Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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CURE FOR MILKLEG
SOAK OAK LEAVES IN WATER UNTIL PLIABLE, THEN WRAP AROUND THE
INFECTED LEG. AFTER COVERING WITH THE LEAVES WRAP THE LEG AND
LEAVES WITH HOT TOWELS.
Submitter comment:
AN INDIAN FROM CANADA CURED HIS GRANDMOTHER AFTER A DOCTOR TOLD
HER THAT THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO TO SAVE THE LEG.
THE INFORMANT SEEMED TO BELIEVE THE STORY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MADISON HEIGHTS
James Callow Keyword(s): AMERINDIAN
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: 10-00-1973
CURE FOR AN INFECTION
IF YOU SLICE AN ONION AND PLACE A SLICE ON THE INFECTED AREA
WRAPPING THE ONION AND INFECTED AREA IN GAUZE THE ONION WILL
DRAW OUT THE INFECTION.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT SAYS THAT THIS CURE REALLY WORKS, BELIEVES IT TOO
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; MADISON HEIGHTS
James Callow Keyword(s): TRANSFER
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: 10-00-1973
MNEMONIC DEVICE
MY VERY EDUCATED MOTHER JUST SERVED US NINE PICKLES.
Submitter comment:
THIS SENTENCE HELPS TO REMEMBER THE PLANETS IN THE ORDER OF NEAREST
TO THE SUN TO FURTHEST FROM THE SUN
INFORMANT SAID HE LEARNED THE DEVICE FROM SOME OF HIS FRIENDS AT
SCHOOL. HE DIDN'T REMEMBER WHO TOLD IT TO HIM BUT SAID IT WAS USED
BY ALMOST EVERYONE IN HIS CLASS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MADISON HEIGHTS
James Callow Keyword(s): FUNCTION ; NEPTUNE ; PLANETS: MERCURY, VENUS, EARTH, MARS, JUPITER, SATURN, ; PLUTO ; URANUS
| Subject headings: | Favorites ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- MNEM |
Date learned: 10-00-1973
MNEMONIC DEVICE
JOHN STEPHEN ULRICH NEEDS EVERY VITAMIN, MINERAL, PLUS MEAT
Submitter comment:
THIS SENTENCE HELPS IN REMEMBERING THE PLANETS IN THE ORDER OF
LARGEST TO SMALLEST
INFORMANT SAID HE LEARNED THE DEVICE FROM SOME OF HIS FRIENDS AT
SCHOOL. HE DIDN'T REMEMBER WHO TOLD IT TO HIM BUT SAID IT WAS USED
BY ALMOST EVERYONE IN HIS CLASS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MADISON HEIGHTS
James Callow Keyword(s): Earth ; JUPITER ; MARS ; MERCURY ; NEPTUNE ; PLANETS ; PLUTO ; SATURN ; URANUS ; VENUS
| Subject headings: | Favorites ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- MNEM |
Date learned: 10-00-1973
MNEMONIC DEVICE
H-O-M-E-S
Submitter comment:
THE WORD HOMES HELPS TO REMEMBER THE GREAT LAKES
INFORMANT SAID HE LEARNED THE DEVICE FROM SOME OF HIS FRIENDS AT
SCHOOL. HE DIDN'T REMEMBER WHO TOLD IT TO HIM BUT SAID IT WAS USED
BY ALMOST EVERYONE IN HIS CLASS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MADISON HEIGHTS
James Callow Keyword(s): FUNCTION ; LAKES: HURON, ONTARIO, MICHIGAN, ERIE, SUPERIOR
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- MNEM |
Date learned: 10-00-1973
IF YOU PUT A BLESSED MOTHER STATUE IN THE WINDOW, IT WON'T
RAIN.
Where learned: TENNESSEE ; NASHVILLE
Keyword(s): Catholic ; CATHOLICISM ; VIRGIN MARY
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Sign or prediction through Natural atmospheric phenomenon |
Date learned: 06-14-1973
POLISH FEAST OF THE THREE KINGS
ON JANUARY 6, THE FEAST OF THE THREE KINGS, PRIESTS
VISIT THE HOMES OF POLISH CATHOLICS BEARING CHALK,
MYRRH, AND INCENSE. THEY BLESS THE HOUSE AND WRITE
THE NAMES OF THE THREE KINGS OVER THE DOORWAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): BALTHAZAR ; KASPAR ; MELCHIOR
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 6 Twelfth Day Epiphany |
Date learned: 11-00-1968
LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL CHANT
PITCHER'S BAD/ CATCHER'S WORSE/ LOOK AT THAT MONKEY PLAYING FIRST
Submitter comment: OFTEN CHANTED AT LITTLE LEAGUE GAMES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MADISON HEIGHTS
James Callow Keyword(s): SPORTS CHEER ; SPURTS CHEER
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Custom Festival Custom Festival |
Date learned: 10-00-1973
REVERSING A BABY'S SLEEP CYCLE
IF YOU WANT TO REVERSE A BABY'S SLEEP CYCLE YOU TURN IT HEAD OVER
HEELS AND THE SLEEP CYCLE WILL REVERSE.
Submitter comment: SAID HE DIDN'T REALLY BELIEVE IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MADISON HEIGHTS
James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION POSITION ; HOMEOPATHIC MAGIC
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Remedy |
Date learned: 10-00-1973
CRANBERRY SCOOP
CRANBERRY SCOOP PICTURES SEE SQ692406-3 TO SQ692406-7
Submitter comment:
THE CRANBERRY SCOOP WAS USED IN THE HARVESTING OF CRANBERRIES. THE
ONE PICTURED COMES FROM KINGSTON MASSACHUSETTS. AND IS ABOUT 35 YEARS
OLD. IT BELONGED TO MY GREAT UNCLE. THEY STOPPED USING THE SCOOP
FOR HARVESTING THE ENTIRE CRANBERRY BOG IN THE EARLY TO MIDDLE 1950S
WHEN A MECHANIZED PICKER WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE BUSINESS. IT WAS
STILL USED TO HARVEST ALONG THE SIDES OF THE BOG FOR THE
MECHANICAL PICKER COULDN'T HARVEST THERE.
THE OLD SCOOPS THAT ARE NO LONGER BEING USED IN THE BOG HAVE BEEN
USED IN THE HOME FOR NEWSPAPER RACKS AND MAGAZINE RACKS. IN SOME
CASES THE SCREEN WAS REMOVED AND A PIECE OF CREWEL WORK WAS PUT IN
ITS PLACE TO MAKE THE SCOOP MORE ATTRACTIVE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Massachusetts ; MADISON HEIGHTS ; KINGSTON
James Callow Keyword(s): FUNCTIONAL SHIFT
| Subject headings: | Favorites Favorites ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Occupation Fishing ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Household furniture and utensil |
Date learned: 00-00-1938
LIMERICK
THERE WAS A YOUNG LADY FROM YETTA/ WHO FANCIED HERSELF IN A SWETTA/
THREE REASONS SHE HAD/ TO KEEP WARM WAS NOT BAD/ BUT THE OTHER TWO
REASONS WERE BETTA
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MADISON HEIGHTS
James Callow Keyword(s): INDIRECTION FOR BREASTS ; SWEATER
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Narrative Verse |
Date learned: 00-00-1969
OMEN
WHEN A DOG HOWLS AT NIGHT, IT MEANS DEATH IS NEAR. IT HAPPENED TO ME
ONCE WHEN OUR DOG, SNOOPY BOY, HOWLED ONE NIGHT AND HE NEVER REALLY
HOWLED BEFORE. THE NEXT MORNING WE FOUND OUT A RELATIVE HAD DIED.
THEN, ONE NIGHT RECENTLY, OUR DOG PRINCESS HOWLED, AND THE NEXT
MORNING WE FOUND OUT OUR GRANDFATHER HAD DIED THE NIGHT BEFORE. BOTH
STORIES ARE TRUE, THOUGH MANY DO NOT BELIEVE IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 01-10-1973
METHOD OF CURE
FOR A FRIGHT OR A NIGHTMARE THAT FRIGHTENED SOMEONE - I WAS ABOUT 3
OR 4 YEARS OLD WHEN I FIRST SAW MY GRANDPARENTS DO THIS. THEY DUG A
SMALL HOLE IN THE GROUND (ABOUT 6 INCHES DEEP) TO BE FILLED WITH
FRESH WATER. THEY PUT A CROSS OF PALM LEAVES, GOTTEN ON PALM SUNDAY,
AT ONE SIDE OF THE HOLE. THE FRIGHTENED PERSON STOOD NEAR THE SIDE
OF THE HOLE (1) THEN CROSSED THE HOLE TO THE OTHER SIDE (2) AND THE
MEDICINE MAN (OR WOMAN) WHISPERS IN HIS EAR, "DO YOU BELIEVE IN ME?
WILL YOU COME?(APPROXIMATELY)". THEN THE FRIGHTENED PERSON WOULD STEP
A QUARTER OF THE WAY AROUND THE HOLE (3) AND THE MEDICINE MAN OR
WOMAN WOULD AGAIN WHISPER THAT IN HIS EAR. THE PERSON WOULD CROSS
THE HOLE TO THE OPPOSITE SIDE AGAIN (4) AND THAT WOULD BE 3 MOVES.
THE MEDICINE MAN/WOMAN WOULD REPEAT THE WHISPER. (THIRD TIME) THE
MEDICINE MAN/WOMAN WOULD CLEAR THE TOP OF THE WATER OF SCUM AND
WOULD TAKE A CUP OF CLEAR WATER FROM THE HOLE. THE FRIGHTENED PERSON
WOULD TAKE 3 SIPS OF THE WATER. THEY WOULD TAKE THE PERSON AND LAY
THEM IN BED. THEN THEY WOULD TAKE LONG BAY LEAVES (AS MANY AS THEY
COULD HOLD IN THEIR HAND-4 OR 6) AND SWEEP THEM IN A CROSS OVER THE
FRIGHTENED PERSON 3 TIMES. THE MEDICINE MAN/WOMAN WOULD PUT THE
LEAVES UNDER THE BED FOR THE NIGHT. THEN THEY'D TAKE THE LEAVES AND
SWEEP THE DIRT BACK INTO THE HOLE THEN THEY'D THROW THE LEAVES AS IF
GETTING RID OF THE EVIL OR FRIGHT THE PERSON HAD EXPERIENCED. THEY
DID THIS TO ME WHEN I WAS LITTLE, SO I KNOW IT WORKS.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS ORIGINALLY LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT FROM HER
GRANDPARENTS WHEN SHE WAS A LITTLE GIRL IN TEXAS. SHE BELIEVES THIS
METHOD WORKS, BECAUSE IT WAS USED ON HER. SHE GAVE IT TO ME IN MUCH
THE SAME MANNER AS A RECIPE. SHE KEPT SAYING THAT SHE KNOWS IT MIGHT
BE ALL PSYCHOLOGICAL, BUT SHE IS VERY SURE IT WORKS. SINCE THIS WAS
A RATHER LONG ITEM, SHE KEPT GOING OVER THE DETAILS TO MAKE SURE I
WAS GETTING THEM ALL. THE ITEM WAS INTERESTING IN ITSELF, BUT IT WAS
MADE EVEN MORE SO BY HER ATTITUDE OF COMPLETE TRUST IN ITS WORKING
POWERS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): PLANTS
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple Food Drink -- Flavoring BELIEF -- Plant BELIEF -- Mineral |
Date learned: 01-10-1973
REMEDY
FOR CHANGE OF LIFE (THROUGH THE YEARS)- TOMARINDO, CINNAMON STICKS,
FRESH NUTMEG-CHIPPED, ANISE, CLOVES, PEPPERMINT LEAVES, AND ROSEMARY
LEAVES, THEN THEY BOIL IT. AND FOR EVERY QUART, THEY ADD THE JUICE
OF 3 LEMONS, PUT IN THE SKINS AND FERMENT IT IN A JAR FOR 3 DAYS .
THEN STRAIN IT WITH A CHEESECLOTH. THEN THEY ADD 3 JIGGERS OF
ANNISETTE LIQUEUR. THEN THEY ADD 7 OUNCES OF HONEY. THEY DON'T
BELIEVE IN HORMONE SHOTS FOR CHANGE OF LIFE.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT WHEN SHE WAS A YOUNG GIRL IN
TEXAS. SHE WAS TAUGHT THIS BY HER MOTHER OR GRANDPARENTS, PRIMARILY
HER GRANDMOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL BEE ; PLANTS
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Plant food Fruit Food Drink -- Brew of leaf, bark, root Food Drink -- Alcoholic beverage BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: 01-10-1973
REMEDY
POOR PEOPLE WITH TUBERCULOSIS USE THIS- RICE WATER TEA WITH HONEY
DAILY AT EVERY OPPURTUNITY BY ITSELF OR MIXED WITH JUICES OF THE
TROPICAL FRUITS THEY GROW THERE (IN TEXAS) SUCH AS PAPAYA JUICE,
MANGOS, CACTUS JUICE, AND COCONUT MILK, ALMOST LIKE A FULL MEAL TO
THE WEAK PERSON. ALL THE FRUITS ARE STRAINED AND THE RICE WATER
TEA IS MADE WITH RICE WATER AND PEPPERMINT LEAVES OR ANY OTHER TEA
LEAVES.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT WHEN SHE WAS A YOUNG GIRL
IN TEXAS. SHE WAS TAUGHT THIS INFORMATION BY HER MOTHER OR
GRANDPARENTS, PRIMARILY HER GRANDMOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL BEE ; PLANT
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Plant food Fruit Food Drink -- Animal product Food Drink -- Brew of leaf, bark, root BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: 01-10-1973
REMEDY
FOR ARTHRITIS AND ACHES CAUSED BY OLD AGE, ETC. - 10 TO 12 OUNCES OF
MAJORANA BOILED IN A QUART OF WATER. USED AS A CHASER OR WITH
WHISKEY, TEQUILA, ETC.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT WHEN SHE WAS A YOUNG GIRL
IN TEXAS. SHE WAS TAUGHT THIS BY HER MOTHER OR GRANDPARENTS,
PRIMARILY HER GRANDMOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): MARJORAM? HERB? ; PLANT SPICE
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Flavoring Food Drink -- Alcoholic beverage BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: 01-10-1973
REMEDY
FOR NERVES, HEADACHES, ETC.- BRANDY,1 OR 2 JIGGERS PER HALF GALLON OF
CINNAMON TEA.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT WHEN SHE WAS A YOUNG GIRL
IN TEXAS. SHE WAS TAUGHT THIS BY HER MOTHER OR GRANDPARENTS,
PRIMARILY HER GRANDMOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): PLANT SPICE
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: 01-10-1973
DRINK
FOR MORNING TEAS- FRESH CINNAMON TEA IN THE MORNING. THEY BELIEVE
THIS GIVES THEM VITAMANS FOR THEIR NUTRITIONAL DAILY REQUIREMENTS,
THIS IS USED YEAR ROUND THERE.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT WHEN SHE WAS A YOUNG GIRL
IN TEXAS. SHE WAS TAUGHT THIS BY HER MOTHER OR GRANDPARENTS,
PRIMARILY HER GRANDMOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): PLANT SPICE
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Flavoring Food Drink -- Brew of leaf, bark, root BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: 01-10-1973
DRINK
FOR BABIES- FOR NUTRITION MIX A CAN OF PET MILK WITH 1 CAN OF WATER
PLUS RICE WATER WITH HONEY. RICE WATER IS THE WATER LEFT AFTER
BOILING RICE.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT WHEN SHE WAS A YOUNG GIRL
IN TEXAS. SHE WAS TAUGHT THIS BY HER MOTHER OR GRANDPARENTS,
PRIMARILY HER GRANDMOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL INSECT BEE
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Plant food Cereal Food Drink -- Animal product Food Drink -- Brew of leaf, bark, root BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: 01-10-1973
REMEDY
FOR YOUNG GIRL'S FIRST MENSTRUAL PERIODS- BOIL ROSEMARY LEAVES, AND
ANISE SEED, CINNAMON STICKS, PEPPERMINT LEAVES, DRIED OR FRESH. IN
TEXAS THEY WOULD ADD A JIGGER OF ANNISETTE ( MEXICAN LIQUEUR )FOR
MEDICINAL PURPOSES.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT WHEN SHE WAS A YOUNG GIRL
IN TEXAS. SHE WAS TAUGHT THIS BY HER MOTHER OR GRANDPARENTS,
PRIMARILY HER GRANDMOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): PLANTS SPICE FLAVORING
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Flavoring BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: 01-10-1973