE AREA'S WILDLIFE. IF A GIRL IS NEAR THE AREA WHILE
IT IS DARK, SHE IS MOLESTED. HE HAS NEVER BEEN FOUND.
Submitter comment: FROM FRIEND
Where learned: LIVING ROOM
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate |
Date learned: 10-05-1967
"THIS ONE WAS TOLD BY THE MINISTER OF THE CHURCH I ATTENDED AS A
CHILD: THERE WAS A LITTLE GIRL ON A PASSENGER TRAIN. SHE WAS
PUT OFF THE TRAIN IN THE DARK, IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE BECAUSE
SHE HAD NO TICKET. AFTER THE CONDUCTOR FORCED THE LITTLE GIRL TO
LEAVE THE TRAIN, HE PULLED THE CORD, SIGNALLING THE ENGINEER TO
CONTINUE THE JOURNEY. HOWEVER, THE TRAIN WOULDN'T MOVE. FINALLY,
THE CONDUCTOR SAID, 'I KNOW WHY THIS TRAIN WON'T MOVE. I'VE
FORCED THAT CHILD OFF BECAUSE SHE HAD NO TICKET OR MONEY.' HE PUT
THE LITTLE GIRL BACK ON THE TRAIN AND SIGNALLED THE ENGINEER
AGAIN. THIS TIME, THE TRAIN PROCEEDED WITHOUT INCIDENCE."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MUSKEGON
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 09-19-1982
THE WILD SIXTIES
IN THE LATE SIXTIES ANGRY STUDENTS PROTESTED AND DEMONSTRATED
THROUGHOUT THE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES OF THE UNITED STATES.
THE UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT WAS RELATIVELY QUIET THROUGH THIS
TURMOIL EXCEPT FOR A FEW INCIDENTS, ONE OF WHICH I WAS AN
UNEXPECTED PARTICIPANT. IT OCCURRED AT AN ALUMNI BOARD OF
DIRECTORS MEETING IN THE DIRECTORS ROOM IN THE FISHER BUILDING.
AS WE WATCHED FROM THE TOP FLOOR A BAND OF 200 SHOUTING,
SCREAMING PROTESTORS, CARRYING TORCHES MARCHED ACROSS CAMPUS
TOWARD US. THE TWENTY OR SO DIRECTORS IMMEDIATELY BRACED FOR A
CONFRONTATION. MINUTES LATER ABOUT 80 SHAGGY, BEARDED STUDENTS,
NON-STUDENTS AND FELLOW TEACHERS INVADED OUR CONFERENCE ROOM.
THE LEADER, WITH GREAT VEHEMENCE BEGAN TO LIST DEMANDS AND THE
THE REMOVAL OF ALL AUTHORITATIVE FIGURES. WHILE THIS HARANGUE
CONTINUED MANY STOOD ON THE DIRECTORS TABLE, GROUND HEELS AND
CIGARETTES IN CHAIRS AND TABLES AND ACTED WITH THREATENING
GESTURES. ALL PUNCTUATED THEIR REMARKS WITH VULGAR BLASPHEMOUS
REMARKS AND USED LIPSTICK AND CHALK TO DAMAGE THE WALLS WITH
EQUALLY OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE. THE PRESIDENT OF THE ALUMNI BOARD,
WHEN ALLOWED TO SPEAK BROUGHT SOME CALM TO AN OTHERWISE
UPSETTING EXPERIENCE. THEIR LEADER WOULD NOT LISTEN BUT
CONTINUED TO MAKE THE PEACE-NIK HARANGUE. AFTER ABOUT TWO HOURS
AND A BATTERY OF QUESTIONS FROM THE ALUMNI, THE GROUUP LEFT THE
BUILDING LEAVING SOME PHYSICAL DAMAGE AND A FRAZZLED ALUMNI
BOARD--FULL OF THANKS , THOUGH, THAT THE UNIVERSITY HAD BEEN EASY
AND OPEN ENOUGH TO MINIMIZE THESE TYPES OF ACTIONS ON THE
CAMPUS. THAT WAS THE LAST DIRECTORS MEETING HELD UP THERE, FOR
SOME ODD REASON. FR. CARRON NEVER MOVED OUT OF HIS OFFICE
DURING THE FIASCO.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate |
A FEISTY IRISHMAN
IN 1905 JOHN EMMETT SULLIVAN WAS EN ROUTE TO DETROIT FROM ANN
ARBOR. HE WAS THE OWNER OF A CIGAR FACTORY AND HAD BEEN ON A
TOBACCO PURCHASING TRIP. AFTER A BUSY DAY HE BOARDED THE
AFTERNOON TRAIN. THE TRAIN WAS COMPLETELY FILLED EXCEPT FOR ONE
SEAT WHICH HAD A CASE ON IT. JOHN ASKED THE GENTLEMAN, "MAY I
USE THIS SEAT?" "NO, THIS CASE BELONGS TO SOMEONE ELSE." SAID
THE SURLY GENTLEMAN. SULLIVAN STOOD FUMING THE ENTIRE TRIP. WHEN
THE TRAIN STOPPED AT DETROIT, THE GENTLEMAN PICKED UP THE CASE
AND DISEMBARKED. "ARREST THIS MAN," CALLED JOHN SULLIVAN, "HE
IS TAKING SOMEONE ELSE'S CASE." THE SELFISH MAN WAS TAKEN AWAY
BY THE POLICE.
Submitter comment:
JOHN SULLIVAN WAS AN ECCENTRIC, FEISTY MAN. HE WOULD BE MY GREAT
GRANDFATHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate |
Date learned: 00-00-1905
THERE IS A STORY IN OUR FAMILY REGARDING HOW MY GRAND-
MOTHER GOT A FLAP IN HER EARLOBE. MY GRANDMOTHER ALWAYS
TOLD US THAT WHEN SHE WAS A CHILD IN LEBANON, VISITING
THE MARKETPLACE, A THIEF STOLE HER GOLD EARRING BY PULLING
IT RIGHT OFF OF HER EAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate PROSE NARRATIVE -- Body part Senses |
Date learned: 00001940'S
MY HUSBAND'S GRANDMOTHER WAS A BOOTLEGGER DURING PROHIBITION. SHE
MADE THE STUFF IN A STILL HIDDEN BEHIND A SECRET DOOR UNDERNEATH
THE STAIRS. INCIDENTLY ALTHOUGH THE POLICE RAIDED HER HOME MANY
TIMES THEY NEVER FOUND THE STILL. SHE DELIVERED HER GOODS IN
BOTTLES PACKED IN SHOEBOXES WHICH SHE CARRIED IN A SHOPPING BAG.
SHE WOULD DELIVER THEM ON THE BUS ON THE EAST SIDE OF DETROIT IN
THE AREA OF SHANE AND KIRBY. THE HOUSE WAS RAIDED SEVERAL TIMES.
ONE TIME HER DOG TRIED TO PROTECT THEM AND THE POLICE SHOT HIM
FIVE TIMES AND IT STILL CRAWLED ALL THE WAY TO HER SISTER'S HOUSE
TO WARN THEM. ANOTHER TIME HER SISTER TRIED TO KEEP A POLICEMAN
HE BROKE HER ARM. I'M NOT SURE HOW PROFITABLE THE BUSINESS WAS
BUT WHEN THEY OPENED UP GRANDFATHER'S SAFE THEY FOUND $60,000.00.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate |
Date learned: 03-15-1984
BACK IN THOSE DAYS (THE EARLY 20'S) WHEN
SOMEONE DIED, THE FAMILY PREPARED THE BODY FOR
VIEWING. THE CASKET WAS SET IN THE "PARLOR"(TODAY'S
LIVING ROOM"). PENNIES WERE PUT ON THE EYES TO
KEEP THEM FROM POPPING OPEN. THIS HAPPENED AT A
FRIEND OF MY FATHER'S FUNERAL: AFTER VIEWING
THE BODY EVERYONE WENT INTO THE KITCHEN FOR COFFEE.
WHILE THE COFFEE WAS BEING SERVED THREE BOYS FROM
TOWN SNUCK INTO THE PARLOR, TOOK THE PENNIES OFF
THE OLD MAN'S EYES, AND PROPPED HIM UP WITH A STICK.
AFTER COFFEE THE FAMILY WALKED SLOWLY BACK INTO THE
PARLOR. THEY WERE TERRIFIED TO SEE THE OLD MAN
SITTING UP WITH HIS EYES OPEN, THEY THOUGHT HE HAD
COME BACK TO LIFE!
Submitter comment:
RESURRECTION
RESUSITATION
Where learned: DETROIT ; WEST VIRGINIA
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 02-00-1984
A FRIEND FROM WORK WENT SHOPPING AT A MALL ONE DAY.
WHEN SHE GOT BACK TO HER CAR THERE WAS AN OLD LADY
SITTING IN THE BACK SEAT WHO SAID, "CAN YOU PLEASE TAKE ME
HOME?" MY FRIEND ASKED HER IF SHE WAS LOST. THE
WOMAN REPLIED," YES, PLEASE HELP ME." MY FRIEND ASKED HER IF
SHE HAD A PHONE NUMBER OF SOMEONE WHO COULD COME PICK
HER UP. THE LADY GAVE HER A NUMBER. MY FRIEND TRIED THE
NUMBER BUT IT WAS BUSY, SO SHE CALLED THE POLICE. THE
POLICE CAME AND FOUND THAT THE OLD LADY WAS REALLY A MAN
WHO HAD DRESSED UP AS A LADY. HE HAD BEEN SITTING ON
A HATCHET.
Submitter comment: MY SISTER SAID THAT SHE HAD HEARD THIS STORY MANY TIMES BEFORE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate |
Date learned: 00-00-1984 ; 00-00-1985
A FRIEND FROM MY WORK TOLD ME THAT HER FRIEND STOPPED
FOR GAS AT A STATION ONE DAY. THE ATTENDANT ASKED HER
HOW SHE WOULD PAY AND SHE GAVE HIM A CREDIT CARD. THE
ATTENDANT CAME BACK TO THE CAR AND SAID, "I'M SORRY MISS,
BUT YOU WILL HAVE TO COME WITH ME TO SPEAK WITH THE
MANAGER." MY FRIEND ASKED IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM BUT
THE ATTENDANT SAID THAT HE COULD NOT DISCUSS IT.
THE LADY WENT INSIDE THE STATION AND THE ATTENDANT SAID,
"I HAD TO GET YOU OUT OF THE CAR. THERE WAS A MAN HIDING
IN YOUR BACK SEAT HOLDING A HATCHET."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate |
Date learned: 00-00-1985 ; 00-00-1984