Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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A WOMAN MUST NOT TRIP OVER ANY TYPE CORD DURING PREGNANCY. IF THE
EXPECTANT MOTHER WAS TO BE UNFORTUNATE ENOUGH TO DO SO, THE UMBILICAL
CORD WOULD WRAP AROUND THE UNBORN CHILD'S NECK AND THE BABY WOULD BE
STRANGLED TO DEATH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOL ; SYMPATHETIC MAGIC
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
Date learned: 10-00-1975
"BAR TIME" IS THE TIME ON CLOCKS IN BARS AND LOUNGES. IT IS ALWAYS
FAST, USUALLY TEN OR FIFTEEN MINUTES SO. THIS IS TO PROVIDE
INSURANCE THAT THE BARTENDER DOES NOT SERVE ANY DRINKS AFTER THE
TIME SPECIFIED BY THE LIQUOR LAWS OF THE LOCALE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; PAT SULLIVANS TAVERN
James Callow Keyword(s): ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Common law BELIEF -- Measure of time WeekDayHour SPEECH -- Vocabulary of Special Group |
Date learned: 10-00-1975
MAFIA APPLICATION
=====================================================================
MAFIA APPLICATION
WHATZA U NAME?}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}U HAGE?}}}}}}}
WHATZA U HOWZA NUMBA?}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}U STREETA?}}}}}}}}}}
WHATZA U BAG? HITTAMAN}}}}}LONE ARRANGER}}}}}PROSTITUIT}}}}}
PUTTA DOWNNA WEAR U WORGA NOW}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
IZZA U GIRL!!!! OR BOY?!!!! (JUSTTE CHEKA ONE)
WAZZA U INN DE BIGGA OUSE?}}}}}WHATTA WAZZA U INN DE BIGGA OUSE 4?
I SHOOTE ONE GUIZE}}}}}I KEEDENAP SOMEBODYS}}}}}
PROTECKSHON RAGGETS}}}}}SOM UDDER DINGZA}}}}}
U WANNA BE DE BIGGA SHOTZA SOMDAZE? YASSE?}}}}}NO?}}}}}EH?}}}}}
U NO OW 2 MAKKE DE CEMENT SHOOZE?}}}}}}}}}}
U NO OW 2 DRIVA DE CAR? CADDILLAC?}}}}}BUICK?}}}}}LINKEN?}}}}}
U LIKA EAT GARLIC?}}}}}PIZZA?}}}}}SALAMI?}}}}}U LIKKA SPAGHETTI?}}}}}
U LIKKA GIRLZE OR BOYZE?}}}}}}}}}}(PEEKA JUSTA ONE, NO FOOLA ROUND)
U SEE DE GODFATHER?}}}}}OR JUSTE DE MOVIE?}}}}}
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WHENNA U JOINNE U GONNA GETTA SOMADING U REELY GONNA LIKKE.
1 PR. DARKE GLAZZES
1 BLAKE SHIRTE WIDDA WITE TIE
1 WITE HAT WIDDE BLACKE BRIMA
1 PR. POINIE SHOOZE
1 PR. CEMENT SHOOZE (COMZA LATER IFFA U FOOLAROUND)
GOODA STOFF (IFFA U NOTTE SURE, I TELLA U WHATTA U GET WIZZA GUY)
1 KISSE (LATER-ONNA U CHEEDK)
=====================================================================
Submitter comment: MONOLOGUE IN ITALIAN DIALECT
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): HOUSE NUMBER STREET LONE RANGER PROSTITUTE ; SLANG: BIG HOUSE
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Underworld SPEECH -- Formula SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 10-00-1975
AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS NOT ALLOWED ENTRANCE INTO A DRINKING
ESTABLISHMENT BECAUSE OF SOME PREVIOUS MISDOINGS IS SAID TO BE
"BARRED" FROM THE PREMISES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; PAT SULLIVANS TAVERN
James Callow Keyword(s): ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ; SLANG
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Trade & commerce |
Date learned: 10-00-1975
A "SHELL" IS A GLASS OF DRAFT BEER. WHEN DRAFT BEER IS POURED IN
LARGER GOBLET LIKE GLASSES IT IS CALLED A "BOOMBA."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; PAT SULLIVANS TAVERN
James Callow Keyword(s): ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ; SLANG
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Kind of Food and Its Preparation SPEECH -- Trade & commerce |
Date learned: 10-00-1975
JERRY FORD JOKE
Q: WHICH MEMBERS OF HIS FAMILY DOES JERRY FORD TALK TO BEFORE CASTING
HIS VOTE ON ELECTION DAY?
A: ALL FIVE OF THEM. JERRY HOLDS THE LEVER AND WHEN HE SAYS "NOW:"
THEY JERK THE VOTING MACHINE UP AND DOWN.
Submitter comment: PRESIDENT
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): INSULT ; NUMBERS ; POLISH JOKE? ; PRESIDENT GERALD FORD
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Secular hero RIDDLE -- Riddle Question |
Date learned: 10-00-1975
SUPERSTITION
IF SOMEONE IS SICK AND THERE IS NO WAY THEY'RE GOING TO PULL OUT,
MEXICANS PRAY TO THE VIRGIN OF GUADALOUPE, WHO IS THE PATRON SAINT
OF MEXICO. WHEN YOU PRAY, YOU SAY THAT YOU WILL WALK TO THE ALTAR
OF ONE OF TWO CHURCHES-ONE IS IN MEXICO CITY AND ONE IS IN
GUANAGUATO-FROM A CERTAIN POINT OUTSIDE THE CHURCH ON YOUR KNEES.
I DON'T KNOW IF I BELIEVE THIS. I THINK I DO. MY MOTHER TRIED THIS
WITH MY BROTHER AND SISTER A FEW TIMES AND IT WORKED.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT SEEMED SKEPTICAL, BUT IN THE END HE SEEMED TO BELIEVE
THE IDEA. HE WAS VERY EARNEST ABOUT THE STORY AND MADE SURE I GOT
ALL THE FACTS RIGHT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): SUPPLICATION
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Prayer SPEECH -- Gesture |
LEGEND
THERE IS A CATHOLIC CEMETERY IN TOLEDO, IT,S THE BIGGEST CEMETERY
IN TOLEDO. IN THE MID 20S, WHEN GYPSIES WERE STILL A BIG THING,
THERE WAS SUPPOSEDLY A GYPSY QUEEN THAT DIED. SO THE GYPSIES HELD
A BIG BURIAL FOR HER, WITH ALL THE RITES AND FEASTS AND PARTYING-
DOWN. THEY INTERRED HER BODY IN A BIG MAUSOLEUM WITH BEAUTIFUL
STAINED GLASS WINDOWS. THE QUEEN HAD DIED IN CHILDBIRTH. SO ANYWAY
THERE ARE SPECIAL NIGHTS EVERY MONTH' I DON,T KNOW WHAT THE NIGHTS
ARE, WHERE YOU CAN SUPPOSEDLY SEE THE SHADOW OF A WOMAN WALKING A
CHILD AND HEAR A CHILD CRYING. ONE NIGHT MY DAD TOOK ME TO THE
CEMETERY. AGAINST THE FLICKERING LIGHT OF CANDLES, I SAW THE SVELTE
SHADOW OF A WOMAN PACING BACK AND FORTH AND HEARD A BABY CRYING. WE
WENT BACK THE NEXT DAY. THE MAUSOLEUM HAD GATES WHICH CLOSED OFF
THE FRONT, AND HUGE IRON DOORS WHICH WERE SHUT. WE CHECKED THE
GATES AND THEY HAD BEEN WELDED OR RUSTED SHUT, SO THERE WAS NO WAY
ANYONE COULD GET INSIDE.
Submitter comment:
IF THE INFORMANT SAID HE SAW THE SHADOW AND HEARD THE CHILD, HE DID.
HE IS NOT GIVEN TO EXAGGERATING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): BELIEF
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter PROSE NARRATIVE -- B439 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal |
TEST CHARM
IF YOU WRITE "JMJ," FOR JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH, IN THE UPPER RIGHT
HAND CORNER OF A SCHOOL ASSIGNMENT, YOU WILL DO WELL ON IT.
Submitter comment:
I LEARNED THIS IN THIRD GRADE AT MY CATHOLIC GRADE SCHOOL. MOST OF
OUR CLASS FOLLOWED THIS CUSTOM, WE CONSIDERED IT EXTRA INSURANCE
THAT WE WOULD DO WELL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): BELIEV
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Word Letter |
LEGEND
THERE IS A PRIEST IN SAN JUAN DE LOS LAGOS, MEXICO, WHO SAID TO GOD
HE WOULD SAY THE OUR FATHER EVERY TIME SOMEONE CAME INTO THE CHURCH
IN ORDER TO THANK GOD FOR LETTING HIM BE A PRIEST. HE DIED AND WAS
BURIED. THE NEXT TIME SOMEONE CAME INTO THE CHURCH AFTER HE DIED,
THE PRIEST SAID THE OUR FATHER REALLY LOUD AND SLOW. NO ONE KNEW
WHERE HIS VOICE WAS COMING FROM. HE DID THIS AT MASS AS PEOPLE WERE
COMING IN AND EVERYONE RAN OUT BECAUSE THEY WERE SCARED. THE POLICE
CAME TO CHECK OUT THE CHURCH FOR LOUDSPEAKERS, AND THEY CHECKED THE
WHOLE CHURCH AND FOUND NOTHING. THE POLICE FINALLY LOCKED UP THE
CHURCH. AFTER THAT, TWO DRUNKS SOMEHOW GOT INTO THE CHURCH. THE
PRIEST SAID THE OUR FATHER AND THEY RAN OUT OF THE CHURCH COMPLETELY
SOBER. NO ONE GOES IN THE CHURCH ANYMORE, THIS IS A TRUE STORY.
Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT TOLD THIS STORY AS STRAIGHT FACT, HE BELIEVED IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): BELIEF ; INSOBRIETY
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Religious hero PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Supernatural Being BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 11-00-1975
THE HOOKED HAND
A GUY AND HIS GIRL WERE PARKED IN HIS CAR IN A DESERTED AREA.
LISTENING TO THE RADIO, THEY HEARD A GUY HAD ESCAPED FROM A NEARBY
INSANE ASYLUM. THE ESCAPEE HAD A HOOK FOR ONE OF HIS HANDS. THE
GIRL GOT REALLY SCARED AND SAID SHE WANTED TO LEAVE. HER BOYFRIEND
SAID NO, EVERYTHING WAS OKAY. SHE INSISTED AGAIN AND AGAIN HE SAID
NO. ON MORE TIME SHE SAID' "COME ONE, I,M REALLY SCARED." HER
BOYFRIEND GOT REALLY MAD, JAMMED ON THE CAR AND THE CAR JERKED OFF.
WHEN THEY GOT TO HER HOUSE, HE GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND WALKED OVER TO
HER SIDE TO OPEN HER DOOR. HANGING FROM THE DOOR HANDLE ON HER
DOOR WAS A HOOK.
Submitter comment:
EVEN THOUGH I HAVE TOLD THIS STORY DOZENS OF TIMES, IT NEVER FAILS TO
TERRIFY ME. AS I TYPE THIS I AM LOOKING OVER MY SHOULDER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): THREE REQUESTS FROM GIRL
Date learned: CA00001967
ETHNIC JOKE
QUESTION: HOW COME A CERTAIN CITY HAS NO MORE ICE CUBES?
ANSWER: THE LADY WHO HAD THE RECIPE DIED.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A JOKE ABOUT HAMTRAMCK. I HESITATED IN USING THE NAME
BECAUSE I DIDN'T WANT TO OFFEND ANYONE OF POLISH DESCENT. I'VE
ALWAYS LIKED THIS JOKE BECAUSE IT'S SO STUPID IT'S FUNNY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): INSULT
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- Riddle Question |
Date learned: CA00001970
LEGEND
THERE WAS A GUY WHO USED TO BEAT UP HIS WIFE ALL OF THE TIME.
WHEN HE DIED, SHE HAD NIGHTMARES THAT HE CAME BACK TO HER. AFTER
TWO NIGHTS OF DREAMS LIKE THIS, SHE WENT TO HER PRIEST AND TOLD HIM
ABOUT THE DREAMS. THE PRIEST DIDN'T BELIEVE HER. SHE TOLD HIM THAT
HER HUSBAND KEPT SAYING, "I WANT TO TALK TO YOU," AND HIS FACE HAD
BEEN SURROUNDED BY FLAMES. SO THE PRIEST GAVE HER SOME PAPER AND
TOLD HER TO PUT IT ON THE DESK. THEN NEXT TIME HER HUSBAND
APPEARED SHE SHOULD TELL HIM TO WRITE ON THE PAPER WHAT HE WANTED
TO TELL HER. SO NEXT TIME HER HUSBAND CAME, SHE TOLD HIM TO WRITE
HIS MESSAGE DOWN. HE TRIED TO WRITE IT DOWN AND THE PAPER BURNED
UP BECAUSE HIS ARMS WERE SURROUNDED BY FLAMES, TOO. IT WAS USELESS.
SO YOU KNOW WHERE HE WAS FROM. HE WAS CONDEMNED. EVERYONE IN TOWN
KNEW THIS STORY. IT HAPPENED IN SAN PANCHO, IN MEXICO.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A STORY WHICH WAS TOLD AS IF IT WERE TRUE, AND NOT JUST A
LEGEND.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): HELL ; NIGHTMARE
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Body part Senses Upper body, arms, neck Q522 Q522.13 |
Date learned: 11-00-1975
CURE
IF A CHILD, USUALLY A BABY, IS SUFFERING FROM AN ILLNESS, USUALLY A
CHILD'S ILLNESS LIKE A COLD OR FLU, YOU SHOULD CUT OFF THE EAR OF A
CAT. THEN DRIP THE BLOOD ON A PIECE OF BREAD AND FEED IT TO THE
INFANT. THIS IS SALEM WITCHCRAFT.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT THOUGHT THIS WAS A SICKENING THING TO DO, BUT HE
TALKED OF IT AS AN AUTHENTIC CURE ACCORDING TO SOME PEOPLE. AS HE
SAID, WHAT ELSE COULD THEY DO, THE DRUG STORES WERE CLOSED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HIGHLAND PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): IRONY
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Plant food BELIEF -- Remedy BELIEF -- Use of Object Animals |
Date learned: 11-00-1975
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
IT IS A WIDESPREAD AND WELL-KNOWN CUSTOM THAT A PIECE OF MISTLETOE
IS HUNG FROM DOORWAYS, CHANDELIERS, CEILINGS, ETC. AS A CHRISTMAS
DECORATION. IF A MAN AND WOMAN SHOULD BOTH HAPPEN TO BE STANDING
UNDER THE MISTLETOE, THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO KISS. IF ONE OF THEM IS
UNDER THE MISTLETOE ALONE, THE OTHER MAY COME UP TO KISS THEM.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST WIDESPREAD OF CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS.
PEOPLE PROBABLY FOLLOW IT BECAUSE IT IS FUN AND FITS IN WITH THE
FESTIVE HOLIDAY MOOD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): PLANT PARASITIC
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Mistletoe and other greenery SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: CA00001966
WEDDING DANCE CUSTOM
IT IS A CZECHOSLOVALKAN CUSTOM THAT AT THE WEDDING RECEPTION ALL THE
ADULT MALES SHOULD DANCE WITH THE BRIDE. BUT TO DANCE WITH HER, THE
MAN HAS TO PAY HER A DOLLAR, WHICH HE SHOULD PIN TO HER DRESS. AT
THE END OF THE NIGHT SHE IS COVERED WITH MONEY.
Submitter comment:
ITEM NOT TOLD IN INFORMANT'S WORDS. THIS CUSTOM DIDN,T HAVE A
SPECIFIC REASON' BUT IT,S PROBABLY TO HELP THE NEWLYWEDS ON THEIR
WAY. AT A WEDDING THE INFORMANT ATTENDED A GROUP OF MEN REFUSED
TO DANCE WITH THE BRIDE. THIS WAS NOT RECEIVED WARMLY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
James Callow Keyword(s): FUNCTION
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Paying for dance |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
LEGEND
IF YOU NEED MONEY, ONE WAY TO GET IT IS TO WRITE A LETTER TO A DEAD
RELATIVE. ADDRESS THE ENVELOPE AND STAMP IT JUST LIKE YOU WERE
MAILING THE LETTER. THEN PUT IT ON TOP OF A GLASS OF WATER AND
PLACE THEM UNDER YOUR BED. WHAT IS SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN IS THAT THE
RELATIVE WILL COME BACK TO YOU AND TELL YOU THE NUMBERS FOR THE
NUMBERS RACKET THE NEXT DAY. SO A LADY DID THIS, SHE WROTE TO HER
DEAD BABY SISTER AND PUT THE LETTER ON A GLASS OF WATER UNDER HER
BED. SHE WOKE UP DURING THE NIGHT WHEN SHE FELT SOMEONE GETTING
INTO BED WITH HER. SHE LOOKED AND IT WAS THE BODY OF AN ADULT WITH
THE HEAD OF HER BABY SISTER. SHE RAN OUT OF THE HOUSE AND RAN
DOWN THE STREET SCREAMING. AND SHE'S BEEN CRAZY EVER SINCE.
Submitter comment:
WHEN MY INFORMANT LEARNED THIS STORY, THE PERSON WHO TOLD IT TO HER
WARNED HER TO BE SURE NOT TO TRY IT. SHE THINKS IT,S A SILLY STORY,
BUT SHE WON'T TRY TO DISPROVE IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): DECAPITATION
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter BELIEF -- Number BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance |
Date learned: 11-00-1975
TURONIE
IN POLAND, THE PERIOD BETWEEN THE NEW YEAR AND THE BEGINNING
OF LENT IS CHARACTERIZED BY PARDIES AND MASQUERADE BALLS THAT
REACH THEIR HEIGHT ABOUT THE LAST PRE_LENTEN THURSDAY. THESE
ACTIVITIES DERIVE FROM THE OLD CUSTOM OF DRESSING IN ANIMAL AND
MONSTER COSTUMES TO FEND OFF EVIL SPIRITS FROM HOMES TO FIELDS
TO INSURE A BOUNTIFUL HARVEST. FOLK LEGEND ASCRIBED SUCH
MAGICAL PROPERTIES TO GOATS, STORKS, BEARS, WOLVES, AND THE
"AUROCKS" (AN EXTINCT WELD OX) AND THE CUSTOM IS KNOWN AS "TURONIE".
(NAMED AFTER THE WELD OX OR "TUR").
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIBRARY ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): RELIGIOUS CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Winter CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Pre Lent |
Date learned: 10-11-1972
SLOVAK PRE-LENT CUSTOM
ON THE SATURDAY BEFORE LENT, PARTIES AND DANCES ARE A MUST.
THEY LAST FROM SATURDAY THRU TUESDAY BEFORE MIDNIGHT
WHICH IS THE BEGINNING OF ASH WEDNESDAY. MANY A YOUNG MAN DID NOT
COME HOME DURING THIS FESTIVE WEEK BECAUSE IT WAS ALL DANCE - PARTY -
EAT - DRINK - SINGING. ALL WERE VERY GAYLY DRESSED.
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
Keyword(s): FEASTING BEFORE FASTING
| Subject headings: | 663 Ash Wednesday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Pre Lent |
Date learned: 00001967 FALL
FOOD CUSTOM
IT IS THE CUSTOM OF THE ENGLISH TO MAKE AND EAT PANCAKES ON SHROUD
TUESDAY (TUESDAY BEFORE ASH WEDNESDAY).
Data entry tech comment:
I BELIEVE THIS TUESDAY IS REFERRED TO AS SHROVE, RATHER THAN SHROUD,
TUESDAY. IT MEANS THE DAY ON WHICH PEOPLE ARE SHRIVEN FROM SINS.
THE TUESDAY BEFORE ASH WEDNESDAY IS THE LAST TIME A PERSON CAN
RECEIVE CONFESSION UNTIL LENT IS OVER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FEASTING BEFORE FASTING
| Subject headings: | 663 Ash Wednesday 663 Mardi Gras CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Pre Lent |
Date learned: 03-17-1970