Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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MILT FAMEY
MILT FAMEY WAS A MAJOR LEAGUE PITCHER FOR THE BOSTON BEANS. HE HAD
BEEN WITH THE TEAM FOR 4 YEARS AND HAD NEVER PITCHED A GAME. THE
REASON FOR THIS WAS THAT JOE "LEFTY" SLINGER WAS ALSO WITH THE TEAM.
HE WAS THE WINNINGEST PITCHER IN THE MAJORS, PITCHING EVERY GAME FOR
THE BEANS. NEEDLESS TO SAY, MILT WAS GETTING PRETTY DISCOURAGED AND
HE TOOK TO DRINKING WHILE SITTING ON THE BENCH. HE AVERAGED ABOUT A
CASE OF BEER A GAME. HIS FIFTH YEAR FOR THE BEANS WAS NO DIFFERENT
THAN THE FIRST FOUR. LEFTY WAS PITCHING FLAWLESSLY AND MILT WAS
BECOMING AN ALCOHOLIC. THEN IT HAPPENED. IT WAS THE SEVENTH GAME OF
THE WORLD SERIES WITH THE BEANS LEADING 3 TO 0 OVER THE SMALLVILLE
GIANTS IN THE BOTTOM OF THE NINTH. THE GIANTS WERE AT BAT WITH ONE
OUT. THE NEXT BATTER LINED ONE RIGHT AT LEFTY. IT HIT HIM IN THE HAND
AND AFTER MAKING THE PUTOUT LEFTY COLLAPSED AND HAD TO BE CARRIED
OFF THE FIELD, SUFFERING A BROKEN HAND. IT WAS MILT'S BIG CHANCE TO
PROVE HIMSELF. UNFORTUNATELY, HE WAS STILL SITTING ON THE BENCH
DRINKING BEER AND THROWING THE EMPTY CANS OUT ON THE FIELD ALONG THE
THIRD BASE LINE. AFTER REALIZING WHAT HAD HAPPENED, HE STUMBLED OUT
ONTO THE FIELD TO THE PITCHER'S MOUND AND SHOUTED TO THE CATCHER TO
BRING 'EM ON. THE FIRST BATTER STEPPED UP AND MILT LEFT GO WITH HIS
FIRST PITCH WHICH SAILED THROUGH THE AIR ABOUT 15 FEET ABOVE THE
BATTER'S HEAD, AS DID THE NEXT 3 PITCHES. THE NEXT 2 BATTERS ALSO
GOT ON BASE THIS WAY. NOW THINGS WERE GETTING CLOSE. THE BASES WERE
LOADED WITH THE WINNING RUN AT THE PLATE. MILT KNEW HE HAD BETTER
START THROWING STRIKES SOON AND HE DID SO ON THE NEXT PITCH. THERE
WAS A LOUD CRACK AND THE BALL SAILED OUT OF THE PARK FOR A GAME
WINNING HOMERUN. AS THE BASERUNNERS ROUNDED THIRD THEY WERE BEGINNING
TO KICK THROUGH ALL OF MILT'S EMPTY BEER CANS. ONE OF THEM ASKED
WHERE ALL THE EMPTY CANS HAD COME FROM AND ANOTHER REPLIED "THAT'S
THE BEER THAT MADE MILT FAMEY WALK US".
Submitter comment:
THIS STORY WAS TOLD WITH A GREAT AMOUNT OF HAND AND ARM MOVEMENT.
WOULD COME UNDER C1400-C1599 IN SHAGGY DOG INDEX (PUNCH LINE FROM
ADVERTISING). - J. T. CALLOW
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT DORMS
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formula tale SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 00-00-1971
OMEN
WHEN YOU CROSS A RAILROAD TRACK PUT YOUR HAND ON THE ROOF OF THE CAR
OR YOU WILL LOSE YOUR FRIENDS.
Submitter comment: WHEN ASKED THE MEANING OF THIS SHE HAD NO IDEA
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
James Callow Keyword(s): TRAVEL
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses Hands, palms, fingernails BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 11-15-1973
WISHING
WHEN YOU SEE A MAIL TRUCK, CROSS YOUR FINGERS AND MAKE A WISH. KEEP
THEM CROSSED UNTIL YOU SEE A DOG. THEN UNCROSS THEM AND YOUR WISH
WILL COME TRUE.
Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT WAS LIVING IN CALIFORNIA AT THIS TIME
Where learned: CALIFORNIA ; MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Prayer BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 11-15-1973
FORMULA SPEECH--CORRECTIVE
WHEN CHILDREN WANT TO COMMUNICATE TO SOMEONE THAT HIS OR HER FLY
IS DOWN, THEY START COUNTING RAPIDLY. EACH NUMBER IS SUPPOSED TO
REPRESENT A COW COMING OUT OF THE PANTS (THOUGH NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW
WHY) AND THE MORE THAT ESCAPE, THE WORSE. WHEN BOTH CHILDREN UNDER-
STAND THE USE OF THE NUMBERS, THE ONE ZIPS UP, AND THE OTHER CHANTS
"HA, HA, THIRTY COWS," OR HOWEVER MANY HE COUNTED. WHEN ONE PERSON
DOES NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE OTHER IS COUNTING, THE COUNTER MIGHT
ENUMERATE UP TO FIFTY OR EVEN FURTHER, THEN FINALLY POINT TO THE
OTHER'S FLY. THAT WAY HE WILL HAVE ALL THE MORE COWS TO TEASE THE
PERSON ABOUT.
Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON
James Callow Keyword(s): FLY:ZIPPER
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 11-00-1973
PRACTICAL JOKE
THE TRICKSTER POINTS WITH HIS INDEX FINGER TO A SPOT ABOUT
HALF-WAY DOWN THE DUPE'S SHIRT, AND ASKS HIM, "WHAT IS THAT?" WHEN
THE DUPE BOWS HIS HEAD TO LOOK DOWN, THE TRICKSTER SCOOTS HIS FINGER
UP AND SLAPS THE FORMER ON THE LOWER CHIN.
Submitter comment:
SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN HAVE BEEN USING THIS AS LONG AS I CAN RE-
MEMBER, AND YOUNG ADULTS STILL DO IT OCCASIONALLY FOR A LAUGH.
THE REALLY AMUSING THING ABOUT IT IS THAT SOMEONE WILL NEARLY ALWAYS
FALL FOR IT, NO MATTER HOW OFTEN THEY HAVE BEEN TRICKED--THE QUESTION
IS SUCH THAT THE REFLEXES ARE IMMEDIATELY STIMULATED INTO FORCING THE
EYES TO LOOK DOWN. SOMETIMES THE TRICKSTER MAY LOOK HORRIFIED, AND
EXCLAIM, "EWWWW, WHAT'S THAT:?" AND MAY AT OTHER TIMES SAY IT MATTER-
OF-FACTLY.
IN THE RARE CASE WHEN THE DUPE IS NOT FOOLED, HE USUALLY GETS A
WIDE GRIN ON HIS FACE, AND WILL NOT LOOK DOWN. THE DEFEATED
TRICKSTER DROPS HIS HAND IN DISGUST.
Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 11-00-1973
FORMULA SPEECH
WHEN TWO PEOPLE SAY THE SAME WORD OR PHRASE AT THE SAME TIME, THE
FIRST ONE WHO PUNCHES THE OTHER ON THE ARM, AND SAYS "COKE," IS
SUPPOSED TO BE BOUGHT A COKE BY THE OTHER. (IN MY WORDS)
Submitter comment:
OCCASIONALLY, BESIDES SAYING THE ORIGINAL WORD TWICE, WHEN BOTH
PEOPLE ARE AWARE OF THE GAME USING "COKE," THEY MIGHT BOTH SAY THE
WORD "COKE," ITSELF AT THE SAME TIME, IN ATTEMPTING TO BEAT THEIR
OPPONENT AT SAYING IT. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE QUICK THINKER IMMEDI-
ATELY REPEATS "COKE" AGAIN, AND HE'S NOW THE WINNER. WHEN TWO ARE
BOTH VERY MUCH AWARE OF HOW THE GAME WORKS, THIS QUITE OFTEN HAP-
PENS. THE RESULT IS THAT THE TWO PEOPLE MAY SAY "COKE" TOGETHER
FOUR OR FIVE TIMES IN A ROW. THE QUICK PLAYER NOW OFTEN SAYS "COKE,
NO RETURNS, STOP," AND HE IS THE WINNER.
JUST LIKE ANY OTHER BET MADE IN FUN, THIS ONE IS RARELY PAID OFF, AND
IS NOT EVEN EXPECTED TO BE. THE FUN IS MERELY IN THE DOING OF IT.
Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Athletic sport and exercise Gymnastics SPEECH -- Game Pastime Sport SPEECH -- Formula SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 10-00-1973
GESTURES
THE THUMB PLACED ON TOP OF THE FINGER CLOSEST TO THE LITTLE
FINGER IS A GESTURE FOR CONTEMPLATION OF PEACE TO OTHERS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 09-00-1973
WEDDINGS
WHEN ONE SEES A WEDDING PARTY, IT IS GOOD LUCK TO LICK ONE'S THUMB
AND POUND ONE'S FIST THREE TIMES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage BELIEF -- Body part Senses Hands, palms, fingernails BELIEF -- Good luck P881.5 SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 09-00-1973
THROWING SALT OVER YOUR SHOULDER BREAKS ANY BAD LUCK THAT YOU HAVE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Mineral BELIEF -- Conversions P883.17 SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 11-00-1972
A SIGNAL USED AT WORK IS THE CRACKING OF THE WRISTS IN OPPOSITE
DIRECTIONS WITH AN IMAGINARY STICK. THIS IS USED TO INDICATE THERE
IS SOME TYPE OF BREAKDOWN SOMEWHERE ON THE STEEL MILL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Work Commerce Business SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 10-17-1972
A SIGNAL USED AT WORK IS THE RUBBING OF THE STOMACH WITH THE HAND.
THAT SIGNIFIES THAT EVERYTHING IS GOING ALL RIGHT ON THE STEEL MILL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Work Commerce Business SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 10-17-1972
CLENCHED FISTS WITH THUMBS EXTENDED MOVING FROM THE CENTER OF THE
BODY OUTWARD, MEANS TO REMOVE THE CHECKS FROM THE WHEELS OF THE
AIRCRAFT. IT ITSELF IS USED BT TAXI SIGNALERS AND PLANE HANDLERS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Work Commerce Business SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 10-17-1972
A SIGNAL USED AT WORK IS ROTATING THE INDEX FINGER IN A CIRCLE
POINTED UPWARD. THIS IS USED TO START UP THE MILLS AND TO BEGIN
ROLLING STEEL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Work Commerce Business SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 10-17-1972
AN ITALIAN TRADITION IS TO SAY A PARTING WORD TO THE DECEASED
INDIVIDUAL AT A FUNERAL AND THEN SLAP THE CASKET AS A SIGN OF
FAREWELL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 10-17-1972
REMEMBERING
IF YOU FORGET SOMETHING TAKE THREE STEPS BACK TO REMEMBER.
HE WAS TOLD THIS BY HIS GRANDMOTHER WHEN HEWAS LITTLE.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION POSITION ; HOMEOPATHIC
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 10-00-1972
GREETING GAME
HELLO CHEST! (PAT ON CHEST ) GLAD TO SEE YOU BACK (PAT ON BACK )
HAVEN'T SEEN YOU IN YEARS (PULL EAR), BUT STILL I NOSE YA!"
(PULL NOSE)
Where learned: MARYLAND ; BALTIMORE ; TOLD IN
James Callow Keyword(s): PUN (NOSE AND KNOWS)
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Athletic sport and exercise Gymnastics BELIEF -- Body part Senses SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 11-26-1972
RING THE BELL
RING THE BELL(PULL LOCK OF HAIR), KNOCK AT THE DOOR (TAP FOREHEAD)
PEEP IN (LOOK IN EARS), LIFT THE LATCH (TILT NOSE), WALK IN
(OPEN MOUTH), GO DOWN IN THE CELLAR AND EAT APPLES(TICKLE THROAT)
Where learned: MARYLAND ; BALTIMORE ; TOLD IN
James Callow Keyword(s): METAPHOR
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Athletic sport and exercise Gymnastics BELIEF -- Body part Senses SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 11-26-1972
IF YOUR RIGHT HAND ITCHES YOU WILL SOON SHAKE HANDS WITH A STRANGER.
Where learned: MARYLAND ; BALTIMORE ; TOLD IN
James Callow Keyword(s): RIGHT LEFT
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Body part Senses Hands, palms, fingernails BELIEF -- Sensations and involuntary actions Itching hands and feet SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 11-18-1972
LOCK THE DOOR AND THROW AWAY THE KEY
THE INFORMANT WITNESSED THE FOLLOWING IN A KINDERGARTEN CLASS. THE
GESTURE WAS MADE BY THE TEACHER. THE MEANING WAS FOR THE CHILDREN TO
BE QUIET. IN GESTURE FORM THE TEACHER MADE BELIEVE HER MOUTH WAS A
LOCK AND IN HER HAND A KEY. SHE PUT HER HAND UP IN FRONT OF HER
MOUTH AND MADE BELIEVE SHE WAS LOCKING THE DOOR. SHE THEN THROWS THE
MAKE BELIEVE KEY AWAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; PORT HURON
James Callow Keyword(s): PANTOMIME
| Subject headings: | Shadow / Pantomime SPEECH -- Gesture SPEECH -- To Be Seen |
Date learned: 10-30-1972
WHAT DO YOU WANT?
THIS IS SAID IN A JOKING MANNER TO SOMEONE WHO IS BEING A NUISANCE.
WHAT DO YOU WANT, SIX MONTHS IN A HOSPITAL (SHAKE LEFT FIST AT
PERSON), OR SUDDEN DEATH (SHAKE RIGHT FIST AT PERSON)?
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; PORT HURON
James Callow Keyword(s): THREAT CHOICE
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 09-18-1972