Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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WHEN A GIRL IS ABOUT TO BECOME A GIRL SCOUT AFTER HAVING
BEEN A BROWNIE THE CEREMONY IS CALLED "FLYING UP."
FIRST THE FOLLOWING STORY IS TOLD:
ONCE THERE WAS AN OLD MAN AND HIS WIFE WHO LIVED ALONE IN
A HOUSE. ONE DAY WHEN THE OLD MAN AND WOMAN AWOKE THEY
FOUND OUT THAT THEIR HOUSE HAD BEEN CLEANED FOR THEM. THIS
HAPPENED MANY DAYS AND THEY CAME TO BELIEVE THAT IT WAS THE
WORK OF SOME LITTLE ELVES OR BROWNIES.
THE GIRL WHO IS THEN "FLYING UP" STANDS. THE GIRL SCOUT
LEADER TWIRLS HER AROUND AND ON THE FLOOR IS A ROUND MIRROR.
THE GIRL IS SUPPOSED TO LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND DISCOVER
WHO THE BROWNIES WERE WHO HELPED THE OLD MAN AND WOMAN.
THE LEADER TWIRLS HER THREE TIMES AND ASKS "WHO DO YOU SEE?"
THE GIRL LOOKS IN THE MIRROR AND SAYS "MYSELF." SHE THEN
GETS HER GIRL SCOUT PIN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 02-10-1970
CHUGGING A BEER WITHOUT STOPPING SEEMS TO BE AN INFORMAL
INITIATORY RITE, ESPECIALLY WITHIN SOME FRATERNITIES.
I SAY INITIATORY RITE BECAUSE THE NEW INITIATE IS USUALLY
COMPELLED TO DO SO, RATHER THAN DOING IT OF HIS OWN ACCORD.
THIS PRACTICE TAKES ON THE FORM OF AN INFORMAL CEREMONY,
I.E., A BIG DEAL IS MADE OF IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
SENIORS INITIATED FRESHMEN AT THE GIRLS' BOARDING SCHOOL
I WENT TO IN WISCONSIN. A TYPICAL STUNT WAS TO TEAR A
PIECE OF PAPER INTO EXACTLY 200 PIECES AND BURY THE PIECES
IN A FURRY BEAR RUG, THEN TELL THE FRESHMAN TO FIND ALL
200 PIECES USING A TWEEZERS.
Where learned: WISCONSIN ; SUN PRAIRIE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
THE SNIPE HUNT
THIS IS A KIND OF GAME OR INITIATION WHICH I LEARNED THIS
YEAR. WHILE IT SEEMED FAIRLY WELL KNOWN, THE ONLY WAY IT
CAN BE DONE EFFECTIVELY IS IF FEW PEOPLE IN THE GROUP KNOW
ABOUT IT. IT HAS TO BE DONE IN A FAIRLY LARGE GROUP
FOR THE BEST RESULTS.
THE IDEA OF A "SNIPE HUNT" IS MAKING THE NEW MEMBERS (IF
IT'S USED AS A FORM OF INITIATION) BELIEVE THEY ARE REALLY
HUNTING FOR "SNIPES," WHICH CAN BE ABSOLUTELY ANY KIND
OF ANIMAL THE IMAGINATION CAN MAKE UP. THE SENIOR MEMBERS
OF THE GROUP MAKE THE NEW MEMBERS FIRMLY BELIEVE THEY ARE
ALL REALLY LOOKING FOR "SNIPES." THE TIME I LEARNED ABOUT
IT, THE SENIOR MEMBERS OFFERED A REWARD TO THE ONE WHO
CAUGHT THE MOST "SNIPES," IN A GIVEN TIME PERIOD. BEFORE
THE HUNT BEGAN, THE SENIOR MEMBERS STATIONED A FEW OF
THEMSELVES ALONG THE PATH IN A WOODS TO MAKE NOISES AND
ACT AS SNIPES IN THE DARK. THE END OF THE HUNT WAS AT THE
END OF THE PATH WHERE THE NEW MEMBERS WERE AMBUSHED BY A
GROUP OF THE OLD MEMBERS PREVIOUSLY STATIONED.
MANY THINGS CAN BE DONE TO ADD TO THE FUN, SUCH AS
PROHIBITION OF FLASHLIGHTS (SNIPES STAY AWAY FROM ANY
KIND OF LIGHT) OF SENDING SENIOR MEMBERS TO GUIDE THE
HUNTING PARTIES, AND AT THE SAME TIME ACT AFRAID IN THE
DARK, ETC.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 09-00-1968
TO PLEDGE THE SIGMA RO FRATERNITY AT HENRY FORD HIGH SCHOOL,
THE YOUNG MAN MUST DRINK A QUART OF SAUERKRAUT JUICE.
Where learned: ON THE PHONE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
OLIVE RACES
PLEDGES ARE MADE TO REMOVE THEIR CLOTHES AND LIE DOWN ON THE
FLOOR. THEY ARE TOLD TO RISE UP ON THEIR ARMS AND LEGS
AND GRASP AN ALIVE IN THE FOLDS OF THEIR BUTTOCKS AND RACE
ACROSS THE FINISH LINE. THE LOSER WAS MADE TO EAT THE
OLIVES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 00-00-1968
VESUVIUS
THE PLEDGES TAKE A MOUTHFUL OF BEER AND ARE FORCED TO
HOLD IT, WHILE TWO ALKA SELTZER TABLETS ARE SHOVED INTO
THEIR MOUTHS.
Data entry tech comment:
RESULTING IN POWERFUL EJECTION OF THE LIQUID; HENCE THE
KC[ NAME--VESUVIUS.
CN[ ROKOSZ, MIKE
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 00-00-1967
THE PLEDGES ARE BROUGHT INTO A ROOM AND GIVEN A LARGE QUANTITY
OF LAXATIVES, AND TOLD TO TAKE OFF THEIR CLOTHES AND WAIT
ABOUT AN HOUR. A PIECE OF TAPE APPROXIMATELY THREE FEET
LONG IS ATTACHED AT THE END TO EACH MAN'S NOSE, AND AT
THE OTHER END TO ANOTHER MAN'S HIND END. THE PLEDGES ARE
THUS ARRANGED IN A CIRCLE, AND TOLD TO RUN AROUND. IF
THE TAPE IS AT ANY TIME PULLED OFF IT IS CUT IN HALF AND
AND REATTACHED. THE PLEDGES ARE CONSTANTLY REMINDED OF THE
LARGE QUANTITY OF LAXATIVES THEY HAD CONSUMED ONCE THE
TAPE HAD GOTTEN VERY SHORT.
Where learned: DARTMOUTH
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 00-00-1965
THE PLEDGE IN A SORORITY MUST HAVE ALL THE ACTIVES SIGN
A RAW EGG SHE IS HOLDING IN HER HAND, WITHOUT BREAKING IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 10-00-1969
EX-LAX
IT HAS BEEN SAID THAT A PLEDGE OF A FRATERNITY AND A PLEDGE
OF A SORORITY ARE TAKEN OUT TO DINNER AND ARE FED EX-LAX
WITH THEIR MEAL. THEY ARE THEN KIDNAPPED AND HANDCUFFED
AND DROPPED OFF IN THE WOODS. THEN IT IS JUST A MATTER OF
TIME BEFORE PROBLEMS ARISE.
Where learned: DETROIT ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED
Keyword(s): LAXATIVE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
IT IS GOOD LUCK TO SEAT AN ODD NUMBER OF PEOPLE FOR THE
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 03-24-1970
WHEN I LIVED IN NEW JERSEY, I BELONGED TO A GANG OF TEN
YEAR OLDS. INITIATION INTO THIS GANG CONSISTED OF
MEETING ON TOP OF A FACTORY AND JUMPING TO THE RAILROAD
TRACKS. YOU CLIMBED A FENCE, GOT ON THE FACTORY ROOF,
HANG ON THE GUTTER, THEN JUMP ACROSS FOUR FEET. BUT THE
GANG WAS NO GOOD.
Where learned: NEW JERSEY
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 03-11-1970
SENIORS INITIATED FRESHMEN AT THE GIRLS' BOARDING SCHOOL
I WENT TO. A TYPICAL STUNT WAS TO TELL THE GIRL TO PICK
A PURPLE AFFRODITY WITH WHITE GRASS THAT GREW AROUND$?
SINCE THE FLOWER USED ALL THE CHLOROPHYL IN THAT AREA.
(CHLOROPHYL IS WHAT MAKES THE GRASS GREEN, YOU SEE.)
THIS INITIATED THE FRESHMEN INTO THE RULES OF THE SCHOOL,
SINCE THE AFFRODITIES WERE SAID TO GROW ONLY ON THE
CONVENT SIDE OF THIS SCHOOL AND NONE OF THE GIRLS ARE
ALLOWED TO GO OVER TO THE CONVENT SIDE. (THE NUNS
NEVER COULD FIGURE OUT WHY IT WAS THAT EACH YEAR
THERE WERE ALWAYS NEW FRESHMEN WALKING AROUND IN THE
GRASS ON THE CONVENT SIDE.
Where learned: WISCONSIN ; SUN PRAIRIE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
SENIORS INITIATED FRESHMEN AT GIRLS' BOARDING SCHOOL
I WENT TO. A TYPICAL STUNT WAS TO HAVE THE GIRL
MAKE THE SENIOR'S BED, AND REMAKE IT UNTIL A QUARTER
WOULD BOUNCE OFF IT, AND THEN PROBABLY REMAKE IT
AGAIN.
Where learned: WISCONSIN ; SUN PRAIRIE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
SENIORS INITIATED FRESHMEN AT GIRLS' BOARDING SCHOOL
I WENT TO. A TYPICAL STUNT WAS TO MAKE THE GIRL
PUSH A NICKEL DOWN A LONG CORRIDOR (WITH PEOPLE
STANDING IN THE WAY) WITH HER NOSE.
Where learned: WISCONSIN ; SUN PRAIRIE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
HELL WEEKEND IS THE LAST WEEKEND OF THE 6-8 WEEK PLEDGE
PERIOD (PERIOD OF PROBATION DURING WHICH ONE IS JOINING A
FRATERNITY OR SORORITY). MOST HELL WEEKENDS BEGIN WITH A
"PARTY" FRIDAY NIGHT, DURING WHICH MEMBERS MAKE PLEDGES DO
EXTENSIVE PHYSICAL EXERCISE. THE PLEDGES ARE THEN GIVEN A
LIST OF ITEMS (MANHOLE COVERS, BLACK LACE BRAS, G STRINGS,
USED SANITARY NAPKINS, STREET SIGNS, ETC.) WHICH THEY HAVE
TO GET DURING WHAT IS CALLED THE SCAVENGER HUNT. BY ABOUT
9:00 A.M. SATURDAY THE PLEDGES MUST HAVE A FIRE GOING AT
SOME SPECIFIED PLACE SUCH AS A STATE PARK. THE MEMBERS
ARRIVE AND GIVE THE PLEDGES "HELL" I.E., THE PLEDGES ARE
MADE TO DO MORE EXTENSIVE PHYSICAL EXERCISE ACCOMPANIED
BY MENTAL HAZING AND PHYSICAL DEGRADATION SUCH AS GETTING
EGGS, MOLASSES, AND CORN FLAKES POURED INSIDE THEIR
CLOTHES. THROUGHOUT THE DAY THE PLEDGES ARE ALSO FORCED TO
EAT VARIOUS KINDS OF HOT AND/OR DISTASTEFUL THINGS, SUCH AS
GARLIC PEPPER, GOLDFISH, TOBASCO SAUCE, ONIONS, ETC.
FINALLY ABOUT 4:00 SATURDAY AFTERNOON THE MEMBERS LEAVE AND
THE PLEDGES GO HOME TO BED. IF NONE OF THE PLEDGES HAVE
QUIT OR DONE ANYTHING TO GET A MEMBER MAD, THEY ARE INITIATED
INTO THE FRATERNITY SUNDAY NIGHT.
Submitter comment:
HELL WEEKEND, AS DESCRIBED BY OMICRON TAU PLEDGE CLASS,
VERIFIED AS TYPICAL BY TAU (UPSILON?) THETA, TAU KAPPA
EPSILON, PHI KAPPA THETA, UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT, 1968.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OHIO ; DETROIT ; MASSILLON
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 00-00-1968
INITIATION AT MARYGROVE LASTS FIVE DAYS. DURING THIS TIME
THE FRESHMEN GIRLS ARE REQUIRED TO DO DIFFERENT STUNTS.
SINGING THE TOWER SONG AT ANY AND ALL TIMES, TIPPING
DINK (SMALL GREEN AND GOLD BEANIE) TO THE BIG SISTER CLASS
(JUNIORS), WEARING GREEN AND GOLD COORDINATES, HILL-BILLY
DAY.
ENDS IN INVESTITURE CEREMONY. THE JUNIOR CLASS FORMS AN
HONOR GUARD WITH CANDLES TO LIGHT THE WAY INTO COLLEGE
YEARS. FRESHMEN, AT THIS TIME, RECEIVE ACADEMIC CAP AND
GOWN. A DINNER CELEBRATION WITH THE JUNIOR CLASS CONCLUDES
THE WEEK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MARYGROVE COLLEGE ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 00001968 FALL
A GIRL IS REALLY NOT A COED UNTIL SHE HAS BEEN KISSED UNDER
BOEMONTE TOWER AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT. PLEASE NOTE THAT
CURFEW IS AT 11:00 O'CLOCK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 10-00-1968
ON CERTAIN KIBBUTZES IN ISRAEL, IN ORDER FOR A BOY TO BE
ACCEPTED AS A YOUNG MAN, HE MUST PERFORM A CERTAIN ACTION
WHEN HE IS FOURTEEN. THE KIBBUTZES HAVE GUARDED HOTHOUSES
IN WHICH ALL THE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES ARE GROWN AND
KEPT. THE BOY'S INITIATION CONSISTS OF SNEAKING PAST THE
GUARD AT THE HOTHOUSE AND GOING TO WHERE THE WATERMELONS
ARE KEPT (BEHIND IRON BARS), CUTTING A WATERMELON OPEN,
GETTING BOTH HALVES BETWEEN THE GRATE, SNEAK PAST THE
GUARD, RUNNING BACK HOME AND THEN SHARING HIS PRIZE
WITH THE OTHER BOYS IN THE KIBBUTZ.
Where learned: PHONE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 11-28-1971
AT OLIVET COLLEGE IN 1960 A HELL NIGHT HAZING PRANK OF THE
ADELPHIC FRATERNITY:
HAVING TO RECITE PLEDGE RULES IN ORDER WHILE LAYING NUDE
IN SIX INCHES OF ICE WATER WHILE FRATERNITY MEMBERS
DROPPED RAW EGGS FROM BALCONY INTO MOUTH OF RECITER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; OLIVET
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 12-00-1971 ; 00-00-1960