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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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DRINKING GAME "ZOOM-SWARTZ-PAFIGLIANO"
PEOPLE ARE ARRANGED IN A CIRCLE WITH DRINKS IN HAND.
ONE PERSON STARTS OFF BY SAYING ZOOM, SWARTZ, OR
PAFIGLIANO. HE MUST LOOK DIRECTLY AT ANOTHER PERSON
WHILE SAYING THIS. THE PERSON WHO HAS BEEN SPOKEN
TO MUST DELIVER A PHRASE TO ANOTHER PERSON. IF HE
DOESN'T RESPOND IN A MATTER OF A FEW SECONDS, HE MUST
DRINK. IF A PERSON SAYS PAFIGLIANO, THE PERSON WHO HAS
SPOKEN BEFORE HIM MUST RESPOND, REGARDLESS OF WHO THE
RESPONSE IS BEING DIRECTED TO. EXAMPLE: PERSON A SAYS
ZOOM TO PERSON B, PERSON B SAYS PAFIGLIANO TO PERSON C.
IN THIS SITUATION, PERSON A MUST RESPOND OR ELSE
HE IS FORCED TO DRINK. OTHERS RULES THAT APPLY ARE AS
FOLLOWS: NO POINTING IS ALLOWED, NO SCANNING OF THE
EYES IS ALLOWED, AND ZOOM CAN'T BE SAID TWICE.
VIOLATIONS OF THESE RULES RESULT IN A DRINK BEING
TAKEN BY THE OFFENDER.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A FAST-PACED GAME. AGAIN, AS THE EVENING PRO-
GRESSES, THE GAME BECOMES QUITE A CHALLENGE BECAUSE OF
THE CONDITION OF THE PLAYERS. IT IS ENJOYABLE AND
FUN TO WATCH, IN ADDITION TO BEING A CHALLENGE TO PLAY.
THE KEY TO SUCCESS IN THIS GAME IS TO BE QUICK AND
ACCURATE WITH YOUR ANSWER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Mental Activity Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Memory |
Date learned: 10-00-1977
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
"THUMP-DRAG"
MANY YEARS AGO A COUNSELOR AT THE CYO BOYS CAMP WAS WORKING IN
THE CRAFT-HOUSE. HE REACHED UP ON A HIGH SHELF TO GET SOMETHING AND
ACCIDENTALLY KNOCKED A BOTTLE OF ACID OFF THE SHELF. HE FELL TO THE
FLOOR AND HIT HIS HEAD ON A TABLE, AND THE ACID FELL ALL OVER HIS
LEFT LEG.
HE WAS TAKEN TO THE DOCTOR, BUT HE WAS DEAD. THEY BURIED HIM
SOON AFTER--BUT HE WASN'T REALLY DEAD} HE CAME TO WHEN HE WAS BURIED
IN THE COFFIN, AND HE SCRATCHED AND DUG HIS WAY OUT OF THE GRAVE.
THIS "DEAD" COUNSELOR NOW HATED ANYONE AT A CAMP BECAUSE OF THIS
AWFUL THING THAT HAPPENED TO HIM. THE NEXT SUMMER HE CAME BACK TO THE
CYO BOYS CAMP. HE WAS HORRIBLE-LOOKING, AND YOU COULD HEAR HIM COMING
BECAUSE OF THE THUMP-DRAG NOISE HE MADE BECAUSE OF THE ACID THAT
SPILLED ON HIS LEG.
IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT HE CAME AND KILLED A WHOLE BUNCH OF
CAMPERS AND COUNSELORS, AND THEN DISAPPEARED. BUT FIVE YEARS LATER HE
CAME TO THE CAMP DOWN THE ROAD AND DID THE SAME THING. HE COMES BACK
EVERY FIVE YEARS AND THUMP-DRAGS INTO THE NEXT CAMP DOWN THE ROAD.
AND FIVE YEARS AGO HE CAME TO THE CAMP JUST BEFORE THIS ONE} AND HE
ALWAYS COMES DURING THESE TWO WEEKS} SO LISTEN FOR A THUMP-DRAG
CAREFULLY, BECAUSE HE MAY BE HERE ANY NIGHT}}
Submitter comment: THIS IS A STORY TOLD TO CAMPERS AT CYO GIRLS CAMP, CARSONVILLE, MICH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Fifths Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed |
Date learned: 10-30-1969
THUMP-DRAG
ABOUT THIRTY YEARS AGO WHEN WHAT IS NOW CYO CAMP FOR GIRLS IN
CARSONVILLE WAS JUST STARTED, IT WAS A BOYS CAMP. MANY OF THE
BUILDINGS THAT ARE THERE NOW WEREN'T EVEN BUILT YET. WHAT IS NOW THE
NATURE NOOK WAS IN THE STOREROOM. A YOUNG CHEMISTRY STUDENT WAS IN
CHARGE OF NATURE. ONCE HE WAS REACHING UP TO A HIGH SHELF TO GET SOME
CHEMICALS FOR AN EXPERIMENT. THE SHELF COLLAPSED AND A BOTTLE OF ACID
SPILLED ALL OVER HIM. HE JUMPED BACK SO QUICKLY THAT HE FELL AND
BROKE HIS LEG. HE LAY ON THE FLOOR WRITHING AND SCREAMING AS THE ACID
BURNED HIS FACE. SOMEONE HEARD HIM AND RAN FOR HELP. SOON A WHOLE
GROUP OF COUNSELORS CAME. WHEN THEY SAW THE ACID BURNING THEY
GRABBED HIM AND DRAGGED HIM TO THE LAKE. EVENTUALLY THEY WERE ABLE
TO STOP THE BURNING BUT BY THIS TIME MOST OF HIS FACE HAD BEEN EATEN
AWAY BY THE ACID, HIS BROKEN LEG WAS HOPELESSLY MANGLED AND THE
UNBEARABLE PAIN HAD MADE HIS MIND SNAP. HE WAS COMMITTED TO A MENTAL
INSTITUTION BUT HE ESCAPED SOON AFTER. PEOPLE IN THE CARSONVILLE
AREA REPORTED SEEING HIM, HIS FACE A REPULSIVE BLOB, LIMPING AROUND.
CHILDREN HEARD HIM WALKING--A THUMP FOLLOWED BY THE DRAG OF HIS
USELESS LEG. ONE NIGHT HE RETURNED TO THE CAMP. HE MET UP WITH A
CAMPER AT THE BIFFY. HE LUNGED TO GRAB THE CHILD BUT TRIPPED AND
FELL, KNOCKING THE CAMPER UNCONSCIOUS. AFTER THAT THE POLICE SET OUT
DRAGNETS TO TRY AND CATCH HIM. THE CAMP REQUIRED THAT ALL CAMPERS
TAKE A BUDDY WHEREVER THEY GO. STILL THUMP-DRAG GOES TO A DIFFERENT
CAVELL, YMCA AND YWCA. EVERY SEVENTH YEAR HE RETURNS TO THIS CAMP,
THE SCENE OF HIS ACCIDENT AND SEEKS REVENGE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; CYO CAMP ; CARSONVILLE
Keyword(s): SUPERNATURAL LEGEND
| Subject headings: | 686 Seven / Sevenths / Several Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed |
PASTIME
WHENEVER DANDELIONS WERE IN SEASON, THE CHILDREN IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
WOULD PINCH UNDER THE TOP OF THE FLOWER, CAUSING IT TO BREAK OFF THE
STEM. THE FLOWER WOULD THEN FLY THROUGH THE AIR. AT THE SAME
TIME, THE FOLLOWING WAS CHANTED: MM
MAMA HAD A BABY
AND ITS HEAD POPPED OFF.
Submitter comment:
THE COLLECTOR FIRST HEARD OF THIS DANDELION PASTIME AS A CHILD IN
TAYLOR, MICH. IN 1970 AND CONTINUED PLAYING IT UPON MOVING TO
SOUTHGATE, MICH. AN ANALOGY IS MADE BETWEEN A MOTHER'S BABY AND
A DANDELION FLOWER. WHEN PLAYED AS DESCRIBED, NO COMPETITION IS
INVOLVED. HOWEVER, WITH TWO OR MORE CHILDREN, THE ELEMENT OF
DISTANCE IS PRESENT AND THE WINNER IS THE ONE WHO POPS THE FLOWER
THE FARTHEST. THIS IS SIMILAR TO THE BEHEADING OF A FLOWER AS
IT RELATES AS A SYMBOL OF A BABY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; USA ; SOUTHGATE
James Callow Keyword(s): BEHEADING OF FLOWER (BABY)
Date learned: 00-00-1970
TRADITION
WHEN YOU ARE SITTING AROUND A CAMPFIRE AT NIGHT AND THE WIND BLOWS
SMOKE IN YOUR EYES, THE PERSON RETORTS WITH; MM
I HATE RABBITS
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT FIRST HEARD OF THIS STATEMENT WHILE CAMPING IN
ONTARIO, CANADA. WHEN QUESTIONED, HE COULD OFFER NO EXPLANATION
AND CLAIMED THAT HIS FAMILY HAD ALWAYS DONE IT. PERHAPS A RABBIT
IS ASSOCIATED WITH MISFORTUNE (SMOKE IN THE EYES). ANOTHER
EXPLANATION COULD BE THAT RABBITS ARE SUPPOSED TO SEE GOOD AND
SMOKE IN THE EYES PREVENTS PROPER SIGHT. HENCE, "I HATE RABBITS".
THE EARLIEST DATE THAT THE INFORMANT COULD RECALL THIS WAS IN THE
SUMMER AROUND 1965.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): NON-SEQUITUR
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse BELIEF -- Mammal SPEECH -- Game Pastime Sport SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 10-00-1980
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
FOLK CURE AND REMEDY
A SURE CURE FOR WARTS INVOLVES THE USE OF LEAVES FROM A WEEPING
WILLOW TREE. THE INFLICTED PERSON RUBS THE LEAVES OVER THE WART IN
THE SIGN OF THE CROSS. THEN THEY BURY THEM.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT FIRST HEARD THIS REMEDY AROUND THE YEAR 1910 IN
POLAND. IT IS A PLUGGING CURE IN WHICH THE OBJECT USED TO CURE
THE WARTS IS BURIED IN THE GROUND. A HIGH DEGREE OF BELIEF WAS
PORTRAYED WHEN SHE DISPLAYED HER HANDS TO THE COLLECTOR. WHERE
THERE USED TO BE WARTS, THERE WERE NONE PRESENT. THE INFORMANT
DID NOT INDICATE WHETHER A TRANSFER OCCURRED FROM THE HAND TO THE
LEAF.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): TRANSFER
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications BELIEF -- Plant BELIEF -- Method of Curing |
Date learned: 10-00-1980
SUPERSTITION
DRINKING GIN CAUSES WRINKLES. MO OTHER LIQUOR WILL HAVE THIS
RESULT.
Submitter comment:
WHEN QUESTIONED, THE INFORMANT COULD OFFER NO EXPLANATION AS TO
WHY GIN IS THE ONLY LIQUOR THAT HAS WRINKLES AS A RESULT.
PERHAPS SOMEONE IN HIS FAMILY DRANK HIGH AMOUNTS OF GIN AND HAD
A LOT OF WRINKLES. HE MAY HAVE SUBCONSCIOUSLY CONNECTED THE TWO AS
CAUSE AND EFFECT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
Date learned: 10-00-1980
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
SUPERSTITION
THE PEOPLE IN THE CITY WOULD PUT A CRADLE, FULL OF STRAW, IN A TREE,
HOPEFULLY, A STORK WOULD MAKE ITS NEST THERE. WHEN THE STORK
THROWS ONE OF HER BABIES OUT OF THE NEST, THIS MEANS THAT THERE
WILL BE A BAD SUMMER.
Submitter comment:
THIS WEATHER PREDICTOR WAS FIRST HEARD BY THE INFORMANT AROUND 1910
IN POLAND. A STORK, CRADLE AND GOOD SUMMER ALL SYMBOLIZE LIFE.
THIS IS HINDERED BY A BIRD FALLING FROM THE CRADLE (DEATH) CAUSING
A BREAK IN THE LINK (A BAD SUMMER).
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Observation Favorites BELIEF -- Bird BELIEF -- Weather sign or control BELIEF -- Measure of time Summer BELIEF -- Use of Object BELIEF -- Weather sign or control |
Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; CA00001910
WISHES
IF YOU WISH SOMETHING GOOD ON THE THIRD SNEEZE,
THE WISH WILL COME TRUE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple Favorites BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 00-00-1925
REMEDY
THIS REMEDY CAN BE USED FOR ANY TYPE OF RASH. TAKE OATMEAL AND BAKING
SODA AND PUT THEM TOGETHER IN A SOCK. RUN A BATHTUB OF WATER WHILE
YOU HAVE THE SOCK TIED TO THE END OF THE FAUCET. THIS WAY THE THINGS
INSIDE THE SOCK WILL FILTER INTO THE BATHTUB. THIS TAKES AWAY THE
ITCH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Plant BELIEF -- Mineral BELIEF -- Method of Curing |
Date learned: 00001930S
SPUD MAGOO
THIS IS A GAME WHICH MANY PEOPLE CAN PLAY. IT IS A GAME PLAYED
IN A CAR WHILE TRAVELING. THE OBJECT OF THE GAME IS TO BE THE FIRST
PLAYER TO GET TO FIVE HUNDRED POINTS. TO GET YOUR POINTS YOU HAVE
TO SPOT VOLKSWAGON BUGS. FOR EACH BUG YOU SPOT YOU RECEIVE FIFTY
POINTS. IF YOU HAPPEN TO SPOT A RED BUG YOU RECEIVE ONE HUNDRED
POINTS. WHEN YOU SPOT A FIFTY POINT BUG YOU SAY THE WORD SPUD AND
IF YOU ARE THE FIRST ONE IN THE CAR TO SAY SPUD YOU WILL GET THE
POINTS. IF YOU SEE A RED BUG YOU SAY SPUD MAGOO AND BE THE FIRST
ONE TO DO SO TO GET THE ONE HUNDRED POINTS.
Submitter comment:
THIS GAME WAS POPULAR WHEN BUGS WERE A POPULAR CAR. A BUG IS A
TYPE OF VOLKSWAGON. FOR A VARIATION YOU CAN USE ANOTHER TYPE OF CAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Pastime BELIEF -- Number P686.1.500 |
Date learned: 00001970S
TIN CAN COPPER
FOR THIS GAME YOU WILL NEED A BIG EMPTY CAN. THE PERSON THAT IS IT
IS THE TIN CAN COPPER. HE GUARDS THE TIN CAN. THE OBJECT OF THE
GAME IS FOR THE COPPER TO ARREST ALL OF THE PLAYERS AS THEY TRY TO
KICK THE CAN. THE TIN CAN COPPER STAYS IN THE AREA OF THE TIN CAN
PROTECTING IT FROM THE OTHERS. THE OTHER CHILDREN TRY TO SUCCEED IN
KICKING THE CAN AWAY FROM THE COPPER. BEFORE THE COPPER CAN CHASE
THE CHILD HE MUST FIRST RETURN THE CAN TO THE SAME SPOT. ONCE THE
CAN HAS BEEN REPLACED THE COPPER CAN TRY TO CATCH THE OTHERS. IF A
CHILD IS CAUGHT BEFORE THE CAN IS KICKED AGAIN THAT PERSON IS CAUGHT
FOR THE REST OF THE GAME.
Submitter comment:
THE WORD COPPER IN THIS GAME MUST HAVE ORIGINATED FROM THAT TIME
BECAUSE I HAVE HEARD IT IN OLD MOVIES. THERE IS A VARIATION OF
THIS GAME I USED TO PLAY. WE CALLED IT KICK THE CAN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Pastime Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Hiding Searching Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 00001930S
DRUNK LOBSTER
TO PREPARE THIS FOOD YOU TAKE A LIVE LOBSTER AND PUT IT INTO A
LARGE GLASS BOWL. THEN YOU COMPLETELY COVER THE LOBSTER WITH GRAIN
ALCOHOL. NEXT YOU SHAKE THE BOWL BACK AND FORTH THUS MAKING THE
LOBSTER DRUNK. THEN THE LOBSTER IS PLACED ON YOUR PLATE AND YOU EAT
IT WHILE IT IS STILL ALIVE. THAT WAY YOU KNOW THAT WHAT YOU ARE
EATING IS STILL FRESH.
Submitter comment: MY INFORMANT COLLECTED THIS IN TAIWAN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Favorites Food Drink -- Manner of preparation Food Drink -- Meat Fish and other animal life related to water |
Date learned: 00-00-1978
DYNGUS DAY
THE MONDAY AFTER EASTER BOYS SPRINKLED CHEAP PERFUME ON THE GIRLS
WHICH REPRESENTED THE SPITTLE JESUS RECEIVED FROM THE ROMANS.
Submitter comment:
THIS VERSION OF DYNGUS DAY WAS PARTICULARLY FRUSTRATING, ESPECIALLY
SINCE GIRLS TRIED TO KEEP THEIR HAIR NICE.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Monday Dyngus |
Date learned: 00-00-1930
CURE FOR BOILS
COW MANURE PUT ON CHEESE CLOTH AND WRAPPED AROUND AN OPEN WOUND OR
BOIL WAS USED FOR HEALING.
Submitter comment:
THE BAD THING MY GRANDMOTHER FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS REMEDY FROM
CHICAGO WAS THAT ITS USE LED TO ISOLATION FOR AWHILE.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Remedy BELIEF -- Animal |
Date learned: 00-00-1920