Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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I HAD A LITTLE MONKEY
I SENT HIM TO THE FARM
ALONG CAME A COPPER
AND SHOT HIM IN THE ARM.
Where learned: DETROIT ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED
James Callow Keyword(s): POLICE
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Autograph Verse Wisecracks, gags, silly stories, insults |
Date learned: 00-00-1935
A LITTLE SPARK, A LITTLE COIL,
A LITTLE GAS, A LITTLE OIL,
A LITTLE TIN, A LITTLE BOARD,
PUT IT ALL TOGETHER AND
YOU'LL HAVE A LITTLE FORD.
Where learned: DETROIT ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED
James Callow Keyword(s): AUTOMOBILE
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Autograph Verse Wisecracks, gags, silly stories, insults |
Date learned: 00-00-1928
ASHES TO ASHES, DUST TO DUST,
IF THE DEVIL DON'T GET YOU, "SING, SING" MUST.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; GLENSHAW
James Callow Keyword(s): PRISON AT OSSINING, NEW YORK
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Autograph Verse Wisecracks, gags, silly stories, insults |
Date learned: 00001929-1933
WHOEVER STEALS THIS BOOK OF KNOWLEDGE,
WILL GRADUATE FROM SING SING COLLEGE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): PRISON IN OSSINING, NEW YORK
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Wisecracks, Gags, Silly Insults |
Date learned: 00-00-1955
POSH PLACE
POSH PLACE COMES FROM PORT OUT OF STARBOARD HOME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): B478 EXPLANATION OF A NAME
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Custom |
Date learned: 10-14-1967
MARRIAGE PREDICTION SUPERSTITION
PEEL AN APPLE--IF THE PEELING COMES OFF IN ONE STRIP, SWING IT
THREE TIMES IN THE AIR AND THROW IT OVER YOUR LEFT SHOULDER. THE
PERSON WHOSE INITIAL IT COMES OUT IN IS THE PERSON YOU'RE TO
MARRY.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): Apple ; BELIEF ; MARRIAGE ; Peel ; PREDICTION ; SUPERSTITION
James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION ; POSITION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Plant BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 11-29-1967
STYE SUPERSTITION
A STYE OR INFECTION IN YOUR EYE IS CAUSED BY A SPIDER PEEING IN
YOUR EYE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): URINATION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Insect BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
Date learned: 11-29-1967
MISCELLANEOUS CUSTOMS
A SEAMAN LEAVING THE FORECASTLE TO GO AFT, EITHER FOR HIS TRICK AT
THE WHEEL OR OTHER WORK, GOES AFT ALONG THE LEESIDE OF THE VESSEL,
UNLESS HIS IMMEDIATE DUTY LIES TO THE WINDWARD.
A SEAMAN SUMMONED TO THE CAPTAIN'S CABIN REMOVED HIS CAP AND
DROPPED IT TO THE DECK JUST OUTSIDE THE DOOR.
A MARINER ENTERING A NEW SHIP, OR EVEN AN OLD SHIP, FOR THE FIRST
TIME MAKES CERTAIN THAT HIS RIGHT FOOT IS THE FIRST TO TOUCH THE
DECK.
IT WAS A BREECH OF ETIQUETTE FOR A SEAMAN TO LOCK HIS SEA CHEST
WHILE ON BOARD HIS SHIP. OFFENDERS OFTEN FOUND, WHEN THEY
RETURNED TO THE FORECASTLE FROM THEIR WATCH ON DECK, THAT THE
COVER HAD BEEN NAILED DOWN.
IN THE BRITISH AND UNITED STATES NAVIES, A SCARF OF BLACK SILK IS
WORN, ORIGINALLY AS A MARK OF WARNING (MOURNING?) FOR THE DEATH
OF LORD NELSON.
IN THE ROYAL NAVY, OFFICERS WHO HAVE BEEN ROUND EITHER THE CAPE
OF GOOD HOPE OR CAPE HORN MAY PUT ONE FOOT ON THE WARDROOM TABLE;
BOTH CAPES CARRY THE RIGHT TO PUT BOTH FEET ON THE TABLE.
BY NAVAL CUSTOM THE SENIOR OFFICER PRESENT IS ALWAYS THE LAST
INTO A BOAT AND THE FIRST OUT OF IT.
Submitter comment:
CAPTAIN LUMAS SAYS THAT HE HAS LEARNED THESE CUSTOMS THROUGH THE
YEARS THAT HE HAS BEEN SAILING, BOTH IN THE U.S. NAVY AND UP AT
MACKINAW ISLAND.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MACKINAW ISLAND
Keyword(s): British ; Captain ; Etiquette ; Language ; Lingo ; Naval ; Navy ; POSITION ; Seaman ; Ship ; Uniform ; United States
James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION ; LEFT ; POSITION ; RIGHT
NOT GIVEN
WHEN I WAS ABOUT SIX YEARS OLD AND WE LIVED NEAR THE COUNTRY,
I WOULD OFTEN GO OUT TO PLAY ALL DAY. SO I USED TO GO TO THE
LAVATORY OUTSIDE. MY MOTHER WOULD ALWAYS TELL ME THAT I SHOULD
COME HOME TO GO TO THE BATHROOM, BECAUSE WHEN THE DEVIL CAUGHT
LITTLE BOYS GOING TO THE BATHROOM OUTSIDE HE WOULD BITE OFF
THEIR PENIS.
Where learned: MARYLAND
James Callow Keyword(s): FUNCTION ; URINATION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Devil Demon BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal |
ITALIAN CUSTOM
ITALIANS OFTEN PIERCED THEIR CHILDREN'S EARS, BELIEVING THAT IT
WAS GOOD FOR THEIR EYES. GOLD HOOPS WERE USED AS EARRINGS.
Submitter comment: TOLD TO HER BY HER MOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): HIDDEN CONNECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
BELIEF
IF YOU SPILL SALT ACCIDENTALLY, QUICKLY THROW SOME OVER YOUR LEFT
SHOULDER AND MAKE A WISH. BY RIGHTS, IT SHOULD COME TRUE.
Submitter comment:
I HEARD THIS BELIEF FROM MY IRISH MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER WHO TOLD
IT TO ME FIFTEEN YEARS AGO WHEN I ACCIDENTALLY DROPPED SALT IN
HER KITCHEN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Mineral BELIEF -- Prayer |
WATCHING CARS
THIS INFORMANT THOUGHT THAT THIS ITEM ESPECIALLY SHOULD BE
RECORDED AS FOLKLORE. IT HAS LONG BEEN AN ESTABLISHED CUSTOM
WHEN PARKING IN THE AREA OF BRIGGS (NOW TIGER) STADIUM TO GIVE
THE BOYS IN THE AREA 25 CENTS OR MORE WHEN THEY ASK FOR IT,
OTHERWISE YOU MAY COME BACK TO A CAR WITH 4 FLAT TIRES OR NO
HUBCAPS OR ANY ONE OF A NUMBER OF THINGS. THIS IS A COMMON
PRACTICE, EVEN THOUGH THERE MAY NOT BE A PAY PARKING LOT FOR
BLOCKS!
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): EXTORTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Daily Life |
Date learned: 03-15-1967
ON THE STAIRS
IF YOU PASS SOMEONE ON THE STAIRS, IN THE HOUSE, IT IS AN OMEN
OF BAD LUCK.
Submitter comment:
GRANDMA HAS KNOWN THIS ONE AS LONG AS SHE CAN REMEMBER AND THINKS
SHE GOT IT FROM HER MOTHER WHO CAME FROM IRELAND.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; IRELAND
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Bad luck P882.2 |
Date learned: 09-00-1963
BETTER SLEEP
YOU WILL SLEEP BETTER IF THE HEAD OF YOUR BED POINTS NORTH.
Submitter comment:
LEARNED FROM HER AUNT IN GRAND MARAIS IN HER CHILDHOOD. (HER
BED HEAD POINTS NORTH, INCIDENTALLY.)
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; GRAND MARAIS
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Measure of time Sleeping |
Date learned: 01-04-1964
PADIDDLE
I AM NOT SURE OF THE SPELLING, BUT THIS IS THE WAY THE WORD IS
PRONOUNCED AND IT INDICATES A CAR WITH ONLY ONE OPERATIVE
HEADLIGHT. WHEN YOU ARE WITH A GIRL YOU GET TO KISS HER IF YOU SEE
SUCH A CAR AND YELL OUT PADIDDLE BEFORE SHE DOES. IF SHE DOES, SHE
GETS TO HIT YOU IN THE ARM.
ALSO GIRLS KEEP COUNT OF HOW MANY SUCH CARS THEY SEE BY THEM-
SELVES. THE FIRST BOY THEY SEE WHEN THEY HIT FIVE HUNDRED IS
SUPPOSED TO BE THE BOY THEY WILL MARRY.
A "GERONIMO" IS A CAR WHICH HAS ONE LIGHT BRIGHTER THAN THE
OTHER DUE TO AN ACCIDENT OR ONE ON WHICH THE HEADLIGHT FAILS
AS YOU ARE WATCHING IT.
Submitter comment:
THE FIRST TIME I EVER HEARD THIS WAS IN THE EIGHTH GRADE. I
BELIEVE IT WAS IN A MOVIE WITH JAMES DEAN. AFTER THAT SOMEONE
EXPLAINED IT TO ME AND I HAVE HEARD IT COUNTLESS TIMES SINCE
THAT IN DETROIT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): AUTOMOBILE ; QUICKNESS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Number P686.3.500 SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 12-00-1963
MENSTRUATION SUPERSTITION
NEVER HAVE A TOOTH FILLED DURING MENSTRUATION OR IT WILL FALL OUT.
Submitter comment: SOURCE NOT REMEMBERED.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; JAMAICA
James Callow Keyword(s): DENTISTRY
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness BELIEF -- Method of Curing |
Date learned: 12-24-1963
JAMAICAN SUPERSTITION: MENSTRUATION
WHEN A WOMAN IS MENSTRUATING, SHE SHOULD NEVER LOOK AT THE DEAD
OR SOMETHING TERRIBLE MIGHT HAPPEN.
Submitter comment: LEARNED FROM A LADY-FRIEND FROM JAMAICA.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; JAMAICA
Keyword(s): B477 HUMAN ACTIVITY (BODILY FUNCTION)
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 01-01-1964
COINS AT THE STEP OF THE MAST
THE CUSTOM OF PLACING A COIN OR COINS AT THE HEEL OF THE MASTS
SEEMS TO HAVE A DOUBLE PURPOSE. IN ANTIQUITY IT WAS TO PAY THE
FARES OF THE CREW ACROSS THE RIVER STYX IF THE SHIP SHOULD BE LOST
AT SEA; MORE LATTERLY IT WAS DONE TO ASSURE GOOD FORTUNE. THE
COINS MUST BE PLACED FACE UP, FOR TO HAVE THEM FACE DOWN WOULD BE
TO INVITE DISASTER. EVEN TO THIS DAY THE OWNER OF A SMALL CRAFT
WILL SECRETE A COIN ABOARD, THE LOCATION, VALUE, AND DATE OF WHICH
ARE KNOWN TO HIM ALONE--THE KNOWLEDGE ENABLING HIM TO PROVE HIS
OWNERSHIP SHOULD IT EVER BE QUESTIONED.
Submitter comment:
CAPTAIN LUMAS SAID THAT HE LEARNED OF THIS TRICK THE FIRST TIME
HE EVER OWNED A BOAT, WHICH WAS ABOUT FORTY YEARS AGO.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MACKINAW ISLAND
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Custom BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
Date learned: 09-00-1963
ITALIAN AND FRENCH SUPERSTITION: BREAD AND LUCK
ALWAYS HAVE THE CRUST OF THE BREAD FACING UP ON THE TABLE OR YOU
WILL HAVE BAD LUCK.
Submitter comment: LEARNED WHILE TRAVELLING THROUGHOUT EUROPE 1959-1961.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; JAMAICA
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Home BELIEF -- Bad luck |
Date learned: 12-24-1963
JAMAICAN SUPERSTITION
IF YOU HAVE COMPANY AND YOU WISH THAT SOMEONE WOULD LEAVE, STAND
IN BACK OF THAT PERSON WITH A BROOM. HOLD IT UPSIDE-DOWN AND
SPRINKLE SALT AND PEPPER INTO IT. THE PERSON WILL LEAVE ALMOST
IMMEDIATELY.
Submitter comment: LEARNED FROM A LADY FRIEND FROM JAMAICA.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; JAMAICA
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Flavoring Spice BELIEF -- Mineral BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 01-01-1964