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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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THE FEAST OF THE LORD'S BODY {CORPUS CHRISTI}
IN MAY OR JUNE ALTARS WERE SET UP OUTSIDE. THEY WERE SET UP
IN THE NORTH, SOUTH, EAST AND WEST. A PROCESSION WOULD BE HELD
BY THE VILLAGES WHICH BELONGED TO ONE PARISH.
Submitter comment: THIS HAPPENED IN POLAND. THIS FEAST IS CORPUS CHRISTI.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; POLAND ; Sterling Heights ; GOWARCZOW
James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTIONS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- May CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- June CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Summer |
Date learned: 11-00-1973
JEST, ANECDOTE
ON THE HOLYDAY OF THE HOLY GHOST A PRIEST SAID TO A MAN,
" WHEN I
SING HOLY GHOST SHOW YOURSELF, LET THE PIGEON OUT FROM
UNDERNEATH YOUR COAT. " THE CHURCH WAS CROWDED THAT
HOLYDAY AND THE PEOPLE BEING SO CLOSE TOGETHER, CHOKED THE BIRD
TO DEATH. THEN LATER WHEN THE PRIEST SANG OUT, " HOLY
GHOST SHOW YOURSELF " , THE MAN SANG BACK, " HE
ISN'T HERE, HE ISN'T HERE; HE CHOKED HIMSELF."
Submitter comment:
THIS IS FUNNY BECAUSE GOD ISN T SUPPOSED TO DIE. THIS WAS LEARNED
IN RUSSIA. THIS ITEM IS TRANSLATED FROM THE RUSSIAN LANGUAGE.
James Callow comment:
ANTHROPOMORPHISM ; ANIMAL
DNC[ 1,419
******************** C FILE 1 ********************
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; RUSSIA ; Sterling Heights
James Callow Keyword(s): ANTICLERICAL ; PENTECOST
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote BELIEF -- Creator |
Date learned: 11-00-1973
Entry filtered.
THUMP DRAG
THERE WAS A COUNSELOR AT CAMP NAMED JERRY. HE WAS BOSSY TO ABOUT
THREE CHILDREN. ONE DAY, AFTER A CAMP MOVIE, ONE OF THE CHILDREN TOOK
A CLUB AND HIT JERRY ON THE HEAD. THEN THEY TIED HIM UP AND POURED GAS
OVER HIM. THEY LIT A MATCH AND PRETENDED THEY WOULD IGNITE HIM. HALF OF
HIS BODY WAS BURNT. THE NEXT YEAR THE SAME CAMPERS CAME BACK. DURING THE
WINTER SOME OF THE FOOD AND SUPPLIES WERE STOLEN. THE DOCTOR THOUGHT IT
WAS A BEAR. THE CHILDREN CONFESSED WHAT HAD HAPPENED. IT WAS BELIEVED THAT
JERRY WENT INSANE. ONE DAY THEY HEARD A THUMP AND A DRAG. THIS WAS THE SOUND
THAT JERRY MADE BECAUSE HIS
LEG WAS BURNED. ONE DAY HE WALKED INTO A CABIN AND TOOK ONE OF THE
THREE CHILDREN. THE COUNSELOR HEARD THE NOISE AND CAME RUNNING. THUMP
DRAG DROPPED THE CHILD. THE COUNSELOR DECIDED TO GET THUMP DRAG. THEY
FOLLOWED HIM TO A SEWER AND SAW BLOOD AND BONES ALL OVER. THUMP DRAG
SMASHED THE HEADS OF TWO COUNSELORS. ONE COUNSELOR SHOT HIM BUT THUMP
DRAG DISAPPEARED. ONE YEAR LATER HE WAS FOUND DEAD BY A FARMER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
James Callow Keyword(s): BEOWULF ; FUNCTION
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed BELIEF -- Mammal |
Date learned: 11-00-1973
THE WITCH OF METRO BEACH
A WOMAN WHO DIED IN A CAR CRASH AT METROPOLITAN BEACH HAUNTS THOSE
WHO COME THERE TO PARK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
James Callow Keyword(s): DETROIT, MICHIGAN
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter BELIEF -- Marriage Dating Courtship |
Date learned: 11-15-1973
Entry filtered.
KNOCK KNOCK BRIDGE
A COUPLE WAS TRAVELING WITH THEIR DAUGHTER ACROSS A BRIDGE IN GROSSE
POINTE. THE LITTLE GIRL FELL OUT OF THE CAR. SHE WAS DRAGGED BY THE
SIDE OF THE CAR AND KNOCKED ON THE DOOR OF THE CAR AS SHE WAS
DRAGGED. NOW ANYONE THAT CROSSES THE BRIDGE CAN HEAR HER KNOCKING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
James Callow Keyword(s): VARIANT OF KNOCK-KNOCK STREET
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 11-15-1973
CLANCY
CLANCY WAS A COOK AT CAMP OZANAM. HE LIVED IN AN APARTMENT NOW CALLED
ASH. CLANCY WAS BELIEVED TO BE FROM ANOTHER PLANET. ONE DAY CAMPERS
HEARD SCREAMS. THE COUNSELORS WENT IN AND SAW A MEAT GRINDER AND SOME
KIDS. CLANCY WOULD TAKE KIDS AND GRIND THEM UP. HE WAS SERVING THE
CAMP CHILDREN GROUND UP PEOPLE. THE COUNSELORS CALLED THE POLICE AND
CLANCY RAN OUT. THE POLICE SHOT CLANCY BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. CLANCY
RAN ONTO A ROCK AND SHOT UP INTO THE AIR. HE WAS NEVER SEEN AGAIN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
James Callow Keyword(s): CANNIBALISM ; INEFFECTIVE BULLETS INVULNERABILITY
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Supernatural Being BELIEF -- Planet |
Date learned: 11-00-1973
LEGENDS OF ROGUES' HOLLOW
ROGUES' HOLLOW IS A SMALL, ISOLATED AREA OF LAND LOCATED ABOUT
TWO MILES SOUTH OF DOYLESTOWN, OHIO, WHICH HAS A GREAT DEAL OF OLD
RUMORS AND LEGENDS ABOUT IT. THE FEW LISTED HERE ARE ALL THAT I
REMEMBER HEARING, BUT EVERY NOW AND THEN YOU HEAR SOMETHING ELSE
ABOUT IT WHICH PEOPLE DECLARE TO BE TRUE ALSO. AS FAR AS I KNOW,
NONE OF THESE LEGENDS HAVE BEEN PROVEN OR DISPROVEN.
1--JESSE JAMES WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE HIDDEN OUT IN THE CAVES AT
ONE TIME
2--A MAN WHO WORKED IN A MILL IN ROGUES' HOLLOW WAS SUPPOSED
TO HAVE BEEN CAUGHT IN THE WATER WHEEL AND KILLED INSTANTLY. EVER
SINCE, HE WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE HAUNTED THE MILL. EVENTUALLY IT WAS
BURNED DOWN (FACT), AND THIS IS ALSO ATTRIBUTED TO THE GHOST. ONE
VERSION SAYS THAT HE DID THIS BECAUSE SOMEONE WAS GOING TO BUY IT.
3--IF YOU STAND IN A CERTAIN PLACE AT MIDNIGHT, YOU CAN HEAR
THE SOUND OF A BABY CRYING.
4--IF YOU STAND NEAR THE RAILROAD TRACKS AT MIDNIGHT, YOU CAN
HEAR THE SOUND OF A TRAIN COMING DOWN THE TRACK, THOUGH THERE IS NO
TRAIN,
5--AN OLD BEARDED HERMIT, OR HIS GHOST, LIVES IN THE COAL MINES
AND WILL TRY TO KILL ANY TRESPASSERS WITH HIS PICK.
6-- MANY MINERS WERE ONCE KILLED IN A CAVE-IN, AND THEIR GHOSTS
STILL WORK THERE TODAY.
Submitter comment:
ROGUES' HOLLOW IS A POPULAR PLACE FOR FAMILIES AND SIGHTSEERS
ON SUNDAYS, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE LEAVES ARE CHANGING COLOR, BUT
DURING THE WEEK, TEENAGERS MAKE UP THE BIGGEST PART OF THE CROWD.
GROUPS OF BOYS, OR BOY-GIRL GROUPS ARE THERE DAY AND NIGHT EXPLORING
THE MINES AND HOPING TO SEE SOMETHING SUPERNATURAL.
A GREAT MAJORITY OF PEOPLE DO SEEM TO BELIEVE AT LEAST A FEW OF
THE SUPERSTITIONS ABOUT ROGUES' HOLLOW, AND SOME CLAIM TO HAVE WIT-
NESSED THEM EITHER FIRST-HAND OR VICARIOUSLY. THE TWO BELIEFS ABOUT
THE BABY AND THE TRAIN SEEM TO BE THE ONES BEST KNOWN, AS WELL AS
THE ONES MOST BELIEVED.
Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON
James Callow Keyword(s): MYSTERIOUS SOUNDS
Date learned: 10-00-1973
FORMULA SPEECH--CORRECTIVE
WHEN CHILDREN WANT TO COMMUNICATE TO SOMEONE THAT HIS OR HER FLY
IS DOWN, THEY START COUNTING RAPIDLY. EACH NUMBER IS SUPPOSED TO
REPRESENT A COW COMING OUT OF THE PANTS (THOUGH NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW
WHY) AND THE MORE THAT ESCAPE, THE WORSE. WHEN BOTH CHILDREN UNDER-
STAND THE USE OF THE NUMBERS, THE ONE ZIPS UP, AND THE OTHER CHANTS
"HA, HA, THIRTY COWS," OR HOWEVER MANY HE COUNTED. WHEN ONE PERSON
DOES NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE OTHER IS COUNTING, THE COUNTER MIGHT
ENUMERATE UP TO FIFTY OR EVEN FURTHER, THEN FINALLY POINT TO THE
OTHER'S FLY. THAT WAY HE WILL HAVE ALL THE MORE COWS TO TEASE THE
PERSON ABOUT.
Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON
James Callow Keyword(s): FLY:ZIPPER
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 11-00-1973
RHYME OF DERISION
TEACHER, TEACHER, I DECLARE
I SEE (SO-AND-SO'S) UNDERWEAR
MIGHT BE PINK, MIGHT BE WHITE,
MIGHT BE FULL OF DYNAMITE.
I SAW LONDON, I SAW FRANCE
I SAW (SO-AND-SO'S) UNDERPANTS
MIGHT BE WHITE, MIGHT BE PINK,
I DON'T KNOW, BUT THEY SURE STINK.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS USED BY CHILDREN WHEN THEY SEE SOMEONE ELSE'S UNDERWEAR.
IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE A "HINT" TO TUCK IN YOUR SHIRT, OR PULL UP
YOUR FLY, AND IS USED BY BOTH BOYS AND GIRLS. USUALLY ONE OR THE
OTHER VERSE IS USED, BUT SOMETIMES THEY ARE BOTH USED IN SUCCESSION.
THE LAST STANZA OF EACH VERSE IS OFTEN SUBSTITUTED IN THE OTHER,
SINCE IT DOES NOT AFFECT THE RHYME.
Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON
James Callow Keyword(s): METAPHOR: NAMES OF COUNTRIES FOR BODY PARTS
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Lyrical Verse Lyrical Verse Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Lyrical Verse Lyrical Verse SPEECH -- Formula SPEECH -- Place |
Date learned: 11-00-1973
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
Date learned: 10-00-1973
JUMP-ROPE RHYME AND CHEER
CHARLEY MCCARTHEY,
DOROTHY LAMOUR,
MAMA'S LITTLE BABY GONNA ROCK TONIGHT
HEY BOB-A-REE-BA--FIGHT, FIGHT
HEY BOB-A-REE-BA--FIGHT, FIGHT
MAMA'S LITTLE BABY GONNA ROCK TONIGHT
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS USED BY MY SISTER AND HER CHILDHOOD FRIENDS PRIMARILY
FOR JUMP-ROPE, BUT ALSO AS A CHEER. BEFORE THEY WERE CORRECTED, SOME
OF THE GIRLS (INCLUDING MY SISTER,) USED TO SAY "DOROTHY MAMOOR"
BECAUSE OF THEIR UNFAMILIARITY WITH HER.
Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON
James Callow Keyword(s): RADIO AND MOVIE PERSONALITIES
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 11-00-1973
OCTOBER GAVE A PARTY
OCTOBER GAVE A PARTY
THE LEAVES BY HUNDREDS CAME
THE CHESTNUT, OAK, AND MAPLE
AND LEAVES OF EVERY NAME
THE SUNSHINE SPREAD THE CARPET
AND EVERYTHING LOOKED GRAND
MISS WEATHER LED THE DANCING
PROFESSOR WIND THE BAND
THE CHESTNUTS CAME IN YELLOW
THE OAK IN CRIMSON DRESS
THE LOVELY MRS. MAPLE
IN SCARLET LOOKED HER BEST
ALL DANCED TO THEIR PARTNERS
AND GAILY FLUTTERED BY
THE SWEET ONE LIKE A RAINBOW
NEW-FALLEN FROM THE SKY
THEN IN THE RUSTIC BILLOW
AT HIDE AND SEEK THEY PLAYED
THE PARTY BROKE AT SUNDOWN
BUT STILL THE LEAVES ALL STAYED
PROFESSOR WIND PLAYED LOUDER
THEY FLEW ALONG THE GROUND
AND HERE THE PARTY ENDED
WITH A JOLLY OLD HAND ROUND
Submitter comment:
THIS SONG WAS LEARNED BY MY AUNT FROM HER MOTHER WHEN SHE WAS
SIX YEARS OLD.
Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON
James Callow Keyword(s): AUTUMN ; PERSONIFICATION
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Children |
Date learned: 11-00-1973
JUMP-ROPE RHYME
I'M A LITTLE DUTCH GIRL DRESSED IN BLUE
HERE ARE THE THINGS I LIKE TO DO
WHISTLE TO THE CAPTAIN,
CURTSY TO THE QUEEN,
TURN MY BACK ON A SUBMARINE
I CAN TO THE HOOTCHIE-COO
I CAN DO THE FLIP
I CAN DO THEM JUST LIKE THIS
Submitter comment:
WHEN THE JUMPER SAYS "JUST LIKE THIS," SHE JUMPS OUT.
A VARIANT OF THE FIRST TWO LINES IS:
I'M A LITTLE DUTCH GIRL DRESSED IN GREEN
HERE ARE THE THINGS I THINK ARE KEEN
Where learned: OHIO ; MASSILLON
James Callow Keyword(s): INITIAL ITERATION
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: 09-00-1973
SIGNATURES
YOURS TILL THE UNITED STATES DRINKS CANADA DRY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): PUN. CANADA DRY II BRAND OF SOFT DRINK.
| Subject headings: | Z210 |
Date learned: 09-00-1973
SIGNATURES
YOURS TILL CATS KILL MOUNTAINS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): PUN ON CATSKILL MOUNTAINS
| Subject headings: | Z210 |
Date learned: 09-00-1973
PROVERB
THE SQUEALING WHEEL GETS THE MOST GREASE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): COMPLAINING
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |
Date learned: 09-00-1973
PROVERB
TIME AND TIDE WAIT FOR NO MAN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): ALLITERATION
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Date learned: 09-00-1973