Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for F537 returned 241 results.
PRACTICAL JOKE
ONE PRANK IS TO BLOW BABY POWDER INTO SOMEONE'S ROOM UNDER THE
DOOR, USING A HAND-HELD HAIR DRYER.
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 INVOLVES GETTING A PERSON OUT OF HIS ROOM,
LOCKING HIM OUT, AND HIDING HIS KEYS SO HE CAN'T RE-ENTER.
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 INVOLVES A GROUP OF PEOPLE GAINING ENTRY TO A PERSON'S
ROOM WHILE THE PERSON IS THERE, AND REMOVING THE CONTENTS OF
THE ROOM, DESPITE THE OCCUPANT'S PROTESTS.
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
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
SIGNATURES-ACCEPTANCE INTO A FRATERNITY.
WHEN A PERSON PLEDGES A FRATERNITY, HE MUST OBTAIN
SIGNATURES OF ALL OF THE MEMBERS, BEFORE HE IS INITIATED.
Submitter comment:
WHEN A PLEDGE RECEIVES A SIGNATURE FROM A MEMBER, THIS
SIGNIFIES THAT THE PLEDGE HAS BEEN ACCEPTED BY THAT
MEMBER INTO THE FRATERNITY. THE SIGNATURE INCLUDES THE
FOLLOWING: FULL NAME, LOCAL AND PERMANENT ADDRESSES,
MAJOR, OFFICES HELD IN THE FRATERNITY, AND COMMITTEE
CHAIRMANSHIPS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School |
Date learned: 10-00-1977
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
PRACTICAL JOKE AND PRANK
WHEN MANY PEOPLE SHARE REFRIGERATORS IN A FRATERNITY, THERE IS A
PROBLEM OF STEALING FOOD. ONE SURE WAY TO STOP THIS IS TO REPLACE
URINE FOR APPLE JUICE IN A STAMPED JUICE BOTTLE. WHEN THE CULPRIT
TAKES HIS FIRST SIP, HE LEARNS HIS LESSON WELL.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT FIRST HEARD OF THIS PRANK IN 1976 AT WESTERN
MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY. UNDOUBTEDLY, THE UNKNOWING PARTY FEELS SOME
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DISCOMFORT. AFTER THE INITIAL JOKE, ALL
CONCERNED MAY BE MORE SKEPTICAL AND THE STEALING STOPS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School |
Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; 06-00-1978
PENNSYLVANIA GERMANS (NATIONALITY GROUP)
A COLONY OF AMISH PEOPLE NOW LIVE IN COLON, MICHIGAN. THEY MOVED
HERE FROM PENNSYLVANIA TO ESCAPE PROBLEMS WITH THEIR TEACHERS NOT
HAVING CERTIFICATES. NOW THEY ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM IN COLON.
ONE CAN TELL AN AMISH HOUSE IN COLON, MICH. BECAUSE THE WINDOWS
NEVER HAVE CURTAINS. THEY ONLY HAVE SHADES. THERE IS NO ELECTRICITY
OR LUXURIES IN THEIR HOUSES. THE PEOPLE OFTEN TAKE THEIR
HORSE AND BUGGY TO THE LOCAL SUPERMARKET, LEAVING THE HORSE TIED
TO A HITCHING POST OFF TO THE SIDE. THEY WILL NEVER BUY FOOD WITH
PRESERVATIVES AND PREFER TO EAT A RATHER THICK TASTING BREAD.
THE INFORMANT SAID THAT SHE TASTED THE BREAD AND COULD NOT STAND
MORE THAN A FEW BITES BECAUSE IT WAS SO RICH.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT FIRST LEARNED OF THE AMISH WHILE GOING TO A FAMILY
COTTAGE IN COLON, MICH. IN 1978. HER DESCRIPTION SOUNDS TYPICAL OF
THE CLASSIC PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH ATTIRE AND ATTITUDE. SIMPLICITY
AND KEEPING TO OLD TRADITIONS ARE INHERENT TO HER DESCRIPTION.
UPON VISITING COLON WITH THE INFORMANT, THE COLLECTOR NOTICED THE
SAME CUSTOMS. ONE HEARS ON THE NEWS ABOUT THE CURRENT PROBLEMS
WITH TEACHING, STRESSING THAT NEW DIFFICULTIES ARE ALWAYS ARISING
WITH THE AMISH.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
Keyword(s): Amish ; BREAD ; Buggy ; Curtains ; GERMAN ; HORSE ; Preservatives ; Shades ; Simplicity ; Technology
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Daily Life CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School Food Drink -- Plant food Cereal BELIEF -- P439 |
Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; 00-00-1978
WHEN CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY WINS A FOOTBALL GAME, THE BAND
PLAYS A SONG TO A TREE. THE SONG IS THE SCHOOL FIGHT SONG, THE TREE
IS CALLED THE VICTORY TREE. WHEN THEY LOSE A FOOTBALL GAME,
THEY SING THE ALMA MATER TO THE VICTORY TREE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MOUNT PLEASANT
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Emotion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: 11-00-80