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VERSE WITHOUT MUSIC

FIVE LITTLE SQUIRRELS SITTING IN A TREE.
FIRST ONE SAYS, "WHAT DO I SEE?"
SECOND ONE SAYS, "I SEE A GUN."
THIRD ONE SAYS, "OH LET'S RUN."
FOURTH ONE SAYS, "LET'S HIDE UNDER A TREE."
FIFTH ONE SAYS, "I'M NOT AFRAID."
POP WITH A GUN, OH YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN THE SQUIRRELS RUN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; RESIDENCE HALLS

James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Narrative Verse

Date learned: 00001950S AND 00001960S

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SONG

DRUNK, DRUNK, DRUNK, DRUNK,
DRUNK, DRUNK, DRUNK, DRUNK,
DRUNK LAST NIGHT, DRUNK THE NIGHT BEFORE,
GOING TO GET DRUNK TONIGHT, LIKE I'VE NEVER BEEN DRUNK BEFORE,
FOR WHEN I'M DRUNK, I'M AS HAPPY AS CAN BE,
'CAUSE I AM A MEMBER OF THE SAUSS FAMILY.
OH THE SAUSS FAMILY IS THE BEST FAMILY,
THAT EVER CAME OVER FROM OLD GERMANY,
THERE'S THE HIGHLAND DUTCH,
AND THE LOWLAND DUTCH,
THERE'S THE ROTTERDAM DUTCH,
AND THE OTHER DAMN DUTCH.
SINGING GLORIOUS, GLORIOUS
ONE KEG OF BEER FOR THE FOUR OF US.
SINGING GLORY BE TO GOD, THAT THERE AIN'T NO MORE OF US,
SO ONE OF US CAN DRINK IT ALL ALONE.

Where learned: NEW YORK ; CHEEKTOWAGA

James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Social reunion
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Food Drink C855.447

Date learned: 12-00-1973

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THE NEW ENGLAND DUCK

IN AN OLD ITALIAN TOWN, A LITTLE OLD LADY WALKED INTO A BUTCHER SHOP
AND ASKED FOR A NEW ENGLAND DUCK.
THE OWNER, WHO WAS A VERY FAMILIAR WITH ALL KINDS OF DUCKS, WAS VERY
PUZZLED. SO TO TRY TO HELP OUT THE LITTLE OLD LADY, HE HELD UP JUST
ANY OLD DUCK.
THE LADY TOOK HER THUMB AND STUCK IT IN THE "COOLOO" OF THE DUCK. SHE
PULLED IT OUT AND SAID, "NO, THIS ISN'T A NEW ENGLAND DUCK".
THE OWNER AGAIN GOT ANOTHER DUCK AND GAVE IT TO THE LITTLE OLD LADY.
SHE AGAIN TOOK HER THUMB AND INSERTED IT INTO THE DUCK'S "COOLOO" AND
SAID, "AH: THIS IS A NEW ENGLAND DUCK."
AS HE WRAPPED THE CHICKEN FOR THE LITTLE OLD LADY, HE ASKED HER IF
SHE WAS AN ITALIAN. SHE REPLIED, "VERY MUCH SO."
THE LITTLE OLD LADY, STILL PUZZLED AS TO HOW COME THE BUTCHER DIDN'T
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A NEW ENGLAND DUCK AND THE OTHERS, ASKED
HIM WHERE HE CAME FROM.
THE BUTCHER PULLED DOWN HIS PANTS, BENT OVER AND SAID, "HERE- YOU
TELL ME!"

Submitter comment: FROM ITALY IN THE EARLY 1900'S

Where learned: BUFFALO ; NEW YORK

James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote
Food Drink -- Meat Bird Poultry

Date learned: 11-00-1973

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THE VIPER STORY

A COUPLE HAD JUST GOTTEN MARRIED AND THEY LOOKED FOR AN APARTMENT
TO LIVE IN. THEY FOUND ONE ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR OF AN APARTMENT
BUILDING AND TWO DAYS LATER THEY MOVED IN. THE FIRST NIGHT THEY
WERE THERE THEY WERE SITTING IN THE LIVING ROOM WHEN THEY HEARD A
STRANGE SOUND FROM THE FIRST FLOOR. THERE WAS THIS VOICE CALLING
VERY MOURNFULLY, I'M THE VIPER. THEY GOT A LITTLE WORRIED BUT DIDN'T
THINK MUCH OF IT TIL THEY REALIZED THAT THE VOICE WAS COMING CLOSER.
THEY HEARD IT ON THE SECOND FLOOR SAYING, I'M THE VIPER. SOON THEY
HEARD IT EVEN CLOSER, ON THE THIRD FLOOR SAYING, I'M THE VIPER. BY
NOW THEY WERE PRETTY SCARED AND THE HUSBAND VENTURED OUT INTO THE
HALL WHERE HE COULD HEAR FOOTSTEPS COMING UP THE STAIRS FROM BELOW
AND HE STAYED THERE TIL HE HEARD I'M THE VIPER COMING FROM THE
FOURTH FLOOR. THEN HE RAN BACK INTO THE ROOM. BY THIS TIME THE
FOOTSTEPS WERE AUDIBLE EVEN INSIDE THE APARTMENT AND THEY LISTENED
WHILE IT CLIMBED TO THE FIFTH FLOOR, AND IT SAID I'M THE VIPER.
THEN IT SLOWLY CLIMBED THE STAIRS TO THE SIXTH FLOOR AND SAID I'M
THE VIPER. NOW IT WAS GETTING VERY CLOSE AND THEY HEARD EACH STEP
AS IT CLIMBED TO THEIR FLOOR. THEY COULD HEAR IT STOP OUTSIDE THEIR
DOOR AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE DOOR FLEW OPEN AND A LITTLE MAN
CAME IN AND SAID, I'M THE VINDOW VIPER, VANT YOUR VINDOWS VIPED?

Submitter comment: THIS STORY IS TOLD VERY OMINOUSLY WITH THE I'M THE VIPERS BEING
A LITTLE LOUDER AND MORE HAUNTING EACH TIME. IT ALSO HELPS TO THROW
IN THE SOUND OF STAIRS BEING CLIMBED AT APPROPRIATE TIMES.

Where learned: ILLINOIS ; WESTCHESTER

James Callow Keyword(s): PUN WIPER ; VIPER=SNAKE ANIMAL

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formula tale

Date learned: 00001960S

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AUTOGRAPH

ROSES ARE RED, VIOLETS ARE BLUE.
I HAVE A BULLDOG THAT LOOKS JUST LIKE YOU.

Submitter comment: FROM AUTOGRAPH BOOK KEPT IN DETROIT, 1960.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Autograph Verse Roses are red and other such associations
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Autograph Verse Wisecracks, gags, silly stories, insults

Date learned: 11-00-1973

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LIVE CRIB

EVERY CHRISTMAS SEASON SINCE ABOUT 1965, MEMBERS OF ST. PAUL'S
CHURCH IN MASSILLON, OHIO RE-ENACT THE FIRST CHRISTMAS. FOR ONE WEEK
BEFORE THE FEAST, AND LASTING THREE TO FOUR NIGHTS, THE ROLES OF
MARY, JOSEPH, AND THE SHEPHERDS ARE PORTRAYED BY CHURCH MEMBERS, WHO
DRESS IN THE COSTUME OF THE PERIOD, MADE BY WOMEN VOLUNTEERS
BELONGING TO THE CHURCH.
THE SETTING IS MOST REALISTIC. A STABLE, BUILT BY THE MEN OF THE
PARISH, IS ERECTED OUTSIDE ON THE CHURCH GROUNDS. A STRAW-FILLED
MANGER IS INSIDE, CONTAINING A BABY-DOLL WHO REPRESENTS JESUS.
(PEOPLE SAY THAT A LIVE CHILD IS NOT USED BECAUSE OF THE COLD WEATHER
OF DECEMBER NIGHTS.) ANIMALS, USUALLY A COW AND SOME SHEEP AND PIGS,
ARE LENT BY MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH LIVING ON FARMS, AND STAY IN THE
STABLE DAY AND NIGHT DURING THE PERIOD IN WHICH THE PLAYS ARE
PERFORMED.
NO ADMISSION IS CHARGED, AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC USUALLY STOPS BY
AND VIEWS IT. FOR MANY PEOPLE OF MASSILLON OF ALL FAITHS, GOING TO
SEE THE LIVE CRIB HAS BECOME AS MUCH A TRADITION AS THE PERFORMANCE.

Submitter comment: SINCE 1970, ANOTHER LOCAL CHURCH, THE FAITH MEMORIAL BAPTIST OF
REEDURBAN (ABOUT FIVE MILES AWAY FROM ST. PAUL'S), HAS PUT ON A
SIMILAR PRODUCTION
WITH STABLE, CLOTHES, ANIMALS, ETC., EXCEPT THAT THEY
HAVE THE CHARACTERS ACTING OUT A PLAY USING THE BIBLE STORY OF THE
NATIVITY AS A SCRIPT, WHEREAS ST. PAUL'S HAS NO ORAL PRESENTATION.
FAITH MEMORIAL DRAWS EVEN BIGGER CROWDS THAN THE ST. PAUL CRIB,
POSSIBLY BECAUSE OF ITS LOCATION--ON THE MAIN ROAD ONE BLOCK AWAY
FROM A BIG SHOPPING MALL.

Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON

James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL

Subject headings: DRAMA -- Religious
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Christmas Season See F645.2 for Advent Season.
ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Structure for dance, game, pastime, sport, drama, etc.

Date learned: 10-00-1973

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AN OLD NEGRO SUPERSTITION FROM THE SOUTH IS THAT IF YOU CATCH A
SPIDER HANGING FROM THE CEILING WITH YOUR POCKETBOOK, YOU HAVE
MONEY COMING YOUR WAY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN

James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL ARACHNID

Subject headings: Observation
BELIEF -- Insect
BELIEF -- Good luck

Date learned: 11-02-1972

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A TRADITION IN THE OLD COUNTRY WAS AFTER CHRISTMAS DINNER THEY
BROUGHT THE FOOD LEFT ON THE TABLE INTO THE BARNS FOR THE COWS TO EAT.
THE COWS WOULD NOT TOUCH THE FOOD UNTIL 12:00 O'CLOCK.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMALS

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F122
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Week Day Hour
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Feeding animals, spirits of trees
Food Drink -- Food

Date learned: 11-00-1972

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QUESTION. HOW DO YOU PUT FOUR ELEPHANTS IN A VOLKSWAGON?
ANSWER. TWO IN THE FRONT AND TWO IN THE BACK.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN

James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL ; SIZE HUMOR

Subject headings: RIDDLE -- Riddle Question

Date learned: 10-17-1972

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QUESTION. WHY DIDN'T TARZAN SEE THE ELEPHANTS COMING?
ANSWER. BECAUSE THEY WERE WEARING SUNGLASSES.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN

James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL ; HUMOR

Subject headings: RIDDLE -- Riddle Question

Date learned: 10-17-1972

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SMELTS

AN ITALIAN CUSTOM IS TO EAT SMELTS ON CHRISTMAS EVE.
THEY SYMBOLIZE THE FISHERMEN (APOSTLES) AND THE COMING OF CHRIST

Where learned: DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Single dishes
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals
Food Drink -- Meat Fish and other animal life related to water

Date learned: 11-03-1972

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IF YOU LAY DOWN WITH DOGS YOU'LL GET UP WITH FLEAS.

Where learned: MARYLAND ; BALTIMORE ; TOLD IN

James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMALS ; COMPANY ASSOCIATIONS

Subject headings: PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor

Date learned: 11-18-1972

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Entry filtered.

SNAKES IN A DEPARTMENT STORE

LATE ONE SUMMER NIGHT IN 1971, A WOMAN WAS TRYING ON A COAT AT THE
K-MART STORE IN PORT HURON. WHEN SHE STUCK HER ARM IN ONE OF THE
SLEEVES, SHE EXPERIENCD WHAT FELT LIKE A HUNDRED PIN PRICKS. UPON
EXAMINATION SHE DISCOVERED A SCORE OF BABY SNAKES AND THEIR MOTHER
NESTING IN THE LINING OF THE SLEEVE. THE WOMAN WAS RUSHED TO THE
HOSPITAL AND GIVEN A POISON ANTIDOTE. THE COAT HAD BEEN MADE IN
AND SHIPPED DIRECTLY FROM A FAR EAST COUNTRY. THAT IS WHERE THE
SNAKES HAD COME FROM.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; PORT HURON

James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL REPTILES

Subject headings: Favorites
PROSE NARRATIVE -- Animal
PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal
Filter - Mature Content

Date learned: 10-30-1972

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PROVERB

WHAT'S GOOD FOR THE GOOSE IS GOOD FOR THE GANDER.

Submitter comment:

INFORMANT SAYS IT MEANS THAT WHAT'S GOOD FOR ONE PERSON IS ALSO GOOD
FOR THE OTHER. INFORMANT BELIEVES THIS TO BE TRUE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE

James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMALS

Subject headings: PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor

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RIDDLE

THIRTY-TWO WHITE CALVES STANDING IN A STALL, ALONG
COMES A RED
COW AD LICKS THEM ALL. A: N TEETH AND TONGUE

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON ; TOLD IN

James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL (Q) ; BODY PARTS (A)

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Riddle True Riddle

Date learned: 09-26-1972

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A BELIEF

IF A DRAGONFLY LANDS ON YOUR EAR, IT WILL SEW IT UP.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT WAS TOLD THIS TALE AS A CHILD, AND AT THE TIME HE THOUGHT
THAT IT WAS PROBABLY TRUE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL INSECT ; BELIEF

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Insect

Date learned: 02-15-1972

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WEATHER BELIEF

SOME PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT ONE CAN PREDICT THE SEVERITY OF THE WINTER
BY OBSERVING THE COLORATION OF THE WOOLLY BEAR CATERPILLAR. IF THEY
ARE MOSTLY BLACK IN COLOR, THE WINTER WILL BE SEVERE, WHILE IF THEY
ARE MOSTLY BROWN IN COLOR, THE WINTER WILL BE LESS SEVERE.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT SAYS THIS BELIEF MIGHT BE TRUE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL INSECT ; BELIEF

Subject headings: 891 Animals, vertebrate and invertebrate)
891 Animals, (vertebrate and invertebrate)
891 Animals, (vertebrate and invertebrate)
891 Animals, (vertebrate and invertebrate)
891 Animals, (vertebrate and invertebrate)
PROSE NARRATIVE -- Weather sign or control
BELIEF -- Insect
BELIEF -- Sign or prediction through Animals (vertebrate and invertebrate)
BELIEF -- Sign or prediction through P891.3

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IF A LADYBUG LANDS ON YOU SHE WILL BRING YOU GOOD LUCK.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL BEETLE

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Insect
BELIEF -- Good luck P881.33

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

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